Thompson Lake (continued)

The drainage of Thompson Lake and sedimentation of those lakes remaining also impact
mussel species. Mussels that inhabit lake-like environments include thick shelled, quickly growing species, such as, the giant floater (Pyganodon grandis) (Figure 55), paper pondshell (Utterbackia imbecillis) (Figure 56), pondhorn (Uniomerus tetralasmus), and flat floater (Anodonta suborbiculata) (Cummings 2003). Surveys conducted in 1966 identify few mussel species. No mussels are found in Meredosia, one is found in Lake Matanzas, and seven species in Quiver Lake. Drainage, sedimentation, navigation, and levees are taking their toll on these animals.

Figure 55: Giant Floater
(Pyganodon grandis)

Figure 56: Paper Pondshell
(Utterbackia imbecillis)

Towns in proximity to Thompson and Flag Lakes benefit economically from the lakes’ abundant natural resources. Around 1900, the small town of Liverpool is said to have four hotels with one month’s income totaling $70,000. The village has two dance halls, a movie theater, a steamboat landing, and a grain elevator (Havera 2003).

Ownership of Thompson Lake is problematic. The public treats the entire area as public property until the early 1900s when the land becomes profitable. In 1901, a group of successful businessmen purchase Thompson Lake and open the Thompson Lake Rod and Gun Club. Mr. Joy Morton of the Morton Salt Company becomes a member of this club. The club thrives from 1901 to 1923. Ownership conflicts continue throughout this period.

In April 1923, Mr. Morton makes a note in the club’s register, “April 25, 1923 - The day we decided upon the final plan for Thompson Lake Farms’ (Havera 2003). Around the same date, the Mason County Democrat reports “Take your last look at Thompson Lake. Soon it will be a large area of farm land. For several years they have been working on building the levee. The lake will not be there very long.” (Havera 2003).

These words ring true. Soon, Thompson and Flag lakes are gone. Their lakebeds soon become farmland as agricultural crops replace their aquatic plants and forests (Figure 57a and 57b); 5,400 acres are planted in 1924, the first year crops are raised. Farming continues along with struggles to maintain the levee to keep out the river during floods. In 1947, Morton Farms Company is sold to Norris Farm of Havana; the farm is expanded to 12,000 acres, 5,000 head of cattle are raised, and 66 workers are employed. The farm changes hands several times over the years, but one thing stays the same - the land remains in agricultural production.

Figure 57a: The Thompson and Flag Lakes Region Circa 1912 (ISWS)

Figure 57b: The Thompson and Flag Lakes Region 2001 (ISWS)

Key - The Nature Conservancy (Green) - US Fish and Wildlife Service (Blue) - Illinois Dept. Natural Resources (Yellow)

The fate of Thompson Lake is similar to others in the Illinois River valley. Levees are built and productive breeding grounds for fishery, waterfowl, and mussels are drained to raise agricultural crops or livestock. The fisheries, mussels, and waterfowl are all depleted as land is drained or lakes fill in with sediment.