This is an update on the story about renaming Lake Townsen back to its original name Lake Townsend. To recap Istachatta Historian Melba Ward recently passed away. She wanted the see Lake Townsen have its “d” restored. The lake was named after the town’s founder and postmaster Francis M. Townsend. She said that she “would like to paint a ‘d’ on the signs, but everyone would know it was her.”
There are many references to Mr. Townsend in the area. Lake Townsen is across from Townsend Blvd. If you google Lake Townsen, Istachatta Google says “Did you mean: Lake Townsend, Istachatta.” This means that there are many more references in web sites to Lake Townsend then there are to Lake Townsen.
Reader Jeff Miller pointed out that “The Townsen spelling is given at the United States Board on Geographic Names, so that is the official spelling.” http://geonames.usgs.gov/apex/f?p=136:3:0::NO:3:P3_FID%2CP3_TITLE:292383%2CTownsen+Lake
From the USGS site “Proposals to change the name of a natural feature may be submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names as described below. However, there must be a compelling reason. The Board is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names throughout the Federal Government, and discourages name changes unless necessary. Further, the Board states that, “changing a name merely to correct or re-establish historical usage is not in and of itself a reason to change a name.”
Names evolve, and even through cartographic recording errors, become established in the local vernacular. Geographic names usually are well established on maps, other documents, and on signs. Although any approved name change will be reflected immediately in the GNIS, maps, other documents, and signs will only be changed during the normal revision cycle.”
Proposals to change the name of a natural feature require local officials to be involved. We have contacted Commissioner Adkins about the issue (He represents the area containing Lake Townsend). We will meet with town staff to see what can be done and seek an endorsement from the commission for restoring the “d”.