I grew up in Springfield, Missouri and I remember my parents taking me to Doling Park to play when I was a kid. When I got older I was still fascinated with the park and would go every chance I got. The cave was the main attraction for me - I loved climbing up one side of the cave and down the other, and as long as I can remember it had always been blocked off. I would always dream about what it would be like to go inside and explore. Maybe one day I'll finally get to go inside...
At that time, I had no idea about the history of the park. I knew it used to have a merry-go-round, but that was about it. Within the past few years, though, I've started to learn of all the great things that happened there. Even before it's heyday in the 1900's, the park was one of the greatest places a person could go to relax and enjoy themselves. From the cool air in the cave, the walking trails through the woods, the beautiful lake for swimming and ice skating, there was something for everyone. People would travel from all over to spend the day at Doling's park.
For the past several months I've been searching through hundreds of old newspaper articles all the way back to the late 1800's about Doling and his park. Every time I start my search, I always end up learning something new about the happenings that went on at that fascinating place. I love it!
Even though many of the attractions are gone, I feel that the park is now more like it was originally when Mr. Doling first purchased it - tall trees, green grass and a beautiful cave.