USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1876 > Part 7
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In this connection it may be proper to make due record of the planting of a fine Centennial Elm, the gift of our associate, Mr.
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 31.
Hadwen, upon one of the most conspicuous spots in Elm Park. May it exist in perennial vigor, to show to our official successors, a hundred years hence, that the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, A. D. 1876, held abiding faith in the ability of Worcester to pay its debts, to lay out broad and convenient avenues, to introduce sparkling and ornamental water, and to adorn and beautify its waste places !
The sentimental naturalist, like the fashionable lady, indulges in queer fancies. . The one "anxious and aimless," forces a vent for her wealth of affection, and lavishes a barren love upon the Poodle or Spitz. The other begets, of his inner consciousness upon a scientific hallucination, and lo! an aviary which shall save our PUBLIC GROUNDS from the plague of Insects. Man, as a general rule, ignores his friends. Agricola puts a bounty upon the slaughter of crows, and supplements the idiocy by petting and protecting the Turdus migratorius. Civis imports Frin- gilla domestica, (sparrow,) notes his gregarious habit and saying to himself, henceforth no more canker-worms ! not another cater- pillar ! refers to accredited authorities which describe the new- comer as "noted for its familiarity and even impudence, its voracity and fecundity." For years has this COMMISSION, against its better judgment, fed and housed these feathered tramps. But recently the 'Eye of Argus' was diverted to them, and the soft- hearted were besought to strew the snow with crumbs. This COMMISSION washes its hands of the whole business. Apologizing humbly for the lives saved heretofore, through grain put where it would do the least good; and admitting that the PUBLIC GROUNDS produce nothing that ought to provoke even omnivo- rous appetite ; it is nevertheless a deliberate conclusion of the COMMISSION that the Fringilla Domestica should be referred to a Returning Board composed of Grain Growers, with instructions to reject every return that does not indicate intimidation or downright bull-dozing with the shot-gun. To show that this view is not prejudiced, nor the result of partial observation, it may be worth the while to incorporate, in this Report, the opinions of an English Farmer which cover the whole ground. It must be borne in mind, to weigh the full import of his lan- guage, that "corn" in England, does not mean Maize; but is a
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PUBLIC GROUNDS.
more comprehensive term, including, within its ample husk, wheat, rye, oats and barley. Agricola and Horticola, in America, can put their heads together and determine for themselves whether the canker-worm, and caterpillar; the curculio, and cut- worm; need assistance in their ordinary work. Whereinsoever they fail, sure dependence can be placed on the sparrow. With a kindly trust that the official guardians of our local peace may be spared untimely interruptions at Draughts ! though a sparrow should fall to the ground, unnoted : let us hearken to the voice of our English Mentor who says, in the Spring of 1876, that :
" The late severe weather has made this little depredator more destructive than usual, especially on early Peas and Gooseberry buds. I had some William the First Early Peas 2 inches above ground and rodded, as I thought, safely : but, on looking at them to-day, the sparrows have made quite a wreck of them, and nets have been placed over the stakes on purpose to try to have the Peas untouched. Our Trans-Atlantic cousins having introduced the English Sparrow into the neighborhood of New-York are now finding out what a mistake they have made. In the March number of the Philadelphia Gardener's Monthly, a correspondent writes of it to the following effect : -
' In some respects this little foreigner deserves our welcome. But his dis- tant origin, and his cheery, home-loving ways, blind us to his betters at our doors. Before him we had native birds greedy for worms, more pretty of plumage and sweeter of song. We feed and pet this emigrant, but our own birds we shot and stoned till they found neither pluck or numbers to fight with the worms. He breeds so fast that, if each one only ate a few, their numbers would make havoc among the creeping tribes. A little colony of eight settled here four years ago, and have filled the town; but, as early birds after the worms they don't eat a cent's worth. Enough sparrows have squatted on my two acres to eat all the worms of a hundred and cry for more : yet the tormenting pests still strip my Gooseberry and Currant bushes right under one's nose. Nor does the sparrow hunt other worms any better and, in fact, as a help against our foes on leaf and fruit, I set down the English Sparrow as a failure and a fraud. But, worse than this, I fear we may yet find him as big a pest as the worms he promised to eat. Sad stories come to me of his picking out the fruit buds in the winter, and of his raids on the opening bloom of spring. Last year, near New Haven, a flock swept off, in a day, the promised crop of a whole orchard. Last winter, the squatters on my ground stripped my Currant bushes of half their buds : they served a large straw- berry bed in the same style ; and hunger could not be pleaded for such vandal- ism : - they shared with my fowls, plenty of small grain and garbage always within reach. These sorry habits, in such swarms of them as must soon fill the land, will by and by demand a premium for their scalps.'
