Lost on the Lake - Table Rock June 2023 #7

Lost on the Lake TABLE ROCK

LAKE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

JUNE 2023

ISSUE 07

INSIDE

SUMMERTIME FISHING BOATING ETIQUETTE BLACK OAK AMPITHEATER DAY TRIPPIN’

EVERYTHING YOU NEED. EVERYWHERE YOU GO.

Every great journey begins with a first step. When you start a relationship with Central Bank, you’ll immediately have access to a community bank with comprehensive offerings, cutting-edge technology and leading-edge banking solutions. We have all the tools you need to move, manage and maximize your money with ease, every step of the way. Discover what’s possible with Central Bank. We do banking better.

EDITORIAL:

Myra Thornton hello@lostonthelake.us

Eric Prey www.tablerockfishingintel.com

Christal Valbracht - AireServ

Jeff Woodward - The Rogue Chef

Edward Jones Financial

PMS Boat Sales-Premiere Marine

Tom Koob - wolpublishing@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Myra Thornton

Eric Prey

AireServ

Susan Wise-Kalos

Tom Koob

Dakota Dowell

Thank you to all of our partners! Please consider them for your needs:

Adventure Cave Tours

AireServ of Branson

Thank you to all of our partners! Please consider them for your needs:

Black Oak Amp

Branson Bank

AireServ of Branson

Budget Blinds

KW Aux-Arcs Team ~ Ann Ferguson

Butterfly Palace

Black Oak Amp

Central Bank

Branson Bank

Edward Jones - Grant Beasley

Central Bank

Health Markets - Nick Morris

Cliffside Design Company

Edward Jones - Grant Beasley

PMS Boat Sales

Scout & Petal

Happy Hollow Resort

Health Markets - Nick Morris

Sho-Me Touchless Boat Cover

Neighbors & Friends of Table Rock

Table Rock Community Bank

PMS Boat Sales

Table Rock Fishing Intel

Scout & Petal

Talking Rocks Cavern

Sho-Me Touchless Boat Cover

The Waldorf Co

Table Rock Community Bank

US Tow Boat

US Tow Boat

a note from the editor

We made it, Summer ‘23!! I enjoy all the seasons on the lake, but there are so many magical things packed into summer.

I’m reminded daily how very fortunate I am to live in such an amazing place. Table Rock Lake and the surrounding Ozarks team up to be pure perfection. Wildflowers, baby animals, early sunrises and late sunsets. Have you seen a more beautiful sky than above this lake?

Oh, and the people ... my family, neighbors and friends, they never cease to amaze me. I am surrounded by such compassionate, hard working people.

This season I challenge you to marvel at the things you tend to take for granted. There is beauty in everything, if you’re looking.

Be Happy, Myra Thornton

W: www.lostonthelake.us

E: hello@lostonthelake.us

P: 417-363-3030

We would love to hear from you! Please share your lake stories, photos and any other info you think might be enjoyed by our readers. We will publish what we can in upcoming issues, or you might be featured on social media &/or the website!

of ‘23

Table RockSUMMERTIME FISHING

By: Eric Prey

BY: ERIC PREY - TRL Fishing Guide

Summertime Deep Fishing on Table Rock

When water temperatures rise into the mid 70’s in late May bass on Table Rock Lake begin to move deep. The rigors of the spawn are over, and fish move out deep to safety and cooler water temperatures. Most of the fish are spotted bass, but largemouth and small mouth will also make a move to deeper water making it difficult for angler to catch them with traditional methods. Below we will discuss how and where to catch bass on Table Rock when they make this move.

Where:

Bass move to a couple of locations once the water temperatures rise. The bulk of the fish will be on long tapering point on the main lake, gravel points that extend out to the main river channel are the ticket. Look for bass on your electronics holding close

to the bottom from 20’ deep out to 35’ deep. Finding fish can be a little tricky, most of the time they will resemble a small “bump” or “line” just off the bottom, the more you look the easier it will be to find these fish. Finding a single bump on the bottom doesn’t mean there is only one fish in a location, deep fish on Table Rock tend to school up and you may only see one or two on your electronics, once they start feeding the size of the school will become apparent.

