Park Place

If Ed Van Awken has his way, the Carbondale Park District won't be dividing the Hickory Lodge property into smaller parcels for sale.

According to a 1983 article in Illinois Parks and Recreation, "the estate of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Martin (then valued at $275,000, was formally dedicated and recognition was given to its donor, Mrs. LaDeane Kirby, by the Carbondale Park District Board of Park Commissioners [in 1983]. . . . The Board also recognized Mrs. Kirby's sisters, Mrs. Pat Gamble and Mrs. Jean Gladders, for their cooperation in donating three additional parcels of land that adjoin the three acre grounds of Hickory Lodge, bringing the total acreage conveyed to almost ten acres with a value in excess of $350,000"

Ed spoke at the City Council meeting last week, and has been out talking to people and organizations about preventing the CPD's tactic -- aimed at violating the spirit of Mrs. Kirby's bequest. His comments to the Council will be uploaded here in a day or two.