Grand Rapids morning telegram., 1885-07-27
THE SOLDIERS HOME.
a VISIT TO . PROPOSED SIZE.
The CITY Hanosomest Park-its Nat
urai Beauties Its DesirsoiiitY Tor
the nome Location.

Several months have passed slnos the pleoe
OF property known a. the ball forty, stu
ated just vest Of the cats limits was donated
10 the eity for pUbhc park. Daring these
months reference has frequently been made
10 this munIhoent glft b the eity press, hui
owing 10 the inaoces slbllIty of the property
few citizens have been able 10 aoq uaInt tbeus-
selves with its peculiar fitness for the par
pose intended by the donor. The grading
OF West Fulton sinoeI has nov ~ far
progressed that The property can be
reached easily and quickly. Knowing
tins fact and that the property, Ia con
nectiOn with some adjoining lands, han been
talked OF for a site for the new Soldiers
Home. a representative OF I'm IkLkGhAN
visited Ball Park" yesterday and sas richly
repaid for 30 doing The drive over the
new Fulton street bridge. through the popu-
lOuS Eighth Ward, past many New and sub
stantlal business blocks and residences, Was
a pleasant one for IL inspired the reporter
with the fact OF how great are the progress
i've strides the clty II making. The bridge
Il fine specimen Of substantial arcil-
lecture and Is nov proving great factor Ia
developing al unfortunate portion Of the
city upon IT. eastern approach, and d NarI
territory upon the West Side, which
has already become 30 desirable
residence portion OF the cliy.
Wholesale houses, brick business blocks.
manufactures and beautiful residences are
being reared IN the unwhOISome and waste
places about the Eastern approach, nne
stores residences, flats and factories are be-
ing built near the western approach. Go
ing west from the bridge past the largest
furniture factory III the world, by the site
of the new Lake Shore depot. crossing
1. .fuIa tstl nd gisa
drive of little over mile brought the
scribe 10 the city newest, Oest-located pub
lie park climb up rather steep banks,
the easier approaches not beng sought,
brings the visitor TO ii commanding rise OF
ground 40 feet above the level of the river.
The view of the city from this point Il sim
ply grand, far surprising that gained from the
other points of eminence hitherto frequently
sought and well known 10 every citizen.
sweep of the entire valley from North 10
South l. obtained and many blue hills, seen
miles and miles away, form handsome
background To- the picture. Ball park nat
urally faces the city and II bounded upon
the north by Fulton street extended. IL Is
covered with natural growth of timber and
"A beautiful rayine, through which gurgles
stream of pure, spring water passes through
the northern portion of the land. From
this branch out two or three smaller ravines,
which gives the park picturesque and TO
ravine Is high and level plateau of about
twenty i've acres. This Is timbered 10y fine
growth OF young oak. while here and there
majestic monarchs rear their heads heaven
ward more beautiful spot than this
upon which TO erect home for the
care and comfort of Michigan veterans.
the newspaper man had never seen before.
In the center of this plateau and natural
grove cleared of Its underbrush, he Imag-
ined the imposing structure, the Home.
faciug the east and overlooking the clty:
connecting the two elevations of land, and
spanning the handsome little valleys, he
could see rustic bridges. built by the soldiers
themselves; upon the most prominent knoll
and near the building was an observatory
bearing a tall flag staff. This knoll, 10y the
way. Is some l65 feet above the level of the
river at Fulton street. Upon the well-kept
lawn and under the mighty spreading oaks
sat the groups of aged soldiers chatting and
recounting how the battles were won and
lost In the ravines, along side the babbling
brook, inhaling the pure air, enjoying the
delightful breezes, quenchlng their
! thirst with the purest of waters
could be seen the blue coated
wards of the nation. Any citizen who visits
this delightful park, so perfect and beautiful
| 10y nature and does not without effort. be
come inspired with the natural fitness OF the
place for this particular object must have
| little appreciation of the eternal fitness Of
ANYTHING. SO much for Ball park. Adjoin-
ing the park proper upon the west u a fine
| section of high and rolling farming country
| The forty Immediately joining l. only par
! italy improved. while beyond are rich fields
| of grain, thrifty orchards, profitable vine
/ yards. Upon some inquiry. after hls return
| to the city. the scribe learned that the two
| hundred acres lying west of Ball Park and be
longing TO different parties. could be purchas
| ed for the Soldiers Home project Al a most
| reasonable figure. If this Is true
| here Il a site of 2l0 acres that cannot be ex-
celled for the purpose: It has every natural
advantage. and it, desirability can but i'm
press not only every citizen who visits H. but
/ also the directors, whose duty 10 the State Is
| to select the site of sites. The question Of
/ improving the Ball forty and making Of u a
/ great popular resort will be speedily decided
! 10y the citizen who visits II al TINS season Of
/ the year. THE IFIEGRAM scribe was capt.
waited by II. and waits 10 hear the reports Of
/ other visitors.