" This correspondent expresses a wish, as Burns did of the 'Deil,' that the Sparrow might ' tak a thocht and mend,' but there is little chance of this from what we know of his habits in this country. Our farmers know to their cost the ravages Sparrows make on their ripening corn near the hedges, and to the grain in their stacks in the winter time; and it will be the same in other agri- cultural countries abroad where they have been introduced. We gardeners, like the farmers, likewise get blamed if we take means to keep their numbers
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within bounds; and the number of their scalps taken must not be counted for ' Mr. Punch' to get hold of. The evil of acclimatising Sparrows and Rabbits, in America, as well as in our Australian colonies, was pointed out when these exportations were being made; and the results now show the soundness of the advice."
The work of finishing the esplanade, (if the term may be allowed,) around the Soldiers' Monument, upon the Common, was resumed at the first suitable opportunity. As some fault has been found that the task was not undertaken earlier in the season, it is proper to state that the contractor was unwilling to commence until all danger from frost was safely past. But, by that time, the note of preparation for the Fourth of July was heard, from all quarters; and it was thought best to wait until after the city had folded its tent. A letter to the Chairman of the Monument Committee so fully explained the whole transac- tion, that it is inserted here by the writer, partly that his own relation to the work may be understood and, as much, that the perplexities attaching to volunteer service may be better apprc- ciated.
"No. 5 OAK ST., August 7, A. D. 1876.
To GEORGE CROMPTON, Esq., Chairman of Monument Committee :
My Dear Sir .- I have just received from Mr. A. B. Lovell his Statement of Account for final work done around the Soldiers' Monument on the Common. I submit a general summary of my account, in this connection, to yourself as Chairman of the Monument Committee, to whose generous and unsolicited confidence it so chanced that I was entrusted with the original design and execution of the work. The ' sole care, superintendence, and management of the Common' is confided by the charter of the city, to the COMMISSION of which I have the honor to be Chairman. Respect for the limitations and restrictions of that Charter, in this direction, has, within my experience, incommoded but few of those whose interest or prejudice clashed with their obligations assumed in its support.
The work has been done under my individual oversight, where I deemed myself competent : especially and almost exclusively so in the case of repair- ing the original foundations of the Monument, whereof the defects had been disclosed by excavation. The very recent laying of a most superior pave- ment around the base of the Monument, was, as you are aware, contracted to Mr. A. B. Lovell; enough of whose other work, throughout the city, attested to his competency, and none of whose personal interests conflicted with the surest fidelity to this later charge. My thorough faith in Mr. Lovell, how- ever, did not prevent my own close observation of the progress and character of the work.
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PUBLIC GROUNDS.
If your Committee are as well satisfied as I am, and as I believe are the community, there need be no regrets wasted over inevitable and well- considered delays.
The Statement of Account is appended :
EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN, Chairman, &c., Dr. In account with MONUMENT COMMITTEE.
Nov. 17, 1874,-Cash Deposited in Worcester National Bank, $600.00 Interest on above sum, . 38.86
July 20, 1875,-Cash deposited as above, 400.00 Interest on balances, . 3.11
- $1041.97
PER CONTRA, Cr.
Cash paid Downey Bros., 630 yds. Cinders @ 37} cts., . $236.25
labor and teams, . . 86.75
$323.00
Cash paid Daniel Sullivan, paving 59.8 sq. yds. Beach Stone
32.89
355.89
Debit brought forward, 1041.97
$686.08
Account of A. Beaman Lovell, as submitted,
$863.00
Bill of Engineer's Department, Surveying, $9.75
66
5.50
15.25
878.25
Apply funds on hand,
686.08
Due and unpaid, . $192.17
You will perceive that the sum due and unpaid amounts to $192.17.
My original design for the Concrete Base contemplated the laying of 260 yards. I repeatedly impressed, upon the Engineers, the hard fact that I had but a sum certain to expend, and that I would incur no liabilities in its excess. Subsequently, at our interview, you and I agreed that there should be thirty (30) yards additional, laid down toward the West, which would swell the aggregate to 290 yards.
Subtracting this excess above my estimate,- 21 yards @ $2.50 = $52.50, and adding the charge for Engineering, $15.25, from which in my innocence of " tricks that are vain," I had supposed that this Commission might be ex- onerated by the city ; you will perceive that the whole amount by which the deficit exceeds our mutual allowance is but $24.42. And of that, almost the whole was consumed in a similar work to that in which you are now occupied, the securing of a firm foundation !
