HISTORY OF MAGNOLIA LAKE
The geology of Southern Bucks County is predominantly unconsolidated sands and gravels which were washed here between twelve to twenty thousand years ago, during the recession of the last glacial period. The sands and gravels are ideal for construction material.
In 1952, when construction began on the Delaware River Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a gravel pit was dug on the Schwartz farm to get fill dirt to build the road. On Thanksgiving night 1953, a very destructive storm struck Bucks County, causing thousands of dollars in damage. Many building were destroyed, roofs ripped off and utilities out of service. The Bristol Courier reported on the storm for three consecutive days with banner headlines. During this storm, floodwater from Mill Creek rushed over the small strip of land separating the creek from the gravel pit and filled it, creating a lake. Since the contractor was not required to enhance the newly formed lake for public use, the lake had a square shape and steep sides.
In 1959, the township attempted to construct a small pool adjacent to the north side of the lake for the purposes of swimming. Without substantial funding, this project failed. You'll notice, however, the half moon shaped "mini lake" above Magnolia Lake, still exists. In fact, the parking coordinates will put you right where the parking and buildings at the unfinished pool once were. As you walk to the cache, keep an eye out for the scattered concrete and bricks; the only remaining evidence of these structures.
In 1964, the Bucks County Park Board conducted a "name the lake" contest. Until this time, it was referred to as "Langenelder Lake" after the contractor. Randy Vogenberg suggested the winning name of Magnolia Lake. He was awarded the prize of a season ticket to the Silver Lake pool. The name was announced on May 12, 1964.
In 1985, the stream channel from the Mill Creek, along the east side of the lake, was routed directly into Magnolia Lake to trap sediment.
To this date, rumors abound as to the tremendous depth of the water. Soundings as early as 1958 indicate the deepest area was only about 18 feet. Today, sedimentation has reduced that even further. The study in 2000 showed a maximum depth of 15.9 feet with an average depth of 7.2 feet.
(Special thanks to Robert Mercer and Clarence King for much of the historical background and photos)
Do not search for this cache at night. Park hours are sunrise to sunset. You should have the area pretty much to yourself, but there will be fishing muggles around now and then. Cover the cache well after finding. While you're there, please find some time to practice Cache In Trash Out. When I placed the cache, I pulled a whole bag of trash out of there. I thank you and folks at the Silver Lake Nature Center will thank you! Enjoy the cache! I love this area and I hope you will too!