November 2023 - Issue 12

Lost on the Lake TABLE ROCK LAKE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Thankful Hearts NOVEMBER 2023 ISSUE 12

INSIDE

FISHING - November Transitions RECIPE - The Rogue Chef ADVENTURE CAVE TOURS SEASONAL EVENTS

Adrianne Tucker

Dana Crowell

SVP, Mortgage Lender

VP, Mortgage Lender

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Roger Frieze

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Mortgage Lender NMLS #543805

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Inside contents IN EACH ISSUE - November 10 FISHING Transitions

Table Rock Lake fishing

FOCUS 26 FINANCIAL Financial advice from our resident Edward Jones agent - Grant Beasley

38 RECIPE The Rogue Chef shows us how to make an amazing dish

HISTORY 43 LAKE Read more about the his-

tory of TRL, by historian Tom Koob

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IN THIS ISSUE

16 LOCAL Adventure Cave Tours

-DAY TRIPPIN’ 22 EXPLORE Visit the Natural Bridge

EVENTS 29 LOCAL Seasonal Events

WILDLIFE 35 LOCAL Northern Cardinal

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Thank you to all of our partners!

Please consider them for your needs: Adventure Cave Tours AireServ of Branson Butterfly Palace Central Bank Edward Jones - Grant Beasley Health Markets - Nick Morris PMS Boat Sales Scout & Petal Table Rock Fishing Intel Talking Rocks Cavern US Tow Boat

GET UP CLOSE & PERSONAL

EDITORIAL:

Myra Thornton - hello@lostonthelake.us Eric Prey - www.focusedfishing.com Christal Valbracht - AireServ Jeff Woodward - The Rogue Chef Edward Jones Financial PMS Boat Sales-Premiere Marine Tom Koob - wolpublishing@gmail.com

Butterfly Aviary Emerald Forest Mirror Maze Banyan Tree Adventure 3D Butterfly Movie Living Rainforest Science Center Gift Shop

3 Day Wristband

PHOTOGRAPHY: Myra Thornton Eric Prey Tom Koobs

SALES: Bill Crosby - ads@lostonthelake.us

4106 W. HWY 76, BRANSON, MO

417-332-2231 www.thebutterflypalace.com

A thankful heart

a note from the editor

November is upon us. The trees are giving up on keeping their leaves and slowly I am letting go of summer...

Driving around the lake you begin to see more water through the trees and the view of our neighbors becomes more prevelant.

Seems that the cold came on fast and cozying up by the fire is in order.

I know how important the season change is for everything, including my mental state, but nothing quite reduces stress like being on the water. For now I am prepping for Thanksgiving, my first grandbaby and Christmas. That is good for my soul.

Take a moment to focus on the things you have to be thankful for, remember not everyone is in a place to celebrate. Keep your eyes and hearts open to the people in your life that might be struggling during this time.

Be happy~

W: www.lostonthelake.us E: hello@lostonthelake.us P: 417-363-3030

November Transitions

FISHING

on Table Rock

BY: ERIC PREY - TRL Fishing Guide

Back in the day anglers would discuss and debate the Fall Transition, as bass fisherman have become more advanced, we’ve realized that the seasonal transitions can be broken down further into the individual months of each season. What used to be “fish will move shallow in the fall as the water cools” has become “in October the threadfin shad will migrate into the creeks as water cools and fall rain brings fresh water and the bass will follow”. The movement and transition through each month are dictated by

water temperature and forage movement, to find bass consistently an angler must become adept at paying attention to both to find fish throughout a given season and month.

A tale of three species: As seasonal and monthly transitions take place all three of Table Rock’s black bass species react and move in different ways. Largemouth, Smallmouth and Spotted bass all use the same forage but where each species cont. on page 12

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FISHING

cont. on page 14

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hunts and feeds are different making it important to break down where and when to target each one.

Largemouth In general, Largemouth prefers shallow water habitat, while some can be caught in deep or over deep water, they prefer to feed in shallow murky water with an abundance of cover.

In November, as water temperatures drop into the low 60’s, Largemouth will be opportunistic feeders, feeding on shad, crawfish, bluegill, and even small bass, not necessarily following one type of forage but being ambush predators waiting for a meal to come to them versus trailing a school of shad for miles.

The key locations for finding feeding largemouth in November are shal-

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low areas near the ends of channel swings, the backs of creeks when fresh rainwater is coming in, shallow docks close to deep water, and shallow bluff or channel swing pockets.

