Evening journal., 1903-05-20
LEA COMPANY
STANDS IN WAY
Park Commission Desires to
Construct New Dam But
Is Prohibited
WOULD BEAUTIFY BRANDYWINE

The William Lea and Sons Company has
been a stumbling block the Park Commis-
sion has encountered in its efforts TO TIM
prove the Brandywine in accordance with
the plans outlined by the board In 1900. Al
though every possible effort has been made
by the Park Commission to arrange an
amicable settlement with the concern the
situation is the same now as 1t was an the
beginning.
The proposed Improvement was "a dam
constructed across the Brandywfnc at or
near the site OF the old Barley NEIL. The
plans as specified called for a concrete
structure which would raise the water in
the dam about two and one-half feet above
the present level, ensuring a delightful
place for skating IN the winter and boat
ing IN the summer. A walk ten feet wide
was also provided FOR on the crest Of the
dam, supported by a series Of low fiat
arches. under which the overflow would
pass at ordinary stages of the river, leav-
Ing the walk dry and passable for about
800 days in the year. Another object thar
was to be fulfilled by the construction OF
this dam was to supply better means OF
accommodation between the North
and South Bmndywine Parks.
Proposals were invited ait the time the
movement was first agltated and several
bids were received and Simmons and Bro,
were awarded the contract, their bid OF
81 90 having been the lowest received.
Arrangements were Immediately made TO
start the work when The Leafs Company
threatoned TO place an injunction unless
some agreement was first entered into be-
tween the city and LEAFS safeguarding the
latters interest in the water rights OF the
stream.
The Park Commission desirOus Of carry
ing out the work without delay, made
every effort TO have such an agreement
prepared, but up TO the present time no
conditions have been found which seem to
satisfy Willard Salisbury. the attorney
for the William Lea and sons Company.
and as a result this important work f.
blocked. The people OF Wilmington as n
consequence OF the stand are denied the
pleasure which the compilation of the dam
would afford to both old and young.
Ia anticipation Of the construction Of the
DAM an ew steel bridge was built across
the North race, and approaches made TO
connect therewith. Since the ACQUISITION
Nl Alit Elhutl AuuAlon 10 Norln BrdnuN-
wine Park, the necessity for this means Of
communication IS more strongly empha-
sized than before.
BY what right of power the Lea's Com
pany can prohibit the construction OF this
dam is a question discussed by all people
who have che interests Of Wilmington and
the beauufying Of Brandywine Park at
heart There Is no doubt but what the firm
has a half water right to the stream, but
why that should interfere with the work
is probably only known to the officials Of
the concern and their attorney
The hitch however, Is believed to be the
matter of ownership Of a strip Of land be-
tween the Brandywine and the Lea's mill
race. This parcel OF ground IS in the We
cinity OF the proposed Improvement and is
claimed by the Lea's Company as its prop
enty.
There Is an opinion among old residents
Of the city that the LEAFS have no more
right to possess this piece Of land than
they themselves. Negotiations are stin
going on and It IS hoped that some settle
ment wiz be reached soon.