Landmarks, Colonial Dames unveil Paradise Park historic marker
Published 12:00 pm Friday, December 18, 2020
- Photo courtesy of Thomasville LandmarksAssisted by Colonial Dame Alston Watt (left), City of Thomasville employee Mike Owens unveils the historic marker at Paradise Park.
THOMASVILLE — A Thomasville park established more than a century ago was the scene Thursday of an unveiling to mark its significance.
A bronze historic marker unveiled at Paradise Park — at South Broad and South Dawson streets — is designed to celebrate the history and heritage of the park.
Thomasville Landmarks and the National Society of Colonial Dames in America’s Thomasville Town Committee collaborated with the City of Thomasville to create and install the marker, said Nancy Tinker, Landmarks executive director.
“I think there is a resurging interest in the park, and I am glad to see it. It illustrates what Thomasville is,” Tinker said.
Dames participating in the unveiling were Peggy Rich, Maggie Flowers, Alston Watt, Charnie Beverly, Kay Morris, Kim Bragg, Harriet Hawkins, Mercer Watt, Debbie Wright and Suzanne Vereen.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, the Paradise Park Historic District encompasses a triangular-shaped forested tract bound on the east and west by 15 historic dwellings dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
“The district is significant in the areas of architecture, landscape architecture and community planning as a planned neighborhood whose design incorporates a landscaped park fronting a residential community,” Tinker said.
Originally encompassing about 25 acres, Paradise Park was established circa 1897, when acreage was subdivided from the estate of S. Alexander Smith. The wooded tract and its collection of residences were locally recognized as “Yankee’s Paradise,” a name alluding to wealthy Northern visitors who constructed elaborate winter homes and cottages along the park’s perimeter.
“Dwellings fronting the park are located on large, planted lots, reflecting the park’s wooded, informally planted landscape,” Tinker said. “Residential design here is architecturally rich and includes representatives from the High Victorian Eclectic, Neoclassical Revival, Colonial Revival and Craftsman styles.”
From the time of its inception, Tinker said, Paradise Park has retained its wooded landscape and has been enjoyed by generations of Thomasvillians.
Traditional park plantings include azaleas, long leaf pines, cherry laurels, dogwood, and live oak trees.
Rotary Club of Thomasville recently planted 20 live oaks along South Broad within the park’s borders.
Tinker said the irrigation system installed when the trees were planted will ensure the trees’ health.
The park’s historic bandshell dates from the late 19th century and stands at the center of Paradise Park, establishing the park’s focal point.
“Over its 123-year life, the bandshell has continually hosted concerts, musical performances and political rallies, maintaining the traditional function for which it was designed,” Tinker said.
With the park’s bandstand, picnic tables, playground and it being rimmed by beautiful historic houses, Paradise serves as a gateway to the community and promotes passive recreation for all residents, Tinker said.
In the coming year, Colonial Dames and Thomasville Landmarks anticipate creating additional markers highlighting the importance of history and architecture of neighborhoods throughout the community.
Tinker said the markers’ presence on the landscape will draw attention not only to special points of interest, but also will serve as an enduring source of accurate, historic information for generations to come.
Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820