Meacham Lake looking north from near the south shore. Debar Mountain is on the horizon. Meacham Lake is a 1,203-acre lake eight miles north of Paul Smiths. Most of the lake is in the town of Duane; the southernmost shore is in the town of Brighton. It is a part of the Debar Mountain Wild Forest. There is a state campground at the north end of the lake.
According to Lake Placid-North Elba Historian Mary MacKenzie, in tracing the route of the Old Military Road, "The fork [where the road to Malone meets one coming from Santa Clara and St. Regis Falls] would be known one day as Meacham's Corners, for that mighty nimrod of the Adirondacks, Tom Meacham, and his cabin close by." See MacKenzie, The Plains of Abraham, page 27.
The Meacham Lake Hotel was located at the north end of the lake until 1921. The state purchased the most of the land around the lake in 1931-32. In 1934, a campground was built on the hotel site by the Civilian Conservation Corps. In 1946, 29 trailer sites were added to the campground; it was further expanded between 1965 and 1971.
Sources:
Detail from the 1923 USGS Santa Clara Quadrangle
- Paul Jamieson and Donald Morris, Adirondack Canoe Waters, North Flow, pp. 142, 149-150. Lake George, NY: Adirondack Mountain Club, 1987. ISBN 0-935272-43-7
- New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Meacham Lake Campground
Malone Frontier Palladium, July 24, 1851
TROUT FISHING.—The editor of the Ausable River Gazette, tells of a trout caught in Saranac Lake weighing twelve pounds, and seems to think this a pretty good sized fish; but we have something that will rather take the "rag" off that "bush." S. W. GILLETT, of Constable, in this County, recently returned from an excursion to Meacham Lake, with a trout which weighed 28 pounds, and measured one foot across his caudle extremity.
Descriptive Guide to the Adirondacks
(Land of the Thousand Lakes) and to Saratoga Springs; Schroon Lake; Lakes Luzerne, George, and Champlain; the Ausable Chasm; Massena Springs; and Trenton Falls
By Edwin R. Wallace Syracuse, NY 1894, p. 186-188
Meacham Lake, one of the most important of the St. Regis waters, is about 3 m. in length, and varies from 1 ½ to 2 m. in width. It is bounded on nearly all sides by charming mountain ranges, and its three handsome sand beaches (which altogether form half of its circumference), but increase its manifold attractions. In the words of "Haviland," "we know of no finer landscape or scenery, than that presented by Meacham Lake and its surroundings as viewed from Carpenter Hill. When we first beheld this sheet rippling softly in the sunlight, it lay before us, one burnished sheet of liquid gold. A cloudless blue sky hung over mountain and forest, the clear atmosphere bringing into bold relief all the mountain glimpses for which this lovely lake is so justly celebrated. Debar Mountain (5 1/2 m. distant and ascended from this lake), a savage looking peak, standing sentinel on the left, leads the scene; St. Regis Mountain, due S., shows its blue summit in the air, while numberless other less noted pinnacles, including Rice and Madawaska Mts., feathered o'er from base to crown with 'wildering forests, continually divert and charm the vision." Its shores are clothed in primeval splendor and no signs of civilization or cultivation are manifest in any direction, except at its northern extremity, where the Meacham Lake House, located on one of those golden strands, and embowered by majestic pines, solicits the traveler's attention. No other habitation stands within 5 m. of its waters. It derived its name from Thomas Meacham, a noted Nimrod, who spent many years in hunting in this section, and who died in 1849, aged 79. He kept an account of his successes, which resulted as follows wolves, 214; panthers, 77; bears, 210; deer, 2,550. Mr. Meacham would relate many amusing anecdotes. His traps were always out, and one day in examining them he found two wolves and a bear, and shot another on the way, making, as bounties then were, a profit of $185. (Hough.)
The well-known and popular hostelry, the Meacham. Lake House, Alon. R. Fuller, proprietor, (P. 0., Duane, N. Y.,) most suitably provides for the wants of tourists, and trout and venison in the proper season, constantly abound on its tables as well as in the waters and forests in the vicinity. It is a delightful summer resort, and.its gentle-manly •host is ever ready to cater to the various tastes of his many visitors. Good boats, reliable guides, and every-thing needed for a sporting life, furnished on short notice. As he owns the land surrounding the lake, he has full control of its sporting privileges. So very desirable is this retreat that intending guests often find it necessary to apply for rooms, weeks in advance of their occupancy.