The second location to find deep bass in the summer is suspended around larger community docks and wave breaks and deep trees. The shade of docks and trees offers bass the cover they are seeking and allows them to ambush schools of shad that swim by. Look for docks that extend out over 35’ of water or more, the deeper wa -

ter allows fish to move throughout the water column when threatened without leaving the security of the dock overhead. (Note: Marina docks cannot be fished on Table Rock. The Corps of Engineers clearly marks these docks with red “No Fishing, No Swimming,…” signs. You can be ticketed by the Water Patrol if you fish these docks.) Look for trees that top out around 25’ – 35’ in creeks and bluff ends. The trees allow cover and ambush spots for fish, a large tree with several limbs can hold an entire school of fish.

When:

The initial move begins when water temperatures reach the mid 70’s, bass are done with the spawn and start to move out deep to their summer habitat. The warmer the water gets the larger the schools of fish living offshore become. As water temperatures reach the 80’s a thermocline will develop as the lake stratifies, the thermocline usually develops around 30’ deep. Thermocline is important because oxygen levels are low below the thermocline making it difficult for fish to survive below it. Knowing where the thermocline is will help you determine where the bulk of the fish will be located. You can see the thermocline on your electronics, it will appear as a line with what looks like debris below it across the entire lake. Fish will stay around and above the thermocline as the water is cooler and there is ample oxygen. When the thermocline is set up the fishing tends to get better.

How:

There are a multitude of ways to fish deep in the summer; casting heavy jigs and Carolina Rigs, using spoons and drop shot rigs vertically and using deep diving crankbaits are all productive techniques. The most common

practice on Table Rock is to fish vertically with a spoon or drop shot rig. Position your boat above the fish and drop your lure directly on them. With a spoon hopping it up and down in front of a fish mimicking a dying shad will draw strikes. The drop shot is much more subtle, drop the rig just above the fish and shake it lightly to draw a strike. A drop shot rig with a finesse worm or shad imitator will result in more bites than a spoon. When the bite gets tough most of the guides on Table Rock will use live night crawlers on a drop shot vs. a plastic worm. Double hook a whole night crawler and allow the ends to move around and most bass cannot resist it.

If you prefer casting vs. dropping on fish you can still catch ‘em, you just need to change your tactics. Move out toward the end of the same points and throw a cont. on page 14

3/4 oz. or 1 oz. football jig or a heavy Carolina Rig and drag it back to the boat. Position your boat around 30’ deep and fan cast an area with either lure until you find the fish. Once located, make several casts to the same general location to target the entire school. Using a deep diving crankbait around cover and structure on these locations is another tactic; brush piles and rock ledges will hold several fish as well, locating this cover and running a crankbait through it can result in several fish in a short time.

If you get out around sunrise or sunset don’t forget your top water lures. During the low light times of the day fish will be more active and feed on shad near the surface. The first or last hour of your trip can be the most pro -

ductive time to catch bass.

When the water warms up it’s time to change your tactics to remain successful. Summertime bass on Table Rock like the comfort and security of deep water and to stay productive you need to follow their movements. Start early, where sunscreen, get off the water before it gets too hot, and you can still put several fish in the boat throughout the summer.

Eric Prey is the Owner / Operator of Focused Fishing Guide Service on Table Rock, Taneycomo and Bull Shoals lakes.

To book a trip or contact: www.focusedfishing.com or call 417-860-4743.

Local marinas

CAMPBELL POINT MARINA

1363 Campbell Point Rd, Shell Knob

417-858-6331

Opening Mar 2023

www.campbellpointmarina.com

BIG M MARINA

26111 Big M Campground, Cassville (417)271-3853

Opening Mar 2023

www.bigmmarina.com

STATE PARK MARINA

380 State Park Marina Rd, Branson

417-334-2628

www.stateparkmarina.com

HIDEAWAY MARINA

1810 Hideaway Rd, Galena

417-538-2828

www.hideawaymarina1956.com

INDIAN POINT MARINA

3443 Indian Point Marina, Branson

417-338-2891

www.indianpointmarina.com

PORT OF KIMBERLING MARINA

201 Marina Way, Kimberling City

417-739-2315

www.portofkimberling.com

EAGLE ROCK MARINA

31170 State Highway 86, Eagle Rock

417-271-3398

Opening Mar 2023

www.facebook.com/EagleRockMarina

CAPE FAIR BOAT DOCK & MARINA

1500 Shadrack Rd, Cape Fair 417-538-4163

Opening Mar 2023

www.capefairmarina.com

CRICKET CREEK MARINA

20515 Boat Dock Rd, Omaha, AR 870-426-3474

www.cricketcreek.com

THE HARBOR

363 Harbor Lane, Branson

417-338-2828

www.theharbor.com

Boating Etiquette

Boating Etiquette is a really important part of boating. You want to have an enjoyable experience just as everyone else does. By following these simple guidelines, we will all have a great summer.

