Tales, anecdotes and facts about everything covered by water when Table Rock Lake Dam impounded the White River of the southwestern Missouri Ozarks. The book includes many interviews with people who lived in the White River valley before the lake. Many interesting historical photos highlight the various stories and chapters. Chapters cover towns and settlements, archaeological sites, farms, homesteads and cemeteries, natural features, fords, ferries and camps, roads, bridges and railroads and diving sites.
I was surprised how most of the people's first hand account were against the lake being made. I was also surprised to read over and over how the people thought the river fish tasted better than the lake fish. It was also interesting how history repeats itself. A lot of these people had to find new ways of supporting themselves after the lake went in. Just like now. Certain kinds of jobs are not needed any more so people have to learn a new trade.
This book is well assembled, but will have a limited audience. If you are very interested in southwest Missouri, its geography and history, then you will appreciate this book. It is a collection of stories, anecdotes and facts about the area covered by Table Rock Lake.
I enjoyed this book very much, but admittedly have a fondness for Table Rock Lake that goes back to the 1960's. The history of the development of the lake and what was there before it was very interesting.
Great collection of stories and anecdotes from the Ozark people who lived on the land around and even under what is now Table Rock Lake by Branson, MO. Interesting history and study of the effects and impact of damming a river.
Being a 5th generation native of the Ozarks and currently living on Tablerock Lake, I enjoyed the interesting history of the small towns and communities that were flooded when the lake was built.
This is a great mini history book for anyone who wants to know more about the lands and people that came before Table Rock Lake, located in SW Missouri and NW Arkansas. Since I live here, it is extremely interesting to me.
I don't think Mr. Koob covered all of the towns and settlements that were buried over by the filling of Table Rock Lake, but he gives lots of the areas that were buried.
The author covers the rivers, the jobs, the farmlands, the family histories, and lots of other interesting facts.