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Historic working group wins HRC backing to seek register nominations for Hobbs Park and Murphy Bramblestick House
Summary
A working group led by the Watkins Museum asked the Lawrence Historic Resources Commission to recommend the city allow public nomination efforts for Hobbs Park's Municipal Stadium and the Murphy Bramblestick House; the commission voted 4-0 to recommend the request to the city commission.
The Lawrence Historic Resources Commission voted 4-0 on Feb. 20 to recommend that the City Commission allow a community working group to pursue nominations and fundraising to place Municipal Stadium on the National Register and the Murphy Bramblestick House on the Kansas register.
The recommendation follows a presentation by Andrew Stockman, curator of exhibitions at the Watkins Museum of History, who said he convened a working group that includes the East Lawrence Neighborhood Association, Lawrence Preservation Alliance, Kaw Valley Kickball League, the Watkins Museum and Hernley Associates. “The overall goals of this project are very similar to what Miss Zollner mentioned: cultural preservation, economic benefits, and community legacy for future generations,” Stockman said.
Stockman outlined the stadium’s local significance, citing continuous community use for more than 75 years, use by the Kaw Valley Kickball League and a documented August 1949 game featuring the Kansas City Monarchs. He also noted previous uses by American Legion teams and named players who later reached professional ranks.
Lynn Braddock Zollner, historic resources administrator, told the commission that the State Historic Preservation Office has completed a preliminary information site questionnaire and found the two structures eligible. Commissioners moved to recommend the city grant the working group permission to raise funds and prepare nominations.
Commissioners voting aye were Commissioner Klein, Commissioner Buchanan, Commissioner Cunningham and Chair Joy Coleman. The commission’s recommendation asks the city commission to formally authorize the group to proceed; the HRC did not itself file the nominations or allocate city funds.
The working group said it understands additional reviews are required, including consultation with the Parks and Recreation advisory board, and expects to continue coordinating with city staff as the nomination and fundraising efforts proceed.
