USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1873 > Part 14
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Moreover speedy action would appear to be due, in sheer justice to the proprietors of the land, who have certainly some claim to know the ultimate disposition of their property. Any profitable use of it by themselves is precluded, so long as the City threatens to dispossess them. Besides which, if an amicable arrangement cannot be effected, no one with the slightest experience of the possibilities of legal procrastination will find any measure of su- perfluity in the time limited by the statute. A year or more is yet allowed, within which period, should nothing untoward occur to prevent, possession of Newton Hill may be secured. Possibly our exemption from devastating fires may not endure so long.
It has been urged that this Hill should be reserved for some public edifice, offering as it does, a site so commanding. But ex-
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perience teaches that Architecture is a costly amusement for a community ; and that its structures are always a prolific source of expense, even if only built when and as needed. Moreover, Architecture has adorned few summits, while the Builder of the Universe has clothed this eminence with a simple beauty that not even the folly of man should be suffered to impair. A Reservoir would be useful and should be ornamental. Another edifice like that upon Maple and Walnut Streets, would be a blunder without the excuse of originality.
The judgment of this COMMISSION has been repeatedly expressed that it is not now, will probably never be the policy of Worcester to construct and maintain a huge overgrown Park. Room enough it must have, ample space for playgrounds, perhaps an area sufficient for the instructive circus, and the moral menagerie. But the opinion of the COMMISSION is now as it was in 1870, that the true pleasure ground of our people is to be found in those broad AVENUES that at once adorn and develop the City. At that time, in a vision of the future, the prediction was ventured that an "AVENUE similar to the broad Boulevards that encompass the fair city upon the banks of the Seine, would contribute more to the development of the whole city in the judgment of this COMMISSION, than any other project that has been devised or consummated for years." And now, in a review of what has been achieved, it is simple justice to assert that every dollar which has been expended hitherto accounts for itself, in arithmetical ratio, upon the analy- sis of our civic progression.
Nevertheless, opinions differ; and a gentleman who has re- cently quitted office, if to his personal satisfaction at least with no loss of public esteem, has taken extreme occasion to say that
"Wide streets are convenient and necessary, and when the City is built up with stores and public buildings abutting directly upon the sidewalk, they are almost indispensable for the admission of light and air, besides being an ef- fectual barrier against the spread of fire; but in the sparsely populated por- tions of the City where only dwelling houses exist, standing at least fifteen feet from the sidewalk on either side, sixty feet is a liberal width, and if kept in good repair is far better than eighty feet unsafe for travel.
There are many people who believe it to be a great public duty to build new streets away out into the country where they are not needed except for private travel, because it will cost the city less to do the work now than it will twenty years hence. This is a great mistake."
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This expression of opinion, while possibly not attaining to the dignity of an aphorism, undoubtedly contains a germ of truth. A wide AVENUE to encompass the City, was certainly for years per- sistently recommended by this COMMISSION. A portion of it, so much as throws open to the public enjoyment and use the western shore of Lake Quinsigamond, became the object of a petition sub- scribed by a numerous and influential body of citizens. Another portion, stretching from the Holden road to Webster Square, was decreed, within the last few weeks, by the prescient wisdom of your predecessors. But-yet more significant ! the almost unani- mous suffrage of the people, singling out, for a peculiar mark of approbation, that member of the City Government to whose shrewdness and courage the actual accomplishment of this com- prehensive and beneficial project will be especially due, of itself denotes that there are, indeed "many people who believe it to be a great public duty," etc., and that their name is legion.
The distinction between "private" travel and any other, so pal- pable to the objector, does not appear as obvious to the unofficial crowd. Wherein does private differ from other travel? Have they any points of similarity ? If so, what ? Does the use of Lincoln Street by the Alderman from Ward Two with his family carriage, constitute that travel private which the passage over the same thoroughfare of those gay municipal equipages that, in interminable procession, bear festive and fragrant offerings to the porcine trough, transmutes to public ? Or do they alike and equally possess and savor of the freedom of the City ? It has always appeared plain enough to this COMMISSION that in so far as such official reprobation was intended for its benefit, except for private travel, streets-"strait" and safe like Quinsigamond Ave- nue, or "broad and leading unto destruction," as the Jo. Bill road, would be of the slightest necessity. Certainly upon the very in- frequent occasions for public travel, such as the annual excursion to the Poor Farm with the subsequent trial of its official larder, it is not to be doubted that the attraction of a succulent spare rib would tempt the most obese Alderman to the dangers of the veriest cart-path.
