Wonderful history, Arnie! As a kid in Shenandoah in southwest Iowa, I can remember the all-day drives with a neighbor family to get to their cabin on the shore of Spirit Lake. I particularly remember the restaurant and ice cream stops along the way. Being at the lakes -- with go-karts, trampolines, Fun House, bumper cars and roller rink -- seemed exotic to me. It still does, too!
Very interesting piece, thanks. My great grandfather and his brother, from Fort Dodge, bought a lot and built a cottage on west lake in 1919. Still in the family (we could never afford one now!)
Arnold- Interesting column. And here all along I thought Arnold’s Park was named after you!
Wonderful history, Arnie! As a kid in Shenandoah in southwest Iowa, I can remember the all-day drives with a neighbor family to get to their cabin on the shore of Spirit Lake. I particularly remember the restaurant and ice cream stops along the way. Being at the lakes -- with go-karts, trampolines, Fun House, bumper cars and roller rink -- seemed exotic to me. It still does, too!
Very interesting piece, thanks. My great grandfather and his brother, from Fort Dodge, bought a lot and built a cottage on west lake in 1919. Still in the family (we could never afford one now!)