On a recent visit to the Texas State Capitol I discovered that one of the plaques on the grounds shared that a small lake had once existed in that spot.
"In December 1906, the Austin Daily Statesman described the Capitol grounds as, "...a favorite resort, for young and old, at all seasons, and during the summer months are the scene of nightly concerts that attract the music lovers of the city." A small lake occupied the large depression that still exists west of here, at one time supplied by an underground spring in the area. The lake was difficult to maintain and produced hordes of mosquitos. As then State Gardener J.A. Lott explained, "...it was not built right and every rain filled it with mud and trash...the pool in fair weather was unsightly with an accumulation of trash," so the lake was drained by 1926." Copied from the plaque on the west side of the Capitol, facing Colorado Street.
The depression where the lake was located is hard to see today, but it is there. And, amazingly there are still groups of people picnicking on the Capitol grounds, enjoying themselves even today. What is it about a picnic in a beautiful spot? That has to be one of the simple little things of life!
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