Omaha daily bee., 1916-01-17
A Memorial to /. Pioneer Family.

n MemOrtaA' TO q FlOneeE FamHlys
OMAHA, Jan 1s.-To the Editor of The
Bee: People who are interested in the
breathing spots of the city are hoping
that another and muchrneeded one may
be added to the number, by municipal
purchase of the Caldwell and Hamilton
grounds.
"A park was one OF the first objects
suggested for the ultimate destiny OF
these combined properties. Nothing could
be more desirable for that quarter Of
town, or a more ideal use for the
grounds themselves. which would lend
themselves to it so perfectly and with
SO little comparative expense. their beau
tiful slopes already so well laid out and
cultivated for many years. For any
other purposes. such as the municipal
buildings that have been mentioned, so
much changing of grade would be re-
quired, and such great cost to the city.
that It should hardly be thought OF at
all, II expense is any consideration
Parks are health-spots as we'll as
beauty-spots. and in both senses they
are the agents OF public welfare There
is no park anywhere in the vicinity of
the Caldwell property Every large city
has its downtown or central park; this
city has only jefferson park, which is
but remote and shabby apology Cor
one, though 1t serves its peculiar pur-
pose well enough. II would be an TIM
mense pity to lose this splendid chance
of giving the city another Improvement
of the kind most beneficial to It's resi-
dents and most valuable to it's own ap-
pearance.
1t would be still moro a pity to sacri-
. flee such a beauty-spot as this might 90
to the purposes of a police station or
even an emergency hospital. Think of
that fine air space for the region, handed
over TO the smoke producers that already
poison our atmosphere almost beyond en-
durance! Qn passing. It might be said
that the municipal officers. welfare
boards and all others concerned, would
do the city more good by enforcing ,ts
smoke ordinances than by any new pro-
jeots that they can invent) A library
has been mentioned in connection with
a police station and hospital. Startling
ideal Would the patrons OF a library
women and children largely-be expected
to enjoy daily encounters with ambn-
lances and patrol wagons loaded with
their sad freight and all the incidentals
to the program OF those two necessary
but grewsome establishments? To one
who loves to make use OF q library. the
idea is not tolerable. And It is not to
be supposed that Omaha people win
relish this novel 'civic center" proposi-
ton. II would seem that their Views
should be asked before such a plan is
soberly discussed.
II the city planning board has any In
fluence at all. now Is q good time TO
make use of It. And II they have thar
sense OF the fitness OF things" as re-
CARDS city development. which we ex-
pect in such a board. they will realize
that park IL the one and only true enc
for the beautiful Caldwell property, ana
work accordingly. Caldwell park!' or
Hamilton park!'-either one a splendid
name. and a memorial to a great pioneer
family OF the city.
Any words from people who believe
In parks as a factor in city improve
ment. may help in that direction, ana
such people are urged not to witt hold
them. CIvIs.