The key to all these areas is cover, particularly wood cover that Largemouth can use as an ambush point and shade. Pay special attention to laydowns, brush piles and trees in the water in particular any shade that this cover produces.

A variety of lures are effective for Largemouth in November but moving lures used to cover water can be some of the best. Buzz baits, spinner baits, chatter baits and crankbaits are all excellent choices; when Largemouth are in an ambush mood these will all draw reaction strikes when into or around wood cover.

Jigs, shaky heads and weightless Sen-

FISHING

and wood cover for shade so rock and brush piles on flats and points are key areas. Wind and clouds are your friends when looking for Smallmouth in November. A flat point with wind crashing on it is very likely to have several Smallmouth up shallow chasing shad and other baitfish.

Some of the best options for Smallmouth in November are small swimbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and chatter baits on windy days, and jigs, tubes or shaky heads on calm sunny days. Natural shad colors on moving baits and green pumpkins or browns are best on jigs. If the wind is blowing on a point fish can be as shallow as a couple of feet deep chasing bait but if it’s calm and sunny they will be 10 feet deep or deeper holding close to the bottom looking for crawfish.

Spotted Bass kos are other good choices when the bite is tough; a slow thorough retrieve through and around the shade of cover is a top choice on tough days.

Smallmouth Much like their green cousins Smallmouth are very opportunistic during November, but unlike Largemouth they tend to move and hunt for crawfish and shad. Smallmouth will travel in small wolf packs ranging from less than five feet deep to over 25 feet deep depending on weather conditions. Rather than waiting for a school of shad to come to them, they will swim in search of forage and chase it down.

Key locations for Smallmouth in November are gravel and chunk rock points, channel swing ends, and rock piles.

While they are not necessarily looking to ambush forage, they will use rock

Not as big as Largemouth or as mean as Smallmouth, Spotted Bass can be the most fun to fish for in November because of the sheer number of fish.

In November Spots school up and feed almost exclusively on threadfin shad, they will follow big schools of shad and feed on them throughout the day. Generally, they will be out in deep water staying close to the shad and going on feeding binges when shad make a mistake.

Because Spots follow the bigger schools of shad they tend to be in bigger areas of the lake; main lake points, deep creek channels and bluff ends are all prime locations. The overall depth range can vary as the month progresses from 25’ to over 60’ deep depending on where the shad are located and current flow. Finding the larger schools of shad is the main obcont. on page 14

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jective when targeting Spotted Bass in November. Lake loons and gulls are your friends when hunting for shad, the loons migrate down from the upper Midwest and winter on Table Rock, their diet is almost entirely shad and can find shad as deep as 40’ deep when feeding. Seeing a group of loons on the surface is almost always an indication that shad are in the vicinity.

Vertical presentations are the most productive for Spotted Bass when they are feeding on deep shad; jigging spoons, jigging Raps, Jewel LS Spins and drop shot rigs are all great options for vertical fishing. Locating the fish around the shad on your electronics and drop a lure to them is all you need to do most of the time. Casting to the schools can be effective as well; small swimbaits and LS Spins are excellent choices when paired with forward facing sonar. Using your FFS to find the fish and the bait then making a cast to them is yet another way to target these deep fish.

After what seems like a never-ending summer of hot days and pleasure boat traffic the chill in the air of November is a welcome feeling to bass anglers on Table Rock Lake. If you’re not chasing deer in the woods, you can follow the transition through the month of the three sub-species of black bass on Table Rock and catch fish from shallow to deep depending on your preference.

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

FOR FISHING TIPS, VIDEOS & LAKE UPDATES JOIN HERE:

TABLE ROCK FISHING INTEL PRO MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES:

Daily, weekly and monthly fishing reports Exclusive video tips and content Detailed fishing maps by season Tournament Results and exclusive interviews with top finishers Pro Member discounts with local tackle stores and manufacturers Much More

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

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WWW.TABLEROCKFISHINGINTEL.COM

Adventure Cave Tours

J ust down the road in Branson West,

MO is a day full adventure waiting that is customizable just for YOU! Adventure Cave Tours is a local, family owned and operated sister business to Talking Rocks Cavern. We take a lot of pride in representing the Ozarks, as well as, preserving and sharing the history and ecosystem that we have here in Branson West.

The leaves have begun their annual change of colors making it the perfect time to spend some extra time in the natural beauty of the Ozarks. We

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get the pleasure of experiencing the changes of the seasons and all the beauty the Ozarks has to offer as we off-road on each tour.

