The history of our favorite local landmark
Released in February, the book has been a best seller in local paperback non-fiction.
Rodriguez shared many interesting facts about the lake during her visit, among them that Dallas purchased 2,300 acres of farm for $176,000 to build a water reservoir in 1909.
"White Rock Creek was 10 miles outside the city limits," says Rodriguez. "Crews cultivated crops during construction and gave firewood through the Dallas Welfare Department to be used for cooking and heating."
Completion of the dam, spillway and a state-of-the-art Pump House in 1911 provided the growing city with a necessary water supply.
"The water was neither chlorinated, nor filtered. It went straight from the lake to your home," adds Rodriguez. "The lake did not fill completely until a flood in 1914 caused the dam to overflow by 42 inches."
Today, White Rock Lake is at 50% of its original capacity.
When originally built, the lake extended north of where Northwest Highway is today, but much of that area has been filled in during westbound road construction.
Other interesting history involves the The Cox Cemetery, noted for the Lady of the Lake ghost stories.
The cemetery is situated along Dalgreen Drive, which served as the old highway between Dallas and Greenville, Texas.
According to Rodriguez, within the cemetery are markers of many recognizable names.
"The first Superintendent of White Rock Lake, Julius Peak, was a wild west Texas lawman, with brothers named Harwood, Haskell, and Carol", says Rodriguez.
Additionally, White Rock Lake has been the home for a jail, POW camp, WPA schools and camps, a swimming area, private summer houses and fishing clubs.
The Dreyfuss Club, built in 1937 as a company retreat, was purchased by the city in 1942 to offer Dallas citizens easier access to the park facilities. The club has been a dance and party location for decades.
As part of her job with the Park and Recreation Department, Rodriguez promotes the historical legacy of the Dallas Park System.
"The 1911 Master Plan for the Dallas Park and Recreation Department included White Rock Lake and Turtle Creek," explains Rodriguez.
"We continue with that plan today, ensuring White Rock Lake remains one of the Grand Parks in America."
For more information about Rodriguez and Images of America - White Rock Lake, watch for an interview with the author coming soon to LH Today.
To purchase a copy of her book, click here.
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