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If not for
the large M-60 military tank situated at its southern tip, this park
would go unnoticed to a traveler, and perhaps to even a local
passer-by. Sadly, many residents know it only as "the park
with the tank", yet this tiny piece of land represents a huge part
of Lebanon County history. It has over the years become a
place of remembrance, and a place to honor the 460 men from Lebanon
County, Pennsylvania who gave their lives in times of war in the
twentieth century. It is a place to remember and honor
veterans everywhere, from all times and wars.
Commonly
known today as "Fisher Park", this small park, measuring 590' x 288'
x 363' or slightly less than an acre, is owned and maintained by the
City of Lebanon, Pennsylvania. Listed as
"Soldier's Memorial Park",
and also referred to as "City Memorial Park", it
was purchased by the City of Lebanon on Apr. 10, 1923 from partners
Greiner and Knowlen.
Shaded by many tall trees all around
the park it was a popular site for residents to picnic and play, or
just relax on the many benches once located throughout the park.
The
six flags shown above are raised at the "Vietnam Veterans Memorial" for each of the patriotic holidays.
All the Memorials are adorned at various times with flowers, wreaths and
other honorariums.
The
City of Lebanon also raises flags
for the patriotic
holidays along the park's East and West walkways.
The acquisition history of the
park dates back to, but is not limited to, the mid 1800's.
The lot, then commonly called
the "Raybuck Lot", owned by Dr. John Gloninger and his wife
Catherine, was transferred on Mar. 6, 1854 to the North Lebanon
Railroad. The Cornwall Railroad then acquired title to the
property when they absorbed the North Lebanon Railroad in the latter
1800's. The Greiner and Knowlen partners purchased the
lot from the Cornwall Railroad on Jan. 22, 1920.
There is mention of the "Adam Rise Lot", so is assumed that the
current lot was formed from both the "Raybuck and Adam Rise" parcels.
The title "Fisher Park" seems
to have originated from a City Councilman, Mr. Fisher, who arranged
the acquisition of the property in 1923. |
