Phillips Park - History Time Line
- 1835 - Hilly area with wooded coves and
lagoons used for picnics and family outings, was originally
located south of the city limits.
- 1860 - Known as “Scharschung’s
Woods” up to 1870. The area was a natural playground,
consisting of groves and swamps.
- 1870’s - Known as “Sharp Shooter
Park” since the Aurora Sharp Shooter Society, founded
by a German group, used the area near the beer garden as a
shooting range.
- That same area later became the golf grounds.
- 1874 - Ferdinand Dapprich, local downtown
tavern owner of German descent, owned the land and used it
as a beer garden and later cultivated a vineyard.
- The property was located at the end of a streetcar line.
- Sharp Shooter Park listed as 40 acres in the Holland’s Aurora
City Directory in 1874.
- 1876 - advertisement: Ferd. Dapprich, Sample
Rooms and Pleasure Grounds, Proprietor of Aurora Shootin Park & Grapery.
Homemade Wine etc., etc., for sale.
- 1884 - Listing in Holland’s Aurora City Directory:
Dapprich, Ferd., proprietor of sample room and billiard hall
and forty acres of land on the Plainfield road known as “Shooting
Park” which he offers for sale at a low price, also a resident
of Aurora since 1866, 50 River, res. 38 S. Fourth.
- 1884 - Dapprich sold property to Dr. Pond,
who then sold to State Senator H.H. Evans. Evans, a capitalist
and realtor, who also owned the Grand Opera House that opened
in 1891.
- Area could be reached by the Fifth Street Summer Car Line.
- Aurora Street Railway: ’83 Mule/’93 Electric.
- Evans was also the President of the Aurora Street Railway.
- By 1897 the inter-urban line included Aurora, Yorkville
and Morris as destinations.
- 1885 - Senator Henry H. Evans purchased
the property to develop it as a center of entertainment, which
featured a refreshment hall and dance pavilion and became known
as Evans Park.
- In 1899 he started Riverview Park in Montgomery, located
west of the Fox River. It was later known as Fox River Park
and eventually closed in 1925.
- Photocopy of 1908 Advertisement: Evans for Candidate for
Republican Nomination for State Senator, 14th District for
August 8, 1908 Primaries.
- Photo of Evans home near the corner of Downer and Broadway
in The Aurora Story.
- 1890 - Phillips Park used for annual 4th of July family celebrations.
- Area could have been used as early as the 1850’s, when celebrating
the 4th of July with family picnics became the new tradition.
- The Fifth - Spruce Line Street Car serviced the park.
- 1899 - Property donated through the estate
of Auroran Travis Phillips, former grocer, alderman and mayor.
- He instructed that $24,000 from his estate be used to purchase
property for a park and be donated to the city.
- After Phillip’s death in 1897, a total of 60 acres, at $400
per acre, were purchased from Evans, by the estate administrator
Eugene B. Mix and turned over to the city. City population
20,000. (History of Aurora)
- The actual deed was signed and recorded on November 21,
1899.
- He served as Third Ward Alderman from 1876-1880 and Mayor
in 1881.
- 1874 - Photocopy of Travis Phillips Photo.
- In 1854 he started a grocery store that he ran for 26 years
at the corner of Downer & River. A photo of his home on Broadway,
near the corner of Downer is shown in The Aurora Story.
- Phillips was born on Sept. 3, 1830. Phillips never married.
He is buried in the West Aurora Cemetery.
- 1899- Known as “City
Park”.
- In July 1902 the City Council voted to change the name to
Phillips Park in honor of its donor.
- 1905 - Park Commissioners appointed. Commissioned
by state law.
- 1907 - City Council accepted bid by J.N. Little & J.R.
Hagerman for construction of custodian’s house. Designed
by architect Eugene Malmer, the house was completed by 1910.
- City Letter Re: Bids Advertised for the Construction/Bid
Rec. $1,760 on file.
- 1910 - The Moses family tradition: There
was a Moses employed as the Park Superintendent or the equivalent
position, from 1910-1984, for a total of 74 years.
- George from 1910-1926. He died in 1926 at the age of 70
and his funeral was held at his home in the park. He was born
in Plymouth, England. Refer to 1926 entry.
- Ray C. Moses (George’s son) was named Superintendent following
George’s death. He was largely responsible for the next fifty
years of constant growth and expansion, making Phillips one
of the most beautiful parks in the area. In 1978 he was named
Director and retired in 1984. Ray died August 30, 1990.
- In 1978 Ed (Ray’s son) was made Superintendent. He started
in 1946 and retired in 1984.
- In June 2000 Ron (Ray’s son) was appointed as the 3rd Ward
Alderman, after Alderman Ken Hinterlong moved out of the ward,
which encompasses Phillips Park. In 2001 Ron Moses ran, uncontested
for the position. In 2002 he announced he would not run for
another term.
- 1910 - The Greenhouse was built.
- 1915 - Cactus moved to the greenhouse.
- 1920's - The greenhouse expansion took place.
- 1936 - One hundred eighty walnut trees started
in greenhouse and were moved to island once they reached 6-8
feet.
- 1937 - At this time 50,000 plants and 25,000
flowers were grown annually in the greenhouse, in addition
to 1,800 trees and 2,000 shrubs.
