OPERATION COONSKIN

Coonskin Park

 
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.


It started in 1944....

Coonskin Park

And so....

Coonskin Park

Interestingly, the park was to be a memorial park to honor our war dead.



But then, by 1949......

Coonskin Park

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"......

Coonskin Park

And so it began.

Coonskin Park


All the business people were organized....

Coonskin Park

And soon the day arrived:   Build this park in 48 hours!

Coonskin Park



First, a parade through Charleston with the heavy equipment




Coonskin Park

Coonskin Park



Coonskin Park



Did they do it?  You bet!

Coonskin Park

Coonskin Park

Coonskin Park

Coonskin Park

Many everyday citizens were involved with building the park.

Coonskin Park

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

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