Gutter,
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 31.
STATED.
Due $192.17 Engineer's excess, 21 yards . $52.50
Bill of Engineer's Department 15.25 $67.75
Leaving the sum of $124.42 to which no exception can fairly be taken. Of this amount you voluntarily assumed the payment of one hundred dollars. And I doubt not, from my practical experience of their method of dealing, that the assumption of the entire debt of $192.17, and its payment from out of the unexpended funds, in your hands, will commend itself to your Committee as an act of simple justice and as a wise disposition of that amount of money.
I make no apology for the time which I have consumed in executing the work that you wished me to undertake. I discovered unexpected obstacles, as I advanced : and, as I like to do my work once for all, resolved to avoid the haste which makes waste. When thoroughly prepared, I believe that the work was not suffered to lag. Personally, I am well content. If your Com- mittee and yourself are satisfied, I can recall nothing to mind, in connection with the Common, or Monument, that need keep you away from Old Maid's Brook; or divert me from my usual occupation in a thankless service.
I inclose the several vouchers for the expenditures herein accounted for, which I desire that you should return when you have examined and found them sufficient. My Account Current is with the Monument Committee; and, making no return to any other authority, it is proper that I should preserve the vouchers for my own protection.
With the highest esteem, I have the honor to subscribe myself Very Respectfully, EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN,
Chairman." The account was settled, as requested in the above letter. .
The Committee of which Mr. Crompton was Chairman, held, if it does not hold now, an unexpended sum-the remainder of the original Monument Fund. It is unlikely that the subscribers will ever receive a dividend ; nor is the equity of any claim by the City especially obvious. Could the amount be applied towards defraying the cost of a JET D'EAU, as so often recom- mended in these Reports, it is believed that a most appropriate disposition would be made of it. There can be little doubt that such a step would be sanctioned by the public spirited citizens, whose contribution it was; and whose sole objection might be that the Monument itself would thereby be eclipsed. Yet fault might as well be found because one star differeth from another in glory. The eye of the tired wayfarer; fatigued with the arid waste of brick, whether of wall or sidewalk; will find repose
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PUBLIC GROUNDS.
in the lofty column and its flashing spray. The nurse-maid and her precious charge will derive never-ceasing enjoyment from the spectacle, to which children of a larger growth would gravitate by an inevitable law of attraction. When France wishes to do her uttermost for the entertainment of illustrious guests, she simply puts in play Les Grandes Eaux of Versailles. A JET, carrying the full head from Leicester, would be the peer of any similar erection. On July Fourth, if in operation, it would doubtless afford as much genuine pleasure as a Tent; at less cost, and without such liability to squalls !
The URINALS, upon the Eastern and Southern sides of the Common, have been removed. This step was constrained by a necessity greater than that which they were designed to relieve. But they were not decently used : and this COMMISSION had neither means nor appliances to maintain them in sufficient cleanliness. " Yet it seems a pity," as was suggested in a former report ; " not merely because their cost was considerable, but on account of the notorious fact that they inadequately meet a necessity of which no false delicacy should preclude the consideration; and for which public policy and decency absolutely demand a remedy. It might almost be said, without exaggeration, that the need of a Public Hospital was not more imperative."
That something should be substituted for them which, preserv- ing decency, shall meet an absolute want, would appear scarcely to require statement or demonstration. Whenever and wherever located, it is hoped that Taste may preside at their construction. And the architect of the future might well emulate that fitness of things so conspicuous in the sightly edifice which supplements and crowns the Upper Gate-House at Old Maid's Brook, and whereof the overhang is almost vividly suggestive. This Com- mission, however, does not doubt that the Honorable BOARD of ALDERMEN, if merely in its capacity of a Board of Health, will prove equal to the situation. Meanwhile the Common is open to invasion by our Goths and Vandals under whose tread, like that of their ancient prototypes, it is safe to assume that nothing will remain green or clean.
The hope is indulged, though with little confidence, that the occupancy of the Common, by Railways, will shortly cease in
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 31.
fact, as it long since legally determined. Since the 1st day of June, A. D. 1876, Freight and Passage Trains have been running uninterruptedly, upon the barest sufferance. For there is no one so simple as not to know that a license, by the Aldermen of a city, can convey no rights in the Common Highway adverse to its free enjoyment by the people. And the Railway Corporations were estopped from asserting such license, having applied to the General Court for the only valid extension of their original term, which extension was expressly limited to that date-the 31st of May. But, assuming from recent ebullitions at the City Hall that the Tracks are actually to be taken up, when those frogs get down, it will then become the duty of this Commission to grade and drain that long-neglected tract, according as appro- priations shall be made by the HONORABLE COUNCIL. A prudent forethought long since provided abundant material for gutters. But suitable filling will have to be hauled from a distance ; and cartage is expensive, even in these days of depression.
