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 The Haggin Museum is auspiciously
situated in the center of Stockton’s
beautiful Victory Park. As the weather
warms, blossoms bloom and early
morning runners return, this spring
mini-display takes a look back at some
of the changes Victory Park has seen
over the years.
The park got its start in 1913 when
the area was designated by the city
for its residents’ enjoyment. The local
Philomathean Club named the new
green Bienvenida, meaning welcome. It took its official place among Stockton
recreation at a 1916 dedication, and
included lagoons, a tennis court, a
children’s playground and Stockton’s
first zoo.
In 1921, the area was renamed Victory Park, along with several city street
name changes commemorating the end
of WWI. The park got a face-lift to go
with its new name as improvements
continued throughout the decade.
Scaled down eventually, the initial 1921
redesign included a formal Japanese
garden, bandstand and music glade,
children’s wading pool, conservatory
and covered pavilion.
The animal menagerie, which boasted
of a bear, a raccoon, possums, quail and
an aviary, was relocated to Oak Park.
Sections of Rose Street and Oxford
Avenue that originally ran through
the park were eliminated. Additional
foliage was planted and the baseball
diamond and picnic areas were built.
Victory Park got its biggest addition
in 1930 when it was chosen as the site
for The Haggin Museum. The same
year, the park also gained a rose garden
which was enjoyed by park-goers
for more than four decades. Building
additions called for the removal of the
roses in 1975, but the tradition will
return this spring when a new rose
garden built by Stockton Beautiful will
open to the public.
Over the years the park has become
a second home for local residents (and
their dogs) looking for recreation. From
outdoor movies, family picnics and
spring flings to soccer practice, speed
walking and spring training, Victory
Park has something for everyone. This
display gives museum visitors a chance
to learn more about Stockton’s favorite
playground.
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