USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Town annual reports of the several departments for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1885 > Part 21
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At a later date, the Chronicle returns to the charge under the head of "Street Trees," and writing of the admiration excited by the long lines of Acacia,-" notoriously a loose, straggling-look- ing tree when left to its own devices, but which, hard-pruned every year, have developed, in this instance, during each succeed- ing summer handsome, indeed we may say elegant, heads of foliage, dense, rich-green and beautiful. Hitherto, the Sutton Court-road paths have been of gravel, through which the water could percolate freely. The Local Board have now got posses- sion of the road, and their first proceeding has been to kerb and channel the sides with stone. Then they have covered the paths with asphalte, thus excluding from the roots of the unfortunate Acacias, henceforth and forever, all moisture and air; and, finally, they are macadamizing the road, so that every drop of rain which falls upon it shall pass into the stone channels (gut- ters ?) and thence into the drains, to be carried where it is not wanted-into the Thames. How true it is, that if God gives us the country, man-and too often very stupid man-makes the town."
That there must be foot-paths in a thickly settled community cannot be questioned. But there always exists a choice in the materials wherefrom they can be constructed,-nor is it ever
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indispensable that they should be impervious to water. A porous walk is far more comfortable to the feet than any other. Noth- ing surpasses the ash from anthracite after the snow and rain of winter have once worked a thorough leach. But here in Worces- ter, doubtless, the Miss Nancy of Sanitation would object to their being utilized so cheaply or sensibly. Brick, stone, or "con- crete ": "you pays your money, and has "? no voice in the selection ; certainly, no alternative.
Early in January, A. D. 1886, an old elm, near the centre of the Common, was prostrated by a sharp, sudden gust of wind. It was snapped short off, a few feet from the ground, happily falling where it could do the least injury. Had its direction been precisely opposite, nothing but a miracle could have saved the Bigelow Monument from being literally pulverized. As it chanced, not even a moment's interruption to their daily walk resulted to any one. But the actual condition of that tree furnished a lesson to this COMMISSION. Heart and sap-wood had alike lost fibre and, where not actually degenerated to punk, were so nearly decayed that the only wonder remaining was how the tree continued upright. It became obvious enough that those old giants in front of Brinley Block, upon which the Chairman daily cast a look of distrust and suspicion, ought not longer to be tolerated. They had grown aged in the public service, bestowing grateful shade upon one generation after another, and for that it was only just that they should be spared as long as possible. But the exactions of travel and traffic had exhausted their vitali- ty ; excavations for gutter, side-walks, and finally coal-vaults, compelling the excision of their roots, which in time was speedily followed by a corresponding mortality of limbs. The teeth of the crib-biter had left their impression, also canker and blight entering where the shield of bark was first gnawed off. Fault has been found by a few who were ignorant of the facts, and who naturally deplored the loss of what were once the greatest orna- ments to our noble Main Street. But the responsibility rested lightly with them, bearing in oppressive weight upon the PARKS- COMMISSION. What had occurred in Plymouth was liable to happen any day in Worcester. A gustof wind more violent than usual,-
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a woman's piercing scream,-and all is over ! Not yet :- disputed liability, consequent ill-feeling diffusing itself almost impercepti- bly throughout the community, lawsuits, judgments and-the inevitable taxation ! If not in Plymouth,-most assuredly in Worcester. For here, the trees had been officially and publicly declared unsafe, and the delay of each day in their removal by so much aggravated the danger and its consequent liability. The PARKS-COMMISSION object to anybody being killed through their neglect or indifference ; and, apprehending peril, made effective arrangements with the Highway Department to remove the more imminent causes of fear. A. D. 1870, the COMMISSION OF SHADE TREES AND PUBLIC GROUNDS expressed views to which its mem- bers, of whom all survive to this day, still adhere :-
"The felling of that ancient tree * at the foot of Elm Street, which had sheltered so many generations beneath its protecting branches, afforded an occasion at the time for much sentimental reproach. A little reflection would have disclosed the fact that there were those upon that Commission to whom the least twig of that venerable tree was fraught with tenderer memories than the entire ruck of indiscriminate censors could possibly appreciate. Permis- sion for its eradication was given, upon the application of the Highway Com- missioner, with the advice and approval of the late Mayor t. The Commis- sioners are thoroughly satisfied with the result of an act, the responsibility for which is exclusively their own. And they felicitate the community upon the marked improvements which have followed, and which were rendered possible of accomplishment only by such decided action. Trees were made for man, not man for trees. Yet too many still stand, spared because of lin- gering associations, or on account of their age and massive proportions, whose removal would be a great public accommodation and appease an in- creasing popular demand."
