The O'Brien County Conservation Board is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Mill Creek Park near Paullina with events held throughout 2011. A look back into the history book provides clues about the beginnings of the park.
*The idea of building a dam for a lake was first brought forward by Hugh Dealy, Fred Holms and George Harris in 1912. Survery work was completed and the idea was found to be sound. However, the Northwestern Railway objected to the plan claiming that the dam located closely to one of their bridges would endanger the railroad passage.
*The plan was dropped until 1933 when George Callenius and Robert Mattice again revived the idea. Sentiment grew slowly in favor of the idea.
*In March 1935, a bond election was held with the proposal to issue and sell bonds in the amount of $20,000 to be used for park improvements and the purchase of the land on which the park now stands. The transfer of land to the state was made in October 1935.
*On December 3, 1935 a small group of WPA workers arrived to begin work on the lake. In the next year the group expanded to a total of 300 workers. The original plan was that 35,000 yards of earth was to be moved by hand labor only. After realizing the process was to slow, draglines and dump trucks were brought in the next year. The work was completed by December 20, 1937. Water ran over the spillway for the first time on February 2, 1938.
*The watershed for the lake comprises approximately 3600 acres. The lake covers 52 acres of ground and is about 25 feet deep at the greatest depth.
*In October 1938, a crowd of 5,000 people gathered for the dedication of Mill Creek State Park. The park was decorated completely with flags and welcome banners.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
*February Library Programs*
Discover the process of maple syrup making. Learn the history and myths behind the procedure. Check out the interesting tools and equipment. Even view a short video of syrup making in progress. This library program is sure to give you a
different view of the topping on your pancakes!
Monday, February 14- 7:00 p.m. - Sutherland Public Library
Wednesday, February 16 -2:00 p.m. -Hartley Public Library
Thursday, February 17 -2:00 p.m. - Sanborn Public Library
Thursday, February 24 -2:00 p.m. - Primghar Public Library
Monday, February 28 -7:00 p.m. - Sheldon Public Library
Winter Fun at the Prairie Heritage Center
Grab your boots, mittens, and hats! This winter fun day will get you outdoors to play games in the snow. Try snowshoe tag, snow snake races, flag in the snow stack and more!
Saturday, February 5 at 2:00 p.m.
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