The proposition of this COMMISSION, approved as it has been at the Polls and in the Council Chamber, is not what would be in-
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ferred from the objection ; nor have the people so decisively ap- proved a scheme to build "broad streets into the country" that "nobody needs," etc. Upon the route decreed settlement exists and dwellings will require to be moved. But, nor yet is the ob- jection valid. A street, designed solely for traffic, may well be narrower than another wherein comfort and recreation can hope to have a share. Provide adequate sidewalks, and who shall say that there will be any superfluity of roadway in eighty (80) feet of width? Good taste and neighborly comity furnish the sole assur- ance that buildings will be retired fifteen feet, or even fifteen inches "from the sidewalk on either side;" and glaring infrac- tions of such tacit understanding are not so uncommon in Wor- cester, as to preclude the idea that boors may be found among us to whom comity and good taste are utter strangers.
Shade will be requisite and rest: the trees, not less than the seats beneath them, will require room. But, although, in detail, every cavil might be answered, it is only necessary in a case so explicit, to repeat that the plan of this COMMISSION, be that of others what it may, contemplates an AVENUE which shall open up, for culture and domicile, a large and ever-increasing territory. Which shall make land accessible to the artizan or day laborer, so that by reasonable thrift he may acquire a homestead at a tolera- ble price. And yet which shall rank among the finest of our thoroughfares, to be sought out, occupied, and improved by the tasteful from abroad, who have eyes to see and the means to gratify their inclination. Is it not but too painfully clear that our population is closely crowded ? Huddled together in a nar- row valley, between two abrupt ridges ? Will it be denied that all concerned, the community and the individual, parents and children, the public health and private comfort, would be vastly benefited by an immediate and wider dispersion? And, if such gregariousness is of evil tendency, does not that municipality act wisely taking measures, at one and the same time, to augment the sum of individual happiness and promote the general welfare ? The Romans, who carved their way through the world with the sword ; who planted their feet in steps that were never retraced; whose lines of circum and contra-vallation are the basis for the Boulevards of Europe ; built roads, also, that might serve as a
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model for the men whose proud boast is that, once, at least, in a generation, they can hold a Mechanics' Fair. Those Vic were supplied with stations for the refreshment of the weary traveler or his animal; were lined with trees profuse of shade or boun- teous of fruit, and were worthy in every way of a race that "stamped its individuality" ineffaceably upon the earth. This COMMISSION cannot claim, either for the municipality or itself, to have done much in imitation of that heroic example. But it does take pride in the fact that hereafter, to the very lowliest among us, as he wanders by the western shore of Quinsigamond, or along the hither verge of the City, no one shall cry trespass ! or bid him begone ! And so of our whole noble AVENUE, as it shall surely be. This may be but a trifling satisfaction, in the estima- tion of some, nor would it discount at the Banks ; but, such as it is, it is heartfelt.