- 1939 - Photo of Greenhouse with Ray & Ed
Moses from November of that year on file.
- 1960 - Booklet created by Moses identifying
plant life on the island was distributed.
- 1991 - Greenhouse demolished.
- 1994 - New 4,000 square foot Greenhouse
built for $93,000, replacing an 80-year- old facility.
- 1910 - Band Concerts through 1920.
- Photo dated 1910 from The Aurora Story read: Aurora Street
Railway streetcar: Band Concert Evans Park Tonight.
- 1912 - Elk Herd.
- 1915 - Zoo Established.
- 1920 - Home to 5 black bears, 10 monkeys,
6 elk, 3 buffalo, 2 foxes, 1 wolf and 1 deer, in addition to
hundreds of birds of every description.
- 1926 - The stonewall along the house that
lead to the zoo, was built by Bob Lisle.
- 1934 - Brookfield Zoo opened and Phillips
Park Zoo decided to focus on a collection of native animals,
rather than the giraffes and other large exotic animals that
were showcased in the past.
- 1934 - It was referred to as a zoo/museum
since the Mastodon Bones were displayed here.
- 1936 - Buffalo were slain.
- 1937 - Home to monkeys, a coyote, baboons,
rabbits, bears, pigeons, parakeets, parrots and lovebirds.
- 1938 - Beacon article dated September 11,
1938 titled “Start 200 Men Tomorrow On Park Project”, explained
how the WPA improvement project was going to spend the $189,000
allotted for the general improvement projects at Phillips Park
by both the government and the city. In a statement issued
by Mayor Harry B. Warner, he indicated that approximately $30,000
was to be used to transplant trees and shrubs, rebuild animal
cages and add fireplaces.
- 1950 - The barn and waterwheel were built.
(1964 Waterwheel built of cypress.)
- 1984 - The outdoor Bird Flight was built.
- 1985 - Beacon article from July 18 has Nancy
Weiss indicating there are buffalo at the zoo.
- 1985 - Judy the Bear was donated by businessman
Jeff Crockett.
- 1985 - Farfel, a Macaw, was donated by the
Chicago Lincoln Park Zoo.
- 1985 - Two new black swans were donated
by Ray Moses.
- 1986 - Newborn Twin African Pygmy Goats
named Billy Paul and Billy Joel arrived.
- 1992 - The pillars were constructed with
Black Bear sculptures at Zoo Entrance in April. (Refer to 1992
Entry)
- 1996 - “Chopper” the caiman was a new addition
in April and then stolen in September.
- 1996 - A new exhibit featuring North American
River Otters Teeter and Totter was added.
- 1999 - Judy the Bear died on June 16.
- 1999 - Reindeer from Walter Payton’s Roundhouse:
Scooter, Simba, Prancer, Comet and Vixen were on display until
the following year. Otters were moved to a new exhibit area,
and a new fox exhibit was also added.
- 2000 - The Perimeter Fencing Project, that
included gate counters, started in December and was completed
in 2001.
- 2001 - The elk herd was moved to Lagoon
area, which use to be the skating pond area.
- 2001 - The perimeter-fencing project was
completed.
- 2001 - A new gray wolf (timber wolf) habitat
was added for “Dakota”, “Cheyenne” and “Aurora”.
- 2002 - The newest addition, “Kenai” the
bald eagle arrived on July 19, 2002. Work had begun earlier
in the year to prepare the Bird Flight, which is a 50 x 25
foot open-air shelter that houses a pond and a waterfall, with
a backdrop mural of a mountain setting painted by Park employee
Chris Mascarella.
- 2002 - The Elk Viewing Deck was opened to
the public in August, providing an open view of the elk enclosure.
- 2002 - On November 23rd a 9-month old, 240-pound
Bengal Tiger “Sierra” was confiscated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service, since she was privately, but illegally, owned. She
was temporarily housed at the zoo for approximately one month,
until the DNR found a permanent home for her at the Rocky Mountain
Wildlife Conservation Center in Keenesburg, Colorado.
- 1916 - The Birdhouse was built with a glass
roof, at an estimated cost of $1,600.
- It was wrecked by a hailstorm in 1933.
- 1984 - The outdoor Bird Flight (cage) was
built.
- 1985 - The new Birdhouse opened in May.
Refer to 1985 Entry.
- 1989 - The Birdhouse sign, carved by Kris
Risvold, was installed above the west entrance.
- 1999 - The interior of the Birdhouse was
redecorated.
- 2001 - The Bird Flight was reconstructed.
- 1918 - Centennial Pageant held in Phillips
Park with 5,000 people in attendance.
- 1918 - Myron Howard West developed and published
the “Systems of Parks for Aurora”.
- 1920’s - Original Golf Course Constructed.
- The first property expansion added 45 acres for the 9-hole
golf course, to the original 60 acres, sometime prior to 1918.
- 1925 or 1926 - the front/hilly nine holes
to the north were developed.
- 1934 - Improvements made to 9-hole course
by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a “New Deal” program to
combat unemployment.
