Peoria Park District The Peoria Park District’s Planning Committee has compiled a list of Park District holdings that they are recommending for inclusion in a register of Historic Resources. This list comes following Park Board approval of a Historic Preservation Ordinance in June 2007. The ordinance serves to protect those structures which provide significant examples of architectural styles of the past or are unique and irreplaceable assets of the Park District. It also extends to the protection, enhancement, perpetuation and use of cultural resources that are reminders of past eras, events, and persons important in local, state, or national history.
In Glen Oak Park: In 1898, the Decorative Stone Fort was constructed as a part of a larger complex within the Glen Oak Park Lagoon. The Stone Fort is home to a Spanish cannon, a trophy of the Spanish-American War. The cannon was cast in Seville, Spain in 1845 and subsequently dedicated in Glen Oak Park on October 11, 1899. Weighing 1,275 pounds the cannon, a costal model “24” was manufactured of a lightweight recast bronze. During the early years of Glen Oak Park, the Stone Fort was linked by an arch bridge to Rose Island. Heavily landscaped, Rose Island housed a shelter, a boat rental and other amenities. Boats were rented for fifteen cents per hour, allowing park users to oar around the lagoon. Electric Lights were strung around the lagoon providing for nighttime boating and ice skating. A stone warming house was later constructed to provide a respite for ice skaters. In the 1930’s, pens for peacocks, golden pheasants, quail and doves were also located on Rose Island. Over the past century, many changes have been made to the Glen Oak Lagoon feature in the Park. The entire infrastructure supporting the lagoon has been reconstructed multiple times and Rose Island has given way to the Glen Oak Amphitheatre feature. Remaining is the Decorative Stone Fort. In 1978, the Stone Fort underwent a major structural rehabilitation. The masonry project included the removal and replacement of the top rails, construction of a new concrete deck, a new cannon mount and tuck pointing where needed. During late 2002, two large cracks developed in the wall coupled with the loss of multiple stones. Over the next few days, the cracks continued to worsen and the separation of the wall and railing occurred. Fearing a total failure of the underwater foundation, Park District crews placed a braided steel cable around the perimeter to prevent a complete collapse. The Park District sought public bids for a total restoration of the Stone Fort in 2004. A sole bid of $843,270 was rejected due to cost. In 2006, a scaled-down project was bid and once again the low bid of $245,100 was rejected because it was nearly twice than the amount budgeted for the job. Currently, the Stone Fort has been fenced off for the safety of the public. Plans are to remove the fort and salvage the decorative stone facing and reconstruct it in a modified fashion. This project will involve phased construction funded by annual bond issues. As one of the remnants of the original Glen Oak Park Lagoon design, the Stone Fort is suitable for landmarking under criteria A, B, and C of the District’s Preservation Ordinance. Glen Oak Park Pavilion
To meet a changing public need, in 1905 the Pavilion underwent some significant changes. The ladies parlor, gentleman’s smoking room and the large public hall were painted and decorated in a more artistic manner. A ladies restroom was constructed on the first floor complete with lavatories and mirrors. The Pavilion had “…all conveniences that are attached to a well-appointed hotel.” Over the years, the Glen Oak Pavilion has undergone a number of renovations and served a wide variety of uses. The building has been used as a catering center, a banquet hall, an ice cream parlor and dance hall. During the mid to late 1930’s, animals were placed in the Pavilion for winter quarters before being moved to cages on Rose Island. The Police Chief and other district offices were moved into the lower pavilion in 1939. At one point in time, the building served as an apartment for a Park District employee. Currently, the building is used as the Administrative Offices for the Peoria Park District. In the future, the Pavilion is slated to become a children’s museum. Through a collaborative effort with the Peoria Park District and Peoria Zoological Society, the Junior League of Peoria has begun fundraising efforts to transform the Pavilion into the Peoria Playhouse. The Peoria Playhouse is slated to become a world-class, accredited, hands-on regional children’s museum. As a structure, the Glen Oak Pavilion qualifies for Historic Designation and listing under criteria B, C, D, E, and F. Iron Suspension Bridge
In conjunction with the Glen Oak Zoo project, Clark Engineers completed a thorough evaluation of the structure in 2003. The bridge was found to need significant structural repairs and was closed to protect public safety. Park District staff will seek funding for repairs in the 2008 capital budget. As one of the remnants of the original Glen Oak Park design, the Iron Suspension Bridge is suitable for landmarking under criteria A and B of the District’s Preservation Ordinance. Kinsey Memorial
The central feature of the Kinsey Memorial in Glen Oak Park is an elaborate horse humane fountain. It is one of two remaining humane fountains within the Peoria Park District. Although no longer operational, the fountain and memorial structure surrounding it are in good condition. Kinsey Memorial is currently a popular site for picnicking in the park. As one of the few remaining humane fountains within the Peoria area, and a more than a century old structure in the Park, the Kinsey Memorial is suitable for landmarking under criteria B and D of the District’s Preservation Ordinance. Kinsey Sundial in Luthy Botanical Garden
