Lucy Haskell Birthday Party

About this event

Join the celebration of Lucy Haskell’s 146th birthday at the historic Lucy Haskell Playhouse on Wednesday, July 29th from 6:30 - 8:00 pm at beautiful Haskell Park in Alton.  

This annual event recreates Lucy Haskell’s fifth birthday when her mother, Florence, threw a grand party featuring the beloved Victorian Queen Anne Stick-style playhouse that has since become a treasured community landmark.  This special celebration honors the history and legacy of the Lucy Haskell Playhouse while bringing the community together for an evening of fun and tradition.

The evening begins with the introduction of an honorary Lucy Haskell, portrayed this year by 9 year old Scarlett Mishler-Bailey.  Guests are invited to enjoy a festive evening featuring birthday cake, ice cream, lemonade, pony rides, traditional lawn games, and many more family-friendly activities.  All treats and activities are a gift to our community from the generosity of many sponsors including Duke Bakery, the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club, the Lucy Haskell Playhouse Association and the many volunteers who contribute to this wonderful event.  For those wanting to remember this special evening, there is merchandise available for purchase.  

Lucy Jane Haskell was the daughter of Dr. William and Florence (Hayner) Haskell and granddaughter of John E. Hayner.  The Hayner-Haskell family was prominent in Alton’s history, greatly contributing to the cultural and economic development of the city in the 1800s.  Lucy was born on July 29, 1880, the second child to William and Florence.  Sadly, she died of black diphtheria at the age of nine.  Her playhouse, as well as the Haskell home and its surrounding 6 acres was donated to the city by Florence Haskell in 1932 for the education and recreation of the children of the city of Alton.  

In remembrance of this great gift to the community, all are invited to take a walk in the age of Lucy Haskell and enjoy her beautiful playhouse on the park grounds on July 29th at 6:30pm.