Lakeside business, including 200 bathing suits, sold for $200 110 years ago

In 1913, a group of Webb City men purchased the Lakeside Boating and Bathing Company from Dollie Bascom. The men were T. A. Harbaught, W. H. Gray, Edwin R. Justin, E. J. Pratt, W. E. McMechan and D. C. Morris.

In 1916, T. A. Harbaugh, Edwin R. Justin and Arthur L. Justin formed a partnership for the purpose of carrying on a general shooting gallery, ball throwing device, novelty and amusement business at Lakeside Park. 

They named their company The Lakeside Amusement Company and leased space at the park from the owners of the Southwest Missouri Rail Road Company. Arthur L. Justin would serve as the manager of the company.

The owners of The Lakeside Amusement Company sold the business to J. E. Bean on May 1, 1919.

A 1918 statement for the Lakeside Bath House and Boating Company showed expenditures for the Bath House were $1,703.48 and $774.08 for the Boat House. Receipts for bathing were $3,020.60 and $1,765.85 for boating. After deducting expenditures and a donation of $25 to the Red Cross, dividends were $2,280 for the year. This amounts to approximately $52,000 in today’s dollars. Dividends were less in 1919 due to the purchase of a motorboat for $533.50 (freight 58.00) along with two row boats and a Sponson canoe with spruce paddles.

These documents and photographs belonged to the family of Edwin and Gertrude (McCafferty) Justin. Edwin was born on April 22, 1876, in Kansas. He was the son of Horatio and Ellen (Parker) Justin. Edwin married Gertrude McCafferty on Oct. 2, 1904, in Webb City. They were the parents of two children, Eldon Raymond Justin and Mary Ellen Justin. 

Edwin Justin worked for the Southwest Missouri Electric Railway Company as an inspector and superintendent. During this time he became a partner in the Lakeside Boating and Bathing Company and started the Lakeside Amusement Company with his brother, Arthur Justin. Arthur was working as a conductor for the railway company and was married to Georgia Olive Rockwell during this time period.

Edwin and Gertrude lost both of their children due to tragic circumstances. Raymond died in 1925 at the age of 19 from typhoid fever. Mary Ellen was shot and killed by her boyfriend at the age of 31. Edwin continued to work for the railway company until about 1930, when he is listed as the owner of a grocery store. He later became the city clerk. Gertrude died on Feb. 20, 1959, and Edwin died about 10 years later on Jan. 23, 1969.

The Justin family is buried at Pine Cemetery located north of Neck City.