Snapshot of History
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Sun Valley Lake marina on April 8, 2010.
BY MIKE AVITT
Florence Lawhead supplied me with a Sun Valley Lake newsletter, dated June 1973, which contains information I did not previously have. I will use that newsletter and the May 31, 1973 Record-News for this week’s article.
The marina was already built by June 1973 as a square dance was planned for July 4th 1973. In fact, many activities were planned for the 4th including boat races, canoe races, a boat parade and free watermelon.
There were two houses expected to be completed by July 4. The homes of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Adams, of West Des Moines, and Charles Foster seem to be the first houses finished. Other houses expected to be completed soon are those of: Dr. and Mrs. Charles Lawhead, Mr. and Mrs. Vince Dukes, Mr. and Mrs. Harry Solliday, and Mr. and Mrs. Dean Breckenridge.
Rideta Electric Cooperative had electric lines to both sides of the lake and the roads had been graveled. The lake, which was three feet shy of reaching the spillway, was being stocked with channel catfish, bullheads, crappie, and bass. Wells were being dug for fresh water. Future plans called for a club house, eighteen-hole golf course, and shopping center.
The newsletter informs us lot prices went up in June and sales have been brisk. Boats and boat motors were for sale by calling a posted telephone number. Water skiers had already begun to enjoy the lake.
In hindsight we know Fun Country Marine opened in 1974 with Cal and Linda Boord as managers. The club house opened in 1975 with Bud Breckenridge as manager. The nine-hole golf course didn’t open until 1984.
Thanks to Florence Lawhead for sharing her newsletter. I believe her copy is the first Sun Valley Lake newsletter ever produced.
