USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1884 > Part 11
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A. D. 1863.
Edward Earle, 3 years, James B. Blake, 2 years, Henry Prentice, 1 year.
A. D. 1864.
Henry Prentice, Edward Earle, James B. Blake.
A. D. 1865.
George Jaques, Henry Prentice, Edward Earle.
A. D. 1866.
David S. Messinger, George Jaques, Henry Prentice.
A. D. 1867.
Obadiah B. Hadwen, D. S. Messinger, George Jaques.
A. D. 1868.
George Jaques, O. B. Hadwen, D. S. Messinger.
A. D. 1869.
Leonard W. Sturtevant,* Stephen Salisbury, jr., George Jaques, O. B. Hadwen.
A. D. 1870.
Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr., George Jaques, t O. B. Hadwen.
A. D. 1871.
Ossian L. Hatch, Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr.
A. D. 1872.
Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. L. Hatch, Edward W. Lincoln.
A. D. 1873.
Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. L. Hatch.
*Mr. Sturtevant declined to serve. Mr. Salisbury, jr., elected, vice. It should be recorded here that it was at the suggestion of Mr. Sturtevant, and as a result of his conviction of its necessity, founded upon his experience as an Alderman of the city, that the original Order was introduced in the City Council .- E. W. L.
¡Mr. Jaques resigned, and Mr. Hadwen was elected, vice.
185
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
A. D. 1874.
O. B. Hadwen, Edward W. Lincoln,
Stephen Salisbury, jr.
A. D. 1875.
Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. B. Hadwen, Edward W. Lincoln.
A. D. 1876.
Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. B. Hadwen.
A. D. 1877.
O. B. Hadwen, Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr.
A. D. 1878.
Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. B. Hadwen, Edward W. Lincoln.
A. D. 1879.
Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. B. Hadwen.
A. D. 1880.
O. B. Hadwen, Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr.
A. D. 1881.
Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. B. Hadwen, Edward W. Lincoln.
A. D. 1882.
Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. B. Hadwen.
A. D. 1883.
O. B. Hadwen, Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr.
A. D. 1884.
Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. B. Hadwen, Edward W. Lincoln.
A. D. 1885.
Edward W. Lincoln, Stephen Salisbury, jr., O. B. Hadwen.
The infancy of the COMMISSION was feeble ; its steps tottering. Its opportunities, too, were small, although such as they were they were improved to the utmost. Whatsoever could be accomplished with contracted means was done in the most effectual manner. The COMMISSION were early fortunate in obtaining a large lot of well- grown and thrifty trees from the Nursery of Samuel H. Colton,
186
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
then retiring from business ; and to that lucky chance is it owing that many of our older streets are now in the enjoyment of ample shade. If little was achieved but the planting of shade trees it was because public sentiment exacted nothing more. The development of our Public Grounds might bide its time-the COMMISSION possessing its soul in patience the while. That time came when the people got tired of surrendering Front and Park streets for a switching-yard ; of clambering over freight-trains in their chronic condition of immobility across the Common ; and of being taunted when they complained with their original easy complaisance ;- corporate greed perverting the generous con- cession of an easement into the grant of an irrevocable fee !
" In 1836, when the City of Worcester, then a town, desired these railroad facilities, they acted in town meeting, and appointed a Committee to deal with the railroad and made an arrangement with them authorizing them to come in over the Common. I don't claim under the vote that that was a contract absolute in its terms, by which the town of Worcester sold, or contracted to these railroads the right to maintain a track upon the Common forever; but it is morally a contract.," etc., etc .*
But, after all, said the attorney from Fitchburg,
" The grievance is not that they are troubled with Park, and Front, and the other street; the grievance is that the Common is disturbed by the presence of this track. Although a sentimental grievance, it is entitled to be heard. Perhaps, with our uncultivated country eyes, we don't appreciate the beauties of the Worcester Common. They come here and ask for that Common with those eye-sores upon it which they don't pretend are to be removed;" etc., etc.
Ex-Mayor Aldrich went further and the Common fared worse :
" Well, the Common that is spoken of you have seen. When the word ' Common' is used we are accustomed to think of such a beautiful Park as Boston Common; some large area beautifully adorned with trees and walks, a place to which the inhabitants resort for recreation, fresh air and amuse- ment; where the children go to play and for recreation. But this little patch of ground that is called Worcester Common is used for none of these purposes. You have not heard a single witness, from the Mayor who looks after the interests of everybody in the city, or from any of the witnesses,- intelligent people all,-you have not heard a single word about that Common
*Argument of Hon. P. Emory Aldrich, Counsel for the Worcester & Nashua R. R. Corporation, before a Committee of the General Court.