The PARKS-COMMISSION would keep themselves prepared for what is inevitable, precipitating nothing, in nowise forcing mat- ters, but ever conscious and ready to admit that change, if at times insensible, is nevertheless an inexorable law of creation. A tree, like everything in the animal or vegetable economy, can but fulfil its appointed mission. It springs up, endures and de- cays. It was declared in Judæa almost nineteen centuries ago that they might actually cumber the ground. The PARKS-COM- MISSION will ever aim to preserve the fortunate mean that
* The old LaFayette elm by the former mansion of Governor Lincoln. t James B. Blake.
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should divide a vigorous life and welcome shade from the barren existence and positive rot, which would soon become perilous. They expect to hear that the Highway Department is alive to the grand possibilities that might be forced to develop a new and brighter life throughout the Northern portion of Main Street. The question which will present itself in such case, must be,- given the opportunity, shall this COMMISSION prevent its reali- zation that a few trees may be spared a little while longer in impaired and very unprofitable duration ?
The terrible storms of sleet beneath which the shrubs and trees of New England were bowed to the ground, split open, or snapped off short, during the latter days of January, and again more severely in the second week of February, A. D. 1886, did not spare Worcester. But, from concurring accounts, their ravages here were tender mercies contrasted with the destruction inflicted upon some of the hill towns of the County. The writer makes no pretence to being the oldest inhabitant, yet his memory goes back many years. And he is frank to confess that, in his whole experience he never knew a similar series of storms, character- ized by such severity and of such stubborn persistence. We often awake in the morning to behold the sun shining upon a 'glittering coat that has enshrouded the landscape the night past. But scarcely once in a lifetime does it occur that men are privi- leged (if also grieved) to behold the havoc that can be wrought when the elemental forces are set to work in earnest. This may be nature's rough and ready method of pruning, only it must be admitted that she manifests a somewhat surly and ungovernable mood : putting rather more polish and glitter than edge upon her tools. Many trees will never recover their former symmetry and stateliness. A great number might better be felled than continue, sheer wrecks, to disfigure the landscape. Some that are filled with youthful vigor can be pollarded, and to that task, in more or less measure, this COMMISSION has been addressing it- self. No one body of men, however, can achieve what ought to be done in this matter, and it will devolve upon individual abut- ters to use the saw with discretion, before their own premises, in cases where it is impossible to await official action.
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The subjoined correspondence, which bears no very ancient date and is pertinent to the subject, is inserted for general in- struction :-
54 LINCOLN STREET, WORCESTER, MASS., Feb. 11, 1886. MR. EDWARD W. LINCOLN,
DEAR SIR :
If I am correctly informed you hold the position of City Forester as well as one of the Park Commissioners, and that you are chiefly responsible for the cutting of sundry beautiful elms and horse chestnuts in Main Street.
Allow me a few words in behalf of the trees amid those you hear on the other side. Some abutters are so appreciative of the elegant shade trees of our cities on no account would they part from them. This ought to weigh something in the minds of our tree guardians when others, perhaps without esthetic taste, desire their removal.
Moreover, if the desires of the Highway Commissioners for removal of our shade trees were to be heeded, where would this terrible havoc stop and what good of shade trees anywhere. Many of our citizens are quite willing that the Highway Department should have a little extra work for the sake of the beauty, shade and health our trees afford. And in behalf of that many usually more silent than others you would naturally hear, I plead for no more destruction of trees save where enfeebled and dangerous or otherwise necessary to be removed.
I am told you are a lover of trees. I am sure thousands feel terribly hurt to see the magnificent elms of Main Street slaughtered. If an enemy had done this we should not have been surprised.
