Edwards Park

Edwards Park. . On Saturday evening, June 7, 1913, Edwards Park was dedicated before an estimated crowd of two thousand citizens. The principal speaker for the ceremony was University of Oklahoma Professor, J.S. Buchanan, who commented upon “Norman's advancement from raw prairie to her present position as one of the prettiest and best little cities in the state.” Due credit was paid by Professor Buchanan to Lewis Jefferson (L.J.) Edwards (1851-1926) as the person responsible for planning the park and obtaining permission from the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad Company to allow this park to be developed on the railroad right of way. , L.J. Edwards came to the Norman area in June 1890 and homesteaded a quarter section of land just northeast of the town, later moving his family to 204 University Boulevard. He was a rancher and financier who was active in many areas of the life of Norman. He served as president of the Norman Chamber of Commerce, president of the Norman School Board and chairman of the Park Board. He selected the title “The University City” as Norman's slogan and was especially remembered at the time of his death for his activities in city beautification. , The site of Edwards Park is thought to be the location of the first town meeting. Conducted from the rear of a lumber wagon, the purpose of the meeting was to select officers for the provisional government of the new city. The date of this meeting is controversial but most likely was May 4, 1889. The first elected officials were: , . Thomas R. Waggoner, Mayor , . George Blake, Clerk and Recorder , . Pryor Adkins, Councilman , . E.C. Hall, Councilman , . Andrew Kingkade, Councilman , . Delbert L. Larsh, Councilman , . Fred Sevier, City Marshall