OSWEGOLAND ACQUIRES TWO HISTORICAL SITES

By Robert K. Gray*

Sawmill foundation (foreground) and remains of grist mill flank a peaceful Fox River at the Troy and Millstone Parks.

A grand opening celebration on August 13 marked the addition of two historical sites to the Oswegoland Park District's park system. The two parks are on opposite sides of the Fox River in Kendall County and were once the locations of a grist mill (1836-1900) and a sawmill and furniture factory (1848-1900). Now known as Millstone and Troy Parks, the sites will provide a glimpse into the past as well as feature two beautiful picnic spots for canoeists, fishermen, and nature lovers.

Oswegoland Park District commissioners are shown cutting the ribbon at the dedication of the two parks. They are (left to right) Glenn McKittrick. President; Ralph Ross; Bill Figgins, Vice President; Caryl Hoffer, and Bob Jones.

Both parks, totaling 1.6 acres, are leased from the Illinois Department of Conservation. The parcels had been transferred by the Department of Transportation, which had held them since the early 1900's as a site for a future dam.

The original dam, constructed of hardwood timber cribs filled with stone, breeched around 1905 and was never rebuilt. Remains of the dam can still be seen when the river is low, and many of the old mill's foundation stones are still in place. Both sites had long been forgotten and were overgrown. A good portion of this natural regrowth has been left undisturbed to provide habitat for wildlife.

Troy Park, on the east riverbank, was named to commemorate the Town of Troy where the mill was located. The town was surveyed and platted in 1848 and was the home of bustling industries, including the mill, ice company, brewery, and creamery. Today there is no sign of the earlier commercial successes, and the town remains an unincorporated residential area just north of Oswego's village limits.

Park Commissioners, neighbors, and local officials gathered at Troy Park August 13 for the ribbon cutting, dedication, and a short lecture on the history of the parks. Park District Director Robert Gray stated that the District's objectives for opening the parks are "to promote the sites' historical significance, preserve wildlife habitat, and provide pleasant public access along the river."

The parks have received very positive public response in the short time they have been open.

*Robert K. Gray is Director of the Oswegoland Park District in Oswego. Illinois.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 18 November/December 1983