After the corporation obtained the land, they worked fervently to raise the necessary funds. Caterpillar, Inc. was the first corporation to back the endeavor with a donation of $75,000.00. Following their enthusiastic example, other corporations, businesses and individuals responded. "Gold bricks" with donor's engraved names were sold for $1,000 to $10,000. Those original donors giving $5,000 to $75,000 were engraved in a separate bronze plaque. Funds were also raised through Park events, volunteer projects and sales. No tax money went into obtaining of the land or the construction of the theater/band shell complex. During this same time the committees were putting on a tremendously successful county wide celebration. Over 200 events appeared on the Will County Bicentennial Calendar of Events. Joliet and Will County were nationally recognized as the first city and county in the State of Illinois (23rd in the nation) to be recognized as Official Bicentennial Committees. Will County Superintendent of Schools, Boyd Buchar, and later Superintendent Matt Racich, provided free office space in the Will County Courthouse from 1972 through 1977. Bev Pearson was hired first as a part-time secretary until it became apparent her full-time services were required. Back Next