Crystal Lake (Racine, Wisconsin)

Crystal Lake, also known as Baumann's Pond, was an artificial body of water in Racine, Wisconsin that existed as late as the mid-1920s. Located between North Main Street, Goold Street, Erie Street, and what is now Walton Avenue, the pond was created when a clay pit operated by the Baumann brickmaking company was abandoned and filled with rainwater. The resulting body of water had a surface area of roughly 10 acres (4.0 ha) and was approximately 15 feet (4.6 m) deep. Crystal Lake became a popular location for ice skating during the winter, and its ice was harvested and sold by the Fox Ice Company, in an era before mechanized refrigeration was common. Originally located on Racine's northern outskirts, development eventually surrounded the area. The city of Racine considered making the land a park, but the Fox Ice Company chose to allow the pond to be used as a garbage dump in the 1920s, gradually filling the basin over the course of several years so the land could be developed. In addition to a number of houses, the former site of Crystal Lake is now home to 2113 North Wisconsin Street, 2100 North Main Street, and a parking area for the Racine Zoo.