Archive--Gary Leveille

"Great art picks up where nature ends."

MARC CHAGALL

For well over a century, Prospect Lake has been an inspiration to artists--both local and visitor. I first stood on the shore of Prospect Lake in 1964, and I've been collecting old photographs, postcards and artwork depicting this area for more than forty years. It is my pleasure to share some of the artwork in my collection and in other private collections. --Gary Leveille

Gary Leveille has over 40 years experience as a writer, editor, photographer, humorist, and local historian who resides with his family in Great Barrington. He was formerly a senior editor and editorial project supervisor for Hasbro Games in Springfield, MA. Gary has worked on numerous projects for Milton Bradley, Hasbro, Parker Brothers, Disney, National Geographic, Antiques Roadshow and many others. He is the author of seven books, including the best-selling photo history entitled Old Route 7 – Along the Berkshire Highway. Also, Eye of Shawenon – A Berkshire History of North Egremont, Prospect Lake and the Green River Valley, Legendary Locals of the Southern Berkshires, and his newest book Southern Berkshires Through Time. He is also a columnist for The Berkshire Record, where he produces the popular "Then & Now" photo history column. Gary serves on the Great Barrington Historical Commission and as Archivist for the Great Barrington Historical Society.

Many thanks to Gary Leveille for offering to share some of his amazing collection.

The Friends of Prospect Lake

To view full picture click on image

Pretty Country

Artists Fay Wood and her mother, the late Natalie Stoddard, both grew up near the shore of Prospect Lake. Natalie's parents also owned Prospect Lake Park from the 1920s-1950s. Natalie had an art studio named Shawenon in a small barn along the south end of the lake. Fay says that the "PC" in the sky stands for "Pretty Country".

Cooling Off

Artist Yvonne Twining Humber grew up in South Egremont. She became one of the few women artists hired by the federal government's WPA program during the Great Depression of the 1930s and early 1940s. For more information about her, pick up a copy of Legendary Locals of the Southern Berkshires by Gary Leveille.

Prospect Lake Brook

This peaceful painting by Natalie Stoddard depicts the lovely brook that flows into Prospect Lake.

Eye of Shawenon

Versatile artist David Vosburgh grew up in South Egremont and presently lives in Sheffield. His painting of Mohican Native American "Shawenon" overlooking Prospect Lake serves as the front cover of the book Eye of Shawenon by Gary Leveille. The dramatic view is offered as a very Limited Edition giclee print--only three remain available.

Prospect Lake Cove

This cyanotype photograph was taken by Frank C. Millard of North Egremont circa, 1905. It depicts the east shoreline of Prospect Lake where the water slide and beach are now located.

Millard/Siter Home

This painting by artist D.E. Weininger features the former Millard house located at the corner of Prospect Lake Road and Millard Road. The painting was given to homeowner Florence Siter by a summer visitor who stayed here as a guest. It is now the home of Marj Wexler.

Daisies Atop Baldwin Hill

This flowery photograph was taken by Frank C. Millard of North Egremont, circa 1905

Autumn at Prospect Lake

Artist Natalie Stoddard painted this view of the rock outcrop just south of where the water slide is now located on the east shore of Prospect Lake.

Prospect Lake>That-a-way

Woodcraft sign made of birch bark and sticks. Artist unknown.

The Art of Photography Meets the Art of Juggling

Taken in 2010, the photograph by David Moulthrop features Prospect Lake resident Roger Reed aka "Roger-the-Jester."