Behind the monikers
Star-Telegram
Since it began to boom in the 1950s, Arlington grew swiftly, with a transient population that was often there one day and gone the next.
The result is historical amnesia, manifested by the sketchy knowledge among some people about those whose names adorn important public facilities.
We know, for example, that Randol Mill Park was named after a mill run by the Leonard and Randol families. The actual mill was located on the Trinity River -- not, as is commonly assumed, at the park that bears its name -- but what other history is readily available for those who would like to know it?
Even less is commonly known about park namesakes such as Jake Langston, Thora Hart and others.
The Arlington Parks Department is researching the namesakes of the city's green spaces in hopes of installing biographical markers at those parks. Parks department employees are looking for photographs, articles from the Star-Telegram or other publications and reflections of friends or family members.
We like this idea.
A similar marker at every public school in the city -- or, for that matter, all public buildings -- would be educational. Some have interior markers. Some don't.
Anything that brings local history to life helps give a city and its residents a sense of place and community. Beyond that, parks, schools and other public facilities are named after people who committed themselves to a high level of public service. They helped build a city and gave personal time and often funds to do so. They deserve to be remembered a decade or a century from now for who they were and what they did.
GOT INFORMATION?
E-mail it to gary.packan@arlingtontx.gov.
