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History of Lake Tywappity

The movement to build the Lake was originated by the Chaffee Signal Newspaper in 1955

The Lake opened May 29, 1960

Sign at Tywappity Lake 2004

Summer 2003
More Lake Photos .....

Remember the Concession Stand at the Lake?

Brochure (Missouri Conservation Department)

Click here for a Tour of Tywappity Trail

 

From Page 1 ... The Chaffee Signal July 19, 1956   

LAKE TO BE BUILT

NEAR CHAFFEE

The Lake program which was initiated by the Chaffee Signal's Fishing Editor, Karl von Kessel, over a year ago, is rapidly becoming cleared through the State Conservation Commission.

A mass meeting will be held at the Court House in Benton on Wednesday, Aug. 31, at 7:30 p.m., at which time J. Warren Smith, Chief of the Development Section of the Conservation Commission, will be present to explain the details of the Commission's Small Lake program.

The lake is nearing a reality through the constant efforts of Richard Steimle of Chaffee, who has been in continuous touch with the Commission.  He was also instrumental in picking two sites and getting them surveyed by Commission engineers.

The lake site approved is located on the Montgomery and Siebert farm one mile northeast of Chaffee.  The land which must be purchased for water shed, dam and lake will be approximately 105.5 acres.  The lake proper will cover 36.6 acres.

The meeting at Benton will be presided over by Steve Barton, Benton attorney, at which time a permanent organization will be perfected.  There are of course many details to be worked out, and it is hoped that all who are interested in this project will attend the Benton meeting.  It was pointed out that the lake is not being promoted exclusively for Chaffee people, but for all the people of Scott County.

 

From Page 1 ... The Chaffee Signal Oct 25, 1956   

TO START DRIVE FOR FUNDS

FOR SCOTT COUNTY LAKE

Preliminary plans for the raising of funds for the purpose of purchasing land for the Scott County lake are rapidly being completed.  The lake committee has had several meetings and plans have been made for an all-out drive to secure Chaffee's share of the necessary $6,800.00, which the land will cost.

Richard Steimle has agreed to be the secretary of the Chaffee Committee, and Fred Thornton will be the treasurer.

The week of Saturday, October 27 to Saturday, Nov 3 has been selected as "Scott County Week," and Mayor Spencer has issued a proclamation to this effect.

The workers will work in pairs and every Chaffee citizen will be contacted.  It has been pointed out that the success of this drive depends on how much the people of Chaffee desire to have a large lake one mile from the city limits and their willingness and ability to give to the project.

Mayor Spencer is strongly in favor of the lake program, as is evidenced by his personal gift of $25.00.  The Mayor has the honor of being the first donor to the project.

Indications are that a goodly sum will be raised in Chaffee, as a large number of people have shown much interest in the project.

 

From Page 1 ... The Chaffee Signal Oct 25, 1956   

 

PROCLAMATION:

WHEREAS, a movement is in progress by a group of Chaffee citizens to raise funds for the purpose of purchasing land upon which to build a lake for Scott County, and

WHEREAS, said lake will be located one mile northeast of Chaffee, and

WHEREAS, this lake will greatly add to the recreational facilities available to Chaffee citizens for years to come, and

WHEREAS, the drive for funds in Chaffee will begin Saturday, October 27th, I hereby proclaim the week of

October 27 to November 3rd

SCOTT COUNTY LAKE WEEK

I urge all citizens to support this worthwhile cause to the best of their ability

Respectfully,

Wm. Spencer,

Mayor, City of Chaffee

 

From  ... The Chaffee Signal October, 1958   

TYWAPPITY LAKE STOCKED

WITH BIG SUPPLY OF FISH

Stocked in Lake Tywappity here last Saturday were 3,800 largemouth bass, 18,500 bluegill and 50 channel catfish.  This completes the stocking program at the lake for this year.

Tywappity Lake, which was originated by the Chaffee Signal, is now completed.  The lake represents an investment of approximately $50,000, $10,000 of which was raised in a drive in Scott County.  Of this amount, $6,800 was used for the purchase of 125 acres of land.  The lake proper covers 37 acres.

The Scott County Lake Association installed two cattle guards in a road leading up to the lake.

There is approximately $2,000 remaining in the lake association treasury.

