David Grinstead

Behind The Dam David Grinstead

In the early 1970's the ideologies and goals of two organizations clashed when the US Army Corps of Engineers and a large construction company, Arthur Aldridge, Inc. went about building a flood control dam and lake in Southwestern Ohio. Everyday setbacks and obstacles faced the Corps of Engineers resident engineer, Wayne Henderson, and project manager for Aldridge Construction Company, Dean Richardson. Environmentalists had the project in their sights long before the first shovel of dirt was disturbed. They claimed the cost was excessive and the project was unneeded. They also accused the government of being uncaring about the people who would be displaced when four thousand two hundred acres and 185 properties were taken to make way for the dam and lake. The opponents would fight to stop construction of the project from inception to the filling of the lake and beyond. Opponent's devices included protests, injunctions, lawsuits, camp-ins, the voices of politicians, and newspaper editorials. One deranged old woman exemplified the opposition as she fought to save her home. Weather extremes, floods, and accidents plagued the contractor during the entire six-year construction period. Union disputes and personal tragedies complicated the already difficult and ominous task. The rural location and lack of access to supplies and workers exacerbated the problems facing the builder. Building the project was made more difficult by the ulterior motives of a rogue inspector. A politician and some realtors took early advantage of hapless owners who were anxious to sell to make way for the dam and lake. Some owners resorted to deception to falsely enhance the value of their property. Woven into the story are the unheralded real hardships and perils that became part of the worker's lives whose efforts made the project a beautiful and useful reality. They proudly, and without tribute, put a little of themselves into the Dam and Lake. In the final stages, a financial crisis threatened the contractor's business life. The Corps of Engineers resident engineer and the contractor's project manager had the same goal, build the Trout River Project. Setting aside their differing motives and obligations they were forced to focus on the project and overcome many problems and challenges.