In 1923, when the Riley Dam was built in the St. Joe to create hydro for the village, the more than 500-acre backwater was known only as the “Municipal Pond.” There had not been enough time to clear the swampy land before damming, so trees were cut flush with the ice. Although the dam project had nearly been blocked by local land owners, interest in the shoreline property quickly developed for cottages and resorts. Lots sold for $25-$50 apiece in the 1930s, and several rental cabin resorts operated there. The fishing was legendary but did not fall under DNR conservation because there was no “lake” designation. In 1927, local conservationists, together with State Rep. Dr. McClain of Quincy, secured the “Union Lake” designation so that state conservation efforts could help preserve fishing for later generations. The 90-member Union Lake Community Association, formed in 1982, works diligently for water quality, weed control, and fish stocking.