As leisure time increased in the late 19th century

As leisure time increased in the late 19th century, Lake Placid was discovered by the rich and famous. Many were drawn to the fashionable Lake Placid Club. Melvil Dewey, inventor of the Dewey Decimal System, designed what was then called "Placid Park Club" in 1895 and inspired the village to change its name to Lake Placid. Dewey kept the club open through the winter in 1905, and contributed to the development of winter sports.

The Lake Placid Club was a social and recreation club founded in 1895, in Lake Placid, New York. By 1923 the Club had expanded to 9,600 acres (39 km²) with a staff of over 1,100. At that time there were 356 buildings, 110 of which were residences; 21 tennis courts, and 7 golf courses.

Start of a boys ski race in front of Forest Winter Clubhouse