In 1858, news first spread that there was talk of having the dam for Lake Horicon removed by schemers and promoters, who were already fundraising for this effort. The first lawsuit against the owners of the dam started in 1858 and reached the Supreme Court in 1861. The decision sided with the farmer who was claiming damages to his land due to creation of the lake (flooding). The court award the plaintiff $860 in damages, which the company delayed paying, eventually deciding to give up the dam and hence, the water power rather than set a precedent for any future landowners planning to sue. Lawsuits continued to pile up with many years of litigation, until finally the dam was condemned in 1868. By the spring of 1869 the dam was finally removed. The supporters for removing the dam held a benefit ball at Manning’s Hall in Kekoskee to celebrate, complete with live music from the Hutchins’ Quadrille Band from Waupun. Tickets included supper and music and cost $2.00 unless you were one of the supporters who helped remove the dam and then your entry to the event was free!
Posted on: Tue, 30 Jul 2013 17:22:20 +0000
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