 |
| The late afternoon sun lights the southern face of West Rock, as seen in this view from Valley Street, just north of Blake Street, in October 2015. |
West
Rock Park History Revealed in City of New Haven Yearbooks
While
working on projects at West Rock, I have thought of many questions about the
history of the park. In particular, I wonder when the trail system was
designed, and when certain features were added the park, such as the stone
steps on the Red Trail, the stone walls at the South Overlook and Judges Cave,
and the pavilion at the South Overlook. I have started to come across some of
the answers while doing research online and in books, but still have other
questions to be answered.
I
discovered online copies of about 30 volumes of the City of New Haven Yearbook
from the 1870s to the 1920s. The New Haven Free Public Library, Ives Main
Library, 133 Elm St., has copies of the yearbooks from 1860 to 1952 in its
History Room, which is open during select hours on a daily basis (http://nhfpl.org/collections/local-history).
I took photos of the books from the years from 1899 to 1939 that I could not
find online, and have been transcribing that information before uploading it.
While at the library, I found a collection of Parks Department reports from the
1930s, which supplement the Year Book reports, and are also included here.
In 1934,
the books were greatly reduced in size from 500 to 800 pages in the older
editions, to little more than 100 pages, so in later editions from 1934-1952,
the information regarding West Rock is minimal to non-existent. In some of
these years, the year books were called the Annual Report of the City of New
Haven
These
yearbooks from are a compilation of reports from city agencies. From 1889 when
the Parks Commission was formed to 1933, the parks reports are typically broken
down into three sections: an overview of the parks system as a whole, a
financial report for the parks system and specific parks, and an individual
report for each park.
Transcribing
these old reports for this website is tedious and slow work, as I need to read
through books that are about 580 pages long. The reports from the 1890s and
later have an index, which can streamline the process. The online versions can
be searched by keyword, but this feature does not work in the downloaded PDF
versions.
Once I
find the relevant pages, I copy the information about West Rock for this
website. Some PDF documents allow me to copy and paste the information, but
this feature does not work in every one, sometimes necessitating typing out the
information.
This
website includes the West Rock reports, as West Rock Park was a City of New
Haven park until the formation of West Rock Ridge State Park by legislation in
1975 with the actual land transfer taking place in 1982.
Included
here are the West Rock-related sections of the overview report, the financials
for West Rock, and the individual annual report for West Rock. Some yearbooks
contained an overview of the parks report written by the president of the Park
Commission. If that report mentions West Rock, I include it on this page, and
if not, it is omitted, and I only share the report from the Park
Superintendent.
My
research is far from complete, but this is the latest version. In some cases, I
have question marks to note where I have incomplete information that I will
update when I get back to the library for additional research.
Famous
Names
In some
reports, I include the names of the park commissioners, as it is interesting to
see how long some of these people served, plus their last names appear on roads
and other features at city parks, including English, Farnam and Trowbridge
Drives at East Rock Park. There was also Simeon E. Baldwin, for whom Baldwin
Drive was named, and Gustave X. Amrhyn for whom Amrhyn Field at the foot of
West Rock was named in 1931.
Among the
names listed here, Rice Field at East Rock Park was named for Frank J. Rice,
mayor from 1910 to his death in office in 1917.
Gustave
Xavier Amrhyn was New Haven’s first superintendent of parks (alternately titled
general superintendent), who emigrated from Switzerland. He was hired in 1900
and was park superintendent in until his death on Dec. 5, 1929. West Rock Park
was literally built during his 29 years of service, including Regicide Drive to
the South Overlook and Judges Cave, and the footpaths later blazed in these
colors: the Red Trail from Springside Avenue to the South Overlook, the
Blue-Yellow Westville Feeder from Amrhyn Field to Judges Cave (incorporating
part of what is now the Blue-Blazed Regicides Trail), the Teal Trail around the
base of the south face of West Rock, plus Amrhyn Field, and other improvements.
The East
Rock Park reports were also informative, seeing information about the
construction of the Soldier and Sailor’s Monument, the Pardee Rose Garden, and
the various roads. I will leave transcription of that information to the
Friends of East Rock Park.
