HISTORY OF FUNK'S LAKE
"Palisade State Park"
Arlisha F. Larsen
Sterling, Utah
Third Honorable Mention
Essay
It was in 1873 when my grandfather Daniel Buckley Funk
purchased the lake east of Sterling City from the tribe of
Indians that lived there.
My grandfather lived in Manti at the time and walked to
the lake site each day. He took one quart of buttermilk for
his dinner and he would share this with the Indians. He
became very friendly with them and they called him the White
God.
At this time, the Indians were in possession of the land
where the lake is now. He asked the Indians if they would
like to sell the ground, and how much they would take. They
told him they didn't know what the value of it was, and he,
in return, told them he would give them $75.00 in cash. 1In
those days, $75.00 was a lot of money. He also told them
after they sold the land they would have to move, and this
they agreed to.
In those days tools were very scarce, and the lake took
shape with picks and shovels and one horse and scraper, and
with the help of his boys. Soon the time had come to £ill
the lake with water. This had to be done by forcing the
water out of six-mile creek up hill. The Indians knowing
what had to be done watched in amazement as the water flowed
to the lake.
Trees were planted around the lake cabins, bathing
facilities, a dance pavilion and a steam boat were all built.
This made a beautiful resort where the people could enjoy
themselves. Stands were set up and as high as thirty
gallons of home-made ice cream were sold daily.
Large crowds gathered for the pleasure of boating.
One day several young people from neighboring towns wanted
to take a boat out on the lake without my grandfather with
them. After convincing him they could sail the boat them-
selves, nine of them went. Ile warned them to be sure and
not all crowd to one side of the boat as the wind was causing
a rough lake. After they were out for some time, the winds
increased causing large waves. ‘The young people got excited
and scared, crowded to one side causing the boat to tip over.
Eight of them drowned. Only one could swim. He was John
Hardin Whitlock from Ephraim. My grandfather Funk made large
wire hooks to snag their bodies. All eight were recovered.
This lake has been known as Funk's Lake for years.
Recently it has been made a State Park, now known as Palisade
State Boating Park.
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