The question is often put and it is a pertinent one, how shall these exterior AVENUES be intersected, so as to supply facilities of ready communication with them, from East to West and the reverse ? A partial answer to this inquiry may be found, fur- nishing also a practicable solution to the problem, in a communi- cation addressed to your predecessors by the Chairman of this COMMISSION, in his individual capacity, just after a decree had been passed by the Honorable Council, the execution of which will compel the destruction of one of the longest and finest rows of Shade Trees in Worcester. As its tenor faithfully conveys the sentiments of this COMMISSION upon the general subject, it is reproduced here as the easiest method of explaining to your minds how effectually an ordinary procedure of your Honorable Body may tend to develop or mar a landscape :
"The petition of Edward W. Lincoln, a citizen of Worcester, respectfully represents and sets forth that, in the discharge of his duties upon the COMMIS- SION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, he could not but observe the defects in the routes of communication between the Eastern and Western portions of the City. That he has been painfully impressed with the fact that an ascent, with a moderate load, up any of our streets from Highland to Pleasant, is almost im- practicable. That from Pleasant to Chandler the same obstacles are inter- posed to easy transit; Chandler Street itself, although greatly improved towards the West, being gorged at its junction with Main Street, by the close proximity of the O'Fallon Block and Trinity Church. That an opportunity is offered to remedy this evil, growing more excessive, as it rapidly will, by such
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a wise addition to the width of Wellington Street, as shall supply an adequate outlet for any possible development of settlement or trade in the Western Wards of the City, an opportunity that may never again be presented :
That by properly widening said Wellington Street upon its Southerly side, great facilities will be afforded of access to the prospective Jaques Hospital, and also the Public Grounds of the City, sooner or later to include Newton Hill, and which, set on one side as they may appear, are yet almost exactly in the geographical centre of the City.
And your petitioner would further represent and set forth that any measure less comprehensive than that herein proposed, will result in trifling advantage, and cannot but prove utterly inadequate to meet the imminent urgency of the case.
And your petitioner would further urge that some consideration is due to the expressed feelings and wishes of the late George Jaques; and that the first action of the Municipality, preparing to avail itself of his munificence, should not be to lay ruthless hands upon the trees which he had planted, and tended, and held most dear :
And your petitioner avers that in Wellington Street, re-located and widened according to his prayer, there would be ample space for passage and re-pas- sage upon either side of the trees; and that, in the comprehensive and grand sweep of such a highway, all difficulties of narrowness or acclivity would be merged and forgotten :
And your petitioner would further represent that additional and overpower- ing inducement to such relocation and widening lies in the fact that, upon its completion, a most admirable and appropriate site for the Soldiers' Monument becomes available, without increased expense to the City and to the rescue of our too diminutive Common from threatened ruin. Placed upon this location, environed, as it is, by spacious streets, and there would be room and verge enough for a procession on Memorial Day countermarching to encircle it; or for the mourners, bearing the remains of some loved comrade to either of our Southern Cemeteries, to pay it a marching, mortuary salute. Scarcely a ma- terial improvement can be suggested, fraught with equal possibilities of solid benefit. That you may have the wisdom to discern and the courage to realize them, will be the earnest prayer of your petitioner."
This whole subject is impressed upon the minds of this COM- MISSION as of such momentous consequence that more of your at- tention has been invited to it than would be the case otherwise. Felling the trees upon the North side of Front Street was proba- bly an imperative necessity. Only the most exacting parsi- mony can assume to justify a wholesale devastation of Welling- ton Street. With what grace can the City accept the bounty of George Jaques and then signalize its gratitude by a ruthless destruction of that majestic colonnade of trees, planted by his own hands, carefully tended and loved so well! What better monument does he need-those of us who knew him may well
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ask what more appropriate monument would he wish-than that stately row of elms and maples, not a twig of which he, when living, sacrificed without reluctance ? This Commission im- plores the Honorable Council to plant and not destroy, to set out new and not eradicate the old. Our sister cities of the West, are striving, under manifold discouragements, to adorn their wide avenues with plantations of exotic growth and nurture. As we commence to run the race of emulation, by requiring a suitable breadth for our streets, let us see to it that by no action of our municipality we rival the prairie in its nakedness ; ban- ishing the pride of our forests, to be sought on the shores of Lake Michigan or the banks of the Mississippi.
It is the earnest wish of this COMMISSION that no time may be lost in the planting of these AVENUES. The Charter is explicit, declaring it to be the "duty" of the Commissioners,-
"To cause such shade and ornamental trees to be planted in and upon said public streets and highways in said city as they shall think proper, and as ap- propriations shall be made therefor by the City Council."
