Historic marker at Pop Geers park honors 'celebrity' harness racer
The city's latest historical marker not only recognizes Columbia's first official public park, but also pays tribute to one of its many historic figures, Edward Franklin "Pop" Geers, a "national celebrity' harness racer in the late 1800s.
City leaders, along with Historical Preservationist Sarah Elizabeth McLeod of the South Central Tennessee Development District, gathered Thursday morning to unveil the marker, sharing the history and significance of the park, and Geers' role in the city.
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Known for his skills in harness racing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Geers, a Tennessee native, rose from humble beginnings to become somewhat of a national celebrity. Though he was born in Lebanon, Geers always considered Columbia his home.
"Pop achieved records with horses that had never been achieved, and he is still cherished by the harness racing industry," McLeod said. "I'm honored that we are here and that we are doing this."
As part of her job as an historical preservationist, McLeod said she is also in the process of writing a book that covers Geers' history, which she hopes to release sometime in December.
One of Geers' greatest accomplishments during his racing career was recording the first mile in less than two minutes, using his famous Columbia steed, Napoleon Direct, in 1916.
His career, which spanned more than 50 years, was cut short in 1924 when he tragically died on the racetrack in Wheeling, West Virginia at the age of 73.
Pop Geers Memorial Park, 602 West 7th Street, was later dedicated in 1926, with horsemen and businessmen from around the world, placing an obelisk monument in his honor.
"We've grown a lot over the last 100 years, but this is the first park for the city of Columbia, and so we are standing on a little piece of Columbia history right now," Mayor Chaz Molder said. "I am pleased that the city has continued this historical marker dedication program. It's important that we mark our city's history, so we don't forget it."
Molder added that, in addition to the monument and marker, Pop Geers Park also features irises transplanted from the grounds of the former McDowell Elementary School, which he said is "another way we want to preserve part of the city's history."
He also hopes the marker will draw more people to learn about its history, the significance of the monument and Geers' illustrious career as a harness racer.
"As a kid, I always thought that monument looked like a miniature Washington Monument. Hopefully this marker will give more frontage onto West 7th Street and draw more people in," Molder said. "They'll drive by and learn some history and what that marker means to us."
City Manager Tony Massey describes Geers as, "he was to harness racing what Dale Earnhardt was to NASCAR," in a city press release.
"It's great that we are here today to honor this guy," Massey said. "It certainly is appropriate to recognize one of Columbia’s most famous citizens.”
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Columbia dedicates historic marker to Pop Geers Memorial Park
