Some time ago, we saw a postcard story about the rustic resort in “The Shades of Death” – an area of shale cliffs, deep ravines, a remarkable waterfall, and rugged terrain about 47 miles northwest of Indianapolis, Indiana.
(“A Surprising Picture from the Sunday School”)
In the 1880’s a country Inn was established in the nearby town of Waveland – but the place only attracted people from the immediate region.
In 1909, an enterprising grocer from Terre Haute, Joseph Frizs, bought the Inn and a large tract of unused land, including the waterfall.
Frisz built cabins and a dining hall, and blazed a few trails through the inhospitable landscape.
Frisz was a master of publicity, and sent enticing accounts of the cool, natural setting to cities across the Midwest – hyping this retreat in the hot months of the summer.
The place became enormously popular, catering to economy travelers.
A family could enjoy an affordable week-long stay in a cottage or cabin, and access the dining hall with a prepaid meal plan.
Eventually, the resort became known as “The Shades” and added a dance pavilion, a movie hall, and some trails.
Frisz managed The Shades successfully through most of the Great Depression, but died in 1939.
His family was unable to manage the operation, and The Shades was vacant for some time before becoming an Indiana State Park.
All the rustic buildings are gone, but one can still hike to the Waterfall and see the Rock River.
https://www.jconline.com/story/opinion/columnists/kevin-cullen/2014/05/22/cullen-shades-state-park/9321347
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This postcard photograph was published by the Proprietor of The Shades, Joseph Frisz; it was not mailed.
Because it features the Rock River, I have indexed it with “Natural Wonders”.
It could be included in the category, “Postcard Advertisements”.
On the face, we see a group of young men standing on a rock.
They are wearing the cumbersome swimwear that (fortunately) began to change in the 1920’s.
A variety of persons are standing in the water or on the far shore where some rowboats or canoes are moored.
The scene does look invigorating for one experiencing the “Dog Days” of July and August.
