The Idle Hour Lake / Louis P. Gartner Recreational Area, located 3 ½ miles south of Altamont has become a reality after its conception 84 years earlier. The lake is located along what now is called Ness Road.
In 1925, a group of Altamont gentlemen sought the need for a recreational area for the local residents as well as visitors to the area to enjoy fishing, hunting and camping.  The original charter of 49 members was granted their charter by the state board on April 3, 1925, after a long delay, and strenuous efforts of State Senator C.G. Call and Representative W.W. Barnard.  The May 28, 1925 news article titled “Idle Hour Lake Ready For Rain,” added that the levy had been built on what was known as the Isaac Stevenson pasture, which would flood around 20 acres of the 25 acres held by the Idle Hour Lake Club.

Read the entire story in this week’s Labette Avenue.