USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1878 > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26
APRIL 1ST, 1878.
EDWARD W. LINCOLN, EsQ.,
Chairman of Commission of Public Grounds.
My Dear Sir :- As a citizen of Worcester, allow me to thank you for your constant and unwearied efforts to improve and beautify the streets, and Public Parks and grounds of the "Heart" of the good old Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If your efforts had been sustained and aided in the past, by previous City Governments, as they deserved, Worcester, to-day, would be as noted for the beauty of its streets and Public Grounds, as she is for the general intelligence and business enterprise and activity of her citizens.
Let this pass however, for the present, while I call your attention to another matter, viz: A cross or diagonal walk from the north-east corner of the central Common, to Park street, at or near the head of Portland street. I notice, to-day, that you are making arrangements to close the passage-way opposite my block, which was originally opened at my expense to accommodate the public, and obviate the necessity of cross- ing two streets in passing from the Common to the east side of Portland street. I am aware that you entered an objection, at the time, based upon the ground that it would have a tendency to tempt people to cross the park at a point where there was no walk provided; and present appearances indicate quite clearly that you were correct in your predictions.
By this note I simply wish to make an appeal in behalf of the public, and particu- larly in the interests of women and children, for a walk crossing the Common as indicated above. It would be a great convenience, especially in wet and stormy weather, also when passing to and from the Union Station I am aware that the means placed at your disposal, as a public officer, are limited,-too limited, and with a view of increasing the same, and as a contribution to and for the public good, I enclose herewith my check for twenty-five dollars ($25.00), and trust you will not only countermand the order to close the passage-way above referred to, but will listen to my appeal on behalf of citizens, as well as strangers, and lay out a walk as requested.
(Signed), Very truly yours,
THOS. H. DODGE.
Which elicited the following reply :-
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, 1 Worcester, Massachusetts, April 3, A. D. 1878. 1
THOMAS H. DODGE, EsQ. :-
My Dear Sir. - Your note of the 1st inst., with inclosure, was duly received and would have been answered sooner but for the fact that my private affairs sometimes exact, nor will be denied, a portion of my attention and time.
263
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
Your just appreciation of their efforts for the development and ornamentation of Worcester will be grateful to this COMMISSION. Much that is done makes but little show at the instant; and impatience is often provoked and expressed because of the apparent slight return for labor and means expended. But the bread cast upon the waters is not lost. From the seeming chaos emerge pathways and lawns; and from the young or sparse plantation grow up welcome bloom and foliage. And such cul- ture pays ! now, as in all time. It was Athens,-neither Sparta nor Thebes,-that attracted all which was best and worthiest in Greece; crowding her schools, enriching her marts; and all because she arrayed herself like a queen in her beauty. So was it with Florence, during the Middle Ages; and such is pre-eminently the case, at pres- ent, with Paris. What but avarice and ill-governed desires prevent a restoration of the primeval garden? You and I, in common with our fellow-citizens, are offered the election between God and mammon. To promote a healthy vitality in the body politic, we are advised to throttle the breathing, check the circulation,-numb the heart !
In these latter days, the administration of States and Cities is sadly contingent upon what may be styled the politics of usury. Appropriations are granted, or withheld, as there is greater or less success in gathering a harvest from reckless discount. Honest men,-who ought to breathe freer,-suffer themselves to be panic-stricken by the frauds of stock and note gamblers. Under such circumstances, and at such times, what chance for a just estimate have measures that appeal only to the nobler feelings! Whose support must be sought and attracted from a level head and a correct taste?
Take a single instance; had heed been allowed to the timely suggestions of this COMMISSION, the travel and traffic of Quinsigamond and Millbury would not now be subjected to such continual annoyance and loss; but, passing around the base of Mt. St. James, have found, in the prolongation of Hope Avenue and the embankment of Kettle Brook, both a public convenience and ornament. To the narrow minds of some, the far-sighted are ever visionary. He is the actual spendthrift who neglects or wastes opportunity instead of seizing upon and improving it. But the imperative necessities of the immediate future can be trusted to vindicate that prevision which would anticipate them at the least cost and trouble.
A broad and continuous AVENUE will, sooner or later, environ Worcester. And whether it is completed in their day, or after they shall have been gathered to their fathers, the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS will ask neither better, nor more enduring monument to their memory.
