Wirt Park

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Hanover, Pennsylvania

Wirt Park is located in a block bounded by N. Franklin Street, High Street and West Park Avenue, just northwest of the Sheppard Mansion and the current U.S. Post Office. At one time the fountain that was located in Center Square from 1872 to 1904 was relocated to this location. The fountain was eventually sold and has been added to a collection of Victorian metal work in a Florida restaurant.

On June 2, 1890, a communication from Mr. Henry Wirt was presented, stating that he would convey to the Borough of Hanover a tract of land, containing about two acres, on Franklin street, to be used as a playground for the children of the town. It has been used as a public park since that date and the use is restricted as such by a reser- vation in the deed unless the Borough Council would intend to place on this tract of land public facilities such as a Borough Hall or a public library.

More information about Wirt Park at the Barbara Chronister Collection.
Painting by John Sheffer of fountain on Center Square circa 1872. [cmch] Wirt Park circa 1906
[cmch]		 Wirt Park circa 1907
[pbh]
Wirt Park circa 1907
[cmch]		 Fountain in Wirt Park
circa 1914
[cmch]		 Wirt Park circa 1920
[cmch]		 Wirt Park circa 1920
[cmch]
circa 1915
contributed by Barbara Chronister [class of 54]		 circa 1915
contributed by Barbara Chronister [class of 54]		 Fountain at Kapok Tree Inn, Florida - date unknown [cmch] circa 1960
contributed by Barbara Chronister [class of 54]

Last location of the fountain was at the Kapok Tree Inn in Clearwater, Florida which closed in 1991. Whereabouts currently unknown. The picture to the right is as it appeared circa 1960. [cmch]