Highland Park (Meridian, Mississippi) facts for kids
|
Highland Park
|
|
Lagoon in Highland Park
|
|
 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Meridian, Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Area | 32 acres (13 ha) |
| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | Adolph R. Arp |
| NRHP reference No. | 79001325 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | February 28, 1979 |
Highland Park is a special historic park located in Meridian, Mississippi, United States. It's famous for being home to a museum that honors Jimmie Rodgers, a well-known country singer from Meridian.
The park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979 because of its important history. Highland Park also has the amazing Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Shelter Building. This carousel was made around 1896 by Gustav Dentzel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It's a National Historic Landmark and is the only one of its kind left in the world!
Contents
Park History
The story of Highland Park started in the late 1800s. Back then, the area was used for the Meridian Fair and Livestock Exposition. This group was inspired by big events like the 1893 Chicago World's Fair.
In 1904, important people from Meridian, like Israel Marks, started the Fair and Exposition Corporation. They bought land in west Meridian. However, they never made plans for what to do with it. In 1906, the corporation closed down. The land then went to a special non-profit group called a trust.
In 1908, a city Park Association was created. Their job was to gather property and make the first plans for the park. At that time, many cities were building "streetcar pleasure parks." These parks were often owned by electric railway companies. They wanted to encourage more people to ride their streetcars.
The Meridian Light and Railway Company followed this trend. They built a rail line that went all the way into Highland Park. The main entrance to the park had a platform for the streetcar. From there, a path led to many fun features. These included a small pool, a carousel house, and a gazebo. There was also a dance pavilion and a bandstand.
The southern part of the park had a lagoon, an alligator pond, and a footbridge. In the western area, there were picnic shelters and an outdoor amphitheater. The northern part of the park was for people walking. The southern part was for those with horses.
In the 1920s, a monument honoring Frank M. Zehler, a firefighter, was moved to the park. In the 1930s, two swimming pools were built where the dance pavilion used to be. An arboretum (a place with many different trees) was added near the amphitheater.
The park's paths were paved in the 1940s. This allowed cars to drive through the area. Since then, more things have been added. These include a small fighter jet, a Parks and Recreation office, and the Jimmie Rodgers museum. A steam locomotive and caboose were also added. Most of the original park features are still there today. Only the dance pavilion and greenhouse are gone.
Dentzel Carousel
The Highland Park Dentzel Carousel and Shelter Building is very special. It was made around 1896 by Gustav Dentzel for the 1904 St. Louis Exposition. Meridian bought the carousel in 1909. It was then set up in its own building in the park.
This carousel is the only two-row stationary Dentzel menagerie left in the world. A "menagerie" means it has many different animal figures, not just horses. Because it's so unique, it was named a National Historic Landmark in 1987. Its building is also part of this landmark status. It's the only original carousel building built from a Dentzel blueprint that still exists.
The carousel building was closed for a big restoration from 1983 to 1984. During this time, the carousel animals were moved to different places. This allowed time to raise money for their repair. From 1984 to 1995, the animals, chariots, and paintings were carefully restored. They were made to look just like they did originally. Rosa Ragan, a top restoration expert, did this amazing work.
Jimmie Rodgers Museum
.jpg)
The park is home to the Jimmie Rodgers museum. This museum honors the "Singing Brakeman," a country music legend born in Meridian. Inside, you can see his original guitar and other items from his life. There's also old railroading equipment from the time of steam engines. This shows Meridian's strong connection to railroad history.
The museum building was built in 1976. Outside, there are memorials to the country star. You can also see a vintage steam locomotive on a small section of railroad track. This locomotive is a 1917 Baldwin model. It was used by the Meridian and Bigbee railroad. They gave it to the city in 1953 to honor all railroad workers who had passed away. The locomotive was moved to the park in 1970.
Arts in the Park Festival
Highland Park used to host the yearly Arts in the Park festival. This festival started in 1971. It was held at the park until 2006. After that, the Meridian Council of Arts moved the festival to Bonita Lakes. In 2009, Arts in the Park joined with the Threefoot Arts Festival. They moved downtown to become the Threefoot Festival.
Arts in the Park was held on the first Saturday in April. It was a place for artists, craftsmen, musicians, and performers to show their talents. Local dance groups, martial arts groups, and drama groups performed. Singers, bands, and choral groups also shared their art.
The festival had an art competition where judges picked the best art. There was also a craft area where people could show and sell their handmade items. Arts in the Park helped non-profit groups raise money. It also gave a stage for the Arts to shine. These non-profit groups included art organizations, local churches, and many community charities.
Images for kids
-
Israel A Marks (1913), by Allen George Newman
-
Historic Park sign
