MOUNT JEWETT – Mount Jewett’s Heritage Park could be a giant
step forward as the borough copes with hits to its economy caused
by devastating fires and the extensive damage to the Kinzua
Bridge.
The park is located on a corner lot at 1 East Main St., the site
of the former Commercial Hotel, and across the street from the old
post office, where a large colorful mural grabs the attention of
motorists traveling east on U.S. Route 6. The park’s area measures
125’x 60′.
Occupying a prominent spot in the beautifully landscaped park is
the large wooden gazebo with a shingled roof. The park now has nine
family memorials, most of which are marked by either granite or
flagstone benches, and inlaid signature bricks, purchased by family
members.
Borough Council President Dick Danielson, a retired educator and
coach who was born and raised in Mount Jewett and is familiar with
the town’s history, spearheaded the effort to bring the project to
reality, calling the attraction a “beautification park.”
Danielson said, “Mount Jewett has gone through more than its
share of bad luck. We had buildings burn down and the damage to the
Kinzua Bridge, and we felt we needed something to brighten the
spirits of our residents.”
When Danielson joined borough council more than two years ago,
the borough was attempting to dispose of the property where the
park is now located by taking ownership through eminent domain, and
Erik Ross, the solicitor at that time, had already begun the legal
work.
But, Danielson said that he believed there was a better method.
He talked to the owner of the property and asked if she would
consider conveying the property to the borough. After some time in
negotiations, the owner said she would consider that proposal on
the condition that the borough pay back the money she paid in fines
after being cited for the property’s condition. An agreement was
reached.
With that information, Danielson worked with Ross to draw up a
deed, and the borough took possession of the property.
The demolition of the building brought the number of condemned
buildings in town down to two.
Danielson said that since the borough couldn’t afford to develop
the park project, he decided to secure memorial contributions.
“I thought if we could make it a park based on memorials, we
have a better opportunity to raise the money,” he said.
Danielson discussed his ideas for the park with Dave Conklin, a
landscape architect, who owns Kane Lawn and Garden. A short time
later, Conklin showed his drawings to Danielson, who was very
impressed.
When the initial site work began, it didn’t attract much
attention, according to Danielson.
“At the beginning, people didn’t really know about the project,
and I don’t think there was a lot of concern. However, as they
learned more about the plans for the property, we had a lot of
support.”
The bricks are placed on a four-inch base of concrete. Grout
will be applied between them, which will stabilize them and make
them more attractive.
To the rear of the park is a parking lot covered with crushed
limestone. In back of the flagpoles and trees, also at the rear of
the park, are the foundations of the old Commercial Hotel.
“We kept all those stones and made a wall, which serves two
purposes. Not only is it attractive, but also diverts rainwater
that comes off the hillside to Gallup Avenue and a catch
basin.”
Early plans called for a pavilion to be part of the park, but
when Danielson and Conklin traveled to Plumville to a company that
makes gazebos, they were impressed with what they saw. The gazebo
won out.
“We told the company how big we wanted the gazebo because it
would be used for many activities such as concerts, celebrations,
weddings and also contribute to the revitalization of the
community,” said Danielson. “It is really two gazebos put together,
making ours the largest one the company has ever made.”
The gazebo is a memorial to Edmund Howard.
Temple-Inland has been the largest monetary contributor to the
park, said Danielson, who declined to divulge the amount. For that
generosity, Temple’s marker has been placed in the middle of the
park.
The memorials started with the family of the late Anna
Turnquist, who died recently. Danielson referred to her as “the
‘matriarch of Mount Jewett’ because she was instrumental in almost
any activity that occurred here in my lifetime.”
Turnquist’s daughter, Mary Ann, came back to Mount Jewett this
summer to attend a West-End reunion, and that time Danielson
informed of the plans for the park. She indicated her willingness
to get add a memorial in her mother’s name.
Other family memorials include those for Ed Kocjancic, Harlan
and Alice Danielson, De Lancey Huston, Mixes, Diane Sluga,
Lantz-Holmberg and Deweys. Judy Zalina purchased a flag stone bench
and a brick in memory of the Olson family. The bench is to be
placed in the park in the spring.
A memorial from the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars
honors the men and women of the military.
There are 125 signature bricks in the park now, and there are
more to come, according to Danielson.
“Many people have told us that they would like to be part of the
project and buy bricks, and some of them do not even live in town
or were raised here. Others will become involved. There’s no doubt
about it. This will continue to evolve.”
When that expansion is necessary, there is a location on the
left side of the parking lot where another concrete slab can be
placed to handle additional bricks.
One addition has been made to the park. Steps have replaced the
original walkway, which Danielson said was steeper than he
preferred, since it could make walking risky in the winter when it
would be covered by ice and snow.
“The steps that Dave built make a beautiful addition,” Danielson
noted.
While most of the work in the park was completed in November, a
few small jobs remain to be done. For one, grouting will be applied
between the regular bricks on the walkway.
Danielson explained the choice of “Heritage Park” for the
name.
“This park is located on Route 6, which has been designated the
Heritage Corridor. ‘Heritage’ means things of the past, and this
park, in many ways, represents much of our past, so we thought that
was an appropriate name.”
To date, no activities have been held at the park. Borough
officials had planned to have a program that included a band, local
and state governmental officials, and representatives of families
who have memorials in the park, but that event was postponed due to
a long period of bad weather in October. An official opening will
probably be held in the spring.
Pointing with obvious pride to the park, Danielson said, “This
is what I consider the beginning of the revitalization of our
town.”