Haskell Playhouse
CITY:
Alton
COUNTY:
Madison
DEDICATED BY:
Alton Park and Recreation Commissions and The Illinois State Historical Society
DEDICATION DATE:
May 29, 1989 at 5:00:00 AM
The marker is located in Alton, at 1211 Henry Street. It is on the east of the street, in front of the playhouse in Haskell Park. It is adjacent to the former Haskell Mansion, which is being utilized as the Alton Park and Recreation Commission’s Office.
This unique Queen Anne style playhouse was built in 1885 for five year old Lucy J. Haskell, daughter of Dr. William A. and Florence Hayner Haskell. It is believed Lucy’s grandfather, John E. Hayner, commissioned prominent local architect, Lucas J. Pfeiffenberger, to design the playhouse. In 1889, at age nine, Lucy died of diphtheria. After Florence Haskell’s death in 1932, the Haskell family gave the estate to the City of Alton for educational and recreational purposes. The playhouse was to be retained in memory of Lucy J. Haskell. Designated a National Register Historic Landmark in 1974.