Carson Park holds centennial celebration

Eau Claire celebrates the park, Paul Bunyan Logging Camp and Chippewa Valley Museum

Carson Park was abuzz with activities Sunday to celebrate its 100 year anniversary.

Eau Claire’s Park, Recreation and Forestry Department put on the event, which also celebrated the 80 year anniversary of Paul Bunyan Logging Camp and the 40 year anniversary of Chippewa Valley Museum.

The celebration hosted several activities including train rides on miniature trains and open hours for the museum and logging camp.

Susan McLeod, director of Chippewa Valley Museum, said the museum had special hours on Sunday, which encouraged people to come and enjoy the park.

For the railroad, which Chippewa Valley Railroad Association established, the Lions Club sponsored the operation of the train for the centennial celebration. David Peterson, a volunteer for the celebration, said the trains only run in the summer months because of the risk of damage to the trains.  

“We don’t normally run this late in the year, especially with the steam engine,” David Peterson said. “When it gets cold there is a danger of freezing.”  

Luckily, the day offered great weather for the trains and event alike, David Peterson said.

Paul Bunyan Logging Camp also had extended hours for people to come and experience what life was like in an 1890s logging camp.  

Diana Peterson, the executive director of the logging camp, said the centennial was a unique celebration.  

“Coincidentally I was doing some research for our anniversary, and I found out Chippewa Valley was celebrating its 40th and Carson park its 100th,” she said.

Diana Peterson said they might have another celebration in years to come.

“Maybe in 25 years during the big milestones,” she said.