Willow Lake

Willow Lake, also referred to as Walton Lake, is next to Walton Hall and boasts a scenic view of Walton, Doane Residence Hall, and the historic waterwheel. Charles Walton Sr. had the Walmarthon estate built from 1912-1916 with Willow Lake as the family’s swimming pool. At the time, Walton Sr. had trees planted to create a natural preserve, including white ash, black oak, ginkgo, and franklinia trees. The 1.4 acre lake still has a concrete bottom and sides, and it is believed that tiles from the original pool line the bottom of the lake. Now, the terrace next to the lake has been restored, and students can be seen looking out on the lake or getting homework done. Willow Lake has a large fountain in the center to help circulate the water. 

Willow Lake, also referred to as Walton Lake, is next to Walton Hall and boasts a scenic view of Walton, Doane Residence Hall, and the historic waterwheel. Charles Walton Sr. had the Walmarthon estate built from 1912-1916 with Willow Lake as the family’s swimming pool. At the time, Walton Sr. had trees planted to create a natural preserve, including white ash, black oak, ginkgo, and franklinia trees. The 1.4 acre lake still has a concrete bottom and sides, and it is believed that tiles from the original pool line the bottom of the lake.

A silent film was shot on Charles Walton Sr.’s estate in 1918 called “Oh Johnny!” It is a comedy-western directed by Ira Lowry and produced by Sigmund Lubin from Betzwood Studios of Valley Forge, PA. The film starred Louis Bennison and Virginia Lee. The film shows the waterwheel, what are now campus grounds, an outdoor party on Walton patio, and guests diving and swimming in Willow Lake.

Due to runoff from neighboring homes, mowing near the lake, and the concrete base, the lake has struggled with algae blooms and vegetative overgrowth. In February 1974, Willow Lake was dredged to pull out accumulated sludge and marine growth. This did not happen until the lake was so filled that ducks were able to walk atop the surface. Another restoration was completed in 2014.

Now, the terrace next to the lake has been restored, and students can be seen looking out on the lake or getting homework done. Willow Lake has a large fountain in the center to help circulate the water.

"For flock they smooth the waters." The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 30, 1990. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1843255052/C0DCDCAEAE204752PQ/1?accountid=45483&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers

"Table of Contents." Spirit, Spring 2002.

"Looking Like a Tugboat." Quote in photo. Suburban and Wayne Times, Feb 1974.

"Eastern Timeline." Spirit, Fall 2012. https://rescarta.eastern.edu/ResCarta-Web/jsp/RcWebImageViewer.jsp?doc_id=dc613349-baaf-4818-a395-e5bc383c9e10/easa0000/20240723/00000050

"Choked ponds to be pristine again." The Philadelphia Inquirer, November 13, 1994. https://www.proquest.com/docview/1843840555/DB5DAC2F11254C78PQ/2?accountid=45483&sourcetype=Historical%20Newspapers

"A message for those who work, live and attend classes on the St. Davids Campus - Lake Update". eaglemail, Donna MacIntosh, EU Services Coordinator/Executive Assistant, Oct 2014.