At the rededication ceremony Thursday celebrating the centennial of Cameron Park, centennial committee chair Kay Olson told those gathered that 100 years ago Waco held an “almost spontaneous celebration to honor the Camerons.”

Thursday’s events certainly lacked the spontaneity of the town’s original tribute (as it was a full year in the making) but nevertheless honored the family and descendants of lumber magnate William Cameron for the generous gift of 125 acres that founded our beloved Cameron Park.

Cameron family members Brian Baird and his sister, Bridget Baird, talk about the clan near Proctor Springs on Thursday.
Rod Aydelotte/Tribune-Herald

With the backdrop of the park’s now-trickling Proctor Springs, Olson introduced eight descendants from the Cameron family who traveled to Waco for the rededication and centennial luncheon held later at the Phoenix Ballroom.

City spokesman Larry Holze read from a 100-year-old newspaper story recounting, in elaborate detail, the original impromptu parade and ceremony for the Camerons.

It took place on a warm spring Friday on May 27, 1910. The mayor had declared the day a “half-holiday.” Government employees and schoolchildren had been released early so families could gather to express gratitude to the Camerons at this exact spot (which then boasted gushing fresh springs.)

On Thursday, Cameron’s descendants were humbled by Waco’s continued appreciation 100 years later.

Betsy Flora Mitchell, of Sarasota, Fla., named after her great-great-grandmother, Flora Cameron (wife of William and who actually donated the land on his behalf 11 years after his death), said she was enthralled by the park and Waco, a part of her heritage she’d never known. “It’s an amazing town and park. I wish I’d come years ago,” she said, unveiling a 1920 bronze park plaque found in a city storage closet and presented Thursday.

“Everybody is so friendly in Waco,” said her sister, Elaine Cryer, of Buffalo, N.Y. “We are so glad to be here and learn about the history of the park.”

Cousin Bridget Baird, of New London, Conn., said giving is part of the Cameron family crest: “Grandmother drilled into us the spirit of philanthropy. We were always taught if you didn’t give back to the community, you were a poor citizen.”

With most of the descendants serving on college trustee boards and various civic leadership roles throughout the country, it’s obvious William Cameron’s legacy of generosity and service lives on.

We’re certainly glad for the generosity bestowed upon Waco in the form of this multifaceted park. Much of it can be appreciated in the brilliant visuals displayed in a 200-page coffee-table book —“William Cameron Park, a Centennial History: 1910-2010,” published by Baylor University Press and unveiled at the luncheon.

Olson summed it up best when she said, “May we all rededicate ourselves to protect, preserve and enjoy Cameron Park for another 100 years.”

With pleasure.

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• Cameron descendants enjoy park's legacy in Waco