Editing Round Lake (village), New York (section)

== History ==
The village began in 1867 as a summer [[camp meeting]] locale for groups of [[Methodist]]s.  At first, visitors lived in tents, while visiting ministers could rent space in the second story of the meeting's passenger station.  By 1868 more permanent structures including cottages, a two-story trustees office and bookstore, and a market appeared.  The village was owned and governed by the ''Round Lake Association''.  By 1881 lectures patterned after [[Chautauqua Institution]] were being conducted.<ref name=Weise>{{cite book|last=Weise|first=Arthur James|title=History of Round Lake, Saratoga County, N.Y.|year=1887|publisher=Douglas Taylor|location=New York}}</ref>{{rp|p.44}}  In 1887 [[George West (American politician)|George West]] constructed the ''George West Museum of Art and Archaeology'' to enhance the cultural offerings.<ref name=Weise />{{rp|p.64}}

Among the noted Methodist residents was Rev. Strong, creator of the tome Strong's Bible concordance until his death.

The 1980-pipe Ferris Tracker organ, originally built in 1847 for Calvary Episcopal Church in New York City, was moved to the Round Lake Auditorium in 1888 and is considered to be the oldest and largest three-manual organ in existence.<ref>[[#Dunn74|Dunn 1974]]: 412</</ref>  The organ is still used for musical programs today.

By mid 20th century, declining interest in the cultural activities of the Round Lake Association led to its demise in the 1960s. The museum was dismantled in 1965. After the association was dissolved, the village was incorporated in 1969 to take its place.