Library Park (Kenosha, Wisconsin) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Library Park
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
 |
|
 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 711 59th Place, Kenosha, Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Area | 5.5 acres (2.2 ha) |
| Built | 1899 |
| Architect | Ossian Cole Simonds |
| Architectural style | American Romantic |
| Part of | Library Park Historic District (ID88002657) |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000733 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 2000 |
Library Park is a cool green space in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It used to have different names like The Commons and Central Park. A famous landscape designer named Ossian Cole Simonds helped create it. Inside the park, you'll find a library and a special memorial for soldiers, both designed by Daniel Burnham. There's also a sculpture by Charles Henry Niehaus.
Contents
History of Library Park
How the Park Started
The story of Library Park began on October 30, 1838. Back then, Kenosha was called Southport. When the town was planned, a "Public Common" area was set aside. This land was given by early settlers, George Kimball and Charles Durkee. They wanted to make sure the old oak trees there would be protected.
Early Changes and Challenges
By 1849, a group of local women formed a "Park Society." They worked to make the park better. Their biggest project was adding a small pond, called a lagoon. But after the American Civil War, the park wasn't used much. It even became a place where animals grazed!
In 1884, the city decided to fill in the lagoon. People had complained about frogs and mosquitoes. However, later that year, a new group formed to restore the park. They wanted to make it a nice place again.
A Popular Public Space
By 1895, the park was getting popular again. A bandstand was built in one corner. The park became a favorite shortcut for people going into town. It was known as Central Park then. Soon after, flower beds were planted, and benches were added for people to relax. To keep the park nice, ball playing and bicycling were not allowed.
The Library and War Memorial
In 1895, a committee started looking into building a public library. A small library opened in a room above a hardware store. But it quickly became too small for all the books!
In 1898, a generous person named Zalmon G. Simmons donated money for a brand-new library. He wanted it built right in the center of Central Park. When the Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library was finished, the park got its current name: Library Park.
Mr. Simmons also offered to pay for a special memorial. This memorial would honor the people from Kenosha who fought in the Civil War. Both the library and the war memorial were designed by a famous architect, Daniel Burnham. They were officially opened on May 30, 1900.
Even though Daniel Burnham had ideas for the park's landscape, Mr. Simmons hired Ossian Cole Simonds. Simonds was a landscape designer who helped make the park look more natural and informal.
Adding Statues and Recognition
In 1909, a businessman named Orla Calkins donated a statue of Abraham Lincoln. This statue, showing Lincoln seated, was carved by Charles Henry Niehaus. It was first placed near the Soldiers' Monument. A few years later, it was moved to another part of the park.
Library Park and its important features have been recognized for their history. The library itself was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 17, 1974. Later, on November 29, 1988, the park, the Lincoln statue, and the war memorial were all included as important parts of the Library Park Historic District. Finally, the park was listed on the National Register by itself on June 22, 2000.