187
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
being the resort of our citizens, old or young, men or women. They may say it is because the railroad is there, but everybody knows that is not the reason. On one corner is the Lock-up, around which are gathered, from day to day and from night to night, all the loafers and stragglers of the city. On another part of it is an old burial ground. On another part of it is the old South Church, a most respectable and ancient edifice, which is yet fresh in its inculcation of good and wholesome doctrines, I doubt not; and at another corner is one of our ancient school-houses. Aside from the railroads, from the dilapidated fence which encloses it, and all the surroundings of that Common, you will know by a single glance that it is not the resort of our citizens who would like a Park or Common for use."
The picture was drawn to the life, though the tints might well have been shaded more deeply.
The COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS was then constituted and organized as it is now, and as it has been for the last Fifteen years substantially without change. The appearance of the Common was and had been alleged as a reproach. Should it be suffered longer in its neglected and repulsive condition ? was the question for the City Council to determine, by which body alone could the necessary appropriations be made. Fortunately, the situa- tion was appreciated ; and upon official assurances of cordial and substantial co-operation, * the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS commenced their work of reclamation and improvement. The dilapidated School-house was torn down and carted off; earth was purchased and hauled in by the thousands of yards ; Paths were literally built up, like causeways, in some places to a height of four and five feet; lawns were constructed against them and graded to a level, or uniform slope, according to that system of natural engineering which adapts itself to the lay of the land; and, after all was ready for it, grass-seed was sown in profusion,-a generous allowance, whereby only can a firm and tenacious sward be secured in sufficient season. It was a more difficult task to reduce the knoll where " slept so many of the rude forefathers of the hamlet." Even that was accomplished by the exercise of tact and patience ; as little disturbance as possible being caused, no removal permitted, nor what would have been worse, no morbid notoriety provoked. So busy was the axe, at
*In securing which, Alderman F. H. Kelley was mainly instrumental.
E. W. L.
188
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
first, that some apprehended the wanton destruction of all the trees upon the Common. But many were dead, or dying ; more were deformed or at best unsuitable ; all were too closely com- pacted for their own thrifty growth ; and appearances at present are very deceptive, if too many were not spared. For the in- creased vitality induced by the air and sunlight, once let in, quickly occupied whatever space had been made vacant with a fresh exuberance of branch and foliage. Too much shade is, if possible, a greater evil than too little : a fact that might be recognized more clearly than it seems to be, along many of our public streets, were abutters more placable.
The COMMISSION have never wished to enclose the Common ; assuming that animals would be controlled from trespass, and not caring to confine their fellow-citizens within or without a fence. But they have deemed that a suitable Kerb might be protracted around its entire boundary ;- partially for orna- ment and protection ; more especially to define its limits. So far as concerns this hope, they console themselves as they look along Salem Square, with the old adage (has any one ever proved its truth ?) that all things come to him who waits.
Nor have they been unmindful of the possibilities that might be caused to result from the unsurpassed height whence is derived a large portion of our Water supply. It was a cherished fancy of the late D. Waldo Lincoln-(which he had hoped to see realized)-as it were a vision of a Jet d' Eau, - carrying a hollow stream six (6) inches in diameter and impelled by the full head from Nipnet Pond. Sympathising with that dream of his, and knowing that any provision for its realization would answer for another, less ambitious, play of Water; arrange- ments were made to insert a T for the especial purpose, when the High-Service pipe was extended throughout Front street. There it is and may be found, whenever the people elect to have a Jet d' Eau compared with which all others in the known world would sink into insignificance. Provided with that,-there need be no doubt, whether on July 4th, or whatsoever holiday,-as to how the inhabitants of Town and County can be pleasantly and
189
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
as safely occupied or amused. Water Works against Fire Works ! Water will win every time, and at infinitely less cost !
