A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO PARKVILLE'S HISTORY

Parkville's fortunes began to change in 1875 when Col. Park and Dr. John A. McAfee collaborated to establish Park College. Col. Park donated property and Dr. McAfee arrived with 17 students and a vision of providing education for any young man or woman willing to work. The old stone hotel became the first home of a college which rapidly expanded as more and more students took advantage of the school's unique work/study program.

Literally built by students, Mackay Hall, completed in 1893, and the Scott Observatory, constructed in 1896, still overlook the campus and the town. The business of serving the students and faculty helped revive Parkville's economy, and the strong relationship between "town and gown" still exists today.

Few of Parkville's earliest buildings remain. Notable among the historic homes are the Kahm house, circa 1860, located at Fourth and Main Streets, and Col. Park's original 1840 home on the college campus. Other historic buildings have been converted for various uses. The 1889 train depot served for years as the City Hall, and the 1918 Park College Power Plant on Main Street is renovated for commercial use.

From "A Walking Tour Of Historic Parkville" - A cooperative effort of the Parkville History Committee and the Main Street Parkville Association.