Goodland in Newton County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Foster Park

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2023

1. Foster Park Marker

Inscription. In memory of
the founder and father of Goodland,

William Foster
Born Litchfield, N.Y. Oct. 10, 1813
Died Goodland, Ind., Jan. 24, 1901

A true pioneer
active in the building of two
railroads here

Prominent
in the early business and social life
of this community

”The good he mean’t to do
will stand as if ‘twere done,
God finishes the work
by noble souls begun.”
This park was established by Wm. Foster in 1868, when the town was founded and platted, the southwest portion being dedicated to public use at that time; in 1909 the northwest section was contributed by the community; in 1929 the eastern half was added and this memorial provided by T. E. Mitten, 1864-1929, as a grateful acknowledgement of kindly advice and financial assistance received in early life from Wm. Foster.

Erected 1931.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1868.

Location. 40° 45.922′ N, 87° 17.531′ W. Marker is in Goodland, Indiana, in Newton County. Marker is at the intersection of East Jasper

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Street (U.S. 24) and James Street, on the right when traveling east on East Jasper Street. The marker is located near the walkway on the south side of Foster Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Goodland IN 47948, 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. Fountain Park Chautauqua (approx. 6.9 miles away); George Ade (approx. 7 miles away); Taft Rally at Ade Estate (approx. 7 miles away); Remington Water Tower (approx. 7.4 miles away); Birthplace Site of George Ade (approx. 7.9 miles away); American Legion Veterans Memorial (approx. 8 miles away); Civil War Memorial (approx. 8 miles away); Bicentennial Time Capsule (approx. 8 miles away).

Also see . . . Goodland, IN History (livingplaces.com).

Originally known as Tivoli, the town was little more than a flag stop on the Toledo, Logansport, and Burlington railroad. Founded by the brothers William and Timothy Foster, Goodland was surveyed and platted by a Captain Gonzalez in 1861, the same year the railroad went through. The original plat consisted of 47 lots and five streets, of which Jasper was one. By 1868, there were ten homes in addition to a combination store/warehouse, a blacksmith, and a school. Grain farming became the main industry and created a lively market in the small town. Growth was
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2023

2. Foster Park Marker
Looking north across Foster Park.
such that Goodland was incorporated in 1874. In 1883, the Indiana Coal railroad came through town and fostered more growth. At the turn of the century, a theatre and three grain elevators were present. By 1911, Goodland also boasted six churches, three restaurants, two bakeries, three groceries, two drugstores, two saloons, two barbers, and a new brick school.

(Submitted on February 18, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2023

3. Foster Park Marker

Looking north across Foster Park from Jasper Street (US 24).

Foster Park Pavilion image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2023

4. Foster Park Pavilion

Located near the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 18, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 43 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 18, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.