Alimagnet

The first question from the newcomer is "How did it get that name?"

The writers of the Burnsville 2000 History reported that it was named for three young women who presumably lived nearby. They were Alice McQuillan, Maggie Davis and Nettie Judd.WWe should delve deeper. Perhaps more can be learned!

Today it is known to many for Almagnet Park in Burnsville and Lebenon, er, Apple Valley. The park offers everything from canoe rental to horseshoes. Of course, a perfect summer night might include baseball - say, the Burnsville Badgers vs. the Austin Hounds.

History records that the Park was acquired by the City from the Adelman family, who were happily farming there. One of the family remembers riding her pony up the old County 11 to another farm, to spend the day with a school friend.

In the future we plan to prepare another comparison, using the 1937 aerial photo. Sometimes people wonder "just how severe was the dustbowl drought?" The aerial photos from 1937, when things had sarted to get better, is sobering. How did people cope?

Today improving the water quality of this 102 acre lake is presenting some challenges. But the fish are there: Bluegill, Black Crappie, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Channel Catfish, Yellow Perch and Bullhead.