Story on the Naming of
the “Big Lake”
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• Chief Wanaton - Northern shore of Lake, had a beautiful daughter, Mineola
• Fell in love with young chief of hostile tribe south of Lake, Adiawando, who came to the village of his enemies to see her.
• Chief Wanaton tried to kill him with tomahawk, but Mineola stood between them and convinced her father to let her marry her love.
• Married and left with whole tribe accompanying in canoes on black stormy lake. Just as they left the lovers, the sun came out and waters sparkled. Chief proclaimed: “These waters shall be called “Winnipesaukee --
     The Smile of the Great Spirit.”