The History of Doling Park

This is a presentation of the history of Doling Park in Springfield Missouri, starting way back when the Giboney family acquired the land in 1846. This presentation covers the cave, lake, amusements and rides, etc... So sit back and enjoy a look back at one of Springfield's favorite parks.

[@cmyFUfinger]

very informative thank you so much

[@dougllasgreene4014]

I best remember Doling Park for the ball park where where kids from about 8 to 13 would play in what was called then the Kiwanis League. I played for the Willard Wildcats. The teams we played were the Broadway Midgets, Mac's Phillies, Sodbusters and many others beyond my diminishing powers of recall. I also recall the roller rink that was popular for Willard kids back in the '50s. My mother would take my brother and I to go skating but, in reality, we were primarily interested in mixing with the girls. Willard didn't allow dancing back then so Doling was about the only place where a young man could hold hands with the many girls that frequented the rink. Unfortunately, I was generally too shy to inquire. That said, this brief look back in history brings back many memories.

[@kattrussler5375]

Thanks for another great video!!!!

[@godmadethedonkeytalkjuliem8404]

I loved going Doling Park as a child. I take my grandchildren there. Too bad the amusement park closed.

[@julieisthatart]

I think the earlier wild mouse ride people remember was actually the mad mouse, one of the portable rides featured at the fairgrounds a couple of years, maybe even four years before.

[@suejuede525]

Wild mouse was at doling in 1966. I'm 76 and my sister and I took a couple of friends there and rode, I was 19 sis was 17. Our friends were 17. ..I married in 1969. So .

[@TheNyteScrybe]

This was wonderful! Do you have any photos or information on the original swimming pool? That holds a lot of memories for us!

[@alspratley9463]

4! of Juy.
Mr. George Spratley will give a tower dive, pyramid leap and perform many azuatic feats from a high elevation.
Boat race between 6 of our best orsmen for a purse of $25.
Swimming races, tub races, bar |rel races and many other attrac tions during the day. A grand display of
FLOATING FIRE WORKS
On the Lake at night.
Music by Marine Band.

[@sdogg73]

i didnt realize the upstairs of Ms Gilmores was a Masonic Hall.

[@alspratley9463]

This is the late 1800s 1888 1895

[@suejuede525]

Makes me sad. There's nothing to do at Doling anymore

[@suejuede525]

Doling is now boaring, it will never be that fun place again. Yes walk. Big deal. I can walk in my neighborhood. I'm disappointed with Doing now .