If we know the history of the area we know as Harmony Park, we might come closer to understanding why so many people love and respect this little patch of land on Geneva Lake so much. Indeed, Harmony Park seems to cast a magic spell on everyone who spends any time among the Park’s lovely old oak trees.
It seems entirely reasonable, while exploring the history of Harmony Park, that we go back as far as possible in time to try to capture the essence of the Park. It is with this idea in mind that I present the following story as it was told to me at the Festival for Project E.A.R.T.H. in July 2003.
In the time when Native Americans still roamed the area we now know as southern Minnesota, it was discovered that a sand bar in the lake made it possible to walk all the way across the body of water with ease. This significant find allowed people to cross the lake when they were traveling through, or just to position themselves for a better fishing spot without walking all the way around the lake.
To mark this passage, the Native Americans bent the top of a young oak tree to the ground at each end of the sand bar. With these very effective landmarks in place it was easy for members of the tribe to find and use the shortcut. They would just line up on the markers and cross the lake.
As the years passed, the oak trees grew and became mature trees, but as the sapling is bent, so grows the tree. The trees remained arched, and at the point where each was secured to the ground, they shot straight up, making an unusual sight for all who didn’t know their secret.
Until recent years, both trees stood in silent testament to the area’s history, but alas, time takes its toll. Just before Jay started having shows on the site, the marker tree on the shore of Harmony Park gave way to the ravages of time. The tree on the east bank of Geneva Lake, however, still stands.
My friend Lor told me that she believed Harmony Park was a sacred place for the Native Americans. Given their belief that all things had a spirit—trees, water, grass, air—and that this place would have most surely have been a gathering place for tribal travelers, I think she is likely right.
Perhaps it’s the spirits that make Harmony Park special to us all.
The Wizard
More coming soon
© copyright 2004
Harmony Park Music Garden