Hi Kurt,
Yes, there are many who live on Rattlesnake Island. I would estimate there to be over 150 homes/cottages, with many more individual lots that have not been developed. The heaviest population is on the more protected side, which has the peninsula, though there are quite a few on The Broads side now - these lots seem to be wider, giving a less crowed look to it.
Joseph Melanson was one of the early developers of the land around the lake, including Spindle Point, which he was selling off in the early sixties. (Does that name ring a bell?) Back forty to fifty years ago, he was renting lots for camping on Rattlesnake Island, selling his holdings to Rattlesnake Island Corp in the late seventies.
As a young child, I can understand your being apprehensive. Rattlesnakes had been found on the island as late as 1946. Back on September 26, 1868 a rattlesnake was killed on the island, measuring nine feet in length and had nineteen rattles. (Excerpt taken from Lake Village Time’s.) That’s enough to give anyone pause for a good long while! I for one am very watchful while out hiking around. Who really knows if they have truly been eradicated?
If you haven’t been to PhotoPost yet, there are many excellent Spindle Point photos you might enjoy seeing.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...x=0&y=0&limit=
Here are some of Rattlesnake Island -
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...0&way=&cat=all
Do a search in PhotoPost of the different areas you remember. Meredith, The Weirs, Wolfeboro, Alton, Paugus Bay etc. there are so many wonderful shots of our beautiful lake taken by our talented forum members.
I hope you will find your way back to Lake Winnipesaukee from the Land Down Under. Though much changed since you were here last, it is still the best place to be!
Sincerely,
RG