1909 - The Adult Deaf & Dumb Society (now Adult Deaf Society of Vic) purchased
a 75 acre (30.4 ha) block, which included the Lake. The Society built a substantial home in Central Road, established a men's
wing, cleared the land and cultivated a flower farm. A women's wing was later constructed. The
property was known as "Lake Park," a place for the "aged, infirm and feeble minded deaf mutes" to live and work in, growing
flowers and vegetables to sell at the Victoria Market.
1914-1918 - During the war years, large groups
of wounded soldiers were often brought to the Lake for picnics, as part of their recuperation. On these occasions, the whole
northern bank would be dotted with groups of soldiers and nurses.
1916 - Fourteen acres were under
cultivation; the remaining land remained uncleared with an abundance of wildflowers. The flower farm grew beds of narcissi,
gladioli, chrysanthemums, dahlias, carnations, roses, gaillardias, violets, jonquils, daffodils and watsonias.
1921
- Following a decision by the High Court, the flower sales ceased, as a charity could not earn money and would be liable
to pay municipal rates.
