Ramsay, William "Pop".jpg

Ramsay, William "Pop".jpg

William "Pop" Ramsay may be familiar to current residents as the gentleman after whom Walck Road's "Ramsay Field" is named. Mr. Ramsay serves in the U. S. Navy during WWI, and by 1919 is the "physical director" of the North Tonawanda YMCA. That same year he establishes the first playground at Felton Field on Tremont Street (Felton High School was just on the other side of Sweeney Cemetery, on Bryant). In 1931 he becomes city Director of Parks & Recreation. In 1947 he advocates for the establishment of the Memorial Pool in Payne Park. By 1965 he and his group of five assistants are responsible for the care of 18 ballparks, 6 large picnic parks, 17 playgrounds, 7 skating rinks, 1 hockey rink, and 2 swimming pools around the city.

1896-08-21

Batavia, NY