7/12/2013:
In 1955, the City Commission of Devils Lake authorized construction of the sanitary lagoon system. Although lagoon systems were somewhat of a new procedure at that time, the old system of transporting sewage and rain water runoff in open ditches was both unsanitary and a real concern in the transmission of diseases. It also was a significant breeding ground for mosquitoes. So, the State Health Department condemned the old system.
The city procured approximately four hundred and twenty-five acres of land on the west side of the city along Highway 19 for the project, of which the lagoon itself would occupy one hundred and seven acres. To carry the effluent to the lagoon, large sewer pipes were installed, along with a forty thousand dollar lift station. Total cost of the project was one hundred and ninety thousand dollars, with the work done by the Pat Fahey Construction Company of Lakota.
Many communities around North Dakota were forced into implementing the same system as Devils Lake, so what made this project so unusual? Most of the other communities did not hold a large dedication ceremony upon the completion of their sanitary lagoon. The plan had been to inspect the system with only the city representative, the owner of the construction company and the consulting engineer present, at which time the contract would be deemed as completed. In other words, a simple business meeting to signify the end of construction.
But as fate would have it, the end of construction was also the date when the “Will Rogers Search for Talent Show” came to Devils Lake. Will Rogers, Jr. was traveling across the state holding talent contests. Individuals or groups would audition and the twelve best would appear in a show that evening. The winners of that show would be eligible to attend a final talent show in Fargo where prizes would be awarded.
So, on this date in 1957, Devils Lake Mayor Dennis Kelly approached Will Rogers, Jr and asked him to help dedicate the lagoon. Mr. Rogers replied that he had dedicated a few things in his time, but never anything like this.
So, the simple business meeting became a major ceremony with all the local dignitaries attending. Remarking that this was a “rare opportunity,” Will Roger closed the event when he declared, “I hereby officially dedicate the lagoon and declare it open for business; may it properly fulfill is functions.”
Dakota Datebook written by Jim Davis
Sources:
Devils Lake Daily Journal July 9th & 10th, 1957
Devils Lake World July 18, 1957