USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1879 > Part 7
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The usual polite inquiry by the Auditor, necessary perhaps, but none the less perplexing,-" what sum will be wanted by the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS for the ensuing year ?" recurs with the precision of the Winter solstice. Balances, if unexpended, unintended certainly, are merged and disappear in
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the Sinking Fund. Requirements present themselves, or are urged, with inexorable persistency ; which must be met in any way that is found effectual; and for which an abrupt official no! is never accepted as a sufficient answer. One citizen desires shade trees along the street that he chiefly frequents, and scoffs at the explanations why he does not get them upon his first peremptory demand. It is so natural for each of us to consider his own wants imperative, and to esteem hope deferred as the proper lot of every one but himself. And then, again, he desires shade trees,-not Public Grounds ! His private lawns, or gardens, are ample for all his purposes of recreation, and, if more is expected, " Am I my brother's keeper?"
The complacency with which some men will stroke a
"'belly with fat capon lined,"
and, contemplating the keen edge upon their axe that was just ground at the public expense, thank God! that they are not extravagant, like the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, for example ! Some such patriots content themselves with taxing the childless, for free education. Others enforce a levy, that the houseless may enjoy the benefit of an efficient Fire Depart- ment. There is even a platoon, more or less,-who advocate the maintenance of a Police Force,-on foot or mounted, (in athletic slang, "go as you please !") that the legion from whom the City Treasurer is powerless to extract a Poll Tax, may suffer no loss "in mind, body, or estate."
It should be pretty obvious to even a dull observer, that it takes all sorts of men to make-a city. The appetites, passions, tastes, of those men,-the municipal population-are fortunate- ly dissimilar. Fortunately, since otherwise a stagnation worse than mortal paralysis would fall upon the community. Hence the absolute necessity of consideration for the opinions, preju- dices, if you please, of others; and a frank recognition of the fact that our dislikes should not be a measure for the preferen- ces of another. Is it not the truest philosophy which lives and lets live? That, surely, is the wisest administration which, recognizing all alike, builds good roads, encourages sound
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learning, and plants the Academe with shady groves. Such places become more attractive with the passing years, arresting the notice of the casual traveller, and inducing the permanent settlement of the cultivated man, who, not unfairly, judges that the true character of a people may be inferred from the neat and tasteful aspect of their private and public grounds.
Nor should it be forgotten that Time is an element which can be made to favor this COMMISSION, only, of all the civic depart- ments. Not even a rill may run in Old Maids' Brook ; Blad- der Pond may subside to its lowest level; but vegetable growth is continuous-as some naturalists think, incessant. How im- portant, then, that there should be neither interruption nor delay to the planting of those trees, upon which we are to de- pend for future adornment and shelter! The COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, felicitating themselves upon much that has been accomplished, visible to all, can look back upon the evi- dent results of their labors, without fearing any such invidious contrasts as have been drawn, once or twice, by men who could trace better than they could dig. And yet, all over the city, they can find streets without a single shade-tree to ward off the fierce rays of the summer sun; or to stop a runaway horse, when, in his mad career, he would switch off the wrecked car_ riage dangling at his heels to a thronged and affrighted side- walk. By their own direct efforts in the past year, they have done what was possible. They have been seriously disappoint- ed by the lâches of some who promised to set out trees, if the COMMISSION would but furnish them, along the streets whereon they abutted. In notable instances, those trees have been kept heeled in until the season became too far advanced for out-door planting. An effort will be made during the coming Spring to get away from the work on Elm Park, pressing as it will be, long enough to attend, in person, to some streets which should be supplied with trees at once. When those trees shall have been planted, the individual cooperation of our fellow-citizens is solicited, in advance, to prevent possible or punish actual mutilation.
Meanwhile, the example of Senator Hoar is open for imita- tion by any of his fellow-citizens-no caveat having been lodged
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hitherto. Like Rice (Darius) and Jaques, Hadwen and Harts- horns, he was desirous of doing something for posterity, and- did it. Having planted either side of Hanover Street, from Belmont northward, the COMMISSION supplemented his work by supplying guards and repairing the walks. Articles in the newspapers, last Autumn, advised a subscription fund in aid of the sum ordinarily applicable to the setting out of shade trees. Any citizen thus disposed, may achieve as much at compara- tively slight expense, by conference and cooperation with this COMMISSION. While time now wastes, unimproved, trees might be growing and affording ever-increasing shade.
