The Ipswich Historical Society is sharing articles written by IHS students. The students visited the museum, researched and wrote about events, people and businesses in the community.
The Building of Parmley Lake
by Tyler Tran
I chose the building of Parmley Lake as my topic because it seemed like it would have been a very compelling topic to research and learn about. Many of us drive past this lake without giving it a second thought about why it was made or how it benefited us.
As I researched this topic I found some captivating information that will hopefully make you look at Parmley Lake a different way. I discovered that Parmley Lake, which is also known as Mina Lake, has a very interesting past. According to a 2012 article in the Aberdeen American News, Parmley Lake has been here since the Great Depression. That same article said that the construction of Parmley Lake was on September 5, 1933, and it was supposed to aid us during the Dust Bowl days. This was astonishing to me as Parmley Lake helped us during a crucial time in history. I can only imagine how life would have been altered if this lake was never built.
Some other intriguing information I found was the lake itself was originally named after J.W. Parmley, who was a pioneer and considered the Father of the Yellowstone Trail according to the Official Ipswich City website. According to the same website, Parmley Lake is now within the Mina Lake Recreation Area. J.W. was a good man who did much in his life, which is why he was most likely the one who was named after this lake. He did a plentiful amount of things in his life that still benefits many to this day.
Along with the benefits Parmley Lake had during the Great Depression, I also gathered some information about how it now is known for camping, boating, fishing, and hiking according to the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks. Another thing I uncovered was that Parmley Lake holds about 7,285 acres of water, and reaching around a maximum 8 meters deep, according to the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources. According to the same website, Parmley Lake is home to many animals such as catfish, carp, bass, and many others.
Overall, this is a topic I don’t regret choosing, I have learned an abundant of information by researching. I hope that others can realize just how great Parmley Lake was and still is. From helping us in the Great Depression to a place where you can now live and see wonderful things, it is something that is truthfully a thing to reminisce about.
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