In the early 20th century, a rustic resort attracted visitors to an area of remarkable geological features in Waveland, Indiana.
Waveland is a town 47 miles northwest of Indianapolis, and a nearby area called “The Shades of Death” had long been recognized for its shale cliffs, steep ravines, a waterfall, and unusual rock formations.
In 1887, a 40-room Inn was built nearby and began to attract visitors seeking a rustic retreat – the terrain of the area is quite striking, although not easily accessible.
A grocer from Terre Haute, Joseph Frisz, bought the property in 1909, and began to enlarge the resort, buying up nearby parcels of land so the park included the waterfall and other natural features that made the area remarkable.
The trails were improved, a dance hall and souvenir shop were built, a saddle barn was erected, silent movies were shown in an empty building, and several cottages were made available for rental.
Called (more pleasingly), “The Shades”, the resort was publicized by flyers and small advertisements throughout the Midwest.
Throughout the Great Depression, the place was advertised as a low-cost vacation destination.
And people came – some for the low weekly rate and some for 10- cent day passes (meals extra).
At one point, a small airstrip was built at the site.
Sadly, Mr. Frisz died at The Shades in 1939 and his heirs were unable to continue family management of the operation.
After a period of abandonment, The Shades was offered to the State of Indiana and became the 15th Hoosier State Park.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shades_State_Park
The original buildings were not salvaged, and the state focused on improving safe accessibility to the dramatic natural environment.
I have attached a photograph of the Hotel at the Shades; the picture is on-line in the Indiana Album of the University of Indiana.
Today, The Shades State Park remains a hiking and camping destination, especially for those eager to experience a more demanding natural environment.
In August of 1938, Mrs. Berry made a trip to “The Shades”.
We imagine that she stayed at the Inn or occupied a cottage.
Mrs. Berry sent a souvenir postcard to one (or more) of her Sunday School pupils.
Lenita Beverly Hinffman lived in Columbus, the capital city of Ohio – about 230 miles east of Waveland.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Columbus,_Ohio
The face of the postcard is a photograph of one of the natural features of the resort, “The Devi’s Fireplace”.
(The postcard identifies this formation as a stalagmite, but geological histories of the area do not support this.)
The postcard photograph shows rude ladders by which visitors of the 1930’s could explore the rock, but these are long-gone, and the base of the rock is not accessible today.
The photograph was first published by J. W. Frisz, the proprietor.
On the reverse, Mrs. Berry does not describe her visit to “The Shades”, but inscribes only, “Your Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Berry”.
It may be that the vacationer had many postcards to send.
One hopes that Miss Hinffman appreciated the memento from one who visited the “Shades of Death” and sent a picture of “The Devil’s Fireplace”.
