Lake History & Facts

HISTORY OF POWERS LAKE TIMELINE

OUR BEGINNINGS

"The joy of spending childhood time near a lake is a precious legacy."

QUOTING DEE WELLS, AUTHOR

Founding families settling in the Powers Lake area in the 1830’s cherished this legacy, enduring arduous road trips by covered wagons in order to indulge in the joys offered by lakeshore life. We have so many to thank for establishing a solid historical foundation upon which today’s good living and activities are based. Let us hope that we can continue to preserve and respect the beauty of our area so that future lake lovers will consider us with the same reverence we owe our settlers.

THE EARLY YEARS

Originally called Lakeville and then Nippersink, Powers Lake was named after James B. Powers, one of its early settlers, convivial neighbor, and one of our first postmasters. The farming community appreciated our fertile Wisconsin soil and access to a water supply. Our natural resources were especially conducive to wheat growing, but in the 1870’s The Chicago Railway sent three trains a day from Chicago, expanding the agricultural opportunities for the resale of oats, corn and hay.

Recreational activities garnered interest around the lakes in the 1880’s, but it was in the 1890’s that fishermen and others, primarily from Chicago, enjoyed long visits in the area and eventually developed the North Shore of Powers Lake. Ice companies also ‘mined’ the south shores of Powers Lake and the north shore of Benedict Lake in the 1890’s, eventually establishing five ice houses on Powers Lake.

FOUNDING OF THE DISTRICT

Families continued to thrive on the sporting entertainment offered by our lake, including swimming, sailing and socializing. Loving their lake, groups formed a “Powers Lake Improvement Club” early on, meeting most Sunday mornings at the Austin Club to oversee the preservation and maintenance of our lovely area. We hope to carry on this honorable tradition through the governing body of the District of Powers Lake.

NEIGHBORLY EXCHANGES

An enduring spirit of cooperation inspired neighborly exchanges. One neighbor offered to take food orders, delivering supplies door-to-door, while the next provided medical care or sent youngsters to meet the ice wagon, or to roll a barrel of beer home for group gatherings. Neighbors coalesced over common interests, forming the Sportsmen’s League of Kenosha County in 1905 and the Powers Lake Yacht club in 1912. Resorts and hotels encouraged visitors to share good times during parties, horse races, dances, baseball games and dinners.

ENTHUSIASM THRIVES

The enthusiasm for our lake life thrives today, and we experience increasing demand for the use of our natural resources. As growing pains evidence themselves, it becomes paramount that we come together in historic fashion to promote the protection and improvement or our treasured resources. This is why we have formed this web site, so we can disseminate important information concerning the health and appeal of our beloved District of Powers Lake. Together, we can make a difference.

LAKE FACTS

• 459 acres inland lake
• 1.3 miles long
• 5.3 miles of shoreline
• Maximum depth: 33 feet
• Mean Depth: 16 feet

LAKE DISTRIBUTION RATION

• Randall = 75%
• Bloomfield = 9%
• Wheatland = 16%

Book By Dee Wells:

Based upon the fascinating and historically significant book authored by Powers Lake area former resident Dee Wells, entitled “Powers Lake, Benedict Lake & Tombeau Lake, The First Hundred Years – Volume 1”. To pick the book up "in person" the price is $25.00.

Books are available at:

Wells Osborn Spiral Stairs
162 Walworth Street , Genoa City, WI 53128 .
Hrs: Mon-Fri 9-12, 1-4 | Sat 9-12

Solid Brass Antiques
5509 Broadway St Richmond, IL 60071
(815) 678-4411‎