A brief history of the Summerfield Park

During the early planning of Summerfield, a space with trees was set apart for a city park. During the years many activities were enjoyed there. Picnics ranked first and perhaps band concerts ranked second. The younger children played ball at the park, but the city baseball teams played south and east of town on the Hennessy field. Compliments of the businessmen, often dog and pony shows or tent shows were set up in the park. Free movies were shown. Town picnics and festivals were celebrated annually for many years. Political speakers were brought in to inform the citizens about current events. Home talent programs furnished enjoyable entertainment. Musical talent was exceptionally good here. Did you ever see any one play on a saw? Dr. Tice could do it. Competition was high among the home towners and the neighboring towns at sports and games. They had tug-of-wars, water fights, ball games and horseshoe tournaments. Prizes were given to the best foot racers, to the children, fat ladies, fat men and young people. Men would throw the hammer and the women would kick the slipper for prizes. Backward races, three-legged races and sack races brought laughter. Even whiskers and mustaches were measured. Feats of strength, as polling or lifting the greatest amount of weight, were watched with interest. Men were proud of their horses, colts and mules and would parade their animals down Main Street. A school May-Day and May-pole dance and program made a fitting end for the school term; and it was a happy town event, with a big basket dinner. 

Platform dances, square dances and modem dances brought large crowds to town on Saturday night. Chautauquas became popular and Summerfield had that Big Top entertainment for many years. It was four or five days with afternoon and evening programs. Years later five or six young people from here worked with the Chautauqua and Lyceum courses. After walking on a Sunday afternoon stroll, many young people met at the band-shell in the park for a community sing. Mitch Miller would have been proud of them. The merchants put on free moving picture shows in the park for the town folks. But the neighboring towns came from N-E-W-S to trade and to enjoy the shows. There was a tennis court in the corner of the park at one time. Mr. Knapp had a tennis court where Mrs. Thelma McClellan lives and Mrs. Schilling had a court north of the John Martin's home. The Community Pride Committee has plans now for a tennis court to be cleared. The Auxiliary and Extension Clubs have worked to beautify the park. The park is ours to enjoy. Help to keep It that way. 

Horses races were run north of town in the early days. Coursing meets and dog races had their popularity. The course was set up north of the Joseph Addition. Valuable racing dogs were grown in Summerfield and sold as far away as Florida. 

Source:  The History of Summerfield by Harriet Wright and Lydia Marie Jones