But I am suffering myself to be carried away by a too attractive theme. "Reverting to our lambs," I have been forced to the conclusion, with what reluctance you can imagine, that a pathway from Portland street, diagonally to the north east corner of the Common, must be conceded. Your personal observation, so immediate and con- stant, of the existing abuse, is of great weight in sustaining this judgment. It were doubtless better to allow what is so difficult of prevention; and, in a direct and sensible way, control and regulate it as a recognized use.
Your generous contribution to the funds, of the COMMISSION is accepted with thanks and will be expended in accordance with your wishes. In acknowledging its receipt, the Chairman is reminded of a munificence that, years since, prompted to the con- struction of a FOUNTAIN, upon the Common; and which, had it been properly estimated and aided, would have decked that most central and conspicuous of our Public Grounds with a suitable and charming ornament.
Believe me, very truly yours,
EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Chairman.
264
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
The path-way indicated in the foregoing notes will be con- structed in the coming Spring. There was no absolute hurry for it, and the COMMISSION were reluctant to interfere with the enjoyment of the Common, by the people, any farther than was indispensible. The construction of the PARADE occasioned a sufficient impediment to passage, for the season. Meanwhile incessant use has more clearly defined the route to be followed and at the same time confirmed, beyond all dispute, its neces- sity. But it must not be inferred from this concession that the COMMISSION will construct paths wheresoever trespass may encroach ; or smooth new ways for the "unclean feet " that dodge around the sanctuary.
The motive of the subjoined letter, of which a copy was sent to each member of the COMMISSION; in studied slight of the Chairman, its official head ; may supply a simple conundrum for the curious. Those quicker-witted will note how Christian- ity may still furnish points for heathen imitation, in " ways that are dark and tricks that are vain."
WORCESTER, July 24, 1878.
To E. W. LINCOLN, O. B. HADWEN, AND STEPHEN SALISBURY, JR.,
Commissioners of Shade Trees and Public Grounds.
Gentlemen .- The First (Old South) Parish and Society having quietly submitted to the annoyance and inconvenience of large quantities of rubbish, consisting in part of large mounds of earth, paving stones, snow plows, &c., around our church edefice for the past two years or more, request you to remove the same within reasonable time and that no more be deposited about the building, as we wish all things kept neatly about our house of worship.
Respectfully,
For and in behalf of the First Parish in Worcester,
A true Copy,
Attest,
ADDISON PALMER, JEREMIAH WINN,
Assessors of the First Parish.
H. H. MERRIAM, Clerk.
To which attempt at fault-finding, or furtive effort to set up an adverse title, the subjoined answer was deemed sufficiently precise :---
265
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, Worcester, Massachusetts, July 28, A. D. 1878. S
To ADDISON PALMER, AND JEREMIAH WINN,
Asses sors of the First Parish.
Gentlemen .- Your burden of complaint against this Commission was duly imposed upon me (its Chairman), by the letter-carrier.
I might reply by pointing out to you the provision of the City Charter which, after conferring the sole care, superintendence, and management of the Public Grounds belonging to said City of Worcester, upon a COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, con- tinues to specify the mode whereby the City Council (not " the First Parish "), may remove "said Board, or any member thereof," should their official trust be mis- managed.
But I prefer to tell you that your letter is captious, querulous, and without excuse; or that you would have been better employed in expressing profound gratitude to this COMMISSION for its final redemption of the Common from all manner of uncleanness. In that redemption your "Church Edefice" (whatever congregational structure that may be in essence and spelling!) might have shared. But your pulpit, unhappily for the community, was not included within the jurisdiction of this COMMISSION.
You will pardon any seeming disrespect in the delay of this reply to your letter. My secular engagements were such that it was imperatively necessary to defer all ecclesiastical correspondence to a day of rest.
I have the honor to subscribe myself,
Respectfully,
EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Chairman.