- 1938 - Beacon article dated September 2,
1938 titled “Begin Work on Park Project Next Tuesday” indicated
the golf course would close the following Tuesday for complete
rebuilding of the municipal links, as part of a $200,000 Works
Progress Administration (WPA) project that would employ 200
individuals. Tees, greens, bunkers and traps would be completely
redesigned and rebuilt, with the addition of landscaping to
make the picture complete. Plans for the project were prepared
by City Engineer Harold M. Achim, and Superintendent of Parks
Richard E. Dobbins, and would be under the direction of Mayor
Harry B. Warner.
- 1938 - Beacon article dated September 11,
1938 titled “Start 200 Men Tomorrow On Park Project”, explained
how the WPA improvement project was going to spend the $189,000
allotted for the project by both the government and the city.
It also noted that park employees tore down the old golf course
the week prior. In a statement issued by Mayor Harry B. Warner,
he indicated that approximately $44,000 would be used to rebuild
the golf course which will consist of regrading the greens,
enlarging the tees, providing clay tees at each grass tee and
rearranging traps with the idea of dividing the fairways to
make playing at the park a little safer and planting trees
at the back of the tees and in general to beautify the course.
- After the expansion, the course encompassed 100 acres that
included 80 acres of fairway and 20 acres of rough, with a
clubhouse.
- 1994 - Irrigation System purchased for
$289,947. The Automated Water System was installed to avoid
parched fairways.
- 1999 - The course was closed in the fall
to begin improvements to the back nine.
- 2001 The course opened
to public on Saturday, July 14. The Official Dedication Ceremony
was held on Tuesday, July 10 and premier opening event, the
Friends of Phillips Park golf outing fundraiser was held on
Thursday, July 12. The 18-hole course can now boast modern
features like “USGA” Greens, a computerized irrigation system,
multiple tees, larger greens, better overall drainage systems,
strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, cart paths,
a driving range and a new clubhouse, as well as a three hole
Junior Course, resulting in a quality championship caliber
golf course. The new driving range has both “All Weather Teeing
Surface” for inclement weather and a massive grass tee for
a more realistic feel. With three sets of tees, the golf course
ranges from 4,760 yards to 6,200 yards, providing a wide range
of challenge for varying abilities.
- 1923 - Two WWI Cannons were donated by the
U.S. Government in June.
- Located west of the playground.
- Mayor Chas. H. Greene & Commissioners noted on plaques.
- 1926 - Beacon article announced: George
F. Moses, 70, who during 15 years as Superintendent of Phillips
Park, developed it into one of the most beautiful spots in
this section, died at his home at 5:20 o’clock last night.
He was ill for several months, but it was only a couple of
weeks ago that his condition became serious. Mr. Moses had
been a resident of Aurora since 1893. Burial was in Riverside
cemetery.
- 1933 - Lake Excavation. The Civil Works
Administration, a federal work project during the Great Depression,
began excavating the lake with a work crew of 555 men, who
were under the direction of Commissioner Charles A. Townsend
and Custodian Ray Moses. The lake was considered as early as
1902.
- 1933 - Excavation created an island, in
addition to the natural one that was already there. Local engineer
G. Walter Parker designed the island. Once completed, the island
was only accessible by boat for 25 years.
- Photocopy of Beacon article dated January 21, 1934 indicates
that 4 bones were first discovered by CWA workman, Joseph Gari,
and included a hip and shoulder bone.
- 1934 - Prehistoric Mastodon Bones & Tusks
that were estimated to be between 10,000 & 22,000 years old
were discovered March 7, 1934. A hand-drawn map showing specifically
where the bones were found, indicates a skull and scapula were
found at the north end of the lake; toward the north on the
east end 3 ribs and the 1st and 2nd tusks; on the east end
between the two islands the 2nd skull, vertebrae, toes and
femor; and at the far south end the 3rd tusk, 3rd skull and
lower jaw.
- 1934 - Mastodon Bones first housed in Greenhouse.
- 1935 - Beacon article dated January 15,
1935 reports that Aurora College Professor Clarence R. Smith
informed the Lions Club members that since last April, 2 more
skulls, 2 more tusks, a leg bone, a lower jaw, front leg bone,
several ribs, vertebrae and foot bones are among the latest
finds. In addition, the thigh bone of a large beaver, estimated
to weigh over 500 pounds was found along with 6 wing bones
from a large bird which would have stood over four feet in
height, 21 different species of shell from the swamp marl,
and bones from elk and Virginia deer. Borings in the marl at
one point found the swamp to go 304 feet into the ground. Tests
showed that two large valleys existed at the site years ago.
- 1935 - article by Clarence R. Smith was
published in Science, dated April 15, 1935. It states that
the find included 3 skulls, one of which includes the lower
jaw, 3 tusks, a femur, an ulna, a scapula, a number of ribs,
several vertebrae and a number of foot bones. E.S. Riggs, paleontologist
at Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, identified the
species as Mastodon americanus. Three pairs of bird humeri
and a portion of breast, all of the same species of bird were
found, though the species has not yet identified, are being
examined by Professor L.A. Adams, of the University of Illinois.
The deposit in which they were found is a bed of gray marl,
which borings revealed a maximum thickness of thirty feet that
was overlaid by two to five feet of peat, and over this there
was two feet of black muck which comprised the bottom of the
modern swamp. In addition, the right femur of a giant beaver, Castoroides
ohioensis, was found and being examined by Professor Adams.