Think of the rare beauty and glory of cities the world around which have a beautiful foliage of this sort. Think of the fame of New Haven and Portland in this regard, and the deep lament over the terrible havoc of the Portland fire with its elegant shade trees. Think how Boston streets are, many of them, blessed with elegant shade which are, in many instances, more crowded in street and side-walk than our Main Street.
What a blessing to every city which has taken the pains to grow elegant shade trees.
Her orators always wax eloquent of those home ornaments and her people quietly luxuriate and praise her shade. The eye finds in this foliage grateful and quiet joy, and the beauty of such adornments is beyond price.
Besides, it takes fifty years to grow such trees as are ruthlessly hewn down in an hour. No wonder many of our citizens feel cut to the heart as we see the work of an evil hour.
For six months of the year we have no trouble from trees of any kind-the cold and wintry months. But when the hot weather comes, and our citizens are abroad where the reflected sun from high walls beats down sometimes with terrible severity, what so delightful as the shade of our lovely trees !
The seller of beverages of all sorts may wish them removed, but the pedes- trians, the dumb horses compelled to wait their owners' pleasure, will turn a grateful heart to the kind planter and preserver of shade trees.
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I need not add that, in the minds of many, there is a good point to be made from the relation of shade trees to the health of a city, which is certainly worth more than any argument in favor of their removal. Everybody almost knows their nourishment is largely animal poison, and that they throw off from their ten million leaves the pure oxygen to bless and sustain all animal life. No art of the apothecary can prepare its equal.
Excuse me, Mr. Forester, if I plead warmly, earnestly, for our blessed shade trees. I applaud your setting them out elsewhere, at convenient dis- tances, and earnestly plead you will use all your power to spare every one possible, especially in our crowded streets, where their shade and beauty are such a comfort and beauty to our city.
I trust no word in the above will seem wanting in the proper respect due from a citizen to any officer of the government of his city. With sincere respect but earnest plea, I am,
Yours, very truly, GEO. WHITAKER, Pastor of Grace Ch.
PARKS-COMMISSION, Worcester, Massachusetts, 12 February, A. D. 1886.
Reverend Sir :-
You will pardon my style, if it strikes you as unusually terse; but as I am busy enough at present, wading around my parish, I have little time to waste. That I may be brief, I must answer you, seriatim.
I do not hold the position of "City Forester," nor does the law create any such officer for Worcester. I have the honor, through the confidence of my colleagues, to be Chairman of the PARKS-COMMISSION, to which body is en- trusted the " sole care, superintendence and management " of the Shade-Trees · along the Streets and in the Public Grounds.
Your letter came to hand at 8 o'clock, this A. M., Feb. 12. At that time I was preparing to go out and perambulate the Streets and Parks, to discover the extent of the fearful wreck so obvious upon every side. As I read your complaint, baseless as I knew it to be better than any one, I looked abroad from my window and, beholding the havoc among the trees that my honored father and myself had set out, I could but exclaim, "What hath God wrought?" I, too, might have been querulous. But (as a Christian minis- ter, you will certainly excuse me?) I bowed at sight before a Power with which nothing civic may compare. Did He select and restrict His destroying agencies to the " enfeebled and dangerous "? Acting for a fallible and mun- dane COMMISSION, I did : and there stopped.
Perhaps I may not fully comprehend your reflections upon the Highway Commissioner. If intended for censure, they are unjust. Otherwise, they are misplaced in the letter of a minister of religion. The trees in front of Brinley and Paine Blocks had been adjudged unsafe, by competent authority. The Highway Department did simply what it was asked to do, and what it could not refuse to do without subjecting the City to a responsibility that
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might be onerous, and was ever imminent. Yet a Christian minister, without inquiry, elects to prejudge the case and to condeinn unheard !
The ecstacy in which you were rapt when you indulged in that rhapsody about Shade-Trees meets with a modified sympathy from the writer. There are vastly more trees along our Streets whereof he saw the planting than with which he is coeval. There are few surviving on Main or Lincoln Streets that can attest by their living presence, as can his memory, the first reception of LaFayette. Their every trunk and branch is fraught to him, who played under them in boyhood, with associations at least as tender as they could possibly inspire in the transitory incumbent of a pulpit adhering to a nomadic church. As an officer of the city, he would not sacrifice them ruthlessly, nor spare them when they threatened life or limb.
