Sierra Madre Memorial Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra Madre Memorial Park |
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1905 World War I Krupp Cannon
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| Type | City Municipal Park |
| Location | Sierra Madre, California |
| Created | 1924 |
| Operated by | City of Sierra Madre Parks and Recreation Department |
Sierra Madre Memorial Park is a special park in Sierra Madre, California. It's a historic landmark that honors people from Sierra Madre who have served in the U.S. Armed forces.
The park has many cool things to see and do! You can find monuments, a place for music called a band shell, tennis courts, a fun playground, and a covered picnic area. There's also a historic house known as the Park House, which is a landmark itself. You can find the park on Sierra Madre Boulevard and Hermosa, right next to City Hall.
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The Historic Park House
The Park House was built way back in 1884. It used to be a winery owned by Professor John Jacob Hart, who was one of the people who helped start the city of Sierra Madre.
Professor Hart and his family moved to Sierra Madre around 1884. He bought a lot of land and grew grapes to make his special "Monte Vina" wines. The Park House was part of his property. Besides making wine, Professor Hart was also a music teacher who played the violin and piano.
In 1980, the house became the Senior Citizens’ Center Memorial Park House. It was originally made of adobe. Even though it has been updated many times, its original big fireplace is still there! The Park House is number 42 on Sierra Madre's list of historic landmarks.
Professor Hart also helped create the city's first public library. He even helped bring the Pacific Electric street car to town in 1905. This street car ran every day until 1950. He also made sure some of the new streets had Spanish names, like Mariposa and Ramona. Today, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3208 of Sierra Madre uses the Park House once a month.
Special Monuments and Memorials
Sierra Madre Memorial Park is home to several important monuments that honor veterans and local heroes.
World War I Cannon
In 1926, a large World War I cannon was placed in the park. This 150 mm howitzer was built in Germany by a company called Krupp. The U.S. took the cannon, and it eventually came to Sierra Madre. In 2007, the cannon was fixed up and rededicated.
Weeping Wall Veterans Memorial
The Weeping Wall Veterans Memorial was dedicated on April 24, 1999. It was designed by Lew Watanabe. The monument has a message that says it's for all the armed forces veterans of Sierra Madre. It thanks them for serving the country and helping keep peace and freedom. The wall "weeps" with pride, not sadness.
Veterans Time Capsule and Photo Wall
Near the Weeping Wall, you'll find the Sierra Madre Veterans Time Capsule. This capsule was sealed on April 24, 1999, and holds special items from Sierra Madre veterans.
The Veterans’ Photo Wall was added on October 11, 2003. It's a place to see photos of veterans. There's also a flag pole in front of the wall.
Monument to the Unknown Scout
On February 13, 1948, the Monument to the Unknown Scout was dedicated. A plaque on the monument honors all Boy Scouts from Sierra Madre, past and present, who served in World War II. It also remembers the "unknown Scout" who helped bring scouting to the USA. Every year, Troop 373 of Sierra Madre holds a ceremony here to remember these scouts.
Fun Events at the Park
Many exciting events happen at Sierra Madre Memorial Park throughout the year!
You can enjoy the Sierra Madre Wistaria Festival and Arts & Crafts Fair. During the summer, there are Concerts in the Park and Movies in the Park. Other events include the Firefighter's Easter Egg Hunt, 4th of July Festivities, and the City Halloween costume judging. The park also hosts the American Cancer Society Relay for Life and Blood Drives.
After World War I, Sierra Madre used to have parades on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day. Veterans, Scouts, and city officials would march from the park to the Sierra Madre Pioneer Cemetery. While the Memorial Day and Veterans Day parades have ended, the Independence Day Parade still happens every year!
A special Memorial Day service is held at the Sierra Madre Pioneer Cemetery at 11 AM each year. This service is hosted by the VFW and Troop 373 of Sierra Madre Congregational Church.
Since 1924, on every Memorial Day, the Sierra Madre VFW Post 3208 and Boy Scouts of America Troop 373 of Sierra Madre place flags and crosses at the graves of military veterans. Veterans from many wars, including the American Civil War, Spanish–American War, World War I, World War II, and the Korean War, are buried at Sierra Madre Pioneer Cemetery.
Images for kids
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1905 World War I Krupp 150mm field artillery Cannon, at the corner of Sierra Madre Blvd and Hermosa
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Weeping Wall Veterans Memorial, at Sierra Madre Memorial Park
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Sierra Madre Veterans Time Capsule
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Park House built in 1884, was the winery of Professor John Jacob Hart, one of the city's founding fathers. In 1980 the house was dedicated as the Senior Citizens’ Center. The house is site #42 on Sierra Madre historic landmark list.
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Veterans’ Photo Wall was dedicated on October 11, 2003.
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Monument to the Unknown Scout was dedicated on February 13, 1948. Dedicated to the unknown boy scout in honor of all boy scouts of Sierra Madre past and present who served in World War 2, February 13, 1948.
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Park at Sierra Madre Blvd and Hermosa looking North. From foreground to back ground: Weeping Wall Veterans Memorial, Sierra Madre Veterans Time Capsule bench, 1905 World War I Cannon, Sierra Madre Boulevard, Old North Church built in 1890, a Sierra Madre historic landmark and the San Gabriel Mountains.
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Central Ave, Sierra Madre CA in 1904. A mule team is grading the Ave for the installation of the 1905 Pacific Electric street car, in front of Sierra Madre Memorial Park, the background is the Old North Church with the original barn roof bell tower.
