OAHT 1611: Florence Lake
Florence Lake
Florence Lake is located just east of this location beyond the fence. Florence Lake property was owned in 1861 by Israel McConnell. The area was known as Spring Bank. It belonged to Oconomowoc Realty Company in 1914 with Schoelkopf and McConnell as owners. It was also known to be owned by Fred Dickson and called White Elm Nursery, also later Brown’s Nursery. Around this time, Clarence Johnson, who lives here, worked at the nursery. Around 1918 it changed to Waukesha Sand and Stone. Ed G.Vogt (Pappy as he was known) was the foreman. Then later it was called Quinikle’s Gravel Pit. When the springs started filling the pit, it was left to fill up as a lake in 1921.
In the year 1978, the state filled in to make a dyke for the future 4-lane Highway 16 extension. During the construction of the lake, a steam shovel tipped over. The men made it out safe however the steam shovel was left and is still at the bottom of the lake.
Permission for placement: Okauchee Fire Department & the Town of Oconomowoc