USA > California > Riverside County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 64
USA > California > San Bernardino County > History of San Bernardino and Riverside counties, Volume I > Part 64
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"Charles Dexter was the father of Fairmount Park. For many years he gave his services without compensation, working day after day to keep that playground attractive and clean. Under his guidance it grew into one of the pretty spots of the surrounding countryside and he brought it up to the place where it became the chosen gathering place of the people. Many will mourn the passing of this kindly man."
As said before, it looked a herculean task to try to make a park out of the unslightly place chosen by Mr. Dexter. Although the land belonged to the city, there was not for years any assistance given him by the city, but the work was carried on in the first place by his own labor and by assistance in the shape of money by some and labor by others, and some of that help was obtained by the most persistent effort.
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The writer knows this, for he contributed some team work in mowing down weeds, filling up hollows, etc. Finally, when Captain Dexter gave proof of what could be done, the city came to his assistance and gave him a small salary for superintendence. There was also an arbor day in which many citizens took part by presenting and planting many choice ornamental and shade trees, and when he ceased his labors there was a park and lake which have been improved and added to very much since that time.
Our public parks are a thing not merely of utility where people may go "for a walk," but they are also beautiful.
If, as Jonathan Swift says, "whoever could make two blades of grass to grow upon a spot of ground where only one grew before, would deserve better of mankind and do more essential service to his country than the whole race of politicians put together," what shall we say of the man or people who took places where nothing worth while grew before and make not only grass to grow but flowers and ornamental shrubs and shade trees and other enjoyable features? We have such things in Riverside, and we ask not only our own people to enjoy them, but everyone from the outside is invited to come and made welcome.
In one park we have a beautiful lake and boats for idle lovers, with abundance of waterfowl at home and in places water lilies of all hues of blossom, and fish in the waters for the little boy to indulge his primitive instincts in fishing. Not only that, there is a swimming pool and a wading pool for the smaller ones, with all manner of contrivances in swinging and sliding and athletics of all kinds to be enjoyed to the heart's content by old and young.
If adding to the utility is a benefit, how much more so is it when we add to the beauty-contribute to the gratification of another sense- seeing-the eye. And to crown the achievement there is the grass without the universal sign "Keep off the grass." Could anything further be added to getting on the grass and loitering and lolling over its surface? Yes, there is one thing more-you can spread the sheet on the grass and the tablecloth on top of that and you and the kiddies can enjoy your- selves as you never did before with the simple foods and drinks that are more relished there than in any other situation, and, oh, the contentment at home and the refreshing sleep at night. But the pen runs away and in a dry history, too.
We have all that in Riverside, and outsiders have found it out, for they come from neighboring places to have a glimpse of what California climate and California itself and its people have to offer. All of these in Fairmount Park in Riverside. Fairmount Park is mentioned first because it is the largest and most often used by great crowds, at times as many as 8,000 or even 10,000. There is also a kitchen with gas and water and opportunity to cook and make coffee by dropping a "nickle in the slot" and a multitude of seats and tables. And as if that was not enough, there is the beautiful bandstand, which cost thousands of dollars, and where you can go and enjoy the music twice a week, or you can bring your own band and have your own music, or mayhap it is a gather- ing of some organization where the silver-tongued orator may hold forth to his heart's content-all these can be had free.
This is Fairmount Park from an ideal standpoint, but it has not been created out of a desert waste without human effort. As said in another place, Captain Dexter was the man who had faith and vision and he laid the foundation without the aid of city money and his ideal was carried so far by him that those in authority caught the idea and we have the popular place of recreation as we have it now. It is not finished by any
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means, for the larger half of it is as yet unreclaimed, but has been partially planted and shade trees growing so that by the time increasing population requires it it can be put to a good use at a small expense. There is also a rest camp for automobile wanderers where they can rest in the shade with all the accessories of a well-regulated camp.
The lake in the park has been officially named Dexter Lake in honor of the man who did so much towards making the park a success.
