Before Lake Mohawk existed, Brogden Meadow was a lush valley between rising hills. Founders Arthur D. Crane and Herbert Closs chose it for their plan to flood the valley and create a lake with a private resort community. The north-flowing Wallkill River was dammed in 1926, and by March 17, 1928, after extensive planning and hard work, the first waters crept over the spillway. Lake Mohawk became a man-made lake three and a half miles long and part of a 2300 acre community developed by the Crane Company. The community, known as the Reservation, was originally dedicated on June 26, 1927. White Deer Plaza honors the Mohawk Indian Princess White Deer, who renewed her dedication at the 10th anniversary and declared that the valley of her people was now the valley of its new residents. The Lake Mohawk Ski Hawks were formed in 1962 by residents Barney O’Donnell and Cliff Probst, and in the early 1990’s the team became New Jersey’s Official Water Ski Team through the efforts of then Trustee Dave Schoener and the Office of Assemblyman Scott Garrett. The team performs a weekly summer show on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. In 1988, White Deer Plaza and the Boardwalk District were added to the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places for their unique architectural style known as Lake Mohawk Tudor.