SHADOW LAKE

History of Shadow Lake. . .

It started in the Gay 90's (1890's - that is) when the boys from Kansas City, Pittsburg and Gulf Railroad wanted a place to "kick back" and relax from work. They built the O Jo Fishing Club house on this piece of property. The railroad men enjoyed the natural beauty and serenity found here.

I n 1925 Marx Cheney bought the club house and changed the name to Shadow Lake. He brought in bands and the place blossomed with business. Shadow lake established a national reputation in 1938 when the movie "Jesse James" was filmed here in McDonald County. Although most of the location shots were made in Pineville and Southwest City, Shadow Lake was the headquarters for stars: Henry Fonda, Tyrone Power, Nancy Kelly and Randolph Scott.  Legend has it, that on one summer weekend more than 30,000 people jammed their way into Noel for a glimpse of their favorite star. One Noel entrepreneur contracted with the actors and crew to provide them with their evening meal. He then drove to Joplin each day to pick up their special orders and prepared it when the filming was over. When the actors left town, he had enough money to build a restaurant where Carl's Cafe sits today.

In World War II, Shadow Lake's fame was enhanced by the establishment of Camp Ft. Crowder in Neosho, Missouri, that served as a training site for over 50,000 army personnel. Apparently, Shadow Lake became such a "hot spot" that it was declared off limits by the army brass for the trainees. However, that did not prohibit soldiers from all over the United States coming to Shadow Lake for a good time before shipping out.

Shadow Lake's popularity peaked in the late fifties under the ownership of Joe Thrasher. Before Oklahoma voted "wet"in 1957 and U.S. Highway 71 was diverted to the east through Pineville, Noel and Shadow Lake enjoyed immense popularity. Bands entertained nightly along with a Sunday afternoon tea dance and from time to time famous entertainers such as Leon McCauiff would appear at Shadow Lake's bandstand. An idea of the popularity Shadow Lake enjoyed is the fact that the basement Haufbrau in which the dance floor is now located sold over 600 cases of 3.2 Griesidick Brothers beer (at $.25 a bottle) per week. In addition, the resort operated Chris Craft inboard speed boats which often times made over 80 trips a day for $1.00 per person.

Well, the days of Shadow Lake dance hall are coming back, but now in a new fashion.

The new Shadow Lake Dance Hall is housed in a ten thousand square foot pavilion. Open air and unobstructed views enhance the structure. No matter where you sit on any of the three levels inside the pavilion, you will enjoy the "million dollar" view of Elk River and Wilderness Island.

The past, present, and future of Noel has always been inseparable from that of Shadow Lake. Historically, it has been Noel's claim to fame and provided rich memories for generation after generation of resident and visitor. It is the hope of the ownership of Shadow Lake that Shadow Lake will continue to be a prominent part of Noel's second century as it has been of its first.

(36k) Overhead view of the Shadow Lake Surf Club as it appears today. This picture was probably taken from atop the nearby bluffs that reach out over what is now Missouri State Highway 59 (old U.S. 71).

(44k) A picture postcard from the 50's. The back reads: "They all have fun and vacation hours are always too short, for there's plenty to see and do in this popular recreation center. Beach at Shadow Lake on Elk River at Noel, Mo. in the Ozark Playgrounds.

(39k) Another picture postcard of: "Shadow Lake Swimming Hole" in Noel, MO. (Circa 1930's.) The caption at the upper right reads: "In the Ozarks, "The Land of a Million Smiles." The back of the card reads: "Swimming in the clear Elk River, dancing at Shadow Lake are chief among amusements of a vacation spent in the Ozarks at Noel, Missouri.