USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Dedham > The record of the town meetings, and abstract of births, marriages, and deaths, in the town of Dedham, Massachusetts, 1887-1896 > Part 46
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Many localities in the Town have been personally ex- amined and plans made of some, which have been carefully discussed. As a result of these examinations and discussions, two places seemed to be best adapted for such general pur- poses, viz .: The land on the Charles River, bounded by Ames, Fuller and Bridge streets, containing about twenty acres, and on which is located the Old Powder House, and the land bounded by Colburn, Maverick and Curve streets, together with land between Curve Street and Mother Brook, ·containing about fourteen and three-quarters acres.
The land adjoining the Avery School has been considered, but being of so small area, and being so far and distinctly separated from the other property, it did not seem wise to recommend its taking. Your Commissioners suggest that it be taken by the School Board and added to the Avery 'School lot.
Your Commissioners felt that these properties, if taken for Park purposes, would be convenient to all parts of the town, and, containing as they do about thirty-five acres, would embrace sufficient area for places of recreation and admit of desirable improvements, such as the construc- tion of walks, play-grounds, bath houses, skating ponds, etc.
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Not wishing to rely entirely upon its judgment, the Board voted to ask Messrs. Aspinwall & Lincoln, the well- known Landscape Surveyors and Engineers, to go over the various properties and give their opinion as to which were the most desirable. They favored the territory on Ames street and Maverick street. Maps showing the possible de- velopment were submitted by them, together with an estimate of the cost of making improvements on each.
Your Commissioners felt that the money necessary for the construction of play-grounds could be best expended with greater immediate financial benefit to the Town by taking some tract of undeveloped land near the centre and expend- ing the money on this. A location was found on the pro- posed Whiting Avenue extension, adjoining the property now held for the Town by Trustees, under deed of Eliphalet Stone, which seemed capable for such development. Surveys were made and prices obtained, and it was found that the same could be taken and the play-ground constructed for practically the same amount as would be required to con- struct the play-grounds on the other two. An examination of the proposed Whiting Avenue showed that it was de- sirable to change the proposed location of the same in order to provide greater area for the play-ground. The additional grading of the proposed street thus made necessary, to be used in constructing the proposed new play-ground, and if the proposed Whiting Avenue extension is constructed at this time, and done in conjunction with the work of the Park Commissioners, it will be a saving to the Town. Suggestions to this effect were made to the Selectmen, who have voted to lay out the street. This proposed play-ground is about 3500 feet from Memorial Hall, 2800 feet from Oakdale, and 2000 feet from Boyden's Square; it also has railroad facilities very near.
After having considered the whole matter carefully, the Board believe that it is desirable for the Town, under the Act of 1882, to own the three properties above men-
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tioned, excepting the land on which the boat-house stands on the Ames Street property, and recommend that the Town appropriate the following amounts for the payment of the same :-
Henry White, about 7 acres, . $ 6,000.00 Mrs. Eliza F. Brown, about 71 acres, together with the buildings, allowing her to occupy
the house and stable until October 1st, 1895, $10,630.00
Chauncey S. Churchill, about 4 acre,
Mrs. Eliza F. Brown,
Mrs. Emma H. Taft,
240.00
F. F. Brown, ¿about { acre, $ 370.00 .
George F. Brown,
Mrs. Joseph Lathrop, about +2 acres, ·
$ 2,850.00
Merchants Woolen Co., about 142 acres, not including the buildings, allowing one year
for their removal, and allowing $2,600.00 toward said removal, $14,700.00
Louisa M. Morse, about 62 acres,
$ 4,750.00
And also recommend that the town appropriate, to be expended by the Commissioners in the improvement and benefit of the Park System,
$ 5,465.00
Making a total appropriation of $45,000.00
Of the above properties your Commissioners have ob- tained and recorded bonds of conveyance from the owners, excepting Mrs. Lathrop, C. S. Churchill, and the Merchants Woolen Company.
It is proposed by the Commissioners to call the territory on Ames Street, POWDER ROCK PARK; that on Maverick Street, AVERY PARK; and that on the proposed Whiting Avenue extension, STONE PARK.
As to the desirability of these places for the purposes for which the Commissioners propose to devote them, the report of Messrs. Aspinwall & Lincoln, which is herewith
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submitted, seems to thoroughly cover the ground. An ex- amination of the maps will give all a clear idea of what developments are possible.
It is not proposed to make any immediate improvement beyond the necessary clearing of the woods, and trimming the trees, except on Stone Park, upon which the Commis- sioners intend to begin work at once, and as this work will be nearly all labor (no material needing to be purchased), it cannot but be of advantage to the citizens of the town desiring work this winter. The Commissioners feel that the work should be done by town laborers, and that the price for such labor should be left with the Labor Commissioners already appointed by the town.
