Grand marshals: Lake caretakers strive to preserve its natural beauty
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Marion County Park and Lake will be highlighted Saturday in the Old Settlers' Day parade in celebration of its 65th anniversary.
Former lake superintendent John Waner, current superintendent Dale Snelling, and residents Dwight and Helen Beckham will be grand marshals.
All have contributed to maintaining and preserving the lake as an idyllic spot for fishing, swimming, picnicking, and camping.
John Waner was the second superintendent in the history of the lake. He followed Jerry Mullikin in 1956.
Waner had a budget of $10,000. During his nine years of service, many trees were planted and a boat dock and heated fishing dock were built.
The house from his farm was moved to the lake in 1958, and he retired there in 1964.
When Dale Snelling became superintendent in August 1964, his budget was $17,000. There were about 10 campers at the campsite near the office and only 12 permanent residents.
In 1967, a new lake office was built as an addition to the superintendent's house. Snelling and his wife, Tootsie, provide a "convenience store" there for campers and fishermen.
Recreational use of the lake increased as the economy improved. The completion of Marion Reservoir brought a spill-over of campers to Marion County Lake. At first, they stayed in tents or very small campers.
The permanent campsite was cleaned up and re-organized to provide room for 35 campers, and water lines were installed. Other campsites also were developed.
In 1976, the old club house was torn down and replaced. It now is a popular place for group gatherings. A new shower house was added just four years ago.
About 25 years ago, sewer lines were installed around the lake. Greeley Gas Co. installed natural gas lines. That encouraged more home-building.
This year, Snelling has a budget of $150,000. There are 221 houses at the lake and at least 227 permanent residents. Many more spend weekends there. Very few lots are available within existing boundaries.
Snelling said he and his executive board have had to keep potential developers at bay.
"We've worked to keep it a simple county lake," he said.
Dwight and Helen Beckham, former Newton residents, began visiting the lake in 1965, when Helen's parents, Clark and Julia Chapman, bought a camper there. They loved the lake and dreamed of someday retiring there.
In 1991, they bought a house and lot but did not become permanent residents until 2000, when they built a new house on the property.
They were involved in preservation and recognition of original homes in Newton including their own and were interested in registering the lake.
We could see history all around," Helen said. "Putting the lake on the National Register of Historical Places was something that needed to be done."
They were familiar with the process. For about a year, they researched the lake's history, documented original limestone structures like picnic tables and fireplaces, and took pictures. Their work was successful when the lake was placed on the register in 2002.
The couple also was fascinated with the work of the federal CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) in building the lake. The project was unique in Kansas because it was built by a camp of African Americans.
Just eight months ago, the Beckhams began a $20,000 fund-raising drive to purchase a bronze statue of a CCC worker, to be placed at Marion County Lake.
They pursued every avenue in their attempt to spread the word about the statue. Their contacts included 102 senior centers, 12 TV stations, and 137 newspapers. At least 42 CCC alumni also were located.
Fund-raisers, pop can sales, and donations from many individuals helped them reach their goal.
The statue has been purchased and soon will be mounted on a large limestone boulder near Upland Road and Lakeshore Drive. A public unveiling ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 2.
A history of the construction of the lake, compiled by Helen Beckham, is available at Marion City Library.