In their estimate for an appropriation, the COMMISSION kept in view the continuance of work upon Elm Park; the care (which comprises pruning and, at times, excision or eradica- tion) of shade trees; with such limited planting as sparse means may allow. They would be rejoiced above measure, the Honor- able Council concurring with them in their judgment of its im- portance, were they to be enabled to set out shade trees along the whole length of Millbury Street, on both sides, wherever practicable. They would be glad to repeat the experiment of old upon Vernon Street, guaranteeing that the method of plant- ing should be sufficient, under their own supervision, whether the jack-knife was withheld or not. Belmont Street has never been out of their mind ; but agents of the State having prom- ised to set out trees, if provided by the COMMISSION, along the entire line whereon the Commonwealth abutted, attention was temporarily diverted from the westerly end of the old Turn- pike. Not everything can be done simultaneously, even by the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS; whose faith, though bound- less, is inadequate to move a cubic yard of excavation-much more, human inertia. Shade trees should be planted, in quan- tity and at once, to gain time and growth; but, to that end, the means must be supplied by the Honorable Council. Their con- stituents are more than willing.
The uses to which the Common may be degraded is a legiti- mate matter for discussion. There does not seem to be any good reason why writers for the press, in column of attack, should go out of their way to berate and vilify the COMMISSION
·
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OF PUBLIC GROUNDS. Its admitted purpose is for a Common and Training Field. What constitutes a training field is obvious enough, and has been made even more manifest at the pleasure of the Continentals, or of the Volunteer Militia. Wherein it may be a common is not so plain. Possibly it is on that ac- count that the "tract of ground bounded by Front, Main, Park " and Salem streets" is confided to the " sole care, superintend- " ence and management " of a COMMISSION, by which " all nec- " essary rules and regulations in the execution of their trust " may be" established. Unfortunately, the charter did not clothe the COMMISSION with power to enforce those rules and regulations.
The COMMISSION are clear for what that Common should not be abused. Convenient and sufficient paths having been built, the green lawns should be protected, in the interest of all, from intrusion and consequent disfigurement by any. Upon public holidays, of course, there would be greater license. Nor, with the consent of the COMMISSION, will facilities be furnished for the bummer and hoodlum, whom we have too much with us, that they may, at their dirty ease, insult passers-by of either sex. It is but a short while since a large number of settees were fixed in position along the various pathways. Not a day elapsed that some one was not mutilated, broken or wrenched from its place. They were removed, finally, upon a general and intolerable complaint from ladies in every condition in life, -the bee as well as the butterfly,-that they could never pass those settees without having to listen to filthy language and ribald comment. Undoubtedly, they would have supplied a comfortable rest for well-behaved citizens. But the bummer and dead-beat are also citizens, likewise wish a rest in the shade, and are devout disciples of the hoodlum gospel, that, --
"They should get who have the power, And they should keep who can."
It may be urged that 'smut' within the Public Grounds should be summarily suppressed. Very true. Yet how shall its erup- tion be stayed, if the police cannot, or will not, tend vent ?
Again, in the early Summer, after the City Council had voted
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 34.
to have a series of out-door concerts, it became desirable to locate a band-stand. Not a word was said to the COMMISSION. Yet, assuming that various unsuitable places had been occupied, because of objection to any location upon the Common, it was thought in good taste, as well as just, to spice the newspapers, as follows : " Many are foolish enough to believe that the Com- mon is admirably adapted to such purposes." Such peppery writers must have been astonished to find how easy it was to get a stand erected upon the Common, when the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS were treated with even ordinary civility, and had the assurance, to which they were entitled, that the structure should not only be ornamental, but should be restrict- ed to its appropriate uses. Whether that restriction was re_ spected upon all occasions is perhaps questionable. There is, at least, cause for a suspicion that, upon an evening when the plat- form subsided beneath an unterrified caucus, whether from gross weight or inherent unsoundness, the hardy burglars who invaded Mechanics' Hall so easily, made light of breaking into that band-stand, beneath the infrequent
"Glimpses of the Moon."
