The Saint Paul globe., 1905-04-24
HARRIET ISLAND HAS
DOUBLED IN SIZE
DR.. Ohage Has Worked All Win.
ter on the Pub
lie Baths


and the waters Of the Mississippi river
were frozen during the past winter,
Health Commissioner Ohage and his
assistants were putting forth strenu-
Gus efforts for the enlargement and
oetterment OF Harriet island and the
public baths SO that the people of St.
faui would have added facilities for
outing and bathing purposes. How
Wen they have labored can best be at
tested by a cursory survey of the re-
suits accomplished.
FROM a worthless slough Dr. Ohage
resurrected the island. which was last
year pronounced as the finest public
paths In the United States 1t was
then considered that the absolute needs
of this city I'm that line were amply
provided for. The immense crowds
that thronged the island last summer,
however, convinced Dr. Dhage of the
necessity OF eniarging IT. and at con-
siderable expense the island has been
almost doubled in size since the baths
were closed last fall. This has been
accomplished through the dumping of
between $4,000 and 10000 loads of dirt
and refuse on the swampy portions
and by filling up the north side of the
-0.0AAA WIN ccAiu PuillDtu Oul the Deu
Of the river.
A considerable part of the refuse
dumped there was at no expense to the
public baths. but after the swampy
portions had been filled in with this
material ii was necessary that IL be
covered with a thick layer of clean
earth or other substance. For cover
ing the paths cinders have been used: /:
Where lawn tennis courts have been
laid out clay was taken, and where a
lawn was contemplated black earth
was used.
The whole island harbor line has
been rfprapped, which protects II from
encroachments by the river.
Golden Willows Planted
Over 1000 golden willows have been
planted, which will be in full leaf at
the time the baths are opened for the
season.
Many of the buildings have been re-
painted and repaired. The laundry and
living room for the employees have been
moved from their former location out
to the harbor line
New tennis and handball courts have
been laid out, and other pleasing in
novations which will meet the appro-
baton of those bent on recreation.
This entire work through scrupulous
and economical expenditures of money
has been accomplished for less than
$4,000.
1t could have been done for much
less said +. w. Danes, assistant health
commissioner, IL the city engineer
could have been prevailed upon to
have dumped street sweepings on the
island instead Of upon private lots.
DR.. Ohage, said Mr.. Danes. endeayor-
ed to induce Mr.. Rundlett to dump
sweepings there, and even went to
the mayor and asked him to use his
influence with the city engineer to this
nd, but without avail. Mr.. Rundlett
Is said to have claimed that the cost
of dumping on the island would
greatly Increase the expense of his
Office, and that he would brook no out
side interference.
The entire island will be completely
parked off by May 20. which has been
set for the opening day, and graveled
driveway Will then be completed al
most entirely around the island.
Will Tour Island
In order to exhibit the great amount
of work done the past winter DR..
Ohage has arranged for a reception to
the common council, city officials and
newspaper men which will take place
on the island next Sunday. At that
time DR.. Ohage will take the party
over the island and point out the large
amount of swamp land reclaimed as
we'll as the other improvements COM
pleted. Luncheon will be served and
various matters relative to the public
baths will be discussed.
There is something in store for the
immense crowd which is expected to
congregate on the island Decoration
Day. To those who have noticed the
steady streams of wagons loaded with
refuse crossing the bridge to the ISL
and. but who have not visited the
baths since they were closed last fall,
the enlarged area. the sweeping lawns
and the hundreds of additional trees
planted, will come in the nature of a
pleasant surprise.