Archive photograph

[Photograph 2012.201.OVZ001.8436]

Photograph used for a story in the Daily Oklahoman newspaper. Caption: "Long before the Cherokee Strip was opened to homestanding in 1893, Jesse Chisholm blazed a trail across the region over which Texas cattlemen drove Texas longhorns to railroad pointsin Kansas from which they were shipped to market. They paused at a point in Enid where shelter and water were plentiful. That place is now included in approximately eight city blocks of land comprising Government Springs park. A monument has been erected near the springs, which were the source of water for the cattle and which gave the name to the park. These springs still fill the park lake on which hundreds of Enid residents row boats, and around which picnics are held. Children are permitted to fish the lake once a year. The park came to Enid by goverment patent when the original townsite was laid out after the "run" on Sept. 16, 1893. It is maintained by the park board and city manager and is one of the popular spots in Enid. Clyde Rowley is park superintendent. Each summer thousands enjoy band concerts in the band shell bordering the lake. Community sings are held there. Nearby is a children's wading pool, and the municipal swimming pool is in the park. Swings, tennis courts, outdoor ovens and tables, plus a sunken garden and a roase garden make the area attractive. One-half block area of the park is set aside for Negroes. The natural setting of a creek nestled against a bluff has been enhanced by recent improvements. It streets (east and west) and between Market and Maine streets (south and north.) This striking picture was made on a lazy summer afternoon by a photographer shooting west across the lagoon."