The COMMISSION borrow no trouble concerning the future uses of the Common. They discussed the subject years since, and the lapse of time has not altered their conclusions. They could easily reconcile themselves to the occupancy of the Westerly side, by a new City Hall, whenever the public shall determine that they cannot longer postpone indulgence in such an archi- tectural spree. They realize that such a location would be central and suitable ; and that its occupation for that purpose would but perpetuate, as it were, an immemorial custom. They know that the choice of that site would meet with ready accept- ance ; while the mere proposition to select another would, if meant in earnest, provoke the fiercest sectional animosity and discord. The COMMISSION take the world as they find it; wish- ing and hoping to improve it as far as lies within their power; at any rate satisfied that their fellow-citizens, should they finally decide to put their Town Meeting-House upon their own Public Grounds, will not have gone far astray. A sub- stantial and symmetrical building dedicated to inevitable public uses, and therefore in continuous and busy occupation, will sub- ject the land to a much better possession than if it were reclaimed from its present theological easement but to be trampled down, or cut up into countless foot-paths, by a herd of lawless boot-heels. To the remark that it could be guarded from ravage and kept green,-the reply is as true, as conclusive, that hitherto the Police have been the worst, because incorrigible, offenders.
ELM PARK was let severely alone until the work upon the Common had been substantially finished. In fact, to judge from flings and squibs in the newspapers, some sceptics had begun to despair of ever seeing anything effected upon that then forlorn stretch of sand and swamp. Acquired A. D. 1854, it lay fallow so far as its improvement went ; and would indeed appear to have been wholly neglected after it was once inclosed by a fence and girt with a row of maples. It afforded a handy dumping- ground for the Highway-Department, whose semi-annual depos-
190
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
its of crinoline and tomato-cans were profusely supplemented by a lavish contribution of all manner of uncleanness from the casual job-wagon or wheelbarrow. The anaconda of the circus "shuffled off its mortal coil" in the heats of June, and the decomposition of abnormal cats added their peculiar and potent perfume. Over the whole twenty-eight acres Mephitis Ameri- cana bore uncontested sway. "Will the COMMISSION never do anything for Elm Park ?" "Can they not at least get a plan ?" Such and similar was the outcry in the newspapers, but eight years ago, from some who only comprehended the haste which makes waste. The COMMISSION were firm in the opinion that it was best to do one thing at a time, and to do that well. They did not think that the City would be willing to bear the expense of improving the two Parks, simultaneously. No time was lost in reality ; for the possibilities of ELM PARK were closely studied, the while ; and without subjecting the people to the payment of such bills as may arrest the eye of the curious searcher who would fain find out how much it cost to "get a plan" of Quin- sigamond ! When the task had been once commenced, nothing was suffered to interrupt its prosecution. Through Summer and Winter, in heat and cold, nay, in despite of ice and snow- the work was almost continuous. So various was the nature of the soil, that something was practicable almost always. Peat could be excavated in Winter better than at any other time. Had it not been so, it would be no exaggeration to say that what has already been accomplished would have required at least a third more time for its equally thorough execution. The change that has been effected is obvious enough, and is the theme of frequent compliment from private and official sources, from fellow-townsmen and the stranger within our gates. Clear and sparkling Pools have usurped the place of the original swamp. Brier and brush yield room to the Spice-Bush or Rhododendron ; and the omnipresent skunk-cabbage has vanished forever before the invasion of the Azalea and Iris. The COMMISSION may never realize their dream of introducing and growing at least one specimen of every plant, or shrub, or tree, that can be made to thrive in that particular locality. But this, at worst, may be
191
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
asserted with confidence, that few Public Grounds, where there were so many natural obstacles to overcome, offer a greater diversity ; that none surpass it, whether for floriage or foliage, when the relative expenditure is considered ; and that, as a simple combination of Garden and Shrubbery, without any pretension to finical Architecture or topiary conceits, and as the net product of eight years of, very limited labor ; it need not shrink from any honest comparison. That which is visible upon a cursory inspection, is but a slight manifestation of what has been accomplished in the whole period. Every cubic foot now covered with water or ice has been excavated, mainly by the labor of four or five men, availing themselves of the wheelbarrow,-save to an insignificant extent, where the earth itself was a sufficient inducement to the owners of teams to aid in the removal. There is not a lineal perch of wall but was constructed by the stated daily industry of one man - Mr. Steven Rowe-to whom due praise has been accorded in these Reports heretofore. The physical strength of others may have been brought to his aid, where needed : but the tried capacity, so conspicuous by every bank of those POOLS was his individual and exclusive merit.
