Farewell to Abeles Field-announcement
Posted Tuesday, August 25, 2009 10:47 AM
Farewell to Abeles Field, October 23, 2009

In 1923, a twelve acre plot of ground lying north of Parker’s factory and running from Second to Fourth Street, was sold to the school district by the Hooper family. On June 2, 1928, Morris Abeles, at the instigation of his brother, Julius, gave $5,000, with the understanding that it would be matched by the Rotary Club, toward the erection of a stadium and field house. The Rotarians took immediate steps by soliciting the business men of the city and sponsoring a “Festival of Fun.” Enough money was raised by these methods to buy the field and equip it also. The plans included a gridiron, a quarter-mile track, a baseball diamond, a tennis court, and a small lake for boating and swimming. There were also to be dressing rooms and showers for the players and a grandstand on the west side. The stadium, seating 1,500 persons was erected as a memorial to the late Joseph N. Abeles. It was dedicated on September 12, 1928, preceding the first football game of the season. Flood lights for night games were added later.

With the building of the new Leavenworth District Activities Center on the LHS campus, Abeles Field will no longer be used by the district. The Alumni Association is planning a special event after the last football game at Abeles Field on Friday, October 23, 2009. The special event will be after not before or during the game. The event is still in the planning stages, but as envisioned at this point would include the history of Abeles Field, recognizing winning teams, JROTC students who used Abeles for “Field Day,” cheerleaders, band members, etc. In addition, the committee plans to have specially made T-shirts, and the singing of Loyalty and the Alma Mater. Please save the date to say “Farewell to Abeles Field” which has been a part of LHS history since 1924.