Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1890-04-28
lmproye the Park.

day being "A model spring DAY ana
the beauties of nature inviting me
out to partake Of her boulities, after
dinner, at noon, my wife and l
boarded the street car and rode out
to the Highland addition, arrived at
the platform opposite DR.. Minthorn's
residence. The car stopped and the
score of passengers disembarked.
MY spouse and 1 followed the crowd
along a grass-grown street running
north, and few minutes, walk
brought us TO the welcome shade of
the park. Hundreds were there
on our arrival, and accessiOns were
constantly arriving by private
conveyance and on the cars. [ have
seen handsomer parks in the East
ern cities and in some of the. capi-
tails of Europe; but L don't know
that layish expenditure and the
tricks of the landscape artist are
necessary to rural enjoyment.
Here we we have charming piece
of forest land, fifteen acres in ex-
tent, cleared of surerhuous trees,
u carriage drive around ihe circum-
ference, rustic seats for the wearied
and abundance of pure cold water
for all. A. merry-go-round was kept
in constant motion and affording
an unfailing amusement for con-
slant crowds. The visitors were
well behaved, all were on the same
errand bent, and each one consti.
tuted the others enjoyment.
AS l understand, this pleasure
ground is part of the Highland
park purchase, and is owned by the
Oregon Land Co., who have given
it upto the public use. The few and
inexpensive improvements made
have been at the expense of
that company. As a citizen
of Salem 1 appreciate the public
service rendered, and can see
much good in store for the people of
this city in this pleasure and health
resort being placed at their service.
That quaint philosopher, Sancho
Panza, cautions us against looking
gift horse in the mouth. But APP
probation of good deed is not
qualified by suggesting improve
ments. A few flower beds and
ornamental shrubbery would add
many attractions to the place, and
grotto and fountain and such
scenic devices would be very de-
lightful to the pleasure seeker.
I have encountered one or two
tender consciences who object to
this popular resort to the park on
the day of rest and hint at Sabbath
desecrntion. 1t would be we'll for
the people of Salem to understand
one another at the opening of the
summer season. Sabbath desecra-
tion does not consist in those who
live within city walls, and spend six
days in the week in stores and
workshops, enjoying the charms of
nature or Sunday. Health de-
nlands fresh air and change, and the
church need not be neglected to
indulge an afternoon trip TO the
park. In England the picture gal
leries, parks and museums are OPEN
ed on Sunday, because it has been
found ifyou shut up all the health
full and intellectual resorts, the peo-
pie will have recourse to the tavern.
do not advocate swings, whirligigs
or cigar and lemonade stands IN the
park on Sundays, as they SAVIOR of
the fair ground and cannot help CIV
ing offense to certain class of our
citizens. But l do heartily favor
the park as a Sunday and everyday
resort, and would impose no restric-
ton OIL the natural attractions that
a judicious expenditure of money
can add thereto. Why, yesterday
I noticed at least half dozen pairs
of Young men and their lasses seated
on the unprotected fences of one or
two unfinished houses, enjoying the
charms of out-o'-door life, and aban-
doning themselves to the Italians
paradise of dolce far nente, which
means an agreeable way Of doing
nothing. OLIVER.
Salem, April 2s, 1890.