OPERATION COONSKIN![Coonskin Park](coonskinentry.jpg)
In
the 40s, plans were made to build a new airport on "Coonskin Ridge".
More than enough property was secured by the county
Commission and soon, there was talk of a park for the citizens of
Kanawha County. Charleston had always suffered the lack of a
nice park, a real park with streams and forest and a feeling of being
out in the country.... but not too far out. There was only one
problem: No money. We were just a few years passed WWII and
the government had bills to pay. The citizens then did what all citizens did "back in the day"....they built it themselves.
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It started in 1944....
And so....
![Coonskin Park](coonskin45.gif)
Interestingly, the park was to be a memorial park to honor our war dead.
But then, by 1949......
![Coonskin Park](coonskin49.gif)
By 1950, the Gazette decided that if the park was going to
get built, private citizens would have to do it. Calls were made and a
movement was started. The plan was to be called "Operation
Coonskin"...... |
And so it began.
![Coonskin Park](coonskin6.gif)
All the business people were organized....
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![Coonskin Park](coonskinlake.gif)
And soon the day arrived: Build this park in 48 hours!
![Coonskin Park](coonskinmap.gif)
First, a parade through Charleston with the heavy equipment
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![Coonskin Park](coonskin7.gif)
![Coonskin Park](coonskin7c.gif)
![Coonskin Park](coonskin5.gif)
Did they do it? You bet!![Coonskin Park](coonskin50.gif)
![Coonskin Park](coonskin50d.gif)
![Coonskin Park](coonskincon1b.jpg)
![Coonskin Park](coonskincon2b.jpg)
Many everyday citizens were involved with building the park.![Coonskin Park](coonskinjune50.JPG)
These days are gone forever, as government regulations alone wouldnt allow it.
FINALLY....
If you have time, read this editorial from the Gazette.
What's happened to us since those days?
![Coonskin Park](coonskin1.gif)
![n](../1900s/1anext.jpg)
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