It is the unanimous opinion of your board, that the parks being for future benefit as well as present, the payment of the same should be extended over the longest period possible. Under the statutes the town can borrow for ten years. Your Commissioners believe that this period should be extended if possible to not exceeding fifty years, at a rate of interest not exceeding four per cent., and special legisla- tion allowing this asked from the coming Legislature, and ask to be empowered to petition in behalf of the town for authority to borrow not exceeding One Hundred Thousand Dollars, payable within a term not exceeding fifty years, at a rate of interest not exceeding four per cent., a proposed form of which act is herewith submitted. The object in asking for more than the amount now recommended being to place the town in position to improve and extend its Park System from time to time if it shall so vote, under the privi- lege of a fifty years' loan.
Until the result of such proposed legislation is deter- mined, your Commissioners recommend that the money be borrowed for ten years at a rate of interest not exceeding four per cent. ; the Town reserving the right to fund or ex- change said loan at any time for the fifty years. The interest on the proposed loan at four per cent. is $1800 per
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year, and under a ten years' loan the yearly sinking fund would be an addition of $3600 more, making a total to be provided by the Town each year of $5400, which on the present valuation of six million dollars, would add a tax of 90 cents on each one thousand dollars property ; and under a fifty years' loan the sinking fund requirement would be $450 per year, making a total, with interest of $2250, which on the same valuation, would add 373 cents tax on each one thousand dollars property, a sum which all must admit will not be a burden. If the same results come to Dedham as have followed in many other places, the increased valuation incident to the establishment of the Parks will more than pay both interest and sinking fund within a few years.
Your Commissioners recognize the fact that no provision has been made for West Dedham, but they feel that nothing should be done in that part of the town until action has been taken on the highway improvements already proposed for that locality.
With the desire to bring the result of our work before the citizens at the earliest possible date, thereby affording employment through the winter, and if possible to have the Parks for the enjoyment of the people during the coming summer, the Selectmen have been asked to call a special town meeting for action upon the following articles, viz :---
To hear and act on the report of the Park Commissioners.
To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate for park purposes, and to determine the method of raising the same.
To see if the Town wi'l vote to instruct the Park Com- missioners to petition the General Court in its behalf for the passage of a bill granting to the Town substantially the powers set out in a bill relating to a loan for park purposes, suggested in said Commissioners' report.
To see if the Town will accept from Daniel R. Beckford, Frank M. Bailey and Francis L. Babcock-trustees under
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a deed to them by Eliphalet Stone, recorded, Norfolk Deeds, libro 547, folio 158-a conveyance of about 49,897 square feet of land in Dedham, between Penniman Place and Elm- view Place, said land to be held by the Town for park purposes.
Your Commissioners have also asked the Selectmen to have the consideration of the Whiting Avenue extension brought by them before the Town at this meeting.
With the report, which it has been our intent to make as clear as possible, your Commissioners leave the whole matter of Parks in the hands of the voters, trusting that our recom- mendations will be considered upon their merits, and ear- nestly urging that they be adopted by the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
THOS. T. ROBINSON, Park F. L. BABCOCK, Commissioners.
E. WORTHINGTON, JR.,
DEDHAM, Dec. 1st, 1894.
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PROPOSED ACT.
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE TOWN OF DEDHAM TO IN- CUR INDEBTEDNESS BEYOND THE LIMIT FIXED BY LAW, FOR PARK PURPOSES.
Be it enacted, etc., as follows :
Section 1. The Town of Dedham, for the purpose of providing a park system in said town, may incur indebtedness beyond the limit of indebtedness now or hereafter fixed by law for said town, to an amount not exceeding One Hundred Thousand Dollars, and may from time to time issue bonds or certificates of indebtedness therefor, which shall become due and payable within a period not exceeding fifty years from the date of issue; and the provisions of chapter twenty- nine of the Public Statutes, and of chapter one hundred and twenty-nine of the Acts of the year eighteen hundred and eighty-four, shall apply to the issue of such bonds, notes or scrip, and to the establishment of a sinking fund for the pay- ment thereof, at maturity.
Section 2. Said bonds or certificates of indebtedness shall be denominated "Dedham Park Loan," and shall be signed by the Treasurer, and countersigned by a majority at least of the Selectmen of said town.