You state your assurance that " thousands feel terribly hurt," &c., &c. Did you ever reflect how men are prone to exaggeration? The custom of repeat- ing " Thus saith the Lord!" misleads him who utters it, doubtless, and causes him to confound the simple mouthpiece with the very Oracle. Do you ever count those whom you meet, to see how many it requires to fill your tally? When you have gathered one thousand men together (let alone the plural), you will see a far more numerous committee than is usually assem- bled to bear false witness to the felling of a dead and dangerous Shade-Tree.
You plead for " dumb horses compelled to wait their owners' pleasure " be- neath trees which you think ought, but which I know had ceased, to furnish shade. How many years since was it, think you, that I requested Officer Matthews to try and ascertain the owner of one of those "dumb horses " which was making a hearty dinner off one of those very trees whose fate you deplore? He did learn-and the offender against the City Ordinances, who was too stingy to pay for the keeping of the animal at a stable, was a promi- nent worshipper at Grace Church! Would you know to what to attribute the death of that particular tree? The tireless jaws of that devout horse on weary Sundays, and not the axe or saw of the civic highway-man, who did but earn his just wage.
I write plainly, as one man to another; but also as one who feels that his conduct, in an official position, has been heedlessly assumed and recklessly prejudged. Therefore, I re-turn the cheek that was smitten, and subscribe myself, in all proper respect,
EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN, Chairman. To
REVEREND GEO. WHITAKER,
Pastor of Grace Church.
MR. EDWARD W. LINCOLN :
WORCESTER, MASS., Feb. 13, 1886. Dear Sir :-
I was exceedingly surprised to read your letter in reply to my plea for the Shade-Trees. I am led to feel I was unfortunate in my manner of writing. This I most sincerely regret. And I do now most humbly and earnestly ask your
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pardon for any and every word which was not perfectly proper for a citizen, especially one in a representative relation, to present in a proper plea to an officer of the city.
I did, indeed, plead earnestly, I think not too earnestly, for the trees. I regret anything in my manner of doing it which was not appropriate and respectful.
I regret I have not the honor of your acquaintance. But I took pains, in view of what I saw in the summer, and also quite recently, to inquire who were the proper custodians, &c., concerning this subject.
I was informed, upon what I regarded most reliable authority, not only of yourself but of your care for the trees and love for them, &c.
I was also curious to know why such and so many excellent trees were being sacrificed.
I supposed I was correctly informed, and that I was representing a large sentiment in the community which ought to be heard. Excuse me, my dear sir, if I think I represent their sentiments now.
I have no words of disrespect .for any of our City officers. Nor have I intentionally uttered any. But we all know how different departments of public work often apparently conflict.
I am sure you cannot disapprove of the right of respectful appeal of a kind but earnest letter from one who sympathizes with everything that means the improvement and adornment of our City; and while you welcome any honest words from any of your fellow-citizens, I think you will overlook and forgive any apparent discourtesy in the method of presenting them.
Trusting, if finding occasion to communicate again and now, you will only find from me that measure of good will and esteem which properly becometh fellow-citizens,
I am, yours most respectfully, GEO. WHITAKER, Pastor Grace Church.
Were " the game worth the candle," it might pay to contrast the tone of these, first and last, epistles special to the heathen. But a resort to the Scripture revealeth, once more, to the old "Classical-School " student, who walked, with Bacon and Folsom, under the shade-trees which have succumbed, perforce, to the exactions of the Chadwick Building, that soundest of all axioms :-
" Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off! "
The acceptance of Lake Park by the City, brought with it new duties to be discharged at first by the COMMISSION OF PUB- LIC GROUNDS. Frequent visits, early and late perambulation of the ground, and guarded absorption of advice proffered from all
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quarters, each and all led to the straight-forward conclusion that little should be attempted save to develop Park-Ways and par- tially tame the uncouth wildness of Nature. A fine grove of trees standing upon the northwest corner of the new Park, sug- gested the possibility of supplying Societies and Schools with an unrivalled picnic site, free from burdensome expense. Mr. James Draper was willing to assume the task of clearing off the brush, stumps, and rocks (not stones) ; and the COMMISSION found ample reason to be glad of it, when they saw how admirably he achieved the work. A few clumps of the more hardy flowering and fragrant shrubs should be planted ; and thereafter a place for out-door parties, of abundant space, easy access, and grateful cheapness, will be ever ready for the use and enjoyment of our whole people without distinction of age, sex, or previous condition of servitude. Those to whom distance lends the sole enchantment will, of course, continue to pay tribute to the railways, paring the lunch to eke out the fare !