The following resorts are conveniently reached by boats or good portages: Clear Pond, 1/2 m. N. of Fuller's, has no apparent inlet or outlet; its water is as clear as crystal and is alive with white-fish. It also yields large speckled trout, some of which (real salmo fontinalis) have reached the extraordinary weight of 5 lbs. Buck Pond, once famous for small trout, 6o rods farther N., is made up of spring-holes and its outlet feeds Deer River. N. E. of Meacham House, about 3 m. is Winnebago Pond.
The outlet and chief inlet of Meacham Lake are both at its southern extremity and but a short distance apart. Down the former, (the E. branch of St. Regis River,) at the old bridge, and not far from the lake, where the road from Malone (via Fuller's) to Paul Smith's crosses the stream, will be found most excellent trouting in the spring and fall. Below this point the stream is very rapid as far as the “Lower Landing” (about 1 ½ m.); but thence down, there are 6 or 7 m. of still-water fishing ; and this is the place generally visited for a good day's sport with the fly. At one point (about 5 m. from the lake), where two small cold brooks contribute their quota to this stillwater, the angler usually meets with unqualified success. The E. Branch unites with the St. Regis, proper, some distance below, near the "Nine Mile Level." If we except one or two small clearings, the entire course of this stream is buried in a dense wilderness. Deer, trout and ruffed grouse are abundant along its line. (See p. 176).
About 5 m. N. of Meacham Lake the road crosses Deer River (Ind., Oie-ka-rout-ne, "Trout River," a tributary of the St. Regis, which widens as it flows. Here also is fine fishing and hunting.
The principal inlet of Meacham Lake is the outlet of Osgood Pond. This stream flows in a circuitous course through a hilly section of the country. One can pass with a boat, up the inlet from the lake, to a point within 1 m. of the house of A. C. McCollum, that most notable guide. The boat landing here is familiarly known as "Hog's Back," —not a very euphonious name, but a most romantic spot. This portion of the stream (4 m.) passes through a very wild and flat section, with little upland to vary the scene; marshy patches and sloughs occasionally appearing on either side. These openings and swampy fields are fine feeding places for deer; and frequent opportunity will be found to "draw a bead" upon one or more of them, by paddling up the inlet.
Near McCollum's place there is a scattering settlement of 12 or 15 families, generally called "Burnt Ground." These people make pretensions to farming, but obtain most of their livelihood from trapping and hunting. Through this place, which is 6 or 7 m. S. of Meacham House, the road from Malone to Paul Smith's passes, and with this exception, the route after reaching Deer R. lies through an unbroken wilderness. There are many pretty lakelets in the vicinity of McCollum's, notably, Baker, Rice, Mud, Spring, Clear, Chain and McCollum's Ponds, situated in the midst of delightful scenery, and all accessible by easy portages. But few of the Adirondack resorts afford better sport to the hunter and fisherman than these waters.
A trail extends N. W. 6 m. to Spring Cove, on St. Regis R. Years ago Mr. J. H. Titus, who built the Meacham House, of which he was proprietor several years, cleared out this inlet with a view to opening water communication with St. Regis Lake.
Malone Palladium, June 27, 1895
PRIVATE PARK.—PURSUANT TO SECTION 27, Chapter534, laws of 1879, as amended by section 4, chapter 531, laws of 1879, entitled: "An act for the preservation of moose, wild deer, birds, fish and other game," notice Is hereby given that the following lands and water are dedicated for the purpose of a private park or territory for propagating and protecting fish, birds and game, viz :—
"All those pieces or parcels of land and water situated and described as follows: 760 acres south part, west end, of 1,987 acres N. W. quarter township 15, Great Lot one, McComb's Purchase, Franklin county, N. Y. lots 13,17, 20, and 38, N. W. one-fourth township 15, Great Lot one, McComb's Purchase, Franklin county, N. Y.—the above described lands lying along and including the north end, west side and outlet of Meacham Lake; also lots 21 and 24, which include the east side of said Lake; the road, known as the Meacham Lake Road, running through lots 13,17, 20 and 38, and the lot described as 750 acres south part, west end of 1,987 acres, from a point on said road marked by a cedar post at north-west corner of lot 20, south to the Brighton line, which is about one-half mile south of the bridge over the outlet of Meacham Lake. Said lands include the outlet of Meacham Lake from where it leaves the Lake to a point below Rice Brook."