Section 3. The town shall, on issuing any of said bonds or certificates of indebtedness, establish a sinking fund, and apportion thereto from year to year an amount sufficient, with its accumulations, to extinguish the debt at maturity. Any premium realized in the sale of said bonds or certificates of indebtedness, shall be applied to the payment of the in- terest on said loan as it accrues.
Section 4. The Town of Dedham may use any portion of the issue of bonds or certificates of indebtedness authorized by this Act, for the purpose of refunding any sums of money already expended or appropriated by said town for park purposes.
Section 5. This Act shall take effect upon its passage.
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Suggestion for Development of POWDER ROCK PARK Dedham . Mass. As proposed by Board of Park Commissioners.
Scale.
Aspinwall & Lincoln Landscape Engrs No. 3 Hamilton Place Boston November. - 1894.
V E R
S
E
7
-
--
-
R
Bath House
A
4P
H
-
-
- -
--
-
-
Fuller
Play
-
50
Ground
Street
1
-
RockAM
30
Street
Ames
.
.
-
Boet House
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ENGINEERS' REPORT.
BOSTON, MASS., December 1st, 1894.
To the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners of the Town of Dedham, Mass.
Gentlemen :-
With respect to the development for the purposes of public parks of the three tracts of land in Dedham, to be known respectively as Powder Rock Park, Avery Park, and Stone Park, we have the honor to submit the following report :
POWDER ROCK PARK.
This tract, apart from the interest which would attach to the portion occupied by the rocky prominence of "Powder Rock " with the ancient powder house upon it, and from which the proposed park would derive its name, presents many features fitting it for use as a public recreation ground. Its proximity to the main village of Dedham, being only about a quarter of a mile from the Court House, makes it easily accessible, while its topography and extended river frontage lend themselves readily to its development, either now or at such time in the future, as may be desired, into either a purely country park, or, as circumstances may war- rant, a more elaborate and finished undertaking. For the present, it is our understanding that your Honorable Board do not deem it wise to recommend to the town any very elaborate or finished work, and we have therefore suggested only such improvements as will, in a measure at least, make
Suggestion for Development of == AVERY PARK Dedham, Mass. As proposed by Board of Park Commissioners Scale.
Aspinwall & Lincoln Landscape Eng'rs
200 No. 3 Hamile. Place Boston
November. 1894.
Sr
Maverick
Streer
P
0
N
D
L
L
/
M
Street
of
Maverick
.
Ground
Play
Street
Colburn
Curve
30
Street
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dollars, of course depending largely upon the size and elab- orateness of the building.
While not indicated on the plans as a part of the scheme it may be mentioned as not impossible that a safe and con- venient area for skating, to be used especially by the younger children, might be prepared on the meadow land adjoining the river front, and this at no very great expense.
Of course, it is not to be supposed that the scheme out- lined above and shown on the drawings accompanying this report will transform the tract into a finished park according to the general acceptance of that term. On the other hand, in order that the citizens of Dedham may at once, or very soon, begin to enjoy the use of the grounds as a public reser- vation, it is not necessary by any means to incur the whole expense of the estimate. At an expense of something like four thousand dollars the play-ground could be graded, and so much of the remainder of the work carried out as would answer many purposes for the present, leaving the balance to be spread over perhaps several years.
AVERY PARK.
Situated in East Dedham, almost, it might be said, in the centre of a population to whom some public reservation ground is becoming more and more necessary, and yet not so far from the main village as to be inaccessible therefrom, together with a varied topography capable of almost indef- inite improvement at no unusual expense, the tract to be known as Avery Park, now the property of the Merchants Woolen Company, is a most excellent selection. Better adapted from its irregular topography and well wooded character to the purpose of a country park than it is to one partaking mostly of the nature of a lawn or urban park, it is by no means a very difficult or very expensive matter to pro- vide, for the present, such features as will bring it into con- dition for immediate use in many ways.
The plan which we present herewith provides only a play-
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ground to be graded suitably for such a purpose ; together with a simple arrangement of drives and paths which might, if consideration of expense demanded, be left to be carried out in the future.
The estimate of cost is as follows :
Grading Play Ground.
Earth excavation, 9,000 cu. yds.,at $0.40, $3,600.00
Loam excavation, 2,600 cu. yds., at 0.25, 650.00
Loam rehandled, 2,000 cu. yds., at 0.30, 600.00
Smoothing and seeding,
300.00
$5,150.00
Building avenues
1,000.00
Building paths,
400.00
Clearing, smoothing, etc.,
2,000.00
Contingencies,
1,200.00
$9,750.00
STONE PARK.
