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THE BEGINNING OF THE PARK SYSTEM

Previous to the year 1888 it can be said that there was no park system in the city of Rock Island nor was there in fact any tracts of land that could be fairly designated as city parks

. In laying out Spencer & Chase's addition in 1836, a valuable block was retained on what is now Second avenue . This block was not subdivided into lots like the rest of the addition, and yet it was not treated as a public park. It was first occupied by a schoolhouse which was built in 1846. This was in the center of the square, while on one side was the First Methodist church, and on the other the Baptist church. In 1S55 this land was purchased by the city of Rock Island , but the only improvements made at the time were an enclosing fence and a liberty pole, erected inside, together with a few trees. In 1870, the city removed the fence. Owing to the low grade of Second avenue during certain seasons of the year this square was flooded, but with the raising of the grade, in 1880, the trouble was obviated and the park was enjoyed by the people of the neighborhood.

SPENCER SQUARE —The Citizen's Improvement Association took up the matter of improving this square, and in order to provide stone to pave the streets and sidewalks leading to it, actually opened up a quarry within the square. As there was much dissension relative to it, the city council created the office of park commissioner who was to serve without salary. The then mayor, Hon. William McConochie, appointed William Jackson, who served faithfully and well in carrying out his advanced ideas relative to a city beautiful. His first work was to lay out the square with cross and in terior walks, following which he called upon the loyal citizens to donate suitable ornaments. They responded generously, Hon. Ben T. Cable and Mrs. Lucy Castleman presenting the beautiful fountain.

In 1892, the magnificent granite statue of Black Hawk which attracts attention from every visitor, was presented by Otis J. Dimick, while others contributed for numerous improvements to the amount of $6,500. This square is undoubtedly the handsomest in the northwest. Some trouble was experienced relative to ownership of the square from the heirs of Jonah Case, but Judge Spencer sup ported the city in its claim to this property and when a suit was brought in the United States court, the case was decided in favor of Rock Island . The name first given it was Union Square , but it was later appropriately changed to that of Spencer Square . The improvement of this valuable property may well be said to mark the beginning of a park system for the city.

Historical Encyclopeida of Illinois

Illinois Ancestors

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