Willard Beach and Park - Islands

Islands

There are three islands on Goguac Lake. Picnic Island, farthest south, became Chamberlain's, then Elk's and finally Vince's Island. Dr. Vince, the English-born dentist, built a causeway from the shore so that he could drive to the handsome manor house he built there. Peach Island was so named for the peach orchard planted there by Hermes Sweet. It was sometimes used for cockfights because both the sport and betting were against the law and this was a good hideaway from the sheriff. The island was subsequently known as Hulbert's, then Clark's, then Gould's for the owners of the single cottage. Ward's Island is smaller than in the early days when the lake level was lower. Ward's cottage stood on it several decades, so did the first Goguac Boat Club for about three years. Occasional picnickers use it now as trespassers, although those who recognize poison ivy generally stay away. Before its graceful elms died it became quite a bird sanctuary. Hummingbirds that fed in gardens on the mainland nested there.