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Lake Myths & Legends
Through the years, the lake has known its share of
mysteries, legends, and colorful characters.
Some of the
most enduring,
like the "Ghost Horses" story are still well-known today.
Tommy O'BrienThe late Tommy O’Brien established the Harvey’s Lake Diving School at Sunset in 1955. A self-taught SCUBA diver, he turned his hobby into a profession. In the picture he is testing a new diving helmet. In 1985 he recounted the many myths of Harvey's
Lake for the Dallas Suburban News. |
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Tommy O'Brien... On DivingWhen Tommy O'Brien isn't teaching scuba diving and water skiing at
Harvey's Lake, he's searching for sunken treasure in the Florida Keys. O'Brien, 47, of Lower Demunds
Road, Dallas, operates Harveys Lake Diving School at Sunset. "This is my 23rd summer in the
business, and I love it," he told a reporter. |
"Santa" Meighan: The Hermit PhilosopherFrank “Santa Claus” Meighan
was a famous character at the lake. Known as a " hermit philosopher"
and poet, he lived in a one-room shack and tended lawns for the
lake estates. He fell and drowned in the lake on June 28, 1937. |
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The Missing HydrofoilAfter 20 years on the bottom of Harvey's
Lake, this hydroplane was recovered and restored. The boat was
found in 85 feet of water in 1955 by "frog men." |
The Ghost HorsesA hundred years ago a team of horses fell
through the ice and were never recovered. Some still believe
they are perfectly preserved somewhere in the cold depths. Divers
have searched, but no one has found them, yet. |
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The Lake With No BottomFor generations it was widely believed that Harvey's Lake had no
bottom. Despite evidence to the contrary, this myth continued into the mid-twentieth century. |
Alex the BearFrom 1936 to 1940 local newspaper accounts chronicled the story of
Alex the Bear which had its origin at Harvey's Lake. |
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Site and Contents © 2008 F. Charles Petrillo