The Atlanta Memorial Park District - a strong past and bright future!
The Atlanta Memorial Park District has been fortunate to have enjoyed strong support from the Atlanta and Eminence Community. This has been true from the very beginning, as you'll read in the history shown below. There has been financial support from generous individuals and groups and from the landowner's support through their real estate taxes. Many folks have also supported the District over the years by way of their unselfish contribution of time by serving on the Board of Commissioners. We have also been blessed with dedicated Custodians and Caretakers who have helped maintain the grounds and buildings for present and future generations. People like these will ensure that the future of the Atlanta Memorial Park District is bright!
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Park District Board of Commissioners & Employees:Current Elected Commissioners (Volunteers): Amy Naughton - President Adam Nagrocki - Secretary Doug Thompson - Vice President Warren Smith Doug Usherwood Appointed Members (Employed by District): Treasurer - Lori Johnson of J.M. Abbott & Assoc., CPA Board Meeting Schedule: The regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Commissioners is held on the 4th Monday of each month at 7:00pm in the Community Building. The meeting may be rescheduled if the date falls on a holiday. See the Home page for notices of special meetings. Park District Custodians and Caretakers: Tara Miller - Custodian For scheduling use of the building, please call Phone: (217) 648-2611 (leave a message) |
Managing Authority
The Atlanta Memorial Park District is an autonomous governmental agency, responsible directly to the people through the election and referendum process. The District receives its operating authority from the Illinois Park District Code, (Illinois Revised Statutes, Chapter 105, Sections 1 - 13). Through the Code, the Park District is empowered to levy taxes within specified limits, acquire and develop parks, build and operate recreation facilities, and conduct recreation programs.
The Atlanta Memorial Park District is a special district of local government with its own financial and legal responsibilities, established in 1947 for the purpose of providing park and recreational opportunities to residents of the community and public at large. It is governed by five elected Park Commissioners of Atlanta and Eminence townships, who serve a six-year terms without remuneration.
The Atlanta Memorial Park District is a special district of local government with its own financial and legal responsibilities, established in 1947 for the purpose of providing park and recreational opportunities to residents of the community and public at large. It is governed by five elected Park Commissioners of Atlanta and Eminence townships, who serve a six-year terms without remuneration.
A Brief History of the Atlanta Memorial Park District
In June 1947 the residents of Atlanta and Eminence Townships voted by a two to one margin to form the Atlanta Memorial Park District. The first commissioners elected to serve the District were: Frank D. Hoblit (Pres.), Blanch Wiseman (Vice Pres.), Grace Miller, Barrett F. Rogers and R. Lynn Ijams. In that same year, funds were raised to purchase the J. R. Patton home on the corner of Race and SW Sixth Streets. That structure would become a community center for the Park District and a memorial to all World War I and II veterans.
The large two-story frame home was built in the early 1900’s for use as the J. R. Patton family residence. Mr. Patton came to Atlanta from the Chicago area to do work for the Chicago–Alton railroad.
The Finance committee for the Memorial Building purchase consisted of Frank Hoblit, Ray Thompson, and Blinn Ransdell. The funds provided for purchase of the house, adapting it to public use and operation of the Park District until tax money was available. Of the $21,000 raised, $10,000 was for purchase of the home that was estimated to be worth between $50,000 and $75,000 at the time. The funds raised came from individual donations and also from the following special funds:
Atlanta Women’s Club $1,600
Sale of Murphy Hall $4,500
War Memorial fund drive $1,700
A dedication ceremony of the Atlanta-Eminence Memorial Building, was held on November 1, 1947. The featured speaker that day was Lester Hunt, then Governor of Wyoming. He was a former resident of Atlanta – having graduated from Atlanta High School in 1912 and served as the first janitor of the Atlanta Library. At the ceremony, a plaque listing the names of all from Atlanta and Eminence Townships who had served in World Wars I and II was unveiled. This plaque, which has been updated to include those who served in the Korean War, is still located in the main hallway of the building.
Today, the Memorial Building serves the community as a meeting facility, complete with an assembly hall that will seat 150-175 people, a lounge, complete kitchen, reception hall and public restrooms. The main floor is wheelchair accessible from the rear of the building. The second floor of the building serves as the living quarters for the Park District custodians and also is the location of the American Legion meeting room.
Thanks to Susan Hoblit and the book, "More Momentous Happenings in Atlanta, Illinois 1876-2003" by Norma Adams Price and Paul A. Adams for information contained in this history.
The large two-story frame home was built in the early 1900’s for use as the J. R. Patton family residence. Mr. Patton came to Atlanta from the Chicago area to do work for the Chicago–Alton railroad.
The Finance committee for the Memorial Building purchase consisted of Frank Hoblit, Ray Thompson, and Blinn Ransdell. The funds provided for purchase of the house, adapting it to public use and operation of the Park District until tax money was available. Of the $21,000 raised, $10,000 was for purchase of the home that was estimated to be worth between $50,000 and $75,000 at the time. The funds raised came from individual donations and also from the following special funds:
Atlanta Women’s Club $1,600
Sale of Murphy Hall $4,500
War Memorial fund drive $1,700
A dedication ceremony of the Atlanta-Eminence Memorial Building, was held on November 1, 1947. The featured speaker that day was Lester Hunt, then Governor of Wyoming. He was a former resident of Atlanta – having graduated from Atlanta High School in 1912 and served as the first janitor of the Atlanta Library. At the ceremony, a plaque listing the names of all from Atlanta and Eminence Townships who had served in World Wars I and II was unveiled. This plaque, which has been updated to include those who served in the Korean War, is still located in the main hallway of the building.
Today, the Memorial Building serves the community as a meeting facility, complete with an assembly hall that will seat 150-175 people, a lounge, complete kitchen, reception hall and public restrooms. The main floor is wheelchair accessible from the rear of the building. The second floor of the building serves as the living quarters for the Park District custodians and also is the location of the American Legion meeting room.
Thanks to Susan Hoblit and the book, "More Momentous Happenings in Atlanta, Illinois 1876-2003" by Norma Adams Price and Paul A. Adams for information contained in this history.