The Kinsey Sundial was located near the Palm House for several decades. In the late 1970’s, the sundial was placed on permanent display in the herb garden at Luthy Botanical Garden where it still stands today. As more than a century old landmark, the Kinsey Sundial is suitable for designation under criterion B and D of the Park District Preservation Ordinance. LeTourneau Statue
Old Settler’s Monument in Peoria Zoo
Other memorials have also been constructed in Glen Oak Park by the Old Settler’s. A large monument created of stones in 1929 remains in the park today. The monument is twenty-seven feet high and eleven feet in diameter at the base. More than twenty-five thousand stones of various diameters were donated for the project, by people who had been living in Peoria County for forty or more years. Approximately 15,000 stones were used in the construction above the ground and the remaining 10,000 were used to form the foundation. An eighteen-inch copper box was placed in the monument containing histories of the County Farm Bureau and telephone companies. The monument remains in place within the zoo grounds. It was dedicated on August 26, 1931. In 2004, the Old Settler’s Monument was completely restored and re-pointed. Currently, the structure is in excellent condition. As the last remaining Old Settler’s Monument in Glen Oak Park, it is suitable for landmarking. In keeping with the purpose and intent of the District’s Preservation Ordinance, the Monument qualifies for Historic Designation under criteria B and D. Pergola in lower Glen Oak Park
As a part of the overall landscape enhancement plan, a “New Pergola” behind Ingersoll was contemplated by the Park Board. In 1917, bids were received and a contract was signed for the construction of a concrete and wooden pergola. The completion of the “New Pergola” in 1918, together with grading, sodding and the planting of shrubs greatly improved the general appearance and beauty of the Perry Street entrance and became “one of the principal features of the whole landscape scheme.” Currently, the Pergola is in place in lower Glen Oak Park and is being restored. All carpentry and painting work shall be completed by early fall of 2007. As one of the remnants of the original lower Glen Oak Park design, the Pergola is suitable for landmarking under criteria A, B and C of the District’s Preservation Ordinance. Robert G. Ingersoll Statue
Ingersoll, a Civil War veteran, served as a Colonel of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry regiment. His regiment received special praise for their action in the battle of Shiloh. From 1867 to 1869, Ingersoll served as Attorney General of the State of Illinois. Additionally, he was a prominent member of the Republican Party, although never holding an elected position. Ingersoll’s “Plumed Knight” speech greatly helped James G. Blaine win the Republican nomination for the 1884 Presidential election. Ingersoll was noted as the most popular orator of the age. A self-proclaimed “agnostic”, Ingersoll was a champion free thinker and a defender of the ideals of Charles Darwin. Many of his lectures were more than 20,000 words and kept him speaking from memory for two hours. Throughout his lifetime, Ingersoll lectured in nearly every large city in the United States. His audiences ranged from 1,000 to 5,000 people. In addition to Peoria, Ingersoll maintained an extensive legal practice in Washington, D.C., through 1885 and finally in New York until 1899. Ingersoll died on July 21, 1899. The Ingersoll statue in Glen Oak Park was created by sculptor Fritz Treibel in his studio in Genoa, Italy. Peoria, Eugene Baldwin facilitated the shipping and the installation of the statue. In a ceremony attended by his widow and daughters, the statue was dedicated on October 28, 1911. The Ingersoll statue qualifies for listing in the Park District Register under criteria A & D. Small Animal House
Throughout its history, the building has been used as a shelter, for concessions during special events, and most recently for a public information center. The original design of the Small Animal House has undergone significant modifications. This unique structure is suitable for landmarking under criterion B and C of the Park District’s Preservation Ordinance. Triebel Lions
After first living in Belleville and St. Louis, Otto Triebel became a permanent resident of Peoria in 1853. In 1872, Triebel established a monument and marble works business that became “…a leading feature in the commercial circles of Peoria.” Throughout his life, Triebel was one of Peoria’s most prominent, well-respected and talented citizens. His public service included several terms as city treasurer, county supervisor, and as a school inspector. Carved in 1843, the Triebel Lions were originally placed on either side of the Adams Street approach to the Peoria County Court House in 1903. The lions remained on display at the Court House for the next sixty years. In 1963, the Peoria County Court House was razed and the Peoria Park District rescued the sculptures. The Triebel Lions were relocated to Glen Oak Zoo for permanent display. For the past forty-four years, the Triebel Lions have been distinctive landmarks within Glen Oak Park. The Triebel Lions are suitable for listing under criteria B and C of the Park District’s ordinance.
