This cache is tricky. Leave no stone unturned.
The History of Diamond Lake and why it was built:
In 1950, a fire threatened nearly one third of Montezuma's business area as the last of the fire was put out; the last gallon of water was drained from the city well. Shortly thereafter, a movement for the Diamond Lake reservoir began.
When Montezuma was founded, they had plenty of water from natural springs and creeks. As the city grew; those sources of water simply could not keep up. As modernization, indoor plumbing, washing machines and lawn watering came to Montezuma; it soon was apparent to the city fathers that an alternate water source was going to be required.
They soon began their search for city water. A city well was dug after several futile attempts at a depth of over 400 feet. there was plenty of water at this depth, but it was of poor quality. Water hardness ranged from 1700 to 2500 ppm and on many people it had the effect of a mild dose of Epsom salts. The Iowa Board of Health ruled the water often unfit for human consumption because of the high mineral content.
After World War II, everyone wanted air conditioning and automatic washers. Progress was putting a definite strain on the town's water supply and when the fire hit in 1950, it was apparent that the well was not going to be adequate.
One day Mayor F.R.Brownell stopped at the post office and encountered a man who took the opportunity to complain about the city water. He let the mayor know that he was tired of taking a bath and feeling worse than when he started and that it often took more soap then water to do the laundry and it still turned out gray. He suggested that the town build a reservoir and proceeded to take the mayor out to just the right spot.
Now the mayor was an avid fisherman and although the real problem was a good water supply, a nice fishing lake wouldn't be bad either. within a week an engineering firm had been contacted.
Although the costs of such a project were projected at $100 per person or $150,000, the mayor continued his quest. A bond issue had to be passed and to sell the idea to the citizens he first went to the local women's clubs. He advocated the advantages of plenty of soft water for bathing, washing and cleaning. His plan was successful and several women took it upon themselves to canvass their neighborhoods and make sure that everyone got to the polls.
Before the election, though, another fire erupted, threatening the town's business section. Again, the water supply lasted only a few minutes longer then the fire. Needless to say the bond issue was approved and Diamond Lake was built soon after (1953).
Diamond Lake contains 250 million gallons when full, more then enough for three years' supply. It has also become a beautiful recreational area.
Today, Mr.F.R. Brownell would like the fact that fishing is popular at the lake, with an excellent population of bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegills. Today the Poweshiek County Conservation Board staff continues to manage the fisheries of Diamond Lake with the help of the Iowa DNR Fisheries Section.
Diamond Lake also boasts of fantastic camping facilities, scenic picnic and shelter areas, a great trail system, as well as, sites for environmental education programs for schools.
Once called "Brownell's Folly", Diamond Lake is a true community asset and county treasure. It is a true product of citizen input and elected official's output!