Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1909-03-30
Looker-On In Iona

Spirit Lake, March 30.-What ds
known as the Lakeside laboratory will
hold it's first annual session the first
term June 81 to July 81, and the sec
ond term Aug. 2 to Aug. 2s, '09. 1t was
founded by the alumni of the State
University Of Iowa. They have issued
a neat phampflet with cuts, showing
the building and grounds from Which
some extracts are taken. They have
purchased the E. B. Smith property on
Miller's Bay, Okoboji lake, and have
placed the house and beautiful grounds
and appointments at the disposal of
university professors for university
purposes.
Principal among the objects sought
are-first, the adjustment of suitable
quarters for scientific research by the
most beautiful waters Of Iowa, and,
second, the opening and maintenance
of a university center which may serve
as social headquarters for all univer-
sity people during those months of the
year when the lakes for 1owans are a
most attractive summer resort.
1t is further the desire OF the foun-
ders that the laboratory may bring to-
gether workers from all the educa-
tional institutions round about, and
that the station may promote inter-
collegiate acquaintance and friend
ship.
The vicinity of Lake Okoboji offers
unusually favorable opportunity for
summer work in the natural sciences.
The groups of lakes, lying in closest
proximity, constitute an extensive area
of fresh water. and the region is noted
for it's general beauty and attractive
ness.
For the biological sciences no other
area in the state offers equal oppor-
tunity Here are far richer fauna
and fora than may be found in run
ming streams. Geologically the region
lis of the finest, especially interesting
to all students of glacial phenomena.
The depth of water in the lakes
varies greatly, ranging from ITS feet
in the deeper portions. to extensive
shadows Astounding in animal and
plant forms. Numerous ponds, swamps
and small streams offer further variety
of aquatic conditions.
The seventy-tive miles OF bordering
shore-line display an unusual diversity
Of terrestrial habitat. The adjoining
woodlands, meadows, prairies, and dry
hilltops offer the student types and
formations characteristic OF the most
remote portions of the state.
The station occupies an upland at the
west end of Miller's bay--an elevated
situation affording beautiful outlook
over the region. The grounds include
five acres of land, partly covered with
trees, with a frontage of 500 feet on the
lake shore.
"A commodious laboratory building
will comfortably accommodate the
classes to be organized The structure
contains laboratories, research rooms,
large lecture hall, offices and IL
brary room. The building is il
shaped, of the bungalow style of ar
chitecture, and harmonizes well with
the surroundings.
The various other buildings and i'm
provements already upon the ground
will be devoted to the auxiliary needs
Of the station These include seven
room cottage, a smaller two-room cot
tage, house, boat house, electric
light plant, water pumping station,
boat car and track, together with row
boats, launch, etc.
While a general equipment will b.
maintained at the station, apparatus.