In August of 1934, it was announced construction of a 600 foot dam would start within ten days on land donated by Florence Walts, Frances Sperling, Mrs. Estella Setchell, Mrs. Bertha Prout and E. W. Butler. State officials had approved it as a W.P.A. project. Besides the fishing, swimming and other recreational pleasures, it was stated the ice furnished by the lake would be a savings of more than half on the people's ice bills, and the land which would be under irrigation would be sufficient to raise all the fruit and vegetables necessary for home consumption and more. It would even be possible to induce capital to establish a canning factory.
 

Antelope Lake Under Construction 1935

     By May 16, 1935, since the earthwork was completed and everything made safe, the lake filled sufficiently for boating and had been partly stocked with fish, it was decided to celebrate the opening of the lake. When the great day finally arrived, about 6000 attended. Boating, swimming, ball games, races and various contests as well as speeches was the entertainment of the day.

     To the residents of Graham County during the drought, and dust storms of the 1930's, the Antelope Lake was a dream come true. First because of all the work for men which provided a livelihood for their families when no other work or income was available and upon it's completion for the recreational opportunities in an area where there had been nothing of this kind available.