The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-06-05
BOAT RACING.

Opening OF ssMahahah," tho New Arti.
hcial Lake 1t verplanck's Point, Yes
tcrday-Tenyck and Ward Contest for
q Prize, which tho Former Wins-The
Second Race . Forfeit.
Lake Mahahah was formally opened yesterday
by single scull race between James 81. Tenyck
and "Gil" Ward. The lake is situated at verplancks
Point, on the Hudson, and is an artificial pond. Il
was formerly marsh, and several attempts have
been made in past years to utilize 1t by converting
the low land into lake. All these experiments
failed for lack Of perseverance and capital, and In
all probability Mahahah would not be in existence
now but for the energy OF Mr.. whitbeck, who has
expended s20,o In perfecting the work. Nature
has greatly favored the country in the immediate
vicinity Of the lake, and on viewing 1t one "a
convinced that to be lake was the decreed
destiny OF the swamp. The head OF the
lake Is as picturesque spot as can be
found outside OF the Catskllls q. Adirondackst
regularlttes OF which are strlkingly beautiful. At
the foot OF one Of these bills Jsece OF table land
seventy i've feet square, which looks as though It mad
been made by skiu engineer, but 1t is natural.
On either side there are similar plateaus. 1t Is
wide. Mr.. whitbeck did not open the lake exciu-
svely for boating for the boating was an after con-
Shortly " TO e r ae pn n
poses OF pleasure and nshing, and any one who
conducts himself properly will be allowed entire
Pickerel, trout, white perch and sunilsh are In
myriads In the lake.
About 5000 persons were on the borders OF tho
lake yesterday, all in Sunday raiment dancing
platform was erected in the woods, and band was
IN attendance, to the music OF which the natives
danced and jagged, much to their, perspration. It
would be an inexcusable oversight not to mention
how the lake came by Its name. Mahahah was the
name Of the Indian tribe who roamed the country
around verplanck's Point in the days OF our Hoi-
landish forelathers Many and interesting are tho
weird Dutch legends with which the place has
The races came of on the lake ct three O'Clock
sharp, the first being the single scul, for which
Gi ward The prizes were 500 for the st m n
and $50 for the second. The judges were W. n.
Hudson for Tenyck, and Ellis Ward for stGIl.u
Ellis acted as starter and experienced much
trouble in getting the men to touch the scratch for
the start, Tenyck being impatient to get away
The pistol was fired and the race started in good
style, Tenyck taking the lead. They rowed up and
down the course twice. short three milcs-and
then crossed the line, Tenyck about eight lengths
ahead beating Ward minute and finishing his
distance In 10 minutes 30 seconds.
The second race was for Whitehall boats, not to
were coupled against sGlr Ward and Daniel ward.
First prize $40, and $50 for the second crew. The
Wards boat weighed 141 pounds, actual weight
and was rowed rom the gunwale; but Tenyck
refused TO pull, as the boat was not model White
hall. Tenyck acted In an ungentlemanly manner.
forgetting that he was rowing for a prize and not
for stake, part OF which belonged to himself
Mucn en-, indisnanon was expressed by the spectators
many uncomplimentary things were said about Mr.
Tenyck and his clubbing way. The Wards started
70 row tnc course alone at A:25, and passed ths
The money was awarded to the Wards by joint dc.
Cis0n OF the judges and the consent OF Mr, Whit
beck who Eave- the ngize,