" The development of Hamlin Lake began in the early days for much different purposes than is know today.  In 1844 Nelson Medberry sold the property where the lake is now located to Gordis Corwin
at which time the lake was dammed up for the first grist mill in Smethport.  Following this the property changed hands several times as follows:

            1852---Gordis Corwin sold the lake to L.Abbey
            1869---N.W.Abbey sold the lake to R.D.Hayes
            1872---R.D.Hayes sold the lake to John Bush
            1873---John Bush sold the lake to H.M.Bush
            1875---H.M.Bush sold the lake to Charles Douglass
            1885---Charles Douglass sold the lake to Chris Herzog
            1982---Chris Herzog sold the lake to Serria Barrett
            1985---Chris Herzog reclaimed the lake from Serria Barrett for nonpayment of a note.
 

This lake was used to many of the above owners for transporting of logs down the river, according to informing provided this writer several years ago.  Back in the early 1900's a lumber mill was built on the North side of the lake facing Mechanic Street by a Mr. Holmes and a Mr. Gilfillan.  There was a branch stream from above Hamlin Lake brought down between the two main buildings of the lumber mill to be used for transporting of lumber into the mill.  This stream went below Mechanic Street over to the east side of it running down to connect with the waters below Hamlin Lake.

Hamlin Lake was taken over by the American Legion Post 138 in the early 1930s.  The American Legion members rebuilt the dam below the lake and made many improvements around the lake area.  It was several years later before they could convince the Borough of Smethport council into taking it over.  The Borough of Smethport did finally purchase the lake from the American Legion in 1945, paying the Legion $1.00 for it.

Not many improvements were done to the lake after 1945 until 1976 at which time the dam was completely reconstructed.  The lake was also widened at the west end and picnic areas and recreational facilities installed west of the lake.  The moneys for this improvement had been drawn up by the Department of Community Affairs in 1967, but at that time the Smethport Borough Council did not want to proceed with them. However, following the flood of 1972, the Borough Council decided to go ahead with them.

It should also be pointed out that this lake provided an important need to the Borough in case of a bad fire in Smethport.  In 1955 it was brought to the attention of this writer by the Pennsylvania Fire Underwriters Association the extreme importance of this lake to the community.  It was pointed out that the community should ascertain that this lake is never taken out due to its dire need for the use of it when there may be a bad fire.  This should be kept in mind by all citizens now and in the future never to take the lake out.

Hamlin Lake today also serves a s a great recreational area.  A great many fish are stocked in to for enjoyment of the fisherman.  Many festivities take place in the park area next to the lake for the enjoyment of young and old alike.  Yes, Smethport is fortunate to have this lake both for the enjoyment of all and especially for the fire protection it provides."

        (pages 33-34)       Francis J. Quirk, Jr., Smethoprt, PA   My Home Town