History of Lake Alma
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History of Lake Alma |
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Located at the junction of Vinton and
Jackson County is one of Ohio's best hidden treasures - Lake Alma State
Park. This area has been radically transformed over the last 200
years from a dense wilderness, to an amusement park, and currently a
state park. Prior to the construction of Lake Alma, the surrounding area consisted of coal mine villages. One wealthy businessman, C.K. Davis, decided to construct a lake to bring attention scenic beauty of the area and the issues of conservation. The lake was constructed by damming Little Raccoon Creek through the use of horse-drawn scrapers from the reservoir and later stocked with fish. The island was formed from a remaining hill with a height of 100 feet above water level and comprised of 8 acres. Furthermore, Davis' dream was to build an island amusement park to be know all over the Easter U.S. Davis named the lake, like money of his other businesses, in honor of his wife. Although it was named Alma Lake, he named the island after himself, Davis Island. Hocking Valley Railroad used by the Jackson-Wellston Belt railway was extended to the area to accommodate tourists transportation to amusement park. Passenger could ride for $1.00 from Columbus, 10 cents from Jackson and a mere 5 cents from Hamden or Wellston. An entrance gate and bridge was constructed for the grand opening day, Saturday, June 27th of 1903. Although it was a rainy day, people flocked to the new attraction. The following day a special train carried 3 coaches of passengers. Six cash register ensured a stream of people flowing into the park all day. It seemed as though Davis' old adage of "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" was practiced by many. One of the attractions was a carousel horse, commonly referred to as a merry-go-round. Perhaps the largest attraction was the casino with an overall size of 50X85', which is 1/3 of a football field. There were two floors, the upper was for dancing and lots of great food was found on the lower floor. In addition, visitor enjoyed their chances at winning big! Another attraction was the theater holding up to 1,800 people! That's more than 5 times the size of most theaters today. On the other side of the hill was a bowling alley with four alleys and seating for 500 people. A trail circled the island, called the Lady's Walk and formed by crushed cinder-similar to what is used today to form roadways. Other services were restrooms, pure drinking water, dressing rooms and telephone pay stations. Leisure time was also for water lovers. There were also a boat house on the south-western side of the island with steps to make it easier for getting into boats. Twenty six row boats including C.K. Davis', the Gorge B., and several other sail boats. There was also a water shot for visitors similar to a log slide found at King's Island or Cedar Point. Across the island was a beach, but unfortunately the water was shallow and the beach was made of gravel. Sadly,, the park declined in popularity from 1907; and due to C.K. Davis' personal problems and failing health, the park was forced to close in 1910. Davis at 43 years of age, died from Bright disease, November 26th, 1915. The property was inherited by the brother and sister, George Davis and Dorothy Sellards. Another survivor at the time of death was his second wife, Emily Allen Davis, which he married in 1907. However, alma's separation from Davis is unknown. The year 1926-Hot off the press! Lake Alma h been sold to the city of Wellston for 25,000. The lake was bought for the city's reservoir following the construction of a $75,000 water works plant just outside of the lake, which is still used today for Wellston's water treatment. Shortly after, 1931, the park was leased to the State of Ohio for a period of 99 years. Eventually, it was designated a State Park in 1950. Ohio State parks strives to maintain conservation and preservation of our public areas by stocking lakes with fish and providing public hunting areas. However, due to the coal mining industry, a large fish kill was observed in 1951 from the Sulfuric acid drainage surrounding the lake. Today there are 290 acres of land and 60 acres of water within Lake Alma State Park. There are over 300 picnic tables and many grills to enjoy a day at the park. Visitors can also enjoy two beaches with a concession stand that offers boat rentals complete with life jackets. Take your choice between a historic canoe, row boat with or without motor, paddle boat, or a surf-bike for those young at heart. Bring your next birthday party or family reunion and reserve one of our three shelter houses with or without electricity. For a longer stay, campers can enjoy one of the 72 electric sites, a stay in the camper cabin, or one of the 9 rustic non-electric campsites. Just added in 2004, Shuffleboard or play a game of horseshoes. |
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Copyright © 2006 Ryan Griffith & Debbie Griffith inc. All rights reserved
