The herald., 1897-05-30
ELYSIAN PARK DRIVE
1T WAS OFFICIALLY INSPECTED
YESTERDAY
Beautiful as Far as It Goes, But More
Money Needed to Finish-Unem-
ployed Fund Notes

The new carriage way through Elys-
ian park was formally inspected yester-
day morning by party consisting of
Judge Silent. Engineer Dockweiler,
Councilman Nickel. Park Commission
ers Waters and Teed. Secretary Knight,
Superintendent Carey and Messrs.
Mendenhall and Wachtel
Judge Silent, who has had practical
charge Of the work from its inception.
pointed out the various features Of in
terest beginning with the granite base
of the ornamental pillar which is at the
entrance known as Fremont Gate. Upon
this base is to be erected pillar of Ari-
zona sandstone, suitably inscribed.
which will be surmounted with an iron
pinnacle supporting seven electric
lights. The total height will be thirty
seven feet, and the grace and beauty of
the design will make the column strik-
ing feature, especially when Illuminated
at night.
At the left of the broad entrance ce-
ment steps, protected by railing of ar
tistic scroll work, lead up to winding
walk which is bordered by beds OF
flowers, and affords an extended view Of
that section of the city. The main carr
riage way makes a much more gradual
ascent sweeping around two broad
curves, forming the letter s, amid or
namental slopes fronting on Buena
Vista street, and then winding along the
hillside, a broad shelf with an average
width of thirty feet. Much of this is
blasted out of solid rock. and the ex-
posed bank forms an interesting geo.
logical study. Many of the strata are
tilted at a considerable angle to this
horizon, and vary in thickness from a
thin, gravelly cement to thick grantic
formation, embedding large, rounded
boulders, evidently waterworn into their
present shape.
The new boulevard, so-called, though
that is not an appropriate name for a
park driveway, Is about two miles in
length, extending to point just beyond
the grand outlook, almost overhanging z
the Los Angeles river. The view from
this point is sublime and cannot be sur
passed by any urban view in the coun-
try. A rampant of mountains on the
north, undulating hills in the fore
ground, the valley 300 feet below, ana
thO Sity VI i<Oo <ah6ClOo " tiiC sodNii,
with the cleaning ocean in the distance.
Beyond the terminus of the new drive
way the old park roads have been
greatly improved by modifying the
grades, increasing their width and maxi
| ing such cross-connection as will enable
one to make long or short trips through
the. park.
Much work is yet to be done such as
erecting ratings along exposed cliffs,
putting in drain pipes and finishing and
beautifying several acres of slopes near
the entrance.
An expenditure of about $500 is need
ed for this purpose. Small, very small,
subscriptions are still Forthcoming. but
not enough to meet this need, and 1t is
hoped that the city will provide for 1t.
A match game Of baseball has beer
arranged between the officials of the
city hall and those of the courthouse.
1t will be played at Athletic park next
Saturday. June s. and the proceeds will
be devoted to the fund for the unem-
ployed.
There are few more chances for win
ming the magnificent Shaw piano con-
tributed to the fund by the Southern
California Music Co. The allotment
will take place Saturday June IL, at the
music store.