The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1881-07-28
A PROJECT.
The Improvement of Black
Hawk Tower.
Why could not such be
done !?

The improvement of Black Hawk Watch
Tower, and the conversion of that beauti-
full natural eminence into a pleasure resort,
garden and park is a subject which has
never received the serious and considerate
attention which its Importance would de-
mand. just why such is the fact would
perhaps be difficult to explain, but that
such indifference has existed is to be re-
GREETED.
There is now an earnest effort being
made to lease that property and improve
it, by erecting thereon hotel. The plan
is not sufficiently perfected TO give actual
facts and figures, but enough is known to
warrant the statement that the present sea
son viii not terminate without some tang
lille move having been made in the prem
Uses
NECESSARY STEPS.
As before stated the preliminary steps
to be taken are the leasing of the property
in and about the tower. This can probably
be accomplished, as the owner of the pro
perty receives little or no revenue as at
present conducted In the event that no
lease can be effected, it is not improbable
to suppose that the persons interested in
the scheme will be willing to purchase the
property outright, although the assumption
is made that the owner of the property
will feel disposed to assist such an enter
prise as is contemplated in the permanent
Improvement of the property.
The lease having been made an object of
certainty, a stock company will be organic
ed with a capital of S15, 600 or $50, 900, as
may be deemed most expedient.
Capitalists, and those having money at
their disposal, will be willing to invest a
small amount to start the project, as it
certainly gives promise of not only being
good investment, but will also afford amuse
ment TO the numerous citizens of Rock
Island, Moline, Davenport and Milan who
will thus be supplied with an enjoyable
pleasure retreat within easy distance OF
their respective homes.
REASONS.
II any doubt exists as to the feasibility
of the plan, it will disappear when the pc
culiar situation of this spot is remembered
The central location renders it accessible
from the four different cities, whose united
population would aggregate 10000 people.
At present no such pleasure resort is to be
found, and persons desiring a little recrea
tlO0 nave 10 content themselves
with visit to other
cities, or if obliged to remain at home,
a brief camping out season suffices for
the summed vacation.
The roadway to the tower, with slight
and inexpensive improvement will enable
all to visit that spot who desire to do so
either in summer or winter, and when the
fact is generally known that some facilities
are present for the entertainment Of guests
the present large number Of visitors will
be mutually increased.
THE INSTITUTION.
II the plan can be successfully carried
out, a good substantial building will be
fitted up for the entertainment
of parties who drive out to enjoy a meal,
and at the same time can be arranged for
the permanent entertainment of those who
desire to tarry for greater length of time.
The view from the building would be
such as to repay long journey, as the nat
ural beauty of the scenery in this locality
could then be enjoyed to its full extent.
The grounds in and about the Tower
would also receive attention, and by sim
pie arrangement of walks and other ad
juncts to park, might be made inviting
and enjoyable at a small outlay of money.
The plan is certainly worthy of trial, and
the only reason why the same can not be
pushed to a successful conclusion is the
of securing the ground.