Olney in Richland County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Bower Park / Bird Haven
Est. May 10, 1876 / Est. October 4, 1906
Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 22, 2021
1. Bower Park / Bird Haven Marker
Named in honor of William Bower. Previously known as Tower Park for a 125 foot tall brick-steel water tower (1892-1927), fire bell tower, city weight scales (1895-1966) located here.
William Bower
May 21, 1842 - January 8, 1923
Pioneer pharmacist, State Rep. (1878-1880), Mayor of Olney (1901-1903); Civil War vet. (1861-1863), married Sarah Ridgway Nov. 29, 1864, four children, operated Bowers Drug Store established in (1845) by his father-in-law Dr. Edmund W.M. Ridgway. Bowers Drug Store once famous for their Coca Cola "61" & "76" and lemonade. Founder of Murray-Bower bicycle races.
Bird Haven
World famous arboretum developed by Robert & Julia Ridgway. Named by Julia for variety of plants, trees & birds. Located north of Olney along East Fork Lake.
Robert Ridgway
July 2, 1850 - March 25, 1929
Born in Mt. Carmel, Il. Internationally known ornithologist, scientist, artist, author, botanist, naturalist & inventor. Zoologist U.S. Geological survey 40th Parallel Exped. (1867-1869). Associated Smithsonian Inst. (1867-1929). Curator of birds U.S. National Museum (1880-1929). A founder of American Ornithological Union in 1883, author of color standards & nomenclature (1886-1912) & birds of North & Middle America.
this page online
Erected 2006.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is January 8, 1923.
Location. 38° 43.782′ N, 88° 5.108′ W. Marker is in Olney, Illinois, in Richland County. Marker is at the intersection of South Whittle Avenue and West Chestnut Street on South Whittle Avenue. Marker is located at Bower Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 215 S Whittle Ave, Olney IL 62450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Historic McsBurg School / The One-Room Rural Schools of Richland County (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Neighborhood Marker (about 400 feet away); Lincoln and Douglas in Olney (about 500 feet away); War Memorial (about 500 feet away); History of the Olney Albino Gray Squirrel (approx. 0.6 miles away); Solar Power in Olney, Illinois (approx. 0.6 miles away); Robert Ridgway and "Bird Haven" (approx. 1.1 miles away); 1950 Census Population Center (approx. 7.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Olney.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 22, 2021
2. Bower Park / Bird Haven Marker
Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 22, 2021
3. Bower Park / Bird Haven Marker
Marker is located at Bower Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 187 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 30, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
