One hundred years ago, Reeves Field was dedicated on an autumn afternoon at Geneva College. 

On October 3, 1925, Reeves Field was unveiled to a crowd of 7,000 people. The Geneva Cabinet wrote, “Never in the history of Geneva has there ever been a more impressive ceremony. It marks the evolution of a new era. It is more than a step forward, it is a hop, skip, and a jump.” 

Reeves Field was named in honor of John Reeves (1825-1917), whose heirs donated both the property on which Reeves Field is located and $3,000 towards its improvement. John Reeves, the son of Daniel Reeves who built the Beaver County Courthouse, was instrumental in the development of Beaver Falls. He and his brother were hired by the Harmony Society in 1866 to aid in the city’s industrial interests, and eventually founded Reeves Bank in downtown Beaver Falls. (1)

A number of his children and grandchildren earned their degrees from Geneva, including son John T. Reeves, class of 1885; grandson Charles R. May, class of 1899; and grandson Harry N. Merriman, class of 1906. 

The dedication ceremony of Reeves Field in 1925 began with a luncheon honoring the heirs of the late John Reeves as well as friends of the College who contributed to the construction of the stadium. 

At 2:30 in the afternoon, board of trustees president Robert M. Young opened with an address, followed by attorney Charles Reeves May who spoke on behalf of his family, sharing about the life and activities of his late grandfather. Then president of Westminster College, W. Charles Wallace, spoke in praise of his alma mater (Geneva class of 1899) and accepted “a Westminster banner in appreciation of their presence at this celebrated affair.” (2) Lastly, Geneva’s football coach Alvin “Bo” McMillin “expressed his delight and honor on being allowed to lead the first Geneva team on the beautiful new Reeves Field.” Geneva College president M. M. Pearce presided over the ceremony. (3)

Westminster College had been invited to face off against the Geneva Covies (read more about our history of mascots here!) in a dedication game. The teams entered the field while the Geneva alma mater was sung, and at three o’clock sharp, the first ball was kicked on the new field by Harry N. Merriman, grandson of John Reeves. 

The donors as shared in The Cabinet, and their relation to John Reeves were: John T. Reeves (son), Hannah R. May (daughter), Grace R. Townsend-Coates (daughter), Jessie Osdale (daughter), Harry W. Merriman (grandson), Ethyl N. Merriman (granddaughter-in-law), and Jessie H. Hamilton (daughter). 

Reeves Field was designed by Osborn Engineering Company of Cleveland, Ohio; a representative of the company, Mr. Evans, shared “that the details on Reeves Field worked out better than any stadium on which his company had ever worked.” (3) Osborn Engineering Co. has designed countless sports facilities since its founding in 1892, including Boston’s Fenway Park, Chicago’s Comiskey Park, and New York’s Yankee Stadium. (4) The original entrance gates to Reeves Field were designed by local architect William G. Eckles, who also designed Johnson Gym, McKee Hall, and McCartney Library. Eckles also planned the 1935 renovations of Old Main. (5)

The bleacher section on the opposite side of Reeves Field — the visitors’ bleachers — was originally intended to be reserved for children. At the 1925 dedication ceremony, 1,500 kids filled the stands to cheer on the players. 

Over the last 100 years, Reeves Field has undergone significant changes — including new bleachers and the installation of concession stands, restrooms, a press box, and a synthetic playing surface. The field is home to the Golden Tornados as well as the Beaver Falls Tigers, and hosts numerous events throughout the year, including band festivals, commencement ceremonies, and services. 

College assistant to the president Robert Clarke shared an article on the dedication of Reeves Field in The Geneva Alumnus (what we now call the Geneva Magazine) in 1925. He shares, “The outlook over the Beaver River is beautiful. Every one of the fifty-one hundred seats is a choice seat. The spectators have the sun on their backs while neither team during the game has the sun directly in its eyes. These are conditions very seldom realized, and they are most desirable. The wall along the College avenue side is a work of art, and when the flags are in place and floating in the breeze it constitutes a scene that is inspiring.”

Thousands of students, alumni, and friends of the College have passed through Reeves Field in the last century. The stadium continues to serve Geneva College and the Beaver Falls community, a place of athletic triumphs and defeats, laughter and competition, commencement-day celebrations, and community fun. What’s your story at Reeves Field? 

By Erika Kauffman ‘20

Sources:
1. Beaver Falls: Into the 20th century - Beaver County Times
2. "All Hail to Reeves Field" The Cabinet of Geneva College. Beaver Falls, PA, Friday, October 23, 1925 - courtesy of the Geneva College Archives
3. "The Dedication of Reeves Field" by Dr. Robert Clarke, The Geneva Alumnus - Courtesy of the Geneva College Archives
4. Osborn Engineering Co., Encyclopedia of Cleveland History - Case Western Reserve University
5. Geneva College - Beaver Falls, PA - Lawrence County Memoirs (lcmemomoirs.com/lcmpages/363/geneva-college-beaver-falls-pa)