A colour postcard with a 1912 postmark. The photo was probably taken in 1909-1911 period. The card is captioned 'Dow Lake, McAlester Oklahoma' but is actually at Dow Oklahoma which is about nine miles Southeast of McAlester. Dow Lake Park was a very popular recreation spot in the early 1900's. The 'Pittsburg County Railway' ( streetcar ) was based in McAlester and extended as far as Hartshorne ( 12 mi. S.E. of McAlester ). Hundreds of people would disembark at Dow Lake Park on occasions when festivals were held. The structure in background was the 'Owl Club' and was a recreation / dance hall. The Streetcar line commenced operation shortly after the turn of the century and ceased passenger service in 1946.