(Okoboji)– A book detailing the history of Des Moines Beach on West Lake Okoboji is about to hit the press. It’s being written by Kris Hedgpeth and Wendy Posten who are residents of the beach. Hedgpeth tells KUOO news they came up with the idea of the book at a neighborhood party a couple of years ago. They started writing it a year ago.
Hedgpeth says a tremendous amount of research has gone into the effort. She says they’ve pored through numerous diaries, scrapbooks and libraries to gather their information.
Hedgpeth says accounts of a fire that destroyed several landmark cottages on the beach in 1915 are among some of the most interesting things they’ve discovered through their research.
Hedgpeth says work on the book has been intense. But she says it’s definitely been worth it. She describes it as a labor of love and hopes other beaches on West Lake Okoboji take off on the idea.
Hedgpeth says the book will be over 300 pages and will contain atleast that many photographs. It will sell for 50-dollars, which includes shipping and handling. It’s available by mail order only and must be ordered by August 15th. Checks should be made payable to The History of Des Moines Beach. They should be sent to P.O. Box 107; Okoboji, Ia…51355. Be sure to include your shipping address.
Hedgpeth says the book should ship in November.
