New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-08-08
SELECTIONS FROM THE MAIL.
FOREST PARK. SPRINGFIELD MASS.
THOROUGHLY RURAL SCENE IN THE MIDST
OF A RrsY CITY.

A THOROUGHLY RURAL SCENE IN THE MIDST
OF BUSY CITY
To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir; The last year has been memorable In the
annals Of Springfield for the extension and develop
ment OF Forest Park, which is now nhe pride OF TINS
city, and descrvedy attracting great attention from
other towns and cities New Haven hos lately ex-
pended $4,000 in the purchase Of extensive lands Tor
parks which when fully developed will be unexcelied
by any In this country. Before this work Of improve
ment should begin, suggested 10 the Park Commission
to send committee 10 inspect the grand achievements
recently made In Springfield Such committee, con-
ssting Of Mayor J. d. Sergeant and Henry 7. Blake
having been appointed invited me TO accompany item
here to-day. The Park Commissioners d. J. Marsh, f.
H. Barney, o. X. Oireenleaf J. f. Taylor and Acting
Mayor ]. A. Murphy, and seven other prominent
citizens escorted to and around the park and showed
their guests every courtesy. Forest Park is remarkable
for It's proximity the centre Of the city, being only
one ard fveeighth miles from Court Square IL con-
alns about $40 and Is and Onequarter miles
In length Onehundrcd and thousand people. II is
said visited these grounds last year. and so far this
year the number Is double that up TO this date in 1890
The people more and more appreciate these charming
views and this pure air
II was a surprise 10 my NewHaven friends to find
so near the centre Of the city such tract OF unoccu
pied land. so secluded and rural so unique in all it's
features created and reserved for this purpose,
narrow and deep ravine and lateral ravnes,
It's many springs lover 100 told, and central
brook and charming little lakes portion Of this park
is as wild and wellwooded when William Pynchon-
the founder Of Springfield" stuck his stake in the
wilderness here $50 years ago.
The improvements recently made IN this park are
marked by severe taste II s truly rural. Nature
seems to have full play There is true art on every
hand but of the highest kind which conceas art.
Tv,ar archf
dissertations By pagodas temples obeTisks The only
brick visible when first inspected this park
was the abutments Of culvert, where our visitors
today saw only rustic covering Of unhewn stone. In
portions Of these grounds one can easily fancy himself
m he in wild forest like the AdirOndacks. They
are snglarly free from any object or ornament that
suggests the close proximity Of busting city. The
reeIed eheterlng pavilion" model OF simple rustic
architecture was much admired by Mayor Sargoant
The wild grottos, from which real living springs are
flowing will seem still more rustic and attractive when
fullv covered with Japanese ivy, when grows so
uxurianty in Springfield 1t is not strange that all
classes In this city and this summer more than ever so
delight 10 escape from the din and dust OF the crowded
streets into these quiet retreats. where they get sense
OF enlarged freedom and repose restorative 10 weaed
minds and bodies Tile strain of orr intense American
life calls for such places Of mental re1reshmenU ana
evboration They also increase that local pride ard
content and appreciation Of the city which promote
loyalty and good order.
This magnificent park is mainly the result OF private
munacence Seven years ago Orrick H. Greenleaf,
started this grand movement BY the gift OF nearly 100
acres When I said to him to-day you must feel
happy In having initiated tbs work. he replied YES
have taken far more pleasure In seeing 50 many Peo
pie enjoy these grounds than l could possibly nave
done I'm the private OF the same amount OF money
He has long been prtncely gver In many ways Dc
evng II Is more blessed to give than to receive More
Oh tod "A
and J. D. Mcknight added nearly fortytwo acres 10
the park Everett H. Barney ms made the magnificent
endowment Of his beautiful homestead and grounds,
containing about 40 OF the entire area % $40
acres less than nnetythree were purchased by inc
city, In lecture before the Springfield improvement
Association less than two years since said rhe men
who are dispensing wealth with liberal hand for the
borof+ NJ thcr town or city are chiefly those who
have acauired fortunes BY their industry and
energy One OF this number, whose name and plans
must not now reveal, has explained 10 me me
noble and magnificent work for this city on
which his heart Is set" That name and work-made
known many months ago-have awakened deep IN
erest and gratitude &mong all classes in sprinshed'
Everett II. Barney knew we'll in his boyhood, and
often officially visited his school He now traces ID
spiration and encouragement those early visits As
a hoy he was an expert skater Naturally ingenious,
he invented and manufactured the improved skates
which have already brought him fortune. For Two
wears he has been mainly occupied in supervising the
great improvements Of his grounds for the benefit OF
the public for he has made Springfield heir 10 TINS now
beautiful estate. AS I have him in the field di-
recting score Of wOrkmen and heard him talk OF his
admirable and tasteful plans of further adornments OF
these grounds for the benefit and enjoyment Of
his fellow citizens and Of coming generations. ne
seemed 10 be daily reaping a harvest OF happl-
ness and gaining the rich luxury Of doing and
giving while living. Snch example IS worthy OF
all praise and OF imitation. Village Improvement Is
now suggesting to increased numbers widely over the
country how easily they become the beneiactors
~ their own towns. Thanks 10 the efforts OF lhe
Tribune new and strong itnpulse has lately Oeel
given 10 this movement. Far more improvement
Socefis have already been formed this than III
anv former year Men of wealth generously re
Numbering their fever before. IL Is ire
guent and grateful privilege to receive the question
WHAT can | wisely do for my town Mt
Rarnev is a good illustration Of the luxury OF becoming
the heuefactOr Of his city. Two years ag0 /
fouud him sadly depressed by great Bereavement
to-day ne radiant and sunny and happy ~ ne ana
we ll admired among his latest plantngs 2OOO rhO-
bed and seven ponds covered with aquatic plants,
Including 1000 lotus plants now In bloom, Egyptian
American aud two varieties Of japanese. ,uch
variety of aquatic plants have nowhere else steh.
Mr.. Barneys work in this line Is only Deeuh, anu
though all his own expense IL Is bringing MIN
fresh vigOr and enjoyment and seems likely 10
add years his fe. -
The New Haven committee felt that the day had
not only been one Of ENJOYMENT but had tnriShed
idea, and suggestions OF practical value In their home
work As they seemed grateful for the advice |
that brought them here, venture 10 repeat the same
invitation all who interested in the improve
ment Of parks, at least in our smaller cities;
NF,ss TrIv