Monon Park at Cedar Lake. South of Armour Town there was a twenty acre parcel of land. The Monon railroad quickly moved to purchase the land. Prior to the purchase, the area was virgin timber and a frequent spot where fishermen camped. Both villages of Armour and Paisley were in their infancy, populated by pioneer families. The ice industry had not yet burst upon the lakeshore. The new site, once dense with wild berries, hazel bushes and wild life, was cleared and replaced with an open picnic grounds. By 1890, Monon Park was considered a huge success. The grounds were crowded on a daily basis. They park continued to gain in popularity and by 1898 the crowds came in such numbers that neither the Hunter or the smaller DuBreuil Hotel could take care of the demand. The dance hall, Torrey Auditorium was built in 1897 and is still in use on the Conference Grounds. It is also listed on the National Register Of Historic Places.
