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Taken from the memorial at the entrance to the
park, “The grounds had approximately 100 private cottages with
lights, water and indoor plumbing. Attendees could also rent
tents. The grounds were home to a post office, a women’s
building, dining hall and a Masonic headquarters. An expansive
auditorium that seated 4,500 people was built by the Decatur
Bridge Company in 1904 at a cost of $10,000. Speakers such as
William Jennings Bryant and Billy Sunday often spoke in the
auditorium. By 1925 the Lincoln Chatauqua was the largest in
Illinois. The last complete Lincoln Chatauqua was held in 1937.”
Brainard Park was one of the hints last week featuring pictures
of a stone fountain. The park was adjacent to the Chatauqua
grounds during the same time period.
Thanks to Bill Donath, researcher for the Logan County
Genealogical & Historical Society for helping us out with the
fountain. Bill also tells us that the Historical Society has a
map under glass of the entire Chatauqua compound as well as a
great deal of historical information.
Today, the grounds are known as Memorial Park. The ball diamond
is a popular playing spot. On the far side of the park the
annual Shady Car Show brings a lot of beautiful cars and
visitors to our community in the late summer.
The wooded areas are great for exploration, and there are two
pavilions for family gatherings. If you’ve not been to the park,
be sure to check it out. It is a wonderful place to visit.
The park is owned by the city of Lincoln and maintained by the
Lincoln Park District.
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