Indiana, Posey County, Mt.Vernon
829
In 1912 the Cronbach family cared enough about Mt. Vernon to establish this park there, in memory of their son Sherburne who had died of typhoid fever at the age of 16. Their presence is evidence of the Jewish presence in early commercial towns along the Ohio River — Sherburne’s father was an active member of Ansche Israel congregation — a presence evident also by the existence of a Jewish section of Bellfontaine Cemetery. (The research team visited that cemetery because the grandparents and great-grandparents of one member are buried there.) The brick picnic shelter, flanked by green lawn and crowned by two large trees served as a landmark on the riverfront, as attested to by its appearance in photographs of the great floods of 1913 and 1937. The boat launch and dock are below it. Gradually a riverside park was developed upstream from it. Finally, between 2010 and 2013 the industrial site intervening between them was removed and transformed into what is now the centerpiece of it: amphitheater, splash pad, streetside and mid-park walk, and extensive flower garden. (See Google Maps historical series for Mt. Vernon 1998-2013). It apparently was completed recently, because the electronic sign at the upstream end thanks all the contributors. Unfortunately the Riverbend Park whose summer attraction is kayaking is located along the Potomac, rather than along the Ohio, but it could be here!! That the Posey County Alliance has organized a Food Truck Monday for the riverfront promises additional investment in its future. It’s a pleasant and friendly park. There is a Port-a-Potty but no water: You all could make this a great destination for Ohio River bicyclists and kayakers!
Ohio River Parks Project 