Rufus Switzer
( 1855 - 1947)

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Huntinfton's plans for his new city made no provision for a public park. Several park proposals,were offered in the city's early years, but none came to fruition until lawyer Rufus Switzer (1855-1947) was elected mayor in 1909. The city had purchased a track along Four Pole Creek as the site for an incinerator. Not surprisingly, neighbors objected, and a donnybrook ensued. As mayor, Switzer settled the mstter by declaring that the purchased property would become a park. Thus, one of the city's most popular landmarks, Ritter Park, was born. It was also under Mayor Switzer that Guyandotte and Central City were annexed into Huntington. In his will, Switzer established a perpetual trust and directed that two thirds be used 'for the usead maintenance.  of an art gallery, historical museum and cultural Center." In the Hunting Museum of Art's formative years, Switzer's generous bequest was the lifeblood of the institution. Switzer direced that the remaining one third of the trust be used "for the study, research and treatment of human disease." As such, The Huntington Clinical  Foundation Inc. was organized. A handsome park, a thriving museum , a healthier community ----- that's an impressive legacy, perhaps unequalled in the city's history.

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