- A September 1935 article in the Wilson Bulletin states that
Dr. L.A. Adams, professor at the University of Illinois determined
the bird to be a Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
of late Pleistocene. Previously this swan had been reported
from Pleistocene deposits in Oregon and Florida, this present
being the first occurrence of it in the central portion of
our country. The specimens were returned to Professor Smith
and placed in a museum at Phillips Park.
- 1935 - A Cinder Bridle Path was constructed
around the circumference of the lake, prior to summer of that
year. The leasee was to provide supplies and materials for
the construction of the stable. The stables were then built.
The original Resolution and Public Notice are on file.
- 1935 - Towards completion the project,
the number of workmen dropped drastically, when the supervision
of the project was transferred to the Illinois Emergency Relief
Commission.
- 1937 - Beacon photo showing the bones.
Beacon article dated September 1, 1937 indicated that Professor
Clarence Smith of Aurora College, during a presentation to
the Rotary Club, urged the city to provide proper housing for
the bones discovered at Phillips Park and in surrounding area,
or turn them over to the Field Museum in Chicago.
- 1937 - The official name for the lake was “Townsend
Lake” after former Mayor and Park Commissioner, though everyone
referred to it as “Mastodon Lake”.
- 1937 - Mastodon Bones were displayed in
Birdhouse.
- 1938 - Mastodon Bones were moved to Aurora
Historical Society’s Tanner House.
- 1939 - Beacon photo dated July 16, 1939
showed Park Superintendent Ray Moses and Aurora College Professor
Clarence R. Smith removing an 8-foot long mastodon tusk, found
by WPA worker Louis Sipos, during a sewer project on Watson
Street, south of Parker Avenue, which was taken to the greenhouse,
with plans to have it presented to the Aurora Historical Society.
The article includes a detailed description of the find and
of the makeup of the soil content from that time to current.
- 1954 - The road was constructed around
the island.
- 1957 - The bridge was built.
- 1960’s - The island was used for weddings.
- 1960’s - The west extension of the lake
was dug.
- 1960’s - Washrooms were built on island
with the stones taken from the demolition of Center School.
- 1960 - Paleontologist’s report on Mastodon
Lake stated there were no additional findings.
- 1988 - A 1-mile walking/biking trail was
constructed around the lake.
- 1991 - The pedestrian bridge to the island
was constructed. (Mfg. Correspondence)
- 1996 - The Mastodon Bones were moved to
an exhibit at the Aurora Historical Museum in the Art & History
Center at 20 East Downer Place.
- 1999 - Construction began in the fall on
the Mastodon Island Project that entailed two separate sites,
each adjacent to the lake. Completed in May of 2000, the island
site showcases a life-size mastodon sculpture, mastodon footprints,
a tusk maze and a mastodon slide. The new gazebo, complete
with tiered seating, will be utilized for educational programs
in conjunction with the interactive displays. The other site
located southwest of the lake, known as Mastodon Lake Recreation
Area West, features a playground, a pavilion, sand volleyball
courts and horseshoe pits. In addition, three new fishing piers
were located around the lake.
- 1935 - The water tower was constructed on Hill Avenue.
- 1936 - Sunken Garden Construction project
began by the Works Project Administration (WPA).
- 1937 - A Rose Garden existed.
- Ray Moses laid out the design of garden. His father was
a formally trained gardener at English estates.
- Beacon article dated September 11, 1938 titled “Start 200
Men Tomorrow On Park Project”, explained how the WPA improvement
project at Phillips Park was going to spend the $189,000 allotted
for the project by both the government and the city. In a statement
issued by Mayor Harry B. Warner, he indicated that approximately
$11,000 would be used to construct a formal flower garden.
- A photo from near the end of construction, dated November
11th, 1939, is on file.
- Beacon article dated November 12, 1939 noted that Ray Moses,
the head of the Aurora Park Department named a new variety
of chrysanthemum “Pearl Warner”, after Mayor Harry B. Warner’s
wife. It was a deep yellow in color, although the parent plant
was a pale pink.
- Beacon article dated November 14, 1939 noted 5,000 chrysanthemums,
of 157 varieties, were on display for Aurora’s Chrysanthemum
show that would run through November 26th. Under the direction
of Ray Moses, 50 youth employed by the National Youth Administration
aided in the preparations for several months, including remodeling
of the old building (birdhouse) used for the flower show. Beacon
photo dated November 19, 1939 shows Ray Moses and National
Youth Administration worker Elizabeth King at the “mum” show.
- On the back of a photo marked 1940’s, there is a handwritten
note describing the Army/Navy carpet bed design (1942), noting
it is where the tennis courts were located.
- Beacon article dated May 11, 1941 stated the lights were
installed at garden and turned on.
- Beacon article dated May 11, 1941 noted that 12,000 tulips,
of 25 different varieties, were in full bloom at Sunken Garden.
- Beacon article dated April 14, 1942 indicated that the City
Council approved the distribution of more than 20,000 tomato
and cabbage plants, at no charge, to those who could not afford
them, through the schools, at the urging of Ray Moses, Park
Custodian.
- Beacon article dated July 16, 1942 has Ray Moses, foreman
of parks, inviting the inspection by the local citizenry of
the formal gardens at Phillips Park and the gardens at Garfield
Park. Both have military themes, with gardens at Garfield possessing
a beautiful flag, as well as another plot with military symbols.
