Waco in McLennan County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Proctor Springs
Photographed By James Hulse, August 5, 2022
1. Proctor Springs Marker
In keeping with park's theme of "Natural scenic beauty to be preserved for the pleasure of the people", the Waco Garden Club in 1970 restored the bird sanctuary, arboretum, and native wild flower preserve
Erected 1971 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 4130.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical date for this entry is May 24, 1910.
Location. 31° 34.395′ N, 97° 8.935′ W. Marker is in Waco, Texas, in McLennan County. Marker can be reached from North Park Avenue, 0.1 miles east of North 4th Street. The marker and Springs are located 100 feet south of the Proctor Springs parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Waco TX 76708, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Proctor Springs (within shouting distance of this marker); Lindsey Hollow (within shouting distance of this marker); Redwood Shelter
this page online
Also see . . . Cameron Park (Waco).
Before Cameron Park, there was Proctor Springs. In the late 1700s, the Waco Indians considered the springs sacred grounds. The ice-cold springs were used as a watering hole during frontier times and after the Civil War the site hosted June-teenth gatherings, Confederate reunions and holiday celebrations. On May 27, 1910, a joyous announcement revealed that 100 acres of privately owned land at Proctor Springs was purchased and donated to the city for a public park. Mrs. Flora Cameron and family orchestrated the donation of scenic parkland in honor of her husband, the late William Cameron. The park was created "for the pleasure of the people" and more than 10,000 residents lined the streets for a parade and dedication ceremony. Proctor Springs quickly filled with music, theater and dance performances.(Submitted on August 11, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)Children took dips in the cool springs and enjoyed the playground, which was built along Wilson Creek. An old slide can still be found embedded in the hillside. Over the years, wading pools and fountains were added to the area and visitors flocked to the springs that appeared to flow out of a "Lion's Mouth." In 1930, the Cameron Family donated two stone columns to serve as an entrance to the park at Fourth Street and Herring Avenue. Soon after, the city constructed the famous Kendall Rose Garden, which featured more than 1,400 rose bushes. The 1950s saw the addition of a miniature train and a large Christmas display. The water and shade trees at Proctor Springs continued to provide the perfect spot for picnics. Despite some criticism, the Herring Avenue Bridge was built in 1970 and split the Proctor Springs property. But the park prevailed, and in 1971 the Texas Historical Commission placed a marker at the site. Still today, the allure of Proctor Springs remains strong. Hidden beneath towering trees, the site's stone stairways curve around the historic springs and give Wacoans a place to escape and enjoy nature's beauty.Photographed By James Hulse, August 5, 20222. Proctor Springs and Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, August 5, 2022
3. Closeup of Proctor Springs
Photographed By James Hulse, August 5, 2022
4. The view of the Proctor Springs and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 11, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 791 times since then and 164 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 11, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
