The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-30
THE PAGODA DEDICATED
SPADES PLACE A SCENE OF RE-
MARKABLE BEAUTY.
Thousands of Chinese Lanterns Were
in PIace-The Mayor and 9th
ers Talk Briefly.


that extends from Newman street to Coy
ner avenue and comprising twelve acres,
was dedicated last night with apprc pirate
ceremonies. The land was the gift of
Michael H. Spades and the pagoda was
built by him at a cost of over $1,000 as the
elimination of the plans to make the place
popular. The pagoda is of oolitic stone and
wood having a roof of Mexican tile, and
will hold band Of thirty pieces. It's archi-
lecture is of character to keep it in touch
with the beautiful stretch of woods that
lines the banks of Pogues run along the
Spades gift.
When Mr.. Spades drove to the place to
see the dedication he found a remarkable
display of enthusiasm on the part of the
neighborhood. Several days ago a commit
tee composed of w. II. Holl, William
Schwegman and Thomas DAILY visited all
the residents abutting the park and asked
them to decorate. They also visited per-
sons who live in Windsor street and asked
them to decorate. AS a result over 5000
Chinese lanterns decorated the lawns of
the houses and in several yards over fifty
lanterns were lighted. Nothing has been
seen like the display except the lantern
feasts in Woodruff Place.
The meeting was called to order by
Thomas DAILY, who introduced the perma-
nent chairman. Councilman Negley Mr..
Negley spoke of the gratitude the people
of the district should have for the munifi-
cent gift and also for the interest of Mr..
Spades in ornamenting it.
MAYORS ADDRESS.
He was followed by Mayor Bookwalter,
who said:
1--WE have eminent authority for the state
ment that indianapolis is no mean city. We
have the evidence of our own eyes that
Indianapolis is a beautiful city, and the
past history proves that it is progressive
city. Indianapolis to-day stands in the
forefront of American municipalities. Those
of us who have not had the opportunity
of comparison, or those of us who have
had the opportunity, but have failed to OBJ
serve that which is to be seen, are in
clined TO accept as matter of fact many
good things which characterize this home
town of ours, not pausing to COM
pare our condition with surrounding cities
of the same class.
Our broad streets-better paved and bet
ter cleaned than in our sister cities; our
high-grade street-car service, better by far
than that in any other city west of the Al
legheny mountains, barring possibly Detroit
and Denver. which do not excel; our perfect
system of sidewalk paving, our bounteous
supply of pure water for domestic use
these. together with other blessings and adj
vantages, cause indianapolis to stand forth
an exception among the cities of our land.
Il believe in Indianapolis. / believe in
its moral and physical cleanliness. 1 look
forward with confidence to her rapid
growth and development, and | accept these
ceremonies of tonight marking the dedi-
cation of this the first park and first park
building which have ever been given to all
the people by a public-spirited citizen as
bright harbingers of the future.
Public parks, which have been well char
acterized the breathing spots of the
people, are a necessary adjunct TO healthy
municipal growth. Indianapolis must not
only progress in its business and CONNER
cialy interests. must not only continue the
policy of public improvements which has
adoption of our present charter. but must
go forward in the requirement of new
lands for park purposes and in the devel-
opment of that which we already hold
park and this graceful structure the people
of Indianapolis owe deep debt of graft
tude, and l desire. on behalf of all the
people, TO express to Michael II. Spades
their appreciation of his gift"
OTHER FEATURES.
After Mr. Bookwalter, ]. Clyde Power,
superintendent of parks, said in his re-
marks that the city ought to be grateful
to a man who. like Mr. Spades. had given
to the people of the northeast playground
for their children, with a wading stream,
and a parkway for themselves. The last
speech, by Ira NJ. Holmes, was in behalf
of the property owners, and expressed their
gratitude for the gift
Following the speechmaking the Indian
apolis Military Band rendered a concert,
ant" king Dodo" and many other popu-
lar selections. Mr.. Spades declined to per-
init the Park Board to employ this band
and bore the expense himself. II is esti-
mated that fully 10000 people visited the
place during the evening.