The original note was mailed to Mr. Palmer,-senior Asses- sor. To be more explicit, that even he who runs may read this queer commentary from Mammon; it may be proper to state that there have been no "mounds, of earth, paving, stones, snow plows, &c." accumulated or deposited by this COMMISSION anywhere but upon the PUBLIC GROUNDS of the City. The ultimate determination of the people as to the disposition of their property, in a possible future contingency, cannot of course be foretold. But, assuming that it will not be bartered away for a mess of pottage, it remains for this COMMISSION to repel all attempts-insidious or unblushing, to encroach upon their especial province. If the title of the People of Worcester to their Common is ever affected adversely, it shall not occur through any laches of this COMMISSION.
The recommendation that the Kerb, constructed along the Park Street side of the Common, be continued so as to enclose the entire territory ; to include so much of Salem Square as may
266
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
not be needed for purposes of transit; and that a JET D'EAU, or Fountain, be erected in the spot long since assigned for one by the COMMISSION ; are earnestly renewed. The necessity for public, not less than private, economy, and in great measure because of that, is keenly appreciated by the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS. But they are also aware that whatever municipal work must be done can never be achieved at less cost than now, when prices are low ; nor more timely than in a period of comparative stagnation. Yet they have no wish to be importunate; and esteem their duty in the premises fully discharged, by keeping all such projects of improvement from lapsing into utter oblivion.
The Shade Trees along the Streets and Highways have been cared for, as far as possible, and are receiving particular atten- tion at this time of writing. The COMMISSION met with a loss, apparently irreparable, in the removal to Providence, early in 1878, of Mr. Charles H. Perry. Agile, light, and perfectly fearless, he would go whither the COMMISSION dared not send him ; and where no one, as yet, presents himself anxious to fol- low. A majority of the old and majestic Elms, throughout the City, require annual and seasonable pruning. This work demanded courage and good judgment ; and Mr. Perry possesses both, in sufficient measure. At present, many of our larger trees are almost unsafe, because of limbs that no one can be found to remove. It is probably no exaggeration, to assume that a capable and industrious man might be employed profita- bly, for a whole year, and find himself unable to trim off all the branches that are decaying, or dead. The COMMISSION will do all that they can to remedy this evil condition : but among the critics who are sure to blame their sins of inevitable omis- sion, how many would sanction the payment of wages, adequate to the remuneration of a competent forester,-could such be discovered !
Many trees have been issued to applicants, in detail, from the Nursery in Elm Park. Many more remain that should be planted out where they can remain, as they are crowded at present, and would be benefited by thinning. The better way is for a neighborhood to combine, and, obtaining the trees, set
267
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
them along their proximate streets. The interest in their pres- ervation is thus made general; no one being indifferent to the mutilation of the Elm or Maple in front of his neighbor, because he has not one before his own door. It is to be hoped that these suggestions may not be wholly fruitless ; but that many will avail themselves of the opportunity, in the early Spring, to procure Shade Trees from the COMMISSION, for the greater comfort and beauty of their vicinage.
The practice of the COMMISSION has conformed to the theory just outlined. Where a chance was afforded, by the completion of sidewalks, &c., as was notably the case upon upper Lincoln and lower Vernon Streets, rows of trees have been planted, and secured by guards, which met an obvious necessity and give promise of a thrifty existence. The COMMISSION keep in mind, for similar improvement, a number of streets in the South- Easterly part of the City. But their purposes are thwarted, in the main, by the palpable improvidence of thrusting roots directly in the way of the plow and mattock of the impending highway-man.
The COMMISSION have been asked, at frequent intervals dur- ing the past year, to set out trees in the yards adjoining the Public School-Houses. Those requests came from Teachers, the Super- intendent, or Members of the School Board, indiscriminately. The urgency of the need, in this direction, finally led to the following correspondence, which is inserted here, that the views of the COMMISSION may be clearly understood.
28 GROSVENOR STREET, WORCESTER, Aug. 27, 1878.
E. W. LINCOLN, EsQ.
Sir .- I have been thinking for some time past, of introducing an order in the School Board - looking to the planting of Shade Trees in such school-yards and sidewalks abutting thereon, as the Committee on School-Houses, or yourself, may determine.
If they should be planted, they will not only be an ornament to our bleak, cheerless Public Buildings, but will have a refining influence on the young children, which, in after years, will in many cases cause them to love, and be careful of trees and plants.
It strikes me that you have authority to plant trees on all the Public Grounds and walks.
I would feel obliged for your opinion on the matter; probable cost of planting about 300 trees; and whether the "Council" or "School Board" is the proper place to introduce an order, if such is needed.
