Cardiff Hill Overlook
On Nov. 29, 2001, the Missouri Department of Transportation presented the tract of land which formerly served as the approach to the old Mark Twain Memorial Bridge to the city of Hannibal. Today, that tract of land is known as the Cardiff Hill Overlook.
A significant portion of the beauty of today’s park can be credited to former members of Girl Scout Troop 37, who adopted the park as their senior level project. For their efforts, they received the Girl Scout Gold Award, which recognizes Senior Girl Scouts’
committment to excellence as they develop skills and values to meet present and future challenges.
Participating scouts included Grace Meyer, Lilli Miller, Shelby Tatman and Cassie Zeiger of Hannibal.
The park, located on Missouri 79 as it meets with Mark Twain Avenue, is to the east of the Hannibal Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, located at 505 North Third St.
Scenic spots include Becky’s Butterfly Garden.
Schwartz Gardens
The recipient of a Community Betterment Award from the Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce in 2005 was Fred Schwartz for the installation of the Samuel Clemens statue on the riverfront and the installation of an underground sprinkler system, creation of flower beds and signage in the area that is now known as Schwartz Gardens. More than 3,000 flowers typically are planted by the Schwartz family in this garden, which was named Schwartz Gardens. “The more Hannibal means to you, the more this award means to you,” Schwartz said. “Hannibal is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I hope everyone realizes that.”
While flower planting at this riverfront garden has been delayed by this spring’s flooding, is past performance is a predictor of the future, this summer’s flowers will be a delightful welcome to riverfront visitors and residents alike.
Demonstration Garden
Salt River Master Gardeners received an honor at the 2007 Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce annual banquet for their work at the Demonstration Garden at the corner of North Main and Bird streets in Hannibal’s Historic District. Terry Sampson, the chamber’s executive director, told those gathered for this annual gala that the garden was the dream of Carl Coleman, and is built on land donated by Jeff and Kristy Trevathan.
The public garden plot features native prairie grasses, walking paths, herbs, a bridge and a butterfly garden. Club members maintain the garden.
