Memorial Park
As early as 1915, citizens of Callaway County began discussing a park that would honor all military from the county who had served in wartime. In 1918, the Callaway County Commissioners met with St. Louis Park Development architect, Robert C. Duncan, to review a Soldiers’ Memorial Park proposal that included an amphitheater, a gazebo, and pathways along the creek.
The park was to be financed by public subscription and in 1920, sufficient funds had been raised to purchase the first parcel of land. Rather than memorialize all military, the new park would honor the more than 900 soldiers, sailors, and marines from Callaway County who had served in World War I. A local newspaper article touted the initiative, stating “This county has undertaken to do something much larger in the way of a memorial than any other county in the state…”, then tempered the reporter’s praise with the proviso “…as far as we know.” Other comments were equally laudatory, but also with qualifications such as the exclusion of big cities.
After construction of the Liberty Bridge over Town (now Stinson) Creek, attention turned to the ornamental stone columns in this week’s postcard. Located at the southern end of Court Street, they were intended to mark the primary pedestrian entrance to the park. Bronze tablets bearing the names of all those who served their country in World War I adorned the front of the columns. (The tablets were removed at a later date and are now on display at the courthouse.)
Dedication of the columns took place on Decoration (now Memorial) Day, May 30, 1922. The organizers urged the mayor to issue a proclamation that all businesses close so that the occasion might be “fittingly observed” by the entire community. In anticipation of the event, many homes and businesses sported colorful patriotic decorations. Hundreds attended the ceremonies which began with a procession from the Odd Fellows Lodge down Court Street to the new park entrance. At the unveiling, the lamps atop the columns were lit and everyone admired the large floral wreaths hanging above the bronze tablets. A highlight of the day occurred when an airplane flew over the park, dropping flowers on the crowd below. From all accounts, this first attempt to celebrate Decoration or Memorial Day as a community event was a resounding success.
In the previously mentioned newspaper article, the writer asserts that the county’s ambitious Memorial Park project was “… not only a memorial, but … a splendid public improvement.” A century later that assessment still rings true as the park continues to welcome new generations from Callaway County to enjoy amenities like the splash pad, the baseball field, and Stinson Creek Trail as well as to remember those who have served our country.