Schumaker Lake
The name of the body of water east of Salisbury called Schumaker Lake (or Pond as it has been called) is of mysterious origin. The pond itself began in the late 1800’s as a mill pond and was apparently first called Sumac Pond (pronounced SHUMAC) after the abundant sumac trees which lined the banks. It was a favorite swimming hole for the youth of the area and also witnessed several family reunions, picnics and other memorable events that took place on its banks.
A listing for it first showed up in 1905 in a U.S. geological survey. It was also listed as Sumac Pond in the 1930 tax assessments. Somewhere along the way the name was changed to Schumaker because someone pointed out that the sumac tree/bush was poisonous. They could also have been referring to a former owner of the pond. There was a Joseph Schoomaker living in Wicomico Hundred in 1727. The mills that received power generated by the dam created on the pond were owned by a Gustavus Schumaker who purchased it from Mary Pollitt, the widow of William Pollitt, sometime after 1877.
The City of Salisbury purchased Schumaker Lake in 1909, following the disastrous collapse of Humphrey’s Dam at South Division Street. This changed downtown Salisbury forever. It was at this time that engineers advised to city to purchase Schumaker Lake as a back-up in case the underground water supply for the city should fail or prove inadequate. The dam at Schumaker had been rebuilt and is there to this day and can be used to adjust the height of the water in Schumaker Lake. The water from Schumaker Lake flows through the zoo and park and ends up in the Wicomico River.
The setting of Schumaker Lake has been enhanced over the years with the addition of many beautiful additions to its shores. On the north side, many private homes have been built. Along with some individual homes on the south side, the additions of the Ward Museum and Mallard Landing have added to the tranquility of the area. It is still a nice, quite community that reflects the true meaning of the Eastern Shore.
4 comments:
Thank you for this article ; what a great story.
Looks like the city was making strange decisions as far back as 1909.
Love these stories. Mr. Chevallier.
This was a very informative story I never knew the history of Schumaker Pond.When we were small children my mother would take us there swimming and we would pack a picnic lunch.We always looked forward to going there.Between Schumaker and Leonards Mill pond they were are swimming spots.Brings back some very good memories thanks for the story.
I recall my mother talking about swimming there back in the 60's.Unfortunately,like Leonard Mill Pond,I don't think anyone swims at Schumaker anymore because of pollution.Sad.
Post a Comment