I can remember that during the summer of 1972 or 1973 or thereabouts, Lake Mary was drained and the dam was reconstructed. It appears that over the years pine trees grew up unobstructed on the dam and before long had become large enough to be harvested as pulpwood, along with all other pine trees in the area. The roots of the former stately pines in the dam died, decayed and rotted. Where they had once been became unique tunnels completely networking inside the dam, and before long the dam was leaking at several places. Pressure forced lake water through this network. In preparation for draining, a gash was made in the dam, and about three-fourths of the water drained out. Then, de-oxygenation crystals were spread and the very few catfish that had remained after years of fishing came up to the top for air, Members of the Academy's maintenance crew waded throughout the lake and with nets as to catch the fish.    Later, after the dam had been rebuilt and a proper spillway installed, the lake was restocked with bass from the fisheries school at Auburn. Cadets were admonished not to fish in the lake (or be punished) for at least three years. Then large bass were indeed caught as cadets would often bring their catch to the back door of the dinning hall to share with the cooks (an arrangement of "I caught them so now you can clean them and cook them"). Seldom was the catch shared with anyone other than the catchers, the cleaners, and the cookers.