The Pymatuning Region is located
midway between Chicago and New York City, in the hypothetical center of
population east of the Mississippi River. It is also in the center of a
triangle formed by Cleveland. Pittsburgh and Buffalo, and is thus
“overnight to 75,000,000, people.”
The region derives its name from
the Delaware Indians, (Pronounced Pie-ma-tun-ing). Translated, the term
means, “the crooked-mouthed man’s dwelling place.”
The construction work on the
project was started in September, 1931, and 1936 saw the work completed
and the dam filled to capacity. The cost of the project was approximately
$3,500,000 and has transformed an area that was formerly a desolate region
to what is fast becoming Pennsylvania’s outstanding resort and
recreational spot.
The lake has an area of 26 square
miles or 16,450 acres. It is 17 miles long and 2 1/2 miles wide at its
widest point at the Causeway between Espyville, Pa. and Andover, Ohio. The
shoreline is approximately 70 miles, the average depth of the water is 17
feet and a mean depth of 35 feet. The water impounded by the dam is 70
billion gallons. This water laid end to end would fill a tunnel 27 feet
wide and 20 feet high, reaching from New York to San Francisco or 3,000
miles in length.
The primary purposes for the
construction of this huge reservoir were fourfold—to insure steady water
supply for industrial plants in the Shenango and Beaver Valleys - To
improve sanitation - To prevent recurring floods - and to be
Pennsylvania’s largest and most beautiful recreational project. The
first three of these have been long since proven and the last one is fast
becoming true, with the ever increasing number of attractive summer
cottages and permanent homes that are and have been built on the shores of
the lake. The lake has been abundantly stocked with game fish and is
recognized as one of the best fishing spots in the country.
The outstanding point of interest
in the region is the Famous Spillway, just south of Linesville, Pa., where
the fish are so thick the wild ducks walk on their backs, and many
thousands of tourists go miles out of their way to see this sight. Next to
the Spillway, as a point of interest, is the Pymatuning Museum. This wild
life museum is maintained by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and is
located on Ford Island about one quarter mile north of the Spillway. The
Pymatuning Museum is the only museum of its kind in the country, for here
are displayed the many species of migratory water fowl that come to this
refuge and all the specimens on display are taken from this Game Reserve.
A uniformed Game Commission Officer is on duty at the Museum throughout
the summer months to answer any questions. Upwards of fifty thousand
people visit this museum annually.
Next in order of interest is the
dam proper, located about 1 miles north of Jamestown, Pa., at the southern
end of the lake. This structure is of rolled earth. 2700 feet long, having
a maximum height of fifty feet. The lower side is beautifully landscaped,
while the upper side is paved with heavy stone. The embankment is 300 feet
wide at the base and 40 feet wide at the top. A hard surface highway,
enclosed by two beautifully constructed stone walls, extends across the
top of the dam, joining on the west side with U. S. Route 322. Through the
western end of the embankment has been constructed a concrete conduit. It
consists of two separate tunnels six feet wide, eight feet high and 300
feet in length. The purpose of this conduit is to control the output of
the Reservoir during the dry summer months. This is accomplished by means
of gates situated at the northern ends of the conduits, at which is also
situated the gate house, a very beautiful and artistic piece of masonry.
Below the embankment a picnic pavillion has been built under the beautiful
trees along the banks of the Shenango. This is but one of the many picnic
areas that are provided throughout the region.
The immediate area surrounding the
dam proper has been designated as a state park and has been beautifully
landscaped and is excellently maintained. Herein is also located the main
boat house of the region. There are three state owned boat houses on the
Pennsylvania side of the lake: the other two being located at Espyville
and Linesville. For those who enjoy sailing, canoeing, rowing or motor
boating, boats of almost every sort may be rented or stored.
This vast expanse of water is fast
becoming equally popular with the winter sports enthusiasts. as it is
ideal for Ice Boating, Skating, Curling, Hockey, and Skiing, and is used
as a landing field in the winter by local aircraft.
With such a variety of outdoor life
available, to become the “Playground of Pennsylvania” is the destiny
of the Pymatuning Region.
Compiled
by James A. Tuck