Corby Grove
Introduction
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Corby Grove is a 105 acre stretch of green space along the parkway. It offer picnic facilities, tennis courts, baseball fields with concessions, a fishing pond (see separate entry for Corby Pond), hiking/biking trails, and lovely natural scenery. It is a wonderful place to spend a day!
Images
There are wonderful walking trails throughout Corby Grove
Native plantings abound in Corby Grove
"Catch Me if You Can!" is a fun sculpture located along the Parkway in Corby Grove
Backstory and Context
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The name John Corby is familiar to anyone interested in St. Joseph history. Corby was one of the first occupants of Joseph Robidoux’s new town, arriving in October 1843. He immediately began acquiring land, making himself one of the wealthiest and most influential people in the community. In 1844, he bought 80 acres which form the nucleus for Corby Grove. The Corby family home, a suitably impressive house, was built on the site – it later served as St. Joseph’s first country club (sadly it is no longer standing).
After the wounds of the Civil War had largely healed in the city, Corby Grove became a popular gathering and picnic spot for the citizens of St. Joseph. In August 1894, the St. Joseph Brewer’s union held a picnic there: “Everybody is invited. Music, dancing and other amusements will guarantee a day of enjoyment to all who attend.” This popularity led to concerns that the gatherings were too rowdy. The News Press ran an article on August 4, 1894 headlined “It is Disgraceful,” complaining that Corby Grove had become the favorite haunt of the “tough element” of the city. Apparently the situation was rectified as Corby Grove continued to be a favorite gathering place.
In 1920, the city was planning the expansion of the park and parkway system, adding 224 acres. The addition of Corby Grove was at the heart of this proposal. There was some opposition to the plan, but ultimately the voters overwhelmingly approved it in a special election held on October 4, 1921. As the city engineers planned the route that the parkway extension would take through Corby Grove, great care was taken to retain the natural beauty of the site.
Corby Grove continued to be a favorite place. In the 1920s the annual ice carnival was held there, attracting thousands of participants. It was the venue for summertime performances of the municipal band. More recently, it has been the site of the “Haunted Grove” where visitors are taken on a spooky tour of the area.
In addition to its natural attractions, Corby Grove provides resources for the more sports-minded of its visitors. In 1938, W.P.A. workers spread clay surface on the tennis courts; thirty years later a hard surface was installed with funding from the Bode Trust. Horses and their riders were allowed on the trails in the 1950s.
The Park Department has worked hard to maintain a balance between developing the area and retaining the natural beauty. Their success in striking that balance makes Corby Grove a favorite for both those whose idea of recreation involves tennis or other facilities and those who want to enjoy the delights of the natural space.
Sources
“Corby Family,” https://stjosephmuseums.fandom.com/wiki/Corby_Family
“Versatility of Talent,” St. Joseph Gazette, July 6, 1869.
“Picnic at Corby’s Grove,” St. Joseph Gazette, Aug. 1, 1894.
“It is Disgraceful,” St. Joseph News Press, Aug. 4, 1894.
“Barbecue for Fighters,” St. Joseph News Press, Aug. 8, 1919.
“Park Board Program Explained in Detail,” St. Joseph News Press, April 21, 1920.
“A Wild and Romantic Section that will Become a Picturesque Part of the Park System,” St. Joseph News Press, Sept. 24, 1921.
“Vote for Parks,” St. Joseph Gazette, Oct. 3, 1921.
“Park Projects Wond by More than 2 to 1,” St. Joseph News Press, Oct. 5, 1921.
“Study of Corby Grove,” St. Joseph News Press, May 26, 1922.
“Carnival at Corby Grove,” St. Joseph News Press, Jan. 12, 1924.
“Second Ice Carnival,” St. Joseph News Press, Jan. 14, 1924.
St. Joseph News Press, Aug. 14, 1928.
“House has History,” St. Joseph News Press, Oct. 17, 1931.
“WPA Making Progress on Corby Grove Tennis Courts,” St. Joseph News Press, July 19, 1938.
“O.K. Horses in Corby Grove,” St. Joseph Gazette, May 10, 1952.
“Let Corby Grove Alone,” St. Joseph News Press, Jan. 27, 1966.
“Bode Trust Fund Offers to Pave Tennis Courts,” St. Joseph Gazette, July 12, 1967.
“Saving the Greenbelts,” St. Joseph News Press, July 25, 1971.
Kristin Hoppa, “Corby Grove gets Ready for Halloween with Haunted Grove,” St. Joseph News Press, Oct. 25, 2010.