The park originally consisted of thirty acres, which embraces a lime- stone quarry on the heights at the entrance to the park. When the quarry was worked out, furnishing stone for street purposes, the bottom land that had but little value at the time of purchase was then turned into a park. Ten thousand dollars was paid for the quarry and full purchase price was got out of it from the rock, leaving the park itself in the bottom as a free inheritance.
Most of the trees now growing in the park were gifts from various people and an arbor day was appointed on which many citizens brought and planted trees. But the start was made mostly from solicitations by Captain Dexter himself. The first boats were also bought by these funds and Captain Dexter laid the foundation firm and well.
ADDITIONS TO THE PARK. In October, 1903, the Riverside Land & Irrigating Company, composed of S. C. Evans, Sr., and sons, gave to the city by perpetual lease 8.69 acres adjoining the park for lake purposes, with the right to make the lake, subject to the condition that the lake and driveway around it be maintained. The company also deeded out- right 1.01 acres to complete the driveway around the lake and also 2.81 acres adjoining the lake, thus adding 12.5 acres to its area. The company also deeded to the city, subject to certain conditions, five inches of water for lake purposes.
In April, 1907, the city acquired by condemnation three acres adjoin- ing the park on the east, known as the Bloom tract. C. L. McFarland, president of the Board of Trustees, made this his special work, and the old board made a splendid move in acquiring this land.
In 1910 Messrs. S. C. and P. T. Evans presented the city with a deed to eighteen acres adjoining the park on the north. Because of the extent, location and special adaptation to the purpose, this makes an exceedingly valuable addition to the park and makes the present area now something over sixty acres, including the quarry site.
On his return from an extended trip through the Orient, George N. Reynolds, wishing to see some water features that had attracted his atten- tion, carried out in the park, proposed to the Park Board to furnish the funds for enlarging the upper part of the lake, forming islands to be connected with bridges and beautified by aquatic plants, the margins set to ornamental plants, shrubs and trees, all subject to the approval of the board. The generous offer was gratefully accepted and the con- struction work is now being rapidly prosecuted under the direction of Commissioner Hardman. Completed at an expense of several thousand dollars, it will be one of the most unique and interesting features of the park.
Already the park is getting too small and it is in contemplation to enlarge the plunge and bathing pool. The part not in active use is getting ready by the increased growth of the trees.
THE ALBERT S. WHITE PARK was deeded to the City of Riverside by the Riverside Land & Irrigating Company September 13, 1889.
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The present park was given as a sort of compromise for a plaza which was originally reserved between Seventh and Eighth Streets and Main and Market Streets, which, including streets, would have embraced an area of over six acres. For various reasons and before there were any improvements thereon the change was made and the reservation made of four, two and a half acre blocks, including streets, which embraced much more land than the original Plaza reservation, but it was burdened by a depression which was filled by muddy water and partly overgrown by tules and other aquatic vegetation-a sink hole for storm water and waste water from irrigation and other sources of impure water and a resort for wild ducks in the winter season. Certain portions of this was given to Dr. Clark Whittier on condition of filling up the depression and other improvements. The lower canal also ran through it, which has also been filled up, and we have the park as it is today. The park was named to commemorate the interest Mr. White took in the park and giving of his services free for several years and until his death in 1909.
Because of some of its special features, this park has attracted much attention abroad as well as at home. The collection of cacti, in which Mr. White took great interest in bringing together through many years. is one of the largest and most interesting outdoor collections in existence.
It was found that some of the cacti were doing badly for lack of proper drainage, and a system of sub-drainage has recently been put in and connected with the city sewer system.
The fountain and cement basin were the gifts of George N. Reynolds.
The park has also a large collection of ornamental trees and plants of different varieties and has some special lighting features which make it very popular for Christmas and other celebrations. A public rest room more recently put up makes it more desirable than ever and convenient benches make it a popular place for rest and recreation under the shade of the larger trees in the heat of summer. Altogether the Albert S. White Park is an exquisite gem in a very pretty setting.