While not possessing the natural features which go so far to make the two tracts, before considered, attractive and readily available for park purposes, in the precise meaning of the word, the area to be known as Stone Park is capable, at no excessive cost, of being treated in such a manner as will render it suitable and attractive for use as a play ground, and no development other than that necessary for such a purpose is proposed in the scheme suggested.
The estimated cost of this is as follows :
Stone Park Play Ground.
Grubbing and clearing
$300.00
Earth excavation, 7,500 cu. yds, at $0.40 3,000.00
Loaming, smoothing and seeding,
1,500.00
Contingencies,
600.00
$5,400.00
Suggestion for Development of STONE PARK Dedham, Mass. As proposed by Board of Park Commissioners. Scale of Feet
Aspinwall & Lincoln Landscape Engrs No. 3 Hamilton Place Boston December - 1894-
NEW YORK
NEW
WAPEN A
HARYFORD
HALLROAD
Tennis Court
Tennis Court
Tennis Court
Avenue
Whiting
O
50 100 1do 150
Foot Ball and Base Ball Field
View Place
George Cartwright
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In the foregoing, it is assumed that the surplus earth from the construction of Whiting Avenue will be available for use. The planting indicated on the plan is not included in the estimate of cost, principally for the reason that it seemed a matter which could well be left for the future. At the same time, it may be said that by the expenditure in this direction of from five hundred to one thousand dollars beyond the sum given in the estimate, improvements add- ing not only to the attractiveness of the grounds, but to their convenience and enjoyability as well, could be effected.
Respectfully submitted,
ASPINWALL & LINCOLN.
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PROCEEDINGS
AT THE
CELEBRATION
OF THE
Two hundred and fiftieth Anniversary OF THE FOUNDING OF THE
FREE SCHOOL AT DEDHAM,
MASSACHUSETTS,
JANUARY 1I, 1895.
DEL
HAM
LAN
TION
RATED 1636
BEGUN
CONTE
ENTMENT
1635: IN
DEDHAM: 1895.
CONTENTS.
EXTRACT FROM THE TOWN RECORDS, V ACTION OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, vii
The Celebration. -
EXERCISES IN MEMORIAL HALL, 9 HYMN-PSALM xxxVi. 5-9, Watts, BY CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA, IO
PRAYER BY REV. WILLIAM H. FISH, JR., . II
ADDRESS OF HON. FREDERICK D. ELY, CHAIRMAN, II
HISTORICAL ADDRESS OF REV. CARLOS SLAFTER,
J5
" THE GLORIA ", MOZART'S TWELFTH MASS, BY CHORUS AND
ORCHESTRA,
26
ADDRESS OF HON. WINSLOW WARREN,. 27
66 GOVERNOR GREENHALGE, . 30 .
LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR WOLCOTT, 34
HAIL COLUMBIA, BY CHORUS AND ORCHESTRA,
39
ADDRESS OF HON. FRANK A. HILL,
40
AMERICA, BY AUDIENCE AND CHORUS,
48
EXTRACT FROM THE TOWN RECORDS.
1644 At a meeting the first day of the Eleventh Month.
.
*
The sd Inhabitants takeing into Consideration the great necesitie of prouiding some meanes for the Education of the youth of or sd Towne did with an Vnaninous consent declare by voate their willing- nes to promote that worke promising to put too their hands to provide . maintenance for a Free Schoole in our said Towne
And farther did resolue & consent testefying it by voate to rayse the some of Twenty pounds p annu : towards the maintaining of a Schoole m' to keep a free Schoole in our sd Towne
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ACTION OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
A T a stated meeting of the School Committee, on November 6, 1894, it was voted to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the Free Public School in Dedham; and the following Committee of Arrangements was chosen :-
HON. FREDERICK D. ELY, For the School Committee. JULIUS H. TUTTLE,
RODERICK W. HINE, Superintendent of Schools.
GEORGE F. JOYCE, JR., Principal of the High School.
On the first day of the eleventh month, 1644 (January I, 1644-5, or January 11, new style), in Town Meeting assembled a vote was passed to establish a " Free Schoole "; and January 11, 1895, was finally chosen for the day of celebration.
The exercises were to be held in Memorial Hall, the Historical Address to be delivered by Rev. Carlos Slafter; and addresses were to be made by the Chairman, Hon. Frederick D. Ely, Hon. Winslow Warren, Collec- tor of the Port of Boston and a resident of Dedham, His Excellency Frederic T. Greenhalge, Governor of the Commonwealth, His Honor Roger Wolcott, Lieutenant-
viii
DEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
Governor, and Hon, Frank A. Hill, Secretary of the State Board of Education. The invited guests were to be Town Officers of Dedham, Officers of Norfolk County, Judges and other persons from out of town who had a special interest in the celebration, and also former members of the School Committee.
