Lake Wynonah, a picturesque and vibrant gated community nestled in the rolling hills of Auburn, Schuylkill County, PA, is far more than just a scenic retreat. For decades, it has flourished as a symbol of neighborly warmth, lakeside living, and treasured history. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a curious visitor, the story of Lake Wynonah is one of transformation—from wild countryside to a closely-knit, cherished enclave.
The Origins: From Wilderness to Water
Before Lake Wynonah became synonymous with lakeside charm, these lands were dense woodlands and farmlands traversed by Native Americans and, later, Pennsylvania’s European settlers. The early 20th century saw these swathes of Auburn as quiet, with only scattered farmhouses along roads that would later become Wynonah Drive and Chippewa Drive.
The mid-1960s heralded a new era. Driven by a national appetite for recreational living and second homes, the area was purchased and developed by the National Home Communities, Inc. The idea was bold for the time: create a private, self-sustaining, water-centric neighborhood. By the end of the decade, bulldozers reshaped the landscape, damming the area’s shallow valleys to create Lake Wynonah and the smaller Fawn Lake—a nod to the wildlife that still roams the area.
Naming Lake Wynonah: A Touch of Legend
Lake Wynonah got its unusual, melodic name from Native American roots. Wynonah, meaning “first-born daughter” in some Algonquin dialects, was chosen to honor the region’s indigenous history. The developers wanted a name that evoked the tranquility of native lands and resonated with a sense of place. Today, the name “Wynonah” graces mailboxes, newsletters, and local events, and its legacy lives on every corner of the neighborhood.
Milestones: Building a Community Spirit
The transformation from forest to neighborhood was rapid. The first plots were sold in the late 1960s, with enthusiastic buyers drawn from Philadelphia, New Jersey, and surrounding Pennsylvania towns, eager to escape city bustle for weekends or retirement. Key milestones in the neighborhood’s history include:
- Late 1960s: Construction of the Main Entrance on Wynonah Drive, setting the stage for a controlled-access community.
- 1971: Formation of the Lake Wynonah Property Owners Association (LWPOA), quickly establishing a charter, rules, and a close-knit system of self-governance.
- 1972: Completion of the first homes along Navajo Drive—early residents still recall moving in as the roads were being paved!
- Mid-1970s: Opening of the clubhouse, which instantly became the social heart of Lake Wynonah, hosting events, weddings, potlucks, and meetings.
Over the years, the community has weathered challenges—from severe winters that once iced over the lakes, to shifting economic fortunes. Through it all, Lake Wynonah’s residents banded together, holding annual fish stocking days, lake clean-ups, and lively Fourth of July parades along Mohican Trail. The community’s annual Heritage Day, held each summer at the clubhouse, remains a testament to its enduring spirit.
Landmarks and Places That Tell Our Story
- Lake Wynonah and Fawn Lake: These twin lakes aren’t just the neighborhood’s centerpiece, but its lifeblood. Residents and visitors alike delight in boating, fishing, and swimming on these waters—whether launching a kayak from Mohican Marina or casting a line from the Fawn Lake fishing pier.
- The Clubhouse: Perched on a scenic rise near Wynonah Drive, the clubhouse remains a gathering spot, housing everything from fitness classes to the annual craft fair.
- The Community Pool and Playgrounds: Added in the 1980s to support growing families, the pool on Apache Drive and nearby playgrounds have become social magnets for all ages.
- Nature Trails: Winding behind Seneca Drive and along the wooded boundaries, these trails offer year-round access to the serenity of the landscape and glimpses of deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional fox.
Evolution Through The Decades
Lake Wynonah has always been about balance—preserving natural beauty while fostering community. The early days saw rustic cabins and modest chalets. As Auburn grew, so did the homes: split-levels and ranchers on spacious, tree-dotted lots, evolving into today’s mix of contemporary designs and lovingly updated classics.
Several streets bear names honoring Native American heritage—Navajo Drive, Mohican Trail, Seneca Drive—maintaining a connection to the area’s roots. The neighborhood’s guarded entrance on Wynonah Drive ensures privacy, while a proactive LWPOA promotes everything from neighborhood watch programs to annual yard sales spanning Lakeview Circle and beyond.
Institutions have also emerged to support residents’ unique needs, including a volunteer-run fire department outside the gates and a partnership with nearby Auburn Area Community Library for educational outreach.
The Enduring Spirit of Lake Wynonah
Ask any resident what makes Lake Wynonah unique, and they’ll point to more than just its lakes and leafy parks. It’s the camaraderie: neighbors organizing snow removal drives during blizzards, teens coaching swim lessons by the pool, potluck picnics at the picnic grove near the main dam, and impromptu music nights at the clubhouse.
Traditions, old and new, thrive here. From Halloween trick-or-treat caravans along Pocahontas Drive to holiday boat parades in July, every season brings a reason to celebrate together. Even as new families move in and the neighborhood continues to evolve, the sense of shared stewardship and pride keeps Lake Wynonah’s spirit alive.
A Neighborhood With A Story to Tell
Whether you’re strolling along Lakeview Circle at sunset, casting for largemouth bass at dawn, or gathering with friends by a crackling lakeside firepit, it’s easy to feel the history running deep beneath your feet. Lake Wynonah isn’t just a place—it’s a tradition nurtured by generations past, present, and future.
Come for the lakes, stay for the community—that’s the magic of Lake Wynonah in Auburn, PA.