The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-11-24
A CAMPAIGN FOR PARKS
THE "NORTHEAST' RESIDENTS PRE-
PARE FOR A VIGOROUS ONE.
A Mass Meeting for Next Wednesday
Night in Interest of POgue's
Run System.

Early last summer, when the late Park
Commissioners had about exhausted the APP
preparation of money for the purchase of
parks, citizens of the northeast section of
the city suddenly awoke to the fact that
they were not being given any considera-
ton in the location of parks. Innumerable
visits were made to the mayor, the Park
Board, controller and others supposed to
have influence for the purpose of having
something done for that section of the city.
On one occasion, after one of number of
mass meetings, the Park Commissioners
and controller were taken over what has
been designated as the Pogues run park.
They embrace about 100 acres. including a
number of small tracts suitable for beau
tiful driveway along Pogue's run, larger
tract called the Spades ground and eighty
acres belonging to the Hancock Insurance
Company and Mr. Yandes. This land, it was
said could be purchased for from $4,000 to
$4,000 an amount about equal to what the
Park Board had decided to pay for two
small patches on East Ohio street and
Madison avenue. Citizens who advocated
that the Pogue's run parks be purchased
received little encouragement. They were
urged to ask the Council to appropriate
$4,000 more. About this time the suit con-
testing the park law was brought, and moth
ing further was done.
Now the same citizens who were inter-
ested in the first movement have decided on
an active fight. They contend they are in
better shape than ever inasmuch as the
money has to be entirely appropriated
again. The administration stanus pledged
by the Democratic platform TO purchase
parks in the northeast section. The first
steps in the aggressive campaign that is to
be made will be taken at the meeting which
has been called for Wednesday evening. of
next week, Dec. /. Doubtless J. b. Wells,
who presided at mass meetings last spring,
Will be chairman of the coming meeting
Charles h. Thornton. and Colonel A. d.
Shaw will assist Mr.. Wells at the meeting.
1t is to be held in Van Syckle's Hall, corner
Formal invitations to attend the meeting
will be extended to Mayor Taggart, Con-
troller johnson, the Board of Public Works
and members of the Council. Last spring
and summer numerous petitions were wide
~ circulated and generally signed urging
the Board of Park Commissioners to look
circulated again, this time directed to the
Board of Works and the Council. A per-
manent northeast park association is to be
formed, with committees to keep close
watch on all park movements. The leading
spirits in this movement propose to leave
nothing. undone to accomplish what they
want. 1t is claimed-and city officials who
went over the ground last spring admit the
justice of the claim-that natural parks al
ready exist in that region. But little money
will be required to transform them into
beautiful parks extending over about mile
of driveways and broad tracts, already
abundantly stocked with forest trees and
beautifed by natural water course, with
bluffs and inspiring perspectives 1t is
claimed that the expenditure of $75, 0O0-
$4,000 in round figures for land and $25 900
for improvements-will go further toward
establishing a permanent park system than
thrice that amount would accomplish in
other directions. Hope is expressed that
the land will be bought before the beginning
of next year.. and that the work of i'm
prOvement will al once follow.
Plans for working have not been matured
and will not be until after the mass meeting
next week, but they contemplate, among
other things, carriage drive for all city
officials, including the Board of Works and
the Council, over the proposed course.