Dear editor,
While attending the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Lehigh Portland Visitor Center at Lehigh State Park last week, I was flooded with memories of this beautiful place.
When I first moved to Iola in 1961 to attend Allen County Community College, I drove a 1951 Chevrolet. Back then, my car was often covered in cement dust, and cleaning it weekly became a routine. I also remember my children playing all over that land before it was closed. Many summer ball games were played at Bassola, creating joyful memories.
As the president of the Iola Chamber of Commerce, I worked closely with Ray Pershall on many occasions after the plant’s closure in 1970.
I remember Ray passionately advocating for keeping this land within the community. He was deeply involved in Iola Industries, serving as president from 1967 to 1980, and influenced members to keep the land as a public asset.
It wasn’t without controversy, as some private individuals were interested in purchasing Lehigh at the time.
To finalize the acquisition, a large auction company from Dallas was brought in.
I attended one full day of the auction and was amazed at the number of items Howard Nelson, owner of Nelson Quarries, purchased. His contributions, along with those of many others, helped cover the cost of the buildings and land, even leaving extra funds.
At Howard Nelson’s funeral, I remember Ralph Moser, a member of Iola Industries, saying that without Howard’s help, the outcome would have been very different. Howard was a private person who never sought credit, but his impact was undeniable.
Of course, it wasn’t just Ray and Howard; many individuals contributed to preserving Lehigh.
Thinking back, as a young man, I used to enjoy sharing historical stories through letters to the editor. Now, as an old-timer, it warms my heart to share these memories once again.
Gary McIntosh,
Iola, Kan.
