Lake Ozark History - City of Lake Ozark

Page Brothers Presented Key To The City: On December 10th, 2024, during the City of Lake Ozark's Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Newberry presented keys to the city to two of Lake Ozark's most influential business leaders. Joe and Mike Page, surrounded by dozens of friends, family, and community members, received this honor in recognition of their nearly five-decade investment in Lake Ozark and their unwavering commitment to its growth and development. The Page brothers' journey began in 1976 when they founded the Leather Man on the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip. Joe, having moved to the lake immediately after graduating from Truman State University, established roots in the community, with Mike following as a permanent resident the following decade. Over the years, their entrepreneurial spirit led them to establish and acquire numerous businesses along the Strip. Today, they continue to own and operate several landmark establishments including Leatherman, Dogpatch, Dogpatch Arcade, and Summer USA, while their past ventures included popular spots like Disco Inferno, Grandma's Candy Kitchen, and Good Time Charlie's. As founding members of the Bagnell Dam Strip Association, both brothers have been instrumental in creating and supporting special events that have become staples of the community. Mike's contributions earned him the Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau's Partner in Tourism Award and the Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen recognition. Joe served on the Lake Ozark Board of Aldermen from 1983 to 1985, first filling a vacancy before winning re-election. He notably became both the first and last paying customer on the Community Bridge, while Mike served on its Board of Directors for several years. "Though a small gesture compared to the impact of their decades of investment and service in our community, we are gracious to present this award to the Page Brothers with all of their supporters present tonight," Mayor Newberry stated. "While we enjoy celebrating the rich history of your impact on our community, we are even more excited to see the future of our city that was made possible by your ongoing contributions and leadership." Pictured, left to right: Ward II Alderman Johnnie Franzeskos, Ward I Alderman Pat Thompson, Ward III Alderman David Ridgely, Mayor Dennis Newberry, Joe Page, Mike Page, Ward III Alderman Carol Denny, Ward I Alderman Judy Neels, and City Administrator Harrison Fry

Lake Ozark History

The Lake of the Ozarks was formed in 1931, but it wasn’t for another 35 years that the city of Lake Ozark was officially incorporated on Aug. 12, 1966.

Presiding Miller County Judge Paul Martin, First District Judge Sumpter E. Gunn and Second District Judge Robert Shelton signed the official incorporation document.

LeRoy Snodgrass, a Tuscumbia attorney, presented a Petition for Incorporation to the Miller County Court asking that the City of Lake Ozark become an incorporated Fourth Class city in the state of Missouri.

The petition was signed by more than a majority of the taxable inhabitants of the proposed city. A special election of those electors was held Aug. 9, 1966, with 145 in favor and 13 against.

A census of the proposed city taken on July 18, 1966, indicated a population of 265 individuals over 21 years of age, and 114 under the age of 21 for a total population of 379 inhabitants.

The court also ordered that Marion F. Clayton be appointed as mayor. Addeane Polidori, Bill Bassett, Frank Frandsen, Fran Frudeger, Burl A. Henderson and Walter Tietmeyer were appointed as the first board of aldermen.

Harold Brown was named the first marshal and W. W. Atteberry was the first collector.

Today, some 54 years later, the city of Lake Ozark is a progressive community of 1,586 residents based on the 2010 Census. Projections estimate the population has grown to 1,800 with the 2020 Census underway in the year.

The city celebrated its 50thanniversary in 2016 in fine fashion with a ceremony at the City Hall and burying of a time capsule that will be opened in 2066.