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Subject: Alkali Lake Monster From: Kraken posted Thu, Jan 27 2005, 12:06pm  I realize this thread may disappoint a few, but upon continuing to see references to this "monster" in publications and websites, I would like the opportunity to share a few facts about this case. As this is Nebraska's ONLY reported lake monster and having lived in the state for most of my life, I had more than a passing interest in the tales. Alkali Lake, now known as Walgren Lake is situated in the Sandhills area of northwestern Nebraska. Today the lake fluctuates between 80 and 100 surface acres (in Nebraska this size constitutes being called a lake rather than a pond). To begin, in the drought years of 1889 and 1890 the water level fell until it became little more than a basin with a puddle. The monster stories began in August, 1921 and continued to the following August of 1922 when the last printed report of an actual sighting was carred in the nearby town paper Hay Springs News. It should be noted that from the time of the earliest settlements around the area (1885) the lake was a social and recreational gathering spot, so potential witnesses were numerous. There were not a very impressive description of the creature nor an overwhelming number of reports. How then, did the fame of this monster spread worldwide and even was reported in the prestigious London Times? At the time, the Hay Springs News employed a man named John G. Maher. Maher became accomplished in many careers but gained prominence in the newspaper business. Maher had a flair for tall tales and hoaxes. One of the tricks he perpetuated, with the help of accomplices, was to plant a concrete-cast "petrified man" in the local badlands where it was later "discovered". Maher was a corresponding reporter for many newspapers and some of them of that day were not very reliable, many of it's editors being only interested in boosting circulation by printing sensational stories. As a contributing reporter to many newspapers, Maher was paid only for stories that were printed so it was necessary to make them sound as good as possible. Maher's attitude toward his contributions was evident when he reportedly said, "There was a great demand for stories and few things to write about, so, for an inventive mind, there was nothing to do but make up stories". Another reason the the story of the monster spread was the formation of the Hay Springs Investigation Association. The declared purpose of the association was to drag the lake and capture the monster. The organizers planned to lease the land surrounding the lake, and when dragging began, to charge admission to the huge crowds they believed would want to witness the event. However the land-owners saw through the scheme and asked $4,000 for a three month lease, and a percentage of the money derived from the exhibition or sale of anything caught. The association members and landowners accused each other of being greedy, until in 1923, the pan was called off. Nothing has been seen or heard of the monster since. Now the lake is managed under the state games and parks commission and has been cleaned and stocked many times since. Like Paul Harvey would say "And now you know the rest of the story". Subject: Re: Alkali Lake Monster From: Nora Jones posted Thu, Jan 27 2005, 2:07pm  Some people will do anything for a buck have you ever been out to the Hodgee Site. They have used pictures from the Loch Ness story saying that they are about Hodgee. It is a blatent attempt to Lure people to Lake Hodgee LOL and unless you have done alot of searching and looking into Lake monster stuff many people will believe this site. thanks for the Information On Alkia. Nora Subject: Re: Alkali Lake Monster From: busterggi posted Thu, Jan 27 2005, 3:19pm  Wonder if he knew about the Silver Lake Monster, Jacko or the Winstead Wildman? Cryptid hoaxes in journalism have done a lot of damage via misinformation (lies but more polite) to research.

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