Let’s start at the beginning: Launching the boat

The staging area at the ramp is the place for taking tarps and straps off, loading coolers, bags, etc and your boat captain. Passengers should head to the courtesy dock to wait for the boat.

When you’re on the ramp, get the boat in and get out of the way. While waiting for your turn, please be patient and remember it might be a first timer loading/unloading their boat. Be patient, we were all first timers once!

Most boat ramps have more than one lane, please don’t take up the entire ramp for your one boat.

Once on the water:

Be courteous to the other boaters around you

If you are tied out in a cove, please keep music at a respectful level. Others may not like your music, just like you

may not like theirs. Remember, sound travels a long way over water.

Be mindful of your wake :

Don’t go screaming down a cove where there are multiple boats tied out, fishermen fishing, etc. By the same token, if you see someone wakeboarding, skiing, or pulling a tube in an empty cove, don’t go down that cove and tie up.

When loading up:

Get the boat hooked up and get off the ramp as quickly as possible. Pull up to a parking spot out of other boater’s way to wipe the boat down, unload coolers, etc.

A little bit of common sense goes a long way! Have respect for your fellow boaters and enjoy the summer!

Happy boating!

Biggest threats to a comfortable retirement?

If you save and invest for decades, you’d like to know you can retire without financial worries. Nonetheless, you still have to be aware of some threats to a comfortable retirement — and how to respond to them.

These threats include:

Inflation – Inflation has been high recently, but even a mild inflation rate can seriously erode your purchasing power. In fact, with just a 3% inflation rate, your expenses could double in about 25 years — and your retirement could easily last that long. So, if you’re going to rely on your investment portfolio for a sizable part of your retirement income, you will need to own a reasonable number of growth-oriented investments, such as stocks or stock-based funds, whose potential returns can equal or exceed the inflation rate.

Excessive withdrawals – Once you retire, you should establish a withdrawal rate for your portfolio — an amount you can take out each year and still feel secure that you won’t run out of money. Some people make the mistake of withdrawing too much, too soon, once they’re retired. Your withdrawal rate should be based on several factors, including your age at retirement, the size of your portfolio and the amount of income you receive from other sources, such as Social Security. A financial professional can help you determine a withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your needs.

Market volatility – The financial markets will always fluctuate. When you’re still working, this volatility may not be such a problem, as you have years or decades to recover from short-term downturns. But when you retire, you don’t want to have to sell investments when their price is down. To help prevent this, you can tap into the cash in your portfolio, assuming you have enough to cover several months’ worth of living expenses. You could also draw on a CD “ladder” — a group of CDs that mature at different times — to provide you with resources for the next few years and allow your equity investments time to recover their value.

Unexpected costs – You had them when

you were working, and you’ll probably have them when you’re retired: the furnace that breaks down, the car that needs a major repair, and so on. But if you’ve established an emergency fund containing a year’s worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid account, you may be able to “ride out” these costs without jeopardizing your investment portfolio. Be sure to keep these reserves separate from your typical day-today accounts to avoid the temptation of spending your emergency money.

Health – Retirees may face more health concerns than younger people, and those concerns often come with larger medical bills. That’s why it’s important to maximize the benefits from Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan. Also, if you contributed to a Health Savings Account (HSA) while you were working, and you haven’t depleted it, you can use the money in retirement. As long as the HSA funds are used for qualified medical expenses, withdrawals are tax- and penalty-free, and won’t be included in your income. This could help keep your income below certain levels, lower your Medicare premiums or avoid the 3.8% surtax on net investment income that can be assessed on high-net-worth taxpayers.