- Beacon article dated September 2, 1942 noted the Sunken
Garden (with lily pond) was illuminated nightly by floodlights
to showcase the Army-Navy design with anchors and guns.
- 1946 - Ken Olsen of the Aurora American
Legion Band informed staff that they used to perform in the
garden and in 1946 electric was installed there.
- Site of yearly displays of flower carpet beds, many times
designed to commemorate special events. Designs on file: Buy
War Bonds (1940’s) slides on file, Boy Scouts 1910-1960, Navy
Waves 1942-1967, Victory: Army - Navy (1942), Aurora 150 Years
(1987) created by Wally Mundy of Mundy Landscaping.
- The flame was turned off in the 70’s due to the energy crisis.
- 1986 - The pond was filled in, according
to park staff. The dimensions were estimated to be 20 by 30
feet and 3 feet deep.
- 1986 - The Friends of Phillips Park (FOPP)
Garden & Planting Committee formed plans for redevelopment
of Sunken Garden. A FOPP brochure indicates they spent $650
to purchase 5,000 tulip bulbs, which volunteers planted the
prior fall.
- 1993 - Veterans were invited to attend
a Rededication Ceremony, where the name plaques had been replaced
on the WWII Monument honoring the “Aurora Township Heroes 1941-1945” that
had earlier been stolen.
- 1994 - A Remembrance Program was held at
Sunken Garden on June 6, 1994 in recognition of the 50th Anniversary
of D-Day.
- 2000 - Millennium bed reading “2000” was
planted by Mundy Design and funded by FOPP.
- 2002 - The Official Dedication Ceremony
and Opening of the Sunken Garden at Phillips Park was held
on Tuesday, June 25th at 4:00 p.m. The renovation project,
which began that past February, included a handicap accessible
multi-level walkway system, irrigation, benches, urns, and
plantings consisting of annuals, ornamental grasses, shrubs
and topiaries. The addition of a three-tiered fountain, complete
with lights, was the center focal point of the garden. The
addition of the “Four Seasons” statues, donated by Wally Mundy
of W.E. Mundy Landscaping & Garden Center and Mike Schoppe
of Schoppe Design Associates, was another new feature. The
statues each represent one of the four seasons and are situated
in the corners of the garden. An entry gate was also added,
allowing patrons access from the garden to the zoo. The new
Hostas Garden lines the common area, with plants donated by
individuals and organizations from throughout the community.
The former Superintendent Edwin Moses was recognized by Mayor
Stover, with a bronze plaque, located in the garden, that was
unveiled during the 2002 opening ceremony, noting Ed’s years
of dedication to the garden.
- Mundy Landscaping was awarded
the Grand Award for Exterior Commercial Renovation, sponsored
by the Associated Landscape Contractors of America.
- 2002 - In preparation for the next spring,
12,000 tulip bulbs were planted.
- 1937 - Phillips Park consisted of 200 acres.
- 1938 - Beacon article dated September 2,
1938 noted that the Junior Drum Corps would give exhibitions
at Phillips Park following the ballgames on Sunday and Monday,
during Labor Day weekend.
- 1938 - Beacon article dated September 2,
1938 titled “Begin Work on Park Project Next Tuesday” indicated
the golf course would close the following Tuesday for complete
rebuilding of the municipal links, as part of a $200,000 Works
Progress Administration (WPA) project that would employ 200
individuals. Tees, greens, bunkers and traps would be completely
redesigned and rebuilt, with the addition of landscaping to
make the picture complete. Plans for the project were prepared
by City Engineer Harold M. Achim, and Superintendent of Parks
Richard E. Dobbins, and would be under the direction of Mayor
Harry B. Warner. Other park improvements included a large parking
lot with lights that would accommodate several hundred automobiles,
on the site of the old buffalo pens, west of the ball diamond
and near the red brick barn and tool house. New tennis courts,
horse shoe courts and other recreational facilities will be
constructed, water and sewer mains will be laid and trees and
shrubs will be planted. The project will also take care of
numerous improvements to Garfield Park and will employ 200
men over the period of one year.
- 1938 - Beacon article dated September 11,
1938 titled “Start 200 Men Tomorrow On Park Project”, explained
how the WPA improvement project was going to spend the $189,000
allotted for the project by both the government and the city.
It also noted that park employees tore down the old golf course
the week prior. In a statement issued by Mayor Harry B. Warner,
he indicated that approximately $6,935 would go to improve
the tennis courts at Garfield; $15,000 to construct a parking
lot at Phillips; $11,500 to run city water into Phillips, resulting
in a decrease in maintenance of $1,500 annually; $28,000 to
build 12 tennis courts at Phillips; $1,300 to remodel present
barn at new tennis court site and use as tennis club house
in summer and skating club house in winter; $7,500 to resurface
park drives; $11,000 to construct a formal flower garden; $14,000
to install sewers and miscellaneous items such as the demolition
of the pavilion, that is to be replaced with a new one next
spring, and funded through another project; $30,000 to transplant
trees and shrubs, rebuild animal cages and add fireplaces;
and $44,000 to rebuild the golf course that will consist of
regarding the greens, enlarging the tees, providing clay tees
at each grass tee and rearranging traps with the idea of dividing
the fairways to make playing at the park a little safer and
planting trees at the back of the tees and in general to beautify
the course.
