“In this hour of great promise, we must not forget the landowners, whose land is taken in the public interest.” 

The Brookville Lake/Reservoir, which commenced operations in January of 1974, was the result of several years of meticulous planning and community effort. A significant milestone in this journey occurred on Dec. 11, 1965, when a groundbreaking ceremony occurred at the Brookville High School Gym. This event brought together locals to celebrate the future of their community, featuring a lineup of speakers and activities highlighting the project’s importance and vision for the years to come.

The Honorable Lee H. Hamilton, Member of Congress, 9th District, had the following remarks to share:

“The strange thing is water is a blessing - but a blessing with a potential for destruction. Without it, life ceases. With it, in proper amounts and quality, it quenches thirst, cleanses, generates power, provides recreation, sustains life.

In improper quantity - too little or too great - and bad quality - it destroys life, ravages property, creates deserts, or inundates communities. In Indiana, we know its blessings - with rich and fertile fields and communities with abundant and pure water.

We also know its potential for destruction. The most destructive river in the State is the East Fork of the Whitewater River - destroying the annual rate of 28 million dollars.

In the 9th Congressional District, we know its potential for destruction. One-half of the flood disaster counties are located in the 9th district. Our challenge is not to make more water. There is abundant water on this wet earth. The challenge is to make water available and usable

-so that barren deserts bloom

-thirsting people drink

-floods are restrained, and

-pollution is stopped

Indiana - with its alternating pattern of floods and drought - is meeting that challenge - with reservoirs, watersheds, rural water systems and sound conservation.

-Two reservoirs have been completed

-Four are under construction (soon to be joined by a fifth)

These reservoirs restrain floods, store quantities of water for use in periods of drought, provide recreation, protect fish and wildlife. And the availability of water helps attract tourists and industry.

Today, Brookville becomes the leader in the 9th District in responding to the challenge to make water available for multiple uses and to restrain its potential for destruction.

The disastrous floods of 1959 spurred the local citizenry to action - and the Whitewater Valley Flood Control Association was formed. Their efforts are now making history. Their frustration and mortifications are temporary - but the benefits they will bring to their community are eternal. They have a vision of recreation, eventually attracting 3 million annually of floods restrained, water supply assured, a local economy made vibrant and alive.

I salute these citizens. Congressmen and Senators come and go, but you remain, and your concern in your community perseveres. I share with you the pride you now feel and will feel in the days ahead as your vision becomes reality.

In this hour of great promise, we must not forget the landowners, whose land is taken in the public interest. Their lives are disrupted and inconvenienced. Hardships are imposed upon them. They are entitled to prompt, thorough, courteous consideration and fair compensation.

Today, we look back and say to the citizens of this community, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” But we also look ahead - and say “God Speed.” Yours is the high privilege of seeing dreams turn to reality - plans on paper turn to dams and water. The result will be a kindlier, richer, more fertile, more inviting land - and that will be an achievement which will make today your finest hour.”

Program Lineup

•Flag Ceremony - Color Guard, Bernhard Hurst Post #77, American Legion, Brookville

•The National Anthem - Brookville High School Band Eugene Ernst, Director

•Invocation - Reverend James Barton, St. Bridget Catholic Church, Liberty

•Welcome - Thomas J. O’Connor - President, Whitewater Valley Flood Control Association

•Introduction of Honored Guests - Virgil E. Davis, Member of Faculty, Brookville Metropolitan High School

•Remarks- Brigadier General Walter P. Leber, Division Engineer, U.S. Army Engineer Division, Ohio River; The Honorable Ralph Harvey, Member of Congress, 10th District; The Honorable Lee H. Hamilton, Member of Congress, 9th District; The Honorable Vance Hartke, United States Senator; John Mitchell, Director, Department of Natural Resources Representing Governor Branigin

•Address - The HOnorable Birch Bayh, United States Senator

•Signal, Start of Construction - John Mitchell

•Benediction - Reverend Paul J. Erney, St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Brookville

The program further reads: Immediately following the formal program, distinguished guests, led by John Mitchell, will symbolically break ground.

Whitewater Valley Flood Control Association, Inc. sponsored the program.

Whitewater Valley Flood Control Association Board of Directors

Thomas O’Connor, President

Alford E. Hyde

Arthur Hanna

Walter Clawson

Sheldon Stout

Rollie Oglesby Jr.

Allen Maze

Alfred C. Brown

Paul Kaser

Ivan White

Williams Roberts, Jr.

Dave Ross

Vearl Hertel

William Niedental

Walter Allen

Whitewater Valley Flood Control Groundbreaking Steering Committee

Thomas O’Connor, Brookville

Alford E. Hyde, Brookville

Arthur Hanna, Brookville

Walter Clawson, Brookville

Sheldon Stout, Harrison

Phil Blose, Brookville

Rollie Oglesby Jr., Brookville

Allen Maze, Liberty

Alfred C. Brown, Brookville

Ed Orschell, Brookville

Paul Kaser, Liberty

Ray Trautman, Cleves

Fred Talbot, Connersville

Les Wilson, Connersville

Clayton Bond, Liberty

Frank Schaefer, Connersville

Michael Rauch, Brookville

Paul Waltz, Brookville

William Roberts, Jr., Brookville

Roman Ripperger, Brookville

Robert Ariens, Brookville

The contractor was R.E. Daily and Company, Detroit, Michigan.