Look at a map of Chariton and you'll see that it is composed of dozens of "additions" made to the original 1850s plat --- the square and a block or two beyond --- during the years that followed. Additions still are being made, in fact, including a recent one in the neighborhood of Brookdale, which could celebrate its 130th birthday this month, were such things celebrated.
Brookdale was an 1892 project of Frank R. Crocker, the First National Bank cashier who 15 years later would bankrupt that institution; Charles R. Kirk, who got his start as a druggist but was most widely known as an importer and breeder of Percheron horses; and J. E. "Jenk" Wright, a real estate developer.
The addition was called "Brookdale" because it joined Brook Farm, the 900-plus acre property of the Mallory Family that included in its far southwest corner what now is Reynolds Field and the old Armory complex. The Mallory home and its park, known as Ilion, now a subdivision itself, was just to the east.
Here's a brief report from The Chariton Herald of Nov. 17, 1892, reporting Brookdale's founding. The city map dates from 1896.
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The Brookdale Land Association, composed of F. R. Crocker, Chas R. Kirk and J.E. Wright, seems to be booming right along. Having purchased the tract of land formerly known as the "Close land," in the northwest part of the corporate limits of Chariton, Mr. Chas. R. Kirk, the manager of the association, has platted the same into eleven blocks, containing in all one hundred lots, graded the streets, ditched the alley-ways, laid tile drains at the crossings, and is doing everything possible to make this the finest residence part of the city.
This new addition is called "Brookdale" and it is, without doubt, the most beautiful addition made to Chariton. Three neat cottages have already been erected and others are contemplated at an early date. Mr. Kirk informs us that he expects to succeed, within the next 80 days, in securing a crossing over the C.B.&Q. and a street opened from Brookdale to the Osceola road, thus making a safer and better route to and from the country north and west from the city.
The gentlemen comprising the Brookdale Land Association are to be congratulated upon their enterprising spirit, business sagacity and good taste in the selection they have made for an investment and the attractive condition in which they are placing the addition before offering their lots for sale. Parties desiring to make a home in the most beautiful and healthful part of the city will find it to their interest to consult Manager Kirk of the Brookdale Land Association.
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