HUDSON SPRINGS PARK – A FAMILY VENTURE
The Lay of the Land
Dean’s vision, emanating from growing up on a farm and access to Congress Lake, served him well as he walked the Foster Farm in search of land suitable for a lake and for farming. The Eastern meadow of the farm property was prime land for the formation of a lake: acres of low land, abundant water supply [convergence of three creeks and active springs] and an existing 5-acre swamp. This otherwise natural basin would require the construction of a dam to fill in a 150 yard span at the lowest point in basin, thus securing the entire outer rim of the envisioned lake. What he envisioned would comprise a 55 acre body of water.
Preparation
Dean sought to expand the southeastern boundary of the proposed lake property. On February 15, 1948 Dean purchased approximately 50 acres of land, for $50 per acre, from Harland Fogle whose property bounded Route 303 to the south, and to the north bounded the southeast shore line of the proposed lake. The purchase agreement provided for: the Fogles access to the southern shore of the proposed lake property (from the Fogle new northern boundary); “the right to a maximum of two rowboats or canoes, without motor power and not for hire; the erection and use of two suitable and reasonable constructed summer cabins”. None of these reserved rights granted to the Fogles was acted upon. The metal survey stakes are still in place along the hiking trail demarking the northern portion of the purchased property.
Summer 1948: Preparation for Flooding the Basin
In the spring, John and Dean set to work clearing trees and brush from the meadow where the excavation for the basin dam took place. In the photo's background is the glacier-formed 5-acre pond that became the eastern portion of the 55-acre lake. (See photo on the left.)
Harry Miller Excavating [Suffield] created the 150 yard dam by excavating soil from the meadow. The center portion of the meadow being excavated was left untouched leaving a one-acre scenic island. A water valve was placed in the center of the dam to facilitate lowering the lake level each fall to make beach repairs.
To meet State of Ohio requirements, a spillway was formed immediately east of the dam... It was fashioned to allow water to flow from the lake at a predetermined “high water” level in order to prevent flooding to adjoining land. The overflow travelled down a cement runway into the creek bed at the base of the newly formed dam. Eight cement truck loads were required to fill the forms for the spillway [ 50’ long , 65’ wide; the concrete was 5.5” thick].
Excavation to create a beach area followed. On July 17 through 19, 13 dump-truck loads of sand, totaling 80.55 tons, were delivered by The Hugo Sand Company of Kent 18. to fill in the excavated portion of land that would become the swimming beach. Approximately 50 feet out from the beach shoreline; steel beams were positioned into their respective footers. This became the steel structure for the diving dock, comprised of two 1-meter and one 3-meter diving boards. A cement block building was built at the top of the hill leading down to the sand beach. This building contained the dressing rooms and a concession stand.
In mid-July, Dean became ill. Under the initial care of Hudson family doctor Kurt Weidenthal, he was referred to Dr R. B Chamberlin on August 6th and admitted St. Thomas Hospital. Diagnosis was not forthcoming. He was then transferred in mid-September to University Hospitals in Cleveland. He remained in the hospital undiagnosed.
In the early Fall, 1948, the valve in the dam was closed - Dean was wheeled to the lake side to see the water began to fill the 55-acre basin.
Dean May died February 5, 1949 before he could see the fulfillment of his dream. His autopsy determined that he suffered and died from histoplasmosis.
(See footnote 17.)
Joan: Before his death, Dad suggested to Mother that she could develop a swimming business on the land if anything happened to him. She did just that, along with installing a fishing lodge, having the lake stocked with bass and blue gill. Ohio Fish and Wildlife Services stocked the lake during the developmental years of the lake. What was known initially as “May’s Lake” was renamed “Hudson Springs Park”.
Notes:
17. Obituaries and Funeral
From the Akron Beacon Journal shortly after Dean’s death February 5, 1949:
JUDGE DEAN F. MAY
"Always conscientious and diligent, Judge Dean F. May was a man who grew by tackling ever-greater responsibilities. When he came to probate court, Judge May found that the mentally ill were being treated like common criminals. He called it "barbarism" and he set out to improve conditions so that the mentally unbalanced, the feeble-minded and all others suffering psychopathic disturbances might be given medical care instead of punishment. He aroused state officials to the pressing problems of adequate mental hospitals facilities and enlisted the help of many other individuals and agencies in his fight.
Judge May's living memorial is found in the results he achieved. The Summit County receiving hospital is but one of many proofs of his success. Victims of mental illness can now have hope of being cured, instead of facing a lifetime behind barred windows.
Recently Judge May directed his effort to assist alcoholics. They, too, are often sentenced to jail when they need medical help and curative treatment. If others will follow in Judge May's footsteps will carry on his work, the time may soon come when chronic drunkards will be sent from police courts to hospitals and not to cells.
Judge May's personal efforts in behalf of persons in trouble are abruptly terminated by his death. But his work is not ended. The people of Akron and of Ohio must carry on to completion the crusade which he devoted, so unselfishly, the last years of his life.
From the Cleveland Diocese’s Universe Bulletin the week following Dean’s death:
Judge Dean May has left a professional legacy that is a model for all to study and emulate. He presided over his Oath of Office as Probate Judge, and as servant of the public, in an exemplary manner. In ministering to his court charges Dean applied the spirit of the law while judicially applying his strong Christian standards of love, compassion and preservation of one's dignity.