EVANS ATHLETIC PARK. In June, 1906, S. C. Evans, Jr., tendered to the city as a gift an eleven-acre tract, admirably located and adapted for the purpose, facing Fourteenth Street and Brockton Avenue, for an athletic park. The valuable donation was gratefully accepted. Later in honor of the donor the distinctive name of "Evans' Athletic Park" was officially given by the City Trustees and funds were provided for its improvement. The park was fenced, baseball grounds graded, a quarter- mile track made, grandstand erected and other needed equipments pro- vided. The improvements were made under the supervision of Dr. W. B. Sawyer.
The park is managed by three commissioners, two of whom must be members of the School Board.
By provision of the donor, all pupils of the public schools are admitted to all exhibitions and contests free of charge.
In addition to above mentioned parks owned by the city, are two others.
HUNTINGTON PARK, composed of about 100 acres on Rubidoux Moun- tain, is owned and was improved by the Huntington Park Association. The project of its acquirement and development was conceived and largely prosecuted by the enterprise of Frank A. Miller. A large area at the foot of the mountain is set to trees. The principal features of the park
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is the substantially built scenic drive, winding around the mountain and reaching the top, from which the panoramic views in all directions are excelled by few spots in America. The roadway was built at a cost of $30,000 and is largely cut through rock. Going up, it has a grade of but 4 per cent. The separate road down has an 8 per cent grade. In all about $60,000 has been spent on developments of the park. It is open to the public and is much used, being especially enjoyed by visitors.
CHEMAWA PARK, located on Magnolia Avenue and containing twenty acres, is owned by the Riverside & Arlington Railroad. It is laid out to trees, shrubbery and drives. A portion of the park is devoted to well- made polo grounds, equipped with stables, grandstand, etc., managed by the Riverside Polo Association.
The park was largely developed under the supervision of Frank A. Miller.
The city also owns a block in Arlington near the center of the village which is intended for a park, but nothing has been done with it, but when improved it will be a fine addition to the pleasures and recreations of the people of Arlington.
Riverside may feel pride in her public parks and the liberal provision now made for future use. In the original provisions made and sug- gested as attractions to be attained for the future convenience and needs of the public by the Southern California Colony Association, no sug- gestions were made in regard to public parks or recreation grounds. Riverside was founded before so much interest was manifested in athletics and public contests such as baseball and entertainments of other kinds, and the only alternative in that line was the Plaza in the center of the town copied somewhat after the mission and Spanish style. On the other hand, there was no anticipation nor hope that Riverside could be any- thing more than a sort of overgrown village with at most 10,000 people, and there were plenty of charming spots in the river bottom where picnic's could be had or Fourth of July celebrations observed together with all the great plains east of Riverside. Then there was the isolation of Riverside with at best the prospect of one transcontinental railroad. No one could have anticipated the immense growth of Southern California made possible by the application of electricity in every department of public life nor the effect of the discovery of mineral oil and the con- veniences made possible and available by its use. Nor could anyone have ever calculated on harnessing the waters of the Sierra Nevada Mountains or the Colorado River and bringing light, heat and power from thence to our very doors and into our homes. Therefore it may well be said that in the liberal provisions now made for present and future use River- side may consider herself fortunate in having so much in the line of public parks and recreation grounds. In addition to all that have been enumerated there is as a reserve to fall back upon the fair grounds, with one of the fastest race tracks in Southern California, with all the necessary buildings for present use for live stock and exhibition purposes. There are forty acres in the tract, which is now ostensibly owned by the South- ern California Fair Association, but which by virtue of having advanced the purchase money is in reality owned by the city authorities.
