Lincoln Park stands out as one of Jersey City’s most beloved green spaces, but its past isn’t as well-known as you might think. Long before families picnicked here, this land hosted the Jersey City Golf Club and the lively Jersey City Skeeters baseball team in the early 1900s.
The park’s grounds are layered with stories of competition and community. It’s not just a spot for relaxation—it’s a living record of the city’s dynamic past.
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The Early Days of Jersey City’s Beloved Park
Before fountains or playgrounds, Lincoln Park was a real hub for sports fans. The Jersey City Skeeters, a minor league baseball team, played here from 1902 to 1905 in the Eastern League.
The team’s name came from the swarms of mosquitoes that once filled the city’s swampy west side. It’s a little detail that still makes me smile—nature had a say in the team’s identity.
The Journey of the Skeeters
The Skeeters’ roots in Jersey City sports actually stretch back to 1885. Before they settled on Belmont Avenue, just below today’s St. Aloysius Church and school, the team bounced around several different ballparks.
They played at the Grand Street Grounds downtown and Oakland Park up in Jersey City Heights. Each move mirrored the city’s growing passion for organized sports during those years.
The Belmont Avenue Ballpark
Old photos of the ballpark show off its charm: a grandstand running the length of the infield, bleachers stretching down both outfield lines. It was more than just a sports venue—it was a gathering place for neighbors.
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Memoirist Florence Pond Graham, who grew up nearby on Bentley Avenue, wrote about how baseball wove itself into local life. She remembered that where Lincoln Park’s famous fountain now stands, the baseball diamond once drew cheering crowds on sunny afternoons.
Friday Was Ladies’ Day
One of the Skeeters’ most delightful traditions was “Ladies’ Day” every Friday. Women in long skirts and parasols filled the stands, adding their own energy to the games.
Graham described walking down the hill with her mother and friends, blending sports with the social rituals of the early 1900s. It’s easy to imagine the buzz of those afternoons.
A Glimpse into Jersey City’s Social History
The story of the Skeeters and their ballpark isn’t just about baseball. It’s about how the west side of Jersey City was shaping its own identity, with sports and recreation at the heart of it all.
These games became a focal point in city districts where families built close ties. Entertainment was accessible, and community pride ran high.
From Sports Field to Public Park
After the Skeeters’ era, the land became Lincoln Park. Today, it’s still an essential part of Jersey City life.
The transition from a private ball field to a public park mirrors the city’s shift from industrial boomtown to a modern, livable urban hub. That change says a lot about what people here value now.
Why Lincoln Park’s Past Still Matters
Knowing Lincoln Park’s sporting roots gives a whole new meaning to your stroll or picnic. Whether you’re jogging the paths or catching a community event, you’re moving across the same ground where players once hit home runs and neighbors cheered each other on.
It’s history you can literally stand on—and honestly, that’s pretty special.
Visiting and Exploring Jersey City
If you’re planning a trip, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Jersey City. Lincoln Park is a must, and the waterfront, museums, and food scene are all worth checking out.
Not sure where to stay in Jersey City? There are plenty of boutique and chain Jersey City hotels popping up, so it’s not hard to find a comfy spot near the action.
Getting to Jersey City is pretty straightforward. PATH trains, ferries, buses, and easy road access from New York City all make the trip a breeze.
Lincoln Park’s story is just one chapter in a timeline that keeps unfolding. The ghosts of the Skeeters’ games may be gone, but that energy and sense of community still linger in Jersey City.
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Here is the source article for this story: Baseball on Belmont Avenue: The Backstory of Lincoln Park
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