Harmon Field was part of a section of town known as the Cogswell addition when it was deeded over to the Dalton Board of Trustees on November 16, 1927. The Harmon Foundation of New York turned over the twenty-six lots known as the Whitfield County Farmer’s Fair Association grounds with specific provisions that the field be used for recreation and playground purposes.

The first mention of Dalton High football and Harmon Field is found in an October 1935 issue of the The Dalton Citizen newspaper. The times were hard and a lack of funds had sidelined the Catamounts for two seasons. It was only after a group of more than 30 alumni and loyal supporters signed on to guarantee monetary support of the team that Dalton football opened that season at Harmon Field on October 4, 1935 against Lafayette. It was the first nighttime football game held at Harmon Field. Four new sets of bleachers were in placed and the
popular softball diamond had been groomed into a football field. Season tickets were $1.50 and a parade was led by the band through town to rally the citizens around the team.

Dalton football never experienced another lapse in its program and Harmon Field grew right along with it. The following year saw the addition of loudspeakers. Ridge Street was closed and permanent closed-deck home stands were erected in the late 40’s-early 50’s. A press- box was also a part of the new grandstand at this time. Several additions to seating occured throughout the years with the last being in the mid-80’s when a new press box and rows were added to the North Grandstand. The Field House was dedicted during the 1967 season at a costs of $80,000 and pictures found of the original Concession Stand date it back to the 50’s. A new concession stand was erected and dedicated in 1997.

The entire facility has become a part of so many memories for the alumni and citizens of Dalton. We may not remember how it came to be 84 years ago, but we will always know that the ground we call Harmon Field is the heart of Bill Chappell Stadium.