The falls at the foot of Lake Forest, a natural lake at Bonner Springs are pictured on a photographic post card, with the interurban street car bridge above them. The post card was dated July 29, 1910. The lake and surrounding acreage were owned at the turn of the century by James Delbert Waters of the Farmers' State Bank of Bonner Springs. Waters conceived the idea of forming a private club at the lake and drew up plans for the sale of homesites. His cottage near the dam, built of native stone and timber, was the first built at the lake. Shortly after, his son-in-law, Hamilton Stone, built one next door. Hamilton Stone was put in charge of selling the individual homesites and soon the lake was surrounded by families enjoying the summer boating, swimming and fishing. A private clubhouse was built at the lake, and there were many dancing parties and dinners for members of the club and their guests. The interurban street car ran regularly from the lake to Kansas City, starting at 7 in the morning, so that those whose work was in Kansas City got there on time. Service continued regularly during the day until midnight, making the Lake Forest resort a popular spot. Today Lake Forest is still an attractive residential area. The houses are now for year-round living, rather than for summer vacations. Kansas City Times, May 9, 1980.
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