Embark on a thrilling journey into the depths of the Earth with Adventure Caves, where we turn your wildest cave exploration dreams into reality.

Our premier guided wild cave tours are designed to cater to adventurers of all skill levels, providing an authentic spelunking experience like no other. You’ll begin and end your journey, by embarking on heart-pounding offroad jeep rides, adding an extra lay-

er of excitement to your exploration.

Our fully customized Jeep Gladiator has all the bells and whistles to ensure safety and fun!

We believe that everyone deserves the chance to experience the wonder of wild cave exploration. Our expert guides will lead you through winding passages, awe-inspiring chambers, and hidden nooks, ensuring an adventure that’s as exhilarating as it is accessible for every skill level of adventurer.

Our specialty lies in wild caves, offering you a unique opportunity to step off the beaten path and delve into the untouched beauty of underground landscapes. Marvel at stunning geological formations and the mysteries that time has carved into these hidden realms. Unlike show caves, such as Talking Rocks Cavern (that we get to peek into at the beginning of most tours), the caves we have the opportunity to explore at Adventure Cave cont on page 18

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Tours are without commercial lighting or walkways. You’ll explore each cave with only the light attached to your hard hat.

Adventure Caves isn’t just about caves – it’s a hub for unforgettable experiences and group activities.

Whether you’re seeking team-building adventures, family bonding, or an engaging outing for school and camp groups, we’ve got you covered. Our tailored programs ensure that every visit is an opportunity for growth, discovery, and lasting memories.

Words of Advice, you will encounter cool and muddy water so always bring a change of clothes!

To learn more, visit us at: www.adventurecave.com

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reason #400 why our

417-739-1600

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r boats have attitude

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Day

Trippin’

The Natural Bridge Clinton, Arkansas Approximately 2 1/2 hours away, located just north of Clinton Arkansas, you can find this geological wonder. Used In the 19th and early 20th century by loggers, this natural bridge has stood the test of time in these beautiful hills of the Ozarks.

The setting is breathtaking and vibrant, escpecially in the Spring and Fall. Even in the rain, the short stroll from the 150+ year old cabin was amazing. The rainy day created a perfect setting for photos!

Featuring two cabins, the entrance/gift shop and a museum, there is plenty to see before even venturing out into the wild.

Once outside, the path is well manicured, making it a safe visit for most. There are gentle steps and handrails throughout.

The walk is not very long and should be an easy venture for most able bodies.

The museum features tools and items from times past which are in great condition.

The history is awesome and you can take

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EXPLORE

your leisure viewing it all.

I highly recommend bringing a picnic in good weather and enjoy your step back in time!

If you are lucky, you might get to see the camels on the way in. They ran alongside our car which was fun and unusual to see. cont on page 24

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Another fun day in the Ozark Hills!

Natural Bridge 501-745-2357

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EXPLORE

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financial focus

What should you do with ‘side gig’ money?

As you know, the gig economy has been booming over the past several years. If you’re thinking of using your skills to take on a side gig, what should you do with the money you’ll make?

There’s no one right answer for everyone, and the decisions you make should be based on your individual situation. And of course, you may simply need the extra income to support your lifestyle and pay the bills. But if you already have your cash flow in good shape, and you have some freedom with your gig money, consider these suggestions: • Contribute more to your IRA. If you couldn’t afford to contribute the maximum amount to your IRA, you may find it easier to do so when you have additional money coming in from a side gig. For the 2023 tax year, you can put in up to $6,500 to a traditional or Roth IRA, or $7,500 if you’re 50 or older. (Starting in 2024, this extra $1,000 “catch-up” contribution amount may be indexed for inflation.) The amount you can contribute to a Roth IRA is reduced, and eventually eliminated, at certain income levels.

• Look for new investment opportunities. If you’re already maxing out your IRA, you might be able to find other investment possibilities for your side gig money. For example, if you have young children, perhaps you could use some of the money to invest in a 529 education savings plan. A 529 plan offers potential

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tax advantages and can be used for college, qualified trade school programs, and possibly some K-12 expenses. Please keep in mind that potential tax advantages will vary from state to state.

• Build an emergency fund. Life is full of unexpected events — and some can be quite expensive. What if you needed a major car repair or required a medical procedure that wasn’t totally covered by your health insurance? Would you have the cash available to pay these bills? If not, would you be forced to dip into your IRA or 401(k)? This might not be a good move, as it could incur taxes and penalties, and deprive you of resources you might eventually need for retirement. That’s why you might want to use your gig earnings to help fund an emergency fund containing several months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. To avoid being tempted to dip into your emergency fund, you may want to keep it separate from your daily spending accounts.

