Echoes From The Attic and Poems, Charlie G. Clarke, Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
Submitted to the USGenWeb Archives by Don Johnson, Jan. 2001
Typed by Belford Carver
Written by by Edna F. Campbell
Copyrighted by Edna F. Campbell
With special thanks to her family for permission to use her works.

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HUMBLE COTTAGER GIVES PARK GROUNDS TO YOUTH

Because a lonely old man was concerned for the future of the neighborhood youth, 
Clarke Memorial Park is a mecca for children of all ages in the city today.  The park, 
located on the grounds formerly the home of the donor Charlie G. Clarke, is bounded 
on Orange, Holly and Illinois streets in a densely populated section.

Clarke was reared in the large house adjoining the parksite, which was the home of 
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Clarke, who hailed from Farina, Ill., in the latter years 
of the 19th century.  Following the death of his father and mother, he decided to 
build the small cottage on his share of the estate, where he spent his remaining 
years.

Because he enjoyed the daily visits of children in the neighborhood, who spent hours 
climbing the tall shade trees, catching crayfish in the canal, and scampering after 
the many squirrels around his cottage, he dreamed plans for their future.  As he grew 
older the thoughts became a reality when he willed the property to the city of 
Hammond purposely for a playground for children.

Clarke had consulted Mayor James A. Stire, and Gordon D. Whitley, a neighbor and 
advisor, and together they completed the plans of specification.  The park was 
dedicated with brief ceremonies following the death of Clarke and a marker erected 
on a flagpole.  The wording in keeping with the simple life of the humble cottager, 
reads, "Charlie Clarke Memorial Park" given to the City of Hammond for Childrens' 
Playground, by Charles Clarke 1880-1950.  The small building is now used for a 
caretaker's home for the park, and is retained for memorial emphasis.

The early history of Hammond tells brief facts of the Clarke family.  Their large two 
story wooden framework house was surrounded by pear orchards with other parts in 
persimmons and pecan lots.  Mr. Clarke, a butcher by trade, raised garden produce on 
his large acreage with pasture reserved for milch cows.

They were among the charter members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church, a large 
contingent of that faith settled together in southeast part of Hammond and founded 
the Hammond Seventh Day Baptist Church in Hammond, the second oldest church in 
the city.

Four grandchildren of the senior Clarkes still reside in Hammond, they are: Mrs. 
Leonard Wainwright, Mrs. Everett Shelton, Mrs. Floyd Wainwright and Paul Sawyer.

(From ECHOES FROM THE ATTIC, III, 1968, by Edna Campbell)

(Pic of Home of Charles Clarke)

(Note: This park was given to the City of Hammond in 1950 and is also known by the 
name of Orange Street Park.  The cottage no longer exists.  BEC 1/10/01)