- 1939 - Construction projects were to have
been completed on the twelve tennis courts, horseshoe courts,
a formal garden, fireplaces and the parking lot across from
the garden. The one-year WPA Project that started on September
12, 1938 and employed 200 workers, according to Beacon article
dated September 11, 1938. In addition, City water was to be
run to park, sewers added, zoo cages rebuilt, the carpenter’s
shop remodeled, the pavilion demolished and the golf course
to be rebuilt. In a separate project, a new pavilion was to
be built prior to spring 1939.
- 1947 - The Old Timers Baseball Association
Monument recognized those who served the defense of our country.
- 2003 - Monument to be located at the new
Hunt Field located at Howell Place & Parker Ave.
- 1950’s - Smith Boulevard was developed.
- A Beacon article from 1920 noted that the main entrance to
Phillips Park is from Parker or use the Park boulevard entrance,
an extension of Smith Street or the other entrance from Ohio
Street.
- A Beacon article from 1937 indicated a motor driveway from
Smith Blvd. to Parker Avenue.
- 1955 - The Phillips Park Pool and Lincoln
Park Pool were constructed.
- It was first planned in 1918 and again in 1937, though it
was not constructed until 1956.
- The spray pool started as an attraction in the 1930’s.
- The pool was dedicated in 1956.
- 1987 - The old pool was still open. Due
to leaks it took 500,000 gallons to fill 300,000-gallon capacity.
- 1988 - The pool closed.
- 1988 - The city and the Fox Valley Park
District hire a consultant for $12,000.
- Spray Pool re-opened from 1988-1990.
- Construction began on the Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center
in 1991.
- 1957 - The United States Marine Corps Commemorative
Plaque was dedicated by Mayor Paul Egan.
- 1957 - The Truemper Monument.
- The monument was moved from McCarty Park to its current location
at the Sunken Garden, sometime prior to 1969. Likely, it was
in 1957. The story is that it had to be moved because Walter’s
mother had to pass it daily, when located at McCarty Park and
was made very upset by the sight of it.
- Walter E. Truemper served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during
WWII. He received the Medal of Honor for Valor, posthumously,
on May 15, 1944. It was awarded for his willingness to offer
his life in a futile attempt to save the life of a fellow airman
and friend.
- He was the only Auroran to receive the Congressional Medal
of Honor for Valor.
- The Monument was dedicated on January 2, 1956.
- Walter E. Truemper was born October 31, 1918 and died February
20, 1944.
- The 50th Anniversary was recognized in 1994.
- 1957 - The Miniature Burlington Train was
added as a new attraction at Phillips Park.
- 1958 - A tablet, located behind cannons,
commemorating Comrade Daniel Wedge, the last Civil War Veteran
of Aurora was installed.
- 1959 - The Waterfall was dedicated on May
30, 1959, following the afternoon Dedication Day Parade with
5,000 in attendance, to hear Col. Charles H. Edwards speak.
There was also a Memorial Day Parade in the morning.
- The Dedication Plaque reads: “In honor of men and women
of Aurora who devotedly served their country in time of war.” For
WWII.
- Later articles noted that Mayor Egan stated his displeasure
with the project and the event itself, during the ceremony,
to which he received boos from the crowd.
- The original invitation to Mayor Egan from Park Commissioner
Wyeth is on file.
- City Commissioners in attendance included William G. Konrad,
W.B. Robertson, Leo E. Boucon and H.A. “Ace” Wyeth, Sr.
- waterfall on file.
- 1959 - F-80 Jet Fighter Bomber “Shooting
Star” placed in Phillips Park.
- Built in 1945, the F-80 was used at the end of WWII. This
was one of 4 remaining F-80’s.
- Arrived in 1959 according to Ron Moses because the White
Sox played in the World Series.
- It was later moved to Georgia’s Museum of Aviation at the
Robbins Air Force Base 1984 or 1988.
- 1984 - Vietnam F-105 Thunderchief Fighter-Bomber “Whistling
Death” installed at park on July 18.
- Built in 1953.
- Beacon article in 1995 announced the Thud Jet was to be
moved.
- It was later moved to the Aurora Municipal Airport’s Air
Classics Museum of Aviation.
- 1985 - Friends of Phillips Park Advisory
Committee established.
- In 1982 the City Council established and appointed a 9-member
Advisory Committee.
- In 1991 the FOPP received the Image-Maker Award from the
Greater Aurora Chamber of Commerce.
- 1985 - The New Birdhouse opened in May.
- 1984 - The outdoor Bird Flight (cage) was
built.
- Farfel the Macaw was stolen in ’86 and ’87.
- The Birdhouse sign, carved by Kris Risvold, was placed above
the west entrance.
- 1999 - Dillon the Parrot was donated.
- 1999 - The interior of the Birdhouse was redecorated.
- 2001 - The Bird Flight was reconstructed.
- 2002 - “Kenai” the bald eagle arrived in
July.
- 1988 - The Mastodon Lake 1 Mile Trail was
constructed as a Pedestrian and Bicycle Pathway.
- The Dedication Ceremony was held on Sunday, September 11,
1991.