CONTACT: Grant Beasley

1 Lakeshore Drive Suite 1 PO BOX 1373 Kimberling City, MO 65686

417-739-5575

FINANCIAL

• Pay down debts. Most of us will always carry some debts, but we can usually find ways to include the bigger ones — mortgage, car payments and so on — into our monthly budgets. It’s often the smaller debt payments, frequently associated with high-interest-rate credit cards, that cause us the most trouble, in terms of affecting our cash flow. If you can use some of your side gig money to pay down these types of debts, you could possibly ease some of the financial stress you might be feeling. And instead of directing money to pay for things you purchased in the past, you could

use the funds to invest for your future.

As we’ve seen, your side gig money could open several promising windows of opportunity — so take a look through all of them.

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

Edward Jones, Member SIPC

Sarah

S C H R U N K REALTOR

cell: 402-949-0818 office: 417-272-5253 13367 Missouri Hwy 13, Suite B Kimberling City, MO 65686 SarahSchrunk@ReeceNichols.com

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U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Table Rock Project Office 4600 State Highway 165 Branson, Missouri 65616-8980

www.swl.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lakes/Table-Rock-Lake Phone: (501) 340-1950 28 - Lost on the Lake

Seasonal Events

Photos courtesy of Silver Dollar City

An Old Time Chr istmas Silver Dollar City Nov 4th - Dec 30th

Presented by Humana featuring: •

Over 6.5 million LED lights line nearly every board on the buildings

•

Holiday inspired foods throughout

•

Two Broadway-style productions

•

40 rides & attractions

•

8 story Christmas Tree

•

Rudolph’s Holly Jolly Parade

•

Visit with Kris Kringle

TM

Throughout the streets of The City you can view millions of LED Christmas lights offering a display of color all throughout the 1880’s theme park.

Enjoy the Joy On Town Square with an 8-sory Christmas Tree as the centerpiece and a Christmas Light Parade winding through The City.

Full calendar and additional details: www.silverdollarcity.com

Christmas Light

Silver Dollar City 5586 W 76 Country Boulevard Branson, MO 65616 Click for more Info 417-334-4191

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Home for the Holidays at Big Cedar Lodge Nov 6th - Dec 31st Activities Include*: • • • • • • • •

Thanksgiving Dining - Nov 23rd Christmas Dining - Dec 25th The Garden Chapel Christmas Eve Service Home for the Holidays - Self guided light tour Holiday Tram Ride Nature at Night on the Lost Canyon Cave & Nature Trail Home for the Holidays Ice Rink Craft Maker Events (Multiple options)

More Information:

Home for the Holidays - Big Cedar Lodge Big Cedar Lodge 190 Top of the Rock Road Ridgedale, MO 65739 (800)225-6343

*some activities for guests only

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Shepherd of the Hills

Nor th Pole Adventure

Nov 10th - Dec 30th Come celebrate the Holiday Season at The Shepherd of the Hills North Pole Adventure. Journey through thousands of Christmas lights, visit with Santa Claus join in on family acrivities and take a hayride.

The Christmas Light Hayride operates from 5pm to 9pm and you will visit extended portions of the farm.

This is sure to become a family tradition!

They recommend visiting early to enjoy some of the outdoor activities outside.

Shepherd of the Hills 5586 W 76 Country Boulevard Branson, MO 65616

You will find Santa in his workshop where you can purchase professional photos.

info@theshepherdofthehills.com 417-334-4191

Shepherd of the Hills - North Pole Adventure

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There is Always SOMETHING to be THANKFUL for!

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Finding insurance on your own can be RUFF ...

Let us do the digging FOR YOU!!

Nick Morris

Licensed Insurance Agent

Call (417) 231-3544 Medicare 34 - Lost on the Lake

Health

Life

Supplemental

Northern Cardinal The Northern Cardinal, also known as the redbird, is one of the most recognizable birds in Southern Missouri. You can see the male cardinal from far away due to its magnificant red color. His entire body is a bright red color with a black band around his beak. He showcases a red crown on his head that comes to a point drawing even more attention. The female is muted shades of brown and red with the same crown atop her head.

While they spend much of their time perched in trees, they also forage along the ground for insect, berries, seeds and fruit.

