Evening star., 1903-07-29
Old Mill to Be Rehabilitated.

The announcement that the old mill Is to
be rehabiitated was made today. Mr.. w.
p. Richards, assistant engineer. who has
supervised all the improvements in the
park. and Mr.. Daniel E. Garges clerk of
the Rock Creek Park board OF control.
made tour of inspection through the
reservation yesterday afternoon and deter
mined upon number of improvements
which Will be recommended to the District
Commissioners and the board OF control.
Col. John Biddle. the Engineer Commits
sioner, is taking the Same deep interest in
the welfare of the park 1nat characterized
the administration of his predecessor in
office, Captain Lansing II. Beach. 1t was
in appreciation of the work done by Cap
tain Beach that the board Of control gave
to the principal thoroughfare of the park
the name Beach driveway
Col. Biddle is anxious that Rock Creek
Park shall become favorite picnic ground.
He is anxious that the young people of
the city may visit the park and enjoy its
wild beauty and the many pleasures that
to be found there. There are several
splendid springs within the inclosure
within easy access.
AS marking the beginning OF the project
to restore old Pierce mill, masonry dam
Is to be built this year across the creek
just above the mill. The old dam at this
place was destroyed by a freshet year or
two ago. and since then the creek has not
been obstructed. Preparations for the be-
forward. The dam will be five feet in
height above the creek bed. 1t will not only
form a beautiful lake at this pretty picnic
spot but will also allow for the recon-
struction of the sluice leading to the water
wheel of the mill. The old sluice was little
more than trench. which was filled up by
the authorities some time ago This sluice
will be reconstructed on improved lines.
The attaching of wheel to the mill and
the use Of the power generated by it will
have to wait until next year. when 1T is
hoped that an Increased appropriation from
Congress will permit the completion Of the
work.
1t is the purpose of the board OF control
to improve the vicinity Of Pierce mill and
other places in the park with pretty park
structures, or shelter houses where picnic
parties and visitors generally can find rest
or shelter from any summer storm that
may arise. No funds are at present availa-
BILE for this purpose, but 1t is believed that
when the interest of Congress is once
aroused In the already beautiful national
park the money necessary for the various
improvements that are planned VIII be
forthcoming. These Improvements will not
in any way detract from the natural beauty
of the park, which is one of its chief
claims At present the park is principally
a reservation for driving purposes. The
board of control wishes to make 1t entirely
comfortable for pedestrians and those who
wish to spend the day within its picturesque
confines.
There has been for several years a move
ment on foot for the construction of
band shed and the giving of afternoon
concerts during the summer, especially on
Sunday afternoon. by the United States
Marine Band and other military bands sta
toned in the vicinity of Washington. Last
winter Mr.. Louis p. Shoemaker. president
Of the Brightwood Citizens Association,
and member of a number OF other asso
Citations in the city, introduced resolutions
to this effect, which were adopted The
movement will be presented in the future
with increased encouragement.
Not Much Money for Improvement.
presented last winter to Congress an esti-
mate for improvements In the park amount