Lake Solitude dam and crib dam (also known as the Taylor dam) were constructed in 1859 to provide hydro-power and hydro-electric power to the Taylor Iron and Steel Company.The origional falls structure (spillway) was refered to as the "crib" dam because of its construction type.The original earthen part of the dam was only 25' wide when constructed, then over the next 150 years was increased in width to its current state.From the time of its construction, Lake Solitude not only provided a functional use for the production of power to keep the forge in operation, but also served as a recreation area for residence and forge employees by providing an area for boating, fishing, and swimming. Ice blocks were also cut from the lake in the winter, and used for refrigeration purposes for local businesses and homes.The Crib Dam was replaced in 1909 with the current spillway structure we have today, and is known as the stone butress dam. The current buttress dam was designed by the famous New Jersey Engineer Col. Frank Tainter. Col. Tainter designed and built other famous dams in New Jersey, including the Carnegie Lake Dam in Princeton, and the Ravine Lake Dam in Peapack / Far Hills.The butress dam is unique and historic due to it's construction type. The dam is constructed with concrete encased steel beams that are anchored into the bedrock, and reinforced with stone butresses. This dam structure is the earliest example of a steel reinforced dam, and the last remaining example of a butress dam left in the state of New Jersey. The current dam structure is 175 feet wide and 40 feet tall. The earthen part of the dam is 500 ' long. The lake depth reaches over 25'.All the elements of potential re-use of the lake for hydro-electric power are still in place. Lake, falls, Power House and water conduit are all remaining.
-solitudehouse.org
