By Peter Lyons Hall
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, the Greenwood Lake Historical Society will present its first official event: a captivating talk by Zoey Savale, who will share fascinating stories and little-known history about Windermere Avenue, the heart of the Village of Greenwood Lake.
This free event will take place at the Greenwood Lake Public Library, 79 Waterstone Road, Greenwood Lake, NY 10990, from 1-2PM. “This event is a wonderful opportunity to become one of the founding members of the Greenwood Lake Historical Society,” said president, Jim Clifford. “Windermere Avenue is historically significant not because of one grand event, but because it embodies Greenwood Lake’s resort heritage, architectural evolution, and community transformation—a living snapshot of how the village grew up around the lake,” he added.
By the mid-20th century, as rail travel declined and automobile use rose, Greenwood Lake evolved into a mixed community of weekenders and full-time residents. Windermere Avenue reflects that transition: what began as seasonal housing gradually became permanent homes and businesses, preserving the physical memory of the resort era even as lifestyles changed.
The Greenwood Lake Historical Society was recently formed as an outcome of the Village’s Centennial Celebration, representing the 100 anniversary of its incorporation in 1924. The Historical Society was formed to preserve the rich and unusual history of the community’s founding on the shores of Orange County’s largest fresh water lake. To learn more click on https://facebook.com/gwlhistoricalsociety.
L to R: Village Historian Marilyn Hayden; Peter Hall, Emilie Cozzi, Secretary Nancy Clifford, John Bowman, President Jim Clifford, Samir El Rifai, Village of Greenwood Lake Trustee and Society Treasurer Thais Pilieri, and Town Supervisor Jesse Dwyer
