Colden Pond - Northwest History

Colden Pond was the inspiration of Northwest President Uel Lamkin.

Colden Pond was not always known as Colden Pond. It was originally called Lamkin Lake.

Colden Pond was also once known as Lamkin's Folly.

Colden Pond, or Lamkin's Folly, originally could not retain water and kept drying up.

Men in town made life miserable for President Lamkin as they poked fun at his "folly" and his "waterless lake."

Lamkin launched an investigation to find out why the pond would not retain water.

The investigation uncovered the fact that the land had been drainage-tiled by Thomas Gaunt when the land had been a plant nursery.

Lamkin had the problem with the drainage tiles fixed and the pond soon filled with water and kept its water.

Colden Pond was later stocked with fish and has become a lovely oasis for those wishing to study outside, fish or enjoy the view.

Colden Pond was not always known as Colden Pond. It was originally called Lamkin Lake after Northwest President Uel Lamkin, who led Northwest from 1921 to 1945, and who was inspired to construct the water feature. The pond quickly became known as Lamkin's Folly during its early days because it would not retain water. After the problem was resolved, the pond was stocked with fish and became a pleasant oasis for the campus community. In the 2000s, Colden Pond underwent renovations to expand and deepen it to create a better environment for fish and prevent the growth of algae. Many lamented the removal of the large weeping willows around the pond due to the expansion.