Isham Park turns 100
Centennial celebration marked with full day’s festivities
Story by Robin Elisabeth Kilmer
An important Inwood neighbor celebrates its 100th birthday on Sat., Sept. 28th.
Together with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, the Isham Park Restoration Program, 1970, Inc. (better known as Bruce’s Garden), the Rotary Club of Inwood, Partnerships for Parks, childrens’ groups Pre-School on the Planet and the Friends of Indian Road Playground, Volunteers for Isham Park is throwing a centennial party for Isham Park.
The park was a gift from Julia Isham Taylor, who wanted to preserve green space in the city and provide sweeping views of the Hudson River.
Taylor initiated the gift of land for a park to be named in her father’s memory in a letter to the Manhattan Borough President George A. McAneny.
After her aunt, her father’s sister, Flora Eliza Isham, gave additional land in early 1912, the celebration of the park was planned and held.
The Park was dedicated on Sept. 28, 1912.
Celebrations will be held at the Park on Sat., Sept. 29th from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the lawn.
For those interested in marching with The Inwood Tiger Band and Heavenly Voices Chorus from I.S. 52 to kick off the celebration, enter the park at Broadway above Isham Street at 11:00 a.m.
There will be story booths, historical park signage tours, children’s activities, cake and refreshments.
For more information on the Centennial celebration, please visit volunteersishampark.blogspot.com/2012/09/isham-park-centennial-celebration.html.