Retirement can be a pleasant time in your life — and you’ll enjoy it more if you’re prepared for the challenges that face all retirees.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Ask an Expert: Home and Property Maintenance

Welcome to Ask an Expert: Home and Property Maintenance. Each month our featured home and property expert will answer questions that provide information, tips and advice on a medley of homeowner topics. We hope to help our readers gain new insights into a variety of local home service professionals, services and products. Our goal is to make maintaining your home easier and empower you with the knowledge that you need to be a successful homeowner in the TableRock lake area. Let’s get started.

Who is our June expert?

“Scott Jay, Owner, Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Springfield/Branson.”

We already know (from our April issue) that you are a locally owned and operated plumbing company so today we want to pick your brain about clean water and water filtration systems. Should I have the water in my home tested? And if so, how do I go about getting that done?

“It never hurts to have your water tested. If you are on city water, you should have access to their annual report. Well water systems aren’t regulated by the state or federal government, so it’s up to the owner of the well to test their own systems. The best way to have your water tested is to collect a sample and take it to your local health department. They will be able to provide the best, comprehensive water report. ”

What are PPCPs and how do they affect

drinking water?

“PPCPs (Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products) come from things like human and veterinary drugs, dietary supplements, and consumer products (fragrances, perfumes, sunscreens, cleaning products, etc). The effects of PPCPs being present in water are still being studied. The short term, long term and chronic health effects aren’t fully known but it is a fairly new, growing concern. PFAS, (polyfluoroalkyl substances) are actually present in about 80% of our water supply and have been linked to higher cholesterol, high blood pressure, increased risk of kidney disease and even some cancers.”

Is well water safe?

“You would have to have it tested to know for sure. Most experts recommend having it tested annually by your local health department.”

Are there signs that my water might be unsafe to drink or use?

“Color, odor and taste. Your water should be clear, odorless, flavorless and refreshing. If you notice any color, cloudiness, strange odors or an unfavorable taste, you probably want to get your water checked out.”

The water at our lake home has a strange odor. It smells like rotten eggs. Why is that?

“If your well water smells like rotten eggs, it may have too much sulfur in it caused by

decay and chemical reactions in the soil and rock around the well.”

What causes hard water?

“Hard water is caused by a high mineral content. Calcium and magnesium are most common. This hardness is typically due to groundwater that flows over or through limestone. While hard water is not a health risk, many home and business owners do find it to be a nuisance.”

How does hard water affect appliances?

“Hard water can cause excessive scale buildup or deposits in pipes and appliances. That will likely reduce the life of your dishwasher, clothes washer, water heater or other appliances that regularly use water. The scale may have a whitish color, and typically does not wipe away easily.”

How does a water softener work?

“A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from water through a process where the hard water passes through resin beads. The beads grab ahold of the mineral ions and remove them from the water. Softened water is gentler than hard water, so it is easier on appliances and pipes, you will use less soap and it’s better for your skin too. There are a lot of benefits. ”

Does a water softener also filter and clean water?

“Not really. A softener just turns hard water into soft water. If you also want filtered wa -

ter then you need to install a water filtration system in your home.”

What are the advantages to having a water filtration system in your home?

“Water filtration systems are good for your health. Some of the benefits include skin hydration, nutrient absorption, weight loss, detoxification, improved digestion and even a reduction in the risk of cancer. Drinking pure water also helps to support the immune system and mental health function.”

What can Mr. Rooter do to help folks on Tablerock Lake with their water quality?

“We install water softeners and water filtration systems and one of our plumbers can come out and discuss the options. We also have a maintenance program where we come out and do a wellness check on your plumbing, flush the water heater and check your vents. A one-year membership is only $99. That also includes (15% off parts) and priority scheduling.“

Are you offering any specials in this issue for customers?

“Yes. If you mention this article, we will give you 10% off any service.”

By: Christal Valbracht www.aireserv.com www.dryerventwizardspringfield.com www.MrRooter.com

The 3 Wise kids , Marce’, Mark and Susan Wise grew up in the 70’s and ‘80s in Springfield, Missouri. Those were simpler times. You didn’t lock your door at night and you could sleep with your window wide open.

Summertime was the best, and Table Rock Lake was our playground. It was a weekend treat for mom and dad to hook up our boat and take us to the lake with a cooler full of drinks and Mom’s cold fried Chicken.