Such mishaps should work no impeachment of the vigilance of the Superintendent of Public Buildings, who was doubtless hearkening, with both ears, to the voice of the people.
While upon this subject, and in this mood, it occurs to the COMMISSION that no better opportunity will ever present itself, of thanking an unknown friend for the conception and gift of a characteristic and expressive
" Dessin pour cet Jet d' Eau-dedie' avec beaucoup de respect au M. E. W. Lincoln."
The language may betray the nationality of the artist. But true Art is of no race ; and tongues, confused at Babel, have been harmonized since. The intrinsic grace,-esprit,-so to speak, of cet Dessin, is of every clime and all schools : in brief- inimitable as indescribable. Barbarossa may as well arouse !
The COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS yield none of their views, heretofore expressed at considerable length, relative to
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the development of the natural beauties wherewith Worcester is so lavishly endowed. But,-that others may be induced to share the same opinions,-it is indispensable that their gospel,- like all other-should be preached in and out of season. It is even better to repeat what was once stated well, than to risk weakening an argument, by putting it in other-perhaps inferior -phrase. Thus, in their Annual Report for A. D. 1871 :-
"The opinion of the Commission is decided that the city of Worcester should obtain, from the Great and General Court, power to occupy and possess Lake Quinsigamond, for the pur- poses of a PUBLIC PARK, without prejudice. to the rights of riparian owners, whatever they may be. In this way, if in no other, could the level of its waters be maintained at their aver- age height, thus preserving the smooth and verdant banks which so much enhance its beauty. Nor can any other method be devised, half as effectual, of forestalling future attempts to divert the water of the Lake for the supply of metropolitan thriftlessness and waste."
Reiterating that plea for the utilization of a priceless blessing, in their Report for A. D. 1878, the COMMISSION enforced their position by arguments drawn from the low stage of water during the preceding summer, and continue :-
" Since attention was concentrated upon the beauties of Lake Quinsigamond, by their constant eulogy in these Reports, large public and private investments have been made around its shores." Access to it has been facilitated by the construction of LAKE AVENUE, and the Shrewsbury Railroad, not omitting mention of the almost total renovation of the main highway. The vast pile of buildings erected by the State for its Lunatics (not chronic) represents a present value far exceeding the form-
er estimate of that entire lacustrine territory.
Into and out
from the Lake, at whatever level its waters are maintained, the · drainage of the Hospital, and of all other buildings, deodorised perhaps, but not necessarily purified, must inevitably flow. In direct proportion to the volume of the lake, will be the con- sequent dilution. Even a minimum of offence may yet become so desirable as to require attainment, reckless of cost.
.
*
* * * * *
" Still further, -a higher stage of water, setting back upon the
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CITY DOCUMENT .- NO. 34.
causeway, would greatly facilitate the construction of those openings for a water-way -that series of Inverted Arches, - which have been so often advised in these Reports as indispen- sable to a recovery of the use of the Lake. Cent-per-cent will sneer at the folly of the writer; and the victims of his usury may join with him in deprecating such wild infatuation. But the future historian of Worcester will point to the utiliza- tion of the Lake, as a potent factor among the causes that revived her dormant prosperity; to the storage and retention of a great volume of water, whereby the winds are tempered and the climate softened, enabling the Pomologist to rely, with complete assurance, upon a certain return from his labors. Then upon either shore, - as around the lesser Lakes of central New York, - shall be seen hill-sides crowned with vineyard and peach-orchard ; their ripe harvest none the less prized that it is of our own culture, and all the more luscious because grown at home. That the trial has not been made hitherto, is not the fault of this COMMISSION ; who do not mean to be censured if all the conditions are not propitious hereafter for the first intel- ligent pioneer. And among those conditions, whether as affect- ing the beauty of the landscape encompassing, or controlling and modifying the climatic influences emanating from the Lake, nothing can surpass in importance an ample volume of water."
