Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-12-05
F. C, DENKMANN GIVES new PARK
IN THE WEST END TO THE PUBLIC


edged, after President Jackson had re,
yealed the fact, his purpose to present
the west end with another public
square and playground, in remem-
brance of his childhood spent in that
part of town.
Mutual congratulation was the order
of the evening. Fluctuations were ex-
changed, after the company had par
taken of the generous feast over which
Mr.. Denkmann presided as host, and
evidence of appreciation of Mr.. Denk-
mann's hospitality.
Work Done and Future Plans.
BY way of starting the flow of soul,
Mr.. Denkmann spoke briefly of the
dinner given by Mr.. jackson to the
commission and the council at the Har-
per three years ago, when the plans
for the development of Long View
park were first proposed. He then
dwelt upon the marvellous transforma-
ton that had taken place at the park
in-the intervening time, through the CO.
Operative influences of the council and
the park commissioners, and said the
time had come for the finishing touch
es. Mr.. Denkmann thereupon intro
duced Hon. William Jackson, who went
into the history of the Long View pro
ject, speaking of the generosity of the
donors. Frederick Weyerhaeuser, the
late c. II. Deere. and the Rosenfield
estate and the Robinson estate in pre-
senting to the city the 40-acre tract,
which as it stands today is worth not
less than 100000 and presenting in
its practically completed state as a
park a site unequaled on the Missis-
sippi river and uneXceled in the EN-
tire United States. He referred to
the original proposition made to the
council that $4,000 be raised by pri-
vate subscription among the citizens
|of Rock Island on condition that a
similar amount be voted by the cOun-
ell in two annual installments; of
how the council had carried out its
part of the compact and of the fur
Their fact that $4,000, instead of $12,-
soc, had been raised by public spirited
citizens. The work of beautifying the
park commenced in April, 1906, and
was completed in July of the present
year. He spoke of the harmony of
action on the board of commissioners
that had made the attainment of such
results possible, and paid neat com
pliment TO the superintendent, G. F
Gaetier, who, by reason of his devotion
to Long View park. had been made SUI
perintendent of the entire park system
of Rock Island which includes in ad
dition to Long View park, Spencer
square, Garnsey square and the Sew
enth avenue boulevard.
Cafe and Conservatory Needed.
Now the time has arrived for the
putting in of two essential additions tC
the attractions of Long View, in the
way of a cafe and conservatory, con
Injected in such a way as to be opera
| ted from the same heating plant. This
| elevation selected for the cafe. sale
| Mr.. Jackson. in restfulness, environ
ment and beauty, is beyond compare
| nv lllOlC utllSHIiul view Cdl We 1Ollltl
The cafe once established will prov
Il source of revenue, while the cOnserv
atOry, in addition to affording an ad
vantage that is recognized by all parl
systems, would prove a means of econ
omy in the raising and preservation
of plants and flowers for all the park
and the bOulevards. Unless some mis-
fortune happens in the spring election
Mr. Jackson said he knew of mean
by which the amount necessary to tn
erection Of the cafe and conservator
Icould be secured on loan, and wit
the assistance which the city might b
IeXpected to give, the amount could b
paid back in four years time. Nj
Jackson urged that the Improvement
mentioned be provided without delay
in order that those who had worke
with unceasing pride toward the re
alization Of the complete park Nigh
be privileged to enjoy it during thei
, lifetime. Under proper conditions i
the spring, MIR. Jackson stated that
men could be found who would az
vance $500 each, and thus with tn
continuation of the municipal Apr,