- 1991 - WWII Armory on Howell Place was demolished.
- It was used as a Naval Building and an Army Reserve.
- It was built approximately 50 years prior.
- 1991 - The Phillips Park Family Aquatic
Center was constructed.
- The project was completed for 4.4 million.
- The project included a tube slide, a body slide and 2 drop-off
slides, a children’s play pool with a waterfall and water cannons,
plus a tot slide. There is also a hot tub, a sand play area,
a sand volleyball court and concessions. The capacity is for
1,500 people, though the facility had averaged 3,200 per day
and had experienced as many as 4,500 by 1994.
- 1992 - The zoo entrance pillars with Black
Bear sculptures were constructed in April. Sculptor Steve Weitzman
was commission by the Aurora Public Art Commission to design
the entrance pillars, which are decorated with American Black
Bears on top, and six bas-relief animal sculptures on the sides,
at a cost of $12,000. On each pillar there were three insets
designed, one of a four-horned sheep, one of a fox and the
other a swan, each on a different side of the pillar. Stop
signs were placed on empty side of each pillar. The original
side sculptures rusted due to metal flakes used, so Weitzman
replaced them with a second set that were used in the new pillars,
built in September 2001. The molds are property of the artist.
- 1992 - The Aurora Public Art Commission
held a Dedication Ceremony on June 28.
- 1992 - The Zoo Wall, built by staff member
Nick Beyer, was installed in the fall. It included new signage,
consisting of stone letters that read Phillips Park. The stone
letters cost $1,200.
- 2001 - The bronze plaques were installed
on entrance pillars noting zoo was established in 1915.
- 1993 - Veterans were invited to attend a
Rededication Ceremony, where the name plaques had been replaced
on the WWII Monument honoring the “Aurora Township Heroes 1941-1945” that
had earlier been stolen.
- 1994 - The new 4,000 square foot Greenhouse
was built for $93,000, replacing an 80-year old facility.
- 40,000 plants were grown annually.
- Prior to 1994, a greenhouse supplier developed a fuchsia
geranium and named it “Aurora”, It was strictly coincidence
and not named for our city.
- “Aurora” geraniums had been used for annual plantings up
through 1998.
- 1995 - Total Acreage for all City Parks was 402
acres, with Phillips Park at 250 acres.
- 1996 - The 1995 Master Plan was adopted
by City Council. The plan, designed by Burke & Associates,
included changes to three areas: the Central oak/hickory forest;
the golf course; and Mastodon Lake. Highlights of the plan
follow:
- Oak/Hickory Forest:
- New Playground (1997)
- Zoo Parking Major Zoo Expansion to northwest/southeast
- Golf Course:
- New Clubhouse
- Driving Range
- Miniature Golf Course
- General Improvements
- Mastodon Lake:
- Several Fishing Piers
- Paddle Boat Pier
- Area for Model Boat Sailing
- Prairie Design Landscape on Islands>
- Native Prairie Habitat
- Wetland Area
- New Concert Pavilion
- 1997- The Playground Renovation was completed.
- 1999 - The Friends of Phillips Park donated
the “Welcome to Phillips Park” entry sign across at the Parker
Avenue/Moses Drive entrance. 1999 The Friends of Phillips Park
and the city began the one-year line-up of programs, activities
and events to commemorate the park’s Centennial.
- 1999 - Improvements to back nine began in
the fall for the total golf course renovation. Park acreage
was more than 280 acres. The Groundbreaking Ceremony was held
September 7, 1999.
- 1999 - Construction began in the fall on
the Mastodon Island Project that entailed two separate sites,
each adjacent to the lake. Completed in May of 2000, the island
site showcases a life-size mastodon sculpture, mastodon footprints,
a tusk maze and a mastodon slide. The new gazebo, complete
with tiered seating, will be utilized for educational programs
in conjunction with the interactive displays. The other site
located southwest of the lake, known as Mastodon Lake Recreation
Area West, features a playground, a pavilion, sand volleyball
courts and horseshoe pits. In addition, three new fishing piers
were located around the lake.
- 2001 - After closing in the fall of ’99
for reconstruction, the Phillips Park Golf Course re-opened
on July 14, 2001. The 18-hole course, designed by Greg Martin,
now boasts modern features like “USGA” Greens, a computerized
irrigation system, multiple tees, larger greens, better overall
drainage systems, strategically placed bunkers and water hazards,
cart paths, a driving range and a new clubhouse, as well as
a three hole Junior Course, resulting in a quality championship
caliber golf course. The new driving range has both “All Weather
Teeing Surface” for inclement weather and a massive grass tee
for a more realistic feel. With three sets of tees, the golf
course ranges from 4,760 yards to 6,200 yards, providing a
wide range of challenge for varying abilities.
- 2001 - The perimeter-fencing project was
completed at the Phillips Park Zoo.
- 2001 - A new gray wolf (timber wolf) habitat
was added for “Dakota”, “Cheyenne” and “Aurora”.
- 2002 - A new sledding hill and ice skating
rink opened in January at the Winter Recreation Area site,
located adjacent to the Aquatic Center. The Aurora Kiwanis
Club had taken a special interest in the project by volunteering
to plant shrubs, line the pedestrian paths, assemble decorative
sponsorship benches, and contribute the necessary funds. In
2002 a bunny hill was added.