In the case of an ordinary street there would appear to be no cause for hesitation. But, in this instance the very breadth of the AVENUES demands that, for imposing effect and proper shel- ter from a fervid sun, ornamental or shade-trees shall occupy a prominent position. The COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS would therefore recommend that the City Council proceed at once to define and establish a sidewalk, ten (10) feet in width, upon each side of the AVENUE, from the Holden Road to May Street. The action advisable to be taken preliminary to the adornment of QUINSIGAMOND AVENUE, modified materially as it must be by the close proximity of the Lake, can be determined better after its completion. At all events, nothing must be per- mitted to intercept or obscure the view over the water.
Sooner or later, may it be soon ! QUINSIGAMOND AVENUE, outflanking the trend of the hills, shall invade Quinsigamond Village, and thence, skirting Mount St. James and Hope Ceme- tery, connect with its Western rival at Webster Square. Sooner or later, may it be at once ! the extension of that AVENUE, following the line of Grafton or Harrington Streets, or such better route as more exact surveys may indicate, shall surmount
25
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the South Eastern crest of the City, descending the ridge to the suburb of Quinsigamond, thereby effecting a speedier, perhaps the only practicable junction. Across from the Poor Farm, too, by Northville to Pratt Street, that the circuit may be complete. The AVENUE by the Lake is yet unfinished. But already the railway intersecting it and which, but for its own suggestion, would never have inspired the dreams of the wildest lunatic, conveys its thousands of passengers "into the country," where "no one needs" or cares to go. The time will come,-nor can its advent be too speedy ! that will witness a realization of the plan originally proposed by this COMMISSION. That will behold the opponent of "wide streets leading out into the country" taking matutinal exercise around by the Sears Farm and Flagg Street ; continuing up the old road to Tatnuck; and, turning sharply to the left, regaining his usual placidity of temper as he appreciates the beauties of a broader Mill Street. Pausing to wipe his heated brow beneath the shade of trees planted by this COMMISSION, and resting upon seats erected by it, he will won- der that hostility could ever have been so irrational and blind. The multitudes that saunter by in innocent enjoyment of their holiday, beholding him there, shall point him out to each other as the latest martyr to good intentions ; who, having eyes, saw not, and occupying a position of singular possibilities of useful- ness, failed to appreciate his opportunity.
But, then, the City is in debt ! Who is not? Upon what but credit does the Federal Government exist to-day. And still both the Republic and the City have something, it is be- lieved, to show for their expenditures. Certainly with our Water Rates we need not fear to compute the sum of our Water Bonds. Nor is that part of our municipal obligations arising from the construction of Sewers without its "dissolving view ;" as fancy depicts the "Committee of Thirty-Five," in jovial pro- cession, treading close upon each other's heels in eager solicitude for precedence in the privilege of casting shekels into the Treas- ury.
May we not for the moment, dismiss consideration of this an- nual bug-bear? The Municipal Election has occurred. Why not, then, put this chronic scare-crow aside until next December !
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None of its virtues will be lost in retirement ; of that the average demagogue can rest assured. It has been exhibited too often in the civic arena, (and always effectively ) for any distrust of its immortality. At least, let us not keep it forever before us as a warning ; because the men who advocated the wildest extrava- gance of the past feel a griping of the bowels when constrained, unexpectedly, to put their hands in their pockets. Let us no longer be frightened from our propriety, notwithstanding the mercenary wail of those who, asking and obtaining water and sewer, pavement and sidewalk, now blubber because their fel- lows cannot be made to foot the bills. As grown men, let us realize that we cannot eat our cake and keep it. His Honor has so ably vindicated this position that it would be a work of supere- rogation in the writer to say more. He has manifested to the veriest dullard that, if our liabilities have increased, so, in much greater ratio, have our resources. Why assume then to fetter our hands because the people of Worcester, seven or eight years ago, elected to wear shackles? I may not favor the building of a complete system of Sewers ; nevertheless, I acquiesce without grumbling. Is it not my right to insist that the cost of those Sewers shall not be interposed as an insuperable barrier to my Avenue, or Reservoir, or other improvement, when I choose to propose them? The City adopts a measure that requires a considerable expenditure. Knowing that the people are indif- ferent to the abuse of public credit, so long as their pockets are not actually levied upon, it is determined to issue bonds. The authority which thus decides is competent so to do. The con- stituency acquiesce, as is clearly their right. If, then, the peo- ple prefer to run in debt rather than to pay cash, it is simply a matter of financial policy that, once settled, need not forever haunt our slumbers.
