Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1891-01-06

which, If destroyed, cannot be replaced
Their loss would simply be irreparable,
and yet they are all kept in wooden
cases on the third floor of q building
situated in a block unusually exposed to
fire, lin fact the building itself is heated
by stoves.) They ought to be in fire
proof vaults.
GRAND STREET CEMETERY.
Some years ago an act of the legislature
was passed, providing the manner in which
the old Grand street cemetery could be
| condemned for burial purposes and turned
over to the city for park, on which pub
lie buildings could also be erected, if it
seemed desirable.
= 1t is with great deal of satisfaction
| that / am able to announce that after sew
| eral months of patient endeavor on the
part of few citizens, all the conditions of
that legislative act have been fulfilled, and
that the city to-day practically owns this
| property, and will, as soon as the spring
opens, proceed to beautify it, and carry
/ out the intent of the act.
No burials have been made in this cemeI
terry for twenty five years or so. 1t con-
tains four acres of land, situated almost
in the heart of the city, and many beauti-
full homes are near it. 1t has filled its
mission as burying ground, and its sacred
character was daily marred by acts unfit
to mention. Its tombstones were rapidly
/
wretches, and carried away bodily. No
fence has been strong enough to with
stand the entertainments of these vandals,
and the magnificent appropriation of one
hundred dollars was all the money the
town was instructed to spend yearly, in
cutting the grass and keeping hinges on
the gates. This gross neglect of the town
was only equaled by the Indifference of the
| owners of the lots, who rarely, if ever,
| visited it, and certainly without no money
| to repair the ravages of time. Many of
the remains have been transferred to other
cemeteries, and taken altogc. her the
Grand street cemetery had become blot
ON our beautiful city. Anyone having re-
latisns or friends buried there, can, ON ap-
plication to the committee in charge, have
them removed to other cemeteries at the
at the expense of the city.
Thus, in very few months, we hope to
add a new Iark-another breathing place,
in city which now boasts of only enc,
where all classes can go for quiet and rest.
1t seems to ME that when this is all &C
cemplished, the city ought TO present to
the board of agents of the Bronson library,
lot ion which to erect new building
This would have many advantages. 1t is
centrally located. Built on so large plot
of land, there must be less danger from
fire. and little annoyance from noise; and
quiet is one important requisite for libra
ry building. No other site seems to me to
cover so many essential qualities for a
library, especially when it goes as a gift to
the board of agents, and particularly
when such building would not take
away, but only add, to its beauty as a
park.
II PARKS.
A committee was appointed early in the
year to lock up the matter of location for
public parks. The growth of our city is so
rapid, and available land for this purpose
is so scarce, that feel it my duty to i'm
press upon you the need of early action.
The advantage of parks in city where So
many people werk in shops, is so generally
conceded that will not argue The ques
: ton, and will only give you my idea of one
location and leave it in your hands.
r urge this strongly, for the reason that the
property in question is in the hands of a
trustee, who has several times urged action
: on my part, as he himself is anxious tina,
I it shall be thus utilized; and further, be-
cause If we delay we may not be able tc
secure it. The property in question be
longs to the A. B. Wilson estate and ex
q tends from the hospital to the Riverside
n cemetery on both sides of the road. Il
r contains about twenty acres of land and i:
. perfectly located for such purposes.
e would buy land on this side of the river
e adjoining the base ball grounds, larg,
c enough to furnish room for all games, ant
9 build rustic bridge from this plot over the
S river and road, and thus connect the parl
: and play grounds. 1 would dam the river
so that depth of six or eight feet of wa
ter could be had up the river for one-hal
mile or so, and thus secure good boatins
p in summer, and good skating in winter
> Below the bridge would give the boy
good bathing facilities, well protected
= l am sare no money can be expended It
3 such good advantage, and think that TIL
D gravel which could be taken from the hill
It and which is getting to be scarce article
e would realize a very considerable amour
s. of the original outlay, not to speak of tn
d health and pleasure besides. 1 think, gen
II tlemeR, you will have the hearty approva
If and support of your constituents if you d,
is NOT pass this matter over lightly, but ap
x point committee to investigate, and re
/, port to you figures and estimates.
a cannot let this opportunity pass with
A. out returning my heartfelt thanks to a.
a the members of the court of common coun
" ell, and the members of each board, and i
fact to all connected with the city govern
Il ment, for the uniform kindness shown IN
h in this, my first essay in public life. Thi
~ harmony has been, trust, for the bes
y good of the city, and l hope it may cor
N tinue this year, and that you, one and al
~ may prosper in your various callings an
!, realize your fondest hopes.
ot THE
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