Questioning the validity of Crystal Lake
This is in reference to the article titled “Friends of Crystal Lake group being formed” that appeared  on page 4 of “The Island News” issue of Oct. 27-Nov. 3, 2011. It had been our intent to write sooner and have decided to do so since no one else appears to have made any comments at least in your newspaper.
First what is Crystal Lake and is it really a lake? Having lived near the site of the so-called lake since 1966, we had no idea it even existed until about 30 years ago after returning home after working  out of state.   Some neighbors have indicated most of the so called lake was formed when dirt was removed to construct Beaufort’s water front park in the 1970’s; others indicate dirt was removed in constructing a road to the older McTeer Bridge. Both projects took place about the same time and the removed dirt could have been used in both.
During most of the 1980’s and into the 1990’s individuals used the newly formed site to get rid of large appliances such as washers and dryers.  Also,  the water hole became a favorite swimming spot for a number of people.  Some of those individuals did not even live on Lady’s Island and unfortunately   several drowned in the man-made pond.  One of the last who lost their life there was a young girl who lived near Walmart back in 1994 or 1995. Since that time the school district has added a fence near the pond and the Catholic Church also placed a fence in the area. (Not really sure how much safety has been added by the fences since truant high school students jump them.)
One does have to wonder if a Friends of Crystal Lake is formed if a memorial will be placed there in honor of those who lost their lives in the pond.  Also, one wonders about trash. Being Beaufort it will become another site for unwanted garbage.
Yours,
Robert Joseph Williams
Beaufort