I am sir, yours respectfully,
RICHARD O'FLYNN.
268
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, - Worcester, Massachusetts, August 24, A. D. 1878.
RICHARD O'FLYNN, EsQ :-
My Dear Sir .- Excuse the delay in answering your note of the 17th inst., as I hoped to find time to see you. I find that I cannot.
I agree with you that our School-Houses look "bleak and cheerless;" and I have always felt provoked about it because it is so wholly inexcusable and needless. But this Commission, and the City Council, (as I understand), are powerless in the matter, unless the Act passed, one or two years ago, clothed the Council with the power theretofore vested in the School-Board.
At any rate, the school-yards are not "Public Grounds " in the sense of those sec- tions of the Municipal Charter whereby this Commission is established.
I have long desired that the love of Flowers and Trees should be impressed upon and encouraged in our children, as alike tending to refine their manners and produce a nobler development. I would gladly welcome the study of elementary botany by them, to the displacement of other branches of learning in nowise so useful or even ornamental.
As to the "probable cost of planting about 300 trees," they might be had for $1.00 a piece. This Commission pay $1.25 for trees planted in the Spring, upon condition that they shall be replaced, in Autumn, when necessary.
With great respect, I remain Yours, &c., &c.,
EDWARD W. LINCOLN, Chairman.
Should this initiative lead to action, so much to be desired on many accounts, it is to be hoped that everything in the nature of a job will be sedulously avoided. The name of the tree- peddler, as of the other class-his congener-is legion. Care might also be taken to encourage a diversity of growth. Some- thing besides foliage could be produced. The Mountain Ash- et id genus omne, is an intolerable nuisance. But the Tulip- Tree - Liriodendron tulipifera-is the pride of our North American Sylva, and can be safely transplanted. In the pur- chase of a dictionary the schools would insist upon "the best." Let them be as exacting and worldly-wise in other respects! In any event, avoid naturalizing the Upas !
The work of the COMMISSION, upon Elm Park, during the past year, requires less description in detail, as it was so closely scanned while in progress by their fellow citizens. That work consisted, almost wholly, of grading and preparing the surface for the tamer grasses; and to this end, the plough and spade were kept in almost incessant motion. Should occasion serve, in the future, the writer hopes to indulge in eulogy of the Spade
269
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
and Spading-Fork as the tools for that coming tillage of the earth, which shall supply employment and increase for all. Their use would furnish occupation for many more men ; (a thing desirable enough in itself); and the soil would be culti- vated, as it needs and ought to be,-with complete thoroughness.
PARK AVENUE is so much resorted to, for all purposes, that the COMMISSON early sought to shelter it and improve its appearance. Trees of different kinds and of contrasting aspect, were planted for wind and snow breaks. The strips of ground, eastward of the AVENUE, was filled in and, in part, levelled and sown. Earth has been dumped further along, which will receive attention as soon, in the coming Spring, as the weather will permit. It is hoped to do all that is designed, in such good time and manner that nothing shall be left to mar the view. Possibly the critics who have assumed that those hemlocks were intended to stay, where they were heeled in-to save them- may then be relieved. Yet it will be absolutely necessary to have stout clumps of evergreen trees, in many exposed spots ; if for no other reason, to obstruct and temper the fierce winds that blast vegetation and annoy the youthful skater. Upon such clump, or copse, the cultivated eye can rest in grateful repose : for others, few scenes in the Park would offer attraction. And yet that statement is possibly too strong. For it has been a pleasure to mark the evident delight of many, to whom any effort at landscape gardening must have been an entire novelty. For all such an education has commenced, that will imper- ceptibly but surely, soften the rough and uncouth disposition and elevate the whole man. But this,-only in proportion as Art is kept in due subordination to Nature; for trickery and meretricious adornments offend rather than attract.
Much has been achieved in the task of sloping the shores of the Oval Pool, so as to make the expanse of Water more con- spicuous, and also render access to it easier. Great quantities of stone have come handy, which were used in building a walk for the women and children who take such innocent delight in feeding the Waterfowl. The gravel, that now encumbers the channel around the new Grass Islet, will be partly consumed in covering that walk, above the water line. The ground was
270
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
spaded up and almost entirely graded, before Winter set in, but it was not sown, as nothing is gained, ever, by putting seed into cold soil. Grass-seed sprouted in four days, last Autumn ; but the ground was warm, and a tepid rain followed sowing, in a few hours.