You will primarily find them in the wooded areas, parks and yards. The females build their nests hidden in bushes and thick trees to keep them safe. The nests are cup shaped and constructed with twigs, vines, bark and lined with grasses and

hair. These birds are a favorite among bird watchers, often visiting yard bird feeders. They seem to favor sunflower seeds.

Young birds have dark beaks, while the adults ranges from orange to reddish. The youngsters are also typically duller in co-

cont on page 36

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LOCAL WILDLIFE lor with much less red.

Both males and females have songs with slurred whistles that trill up and down.

The male will sing to defend his nesting territory and will attack birds that intrude on his space. He can also be seen attacking his own reflection in windows.

Females will sing mostly in the spring before starting to nest.

Breeding usually produces 2-5 eggs and the female will breed 2-3 times a year.

The eggs are a very pale blue or green with a variety of speckles. Female cardinals will incubate the eggs for approxi-

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mately 13 days and then both parents will feed the nestlings. Once they become fledglings the male may take over the feedings so the female can begin preparing another nest for the next brood. The babies can leave the nest within 9-11 days.

Resources: https://www.audubon.org https://mdc.mo.gov

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Favorite Recipes with The Rogue Chef

Pumpkin Spice Blondie Cheesecake with Pecan Caramel Topping Yield: 16 Time: 45-60 mins

Ingredients for Pumpkin Spice Blondie ● 1 Can Pumpkin ● 1 T Pumpkin Spice ● 1 C Butter, melted ● 2 C Dark Brown Sugar, packed ● 2 Eggs ● 2 tsp Vanilla Extract ● 1 ¾ C AP Flour ● ½ tsp Baking Powder ● ½ tsp Salt

Ingredients for Cheesecake ● 16 oz Cream Cheese ● ½ C Sugar ● 1 T Vanilla ● 3 Eggs

Ingredients for Pecan Topping ● 3 T Butter ● 1 C Dark Brown Sugar ● 3 T Agave Syrup ● 1 C Chopped Pecans ● ½ C Heavy Cream

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 325º and spray a 8×8 pan with cooking spray or coat with butter.

2. Mix melted butter and brown sugar in

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a large mixing bowl.

3. Add eggs, pumpkin purée, and vanilla.

Stir vigorously until smooth.

4. Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well incorporated.

5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth out.

6. Combine cream cheese and sugar in a mixer until smooth, scraping sides occasionally.

7. Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time.

Blend until smooth and pour over pumpkin batter.

8. Bake at 325º for 45 minutes or until golden and toothpick comes out mostly clean.

9. Allow to cool completely, then cut into squares or circle shapes.

10. Add butter, brown sugar, pecans, and agave syrup to a saucepan and cook on medium heat for approximately 10 mins, until bubbling and thickened.

11. Stir in heavy cream and cook for approximately 2 more minutes.

12. Pour over cut desserts.

Go Rogue by adding Marshmallow Fluff and toasting it with a torch, then adding Pecan Caramel.

If you’d like Chef Jeff to make this treat for your or any other meal, contact him at www.TheRogueChefBranson.com.

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On Table Rock Lake CABINS POOL

BOATS

DOCK

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417-338-2548

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1043 Jakes Creek Trail, Branson MO

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> edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

The market is always changing.

No matter how much things change, I'll be there for you Markets, interest rates and life’s priorities may change, but our relationship and my commitment to helping you achieve your goals won’t. I’ll make sure I’m with you every step of the way by: • Providing regular reviews and updates • Identifying timely risks and opportunities • Helping you keep your emotions in check during market volatility • Helping you prepare for the unexpected

Our process? We listen. Really listen. Stop by.

Grant Beasley

Financial Advisor 1 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 1 PO Box 1373 Kimberling City, MO 65686 417-739-5575 MKT-16921-A AECSPAD 20320588

What Lies Beneath..

Stories About What Is Buried By Table Rock Lake © Tom Koob 2023 photos courtesy of Tom Koob

For millennia, the White River careened through the verdant hills of southern Missouri and northern Arkansas. It carved a sinuous path scouring deep pools, flowing over rocky shoals and rushing past towering bluffs. At some places, the river could be forded on foot or by wagon. At others, split-log ferries transported people, livestock and goods across the fastpaced current. Eventually, concrete and

Ta

ock ble R

Dam

un

ons der c

truct

steel bridges were constructed at major roads crossing the stream. But when the rains came, the White would rise up and inundate the valley, scouring away everything in its path.

