Monte Ne was a small resort that attracted visitors from across the country during its heyday in the early 1900s. The government eventually purchased the property in 1960 in preparation of the Army Corps of Engineers building Beaver Lake. Impounding the lake covered most of what was left of the resort.
Earlier this year, the corps fenced off the tower that is the most prominent of the resort remains. The action was taken because of continued vandalism of the site. One person had to be rescued after becoming trapped in the tower’s chimney.
The corps said it had money to preserve or demolish the site, leading to the establishment of the Historic Monte Ne Preservation Partnership, which is trying to save the site.
The Plan
The partnership wants to raise enough money to build a small, low-maintenance park with interpretive signs, benches and picnic tables and walking trails at the site.
By The Numbers
$10,000 — The amount of a feasibility study to determine if a proposal had support.
47 — The number of people approached for the study.
24 — The number of people who were interviewed, including Rogers Mayor Greg Hines; Raymond Burns, chief executive officer of the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce; Rogers businessman Reece Garner; and Jenny Harmon, first executive director of Main Street Rogers.
80 percent — The percentage of people interviewed familiar with Monte Ne and its founder William “Coin” Harvey.
75 percent — The percentage of people interviewed in favor of a low-maintenance park at the site. Somme suggested additions such as restrooms, turning the tower into an interpretive center and museum, adding a kid’s play area and adding security.
65 percent — The percentage of people interviewed who supported restoring the tower.
14 — The number of people interviewed who said they would donate between $1,000 and $10,000 for a total of $35,500 toward the project.
85 percent — The percentage of people interviewed who said they would consider volunteering to work on a fundraising committee.
60 percent — The percentage of people interviewed who said they would not consider a leadership role in the fundraising campaign, or who did not respond when asked.
Next
The Corps of Engineers conducted its own study of the historical significance of Monte Ne. More information is being requested by local corps officials. A public meeting is to be scheduled at some point.