Atkins’ local history takes different forms: the annual Picklefest, the creation of Lake Atkins, and historic buildings. For planning purposes, it helps to distinguish between time-specific events and historical topics. The festival takes place during a recurring period; the lake and buildings, by contrast, can be understood in terms of their origins, construction dates, and design. This can help you decide whether a particular weekend or the area’s landscape and architectural history should determine your stay.
Picklefest: An Annual Event
Picklefest was first held in 1992 and takes place every year on the third weekend of May. These two dates answer different questions: 1992 marks the start of the event, while the May weekend is its recurring timeframe. The exact date can vary from year to year. If you are choosing your travel dates to attend the festival, check the date for the relevant year before making your plans. This way, the annual schedule serves as a guide and is not mistaken for a fixed calendar date.
Lake Atkins and Its Origins
Lake Atkins was formed in 1956 from Galla Creek and Horsehead Creek. This places the lake in its historical context with a specific year and two named creeks. Its origins in two creeks give the lake a distinct landscape history alongside Picklefest’s event history. Comparing the dates, 1956 marks the formation of Lake Atkins, while 1992 marks the festival’s first event. These are different points to consider when deciding whether landscape history or a recurring event date matters more to your stay.
Historic Buildings and Their Context
The proposed Atkins Commercial Historic District includes 34 properties, including 32 buildings and two parking lots. The total should therefore be understood as the number of properties, not as a count of 34 buildings. Individual structures can also be understood in terms of their construction dates, height, and design.
The present brick building of the Church of the Assumption was built in 1897. The tower is 121 feet high to the top of the cross. The endpoint is part of this measurement: the height extends to the top of the cross. The construction year and tower measurement thus provide two different points of reference for understanding the church building.
The Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot
The Missouri-Pacific Railroad built the depot in Atkins around 1910. The Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot is a one-story passenger and freight depot made of brick masonry and stucco in the Mediterranean style. The description combines different features: “one-story” describes the building’s form, while passenger and freight depot identifies its type; brick masonry, stucco, and Mediterranean style describe its materials and design. For a comparison with the Church of the Assumption, the church has a specific date, 1897, whereas the depot’s date, “around 1910,” is explicitly approximate. The buildings can therefore be distinguished by their construction dates, functions, and architectural descriptions.
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