Adams Park

Adams Park. Historic Wheaton. This block held the residence and grounds of John Quincy Adams and family from 1876 to 1942. The fountain dates from 1885, when it was originally placed in front of their home. His daughter, Katharine Adams Wells, willed the property to the city for use as a public park upon her death in 1942. , , Following his wife's death in 1874, John Quincy Adams (1824-1899) moved to Wheaton with his children Katharine (1860-1942) and William (1863-1937), purchasing an existing house in 1876. Adams was a successful Chicago grain miller and trader, who dealt extensively in real estate, and he generously contributed in many ways to the improvement of Wheaton through the years. Originally from Massachusetts, he was a fourth cousin twice removed to the sixth U.S. President. In 1888 he built a new home in the Queen Anne style on this block. In 1891 the Adams Memorial Library opened across the street, built by Adams in memory of his wife, Marilla Phipps Adams (1835-1874). Katharine served as the first librarian. , , Katharine continued to live in the family home after her father's death in 1899. On September 24, 1903 she married F. L. Wells in an evening service held at her home here. Katharine had gardens of some note on the grounds and often allowed admirers to stroll through them. Upon her death in 1942, her will instructed that the block be cleared, and she provided funds to create a park. Landscape architect, Annette Hoyt Flanders, remodeled the property into the park, shifting the fountain onto an enlarged font situated in the center of the park. Over the years, landscape architect Anthony Tyznik, horticulturist Yvonne Burt, and the City of Wheaton incorporated new designs. Today, this downtown gem is the only city-owned park. , ,

Established as a Wheaton Historic Site in 1986