When this work shall be completed,-finishing the surface of the Common,-as now bounded, the COMMISSION will leave the protection of this PUBLIC GROUND substantially in the hands of the People. It is their property-to make or mar. If they desire a bright, green lawn; whose fresh neatness shall be complimented by strangers, as it is a pleasure to themselves ; they must not only keep off the grass, personally, but see to it that the restriction is enforced upon others. This COMMISSION cannot be running constantly to the Police Office, each time a blockhead feels like manifesting his independence by open transgression of a reasonable rule. It is no part of their duty ; and not even their large salary would compensate them for its voluntary assumption. One prediction, however, may be ventured :- that the Civil Service Reform will soon fall into contempt and desue- tude, which defines Reform as Retention-in-Office, and Civil Service as cool indifference to the petty comforts and minor pleasures of the people.
The improvement of ELM PARK, of which a detailed account appears in the last Report of this COMMISSION, has progressed steadily and with effect. If no startling advances have been made; the explanation must be sought and found,-in the lack
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PUBLIC GROUNDS.
of means to employ sufficient labor. Some constant visitors, however, to whose friendly interest and faithful supervision the COMMISSION would express their deep indebtedness, were quick to perceive that a great amount of work was accomplished during the year that has recently closed. The very considerable excava- tion, rendered possible by the open Winter and Spring ;- in such striking contrast to the present season, throughout which to this date of writing not a stroke has been practicable by pick or spade; elicited favoring comment. Few, in the first flush of Spring, noticed that anything was doing : for their name is not legion who tramp diurnally, through mud and mire, in resolute "constitutional" amendment. And-for all who drove,-it de- manded a level head and a keen eye to maintain a safe carriage through the throng upon our noble PARK AVENUE, without taking much heed of each new Ampelopsis by the Rock, or of the slightly greener lawn beyond. Ah ! that was a throng, indeed ! wherein the majority must guard their whiffletrees when ex- Aldermen cut in, with horses rendered frantic by their sinuous course, and will not keep to the right. Such scrub-races, by the way, are not conducive to public work ; for even the tired laborer is apt to lean upon his spade as he pursues, with fascinated gaze, the fluctuating fortunes of Bull-Dozer and mate,-Tender and True. But, all this while, the peat rests undisturbed in its origi- nal matrix.
Some years since, the COMMISSION, thanks to the generosity of Col. John W. Wetherell; and by the display of that wise pre- science which is so suggestive of their descent from the prudent virgins ; were enabled to cut and secure a large quantity of brush. This, fashioned into fascines, remained, for a long time, in an ugly heap, hugely astonishing the small boys that yet, be it said to their credit ! withheld their lucifers. These fascines, supplemented by a lot of unmerchantable plank, enabled a driveway to be constructed over a bottom into which an iron rod had been easily plunged for its entire length of twenty (20) feet. Horses and carts were thus made available; and an amount of excavation performed that could have been effected, so well, in no other way, at an expense tenfold greater. However, just as everything was in successful operation, the rains descended and the floods
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 31.
came ; yea verily, as the elements have no respect for dignitaries, even upon the just of Lynde Brook. But, in the little South Pool, whose area is less than one Acre, were already demon- strated, between sunset and sunrise, capabilities for a sheet of Ornamental Water that might well reward more patient and hopeless waiting. Somewhat has been achieved towards making the vision of that morning an abiding beauty. Whatever mate- rial could be, was got out ; a task in itself contingent upon the fluctuating stage of water. Meanwhile the entire shore line of the South Pool has been nicely sodded ; and may, with reason, be anticipated to supply a rich, if only natural, frame for its sparkling mirror.
