1912 - Clara Shattuck purchased the land that is now Shattuck Park; before Shattuck, the land was previously a dump in the center of the city. Embarrassed by this eyesore, she had the area reconstructed and had a boathouse and boat docks built that remain today. Prior to the purchase, the land had been crudely used; contributing to the rubbish dump it became.
1915 - Clara Shattuck donates the park to the city of Neenah. With the gift came stipulations she hoped would assure the park's beauty forever. She had written an agreement between the city and herself explaining what the city must do in order to keep the park. If the city failed to meet the standards of the agreement then the park would revert back to Clara or her family.
1938 - As Neenah grew and the park's popularity soared, there arose a need for restroom facilities. Mr. F.L. Haertl was given the contract and he completed the facilities during the popular summer hours where they were greatly appreciated by the citizens of Neenah.
1947 - Many more boats were now entering and being harbored at Shattuck Park. Due to this new flow of water traffic, gas became a necessity. With the help of Wadhams Oil Company, a gas pump was installed in the park.
1957 - Much of the park was in poor condition and talk of renovating the park was slow. S.F. Shattuck wrote to the city to remind them of the agreement they had made with his mother. The city agreed and made large renovations to the park, splitting the costs with Shattuck 50-50. These included new lighting throughout the park. In addition, the deteriorating docks were upgraded to fulfill the needs set by the large number of boats occupying the river.
Information courtesy of Neenah Parks and Recreation Department
1915 - Clara Shattuck donates the park to the city of Neenah. With the gift came stipulations she hoped would assure the park's beauty forever. She had written an agreement between the city and herself explaining what the city must do in order to keep the park. If the city failed to meet the standards of the agreement then the park would revert back to Clara or her family.
1938 - As Neenah grew and the park's popularity soared, there arose a need for restroom facilities. Mr. F.L. Haertl was given the contract and he completed the facilities during the popular summer hours where they were greatly appreciated by the citizens of Neenah.
1947 - Many more boats were now entering and being harbored at Shattuck Park. Due to this new flow of water traffic, gas became a necessity. With the help of Wadhams Oil Company, a gas pump was installed in the park.
1957 - Much of the park was in poor condition and talk of renovating the park was slow. S.F. Shattuck wrote to the city to remind them of the agreement they had made with his mother. The city agreed and made large renovations to the park, splitting the costs with Shattuck 50-50. These included new lighting throughout the park. In addition, the deteriorating docks were upgraded to fulfill the needs set by the large number of boats occupying the river.
Information courtesy of Neenah Parks and Recreation Department
Photos courtesy of public display by City of Neenah at Shattuck Park and Neenah Historical Society photo collection on Flickr.