In 1940 our little city was promoting itself once again in a publication that outlined Tyrone’s attributes and attractions. Compiled by Robert W. Charles and published by the Tyrone Herald Company (yes, the Herald did at one time publish books) the 1940 Directory-History and Highlights of Business and Events 1850-1940 is interspersed with facts about our history and honors to some of our esteemed citizens. 900 feet above sea level and the best water in the state are two facts highlighted. The committee who assisted in editing the book steered clear of the issue of how townsfolk felt about the acquisition of Reservoir Park and why the park had an abrupt change of name after generations of being known as Stevens Park. What is revealed is how the Borough Water Committee managed to acquire our community’s most valuable piece of property.
Adie A. Stevens
First, we need to become familiar again with Adie A. Stevens. Mr. Stevens was one of our most accomplished citizens. He was one of Tyrone’s largest property owners and contributed more taxes through personal and business interests than all others. An active attorney by trade, he was also twenty year president of the Blair County Bar Association.
In addition, Stevens was entrepreneur, a forester, made a fortune in the limestone trade, introduced Tyrone to electric lighting, was an early proponent of gas for lighting and home use, and a bank vice president. Mr. Stevens was behind many of the many positive changes that took place in Tyrone for over three generations.
Adie Stevens’ most recognizable gift to Tyrone was the free use of his park. Stevens Park was his family’s oasis in the laurels. On the old Glen Hope Pike, this verdant sixty-acre reserve was known throughout the region as a place of unspoiled beauty. Its lake, streams, and little log cabins, as well as the picnic facilities, made it quite the attraction. Mr. Stevens welcomed all to share in this.
The Borough Acquisition
It is unfortunate that the good intentions of kind spirited individuals do not always outlive their efforts on this earth. Tyrone was faced with a tough decision in 1931 when Mr. Stevens’ testament was probated. It became evident that Stevens Park was to be sold. With hundreds struggling over the hard times of the Great Depression, rail strikes and unemployment in town, the idea of losing this park was a great disappointment.
Good news came to the borough in 1932, announced by P. J. (Fitz) Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Borough Water Committee. After ten months of negotiations with the Stevens Estate, the Borough of Tyrone now owned two large reservoirs and Stevens Park. This did come at a cost, though. $400,000.00 was turned over to the heirs of Mr. Stevens (that translates to $6,300,000.00 in 2010). The name “Stevens” was immediately removed from the map. “Reservoir Park” was once again free to the public, to be enjoyed by young and old as Adie Allen Stevens had intended.
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