The gist of it is : Worcester has some three million dollars, more or less, "put where they will do the most good." Buried under the ground, if you will-yet not in a napkin ! For that sum can be shown-value received. Should we now conclude to complete our circuit of AVENUES, acquire NEWTON HILL, and guard the Western side of the City with a Reservoir; in other words, keep our municipal mechanism perfect by not allowing
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its momentum to slacken for an instant; what dead and decay- ing generation shall challenge our right or impugn our wisdom ?
This COMMISSION has indulged in no visions to mislead the unwary. Its suggestions have ever been the fruit of the most mature deliberation. Proposing only improvements of a mate- rial and substantial character, it has justified its action by ex- plaining their close connection with the prospective appearance of the Worcester of the future. What may happen hereafter, should imagination run riot, it were profitless to anticipate. Perhaps the causeway across the Lake might be seen pierced by a series of inverted arches, in no wise obstructing travel, in every way facilitating the water course. Possibly a decree of the Honorable Council could be assumed, forever dedicating, to the free and unrestricted enjoyment and uses of the public, that tract of land lying South Easterly of the City Farm, which com- mands a view of the Lake throughout almost its whole extent. When, however, the municipal records begin to be cumbered with conveyances to the City of little parks and pleasure grounds contiguous to or bordering upon our new AVENUES, the mem- bers of the COMMISSION, assured that their task is certain of ac- complishment because assumed by their fellow-citizens, will pray to be enrolled with the "goodly fellowship of the prophets."
In patient but sanguine anticipation of which auspicious period this Report is concluded, as it was commenced, for and in behalf of the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, by
EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN,
Chairman. Worcester, Mass., January 26th, A. D., 1874.
BY-LAWS
OF THE
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS.
1. No person shall be suffered to affix, in any manner whatsoever, advertisements, handbills, placards, posters, or written or printed notices, to any of the Shade Trees of the. City.
2. All persons are hereby forbidden-
To place any erection or obstruction on the Commons or Parks of the City.
To catch, trap or shoot Birds or take Birds' nests.
To injure, damage, destroy or dig up any turf, shrubs, trees or plants, or break up or destroy the surface of the Commons, or light any fire upon them.
To deposit any rubbish, manure, cinders, road sweepings, bricks, timber, building materials, or other substances, upon the Com- mons or Parks of the City, or in any pond or basin of a foun- tain in said Commons or Parks, or in any manner to fill up, defile, or pollute the same.
To place any carriage, cart, or other vehicle upon the Commons or Parks of the City, or upon the foot-paths over the same. To fire any gun or other fire-arm, (except of the Militia of the Commonwealth), or throw any stick, stone, or other missile.
Or generally, to act in a disorderly manner, or to commit any nuisance, or do any act tending to disfigure or injure the Commons or Parks or annoy or hurt any person frequent- ing them for the purpose of exercise, recreation, or transit.
Under penalty of Five Dollars ($5.00) for each offence, to be paid to the person whose testimony shall secure a conviction. CITY CHARTER-Section 21.
* And said Board may make all necessary by-laws and regulations in the execution of their trust not inconsistent with this Act and the Laws of the Commonwealth, as they shall deem expedient.
MUNICIPAL ORDINANCES.
1. No person shall ride, lead or drive any horse in or upon any in- closed Public Square or Common in the City of Worcester, except by the permission of the Commissioners of Public Grounds.
2. No person shall injure or deface any Fence around any Public Square or Common in said City.
3. No person shall, in any manner, carry or cause to be carried into any Public Square, Common, or place in said City, any dead carcase, filth, or any offensive matter or substance whatever, nor dig or carry away any of the sward, gravel, sand, turf, or earth in or from any Pub- lic Square or Common, except by permission of the Commissioners of Public Grounds ; and no person shall commit any nuisance on any pub- lic Square or Common in said City.
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