As there was but slight change, throughout that whole time, in the personnel of the COMMISSION, so also has its policy been consistent and steady in the uniform direction of municipal development. There are ways enough of local improvement : but some one must indicate, perhaps urge them upon an audience at times reluctant, or even unwilling. If those ways tended to an immediate pecuniary return, the task would not be so difficult nor lack volunteer advocates. But when you argue that a Broad Avenue should be constructed, to encircle the town and open up its suburbs for gradual or ultimate settle- ment ; selfishness anticipates a possible competition with its own land, which is nigher the centre of population, and like as not will not be appreciated by throwing upon the market a desirable and cheaper though more remote section. To diffuse and dis- perse the body of inhabitants over a wider area does not tend to augment the rents of crowded lodging and tenement
·
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
houses. But yet diffusion and dispersion was the policy of that thoughtful student of affairs -John S. C. Knowlton -; enforced when he was Mayor and advocated by him always ; and it is a policy that commends itself to those of us who were privileged with his instruction and have survived to profit from the fruits of his teaching .*
There is vacant land enough, in Worcerter, to supply every family with a homestead, ample, if not lavish in its proportions. But it is not for those who prefer dust or mud, if they can but step on pavements : or who imitate the animals in gregarious- ness and can only live in a herd. Society is well enough in its way, but it should not be suffered to stand in the way of humanity ! There are certain luxuries that we have come to consider necessities, which will not accompany us into the suburbs and might have to be dispensed with for the time. But even gas has advanced a long way toward the Lake; and the main conduit, fed from Nipnet or Tataesset, already dismisses its overflow into the more profound level of Quinsigamond. It was to develop this territory, and all like it, that the construc- tion of LAKE, and PARK, AVENUES, was first advised, and there- after persistently urged, in these Reports. The shallow criti- casters, -who eject their occasional feeble sneer at "useless pleasure drives"-, have not the faintest conception of the vast impulse which those AVENUES, in esse and posse, have given to the growth of the suburban districts. Let them but be con- nected, -North and South, -from West Boylston street to Lincoln, by Barber's ; and from Southbridge street, around Mount St. James, to Granite, over the ledge ; and their present utility will be increased beyond measure, each new step in the progression extending to the "plain people" a decided because practical benefit. To the visitor from abroad who looks around in vain for some new architectural monstrosity in school-houses, -some reckless extravagance in City-Halls, -let Worcester proudly point to her acknowledged jewels-Wide Avenues that environ, -Public Grounds that adorn, and make happy,-
·
*It was during his Mayoralty, and mainly through his influence, that ELM PARK was acquired by the City. E. W. L.
193
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
above all, detached, and rural homes which shelter a thrifty and contented population !
The newspaper scribe (him of the Argus-eye for example), endueth his seven-league boots and hieth him to the spot where broad roads are supposed to meet, and the same old four-legged roadsters to skip at the same old gait. He cooleth his body and spirits simultaneously ; (much to his disgust they do not warm their spirits along Park Avenue !) and his languid zeal for municipal development subsideth to his very heels even as the mercury into its bulb. Or, he " lardeth the lean earth" upon a sweltering day of June, ostensibly to write up an account of some famous strawberry plantation, but in reality sampling the fruit with both hands to the exclusion of note-book and pencil ! What wonder that he is blind even to the magnitude of our local Ice-Harvest ! as two-thirds of it are borne along that very road in an interminable caravan. The time for LAKE AVENUE to be fully appreciated is near at hand. That time might be accelerated by its completion-Northwardly : yet, for certain reasons, we must be patient. PARK AVENUE is its own present justification. Already has it more than repaid its cost, by the taxable value of edifices that would never even have been thought of but for its location and opening. It supplies an unrivalled thorough- fare from Northville to New Worcester, with a saving to the traveller of well-nigh a mile and a half. Once, along its route a house was scarcely to be seen. Now,-you may look sharp before you discover unoccupied lots between frequent buildings. And it fulfils the prediction of its advocates. The Streets- a-down the hill-side, Westerly, find in it their ready and con- venient outlet. But for PARK AVENUE, every street running West from Chestnut would end, as it were, in a cul-de-sac. Therefore, let the scoffer take clay from that Avenue and, moistening it with spittle from the latter-day Seer, lay it upon his eye-balls to clear away the unwonted film that obscures the gaze of Argus !
November 4th, A. D., 1884, the legal voters of Worcester were duly warned to give in their votes upon the question, thus submitted :
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CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
" Shall an Act passed by the Legislature of the Commonwealth, in the year Eighteen Hundred and eighty-two, entitled
' An Act authorizing Cities and Towns to lay out Public Parks within their limits' be accepted?"
The result of the poll, as returned in detail, is inserted here, for more convenient reference and information in future :
Yes.
