Plans to restore the historic Lake Hopatcong Fountain in Roxbury took a big step forward last week. After the fountain was fully turned on for the first time in many years. Officials know repairs are needed but Marty Kane President of the Lake Hopatcong Historical Museum said overall the test "was a pleasant surprise." The fountain was able to reach "full flow" but due to leaks and other problems it could not reach the impressive heights it once did. The Lake Hopatcong Historical Society has accepted grants totaling more than $70,000 to assess what kind of repairs are needed to restore the fountain. The money came from the Morris County Commissioners last month and back in 2014. It was built in 1925 as a way to bring the politically divided area together after the Morris Canal closed. Families were allowed to cool down in the fountain for decades. In the 1990's liability concerns and lack of maintenance closed the fountain down. Wouldn't it be wonderful to restore this rich part of Lake Hopatcong and Morris Canal History? The picture below was taken in the early 1900's.
Source: New Jersey Herald
Photo: Getty Images