* *
"Now, why should not the City of Worcester and the Town of Shrewsbury unite in obtaining, from the General Court, an Act establishing the Lake as a WATER-PARK and vesting its control in those two municipal corporations? Such an Act -preju_ dicial to none; nor injuriously affecting the rights of those whose interest in a high stage of water is secondary to the avarice that relucts at the support of an adequate dam, at the outlet of the lake; would satisfy all requirements.
A WATER PARK established ; and the control over its aver- age level, or volume, vested in Shrewsbury and Worcester; there would be no resulting expense, save at the will of those municipalities. They might mend the present inadequate dam ; build a new, stronger, and higher one; or leave the work severely
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PUBLIC GROUNDS.
alone. But their possession of exclusive jurisdiction over that lovely Lake could harm none, and might enure to the common welfare."
Now in this matter, as in aught else, what concerns everybody is cared for by none. Adopting it for their own business, there- fore, the COMMISSION determined that it should not be their fault if some step was not taken looking to immediate overt action. By request of the Chairman, Mr. George S. Coe; to whom the low water and exposed shores of the Lake had been a daily offence ; offered the following resolution, in Shrewsbury Town Meeting, in which, after explanation by the mover, it was carried without dissent :-
Voted ;- that the Selectmen be requested to confer with the municipal authorities of the City of Worcester, upon the policy of establishing Lake Quinsigamond as a Water Park :-
And, to make application, in conjunction with said Municipal Authorities, should they mutually agree upon a plan; at the present or next session of the General Court of the Commonwealth; for the necessary legislation in the premises.
That occurred in March, or April, last; since when nothing has been done. The authorities of Shrewsbury and Worcester have held no conference ; the Selectmen of the Town thinking, it is presumed, that overtures should proceed from their more consequential neighbor. But might they not realise that those who stand upon their dignity merely waste time, while the world keeps on moving: and that Worcester could reasonably con- clude, since "it is more blessed to give than to receive," that any proposition should emanate from Shrewsbury, within whose territory lies the bulk of the Lake? At any rate,-this COM- MISSION are powerless to accomplish. They can only recom- mend :- more's the pity !
Meanwhile it is understood that the manufacturing privileges, attaching to the waters of the Lake, are controlled by stronger hands than was the case but a few years ago. In that fact, the COMMISSION perceive no disadvantage :- rather,-an opportuni- ty. The men of means, who have the sagacity to detect a
business chance from across an ocean ; and the courage to secure it when detected ; are just the men with whom to deal. Ample water is of all consequence to them. To the people of Shrews-
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bury and Worcester,-it is beauty and health. To the mill- owners,-it is subsistence and fortune. What insuperable obstacle, then, shall prevent such an accumulation of water above the highway that crosses the inlet of the Lake, at its northern extremity, as shall be adequate to maintain a fixed level below that highway, throughout the year ? Assuredly not the actual value of the land that would have to be flooded: which is next to nothing. Perhaps it might be the fictitious estimate, that starts up like a fungus, to blight and arrest im- provement. Men who go clamouring at high water could, of course, imagine that hopeless ravine worth something. But even avarice is powerless, at times, when confronted by the wit of man enlisted in a resolute effort to benefit his fellows. A handsome, capacious opening through the causeway,-like that series of Inverted Arches so often suggested in former Reports, would be a good thing; and the COMMISSION have faith in its ulti- mate construction. An extension of Lake AVENUE,-northerly, -would be better, just now :- and the COMMISSION indulge a hope that it will be forthwith ordered by the Honorable Council. The storage of water northward of the highway, and its reten- tion until required to sustain the level of the Lake, would be best of all; and the COMMISSION, with rapt vision, behold the angels ascending and descending. But-even thus-Hercules cannot be expected to do the work. Nor will the men who suffer their sidewalks to be cumbered with snow; who allow the shade-trees in front of their estates to be mutilated, as may chance; to whom private damages are obvious, incessant, and so importunate, but betterments a mere phrase without meaning ; and who were never known to forego a claim, only not baseless as founded upon a pretence ; nor will such men, -- (and their name, A. D. 1880, is Legion,-) concern themselves whether the lines of their fellow citizens are cast in pleasant places. So far as depends upon that class of patriots, the devil may take the hindmost ! and welcome ;- so long as his clutch is not laid upon their precious selves. How their race has been perpetuated is the chief puzzle: for the sacred narrative indi- cates no survivor, where, discoursing of their ancestors, it says that " the herd ran violently down a steep place into the Lake (sic) and were choked."
