Willard Memorial Library System

Historical Photographs of Spring Brook Park in Willard

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Spring Brook Park was the brain child of Lester P. Hensinger, the mayor of Chicago Junction [Willard] in 1909 and 1910.  The park was built and operated in the days before handy transportation when something local was demanded for recreation and contact with people.  Today, people can hop in their cars and easily go to Cedar Point, Mansfield, or any number of other places.  It was not so in the 1900s.  You will note in the pictures below that the Park had a carousel, bowling alleys, food stands, game stands, and a small pond with boats.  The park was located on the east side of Willard near the east end of Spring Street.  Today, all of it is gone.

This is the pond for boats at the Park.  What looks like a path to the left of the dam is actually a slide into the pond.

The tent to the right in the above picture housed the carousel.  A food stand is to the left.

Bowling alley and bridge at Spring Brook Park.

The Park was a great place for fellowship and making new friends.  Those slow days of fellowship are gone.

Food Stands and Carousel at Spring Brook Park.

A different angle of the Carousel.  A game stand is at the far left.

The whole Carousel tent.

Another view of the crowds and Carousel.