Successful event for America Loves to Travel

The history of Evansville's parks, as well as the city's ties to

Highway 14's recognition as the National Park Highway to
Yellowstone Park and other Western destination points, were the
major topics of discussion at Leonard-Lake Leota Park.
Grove Society president Jennifer Ehle stated that: The Grove
Society was very pleased with the results of its first America
Loves to Travel event at Leonard-Lake Leota Park. The weather
was perfect without a single raindrop, which had been predicted
earlier in the week. It is estimated that approximately 100 people
visited the Museum, Antes Cabin, and Barn Shelter during the oneday event.
Dan Stephans, storyteller and architect specializing in historic
preservation, captivated the audience with his knowledge about the
development of the roads. A quick summary follows: People
started buying cars in the early 1900s and wanted to travel. Tourist
camps, like the one at Lake Leota, became popular shortly
thereafter and were built along the highways. Car clubs, including
the AAA, were formed, which developed road maps and worked to
improve the roads. Private citizens and social organizations
supported Leonard-Lake Leota Park for the next 95 years.
The following people from Evansville and the surrounding area
brought their antique cars to the August 28th event, which were
displayed near the Horse Barn. Carl Pyper of Evansville arrived
first with his 1932 bright red Ford Truck. Other Evansville owners
were Dorothy Helgeson with her 1930 Ford Model A Roadster and
Alan Titus of Evansville with his 1938 Ford Fordor. Car show
organizer Lee Stock of Belleville brought his 1921 Ford Model A
and 1928 Ford Model A Tudor. Gary Splitter of Brooklyn attended
with his 1931 Model A Ford Truck. Stoughton was represented by
Jeff and Brenda Zarth with his newly-purchased 1951 Ford Tudor

and Howard Hanson with his 1928 Ford Roadster. Jeff and Sue
Bergey enjoyed a Sunday afternoon drive From Oregon to
Evansville in their 1930 Ford Model A Roadster. And, Chris Beebe
traveled the road from Cooksville to Evansville in his 1939 MG
TB.
Troop 514 and Friends of the Eager Free Public Library sold food
and refreshments at the Park Store and Horse Barn. The Museum
and Antes Cabin featured photographs, printed news articles, and
artifacts from the 1920s to early 1950s about Evansvilles tourist
camp. The exhibit also contains information about the federally
funded projects, which built the buildings, structures and the
viaduct in Leonard-Lake Leota Park,
The exhibits will remain on display at the Museum and Antes
Cabin through the month of September, every Saturday 1:00 pm 3:00 p.m. and by appointment with Jennifer Ehle 608-302-1722. In
October, the Museum will begin reduced hours.
The Grove Society would like to thank the Evansville Ford and
Symdon Chevrolet for their financial support. Also, members of
the planning committee who attended meetings for the past year to
organize the event: Dan Stephans for his presentation, Lee Stock
for organizing the car show, Troop 514 and Friends of the EFPL
for refreshments, and representatives of the committee to complete
restoration work of the Antes Cabin. Ray Anderson of the
Evansville Parks was very responsive to our requests. Creekside
Place provided a microphone and speakers, Larson Acres supplied
chairs and a table, and Steve Ehle photographed the event and
provided editorial assistance.
Finally, a special thank-you to the car owners who displayed their
cars and the many volunteers who served as docents and helpers at
the Museum, Antes Cabin and Barn Shelter.

There is potential for a second America Loves to Travel event next

year, and potentially several others, but additional volunteers are
needed for this to happen. The vintage vehicle car show could
continue with the addition of other aspects of Leonard-Lake Leota
Park. Please contact Jennifer Ehle, jenniferehle1@gmail.com,
phone 608-302-1722, if you, or your organization, would like to
help plan an event in 2017. We are analyzing the event and
thinking of new ideas.