Hot summer days were spent water skiing, swimming and meeting up with friends to

Table Rock Lake Memoirs

make our way to the rope swing. I can vividly remember crawling up under the helm of the boat all wrapped up in a warm beach towel that smelled like coppertone. The pur of the boat engine lulling me to sleep after a long sunburnt day. Some of our best childhood memories were created on Table Rock.

As each of us graduated from high school, we left Springfield to venture out into the world and start businesses, start families and create amazing lives. We were pretty spread apart from California to Florida. But several times throughout the years we would try to get together.

In 2015, my husband and I and my sister and her husband came back to Table Rock Lake for a vacation. We wanted to show the guys what it was all about.

We stayed at cute cabins on Indian Point and rented a pontoon. We found a cove where we dropped anchor and floated all day and dreamed about living here again, we nicknamed that cove “Future Cove” (little did we know).

Later that day we took the guys to the dinner at the Osage at Top of the Rock.

During the sunset ceremony we gazed out at the lake, glasses held high and tears of joy filled our eyes. We were so grateful to be visiting such a beautiful place that’s so full of nostalgia. Needless to say our guys were hooked that summer.

A year later, my husband and I decided to sell our home and business in South Florida and come back to Table Rock Lake to build our dream home. Then, about a year or so after, my sister and her husband felt drawn back here to the lake.

cont on page 28

They found their dream spot off DD. A year after that, my brother moved his business and family back here to the lake too. So now all 3 Wise kids are back on Table Rock Lake once again to share memories with a whole new generation of Wise kids.

We love the seasons but we especially love the summertime when we all hop on our boats and meet up in a cove with family, kids, music, a cooler full of drinks .... and sometimes some cold fried chicken.

Photos & Story By: Susan Wise-Kalos

Black Oak Amphitheater

The history and memories run deep with this amphitheater. Many long time residents can remember it as the Swiss Villa Amphitheater, which orignally opened in in the early 80’s. Over the years the venue drew legendary acts, including country and rock bands.

Lynyrd Skynyrd, REO Speedwagon, Def Leppard, Ozzy Osbourne, and Steppenwolf played here, among others. The last band that played before they closed in 2013 was Journey. The venue would sit empty for a decade, waiting for fans to return. After sitting abandoned for so many years, the venue sold to John Stauffer with the hopes of opening again in 2020.

He knew he had his work cut out for him but had a vision to bring music back to Lampe and the surrounding community. The facility desperately needed work to bring it up to his standards, but by the 2021 season the amp was ready to begin hosting shows once again

Photos Courtesy Of: Dakota Dowell

and the world slowly began venturing back out! Manager Phil Potter talked about how the amp has impacted so many people that grew up coming to shows. It is a part of Stone County history and now, will be a part of its future.

With shows throughout the Summer, Black Oak Amp hopes to add to the memories people make while at Table Rock Lake, whether they are vacationers or residents. There are shows lined up into September and tickets still available for most.

If you love live music and comedy, then Black

Oak Amphitheater should definitely be on your radar for this Summer Concert Series. They offer free parking, reserved and general admission seating and a fun lineup, making this a must on your summer to-do’s!

For Tickets and more info please visit:

Black Oak Amphitheater

1728 State Highway H Lampe, MO

Facebook

Let’s Float June 23

Saturday June 10th 1pm-4pm? - Check website for Location (Map)

Saturday June 17th 1pm-4pm? - Check Website for Location (Map)

Saturday June 24th 1pm-4pm? - Check Website for Location (Map)

www.lostonthelake.us

Favorite Recipes with The Rogue Chef

Fried Deviled Eggs with Avocado Filling and Blackened Shrimp

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 1 Hour

Ingredients:

16 Large Eggs

1 Large Avocado

1 C Mayonnaise

1 T Pink Salt

1 T Pepper

¼ C Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

2 tsp Granulated Garlic

2 Ancho Chili Powder

12 21/25 Shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tail off)

4 T Butter

2 T Blackening Seasoning

1 T Olive Oil

3 C AP Flour

3 C Panko Bread Crumbs

8 C Peanut Oil

Instructions:

Fill a medium sized pot with water and bring to a simmer. Once the water is simmering, slowly lower 12 eggs into the water. Set a timer for 12 minutes. While the eggs are cooking, make a water bath to place cooked eggs in to stop the cooking process. Let eggs sit in a water bath until they are completely cooled, approximately an hour. Once cooled, peel and cut eggs in half lengthwise. Take the yolks out of the eggs and place them into a mixing bowl.

Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Take the pulp from the skin. Add avocado to the yolks, along with mayonnaise, salt, pepper, lime juice, granulated garlic, and ancho chili powder. Mix with a hand or stand mixer until smooth, cover with plastic wrap, making sure that the plastic touches the entire surface of the mixture to keep it from oxidizing. Set in

the refrigerator to chill for later use.

In a saute pan on medium high heat, add butter and olive oil. While the pan is heating, toss shrimp in blackening seasoning until fully coated. Add the shrimp to the hot saute pan and cook until the shrimp are just done. This will only take a couple of minutes; overcooking will cause the shrimp to be rubbery. The shrimp can be served hot or chilled on the finished product.

Place the oil in a heavy duty pot or a small fryer and heat to 350º. While the oil is heating, set up a breeding station to prepare the reserved egg whites. Use one bowl for seasoned flour, a second bowl for egg wash (made with the 4 remaining eggs), and a third bowl for panko bread crumbs.

With one hand, gently dredge the egg whites in the flour. Use the other hand to put the egg into the egg wash. Finally, using the dry hand, cover the egg with panko bread crumbs and place into the hot oil; fry until golden brown. Place on a drying rack or paper towel to drain excess oil before filling.

Put cooled avocado filling in a piping bag with a star tip. Pipe filling (approximately 1 tablespoon) into the fried egg white. Place one blackened shrimp on top of the filling. Add paprika or thinned sour cream for garnish.

Don’t want to make this yourself?

Hire Chef Jeff, The Rogue Chef, in Branson, Missouri. He will make the perfect meal for you.

www.TheRogueChefBranson.com

Day Trippin’ The Underground Tattoo & Gallery

Tattoos have come a long way! Not only are they now mainstream, but the artistry is top notch. The ability to bring a tattoo to life takes time and talent.

My favorite artist is Cliff Taylor, at The Underground Tattoo & Gallery just up the road in Springfield. This shop was opened in 2019 by Amanda Patterson, featuring Cliff and his amazing hyper-realism artistry.

Cliff works alongside many artists, some that he has personally mentored. His tattoos are truly remarkable, the detail is insane.

When families and friends come to Table Rock for vacation they sometimes decide a tottoo is the perfect way to commemorate their trip. The location makes this a perfect day trip with time still to explore the area.

Whether you are looking for something dainty or intense, Cliff can deliver. The team can also accomodate larger groups with sufficient notice.

A few of the pieces Cliff has created are featured here, however I highly recommend you visit his facebook page: www.facebook.com/theundergroundtattooandgallery

If you are looking for new ink, or your first tattoo, call The Underground Tattoo & Gallery and ask for Cliff. Mandy will get you on the schedule and they will treat you right!

The Underground Tattoo & Gallery

1944 S Glenstone Ave, Springfield, MO (417) 419-5857

www.theundergroundtattoos.com

What LiesBeneath ...

Stories About What Is Buried By Table Rock

The Spirit of Devil’s Pool

© Tom Koob

Devil’s Pool is one of the geologic oddities of the Ozarks that contribute to the natural beauty and historic lore of the Table Rock Lake area. Located in Big Cedar Hollow just above Long Creek, Devil’s Pool is an ancient, clear, cold spring emanating from a cleft in the rock walls of the valley.

The Native Americans of the area considered the spring a sacred pool with healing powers, calling it Spirit Pool. Early settlers in the region deemed the pool “bottomless” and wondered at the white, blind fish it contained. They named the mysterious, se -

cluded spring Devil’s Hole and later, Devil’s Pool. The Native Americans visited the site for a cool drink, a bath or spiritual reflection. Early settlers relied on the spring as a water source. Undoubtedly, the residents of nearby Oasis were aware of the beautiful, hidden spring and made the short trip up Big Cedar Hollow to enjoy it.

