Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of lake season in northeast Indiana, when residents fortunate to own property on the water spend as much time as possible at their summer digs — from humble cabins to luxurious homes — boating, swimming and otherwise frolicking in the sun. (People unfamiliar with the geography of the region may not realize it, but the area is dotted with scores of lakes. Yet, to the confusion of many a newcomer, residents always talk about going to "the lake," not bothering to pinpoint which one).Archbishop John Noll was no different from many of the area's residents. He owned an island home on Lake Sylvan in Rome City, Ind., about 40 miles northwest of Fort Wayne. The bishop spent the month of July at what he called the "cottage in Rome City," although it was actually large, comfortable home. There he enjoyed boating and fishing and visiting with family members, who also had homes on Lake Sylvan. He also welcomed priests and seminarians from the Fort Wayne-South Bend diocese, as well as Victory Noll sisters, who sometimes went on retreat at the lake house and did housekeeping.
Even though he continued his work during his month at the lake house, writing articles for Our Sunday Visitor and tending to the daily business of the diocese, Bishop Noll also had a chance to enjoy life and to laugh — sometimes at his own expense.
In her book "Champion of the Church," Bishop Noll biographer Ann Ball recalled a time when "the Bish," as he was lovingly called, took an unexpected swim in the lake:
"One evening, Bishop Noll went to have supper with his sister's family. Afterward, they all walked down to the dock together. As he started to step into the boat, however, he slipped, and the next thing his horrified family knew, he'd fallen into the lake.
"But, unhurt, he came up laughing at the shock on their faces, and called out, "Uh-oh. The Bishy fell in the lake with the fishy!" At that, they all had to laugh as the portly bishop, dripping wet, climbed into the boat for the trip home."
