Twin Lakes has been a favorite destination for people of all ages for generations. A new, illustrated book written by Lake City-area author Darcy Maulsby showcases the remarkable history of this Calhoun County gem.
Twin Lakes Through the Years: Exploring Iowa’s Best-Kept Secret will be published in time for the 2024 holiday season, and pre-orders are now being taken.
“Twin Lakes reflects a rich history that has included native peoples, pioneer settlers, entrepreneurs, New Deal projects, and generations of fishermen, boaters, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts,” said Maulsby, who is working with the Twin Lakes Restoration Association to produce this new book.
Twin Lakes remains a popular vacation getaway, as well as an inviting place to live. Through an impressive collection of photographs and compelling stories, this unique book offers an inside look at the history of Twin Lakes, from its archaeological heritage through the present day.
Maulsby, who is known as “Iowa’s Storyteller,” spent this past summer interviewing a variety of families with deep ties to Twin Lakes, including a number of local families who have vacationed or lived at Twin Lakes since the 1920s.
She also combed through countless back issues of local newspapers, from the Calhoun County Advocate to the Lake City Graphic and the Twin Lakes Trader, to add a wealth of details about topics including Burn’s Resort and Brownlee’s Resort, tornadoes that hit Twin Lakes in 1903 and 1928, the Alhambra Ballroom (which served the Twin Lakes community from 1926 to 1966), roller-skating rinks at Twin Lakes, dredging projects, KTLB Radio, economic development at Twin Lakes through the years and much more.
Maulsby also turned to subject-matter experts like Mark Anderson, an archaeologist at the Sanford Museum in Cherokee, to share his insights into the Native American heritage at Twin Lakes. Before moving to northwest Iowa in recent years, Anderson spent much of his career with the Iowa Office of the State Archaeologist in Iowa City. He conducted environmental impact studies near the Twin Lakes area in the late 1990s, prior to the expansion of four-lane Highway 20.
“I’m also grateful that Helen Burns Patterson documented a great deal of Twin Lakes history when she wrote her book in the 1970s,” said Maulsby, referring to Helen Burns Patterson, who self-published The Twin Lakes Story in 1975. “She shared so many details that have enriched my research. These important bits of history would have been lost if Helen hadn’t taken the time to publish her book.”
While Patterson’s book is a treasure trove of local history, it has been out of print for many years. Also, a tremendous amount of history has occurred at Twin Lakes in the past 50 years. Maulsby’s book will feature these stories, including Traditions (which has become a popular restaurant/destination on North Twin Lake in recent years), the development of the Twin Lakes Trail and Gutz Prairie, enhancements at the Twin Lakes Golf Club, a look back at KTLB Radio, the expansion of four-lane Highway 20 near Twin Lakes, the Twin Lakes Bible Camp, the Twin Lakes Sailing Association, fun events like TWINterfest and much more.
“It has been such a joy to work on this book, and I’m grateful the Twin Lakes Restoration Association has been willing to support these efforts,” Maulsby said. “This book offers a fun, enjoyable way to discover the remarkable stories of the people who’ve helped Twin Lakes evolve from a small settlement to a vibrant community that’s alive with energy.”
Books are available for purchase at DPI in Rockwell City (Calhoun County Reminder Office) and at Traditions at Twin Lakes.
