By Steffen Klenk
Lakes are on the list of the most magnificent and treasured of earth’s resources. These pristine bodies of water offer beautiful scenery with walking trails, providing a perfect place to cool off, or just relax. Atlantic and Cape May County each have roughly a dozen lakes. There are a few lesser known lakes that are on the “obscure” list. Lake Fred is one of them.
Situated within the campus of Stockton University in Pomona, you’ll find Lake Fred. This picturesque lake offers plenty of opportunity for students and guests to enjoy the surrounding landscape, with its 1.3 mile trail for walkers and runners. It is an easy path with its magnificent backdrop and a great view for sunsets. It is also home to the appropriately named “Lake Fred Radio,” a college radio station named after the campus landmark, found at 91.7 FM on the dial.
How old is Lake Fred? The earliest documented history of the manmade body of water can be traced back to the early 19th century. Hanging inside the walls of the Stockton Library Reference Room, you will find a full size map published by F.W. Beers in 1872. While very few documents reference the lakes previous history, it is believed that the lake was created sometime between the 1860s and early 1870s.
Over fifty years after New Jersey’s cranberry industry had developed, the Pomona Fruit Company, headed by Andrew Jackson Rider and George E. Gossler, acquired the land in 1900, utilizing Lake Fred for cranberry production. During that time, cranberry farming was one of the most profitable occupations along the east coast. A.J. Rider, known as the “Cranberry King of New Jersey,” had bought hundreds of acres of bogs throughout the Garden State, and introduced a production plant in England.
By the 1920s, the cranberry industry had lost popularity. After the death of A.J. Rider in 1929, the farm was sold and purchased by Gossler, who built several bogs in Port Republic. The land stayed under the care of Gossler’s family through 1954, when the Sawmill Corporation acquired the land and converted the bogs back into lakes. By 1957, log cabins were constructed along the northern shore of the lake and were used as office buildings, and in 1971, Stockton State College (now Stockton University) moved onto the land.
In the early 1970s, many students referred to the body of water as “College Lake” or “Lake Stockton,” although it never had an official name at that time. It is believed that the lake was named after Fred Summers, later known as “Eric,” an art student who spent much of his time around the lake. His art was prominently featured in early issues of Stockton’s school newspaper.
There is no denying that Lake Fred is a true part of Stockton University’s identity. Whether you are a student returning from class, a professor walking back to their car, or a South Jersey native itching to explore nature, Fred brings you back to reality. The serene beauty of this body of water is appreciated by all who visit here. Those who walk past Lake Fred are encouraged to stop, take a picture, and post to social media using the hashtag #FredFriday.
Steffen Klenk is a multimedia journalist. He resides in Ocean City and enjoys capturing the eclectic moments of shore life.
