Hamlin

History

The area around Hamlin was first inhabited by three brothers with the name Jones in the 1790s. As such, the area was called Jonestown and the lake there, now known as Lake Ariel, was called Jones Lake or Jones Pond.

The town of Hamlin gets its name from one of its early residents, Harris Hamlin, whose home still stands near the busy corners of Rt. 590 and Rt. 196 at the center of Hamlin.

Later, Lake Ariel was the site of Lake Ariel Park – a recreational park where there was swimming, boating and a dance pavilion. In the 1920s, the park was recreated to include a state of the art roller coaster named “The Cyclone,” a toboggan slide and a carousel among other amusements. The park was an attraction for many miles around until it closed in the 1950s.

School Districts

The families in the Hamlin area send their children to the public schools in Western Wayne School District. A rural district with around 2,500 students, Western Wayne considers its mission to be “to develop, inspire and educate each student to be an adaptable, culturally aware, independent, life-long learner and a responsible citizen of a global society.”

Those in Lackawanna County are covered by the North Pocono School District. The district, which was ranked 151st out of 498 public districts in Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh Business Times’ 2013 rankings, states its mission as “to engage all students in an active pursuit of knowledge with a learning environment which maintains high academic standards with an emphasis on the basics, stimulates curiosity across the disciplines,” and “creates life-long, directed learners and critical thinkers.”

Counties

Wayne County is notable for its small towns, rolling countryside, and gorgeous views. The county seat in Honesdale is a quaint town with beautiful architecture and an abundant history. Wayne County is just 35 miles from the Scranton/Wilkes Barre area and within easy driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia. Abounding with beauty, privacy and charm, it is little wonder that Wayne County is the third fastest growing county in the state.

Lackawanna County is the home of the sixth most populous city in the state, Scranton, which is also the county seat. The city is surrounded by country farm lands, wooded acres and lakes, providing residents and visitors with a diverse experience and many options for recreational activities.

Outdoor Recreation

Sanctuaries and wildlife conservation areas abound in this part of Wayne County. Outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, ice skating, berry-picking, picnicking, cross-country skiing and observation of wildlife such as beavers and birds can be found at the Browning-Beaver Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, Lacawac Sanctuary, Varden Conservation Area, or the Price Simpson Wetlands.

Wayne County also contains more lakes than any other county in Pennsylvania. Take advantage of nearby Lake Wallenpaupack, Lake Ariel or Lake Henry where you can fish, boat or camp on the shores.

Happy Trails Stables offers carriage, sleigh, pony and hay rides as well as horseback trail riding through the wooded country.

Townships

Salem Township
Lake Township
Madison Township (Lackawanna County)

Events and Attractions

Antique shopping is a pleasant way to spend the day. Check out Der Jaeger Art & Antiques in Lake Ariel for a more extensive experience including many decades and styles of art, a café, and a great collection of WWII military gear.

Big-town entertainment is readily available a short drive away in Scranton, Pennsylvania. See a performance by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, take a tour of the Lackawanna Coal Mines, visit the Houdini Museum or enjoy the shops at one the local malls.

Indoor Recreation

- Every December, the community gathers to partake in Tree Lighting Festivities at Hamlin Corners.

- Clayton Park is a campground on Lake Henry that features a boat launch and regular weekend activities.

- Hamlin Speedway is a 1/5 mile dirt track which holds small car races throughout the spring, summer and fall in Hamlin.

- Claws and Paws is the area’s only Wild Animal Park. Featuring a petting zoo, live animal shows and the unique opportunity to see feeding times, Claws n Paws is a fun, educational place to visit for all ages.

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