Historic Central Park

Variously called Court Street Park, City Park, and Central Park (since 1930), it has been the civic center since the city was founded in the late 1840's. Central Park is located between Fourth Street on the north, Third Street on the south, Market Street on the east and Washington Street on the west. Civic buildings, a main highway, and public gatherings have all been centered around Central Park throughout the last 150 years.

The photo at left is the earliest known photograph of the Central Park area - c. 1860-70's. It is looking north along Court Street from one block south of Central Park. At this time in history, Court Street ran directly through the park. Note in the background that the towers are still on the 1855 Court House and the First Methodist Church on the left. The towers on both the church and the Court House were removed in the 1880's. The next picture shows the towers removed.

The photograph on the right was probably taken in the mid 1880's. Central Park is in the foreground. The two buildings on the left are where the 1893 Court House would be built. The building on the left was originally the First Methodist Church. When this picture was taken it was being used as a National Guard Armory. The building in the middle was the old 1855 Court House. Court Street runs between the Court House and St. Mary's Catholic Church on the right.

At various times in history, Court Street ran directly through the park. An article in Ottumwa Daily Democrat on May 8, 1885 debated if "Court Street should again run through 'City Park' and turn it once again into a through street." This 1917 picture shows Court Street circling through Central Park.

H.N. Macoy drafted a plan for a band stand in Court Street park in 1886. Private contributions built the bandstand. It was completed in the summer of 1886. Prof. Schwabkey's band volunteered to give a series of free concerts.

The 1913 photograph below shows a band stand and the 5.5 inch gun from the Spanish ship the Maria Theresa (1898) from the Spanish American War.

Central Park has been the scene of speeches, band concerts, celebrations, dog shows, farmers' markets, relaxation and romance. A watering trough for horses was a delight to city kids when horses were no longer kept within the city limits. A wall once surrounded the park. Iron lampposts with round white globes lite the park at night.

August 10, 1912 newspaper article lavished praise on the park.

"In the little spot in the center of the city, known as the City Park, the park commissioners have one of the finest resting places in the state. It is comparatively small, but its location is excellent. It is in the midst of the turmoil of traffic but yet is situated in such a location that it hears but little of the hum of business. Many improvements have been made to it. A cement walk and coping costing $1500 has greatly enhanced its attractiveness. The massive electroliers illuminate its beauties at night. Many flowers have been placed in the park and all the little things that add the finishing touches to attractiveness have been taken care of."

View pictures of Central Park today.