Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area
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| Location | Westboro, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1936-38 |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| NRHP reference No. | 84003784 |
| Added to NRHP | August 21, 1984 |
The Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area is a special place located in Westboro, Wisconsin, United States. It's known for its beautiful lake and outdoor activities. The lake and its buildings were created a long time ago, between 1936 and 1938. This important work was done by two government programs: the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Work Projects Administration (WPA). These programs helped many people find jobs during the Great Depression.
The Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area is part of the huge Chequamegon National Forest. Locals often call it "Mondo Dam." It has several camping spots, like Eastwood, Spearhead Point, and West Point. Part of the famous Ice Age National Scenic Trail also runs through this area. This trail was formed by giant glaciers during the Ice Age! At Mondo Dam, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, and boating.
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How Mondeaux Dam Was Formed
The area where the Mondeaux Flowage (the lake) sits is about three miles long. It was shaped by melting ice from the last glacier that covered Wisconsin. This melting ice created a long, deep channel. Later, a ridge of gravel and sand, called an esker, formed in the middle of this channel. Before the dam was built, a small stream called the Mondeaux River flowed through this area. The lake you see today is not natural; it was created by people.
Why the Dam Was Needed
By the 1930s, much of Wisconsin had been logged for many years. This left behind lots of tree stumps and leftover wood. Some of this land was sold to farmers, but many areas were left empty. These empty lands often caught fire. In November 1933, the Chequamegon National Forest was created. The Forest Service started buying up land in Taylor County to protect it and help it grow back.
Building the Recreation Area
In 1933, a special camp called Camp Mondeaux River was set up by the CCC. About 200 young men lived and worked there. They helped develop the new national forest by cutting timber, stopping fires, and building trails and bridges.
The Idea for the Dam
Archie Campbell, a mechanic at the CCC camp, lived nearby. He had a great idea: to build a dam on the small Mondeaux River that flowed through his land. This would create a lake for everyone to enjoy. In April 1935, the Forest Service bought Archie's land. In 1936, they started planning the new recreation area.
Construction Begins
In the winter of 1936-37, the CCC men began clearing the land where the lake would be. They cut down trees and cleared brush. In early 1937, the WPA joined in, providing local workers to help. By May, both the WPA and CCC workers started building the dam. Later that year, they also began building three important buildings:
- The Bath and Clubhouse (now called the lodge)
- The caretaker's house
- A garage
This project was a big team effort. The Forest Service, CCC workers from other areas, and local men from the WPA all worked together. For example, in February 1938, 108 WPA workers and 30 CCC workers were on the job. The buildings were finished in late 1938, and the area was ready for the lake to fill up.
The next spring, Archie Campbell became the first person to manage the Mondeaux Dam area. It has been open for the public to enjoy ever since!
Mondeaux Dam Today
Over the years, the Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area has been cared for and improved. However, the dam and its buildings still look much like they did when they were first built. The buildings have a special "rustic" style. This means they use natural materials like rough wood and fieldstones, making them blend in with the forest.
The Mondeaux Dam Recreation Area is important because it reminds us of a time when people worked together to overcome challenges. It shows how much was accomplished during the Great Depression. The work done by the CCC and WPA helped improve the land, protect water quality, and create a wonderful place for wildlife and people to enjoy. Mondeaux Dam is a strong reminder of this important part of history.