This Fair Association has assumed the proportions of a Southern California institution and in some respects is not far behind the State Fair held at Sacramento. It also has earned the privilege and right to state aid which it now receives in a small way. Adjoining Fairmount
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Park, it is in a very convenient location to be used in connection with the park and has been used already in that respect and will be more so in the future. It has been used somewhat for other than fair purposes and plans are now mooted whereby the fair grounds will be improved so that they will be beautified and something to be proud of at a future day where large gatherings can be held.
It is now being recognized that recreation is as necessary as labor for old as well as young, and everywhere we begin to see evidences of it. The automobile is probably the most notable instance of that tendency and as time goes on there will be other openings for the enjoyment of old and young and when the constant drudgery of labor for the aged can be mitigated, then life will be more of a pleasure, and labor of the menial kind will be as pleasing as raising fruit and flowers. We will then be able to realize what the Kingdom of Heaven on earth means.
CHAPTER XXIII STREET TREE MANAGEMENT IN RIVERSIDE
BY J. H. REED
The early settlers of Riverside were tree lovers. Probably in the early years of no other California town were so many trees planted on the streets. During that time, Magnolia Avenue, now with its world- wide fame for its extent and beauty, was planted. The credit for this magnificent avenue is largely due to S. C. Evans, Sr., and H. J. Rudisill, managers of the Riverside Land & Irrigating Company, who laid out the avenue and had the center row of peppers planted at their expense, and they sold all adjoining lands on condition that the owners should pay for planting trees along their frontage, thus securing the present con- tinuous triple rows the entire length of the three miles James Boyd, who is the only one of the three now living, did the planting in 1875, putting in over 2,500 trees. He had the care of them for one year, at the end of which time practically all the trees were alive, thus indicating the kind of work he did.
To Messrs. A. S. White, William A. Hayt and C. Sylvester is due the present large number of old trees on the "East Side," formerly known as White's Addition. In 1885 these gentlemen bought 102 acres of land east of the canal, laid out the streets and planted the margins to trees. For fourteen years Mr. Hayt had charge of the trees and for two years he had a man employed continually cultivating and caring for them.
The original Mile Square was largely planted to pepper trees by the "Southern California Colony Association," which laid it out, but most of them were taken out before the crusade against removals com- menced. (Mr. Boyd planted a half mile of blue gums on Colton Avenue which were cut down for firewood.) For the present fine avenue of large peppers on Walnut Street we are indebted to C. M. Loring, who commenced spending his winters here many years ago. He gave the money to Frank A. Miller, who had the trees planted.
This tree planting continued for several years. Later on planting ceased and for one reason or another the older trees began to be taken out. Some newcomers insisted that they came to raise oranges, not street trees, others that they wanted sunshine, not shade; others yet urged that trees were out of place on business streets. Fuel was expensive and a good many took out the street trees for firewood.
Up to 1896 property owners had been allowed to do what they pleased with the trees along their street frontages, but strong protests began to be made against the wholesale removals and the Board of Trustees was urged to take steps to prevent them. An order was passed by the board requiring permission from that body before trees could be removed. This checked the removals somewhat. But the trustees were busy men, unable to give the frequent requests careful examination, with the result that few were refused and the tree destruction went on.
About thirteen years ago a committee from a then flourishing local horticultural club took the matter up and finally persuaded the Board of Trustees to appoint a committee of men who were interested and would take time to personally investigate all requests for removals and report to said board whether, in its opinion, they should be granted. This committee was appointed January 12, 1897, and was composed of
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A. S. White, J. H. Reed, S. H. Herrick, Priestley Hall, E. W. Holmes, R. L. Bettner and William Irving. These men spent much time and effort to stop the tree destruction, and it was from this time that public sentiment in Riverside favoring street trees began to grow. In the meantime, what little planting was done was done by property owners along their own frontages of their own volition and of such varieties as each saw fit, resultig in having often three or four varieties on a single block, more frequently one or two frontages were planted and the bal- ance left bare. But many sections of the city remained entirely unplanted.
