Duplicate Names Of Lakes

Four Silver Lakes and Two Pleasant Lakes in 

WASHTENAW & VICINITY

Michigan Geological Survey Have [Issued] Topographic Map of Region About Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti

The Michigan Geological Survey, in co-operation with the U. S. Geological Survey, has recently made a topographical map embracing an area of 890 square miles, of the region about Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Preliminary copies of this map have been issued, and the final engraving is in progress. 

An objectionable feature of the preliminary map is the duplications in several instances of the names of the lakes shown on it. For example, there are four Silver, two Pleasant and two Mud lakes. These same names [are] well known, occur many times in connection with other lakes in the Southern Península, thus giving rise to much confusion and uncertainty. The map referred to is the first of a series that will ultimately embrace the whole of Michigan, and it seems highly desirable that the use of the same name more than once should be avoided so far as practicable. The proposed map of Michigan will appear in separate sheets, termed quadrangles, of which the "Ann Arbor [Quadrangle]" is an example, and at least on earth quadrangle it seems as if a duplication of names should be avoided. 

The Ann Arbor quadrangle is bounded by a line beginning at the southeast near Maybee and running west to near Tecumseh, then north to a point four miles northwest of Pinckney, then east to near West Novi, and south to Maybee. The lakes within this quadrangle for which an adjustment of names is desired, their location and certain new names that have been suggested, are as follows: 

Present Name ..... Township ..... New Names 

Silver Lake ..... Green Oak ..... 

Silver Lake ..... Hamburg ..... Hamburg Lake

Silver Lake ..... Dexter ..... Dexter Lake

Freedom ..... Freedom ..... Freedom Lake

Pleasant Lake ..... Hamburg ..... 

Pleasant Lake ..... Freedom ..... Fredonia Lake 

Mud Lake ..... Green Oak ..... Green Oak Lake

Mud Lake .....  Webster .....

The desirability of making some such changes as here suggested, should be considered by the citizens living near the lakes referred to and it is hoped they will make their wishes known. This can be done through the public press or by addressing Professor Israel C. Russell, of the University of Michigan, to whom the matter in question has been referred by the Michigan and Federal geological surveys. 

This is an opportunity for the "Oldest Inhabitant" to make his knowledge of service. It is hoped that in re-adjusting the names of the natural features of Michigan the original Indian names can in many instances be perpetuated. Recommendations in this connection are much desired.