In Bradley Park:
Iron Bridge In 1897, engineer H. Fahenstock reported the expenditure of $10,000.00 during the season for general permanent park improvements in keeping with the plans adopted for the construction of Bradley Park. Projects contemplated included: the completion of the grading and graveling of all driveways (the Main Street entrance and Chambers Avenue), finish grading of the large lake basin and the construction of two iron bridges across the necks of the lake. To construct the lakes in Bradley Park, approximately 22,000 cubic yards of material was excavated and used to develop the roadways. There were also 2,500 trees and stumps removed in conjunction with the project. On February 16, 1898, a contract for the erection of two steel bridges across the lakes was let to Thatcher A. Parker, of Terre Haute, Indiana. The contract amount of $2,345.00 was for the construction of the superstructure of both bridges. Four concrete bridge piers were completed by Park Division personnel for a total cost of $484.37. In conjunction with the steel bridges, a series of dams were built to regulate the flow of water and debris into the lake. The dams constructed were able to hold back water for several days but ultimately the water volume of Dry Run Creek washed them out. Seeking a solution to the problem the Park Board hired engineer B. H. Colby, of St. Louis to make a recommendation. To construct a lake, Colby suggested coating the entire surface area with a four-inch clay liner, building a “large” dam, and engineering a solution to keep driftwood, sand and silt from entering the lake bed. Because of the extreme cost of the project, the lake feature was not adhered to. One of the two steel bridges erected in 1898 remains in Bradley Park today. The structure is used as a pedestrian thoroughfare. As a 109-year old structure, the steel bridge is appropriate for designation under criteria B and E of the Preservation Ordinance. Japanese Bridge
Other local Klein creations are schools, including Peoria High, Washington and Franklin. He also designed homes along Grand View Drive and the shelter in the lower Grand View Park. By the end of 1920, many of the planned improvements had been completed in Bradley Park. The Japanese garden, artificial lake, and ball diamonds were in use by the public. Because of the high cost of material and the shortage of labor the Japanese Bridge connecting the Japanese Garden with the playgrounds was temporarily delayed. On April 21, 1921, a contract was signed with the Standard Improvement Company for the construction of the Japanese Bridge across Dry Run Creek. The plans were drawn up by Frederick J. Klein and the cost of construction was $5,470.00. A beautiful design that, “…when completed will fill a long felt want, it will enable people to go from the playground to the Japanese Garden without going away around and across the traffic bridge.” After completion in 1922, the Japanese Bridge project was described as, “…one of the most attractive features of the park and is a work of art well worth the time of the many visitors who patronize this park.” Currently, the Japanese Bridge is in use and an integral part of the Bradley Park landscape. The structure is in generally good repair and will have all wooden portions treated by an epoxy wood restoration system, caulked, primed and painted by the end of summer 2007. The Japanese Bridge is suitable for landmarking under criteria A, B, and D of the District’s Preservation Ordinance. Nature Preserves: at Detweiller Park, Forest Park South, Robinson Park and Singing Woods
The majority of the Park District’s preservation efforts have been done in conjunction with the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. Dedication is essentially a voluntary, legal process whereby the Park District restricts future uses of environmentally significant areas to ensure they remain in a natural state. Dedication as an Illinois Nature Preserve is in perpetuity and provides permanent protection of the land. An Illinois Nature Preserve is protected from any type of intrusion including eminent domain. Adverse uses such as logging, soil removal or any sort of destruction of plant and animal life are statutorily prohibited. Each of the Park District’s dedicated preserves is under a specific management plan for that given area. Cooperatively developed management plans follow the strict guidelines of the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission. The Commission normally approves a master plan and a three-year management plan schedule for the preserves. Currently, the Peoria Park District owns 1,589 acres of dedicated Illinois Nature Preserves. These Preserves include: Detweiller Park, 246 acres; Forest Park North, 357 acres; Forest Park South, 135 acres; Robinson Park, 151 acres; and Singing Woods, 700 acres. The entire 1,589 acres of Dedicated Nature Preserves are “Qualified Historic Properties” under the existing Park District ordinance and secondarily are appropriate for designation under criterion E.
