Reflections of Jimmerson Lake
Pontoon tour of Jimmerson Lake On the Lake
Starting Point at the Dam
Original dam started construction soon after 1837, it was 14 ft. high, had two gates and flumes, one on the each end of the north and south side. The south gate was used to regulate water going over the dam. Industries were (in no certain order) Woolen Mill, Grist Mill, Planing Mill, Saw Mill, Cider Mill, Blacksmith, Distillery and Hydroelectric Plant. The Grist Mill remained in operations until the 1930s when it was sold to Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) that used it for the hydroelectric plant until the 1940s. At that time, it was sold to the State DNR, and it was revamped for flood control of the upper lakes; the lake level today is a result of this newer dam. In 2007, the State re-worked the dam to its present state. Basically, they reinforced it to prevent erosion and the under mining of the flumes. The south flume was removed; there is no level control its purpose is to maintain the Lake James- chain levels. Describe the picture or give more information.
the Pond
If you look, you can still see the stumps of some of the trees used to build the original dam. Before the first dam this would have looked similar to what the bottom of the dam looks today. Describe the picture or give more information.
the Schoolhouse
The present School building is the 3rd school house built at Nevada Mills; the original one was about ¼ mile down Bachelor Rd. It was small wood frame building. The second school house was next to the present building and was a proper school house. Then in 1879, the present brick building was built using bricks from the Brick Factory that was on the north side of the mill pond. It was in use until 1945. he picture or give more information.
the United Methodist Church
Established in 1872; early services were held in the school houses. Construction began in 1891, and the building was dedicated in 1892. It was built on the site of a one of the former blacksmith shops known as the "Cooper Shop" because barrel staves were made there. Of all the business and industries, the Church is the only remaining active organization in Nevada Mills
House on S.W. Corner
Circa 1850, although the deed shows 1945. Earnest Neutz Home, then Mungers. The house has been added onto several times; the current owners renovated the house 2 years ago.
House on N.E. Corner
Circa 1870, was moved there by the Farvers in 1940s from across the street when the state took over and revamp the dam. It is the former Fred Terry's home; they were the owners of the Terry Store that sat just north of the dam. There is an old turbine sitting on the corner of the lot.
As Departing the Mill Pond
Up to the 1930s and 40s, before the state took over the dam, on a trip upstream on Crooked Creek from the mill pond to Jimmerson lake one would only pass 2 or 3 small cottages. Today's trip will highlight features of that time as relayed by Lynn Munger in his book "The History of Nevada Mills." Today the creek is considered a channel that is part of Jimmerson Lake; the trip is still a pleasant meandering ride past many open spaces. Much of the wetlands along the way on the shore lines are part of the Jimmerson Lake Wetland Conservation Area.
Terry's Cove
The Inlet to the north, the land had been owned by Raymond Terry, who was Fred Terry's brother. At the north end, it headed west encircling a high ground peninsula. It where the Brick Mill (Factory) was located. The cove was a popular spot for spearing bass.
Upper Dam
This was where the temporary dam was built to hold back the water while the main dam was being built. Up to the 40s, you could still see some of its post. Mr. Munger claims if you know where to look you can still find them.
Old Ford
This narrow part was known as the Old Ford, that's knowledge handed down from Gene Roger, whose family farm was on the south side. Before the dam went in, it was a good place for horses and wagons to cross.
Higgin's Cove
Inlet to north was good for blue gill. (We're not saying how the fishing is there today.) It is surrounded by Riemke's Farm (now the Taylor farm), which at one time stretched all the way around to the main lake.
Bennits's Shack
(no longer standing) Used by the locals for night fishing. They would spear, net or even set a trot-line for bullhead catfish, and then they would go into the shack and wait.
the Flats
The larger expanse of water and surrounding terrain was called the flats. Up to this point and further up to and around the lake, most of the shoreline has a significant slope. The Mobile Home Park is sitting on relatively flat land in comparison. The water in the inlet was fairly shallow and flat, supposedly a good place for perch.
Riemke Cottage
On N.E. shore is the remains of an old frame cottage. Riemke rented it out occasionally, and in the early days, he had visions of opening a restaurant there; it had a sign out front, "Poplar Point." After his death, the cottage was allowed to fall into ruins. Today all that is left is the chimney stack and some of the foundation, barely visible through the foliage. And contrary to what some may claim, it was not burnt down in an Indian raid.
Collinswood
Was Paul Collins property, which was part of a 350-acre farm owned by Ernie Neutz in the early 1900s. The story is Mr. Neutz tried to sell 100-ft. lake front lots for $50, but didn't get many, if any takers at the time.
Martin Lake
There was only one cottage that sat on the east shore, a family from Chicago named Liske. Martin Lake was the favored ice-fishing spot for perch.
Webb Lake
There was a large channel that separated Martin from Webb Lake. Webb was a deeper lake and was famous for large pike. The high ground on the east side was owned by George Webb, hence the name of the lake. The property was sold to a Mr. Bicker, who raised dogs; one could not pass by without setting off a chorus of many dogs barking.
Entering Jimmerson
This marks the boundary of the Jimmerson Wetlands Conservation Area. This is also where Lynn Munger's description ends, other than to note that there was a sunken island in the middle of the lake towards the west end, where the water was only waist deep.
Today Jimmerson is still a fairly shallow lake with much the areas along the shore only 5 to 6 feet deep and many stumps, these areas would have been marsh land prior to the dam being built. There are deeper spots, most 20 - 35 feet deep, with deepest being close to 60 feet; these areas most likely were glacier ponds prior to the dam.
Up until the late 1960s & early 1970s, there were no structures on the South and West shores between the Jimmerson Shores Mobile Home Park (sits on the west shore between The Flats and Martin Lake) and the Schroeder's Mobile Homes (on the far S.E. Shore).
On The LAKE