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The work upon Elm Park, throughout the past year, has been uninterrupted. The Circular Pool,-whose commence- ment had been indicated in the latest Report of the COMMISSION, was prosecuted steadily to completion. Excavated in cold weather, when the frozen state of the ground prevented any incursion of surface or spring water, this Pool was constructed under more favorable conditions than either the Diamond or Oval. It was thus possible to grade the bottom to a common level ; thereby securing a desirable end, if one of rare attain- ment,-uniform depth of water. Had time allowed, the peat substratum would have been puddled with a coat of gravel, thus confining the bottom so that not even the shoe of the least number would mire. This Pool, like the others, is lined with stone, to protect the banks from abrasion. A yard-wide path- way has been made, around the edge, to accommodate children intent upon learning the art of navigation; and also as a convenience to people who desire easy access to the Water- Fowl.
The channel, by the Tool-House, was excavated as there has been need of material to construct or repair the larger walks. That material, consisting of a species of bog-iron ore, granulated by the action of the elements where it was first deposited ; found in great abundance, as it is, has been of incalculable value to the COMMISSION. In but two instances have they felt impelled to purchase any gravel: and then only because a coarser article was desirable for effectual drainage. In taking out this material an Islet was left :- partly to avoid needless excavation ;- somewhat for ornament ;- and yet more,-because the more numerous these Islets, the more extensive the surface from which melting snows renew the ice for skating. The shrubbery and trees upon those Islets, when grown, will also furnish a shelter from the wind; from whatever point of the compass it may blow ; which could not be surely predicated of a Pool with an unbroken expanse. All the shores of the Oval Pool, with the banks of its three Islets, are now faced with stone : a work that has been performed solely by the labor ordi- narily employed in the Park. A portion of the Western Walk, originally built upon a basis of peat when the pool was first
12
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outlined, will have to be backed by some of the gravel that lies so handy. Such tasks, like the completion of the channel by the Tool-House, are reserved for periods of low water; and of comparative leisure, when planting does not urge, nor grading positively refuse to be deferred longer,
The imperative need of a suitable place for Flowering Plants was also supplied, ere snow fell. A very considerable tract of land was thoroughly cleared of weeds and grass, perfectly enriched, and largely stocked with bulbs of early and recent acquirement. Herbaceous plants were set out in great number and variety, for the free-will offering of many of which, the COMMISSION have elsewhere expressed their indebtedness. With ordinary good fortune, there is no reason why this spot should not present abundant attraction throughout the following season. While the COMMISSION invite no comparisons, they fear none. Competent and impartial judges will admit ;- of this plantation as of the other work that is visible and of possi- ble estimate ; that in the proportion of actual achievement to available means, neither in the metropolis nor elsewhere has there been a better return. The perfect snob will wander through the Public Gardens, in our larger cities, and gaze en- raptured upon the Tagetes signata pumila. Safe at home, in Worcester, he waxes fiercely indignant because the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, familiar with the Marigold! take no stock in his idiocy.
The COMMISSION hope to grade a considerable portion of the Park during the coming Spring and Summer. This task has been undertaken, at intervals, but was often interrupted on account of the pressure of work that could neither be slighted nor postponed. There is but a short time wherein planting is practicable : to that, of course, all other things must give way. A. D., 1879, was the first year, within the personal experience of the Chairman, when it was possible to set out trees and shrubs, with reasonable confidence, so late as the twelfth (12th) day of December. Grading, however, is independent of vege- tation; and it will be prosecuted, the weather permitting, with diligence, and, it may be hoped, success.
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