The Scott County Highway Department is at this time widening and resurfacing the road from the Chaffee city limits up to the lake.  The lake will officially open for fishing in May of 1960.

Karl von Kessel and Richard Steimle have spearheaded the lake program.  It is thought by many that this is one of the finest additions to the city of Chaffee in many years.  The lake is expected to attract many out of town people, as well as provide fun and recreation for Chaffee people.

 

From Page 1 ... The Chaffee Signal March 3, 1960   

PLANS FOR OPENING

LAKE TYWAPPITY

Conservation Commission officials met with representatives of the Chaffee Chamber of Commerce and the Scott County Lake Association Thursday evening at the City Hall to discuss plans for the opening of Lake Tywappity.

The Commission was represented by Al Hoskins of the public relations department, Jess Tarter, supervisor of agents, and Wayne Adams, educational advisor.  Karl von Kessel represented the Scott County Lake Association.

The Chaffee Chamber of Commerce was represented by its president, Joe Perry Rice, Clyde Stubbs, John Nickens and Jack Burnett.

Mr. Hopkins announced that the official opening day of the lake would be May 29.  This day was selected for the dedication ceremonies, which will be held at the lake.

Plans were discussed for a Fishing Rodeo, Lady of the Lake Contest and Celebration in connection with the opening of the lake.

Lake Tywappity is a community lake, built under the Small Lake Program of the Conservation Commission.  It will be open to the public after May 19.

The lake was originated by the Chaffee Signal, local weekly newspaper, in 1955, and an organization was formed to purchase the land where the lake is located.  The land was then deeded to the Conservation Commission, who built the dam and will supervise operation of the lake.

Lake Tywappity covers 37 acres, is almost a mile long, and the Conservation Commission owns all of the land surrounding the lake.  It is located one mile east of Chaffee on the Lake Road.

 

 

We hope to locate a better photo to display of the early construction of the lake.

  
       

 

 

From Page 1 ... The Chaffee Signal May 26, 1960     

5 - YEAR DREAM TO BE

REALIZED WITH LAKE OPENING

After five years of hard work, a dream of many people has been realized - the opening of Lake Tywappity, which will be dedicated next Sunday, May 29, at 2 p.m.  The 1 - mile long lake located one mile east of Chafee, will be ready Sunday for anglers and picnickers alike.  Fishing will officially start at 12:01, Sunday, May 29.

The lake is heavily stocked with big-mouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish.  With three and one-half miles of shoreline, there will be ample fishing room for everyone.  The Chaffee Chamber of Commerce and the Harmon Furniture Company are placing prize fish in the lake, one of which will be worth $100.00, one worth $50.00 and five worth $10.00 each to some lucky fishermen.

The picnic area offers a fine view of the lake and has picnic tables available free.

The free public fishing lake was originated by the Chaffee Signal on June 20, 1955, and became a reality through the cooperation of citizens of Chaffee and surrounding communities.  People in  the various communities donated money toward the purchase of approximately 125 acres of land.  This land was then deeded to the State Conservation Commission, who regulate the operation of the lake.

In the beginning, Karl von Kessel and Richard Steimle of Chaffee started work on the formation of an association, of which Steve Barton of Benton was elected president.  This organization, known as the Scott County Lake Association, besides Mr. Barton, has the following officers and members of the executive board: Karl von Kessel, Chairman; Richard Steimle, secretary; Walter Uelsman, Illmo, treasurer, Marvin Meier, Illmo, Mae McGahey, Sikeston, Paul Crader, Oran, and Cletus Kluesner, New Hamberg.

The lake also boasts a large shelter where rental boats are available.  there is also a concession stand on the lake.

 

From The Chaffee Signal June 2, 1960     

HUGE CROWDS AT OPENING

OF

LAKE TYWAPPITY

A crowd estimated at 3,000 people was on hand for the opening of Lake Tywappity at midnight Saturday when fishing officially opened at the lake.  Fishermen from far and near continued to speed to the lake all day Sunday and Monday, and on Tuesday scores of anglers were wending their way to the lake.

At midnight Saturday, approximately 3,000 fishermen stood poised with fishing rods in their hands.  There was barely leg room between the boats setting on the bank waiting to be shoved into the water.  Conservation Agent Bob Hubbard of Sikeston blew the siren on his automobile exactly at 12 midnight and the anglers then "exploded" into action.  In their eagerness to get started, several fishermen fell into the water.

