Section D Pg 32 Missoulian Centennial Caption of 2 Photos
Caption of 2 Photos on Page 32, Section D
Island Park Considered in 1920s
The idea of an Island Park under Higgins Avenue Bridge was considered seriously in the 1920s by various individuals in the Garden City, and proposals for it were made as early as 1887. The first step toward its realization was the construction in 1938 of the scenic bridge shown at left in both pictures.
The bridge was constructed three years after the Missoula Rotary Club deeded the island to the city for park purposes.
In 1948 through the efforts of many civic-minded residents topsoil was spread, architectural drawings were made, spruce trees and gladiola bulbs were planted and Island Park, named Memorial Park in honor of Missoula’s war dead, was well along toward finally becoming a reality.
But late in May of that year the Clark Fork River at its spring peak swept over the island and washed away much of the new topsoil and the newly planted trees, stopping the park plan just when it appeared it would be a great success.