Adirondack Women’s History: Diane Struble's Lake George Swim
Making a splash by being the first person to swim the length of the Queen of American Lakes.
Diane Struble on the shores of majestic Lake George in the Adirondacks.
March is Women's History Month, and to celebrate, we're sharing stories of important women in Adirondack history.
Lake George lies in the southeastern Adirondack Mountains, a pristine body of water that has captivated the imaginations of writers, painters, and even U.S. President Thomas Jefferson, who called it “the Queen of American Lakes.”
With its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop, Lake George has long been a destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Among its many residents and visitors, one name stands out: Diane Struble, who became the first swimmer to conquer the entire length of Lake George.
Diane Struble’s natural connection to the Adirondacks.
Born and raised in upstate New York, Diane Struble developed a love for the outdoors at a young age. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondacks, she found solace and inspiration in the pristine lakes and rugged mountains.
As she grew older, Diane's passion for swimming blossomed. She spent countless hours training in the local lakes and rivers, honing her skills and pushing herself to new limits. But it wasn't until she set her sights on Lake George that she found her calling.
Swimming the length of Lake George has long been considered a daunting challenge, reserved only for the most experienced and fearless swimmers. The Lake stretches over 32 miles from end to end and reaches depths of over 200 feet in some places, making it a formidable test of strength and stamina to anyone brave enough to swim it.
Diane first tried to swim the Lake in 1950, at age 17, but storms and lousy weather thwarted her. Even facing heavy waves and fog, she still managed to swim an estimated 25 miles on her first try before her mother ordered her out of the water.
A 25-year-old single mother became the first swimmer to conquer Lake George in 1958.
Diane Struble and Lake George’s Sheriff’s Patrol.
Fueled by her love for swimming and her desire to push the boundaries of what was possible, Diane Struble was undaunted after her first try at swimming at Lake George. She began training tirelessly to make the historic swim.
She spent months physically and mentally preparing, building her endurance and fine-tuning her technique for the grueling journey ahead. She was a single mother at this time, raising three daughters after separating from the man she married just out of high school.
On Friday, August 22, 1958, at 10:29 am, Diane Struble entered Lake George at Ticonderoga (the location is now called 'Diane's Rock'). Her family and friends accompanied her and gathered on the shore to encourage her as she began her epic journey. Despite facing numerous challenges, including unpredictable weather conditions, strong currents, and rough waves, Struble refused to give up.
Five lbs of grease, two giant steaks, 22 Hershey’s bars, several burgers and more fueled a lifelong dream.
To prepare for her journey, Struble coated her body with five pounds of grease to ward off the cold and ate two big steaks. Along the way, she drank nearly five quarts of beef broth, 1.5 quarts of orange juice mixed with honey, 22 Hershey bars, and several hamburgers. Although consuming all this food, she lost over 15 pounds during the swim.
Drawing strength from the beauty of her surroundings and the unwavering support from those cheering her on, Struble pressed on hour after hour and mile after mile. She pushed through fatigue, exhaustion, and even darkness, determined to complete her journey.
Despite the cold and choppy waves, Struble zig-zagged the 41-mile course nonstop through the night and finally arrived at Lake George Village at 10:01 pm on Saturday, August 23, after 35.5 hours of continuous swimming.
Celebrating a victory on Lake George’s shores.
A display of Diane Struble’s historic swim.
Diane Struble emerged triumphant on Lake George's southernmost shores, becoming the first person ever to swim the entire length of the lake. Her feat was televised worldwide and celebrated by 10,000 people and 200 boats at her arrival.
Struble became an instant celebrity and appeared on various TV shows, including The Today Show and To Tell the Truth. The Schaefer Beer Co., Diane’s sponsor, also paid her $2,500 (roughly $27,000 in today’s dollars).
Diane Struble’s next outstanding achievement: Swimming around Manhattan.
Looking for her next triumph, Diane Struble swam around Manhattan on August 15, 1959. She was not the first woman to do so, but she beat the first swimmer's time by over three hours.
She started at The Battery at 3:27 am, swimming up the East River between Manhattan and Brooklyn and then through the Harlem River between Manhattan and the Bronx to the Hudson. Sidebar: as former residents of Manhattan, we are simultaneously awed and repulsed by what Struble’s journey must have been like in the East River. We are surprised that she didn’t encounter any corpses during her swim.
Once reaching Harlem, Struble turned left, then left again to swim south down the Hudson back to The Battery against the current, past ocean liner piers. She arrived at 2:54 pm, almost 12 hours after her start. Sources on the scene said she used the breaststroke most of the way.
Upon her return to the Battery, Struble was ebullient. “I loved it,” she told reporters. When asked about the most challenging part of the journey, Diane answered, “When they wouldn't let me go twice.”
Diane Struble would go on to conquer other bodies of water, including Lake Champlain.
Diane Struble on Lake George.
A symbol of determination, grit and Adirondack fortitude.
From our vantage point, Diane’s accomplishments seem significant, far beyond athletics. By pushing herself to the limits and proving that even the most intimidating challenges can be overcome with determination and perseverance, Diane became a symbol of courage and resilience for people everywhere.
In the years that followed her historic swim along the length of Lake George, Diane continued to inspire others through her passion for swimming and her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible. She became a beloved figure in the swimming community, sharing her story and encouraging others to follow their dreams with the same fearless spirit that had guided her across the waters of Lake George.
Today, Diane Struble's legacy is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the extraordinary things one can achieve when we dare to dream big and pursue our goals with unwavering determination. Her historic Lake George swim will forever stand as a reminder that no obstacle is too significant to overcome and that anything is possible with courage, perseverance, and a little faith.
More tales of amazing Adirondack women.
Anne LaBastille was a true pioneer and advocate for environmental conservation. Known as "Adirondack Woodswoman," her unforgettable story shows bravery, strength, and commitment to protecting the beauty of the Adirondacks.
Foster’s life began in the Adirondacks and led her to New York City, Boston, London, Paris and beyond. She was a cover girl, adventurer, talented writer and journalist who always kept the Adirondacks close to her heart.
Places to stay, shop, eat, and things to do near Lake George.