Very general use was made of the Pools for skating, when frozen, as long as they remained or could be kept free from snow. The sport was heartily enjoyed by all ages, sexes, and conditions. Matron and maid; saint and sinner ; the reverend clergy, and some in evident need of the gospel; met upon the same icy plane, and saw the same stars! The COMMISSION regret their inability to keep the surface clear, at all times. But, being desirous of excavating the Circular Pool,-so long outlined ;- and finding the job of easier accomplishment in winter, when there is absolute exemption from any irruption of water; they have preferred business to pleasure. The cost of freeing the Ice from snow-upon a surface no larger, could not be much, as the shores are within such ready reach. And that cost,-were it far more considerable,-would be grudged by no one who is aware of the number to whom exhilarating exercise and robust health are afforded in such easy and abundant measure.
In bringing Elm Park to a proper grade, filling has had to be obtained, in open market; and of loam or hard-pan, as the . chance offered. Twenty-five cents per yard has been an in- flexible limit, to be exceeded in no event by the COMMISSION. In courtesy ; and as an act of official duty, inspired by a desire to guard the municipal interests ; one more effort was made to obtain the scrapings from the streets. A note, whereof the subjoined is a true copy, was written and transmitted, as follows :
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, Worcester, Massachusetts, January 21st, A.D. 1878.
To the Honorable City Council :-
The Comission of Public Grounds would respectfully ask of the Honorable Council that the Street-Scrapings, (so called), may be delivered to their order, on Elm Park, either off Highland Street, or Park Avenue.
The Commission are aware that this would require carting in bad, or heavy weather, but the Honorable Council will perceive, with them, that only in such weather do the Streets require to be cleaned.
-
271
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
Neither do the Commission believe that the Highway Department would lend countenance to an imputation (inevitable should it object to this request,) that the Teams and Streets cannot do and endure, as much as they did, without hurt to any one, but six years ago.
For, and in behalf of the Commission,
EDWARD W. LINCOLN,
Chairman.
That application was referred to the Highway Committee, by which, in due course, an answer was returned that those scrapings could be delivered, as desired, for seventy-five cents per load. And it was left to be inferred that, at this last named price, no extra charge would be made for the seeds of dock, plantain and Canada Thistle, whereof those scrapings are so profuse. . The COMMISSION trust that they will not be deemed insensible to such munificence. But, reflecting that the earth offered for sale by Messrs. Webb, Pike, McGrath, or Downey, was virgin and at least pure; and full of white clover seed, if any; that they asked but one-third as much as the City, to dump upon the very land of the City; the COMMISSION were forced to the conclusion that their duty was to buy dirt-and not,-to eat it! They are grateful for the co-operation of the Highway Department, in the old flush times when, if ever, high prices might have been expected. Having, long since, learned to appreciate hard-pan at its true value, they recommend others to get down to it as soon as possible.
" The beams of our house are Cedar, and our rafters of Fir." Canticles, 1, 17.
" Why build ye not me an house of Cedar?" 1st Samuel, 7, 7.
" And David prepared Cedar trees in abundance." 1 Chron. 22, 4.
It is very evident that there must have been a difference between the Cedars of Lebanon, and those of Auburn, in our County of Worcester. That the former grew upon the hills, and the latter in swamps, may serve to explain, as well as any other hypothesis, why the one should stand for a type of endur- ance while the other decays almost at once. The Rustic Bridge, erected by the COMMISSION in A. D. 1877, was found, late last Autumn, to be unsafe from the effects of dry-rot. It cost
272
CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 33.
little, but proved worth-less. Through the courtesy of Mr. C. S. Turner, some Hard Pine lumber was obtained, that had been seasoned for Railway use, out of which it was possible to frame a bridge that gives every promise of durability. Mr. B. C. Jaques deserves the chief credit for adapting the design, from sketches in the Public Library. It appears to the COMMIS- SION alike substantial and graceful. There is something to be thankful for in the fact that no accident occurred before the weakness in the former bridge was detected. At times it had sustained as many as could get upon it.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.