Posted on Sat, Nov. 21, 2009 10:15 PM
Parkville: History proves this place is a prime place to live
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Historic Parkville is my favorite town. As a young girl I went there frequently to Park Pharmacy, Dr. Underwood’s office, Renner ice cream parlor, Saturday night street dances and free movies on Main Street.
Later, I married a Parkvillian. We purchased a house on East Street and became proud parents of two daughters, Ann and Martha Jane.
When I walk the Missouri River trail or travel Highway 9 coming into Parkville, I never cease to be amazed by the beauty of castle-like Mackay Hall, situated high on the Park University campus. Looking up Main Street, where many original buildings are now occupied by specialty shops, I often recall the history of the town.
Use of the land dates back to 6000 B.C., and Nebo Hill and Hopewell people lived here. Parkville City Hall displays artifacts of this period. The area was part of the Louisiana Purchase. Later it became part of the Platte Purchase in 1837, when six counties were added to Missouri’s western border.
The town takes its name from George S. Park, who platted the town in 1843 and founded Park College a few years later. Parkville became a bustling Missouri River port and an American Indian trade center.
Today Parkville takes pride in a Tom Watkins golf course at the National; Parkville Heights business center; Park University; a Missouri State Conservation Area; a Lewis and Clark memorial; a railroad museum in the old depot; a farmers market; restoration of Banneker School, the first black school west of the Mississippi River; and many new developments where residents call Parkville home.
Why do you live where you live? Send a short essay, and photo if you have one, to kcstarmag@gmail.com. Put “Around the Block” in the subject line.
Posted on Sat, Nov. 21, 2009 10:15 PM
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