Lake Oscawana lies in the heart of Putnam Valley, NY, rich in history as a popular summer resort community that began in the 1850s, and continued in popularity for more than 100 years. Many hotels, lodges, bungalows and two YMCA camps lined the shores of Oscawana and were filled with vacationers throughout the summer months. Lake Oscawana was originally associated with Peekskill, NY, in northern Westchester County. Visitors rode the train to the Peekskill station, then hopped on Ap’s Mulemobile for a slow but scenic ride to this natural, spring fed lake in the southwestern end of Putnam County, NY.
Scope of Collection
This collection of postcards, donated to the Putnam County Historian’s Office by David & Kathryn Bisbee is a glimpse of life on the picturesque lake during its heyday. Avid collectors, the Bisbee’s are former residents of the Lake Oscawana community and currently reside in Florida. The Historian’s Office is proud to include this postcard collection as part of the Putnam County Historian’s Collection and honored to share it on NY Heritage.
