Indiana's Most Picturesque Summer Resort

Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana.

Garland Dells, familiarly known as "The Shades," is a secluded and romantic spot located five miles north of Waveland. It presents some of the finest scenery in the state and can properly be spoken of as the "Yosemite of Indiana." Dating back to the time it was inhabited by the Indians, this spot was known as "The Shades of Death," on account of the dense forest, the hiding places in deep cut ravines with their numerous Springs and abundance of fish and game, they occupied this stronghold longer because the White Man feared the black forest with its hidden terrors.

"The Shades of Death" as it was called for more than a century received its name also from the many tragedies that occurred in this region. A desperate and terror stricken woman, who with the aid of an ax, killed her brutal husband as he lay in a drunken stupor; a pampered and unrestrained son, shot and killed his aged father and his companion. In the resulting hunt for the murderer, the son was brought back a corpse to his mother. Tradition tells us an Indian Maiden leaped to her death from a cliff 210 feet above the river, now called "Lover's Leap." These are a few instances of the many gruesome tales which are related concerning this resort.

Here too, in these secluded retreats, the Catamount and the Wild Cat long lingered. Dens of Rattlesnakes abounded in the fastness of these wilds, so that there was little to invite an acquaintance with these parts.

California has her Yosemite Valley; Wyoming her Yellowstone Park, New York her Watkins Glen, and each is worthy of a visit. But the Central State tourist need not go to distant states to view the beauties of Nature. Right here at his door in the Mississippi Valley, in Central Indiana, is "The Shades," one of the most wonderful works of nature to be found in America.

Possibly not on such a stupendous scale as some of the other well known resorts has nature worked, but here in these 450 acres, will be found in a smaller way the Bridal Falls of the Yosemite, the deep cut gorges of Watkins Glen, the cliffs and heights of the Yellowstone, and then such cool, enchanting rippling streams; such wooded, rocky, deep ravines; such sparkling bubbling springs; such enticing swimming holes, the Horseshoe bend of the river, such dark and quiet shady nooks, under big-leafed oaks, and maples, as can be found in no other place where primeval growths are yet preserved.

Nature at "The Shades" is not overgrown, but here the misunderstanding mind of man can realize and comprehend some of her caprices and beauties. "The Shades" is the ideal vacation ground. Nowhere is Indiana, nowhere even in the Central States, aye nowhere in America, can one spend a day or week more pleasantly or more restfully, without great hotel bills or charges for guides, and return to his daily work more refreshed and re-created. Not asking the aid of the State to preserve these natural wonders, "The Shades" management preserve these natural wonders, "The Shades" management has thrown open its gates to the public and for a simple insignificant coin one may benefit from its foresight.

The Shades Hotel is open from May to November. The grounds are open all year. There is a pavilion for music, dancing, box-ball, billiards, pool and refreshments. There is also fine fishing, boating and bathing. Small cabins and three room cottages may be rented by those who wish to camp. In motor guide books will be found well charged trips to "The Shades," one from each direction, connecting with the leading cities of the Middle West.

Visiting it once you will want to visit it again, and returning again, you will want to stay there.