Military Park

In 1875, two city parks were established one in Block 24, N Poplar & 7th, and in Block 30, Broadway & Oak. The city council contracted with the Newton Town Co. to assume care of the parks for five years. When the five years were up, the Newton Town Co, would deed the ground to the city with the provision that "the property should be perpetually maintained as public parks." (Newton Kansan 50th Anniversary Ed., 22 August 1922)

First known as East Park, and then Military Plaza, the Commercial Club formally named the park, Military Park in 1898.

About the photo: Thirty-seven boys pose on and around the cannon in Military Park, Newton, KS, in 1907.

(Kristine Schmucker)