The commercial. (Union City, Tenn.) 190?-193?, 1915-06-11
NY GUEST AND |
CONTINUED from first page.)

resemblance OF the little stream to a
misshapen, crooked, ankle and foot
hence the name "Reelfoot Lake.
A marvellous catastrophe occurred
here one hundred and three years ago
which created the lake.
Forty years ago was entertained in
the home OF Rev. j. N. Hawkins in the
northern part of, Lake County. There
l had the good fortune OF meeting Mrs.
---, probably an octogenarian. She
was young Miss 103 years ago. She
was an eyewitness OF the awful scenes
and astounding events which created
Reelfoot Lake. She gave me the most
satisfactory description OF the tragedy
that 1 have had. With unclouded MEM
ory and livid intellect she portrayed the
appearance of the skies at the time OF
the great earthquake. She said the
heavens were hazy and brassy in color.
The trembling of the earth was attend
ed with an alarming rumbling sound.
The earth seemed to rise and fall. 1t
cracked, forming long, deep crevasses,
through which sand, gravel and water
gushed forth. Seams of these are plain
in view now, extending long distances
across Lake County, The great Missis-
sippi River reversed its course. For
several hours its waters flowed back to-
wards its origin, actually ran upstream.
The uuakes continued with only short
intermissions for two or three days,
after which the quieting intervening
periods we're prolonged. The sparsely
populated country was all COMPOUNDED
and inexpressibly alarmed. Many peo-
pie thought the world had come to its
end. They remembered God; they be-
took themselves to sincere repentance
and prayer. Land owners known to
her gave their entire earthly holdings
for meager yoke of oxen and two
wheeled cart with which to flee, as they
supposed, from inevitable destruction.
Many of them never returned to seek
their lost homes. When the skies
cleared and the earth became steady
the lake was there in masterful evidence
of the mighty disturbance of the great
depths below the surface of the earth.
Hills and deep gulches were formed far
into Dyer County. New Madrid, on the
opposite side of the great river, was
shocked little less than this side.
The lake directly became popular
winter resort for wild geese and ducks.
They focked to the lake in great num-
bers. Hundreds of tons of fish of many
species came swarming into it. 1t be-
came noted field for hunting and fish
ing sportsmen. Much controversy arose
in regard to aliens hunting and fishing
in that vicinity, so it is now the prop
erty of the State of Tennessee. 1t is
held and controlled by the State and for
the State.
While gazing at the wonderful things
thereabout and contemplating the i'm
immense wealth of the States hold
ings in this preserve, or reserve. l
thought Is it possible that the great
State of Tennessee will hesitate or hig.
gle at the opportunity providentially
given her to go forward with her invest.
ment. 1t can be so improved as to be-
come one of the best assets which the
State has and holds for the enlighten
ment apd ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF her citi
zens. Oh, that peannt politics would
retire and permit educational philan
thropists to come to the help of human
ity. This grand plant, by the providence
OF God, belongs to the peoople-all thu
people of the State, in fee simple. -
If the legislators, representing on
best interest, can be so enlightened a
to make an appropriation of 500, 900 70
more if necessary with which, unde
legally constituted managers or trustees
an ample and inviting park can be con
structed and great pavilion or lectur
hall should be made. An annual Chau
tauqua should be held celebrating tn
anniversary of the lake. The scientifi
lecturers, educators and Chautauqua en-
tertainers should be employed at th
States expense, the annual course to b
for not less than ten days. The peopl
should come with camping outfits an
provisions ample for the entertainment
Such State institution, known as Rec
foot Lake Chautauqua, free, would ST
the scientific, sociological, moral and re
ligious minds and souls OF all lovers {
Tennessee progress in one unextinguist
able fame. Would that some erudiI
legal mind in Obion County, or els,