The herald., 1896-04-20
THE DAY AT WANNACK PARK
A Rustic Spot That Attracts nany Rest.
Seeking Visitors

Away out at the end of the DOwney
avenue car line on the east side, where
the city is almost left behind and the
surroundings bear decidedly rural as
pect. occupying a commanding hillside,
lies what is known as Wannack park.
Some years ago during the boom the
premises were acquired by a wealthy
Frenchman, Baron Rogniat, who built
a handsome iiouse upon the crest of the
hill. For several years the baron lived
here and made various improvements,
such AS terracing the hillside in plaees.
leveling and planting the spacious
grounds to all kinds of shrubs and trees,
and in general beautifying the land
scape.
One night the mansion caught fire
and was burned to the ground. the in
accessibility of the surroundings to the
fire apparatus and the lack Of water
supply precluding any hope of saving
the buildings. AT this disaster the baron
became disgruntled, and, leaving the
property to be sold, returned to France,
where he has since made his home. After
lying idle for some time, the property
was acquired by the Wannack brothers.
who, taking advantage of the improve
ments already made. transformed the
place into park and pleasure ground.
AS such 1t Is one of the most picturesque
in this vicinity. The palms, cya>ess
and other trees have grown and thrived
until the once bare hillside is covered
with dense shade Of foliage, among
which wind paths leading to coy hooks
and bosky dells. Situated near the
crest of the hill are the restaurant and
other buildings, including small band
stand. while around under the trees are
scattered tables where one can sit in the
cool shade and enjoy the music. A week
ago yesterday balloon ascension was
given. to witness which an immense
crowd turned out. Yesterday was windy
and chilly, yet despite the weather fair
sized attendance was on hand to hear
the concert by the mandolin orchestra
and enjoy themselves in picnic fashion
among the greenwood.
The Venetian Lady Troubadours rem
dered sweet music on their mandolins
during the afternoon in the stand, and
repeated the program in the hotel parlor
in the evening. The tinkling Of the sill
very-toned instruments sounded espec-
tally sweet when taken in connection
with the sylvan surroundings, and near
~ every visitor to the park gathered
around during the rendition of each
number. The program as rendered was
as follows:
March, Stanford university-Kaufman.
Waltz. Theresen-Faust.
Selection from Bohemian Girl-Beyer.
MaZurka Russo La Czarina-Ganne.
Medley, southern airs-Rang.
Polka, L'Esprit Francais-Waldteufel.
WdItZ from w ang-MOrSe.
Selection, Erminie--Jacobowsky,
American patrol-Meecham
lntermezzo, Cavalleria Rusticana-Mas-
| oagn.
| Song, Ma Angeline-O'Brien
| Gavotte. Secret Love-Resch
March, King Cotton-Sousa
Waltz, Blue Danube-Strauss,
Overture to Pique Dame-Suppe.
! Kentucky Ga1lopade-Rosenfeld.
! Spanish Fantasie La Paloma-Yradicr.
Schottische; Darkies Dream-Lansing.
Polka, Scintilla-Pieroni
| Galop, Finale-Viola.
| Taken altogether an afternoon spent
| in the park is full of enjoyment. to the
older people as we'll as the children.
| who have no end of sport romping in
the long grass and picking the flowers
| which grow in abundance all over the
| hillside. A day spent in the park gives
| all the charm of the country and woods,
| to which is added the accessibility and
| nearness to the city and quick trans
DOrta tiOn hOmaward