Seeman Park

Seeman Park in Linton was created in June 1919. The land was donated to the City by S.L. Seeman for whom the park is named. The City first had intentions of purchasing the land from Mr. Seeman, but he made a proposition to donate the land upon the condition that it be fenced in and improved upon to the extent of spending at least $1,500 on it. Among the improvements that Seeman Park saw were a dance pavilion, a bandstand, a children’s playground, a bath-house, and a baseball diamond.

In the 1930s, efforts were put forth by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) to beautify the park. A group of men working under Supervisor Jonathan Hoff worked on the project. The men built steps up for the rustic footbridge that crosses the Creek and picnic tables were added to the grounds. The stone structure that can still be seen on the banks of Beaver Creek was one of the many improvements made. The original wood-frame bath house was torn down and the current stone structure was erected.

This large park required a lot of tending and care. A caretaker was hired and was paid a small salary, a rent-free house and concession rights to the dance pavilion. On multiple occasions caretakers often served as lifeguards, saving those who fell into the creek and could not swim.

Seeman Park was the hub of entertainment for the citizens of Linton and surrounding communities. Traveling bands were hired to play at the bandstand. Roller skating became a popular pastime at the dance pavilion. Baseball teams from surrounding towns would travel to Seeman Park to play on the baseball diamond. The Clyde Beatty Circus set up its big top in the park in the 1950s.

This scenic park is no longer the popular location that it once was. There is no longer a dance pavilion, bandstand, and the baseball diamond is no longer in use. The Seeman Park of today is beautiful, and well cared for. A great place for picnics, camping, and play.

Sources:

I. Woods, Ellen, and Euvagh Wenzel. Emmons County history : compiled for the bicentennial, 1976. Linton, ND: Emmons County Historical Society, 1976.