Winter, 1974
Deer Lake, larger, deeper, colder and at a higher elevation than it's more populated neighbor, Loon Lake, is situated in a beautifully forested basin gouged out by the glacial movement of an ancient ice-age.
The old Indian trail to the east passed just north of the lake, and records show the earliest fur traders and prospectors trod it's shore. Then came the lumbermen and the homesteaders: Meyera, Barrow, Gardners, Dressers and others.
Along about the turn of the century the great gray trout from the Straits of Mackinaw on the Great Lake was introduced by Corbin (Corbin Park Spokane) and flourished in the cold depths. Sixty years ago, "Macks" of 30# to 40#, going up to fifty inches and better in length were common. Natives fished thru the ice for whitefish and sold their catch smoked or fresh on the Spokane market. Shorelines abounded with largemouth bass and off the weedbeds were perch and sunfish by the score.
Roads were something else! It was really not until after WWll that a year around road could be for sure. As late as 1939 the local kids used to have a "mud holiday'" every spring. Nothing much more mechanical than a horse could get thru during the peak of the thaw and run-off.
Resorts in the vicinity of what is now, Haney's and about where the Nazarene Church Camp is presently located, were the first 'boat hostels'. Population pressure on Deer Lake grew More slowly than on Loon because of access. One could get to Loon by train. It took some doing to get in to Deer Lake.
ARCADIA ORCHARDS
It was shortly after the turn of the century that the big scheme of apple orchards, located in the Deer Park flats, was promoted. The whole stock scheme was dependent to a major degree upon irrigation water from Deer Lake. You can still see the irrigation flume diggings if you walk along the outlet stream of the lake today. (Just west of Styman's Resort).
The Arcadia Orchard scheme folded after a few years because they were right in that ultra-frigid strip in the vicinity of Deer Park, and because the lake water in the amounts they were demanding was denied. The very life of Deer Lake was at stake, Well a lot of 'easterners' lost their shirt in the venture, but Deer Lake survived, One may still see an occasional survivor of the orchard along Hwy 395 toward Deer Park.
MANY CHANGES
Up until WWll, for example, the south side of the lake was virtually unpopulated except for a colony of beaver who had a big house right in the middle of what was then Mackinaw Bay. Bass fishermen cruising the darkened shoreline would nearly always be greeted with that resounding "WHACK" of a startled beaver.
Deer Lake has always prided itself on the clearest, sweetest water this side of heaven. Bright clean beaches, rocks and snags visible At forty feet depth. One could kneel down and drink anywhere along the shore.
Alas, this is not true anymore: not entirely anyway, and each property owner has an absolute responsibility to himself and to his neighbors to do everything necessary to insure the potability does not deteriorate further. Each user of lake water for household use should be alert to the fact that there may be contamination, and that the water should be boiled or treated before using. A sample of your tap water may be sent to the Environmental Health Office in Colville for analysis. A report on the biological content of the water will be promptly returned to you. Be sure your bottle is clean and well sealed and that the sample gets to Colville within twenty-four hours of taking it.
"Resorts" on the lake had their hey day from about WW1 to WWll, Old timer will remember the names; Snydera, Macks, Anderaons, Barrows, Haneys and many others in between.
Old timers too will remember with nostalgia such fishing spots as the "Snag" the "A" and others. There are many too still around the lake who remember when.
REGIONAL FISH BIOLOGIST
The membership and guests at the annual fall meeting, November 1, at Kratzer Hall on Deer Lake were treated to a very fine presentation by Regional Fish Biologist, Richard R. Simons, of the Washington State Department of Game.
He reviewed the fish plantings over the years in Deer Lake and adjoining lakes and streams. His talk was excellent, quieting many rumors; but much more than that, it gave us the first overall picture of the Department's efforts to bring the kind of fishing people want in our local lakes and streams. His manner was frank and sincere, his material factual and well delivered. His answers to questions were courteous, firm and convincing.
While we all know that Deer Lake fishing is not what it 'once was' we were assured we were getting our share of the hatchery plants, but it was also brought out that the hatcheries were suffering from rising costs and the future would be smaller plants.
SNOW PACK AT LAKE BUILDING UP
Snow cane to Deer Lake a little later this year, but once it came it stayed. There are 18 to 30 Inches on roofs of unoccupied homes. It might be wise if we get much more snow in March to think about getting up to the Lake and clearing the roof.
The main roads are in good shape. The county road crews have done a fine Job in keeping the county road plowed and sanded. Getting down into your own access may be something else. Best to leave your car on the main road.
SOUTHERN STEVENS COUNTY TAX UP
Hope you were prepared for a bombshell when your Stevens County Property Tax Statement cane out this year. If you feel there is something wrong in the amount, particularly as your assessment relates to some other one you are familiar with, call Roy Richmond (MU 4-4301) County Commissioners Office, or Blanche Estep (MU 4-6161) County Assessor.