Lake Viking celebrated its 40th anniversary Saturday, with sun-splashed activities attracting nearly 3,000 people to a barbecue and free musical entertainment.
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A members only dance capped the day-long event with nearly 1,000 members in attendance.
The celebration was a public event where the 1,500 lot owners invited others to join their landowner association by purchasing lake lots. The weather cooperated, too û allowing boating, swimming, volleyball and other games to take priority over everyday work day concerns and duties. And it was obviously a day to reflect upon the lakeÆs history and tradition of progress.
Forty years ago nobody was assured that Lake Viking would develop into one of the gems of Northwest Missouri û except those with vision.
GallatinÆs visionaries were mostly huddled in the Gallatin Rotary Club in 1960. A committee of Charles Belshe, Charles Brandom, Junior Hockensmith, Hubert Tate and Floyd Tuggle were appointed to secure a recreational lake for this area. Land was eventually purchased from 23 landowners û some 2,500 acres purchased for over $500,000 in May, 1967.
During 1967 the 85-foot high dam was completed to impound 620 acres of water. This created 19 miles of shoreline for water enthusiasts desiring waterfront properties. A clubhouse, two swimming pools, a camp area and several community campground sites, three sand beaches, several all-weather roads and a 5,600-ft. landing strip for airplanes comprised the original construction.
Total construction cost over $7 million at that time û plus the water plant and system for the lake connecting each lot with a water outlet. Dues were first collected by Resort Utilities, Inc., Viking Valley Association (a non-profit corporation and ultimate owner of the project) in 1968.
The property was not officially turned over to the landowners association until September, 1976. At that time, the association purchased the water plant from Resort Utilities, Inc.
Since that time other significant utility improvements have occurred, and a special road district organized to assure quality roads leading into and throughout the lake area. The Lake Viking Church and cemetery was built. The lake is now serviced by Public Water Supply District #3.
Lake Viking Marine has been a bedrock business for the lake community, encouraging the lakeÆs development with sales and service. In 1970 Phil Tate announced plans for a big season with a full-time factory trained mechanic û Larry Tague, who owns and operates the marina today.
The business experienced ownership changes and survived some tough financial times in the late 1980s, including the grips of bankruptcy. Glenn Mayo acquired the marina in May, 1988, and chose Larry Tague as manager with LarryÆs wife, Sherry, as office manager. Boat sales at that time ebbed as a seasonal business, totaling just at $200,000.
TodayÆs full service marina has produced an average net revenue of over $3 million during the past four years. Last yearÆs revenue hit $5 million as sales expanded through internet promotions.
Lake Viking Marine has garnered a number of industry awards and honors along the way. Boating Industry magazine listed Lake Viking Marine as 74th on a list of over 4,000 dealerships considered as leading dealerships throughout the entire nation û including a 5th place ranking in the Customer Service Index.
Various real estate firms offer professional services for those interested in acquiring or selling Lake Viking properties. One real estate firm, Lake Viking Sales, has its offices at the lake and has a proud history of service to Lake Viking. Broker Roberta Sandy has not only worked professionally and as a volunteer but authored the lakeÆs development in the 1985 Daviess County History book û a history she had done much to create.
Interest is mounting for another business sure to impact Lake VikingÆs development if realized. During SaturdayÆs open house, artist sketches of a restaurant to be added to the north side of the clubhouse were displayed. It is premature to address specific details at this time, but an eating establishment at the lake has long been targeted as the next success story to hopefully unfold at Lake Viking.
Residential growth has been steady and continuous at Lake Viking. About 40% of the lake lots have housing improvements now, some homes valued at $350,000 to $500,000 and at least two homes constructed at over $1 million. Increasing land values benefit nearly all landowners, and open waterfront properties are becoming scarce.
Currently leading the lake community are board members Mark Leggett, president; Bob Corbett, Julie Shank, Stacie Newberry, Ron Spidle, and Jim Rash. The lake manager is Shad Mort. Numerous volunteers serve on various committees all working to keep the lake operating smoothly.
Lake Viking is served by a monthly newspaper, The Lake Viking News, as well as an internet web site, www.lakevikingmo.com, both owned and operated by Gallatin Publishing Company. Plans are now underway to publish a commemorative 40th Anniversary history book to further celebrate this outstanding asset to Daviess County û Lake Viking!