The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1901-02-09
EAST ROCK PARK

|
ing the past season brings to notice
several important improvements about
| the grounds, all being in harmony with
the ideas of Donald G. Mitchell, Esq,
| ana adding materially to the parks at
tractiveness and accessibility. Early
in the summer work was resumed upon
the broad grounds extending about the
Soldiers monument, convenient foot
paths having been cut through the
lawns, with suitable provision for a
band-stand, together with number of
spacious beds, the latter filled with hun
dreds of Towering plants, these repre-
senting many varieties. To later on
supply the places Of the grove of aged
evergreens which constitutes such a
prominent feature of the summit land
scape, there were planted a large num-
Der of young hemlocks and spruces.
These various changes, together with
some grading and cutting away of SUI
perfluous timber, have added much to
the attractiveness of the section about
the restaurant.
Another alteration for the better con-
sists of the recently opened park en-
trance from Dickerman street, on the
north, with it's rugged gate posts of
rock work, this being connected with
substantially built road, something over
half a mile in length and divided into
two branches, which extend across the
North Meadow to Farnam Drive. This
parkway was especially laid out in
place of the narrow, hilly lane which
formerly constituted the only carriage
egress or approach towards Lake Whit
ney and is already much used by visit
ors to the neighboring Country club.
Its cost, as computed, was nearly ST.
800 but this does not include the large
item for labor previously employed in
blasting out and removing from this
section the great amount of boulders
ana rock since utilized for roadbad.
special mention should be made of
the notable improvement effected at the
Whitney avenue entrance, where
through the much appreciated generos-
ity Of Mrs. Eli Whitney, Of this city,
who provided the necessary funds, the
commission was enabled to erect
handsome gateway of East Haven
stone. OF simple yet appropriate de-
sign, with massive entrance posts bear
ing the inscription whitney Gate"
East Rock Park" it's trim portal pre-
sents most striking transformation
from this former neglected locality.
A significant memento of our late war
with Spain may be seen at the summit,
where directly in front of the monu-
ment is now planted an ancient bronze
cannon, which formerly frowned over
the ramparts at historic Santiago de
Cuba. This famous piece having been
presented by the general government to
New Haven, was finally located at East
Rock, where it is destined to be inspect 4
ed by thousands of interested visitors.
An abundant supply of pure water for
park uses has also been secured by
means of a new line connecting the
pump house with the city main on
Whitney avenue. The water was pre-
viously obtained from a source near
Mill river below the dam, being in con-
sequence decidedly brackish and I'M
while the present sufficient
supply was chiefly instrumental in
keeping alive the lawns and Ehrubbery |
Turing the terrible heat of last sum-
ner.
Besides these various changes unusual |
attention has been given by the super |
ntendent to the proper maintenance of |
is drives and rambles, lawns and gar |
len, as well as to pruning and other (
wise caring for the many acres of forest
rees.
Negotiations have been in progress
or several months looking to the ac-
luirement of several parcels Of land
to the existing territory,
which at length resulted in September
asst in the purchase from Miss Nellie
lyon and others of some one and a half
lcres, the cost being $492.
Expenditures for the year on account
# East Rock are tabulate ted as being S.
1885, but to this might be added the
UNI of s562.50 transferred to the super
ntendent's salary. A balance of ST.
64.19 is partly derived from previous
ears, being appropriations reserved for
and purchases.