The above, under date of February 2d, 1885, was duly posted and has since been held as a private park property. I now, by this notice duly published, and by posting as the law directs, add the following lists of lots and parcels of land :—
"Lots 1,2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9,10,11, 12, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 39, 40 and 41 N. W. quarter of township 15, Great Lot one, McComb's Purchase; and lots 4, 5 and 6 S. W. quarter township 15, McComb's Purchase, Great Lot one."
From this date all of the above described lands and the waters included within such lots and parcels of land must be respected as private property under the penalties of the law.
Clear and Buck Ponds are entirely within the above lots, also the south shore of Meacham Lake, and the inlet, or the Osgood River, for a distance of 28 chains south from Meacham Lake.—Dated Duane, March 28, 1895. —A. R. FULLER.
And notice is hereby given that the described lands and water will hereafter be used as a private park for the purpose of propagating and protecting fish, birds and game. All persons are hereby forbidden camping, cutting, peeling bark, building fires or trespassing in any way upon said territory. The whole territory will be posted by sign boards, as the law directs. —A. R. FULLER.
New York Times, June 27, 1897 (A pdf of the full article is here)
ON MOUNTAINS AND LAKES
The Numerous Adirondack Resorts Now Ready to Receive the Summer Visitor.
…One of the most charming spots in the whole Adirondack region is Meacham Lake, which is a favorite objective point for drives from Paul Smith's, Loon Lake, and Malone. Mr. Fuller, who for some time past has been in poor health, has returned to the Meacham Lake House, and will be in charge there this season...
Malone Palladium, March 25, 1931
FISHING EXPERIENCES AND OTHER REMINISCENCES
By F. L. Turner
[…]
When S. M. Howard was manager of the Meacham Lake Hotel the writer was a frequent visitor there in company with other fishermen. The first few seasons Mrs. J. H. Putnam, a sister of Mrs. (Dr.) Oliver and Geo. W. Dustin, was employed as hostess and she certainly had the art of graciousness and always made everybody comfortable. Miss Sadie Richey was behind the desk as telegraph operator and under Mr. Howard's management the hotel did a fine business.
A good many guides were regularly employed. I knew them all well and frequently spent an evening at the guide house. Among them I recall Lyman Debar (father of George Debar) after whom. Debar Mountain was named, and who was guiding daily after he had passed the 80th milestone, Wm. H. Sprague, Zeke Perkins, Charley Haskins, Dave Stickney, Burt Burr, Robt. Ladd, Richard Ladd, Bill Center and several others. What a fine lot of men they were!
On some occasions when the lake and speckled trout were biting well, I have seen enough fish in the hotel cooler to stock a wholesale market. F. J. Taylor and Arthur H. Mould, expert fly-fishermen, often made big catches in that territory. The late Charles A. Smallman was a good fisherman and one of the handsomest baskets of speckled trout I ever saw at the hotel was brought in by him.
Originally there were no great northern pike in Meacham Lake but some culprit put a few in Osgood Pond a good many years ago and they gradually worked down into the lake.
As a young man I fished Meacham outlet one day in company with the late B. L. Reynolds. What a catch we made that day! There was no end to the fish but we did not take more than we should.
Not long ago I was again there and as I worked along gingerly over the stony bottom I was reminded of what the late Frederick J Seaver told me a few years ago. He, too, fished the same stream as a boy and I happened to know that when he was quite well along in years, but young in spirit, he again went over the same ground. I asked him how it compared with his first trip there. He replied that there were less fish but he enjoyed it except for one thing: "Some damned rascal had been down along the river and greased all the stones!"