Mrs. Clarence Hindman let out a shriek as she caught the first fish, within 30 seconds after the starting signal   The scene was comparable to an invasion as the many craft rushed to the fishing waters.  Jess Tarter, Chief conservation agent, remarked that there was no danger of anyone falling from his boat into the water, as he surely would fall into another boat.

Boats were at a premium and every type could be seen on the water, from a bath tub, which Jim Cathcart and Elston Rupert were using, to a sport runabout cruiser.  Fishermen were not disappointed.  Thousands of fish were carried from the lake throughout Sunday.

Robert Moore of Chaffee and an angler from Illmo caught the largest fish during the following 24 hours.  Each caught a 3-pound 8-ounce largemouth bass.

Traffic was snarled on the roads and Sheriff John Dennis and the Chaffee Auxiliary Police fought to keep the traffic moving.  Many were blocked into the area and cars were parked at every angle on the premises.  Cars were abandoned by motorists in their eagerness to get their hooks into the water.  A spirit of good fellowship and friendliness abounded, however.

DEDICATION CEREMONIES

Dedication ceremonies began promptly at 2 p.m. Sunday with the dedicatory prayer being given by the Rev. Ralph Taylor, pastor of the Chaffee Christian Church.  In the absence of Steve Barton, president of the Scott County Lake Association, Karl von Kessel, chairman of the executive board, acted as master of ceremonies.  Mr. Kessel introduced the members of the executive board, who in turn introduced the Mayors of their towns.   Cletus Kluesner introduced Mayor Felker of Sikeston; Richard Steimle, secretary, introduced mayor Hart of Chaffee, and Walter Uelsman, treasurer, introduced Mayor Hood of Illmo.  Paul Crader of Oran and Marvin Meier, members of the executive board, were also introduced.

Al Hoskins of the State Conservation Commission gave the dedicatory address, and Chief Conservation Agent Jess Tarter spoke briefly on the rules regulating the lake.

Many people were present Sunday and Monday with their children and took advantage of the facilities for picnicking and an outing.  All were loud in their praise of the beauty of the resort and its nearness to Chaffee, adding that it would add much to this city's economic life in the days ahead.

Much credit was given the officers of the lake association for their work in creating the lake and all those who gave money toward the purchase of the land for it, as well as for their time and effort.

 

From The Chaffee Signal July 28, 1960     

LAKE TYWAPPITY

PROVEN TO BE

POPULAR RESORT

Lake Tywappity originated by the Chaffee Signal in 1955, has now been opened two months.  The lake has been visited by thousands of people, who have enjoyed fishing, picnicking, boat riding, the scenery, and the many other attractions the lake has to offer.

Continuous progress is being made looking to the improvement of the facilities.

The Scott County Lake Association ha expressed thanks to all those who contributed during the preparation for and after the very busy and exciting opening.  They especially expressed thanks for Sheriff John Dennis and his deputies and to the Chaffee Auxiliary Police, who spend a day and night at the lake controlling the traffic and policing the lake property.

Since the opening, Sheriff Dennis has contributed benches for use in the shelter to add to the comfort of those who like to sit and enjoy the scenery and activities about the lake.

Mayor Leonard Hart, Street Commissioner, J.R. Stephens and Leslie Hampton were also thanked for their efforts in making the road passable following the first invasion of automobiles.  Mr. Hampton also graded the boat ramp before the opening to make it possible for fishermen to get their boats in and out of the lake.

Lake Tywappity has given up many thousands of fish during its first 60 days, the largest of which was a 4-lb. 2 oz. bass.  Many local people who have never fished before have become ardent anglers.  Fishing tackle sales have boomed as a result of the lake.

People from St. Louis, Crystal City, and Festus to the North and from Blytheville, Arkansas to the south have spent their vacations fishing at Scott County's new lake.  The usual comment heard from people visiting the lake is that is this one of the finest additions to Scott County's recreation facilities in years,  As the years go by the lake will grow in beauty and prove more attractive to the general public.

The Chaffee Signal and its staff are proud to have initiated this fine project and to have seen it though to its present status.

 

     
       

Chaffee Historical Society
P.O. Box 185
Chaffee, Missouri  65740