A well of water, pronounced excellent by members of the Quinsigamond Boat Club,-conceded experts,-was dug during the spring of 1885, and that the convenience might be unfailing, Mr. Oliver K. Cook consented to supply a log-pump of his own make,-perhaps the sole thing of the kind that laughs to scorn the vicious hoodlum. Eighteen feet in depth, of which twelve were in ordinary excavation and six blasted from solid rock,- the water from that well should be cold enough to chill the oleo- margarine for any church excursion. Be it added that this co- pious spring was found in obedience to the indications of the divining-rod, as to which the Chairman of the COMMISSION pro- pounds no creed,-utters no skepticism,-being simply content that the workmen found what was sought so easily and abund- antly, just where they had been told to look for it.
" A stitch in time saves nine !" At the close of the year 1884 a paragraph relative to the improvement then commenced inspired the subjoined note :-
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC GROUNDS,
Worcester, Mass., Dec. 26, 1884.
To Alderman WILLIAM L. CLARK.
MY DEAR SIR :- An allusion in a recent issue of a local newspaper, to the new street around Lake Park, as " Lake Park Avenue," suggests the imme-
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diate need of an official name for that street to prevent misconception and anticipate slang. We now have a "Park Avenue," and a "Lake Avenue." As this new street will encompass the new Park, to a great extent, why not designate it officially as THE CIRCUIT?
It would seem appropriate and certainly has the right ring.
Sincerely yours,
EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN,
Chairman.
That suggestion found favor with the Highway Committee at the outset, and was subsequently accorded formal recognition by the City Council. The street is now known to the community as THE CIRCUIT : and suiting the popular taste, the suggestive title will be apt to stick.
The PARKS-COMMISSION were exceptionally fortunate in another respect. When securing an engineer to perfect a topographical map of Lake Park, they were lucky enough to find a landscape artist in the same person. The service of Mr. McClure was not merely perfunctory. He was revisiting an old field of observa- tion whereto his own taste as that of his mentor, Mr. Triscott (appreciated too late !) had often and irresistibly attracted him, and therefore, to the watchful observer, his map could scarcely help being what it disclosed itself-a picturesque landscape in outline. So palpable was this that it confirmed the original de- termination of the COMMISSION, and led to the detail of Mr. McClure, as indicated in the following note :-
PARKS-COMMISSION,
Worcester, Mass., June 2, A. D. 1885.
FRED. A. MCCLURE,
Civil Engineer :-
After leaving you yesterday afternoon, I drove down to Lake Park and found the old cart road of which we spoke quite practicable. I wish now that you would appoint a time when it will be convenient to stake out a Rural drive-not a City street ! commencing at the old ruin and following the cart track substantially to the big rock which is such a conspicuous feature in the landscape. I got my team as far as that. Keep to the south and south- east, much as we agreed when studying the survey. It is a very charming drive in outline and I doubt not that you can make it realize its full possibili- ties.
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Here and there a turn-out should be allowed where such may be practicable and its need is obvious.
All necessary aid will be supplied upon your requisition.
Very sincerely,
EDWARD WINSLOW LINCOLN,
Chairman.
The devotion of a month by Mr. McClure, reinforced by the appliances at his command, sufficed to work a very material change in many features of the landscape. By the time that it became necessary for him to take his vacation, that he might go off and be bitten by his annual dog ! the entire tract was virtu- ally planned out for definitive construction. A double culvert over the Holy Terror ;* a driveway through the Ford;t a vision of romance by the Twin-Sisters,; a concourse up towards the Shelter,§ the picnic at the Well :- in brief a picturesque maze throughout a charming wilderness if only man can so far control himself as not to "improve" it usque ad nauseam. And every- where-from all points of view-the Lake and Wigwam,-Graf- ton or Shrewsbury,-town and country, water and woodland, conspicuous if not obtrusive at every turn.
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