Summit Hill residents had a history lesson Saturday as the town rededicated Ludlow Park, along with the Civil War monument located in the park.

During the program, the history of the park, the statue and the borough's contributions to the Civil War were described.About 150 people attended the program held in front of the tall monument located in the park.Dr. Louis Vermillion, president of the Summit Hill Historical Society, said the Civil War monument was initially dedicated on July 4, 1914. The official park dedication and naming ceremony took place on Sept. 5, 1914.He said, "We now proclaim, with pride, the Summit Hill monument and park are dedicated to the people of the community."He mentioned that the park is in the first year of a three-year enhancement program.In the first year, a new walkway was established with pavers.Historical society member James Szczecin discussed some of the major contributions to make the park improvements possible. The Summit Hill Community Improvement Organization gave over $33,000; the Historical Society contributed over $5,000, the Shade Tree Coimmission gave $5,000, and the Summit Hill Lions Club have pledged $5,000.Earl and Roy Henninger of Stoney Lonesome Excavating have donated over $1,000 in services.David Wargo, a historical society member, offered a history of the statue and park.He said, "Because of its massive size, the monument was delivered in three separate sections. Unfortunately, only the top and bottom sections arrived in time for the July 4 dedication. The town made do without, stuck the statue on the bottom base, and used a piece of bunting to camouflage the awkward joint."The monument was then draped in a covering of American flags with a surprise placed underneath," he said. "When the covering was pulled back, a cloud of white pigeons flew out, circled the monument, and flew away to dramatic effect."The park was named for Edward Ludlow, who brokered the deal to lease the park for $1 per year from Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company. The borough has since obtained ownership of the park.Ted Dombroski of West Hazleton, a Civil War re-enactor, talked about the many local residents who fought in the Civil War.State Rep. Jerry Knowles presented proclamations from the House of Representatives to the Historical Society and to the borough.Carbon County Commissioner William O'Gurek, a resident of Summit Hill and a former mayor of the community, said, "Many, many times people who visit our office in Jim Thorpe often stop and tell us how beautiful Carbon County is."He said, "Seated here, on top of the mountain where it all began, the Industrial Revolution and discovery of coal, is the crown jewel of Carbon County."