Cosley Zoo

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Description

On November 9, 1973, 2.65 acres of land were donated to the Wheaton Park District by Paula Jones. Ms. Jones wanted to save the land from development, and donated it in memory of Harvey Cosley, the previous landowner and close relative. The park district accepted the land and proceeded to repair the old barns and the 1887 Chicago and Northwestern train station that was moved to the site in 1910. The park received a great deal of help from local service organizations and businesses. The park, called Cosley Children's Park and Museum, opened on August 17, 1974. On opening day the park displayed only a handful of domestic farm animals. Within a few short months the park began exhibiting native wildlife. After roughly two years of operation, the park changed its name to Cosley Animal Farm and Museum. An 1800s barn from St. John's Lutheran Church in downtown Wheaton was moved to the park in November of 1974. The barn is used for storage and display of antique horse drawn vehicles. During the summer of 1975, railroad tracks were laid in front of the train station. In November of that same year, a retired Burlington railroad caboose was brought in to sit on the tracks. In September 1976, federal revenue sharing funds made it possible to enlarge Cosley by two acres. This area was later to be expanded into habitats exclusively for wildlife. An additional .65 acre was later acquired for use as a parking lot...

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