Join in Celebrating Candlewood Lake's 92nd Birthday

For all who have borne witness to the jaw-dropping beauty and recreational bounty of this priceless resource named Candlewood, this coming Tuesday clocks another impressive milestone. It marks the Lake’s 92nd birthday, capping decades of enriching the lives and livelihoods of thousands of enthusiastic fans from across our region and well beyond. In recognition and celebration, it’s a time to reflect … to recognize the Lake’s role in initially attracting us to the area and enhancing our life experiences, to respect the tenuous and interdependent relationship between our presence and its impact and these precious waters, and to commit to ensuring the Lake’s healthy future as the torch is passed to our offspring and theirs.

Conceived in the mid-1920s, the Lake’s ‘bowl’ was arduously plotted by over 50 surveyors swarming over the valley and mountainsides, then prepped and complemented with a series of dams representing a major project accomplishment in its day. Employing some 1,400 woodsmen drawn from here to Canada, the construction of the bowl and filling of Candlewood Lake spanned some 26 months. Beginning in February 1928, and complementing natural flows from the Rocky River, the newly constructed generating plant began pumping water up from the Housatonic River. Seven months later on September 29 waters reached an elevation of 429’ above sea level and the pumping operation was complete. This construction landmark represented a singular feat of architectural significance and an engineering marvel, likened to the building of the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Understandably, these design and structural accomplishments soon yielded to enthusiastic kudos from other quarters. In its early days, Candlewood Lake was singled out by an international travel writer as the ‘8th wonder of the world,’ more recently as among New England’s ‘sweet spots,’ and proclaimed by our State Legislature on the occasion of its 80th birthday as a ‘Connecticut Crown Jewel.’ But to those who have lived, recreated here, and have enjoyed the Lake’s endless benefits, Candlewood means all that and so much more. Indeed, the Lake is now a New England showcase, a premier recreational paradise, a scenic wonder, an integral part of the fabric of our communities and region, and of the DNA of each of those fortunate enough to have experienced its charms.

On this occasion of celebration and grateful appreciation – and on behalf of all who have embraced, enjoyed and protected Candlewood over the years – give thanks for this priceless gem while being ever mindful that our Lake requires and deserves our sensitive stewardship if future generations are to also share this amazing gift. So, inhale Candlewood’s scents and gaze at its vistas, skim across its waters, watch your kids splashing with abandon, hook your next meal, and immerse yourself in the Lake’s infinite magic and memories. Then pause, count your blessings, extend special birthday thanks, and – as your legacy -- commit your time and resources to protecting this special ‘Jewel’ going forward. And to you, Candlewood Lake, heartfelt congratulations and our pledge to help ensure a healthy, sparkling, and vibrant future.