The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1903-05-15

partment the property owners have I'M
til May LIST to clean up In the opinion
OF the committee the date should be
changed to April 18th. The cleaning up
should be done at the earliest possible
moment in the spring. 1t is fully as con-
vement and inexpensive to the property
owners to remove the accumulations fire.
lquently during the winter, and much more
sanitary. 1t is mistaken idea to clean
up only once year. In the north part
OF the city many people cultivate vege-
tables and flowers and thus prevent an
accumulation in their back yards.
| Judge Cray said that he would be
glad if the business men could be given
more credit for cleanliness back of their
stores, but there is room for improve
ment. Back yards in certain blocks are
positively unsanitary and in others there
are accumulations of rubbish. Especially
is the latter true in the rear of the city
hall and the lots between that building
and the Saulpaugh. This is concealed
from Front street by great bill boards,
but it can be seen by the thousands of
strangers who pass through the union
depot. The council should correct this.
Very rapid progress has been made in
the improvement of front lawns. The
committee suggested that prizes be given
to persons having the best appearing
yards, and to children for removing un-
slightly accumuIations from yards. Many
unsightly places can be cleaned up for
fifty cents. On the whole there was lit
/ tie to criticize on the lots seen from
front to rear, and much work is
going on.
! Judge Cray said that he had seen the
owners of the lots north of Musser's
store on Second street in regard to get
ting it for play ground for the child
rem. 1t is now rented for $50 a year.
The committee was unable to find more
desirable playground, but it was ques-
ton whether this rent could be paid.
The owner had agreed to see that the
property is cleaned up.
Judge Cray said that he had taken up
with the Omaha railway company the
matter of fixing up its property in this
city, especially that on Broad street
The secretary had referred the letter to
the general manager with the recommen-
dation that the road join hands with us
in every way possible.
Mrs. Ray said that the question of
vacant lots was an important one, as
there was a great demand for play
grounds.
Prof. Holtz suggested that the young
mems investment corner needs improv
ing and that several old buildings ought
to be torn down, among them being the
old boiler shop on North Fifth street.
Judge Cray said that the Omaha roads
lots on North Fourth street need improv-
ing but that the cost would be consider
able. This would also be the case on
other lots.
Miss Parker moved that vote of
thanks be extended to Rev. F. B. Cowgirl
and the trustees of the NJ. Z. church.
the managers of the opera house, and
the newspapers of the city and mem
bers of the school board, for assistance
rendered This was carried.
NJ. G. Willard said that Mrs. Hamlin
in her lecture had urged that the city ac-
quire land needed for park or improve
ment purposes, with the idea of improv-
ing it later. He said that the side hills
along Glenwood avenue should be secur-
ed by the city, otherwise they will be-
come lined with shanties. They should
be kept wooded for all time. This would
be appreciated more fifty years hence
than today. This land can be procured
DIR. Jacoby moved that committee to
take the matter up be appointed. He had
become impressed with the real necessity
of it. 1t should be secured even if moth
ing is done to it for ten years. The
natural beauty of the rayine should be
preserved, for it will be filled with
shanties unless this is done.
Judge Cray said that he was heartily
in sympathy with this move. There is
also beautiful ravine up Guenther's
creek to the Windmiller place. If it
could be gotten control of it would be
'ten strike" There is also a patch of
land back of Sibley park, and the Nicol-
let county side for half mile, and the
mound across the Blue Earth river. This
would give the city control of both banks
of both rivers. The city need not i'm
prove these pieces of land, but can afford
to hold them, as city property cannot be
taxed. Sibley park could then be mace
the prettiest spot anywhere. There is
also pretty ravine running up from
Glenwood avenue. None of this property
would cost much, as it cannot be used
for other purposes.
| Mrs. L. 0. Cox said that Mrs. Hamlin
had spoken especially of the land across
the river. In st. Paul land for park pur-
poses can be condemned at reasonable
price, and it would be well if the same
could be done here.