The Library Remembers When...

From the Ipswich Tribune May 2, 1929 edition

SCATTERWOOD LAKE A GAME REFUGE

At the time the work was done to fix up the title to Scatterwood Lake so the state could take it over a petition was circulated and signed by the landowners asking that the main body of Scatterwood Lake be made a game refuge. Nothing was done relative to the same but a letter was received by a local party from Mr. Johnson, director of the department of game and fish for the state, to the effect that the board will consider this matter at an early date.

With Scatterwood Lake a game refuge it would unquestionably increase the hunting in this part of the state as it would give the birds a chance to rest unmolested and the hunters would have morning and evening shooting in the fields and potholes when the birds go out to feed. In the past would-be hunters never seemed willing to allow the ducks to light in Scatterwood Lake even though it was practically impossible to get any.

Large flocks of ducks have been staying in the lake until late in the fall every year but last year an aeroplane disturbed them and they arose and never returned.