In the 1920s, wealthy urbanites Harry Worman and Jude Simmons bought the acreage around the site. They both built beautiful summer homes on the property and had a road built to their residences. In the Depression years, erosion on the property and heavy usage of the water reduced the spring’s flow. Attempts were made to clear

Lake © Tom Koob 2023

Devil’s Pool Today

Photo by: Tom Koob

debris from the pool and Worman and Simmons even had a small dam built to contain the water. Drought conditions and continued debris accumulation reduced the pool’s flow to a trickle during the 1930s.

Worman and Simmons were both on their second marriage. Simmons had married Madge Milligan, a wealthy Springfieldian fifteen years his senior. Worman, in his sixties, wed Dorothy Rhodes, a vivacious young woman in her twenties.

The two couples enjoyed their retreats in the Ozarks wilderness, but both Harry and Jude were often away on business. Young Dorothy relished riding her horse through the wooded hollows surrounding Devil’s Pool. She drove her automobile to Branson and Hollister and Oasis, making local friends and raising a few eyebrows with her good looks and attractive figure. It was reported that on one occasion, Dorothy showed up at the Hollister post office wearing nothing but a form-fitting, white bathing suit. Many folks perceived a loneliness in Dorothy, despite her wealth and looks.

After seven years of marriage, Harry Worman divorced his young wife Dorothy in 1935. Dorothy continued to spend time at Devil’s Pool, but on a trip to Mexico she died under mysterious circumstances. Her body was cremated and her ashes returned to the Ozarks. H. Graham Clark, founder of the College of the Ozarks, scattered Dorothy’s ashes off the back patio of the Worman’s expansive home.

The vacation homes were seldom used after Dorothy’s death and the property was eventually purchased by a logging company. The land was clearcut which led to erosion and additional spoilage of the spring. Dan Norris bought the Devil’s Pool land in 1947 and attempted to restore the spring with limited success. Norris tried to excavate the spring and even poured cement walls around the opening to reinforce the collapsing walls of the rock cleft. Devil’s Pool refused to cooperate, running near -

ly dry during drought conditions and then flowing freely during heavy rains. Locals reported the pools was connected to a long series of sub-surface springs and caves extending south into Arkansas.

Norris developed the property considerably, turning it into Devil’s Pool Resort. He built cabins, a swimming pool, horse trails and remodeled the Worman and Simmons houses. In 1958, Norris drilled an 800 foot well on the property and abandoned the spring as a water source. Devil’s Pool Resort operated as a resort and dude ranch throughout the fifties. When Table Rock came in, the resort became a popular destination for fishermen. A dock was built and fishing boats were supplied. Several area guides worked out of Devil’s Pool including Charlie Campbell, the well-known professional angler. The resort was operated under various owners until 1964.

After 1964, the beautiful Devil’s Pool area languished, mostly unused and neglected. Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shop, purchased the property in 1987. He extensively developed the area, restored the original homes and created Big Cedar Lodge. Today, this first-class resort attracts vacationers and anglers from across the country.

When Table Rock is at a low level, the remains of man’s efforts to “improve” Devil’s Pool can be seen as rubble at the lake’s surface. Spirit Pool still flows; sometimes surging, sometimes a trickle. There are reports of ghostly images seen on the property — perhaps a long lost Native American presence or perhaps Dorothy Worman seeking relief from her loneliness at Devil’s Pool.

Tom Koob is a local author who has written several books about Ozarks history.

His work is available on Amazon “new” books or by contacting him at: wolpublishing@gmail.com.

Resorts, Lodges & Rentals

Investing In Table Rock Lake

Edgewater Villa Resort

4+ Acres

950’ of Lake frontage

19 Turn-Key Units

Outdoor Pool

Gazebo

2 Resort Docks (28 slips)

Main residence

$4,500,000

Presented by Ann Ferguson

Keller Williams Tri-Lakes

714 State Hwy 248, Suite 10 Branson, MO 65616

Office Phone: 417-336-4999

Agent Phone: 417-830-0175

aferguson@aux-arcs.com

2006026316

Bar M Resort

13+ Acres

400’ of Lake Frontage

14 cabins

27 RV & Camping Sites

Outdoor Pool Boat Ramp Resort Dock (12 slips)

Main Residence

$4,200,000

Presented by Ann Ferguson

Keller Williams Tri-Lakes

714 State Hwy 248, Suite 10

Branson, MO 65616

Office Phone: 417-336-4999

Agent Phone: 417-830-0175

aferguson@aux-arcs.com

2006026316