This was the condition in May, 1904, when at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce the present tree warden requested that body to appoint a committee to confer with the City Trus- tees with regard to planting trees on the streets. On motion of F. A. Miller, seconded by Stanley Castleman, that the president, E. A. Chase, should act in the matter, he appointed F. A. Miller, J. H. Reed and C. W. Winterbotham such committee. Nothing resulting from former action, on August 2d the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce passed a formal resolution asking the City Trustees to provide for the systematic planting and care of street trees. No action being taken by that body, this committee of Messrs. Miller, Reed and Winterbotham was made a Chamber of Commerce Tree Planting Committee and directed to go to work at its expense. October 3, 1904, bills for trees and planting to the amount of $105 were ordered paid. This was the first actual outlay for systematic street tree planting in the city. With this amount, supplemented by private subscriptions and donated labor, 350 trees were planted, a portion of which are on West Seventh Street, below Walnut.
The Chamber of Commerce at once undertook to raise $1,000 to carry on the work the next year, which it accomplished by appropriating one-third of the amount from current funds, securing an appropriation of one-third from the City Trustees and raising the balance by private subscription.
February 6, 1905, a special Tree Planting Committee was appointed, composed of F. A. Miller, J. H. Reed, Gaylor Rouse, J. A. Simms and C. L. McFarland. The present tree warden was put in charge of the planting. April 6, 1905, a large and enthusiastic mass meeting was held at the Loring Opera House, under the auspices of the planting committee, for the purpose of arousing public interest favoring street tree planting. An illustrated address was given by C. M. Loring and spirited talks made by F. A. Miller, C. E. Rumsey and others. One thousand trees were planted by the committee in 1905.
I have given this somewhat extended detailed report in order to leave a record of how the work was commenced, which after five years has resulted in what is generally accepted, so far as I can learn, in the best tree planted city on the coast.
Up to this time the pruning and other care of the trees were left to the adjoining property owners. When not attended to by them, the street commissioner had them cut so as not to obstruct roadways or sidewalks. Beyond this, little was attempted. The telephone and telegraph companies and Electric Light Department cut the trees to serve their purpose, in the most convenient way to them, often resulting in great damage to the trees.
, In 1906, at the urgency of the Chamber of Commerce, the office of tree warden was created by the City Trustees in connection with the Department of Superintendent of Streets, and the present officer was appointed to the place, with full charge of all planting and care of the trees on the streets. Up to that time a few cities in the East had a
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similar official, usually called "city forester," but Riverside was the first city in the West to adopt municipal control of its street trees.
Under the old charter, the city could not appropriate money for tree planting and funds for this purpose continued to be raised by the Chamber of Commerce, Board of Trade and private subscription. During 1906 1,200 trees were planted and cared for, previous plantings cared for and systematic pruning and general care commenced.
The new charter, going into effect May 27, 1907, provided for a Board of Park Commissioners. In addition to the management of the parks, this commission has full charge and control of all street trees for the planting, care and general management of which, subject to its direc- tion, it appointed a tree warden. For these duties the former official was retained.
THE LARGEST PLANTED WALNUT TREE IN THE STATE, ON PROP- ERTY OWNED BY R. EMERSON GILLILAND, 52 ALLEN PLACE, RIVERSIDE
The number of trees planted on the streets since the special work was commenced is as follows: In 1904, 350; 1905, 1,000; 1906, 1,200; 1907, 1,500; 1908, 2,128; 1909, 2,408; 1910 to July 1st, 878, making a total of 9,464 trees planted by the Chamber of Commerce Tree Planting Committee and city tree warden, enough to make more than seventy miles of street trees, if planted consecutively forty feet apart. These, with the over 25,000 trees on our streets, when the new system of planting was commenced, give some idea of the extent of Riverside's tree planted streets. With the exception of some outlying streets and a few streets and isolated blocks and parts of blocks waiting for heavy grading before planting, the streets of the city are now practically planted to shade or ornamental trees, including most of the streets of the newly laid out sections.
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