Frequent devastating floods prompted the Federal government to pass the Flood Control Act of 1941 that authorized the construction of dams on the White, in-

ion

Dam

ed topp

in 19

57 cont on 44

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cluding Table Rock Dam, for “flood control and hydroelectric power, and other beneficial water uses”. World War II, the Korean conflict and the Corps of Engineers decision to build Bull Shoals first delayed the construction of Table Rock. But by 1954 the Morrison-Knudsen Company and the Utah Construction Company began the process of building Table Rock, which would forever modify seventy-five miles of the White River’s course.

The original site for the dam was at “Table Rock”, a unique rock formation at what is today a scenic view on Highway 165. The location for the dam was moved upstream about a mile where the geologic conditions were preferable. Land was purchased outright or through eminent domain across the valley floor up to elevation 936 feet. The homes, farms, cemeteries, roads and bridges along the White’s course would soon be buried beneath a massive reservoir.

Work on the dam began in 1954. The dam site was excavated across the valley floor.

In addition to several construction buildings, a refrigeration and concrete mixing plant were erected on the south bluff.

Cable-way towers were raised on both sides of the valley. A massive conveyor system was built from Baird Mountain to transport crushed rock for the project.

On the north end of the dam, a rock and dirt embankment was raised by trucking in thousands of loads of fill. On the south end, a five-foot notch was blasted into the bluff wall to act as an anchor for the dam. Table Rock Dam was poured in sections called monoliths. Aggregate rock of various sizes quarried from Baird Mountain was conveyed to the dam site and run through tanks to be cooled with 37°F water. It was then transferred to insulated bins at the mixing plant. Rock, sand, 44 - Lost on the Lake

cement and flake ice were combined in 4-cubic yard mixers.

After mixing, the concrete was placed in 8-cubic yard buckets sitting on a railway car and moved to the traveling cable-way tower on the south side. The buckets were attached to the cable and moved to the proper location above the dam. When positioned properly, the concrete was poured into the monolith forms. Most of the concrete was not reinforced except around openings in the dam structure. Slowly, the huge barrier rose above the river bed.

In addition to the work on the dam, a power plant and switchyard were constructed simultaneously on the north, downstream side. On the Taneycomo side of the river, a stilling basin was created. The river bed and walls below the dam were reinforced with concrete to avoid erosion. Several concrete baffle blocks were placed in the stilling basin to break up the flow of water passing through the dam.

Water passing through the four conduits at the base of the dam flows at 90 miles per hour when the conduit gates are fully open. Water can also flow through the generator penstocks and the spillway/ floodgate combination. Water flowing through Table Rock Dam’s penstocks and out through the draft tubes enters Taneycomo at a temperature of about 45°F year-round.

In 1957, torrential rains caused the lake bed to fill prematurely and the incomplete dam was topped. Water poured through a large V-shaped notch in the dam, threatening its integrity. The lake partially filled again in 1958, but the water was released in both cases and the dam was completed in 1958.

Table Rock Dam created a modified environment. What had previously been

LAKE HISTORY

Baffle blocks below dam

a somewhat isolated region along the White River was thrust into a new world of modern conveniences, transportation and communications. New bridges were built spanning the lake at Long Creek, the Kimberling Crossing, Cape Fair, Eagle Rock, and Shell Knob (the Central Crossing Bridge was added late in the project).

Smaller bridges were constructed on the tributaries. The Y-bridge at Galena, the low bridge at Enon and the “little golden gate bridge” at Beaver would continue to handle traffic across the upper ends of the new lake. Old roads were re-routed and new ones paved the way across and around the 45,000 acres of water backed up behind Table Rock Dam. The Table Rock Project had been a dream of area residents, local politicians, speculators and sportsmen for decades.

When finally completed, it was a shining example of what could be accomplished by man working with nature. Table Rock Lake was destined to become one of the

Photo Courtesy of Tom Koob

best fishing lakes in the country and one of the most popular vacation destinations. Flooding in the White River Valley was controlled. Hydroelectric power was being generated for a growing area. Table Rock Lake would become a driving force behind the economic boom that developed in this area of the Ozarks.

But the lifestyle and culture of this Ozarks region would be forever changed. Some things were gained and some things were lost. A simple, rural way of life was slipping away. Many would benefit from the economic and cultural changes brought on by Table Rock, but many would also regret the loss of a bucolic existence, now forever buried by Table Rock Lake.

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.

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A FUN AND EVER CHANGING LITTLE FLOWER SHOP

For a your floral needs

WEDDINGS ~ BIRTHDAYS ~ ANNIVERSARIES ~ GET WELL WISHES ~ SYMPATHY

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