Leave the dam alone

To the Editor,

     This historical information is taken from the sign that is located at the Monticello (Mon Maq) Dam. The site’s history began in 1853 by D.S. Dewey who built a saw mill which was water powered by the Maquoketa River. The people of Monticello needed lumber to build and this was the place to get it. Unfortunately, the sawmill burned down in 1855. The mill was quickly rebuilt with an addition of a gristmill for flour as well as the sawmill. There was such a demand for both in the Monticello Area. In 1891, J.S. Lang and son brought electricity with 3,000 incandescent lights to the community of Monticello. The Maquoketa River at the same location as the mill also powered this electricity. This bold movement towards modernization really helped the community of Monticello grow and prosper. In 1902, the Monticello Maquoketa Dam was built. The dam still functions today due to sound structure. Electric turbines were installed in 1921. Citizens of Monticello were thrilled, for this step allowed them to have electricity in the home. In 1935, an icehouse was added. And fishing was good. The site flourished through the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s. In 1970, the structures were abandoned. It was a sad time for Monticello. Good timers vandalized the powerhouse beyond repair. Twice the community tried to bring in experts to redo the powerhouse but it proved to be too costly for the taxpayers. Years later, Taylor Construction from New Vienna was hired to beautify the area in conjunction with Pictured Rocks Park. It took a year to complete at the taxpayers’ cost. Funny how a powerhouse that could have benefited the community would be too costly, but a year project to beautify isn’t funded by grants? These were government grants paid by taxpayers. Either way the taxpayers were going to pay. Interesting priorities we have set.

     Mother Nature has made a beautiful area from the Monticello Dam to Pictured Rocks. This is proven by the number of people who have floated this stretch of river over the years even before the improvements that were made. There has been debris along this stretch but the taxpayers do not mind. It’s a free form of recreation.

     Now certain people want to remove or breach one of Monticello’s greatest historical landmarks. How many historical landmarks can we maintain with a low cost to taxpayer? Unfortunately, there are a few individuals in the Monticello area who seem to think that fancy recreation should be a top priority. Yes, there are grants available to remove the dam and to create a recreational area. However, these grants didn’t come from trees, they came from people. Taxpayers…

     This is all about greed. Greed is not free. Ask the taxpayers. Haven’t we had enough? Taxpayers’ rear ends are awfully sore. The concept to eliminate the dam is another example of a select few who are not satisfied unless they cheat someone or wreck something. Is there no common sense left? What other dumb things will happen next? This greed will not get us anywhere. Politics and greed don’t do anyone any good. It’s time we open our eyes.

     I am 85 years old and I have seen many changes. Some are real dingers. One that stands out is the Ely Bridge. It is an example of the lack of brains of those making the decisions. It’s not too late to make the right decision here for our historical site. Leave the dam alone. We want those who are here in 3017 to say good things about Monticello, Iowa. Not about the dumb decisions that were made based on greed.

     There is enough recreation and silliness to do us for quite some time. Save the Monticello Maquoketa Dam. Don’t touch the Monticello Maquoketa Dam. Leave Mother Nature alone. She won’t make it again.

George Schneiter

Korean Veteran

Monticello, Iowa