Sherman Park
Located in downtown Wolf Point, this park serves as the hub for many activities held in the City of Wolf Point throughout the year. The park was named after Sherman T. Cogswell. He was a leader in commercial development in Wolf Point in 1915 and was instrumental in the chartering of First State Bank and the construction of the grand old Sherman Hotel. Today the Sherman Motor Inn still bears his name.
In 1978, the old Westland Oil Station was demolished in preparation for a new uptown improvement district. Parallel parking replaced diagonal parking and traffic lanes were expanded to two going east (Anaconda Street) and two going west (Main Street).
Many attractions reside within the Sherman Park. These structures are dedicated to individuals who played a very important park in the development of the City of Wolf Point and the State of Montana.
Shumway Gazebo
In 1993, the Beautification Committee received a $300 donation from Roy and Loretta Shumway to be used as the Committee saw fit. The Beautification Committee had been discussing building a gazebo in Sherman Park, to resemble the one that was there in 1917. They then wrote to the Shumway’s and asked if the money could be put towards a Gazebo Fund, with the hope of building the structure sometime in the future. A subsequent call was received from the Shumway’s and they indicated that they had always wanted to do something for Roy’s hometown of Wolf Point and he wanted to fund the entire project and dedicate it in loving memory of his parents – Frank & Anna (Nellie) Shumway, who were homesteaders 16 miles northwest of Wolf Point in honor of them for their struggles of homesteading during the early days in the Wolf Point area. A huge plaque is located in front of the gazebo telling of Frank and Anna Shumway, parents of Roy Shumway.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on October 29th, 1993 and the dedication was held on May 31, 1995. The community wishes to thank the Shumway’s for their generous gift. A Gazebo Maintenance Fund has been established by the City for its upkeep. Also thanks goes out to the Beautification Committee and Chuck & Renee Worley for all of their hard work on this project.
Governor Ted Schwinden
One of Wolf Point’s own, Ted Schwinden, born and raised in Wolf Point, was elected Lt. Governor in 1976 and served from 1977 to 1981. He won election as Governor in 1980 and was inaugurated on January 5, 1981. After serving two terms, Schwinden taught contemporary Montana politics at Caroll College and the University of Montana. A sign stating “Wolf Ponit Monatana Home Of Governer Ted Schiwinden” was placed in Sherman Park during his term. Dedication ceremonies were held during the Wolf Point -- Capital for the Day activities on October 22, 1984. The sign was constructed by Randolph Construction and stone work was done by Calmer Ersness. The project was funded by the WP Lions Club & Wolf Point Jaycees.
VFW Monument
Veterans from Vietnam, Korea and World War II were present at dedication services of the newly built monument at Sherman Park held prior to Memorial Services in 1984. Fred McGeshick built the monument and it was paid for by the VFW Post 1755 and the American Legion Post 22 at a cost of $1,000. Lyman Clayton, Sr., and family and Lyman (Skip) Clayton, III, and family, donated the monument’s bronze plaque. The American Legion also donated the flag and flagpole, and is making arrangements so the flag can be flown 24 hours a day. Representing the various groups during the dedication was Commander Norman Larter of the American Legion Post 22, Commander Rocky Ruhd of the VFW Post 1755 and Herman Shumway of the Wolf Point City Council.
Chief Redstone Monument
Dedication ceremonies took place in October, 1991 in Sherman Park where a large boulder (monument) was dedicated to Chief Redstone as a reminder of what can be accomplished with cooperation. Chief Redstone, who was referred to as the “Grandfather of Montana and the Fort Peck Indian Reservation” was very instrumental in the granting of statehood for Montana, coming of the Great Northern Railroad, and a visit to this area by the United State’s Northwest Commission of 1885, which lead to the forming of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and the statehood for Montana. Mina Yellowrobe conducted the fundraising campaign for the monument. She passed away in June, 1991, but was remembered for her efforts. The Indian Health Service Clinic in Wolf Point is also named in honor of Chief Redstone.
