Leaser Lake births

I recently came across this undated newspaper article with a report on the condemnation of lands prior to the construction of Leaser Lake. The article reports the Lake's planned completion was in November, 1970. There is no byline. The source is unknown. I reprinted the text below.

Of the 312 acres of land being procured for construction of a dam to impound the waters of Ontelaunee Creek in Lynn Township, the Pennsylvania Fish Commission has officially acquired more than 291 acres.

The dam, which will have a 45-foot-high breast, will be located just west of Jacksonville Union Church.

When completed in November 1970, it will be able to back up Ontelaunee Creek’s waters about three miles to the Blue Mountain.

The deed for the largest tract among 20 needed, filed with George D. Black, Lehigh County recorder of deeds, conveyed ownership of 188 acres from Norman H and Annie M. Dietrich to the fish commission. The price listed was $98,500.

The 12 properties acquired to date by the fish commission have cost the state about $245,945.

The second largest tract acquired was that of Robert A. and Ruth I Hermany for $83,700, containing about 107 acres.

Other tracts acquired, the price, and acreage were: Leonard T. and Agnes M. Patric, $10,000, five acres; Milton D and Ellen I. Leiby, $18,260, 20 acres; James F. Fox, $6,435, one acre; Howard S. and Maude E. Greenawalt, $950, two acres; Benjamin F. and Marie A. Dietrich, $14,000, 11 acres; Willie Williams, $825, one acre.

Erma A. Follweiler, $8250, 13 acres, Jacobs Union Church, Jacksonville, by the trustees, $2000, two acres; William J. and Alice J. Hickey, $2200, four acres, and Rosie Bell Buie, $825, one acre.

Commission representatives report the impoundment will inundate 117 acres of land. The resulting lake is to be used for fishing and boarding and the land around it for other recreational activities.

The total cost of construction – bulldozers are already at work on site – will be $750,000.

The commission also has filed a condemnation proceeding, using the right of eminent domain, to obtain slightly more than 21 acres of land from Paul J. and Anna Lou J. Oswald. A price for the property is not listed on the action.