Other Areas:
Efforts to preserve the burr oak began in the mid-1800s when Dr. and Mrs. E. H. Bradley purchased the land on which the tree stands. After Mrs. Bradley’s death in 1967, Peoria City Beautiful, the Peoria Park District and other interested citizens purchased the land from the Bradley family and ultimately created a park. Through a matching grant from the Housing and Urban Development “Parks in Cities” program, the Park District purchased the site in 1971. The park was officially dedicated on September 6, 1971. In 1974, the Park Board took action to adopt Giant Oak Park as the name of the location. The giant burr oak has been protected by a wrought iron fence installed many years ago. Additionally, the Park District purchased the Easton Flats property in 1992 to further buffer the tree. Lighting protection was also installed in 1996. As one of the largest urban trees under the ownership of the Park District, the giant burr oak qualifies for landmarking under criterion E of the District’s Register. Grand View Drive Park
Koerner Cemetery at Sommer Park
Civil War and Blackhawk War Veterans are buried in the Koerner Cemetery, each with a special headstone honoring their service. Jacob and Christina Koerner, five of their children and a number of grandchildren are also entombed in the cemetery. David W. Koerner and his wife, Louise, have a large monument on site. They constructed the large house in 1880 which still serves as a park office/private residence today. The Koerner Cemetery is used extensively for local historic interpretive programs. Public tours, including school groups, visit the site during Pioneer Days and other special events throughout the summer season. The general public has an opportunity to learn the history of the area through the lives of those buried in the cemetery. The Koerner Cemetery is suitable for landmarking under criterion B of the Park District’s Preservation Ordinance. Proctor Recreation Center
Trewyn Park Pavilion Trewyn Park Pavilion was constructed as a multi-purpose public structure. The structure originally included a kitchen, banquet room, stage, main hall, dance floor and restrooms. During the early twentieth century, the dance floor provided users a more attractive alternative to beer gardens and other questionable resorts that were thriving in Peoria. Trewyn Park Pavilion was constructed for $22,205.00 and dedicated on November 23, 1913. Trewyn Park opened in the late 1890’s/early 1900’s and gained immediate popularity with the public. South Park, as it was originally known, was a convenient gathering spot for the predominately laboring neighborhoods of Peoria’s south side. With the construction of a children’s playground, the park site was ideally suited to school, church and other large picnics. Because of the extremely popular nature of Trewyn Park, and the constant demand placed on its resources, the construction of a year-round pavilion was needed to augment the original summer open-air pavilion. The Trewyn Pavilion served to complement perfectly the existing park facilities including a swimming lake and extensive playground equipment. Park Board Trustees adopted a specific ordinance for the newly opened Trewyn pavilion in November of 1913. The ordinance spelled out specifically who could use the pavilion and the manner in which it was to be used. For example, the picnic season was formally declared to be from June until the end of September. Cooking by churches and other fraternal organizations had to be done in the first floor kitchen, while no cooking was allowed on the second floor. The second floor could only be used for heating coffee. The Trewyn Pavilion has undergone significant alterations and modifications to the original design. In 1956, areas of the lower pavilion were enclosed to create a garage and more usable indoor space including restrooms. A second modification occurred in 1978 with the construction of a wheelchair ramp and other changes to the interior of the pavilion. During 2002, the building underwent a major structural renovation and restoration to repair deteriorating concrete decking, structural steel support beams, brickwork and ornamental pillars. Currently, the pavilion is used for public rentals on the upper level and a Head Start site with an adjoining apartment in the lower level. As a structure, the Trewyn Park Pavilion qualifies for Historic Designation and listing under criteria B and C.
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Glen Oak
Pavilion is the well-recognized centerpiece of Glen Oak Park. Designed by
Peoria architects William Reeves and John Baille, the Glen Oak Pavilion was
completed in 1896 for a total cost of just less than $25,000. Originally, the
Victorian-style structure served as a public shelter, an ice cream parlor and
a dance hall. The Pavilion served as the Park District’s first multipurpose
public building.
