Vigo County Historical Society

Widows (golf widows, that is), don your black clothing; spring is here, and the golfers are on the links at Rea Park.

William S. Rea, a wholesale grocer and prominent Terre Haute citizen, was responsible for the funds used to purchase the land for the park. He left the city of Terre Haute $100,000 in trust with instructions for the purchase of a park.

Rea was born in Terre Haute on Nov. 22, 1838, and died at age 80 on Feb. 2, 1919.

He was married to Geraldine Rea. Mrs. Rea had the beautiful clubhouse erected, which she gave to the city in memory of her husband.

Ray Goddard directed the revitalization of Rea Park when Mayor P. Pete Chalos began a project to improve city parks. Goddard made sure the clubhouse and grounds were refurbished and he also brought with him 18 golf carts, which enabled more people to ride while providing additional income to the club.

Terre Haute’s city Park Department work crews provided much of the labor for the job.

Visitors to the museum should take time to enjoy the photos of the old but beautiful clubhouse. They depict part of one of the many inviting parks Terre Haute has to offer.

On second thought, widows, take off the black mourning togs, get some new clothes and join your husbands for a round of golf at historical Rea Park.