The History & Mystery of Three Rivers

A recent storm blew over the large shade tree on the Andrews School grounds near the corner of South Douglas and Millard. The wood was hauled away. The swing set was bent. The empty space brought to mind the missing old wooden play area called “Paws Palace”.

This community playground, “Paws Palace”, made a big difference in the lives of all of Three Rivers as we worked together to plan, build, and pay for this wonderful play area. Young imaginations while working on the plans saw their bodies soar, slid, laugh, pretend, and live their dreams. The children from all the schools in TR participated with plans for a pirate ship, fun house maze, dinosaur bumpy slide, castles, puppet theater, climbing and balance beams, bridges, outlooks, tire swings, and an outdoor theater. Students also helped with the fund raising for the project. They sold T-shirts – “I’m a Playground Planner”, “Buy-A-Board” ($5) and “Buy a Brick” ($10) and there also was the buy an engraved brick for $100 for the “Court of Love” at the park entrance, The fund raiser started fall of 1993 with a $55,000 goal. The amount collected was $150,000. Donations came from area merchants, industries, banks, all of Three Rivers participated. There were gifts of merchandise for the charity auctions, children participated in the “Pennies from Heaven” collections. Handy adults gave personal time, food, and smiles. How many cookies were baked to sell and to keep volunteers going?

June 1994 between 100-150 skilled and unskilled volunteers started construction. Dan Ryan was Principal at this time. Many children lived their dreams for many years! The playground would come down in 2007 as the flame-retardant wood structure had dried and become brittle over the years causing many splinter and sliver problems. Cheryl Riley was then Principal. It was a sad time for all.

In 1940 Residents of the 300 block of South Douglas Avenue (south of Millard Street) were #313 Ralph Dean (works Eddy Paper) and wife Carmelita, Ch: Ralph Jr. and Ruth Ann; #319 Charles Johnson (Carpenter/Painter) wife Stella, Ch: Charles (works Kroger), Robert, Lola Jean. There is no 400 or 500 or 600 block.  In 1985 #310 Frank and Elaine DalPonte, retired; #313 Ralph E. and Carmelita Dean, retired; #327 Dennis Huyck (salesman Johnson Corp.) and Rheta (clerk, Craig Hallmark House); #333 No Information. There still is no 400 block. Next time: Douglas Avenue, starting with the 500 block, will be continued.

Submitted by Anna Smith, a Three Rivers history and mystery lover.

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