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Historical Society of Pottawattamie County Member Journal
April 2002 Historical Society newsletter
Historical Society of Pottawattamie County Member Journal
December 2007 Historical Society newsletter.
Illinois Central Railroad Trestle
Photograph of the Illinois Central Railroad Trestle over Big Lake north of Council Bluffs
Big Lake postcard
Postcard of fishing in Big Lake
Big Lake
Aerial photograph of Big Lake
Drinking Fountain
Drinking Fountain...at Big Lake has been shut off the past two years due to corroded piping. A nearby spring water tap has been installed. Youngster pointing to Poet Longfellow's verse is Gary Aherns, 10, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Aherns of 2633…
Plan Dredging Of Big Lake; Now A Slough
Just A Puddle...with a lot of weeds is the view of Big Lake north of Council Bluffs. It used to be a favorite fishing spot for Bluffs' residents.
Starting The Dredge
Mechanics, welders and operators from Pentizien Inc. of Omaha swarmed over the city Parks Department's new dredge at Big Lake getting the equipment ready to operate. Gary Cross of the parks departments will be trained as operator of the huge…
Mud And Water
Mud And Water...pumped from the bottom of Big Lake spew from the end of the discharge line into a bed of rushes that will be filled to form new recreation area around the proposed 60-acre reclaimed lake. Both Parks Supt. Richard Hilligus and Dredge…
Big Lake Gets Bigger
With the 10-inch dredge now operating in its third season, Big Lake has been deepened by a minimum of eight feet over approximately 12 acres. water lilies give the dredge operators toruble by clogging the intake of the suction line.
Council Bluffs Changing Scene
This is how Big Lake appeared around 1930, when there was water in the other lake, boats for fishing, and fish to be caught. Always a popular spot for persons for picnic and get out-of-doors year round. Big Lake is on the north edge of the city…
Today
Today...the ups and downs of the Missouri River, plus a lower water table in the area, have turned Big Lake into a nearly dry hole. The area is mostly covered with weeds and willows, with a slight trickle of spring water running into the lake. The…
Council Bluffs Changing Scene
Council Bluffs Changing Scene: Back in the 1920's, Gilbert's pond at Big Lake was used as a municipal swimming pool. This was one of the city's most popular play areas. Note the high bluffs, east of the North Eighth Street road, in the background. …
Today
Today...Gilbert's pond is still a favored recreation spot, but only for fishermen. Like the two men at left, who soak up some sunshine while waiting for a fish to bite. note how the bluffs have changed. They have been cut away to furnish earth…
No Time to Be Lulled Into False Sense of Security; Stand-by Crews at Levees
At Trouble Spot on North Levee...army engineers are building a tie-back levee from the hill through Big Lake park and joining the main levee between the North western and Illinois Central railroad tracks.