- 2002 - Fountains, donated by the Friends
of Phillips Park, were added to Mastodon Lake in 2002, resulting
in a more calming atmosphere, while keeping the lake clean.
The year prior, the shoreline was cleared of dense shrubbery
that opened up the lake view.
- 2002 - The main level build-out of the Administration
Building was completed and the Old Pro Shop was renovated for
use by The First Tee - junior golf program.
- 2002 - A special security detail was initiated
in May of 2002 to protect the city’s large investment of property
at the park, and security cameras were installed to ward off
vandalism. Routine patrols on foot, bicycle and by vehicle
are used to issue tickets for nuisance behavior, such as reckless
driving and alcohol consumption. New park hours were established
and security gates were installed the year prior, as additional
security measures.
- 2002 - The Official Dedication Ceremony
for the Re-Opening of the Sunken Garden was held on Tuesday,
June 25 at 4:00 p.m. The renovation project, which began in
February of that year, included a handicap accessible multi-level
walkway system, irrigation, benches, urns, and plantings to
consist of annuals, ornamental grasses, shrubs and topiaries.
The addition of a three-tiered fountain, complete with lights,
is the center focal point of the garden. The addition of the “Four
Seasons” statues, donated by Wally Mundy of W.E. Mundy Landscaping & Garden
Center and Mike Schoppe of Schoppe Design Associates, was another
new feature. The statues each represent one of the four seasons
and are situated in the corners of the garden. An entry gate
was also added, allowing patrons access from the garden to
the zoo. The new Hostas Garden lines the common area, with
plants donated by individuals and organizations from throughout
the community, which were planted by the Friends of Phillips
Park. Cameras were added for security.
- 2002 - The newest addition, “Kenai” the
bald eagle, arrived on July 19, 2002. She was obtained through
the Bird Treatment and Learning Center, in Anchorage, Alaska. “Kenai” was
brought to the rehab center, after having been found in Homer,
Alaska unable to fly. She was estimated to be about 6 to 8
years old. It was determined that “Kenai” was not releasable
back to the wild, due to a broken wing. Work had begun earlier
in the year to prepare the Bird Flight for her arrival. It
is housed in a 50 x 25 foot open-air shelter that houses a
pond and a waterfall, with a backdrop mural of a mountain setting,
painted by Park Maintenance Worker Chris Mascarella.
- 2002 - The Elk Viewing Deck was opened to
the public in August, providing an open view of the elk enclosure.
- 2002 - Construction began in the fall on
two new girl’s softball fields located at Howell Place & Parker
Avenue. It will be the future site of Hunt Field, the “Old
Timers” Baseball Memorial, home field to the East Aurora High
School Lady Tomcats and the Women’s Softball Assoc. It was
a cooperative project between the City of Aurora’s Department
of Parks and Recreation and the East Aurora School District
#131. Hunt Field was named in honor of Dick Hunt, who started
Pony League baseball here.
- 2002 - The electrical upgrade project began.
- 2002 - On November 23, 2002 a 9-month old,
240-pound Bengal Tiger “Sierra” was confiscated by
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, since she was privately,
but illegally, owned. She was temporarily housed at the zoo
for approximately one month, until the DNR found a permanent
home for her at the Rocky Mountain Wildlife Conservation Center
in Keenesburg, Colorado.
- 2002 - Friends of Phillips Park donated
an all-weather pavilion for the Winter Recreation Area.
- 2003 - Second Bald Eagle “Denali” arrived.
- 2003 - Visitors Center and Mastodon Gallery
opened on Tuesday, October 28, 2003. The guest count reached
53,880 in the first full year of operation, with more than
1,065 hours donated by the Volunteer Ambassadors. Facility
serves as meeting facility for Southeast Neighbors Association,
the Third Ward Committee, the Friends of Phillips Park and
the Phillips Park Zoociety. In addition, local service clubs,
organizations and church groups utilize facility for park luncheon
tours.
- 2003 - Two new women’s softball fields
were completed at the corner of Howell Place and Ray Moses
Drive.
- 2003 - Friends of Phillips Park donated
a snow-making machine for the Winter Recreation Area.
- 2004 - The new “Mastodon Express” tram
begins operating in June and provides free narrated park tours
to 7,621 park patrons.
- 2004 - Scientific Mastodon Dig: Waubonsee
Community College, the Illinois State Museum and the City of
Aurora mobilized resources to search for additional Mastodon
remains. More than 275 volunteers participated in the 11-week
excavation at Mastodon Lake from May to August. An abundant
amount of material was found that would contribute to proving
the scientific significance of the bones unearthed in 1934
and contribute to the understanding of the late Pleistocene
geology, climate and paleoecology of northeastern Illinois.
The material included plant macrofossils, mollusks, and bones
of fish, amphibians, reptiles and mammals.
- 2004 - Record attendance numbers:
- Visitors to the Zoo tops 182,000 (Including guided tours
to over 3,000 students).
- The Visitors Center and Mastodon Gallery serves over
55,196 guests.
- The Annual Fall Festival attracts over 12,000 attendees.
- Free narrated park tours on the Mastodon Express provided
to 7,621 park patrons.
- Santa Station attracts over 2,500 guests at Visitors
Center.
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