A large portion of the PARK is of very uneven surface, and the herbage that covered it was sparse and of the coarsest nature. To remedy these defects, in some measure and, at the same time, to improve the grade ; a very considerable tract has been deeply and thoroughly broken up by the plough. Disinte- grated by the frosts of the late Autumn and the snows of the existing Winter, it is hoped that great advantage will be derived from even such inconsiderable culture. For there is too much ground to be manured ; and the plough and harrow must supple- ment a deficiency that ought not to be tolerated so long as there is a City Barn. It would require the scrapings from the High- ways, for scarce two seasons, to accomplish all the direct filling upon the PARK that is desirable. Fit for but little else,-that mess blends admirably with the cold peat of the PARK; the two combining to form an admirable mixture, in course of time, for almost any species of vegetation. But,-than that the PUB- LIC GROUNDS of the City should be accelerated in their march of improvement, through aid drawn from without their limits ;- better that all available material should be dumped at the City Barn, to fester and putrefy ; that it should be employed to build Highways, in about uniform layers of offal and typhus ; or that it should be hawked from pillar to post, to casual purchasers, whose dreary distances apart are the least possible objection ; and who, if served for nothing, would, under the modern system of double entry, be proved more profitable customers than the City itself through this COMMISSION. The COMMISSION OF PUBLIC
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PUBLIC GROUNDS.
GROUNDS have no personal ends to promote. They hold the solemn assurance, by the CITY COUNCIL, of its willingness to co- operate, to any reasonable extent, in all measures necessary for the improvement of the PUBLIC GROUNDS. If the City can spare the enormous revenue derived from the sale of street-scrapings, this COMMISSION would be pleased to receive them as a gift. Upon no other terms, as matters stand, could they be accepted. By their aid, the COMMISSION can advance the work of years. Deprived of them, the "same old bundle of straw will have to be threshed over again," and each new layer of dust dignified as original drift.
It will be observed that every source of revenue to the COM- MISSION remains strictly closed. The Circus or Menagerie can no longer be admitted within the PUBLIC GROUNDS ; and compensa- tion fails with the withholding of privilege. Nothing has been received as yet, from those balances that were to be so cumbrous, on July 4th, and it is doubtful if the most fertile imagination will ever detect the growth of two blades of grass, where was but one before, from the stimulus of Holiday savings. The Mar- riage fees are seen but hazily,-as it were in a mirage,-whereof
Auri sacra fames
supplies shadow without substance. The very dogs career over the grass, or flounder in the Pools : but, when challenged by this COMMISSION to show a warrant for their longer toleration, they coolly refer to the Public Library, where dogs' ears are indicative of wisdom. Meanwhile no grist comes to our mill : and the "voice of the grinders is low" from very sickness of hope deferred.
In concluding this Report, literally prepared under difficulties, the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS express the same unshaken faith in the permanent prosperity of Worcester that has lent color and life to their former communications. Whatsoever things were good-whatsoever things were lovely-came natu- rally to their thought : and the result has been of good report. Their fancy pictured the city environed with a broad Avenue, convenient for traffic and pleasant for travel : from which the whole community should derive advantage, and by whose use a keener zest of enjoyment and health should enure to those in
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 31.
possession of sufficient leisure. It is given unto men to see visions and to dream dreams; yet it is vouchsafed to few to behold their realization. But the COMMISSION, from their con- stant engagement upon the PUBLIC GROUNDS, have been permitted to look upon the line of traction prolonged over PARK AVENUE, as its facilities for the passage of heavy freight became better understood. To the man confined rigidly to Main street, who can take no cognizance of anything that transpires off that great thoroughfare, this AVENUE may appear but an unprofitable investment. To that same man, after the cares of the day are over, that AVENUE will afford new life as, in due proportion, he inhales the exhilaration of motion and the oxygen of the atmos- phere. Built wide, for common convenience ; thoroughly built, for public comfort ; built as flat as might be and allow the flow of surface water, nor spoiled, as are too many road-beds by the conceited ignorance which would substitute the hemisphere for its plane ; it stretches out along the western edge of the City,- a constant pleasure to its original advocates and a singular fasci- nation for its irrational foes. Its immediate extension to the intersection of Leicester, with Stafford, Streets, is a measure of public policy which should be conceded to that numerous body of petitioners who so fully represent the wealth and intelligence of Webster Square. The route is short ;- the materials are upon the spot ;- the labor is waiting. The time to do a thing which is inevitable, is that time when it can be done to the best advantage. And the completion of a work that is both inevitable and expedient, cannot be delayed long without incurring a responsibility that no servant of the People should covet. That the community expect, in civic administration, a wise frugality which shall husband instead of exhaust their close savings, is a statement exacting no demonstration. Nor can it be denied that they intend that such frugality shall be consistent with and make allowance for each proved demand for thorough, practical education ; the very most efficient means for the check and extinction of fire; as well as every reasonable requisition of Traffic and Travel. It needs not to underrate the depression in all departments of business; nor to forget how much of the accumulated wealth of Worcester has been actually and utterly
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