Special Collections Department
403 Parks Library
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-2140
MS 302
Kathie Bentley, editor
The History of Big Spring by Mary Bankes, 1994
Descriptive summary
| creator: | Bentley, Kathie, editor |
| title: | The History of Big Spring by Mary Bankes |
| dates: | 1994 |
| extent: | 0.21 linear ft. (1 half-document box) |
| collection number: | MS 302 |
| repository: | Archives of Women in Science and Engineering, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University. |
Administrative information
| access: | Open for research |
| publication rights: | Consult Head, Special Collections Department |
| preferred citation: | Kathie Bentley, editor. The History of Big Spring by Mary Bankes, MS 302, Archives of Women in Science and Engineering, Special Collections Department, Iowa State University Library. |
Historical note
Kathie Bentley is a communications specialist for the Big Spring Basin Demonstration Project. Mary Bankes, her husband Otto Bankes, F. P. Walker, Walter A. Ames, and Mary's uncle Earl Hubbard, began the development of Big Spring (located on the Turkey River) into the Big Spring Trout Farm and Fishing Club in 1938. The group build several control dams, six rearing ponds, and a hatchery. Despite problems with silting and flooding the farm became very successful. In 1960, the Bankes sold their trout farm to the State Conservation Commission which turned it into a state fish hatchery. The hatchery is currently operated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. |
Collection description
This report, Geological Survey Bureau Technical Information Series 30, is based on interviews with Mary Bankes as well as records she kept during the operation of Big Spring. Bankes discusses the history of Big Spring and the many hardships that she and her husband faces. Also included are historical and current statistics on the spring and hatchery. |
Container list
Box |
Folder |
Title |
Dates |
1 |
1 |
The History of Big Spring by Mary Bankes |
1994 |