South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-09-27
ERSKIVE PARK.

new bit or geography-and something more
vas added 10 South Bend last night In the DAYS TO
come. Erskine PARK Will have more than meaning
ms designs don OF place Of recreation amusement
ana enjoyment
In the great future these words will not be the
inere description OF a place OF beauty a spot away
from the whirl and turmoil and noise OF a great
city. wooded hillside reckoning 70 the tired and
the weary. great green plot that invites by its
many lures OF grass and trees and running water
Erskine PARK Will mean all that - but it viii
mean also great event in the history OF South
Bend concentrating the fact that it was the first
large gift from living citizen, who sfelt not only
love for the place OF his residence and his life
work. but who had a most wonderful capacity of
friendship for every other citizen.
When the city council IN its most unusual but
most appropriate setting last night accepted the
deed TO 40 acres of park lands offered by A. r.
Erskine and his wife it recorded not episode but
"a epoch in the history OF this community
For the first time South Bend becomes the reciri-
ent Of great gift from who has no thought Of
waiting to build a monument to his memory but
whose only thought that of furnishing to the
thousands who live and will live within
confines greater amount Of happiness and a new
opportunity for pleasure.
That gift represents a desire that children hall
have happier and a healthier playtime and that
older men and women shall not be restricted in
their pursuits OF wholesome enjoyment.
That gift represents the vision Of a man who
believes that South Bend destined to grow rapidly
and continuously and that the need of such
breathing spots will be urgent and pressing
That Fift viii be recalled, the years rass,
the expression Of mans spirit of friendship
for all men, OF mans great interest in all men.
Of mans great kinship with all men.
That other gifts will be made to the city in the
years to come by men who have found fortune and
success and happiness within its borders is one Of
he sure predictions that can be safely made
Inspiration and example potent forces in life
and in history. Example in the past has held the
generous impulses OF most men in leash until they
come the day when they no longer need their
worldly goods.
This generous Gift, at time when the city is
embarkng upon its Period Of greatest growth will
inspire others perhaps not to striking and signal
OF civic generosity. but deeper interest in
every factor that goes to the making of a great
metropolis
81 find nothing more valuable than my friend
ships" was the heartfelt statement of this city
benefactor to those who accepted his gift on the
part or the city.
In that great truth the real wealth Of Mr. Erskins
Imitless beyond estimate. for by this act he
ccments those personal sentiments or real regard
from those who him draws him the
kindly lasting and prof und affection of those who
new comprise the city OF all future generations
The only fitting tribute that be given such
gift viii be made in the years when the
rouicking laughter OF children and the happy smiles
contented and viii render it.