The original iron suspension bridge was constructed in Glen Oak
Park in 1902. Compiled of masonry columns, a system of braided steel cables
support two, 25 foot approach spans and one, 50 foot clear span of the wooden
deck suspension bridge. Initially, the iron suspension bridge was designed to
provide public access from the pavilion to the lily pond, palm house and
assorted gardens. Major structural repairs and renovations to the bridge were
completed in 1926 and 1952. In 2002, the entire wooden deck was removed and
replaced. 
Humane fountains were constructed in many of the early parks as a
means of providing water for horses until the automobile became a primary method
of transportation. Many fountains were erected by humane societies such as the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In addition to the
necessary function of preserving the health of horses, these fountains were
often artistic in their design. 
In 1905, Mrs. Samuel Kinsey donated a sundial in honor of her
husband who was president of the Park Board at that time. Mrs. Kinsey described
the gift in the following fashion, “…Gentlemen, before the invention of the
mechanical clock, time was measured by an instrument casting a shadow from a
gnomon or style upon a dial. Believing a reproduction of such an instrument
would be of interest to many visitors…I respectfully ask for your official
approval and acceptance.” 
Robert Gilmore LeTourneau was
born on November 30, 1888 in Richmond, Vermont. LeTourneau was a
self-educated engineer, a most prolific inventor, founder of LeTourneau, Inc.,
and LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. R.G. LeTourneau was well known
as a Christian and a generous philanthropist to Christian causes around the
world. 
From the earliest days of Glen Oak Park, the Old Settler’s
Association has had a presence within the Park. In 1897, the Old Settler’s
financed the construction of their first log cabin and subsequently a
replacement cabin in 1927. The cabins were used to house pioneer artifacts and
served as a site for the association’s social gatherings and business meetings. 
During the early 1900’s, the Park District completed several
landscape beautification projects in lower Glen Oak Park. By 1920, a sunken
garden, an electric fountain and pool, ornamental pedestals, vases, concrete
steps and walkways were all constructed in lower Glen Oak. 
Robert G. Ingersoll moved to Peoria to practice law in 1857.
Ingersoll quickly earned a reputation as an exceptional trial lawyer. He
practiced law locally until 1877. 
The Small Animal House adjacent to the Glen Oak Pavilion was
constructed in 1905 for $152.39. According to the Ninth Annual Report of the
Board of Trustees of the Pleasure Driveway and Park District of Peoria: “…A
building has been constructed for the keeping of small animals, such as rabbits,
squirrel, guinea pig, and we have at present a very nice collection of these
different animals.” 
Otto Triebel was born in Roemhild, Germany in 1830. At the age
of fourteen, Triebel began to study sculpture and essentially devoted the rest
of his life to working in marble. 
The Japanese Bridge in Bradley Park was designed by Frederick
John Klein in 1920. Klein, a noted Peoria architect, was as widely known for
his public buildings as he was for the many stately residences he designed
throughout Illinois. He was self-taught, but because of his outstanding
abilities, he earned his way into membership of the American Institute of
Architects. 
Since its first nature preservation dedication in 1965, the
Peoria Park District has taken a leadership role in actively preserving and
protecting large tracts of forestland along the Illinois River bluffs and other
areas in Peoria County. Preservation of unique forest lands is in keeping with
the Park District Environmental Policy and Action Plan that contains the
following policy: “…to promote and practice open space planning and
preservation which reflects environmentally sensitive stewardship of all Park
District lands.” 
The giant burr oak at 424 W. High Street has been a significant
landmark in Peoria for more than a century. How long the oak has stood cannot
be said for certain, but at least since 1835. With a girth of fourteen feet and
branches arching more than 120 feet, the immense oak tree is estimated to be
between 200 to 300 years old. 
Founded approximately 157 years ago in 1850, the Koerner Family
Cemetery was one of the earliest family plots in Section 15 of Kickapoo
Township. Koerner relatives visit the cemetery throughout the year. 
Designed by the architectural
firm of Hewitt and Emerson, Proctor Center was opened in 1913. The building
incorporated many unique features as it was planned to, “…use the most fitting
and durable materials and most cleanable forms to make everything so far as
possible, ‘boy proof’.”