Baker Park was named in honor of Emerit E. Baker, president of Kewanee Boiler Co. from 1892 to 1928. The honor was bestowed by a "graceful citizenry" for all that he "made possible to our community by his generosity". That generosity included a $50,000 gift in 1919 that lead to the formation of Kewanee Park District and the creation of a not for profit corporation in 1925 with a grand total of gifts to the trust of more than one million dollars. Baker's first nine holes, known as "the hills" on the west side of Cambridge Road, were ready for play in 1925 .E.E. Baker intended that the course would make golf affordable to the workingman and the 1932 fees attest to that--15 cents for nine holes, 25 cents for 18 holes and $4.00 for season pass. Enjoy the park and geocaching! Placed with permission.
Baker’s Park first nine holes known as “the hills” on the west side of Cambridge Road were ready for play in 1925. As rough as it might have looked, the course in that section of the city proved popular from the beginning. E.E. Baker intended that the course would make golf affordable to the workingman and the 1932 fees attest to that—15 cents for nine holes, 25 cents for 18 for holes and $4.00for season pass!
Golf’s appeal in Kewanee called for an additional nine holes: land was purchased across the road in 1939 and the “flat’s “ opened in 1940. E.E. Baker, Inc. provided the funds for both the 50 acres and the services of an architect. WPA workers were employed to provide the labor.
The Gate here was the result of a generous gift of Kewanee Rotarty Club. The Club has also placed gates like this one at Windmont Park and soon to placed at Northeast Park. Thank-you to the Rotarty Club.
PART OF THE SMALL TOWN FINDS SERIES GEOTOUR Stamp is in a separate container now for the tour under cache, PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE STAMP OR INK
If stamp is missing, look for picture on cache container and draw it on tour sheet. Happy caching.