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Jawsand Singapore Lake History

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Singapore Lake was formerly just a body of water with a scary house overlooking it (see top two photos). It's main attraction was a wave and smoke machine (see top photo). However, in 1976 that all changed forever.....
(See Photo Gallery for lots more photos of Jaws through the years)

ORCA: 1976 - 1996
The ORCA boat from the Jaws movie used to be moored on Jaws lake. There's a story that a certain Steven Spielberg used to sneak into the park when he was working on the lot, and have his lunch sitting in the hull of the Orca, I guess as a way of keeping in contact with a physical relic of the movie that made his name in Hollywood. One day, Universal employees decided that the boat had rotted too much to remain in place, and it was removed and destroyed. He was understandably not happy.

BEN GARDNER'S BOAT: 1976 - 2005
Ben Gardner's boat seems to have suffered the same fate as the Orca. The elements took their toll on the hull of the boat which already had a hole in it (through which Ben Gardner's head made a famous appearance and provided one of the biggest shocks in the movie).

GEORGE THE FISHERMAN: 1976 - 2000
Before the police boat & diver who falls victim to Jaws' first attack, the victim was a very different visitor to Amity. Meet George, the wooden fisherman. (See Photo Gallery)

The JAWS attraction at Universal Orlando opened Summer 1993

Press Release from 1976
"JAWS," GREAT WHITE SHARK ATTACK,
LATEST SPECIAL EFFECT ON UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

With the appearance of the Universal Studios Tour's newest attraction, the "Jaws" special effect, opening April 10th, many visitors may anxiously wonder just what was the ending of this popular Universal film. Is it possible that the same deadly 24-foot shark of the screen has found its menacing way to Southern California and the back lot of Universal Studios?
This disturbing question begins to materialize the moment the visitors' tram approaches what appears to be the town of Amity, its billboard announcing the town's annual July 4th celebration and regatta.
The Eastern seaside resort community seems alive with tourist expectations, its bright orange-and-white striped cabanas, concession stands and quaint commercial shops glistening in the summer sun.
As the tram approaches the calm waters of the bay, a fisherman is noticed off to the right, his dinghy afloat and fishing rod patiently awaiting the day's first catch.
Suddenly, a huge dorsal fin heads in the boat's direction and begins circling. Before tram passengers have a chance to gasp, the fisherman's line is jerked backwards and he and his dinghy sink rapidly into the water, leaving only a circle of blood to tell its terrible tale.
Not without horror, the tram quickly moves on, traversing a pier built decades before, along with the historic town.
Again, unexpectedly and off in the distance, flotation barrels with shark bait lines tumble into the water, the line dragging them across the bay and under the water by some massive force.
A fragment of the pier is towed out to sea, collapsing the main section under the tram and leaving all aboard dangerously approaching the water level.
Out of the water lunges the Great White Shark! Its teeth deadly sharp and close, its size and intent horrifying!
Luckily, the "jaws" are only threatening, not biting, and the unbelievable sea creature sinks back into the water. The tramload of would-be shark victims is saved and, as it limps off the pier, only memories of an incredible "Jaws" sea drama remain.

George the fisherman in the early days of Amity (from Inside Universal Studios, 1979)
George the fisherman in the early days of Amity (from Inside Universal Studios, 1979)
The Burning House as it was seen in 1983 in this still from The A Team, season two, Steel episode.
The Burning House in 1973
In the years before the shark arrived, Singapore Lake, as it was then, only had one scary feature - the Psycho house overlooking it. (Photo from late 1960s)
In the years before the shark arrived, Singapore Lake, as it was then, only had one scary feature - the Psycho house overlooking it. (Photo from late 1960s)
'Lighting and wave machines blow up storm across Singapore Lake (Psucho House in background)' (Postcard 189, from 1975) Note: The Psycho typographical error is on the postcard!
'Lighting and wave machines blow up storm across Singapore Lake (Psucho House in background)' (Postcard 189, from 1975) Note: The Psycho typographical error is on the postcard!
The Burning House seen in 1973 (from Inside Universal Studios, 1973)
Another view of the Burning House in the early 1980s From http://www.bobbergen.com/universaltour.htm