No.
Ward 1: Precinct 1 :
335
5
2 :
224
8
Ward 2: Precinct 1 :
2 :
147
23
Ward 3 : Precinct 1 :
133
13
66
2 :
225
3
Ward 4 : Precinct 1 :
258
4
66
2 :
295
16
Ward 5 : Precinct 1 :
199
18
66
2 :
302
5
66 3 :
440
5
Ward 6 : Precinct 1 :
220
9
Ward 7: Precinct 1 :
66 2 :
361
3
Ward 8 : Precinct 1 :
451
5
66 2 :
413
17 Yes, 5,094 :
No, 181 :
Had the people examined the Act, which they adopted thus emphatically ; and did they comprehend the extremely restricted scope of its provisions ? Its text was published as an Appendix to the Annual Report of this COMMISSION, the year previous ; and had been inserted at full length, it is believed, twice during the twelvemonth, in the Daily Spy. Yet how few there seem to be who are aware that the PARKS-COMMISSION, created by that Act, are invested with jurisdiction only over such Public Grounds as may be acquired by their own act ! The law clothes them with no authority over the Common; or ELM, or even LAKE, PARK. " The sole care, superintendence, and manage- ment of the Public Grounds belonging to said City of Worces-
2 :
223
3
347
3 :
201
24
320
13
195
PUBLIC GROUNDS.
ter, and of all the shade and ornamental trees standing and growing thereon, and also of all the Shade and Ornamental trees standing and growing in or upon any of the public streets and highways of said city ; " is still, as it has been for a genera- tion, in the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS. The Act of 1882 makes no reference to any such bodies in existence, and has no provision for their supersedure ; which now, as always, ensues only upon impeachment by a concurrent vote of two-thirds of each branch of the City Council.
Of course it is competent for the City to retain two Commis- sions, whether they are needed, or not. But the question will continually recur, which presents itself already,-is not one Commission wholly superfluous ? There can be no doubt that either could discharge all the duties incumbent upon the two ; and that, with greater certainty and better direction of purpose. Why, then, should not the General Court be asked to terminate the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, on May 1st prox., when the new PARKS-COMMISSION will come to life ? The power over the Public Grounds now owned by Worcester, so long exercised by the present Commission ; as well as over the Shade-Trees, &c., &c., might be transferred, in explicit terms, to the last created body. And it would be better if in the precise language of Section 21, of the Municipal Charter, which has an accepted interpretation and meaning. The Report, required to be made by the PARKS-COMMISSION " to the City Council, annually in the month of December," were wisely deferred, by an amend- ment, either to March or April ; as the official year of that Com- mission does not commence until May, and much out-door work will often be done during the five months from December to May, whereof some account should be timely rendered.
The subject is especially commended to the Honorable CITY COUNCIL, not as one personally concerning the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS ; but as to which they are prompted by their perception of what will enure to the public welfare, in the interest of official simplicity and unity. At present, and until the law is changed, the COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS will continue, of three members, who will have all that they care to
196
CITY DOCUMENT .- No. 39.
do. On and after May 1st, with the law yet unaltered, there will be a PARKS-COMMISSION, constituted of five members, who will have no legitimate occupation but that which they can con- trive, and for which they may secure the co-operation of the City Council. Suppose that the PARKS-COMMISSION should go on and acquire areas of territory, in different portions of the City, as it ought, as the people created it expressly to do, and, for omitting which, it would deserve to be summarily abolished ! Which shall have jurisdiction in the premises? The Act of 1882 confers it upon the PARKS-COMMISSION. But the City Charter vests " the sole care, superintendence and management of the Public Grounds " of Worcester in the existing COMMIS- SION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS, to which is also assigned the over- sight of the Shade-Trees. Admitting that a General Law creating Boards or Commissions throughout the Commonwealth, when and wherever the law is accepted by the people, may be construed to over-rule or repeal sections in the municipal char- ter of Worcester,-upon the sole ground of inconsistency ! (for there is no repealing clause of any nature !) what will be the upshot when it comes to matters of finance? Shall the City . Council be obliged to appropriate one sum for the Common, Elm Park, Lake Park, together with the Shade-Trees; and an entirely distinct amount for such Parks as may be acquired under the Act of 1882? Of course, such separate accounting is practicable, howsoever perplexing in practice. But the real question is,-Would it be wise to retain the dual system ? And, if unwise, why should it be thought worth the while ?
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