Name This Peoria Landmark

Peoria Landmark #440

This is indeed inside the Peoria Zoo at Glen Oak Park and can be found entering the “Asia” exhibit from the new entry pavilion.  What caught my attention was a small plaque partially hidden by the plants (bottom left of photo.)  Uncovering it, I found this:

PEORIA HISTORICAL GROVE
Founded by
Mr. & Mrs. Walter C. Talley
January 8, 1934
Dedicated to
The memory of the pioneers who
blazed the trails of our great nation
and to the brave patriots whose
historical deeds we shall ever remember.
Registered American Tree Association
Washington, D.C.

In a brief Google search I could find almost nothing about the “American Tree Association” beyond several historical references dating from the 20′s to the 50′s and a wordpress blog with a single post from 2008, but I did find this interesting piece in the “Foresty Almanac”, published by the American Tree Association, 1924.

The American Tree Association is the recruiting agency of the Tree Planting Army, which in April, 1924 had a total enlistment of more than 80,000 members.  Its fundamental aim is the carrying on of educational work to put the “tree in forestry.”  [...]

Membership in the American Tree Association demands only one qualification – to have planted a tree.  It involves no dues.  There is, of course, the implied agreement to care for the tree so planted and to plant more trees to keep it company.

There are no references to the “Peoria Historical Grove” (until now, that is) in a google search.

Note: Glen Oak Park was dedicated in 1896; the zoo, 1955.

Thank You, Alison.

Peoria Landmark #429

Guarding the entrance to the Peoria Zoo since the 1960′s are the Triebel Lions, one of several items on the Peoria Park District list of Historic Resources.  You can read about Otto Triebel at NTPL#375.

I found this picture of Otto’s home, 1412 NE Perry, dated 1863, in the Peoria Historical Society Image Collection.  The lion in the foreground doesn’t appear to be either of the two at the zoo.  Also note the standing Lion on the right.

Peoria Landmarks #404.   Identify these locations.

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6.

7.

1. McKinley Ave, Bartonville – Sue G

2. 4th St, Chillicothe – (me)

3. Highland (Ave & Main), Creve Coeur – Sue G

4. 1200 N.E. Jefferson between Spring & Voris St. Across from RJ pawn shop. – Steve K

5. 1700 block Sheridan (near Gale), Peoria – Sue G

6. 3300 block N. Prospect near Dominoes Pizza and 1st Place Trophies – Steve K

7. 7700 block University (near Pioneer Parkway), Peoria – Sue G

* These are not your tax dollars at work; they were privately funded.

www.powerofplaypeoria.org

www.peoriazoo.org

www.peoriaplayhouse.org

Peoria Landmark #292

Forgive me, but I just couldn’t help laughing at the sign that says “Deforestation” while a pile of logs lay in the background. To be fair, the Peoria Park District did re-use as many of the trees as they could in building the Africa exhibit as is evident to anyone who visits.

Here’s some other pictures. It’s quite nice, but the “older” section appears to be now closed.

Alan Says: Its the new bridge at the Peoria Zoo. I was working out there for a few weeks this summer. I’m not sure where this photo was taken from, but I do know that somewhere along the bridge there will be a giraffe feeding area.

This is the walking bridge that lines the ‘Savanna Grassland’ which features Giraffes, Rhinos and Zebras.

A few other photos…

The focal point of the ‘Zambezi River Village’

The giraffe holding pen. Note the extra tall doors.

A view of the Lion’s Den. The rock in the center is heated, giving the Lion a good reason to sit there in dramatic fashion. The boulders are made of re-bar, wrapped with wire mesh, sprayed with a cement mixture, spray painted, and finally hand-painted by an artist to produce the rich colors, shadowing and weathered effects.