Music appropriate to the occasion was to be furnished by a chorus of about 300 pupils, taken from the High School and upper grades of the grammar schools, under the leadership of Mr. Samuel W. Cole, Director of Music in the public schools of the town, assisted by Miss Carrie F. Hill and Miss Mary C. Hannon of the High School as piano accompanists, Miss Alice E. Dean, pianist, and the orchestra of the Brookline High School.
An exhibition of work by pupils of the public schools, planned as a part of the celebration and to be given at the same time, was postponed on account of the shortness of the time in preparation, to be held in the High School building, as follows :-
CLASSES IN GYMNASTICS, Wednesday, March 13.
EXHIBITION OF ORAL, WRITTEN, AND SLOYD WORK.
Thursday and Friday, March 21 and 22.
EXHIBITION OF WORK IN MUSIC, . Friday, March 29.
EXERCISES IN MEMORIAL HALL, JANUARY II, 1895.
SOON after the appointed time, quarter past seven o'clock, the invited guests met in Lower Memorial Hall, and a little later Collector Warren, Governor Greenhalge, Lieutenant-Governor Wolcott, and Secre- tary Hill arrived. A reception was held for a short time, and at a little before a quarter of eight the company passed up stairs to Memorial Hall.
Meanwhile all the seats, excepting those reserved for the guests, had been taken, and a large crowd was waiting outside to gain admission. Many persons were obliged to forego the pleasure of enjoying the addresses and music. Before the distinguished visitors reached the Hall, the Orchestra played the "Salutation March ", by Roeder, and then as they appeared the audience gave them an enthusiastic reception.
The Stars and Stripes, simply draped over the portrait of Washington, and the graceful arrangement of evergreen about the front of the hall, formed a beautiful background to the stage.
After quiet had been restored the Chairman rose and said :-
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DEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,-Before announcing the first number, I desire to call your attention to the meetings, to be held on the 13th, 21st, 22d, and 29th of March as indicated on the fourth page of the programme. The first number on the programme is a hymn, chorus by the pupils of our public schools.
I.
HYMN.
PSALM XxxVi. 5-9,-Watts.
TUNE-RUSSIAN HYMN.
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High in the Heavens, eternal God, Thy goodness in full glory shines ;
Thy truth shall break through every cloud That veils and darkens thy designs.
Forever firm thy justice stands, As mountains their foundations keep ; Wise are the wonders of thy hand ; Thy judgments are a mighty deep.
Life, like a fountain, rich and free, Springs from the presence of my Lord ; And in Thy light our souls shall see The glories promised in Thy word.
THE CHAIRMAN,-Ladies and Gentlemen, it was the custom within the days of my own memory, for the citi- zens in the country towns of Massachusetts to open town meetings with prayer. In accordance with that custom,- and no doubt our fathers two hundred and fifty years ago sought Divine guidance and direction in the meetings of that day,-I now ask you to join with the Rev. William H. Fish, Jr., in invoking the Divine blessing.
,
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250TH ANNIVERSARY.
II.
PRAYER.
REV. WILLIAM H. FISH, JR.
.
O THOU, who hast been our dwelling place in all genera- tions, as we meet to commemorate the labors, the sacrifices, the wise counsels of those who established our schools, we would remember that Thou art the true and ultimate source of all our blessings ; that our fathers sought Thine inspiration and trusted in Thy guidance, and that to Thee, first of all, our gratitude and praise are due. May grateful feelings animate our hearts this evening, and may the exercises in which we here engage help to deepen our sense of responsibility to Thee for the right use and further improvement of those institutions, our precious heritage from the past, on which our liberties and our future welfare as a people so largely depend. Amen.
III. ADDRESS.
HON. FREDERICK D. ELY,
CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, -It is my first duty as presiding officer of this meeting, and I am sure it is the first impulse of my heart, to extend in the name of all the citizens of our town, and especially in the name of the children of the public schools, to our neighbor, Mr. Warren, the representative of the National Government, to His Excellency the Governor of this Common- wealth, to His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor, and to the hon- orable and respected Secretary of the State Board of Education, a hearty and royal welcome and greeting [applause]. We
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DEDHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
appreciate the honor of their presence on this occasion. We shall treasure the words of wisdom and good cheer which they will speak to us.
I have much, my friends, in my heart that I wish to say to you on this occasion, not only concerning the schools of two hundred and fifty years ago, but concerning the schools of to-day in the town of Dedham; but I know how anxious we all are to listen to those who will follow me, and my words shall be brief.
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