The drive discussed in these reports is
through 1929 is Regicide Drive, the road from the main entrance up to Judges
Cave and the South Overlook. Baldwin Drive from the main entrance to West
Shepard Avenue was built during the 1930s under Parks Commission guidance with
funds from the Simeon E. Baldwin Fund, and the Works Progress Administration
(WPA).
 |
| Baldwin Drive at West Rock was named in honor of Simeon E. Baldwin, New Haven Parks Commissioner and later Connecticut governor. This view is from the Gold Trail, March 2015. |
Park Reports
1890 (year 1889): Commission of Public Parks formed; only East
Rock had a report; pages 289-292 (pages 298-301 of the PDF)
Excerpts from the following:
Report of the Commission of Public Parks.
To the Honorable Court of the Common Council:
The Commission of Public Parks respectfully submits the following
report for the year 1889:
By the special act of the legislature passed March, 1889, and
ratified by the town of New Haven on the thirteenth of June following, the
Commission of Public Parks was created…(The new commission was comprised of
members of the East Rock Park Commission and other appointed members).
By the provisions of the act this new board was to assume the care
and direction of East Rock Park and of all other parks acquired by the City
after the passage of this act; and they were also empowered to select and
purchase other sites for park purposes, payment for which was to be made from
funds to be obtained by the sale of $200,000 of bonds, which the town of New
Haven was authorized to issue for this purpose.
Henry F. English, Secretary
* * * * *
City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1892
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government, Annual
Reports of the City Departments; and Public Documents.
Compiled By George T. Shanley, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: Press of O.A. Dorman, 696 Chapel Street, 1893
Mayor, Hon. Joseph B. Sargent, Term expires January 1, 1893.
Pages 313-314 (pages 320-321 of the PDF) and page 320 (page 327)
of the PDF
Third
Annual Report of the Commission of Public Parks
Year
Ending November 30, 1892
West Rock Park
A large addition has
been made to the park possessions by the donation of John W. Alling, Esq., of
some 25 acres on the west slope of the Rock, and extending from the summit in a
line of nearly half a mile to a contemplated highway along the base of the
Rock, which has been surveyed and staked by Engineer Hill. This donation is
accompanied with the condition that the said contemplated highway shall be open
with an eight years from the date of said donation, which was in May, 1892. To
supplement this gift and complete the part ownership of the west slope, as far
as said roadway will extend, the purchase of intervening piece of about eight
acres was made from another owner for $160.
In the early part of the
present year the driveway to Judge’s Cave was completed, while an extension at
its northern end was afterwards added, thus affording an easier and more
attractive entrance-way. In this latter improvement the Selectmen have
cordially co-operated, by widening and grading the old Town highway leading to
the drive. The public have shown their appreciation of the results by a very
general use of the new driveway and a universal commendation of it.
There have also been
constructed two important foot paths. One of them starts at Mechanic street,
immediately north of the bridge and leads from that point of the western slope
of the Rock, to a point about a quarter of a mile from the Cave, where it
branches into two parts, one continuing on until it meets the driveway at a
point near the Cave; the other, turning in the opposite direction and forming a
junction with the same drive near Sunset Point. The second footpath commences
at the driveway, about two rods east of its junction with the last name branch
path, and proceeds southwardly leading to the south front of the Rock,
following the west edge most of the way, and commanding the fine views
westwardly, through nearly its whole length. At certain exposed portions of
this path iron railings are now being played for the public protection. Both
these paths are from five to six feet in width and substantially constructed,
and have been much used and enjoyed by pedestrians.
The appropriations to
West Rock during the year, including a balance left over from 1891, have
amounted to $4,369.00. Of this amount there have been expended in the above
improvements $3,441.31.
Treasurer’s Report, Commission of Public Parks
December 5, 1891 to November 30, 1892
Receipts
To Balance from old account
|
$859.00
|
To appropriation from annual town appropriation for
parks
|
$2,850.00
|
To Cash, from E.G. Stoddard, Town Treasurer, from avails
of park bonds, appropriation for land
|
$160.00
|
To Cash, from E.G. Stoddard, Town Treasurer, from avails
of park bonds, appropriation for road
|
$500.00
|
Total
|
$4,369.00
|
Expenditures
By Labor, road to Judge’s Cave
|
$2,520.77
|
By Labor, foot-paths
|
$799.29
|
By General labor
|
$59.96
|
By Tools and supplies
|
$242.76
|
By Explosives
|
$124.25
|
By Purchase of land
|
$160.00
|
By Insurance
|
$8.60
|
Balance to new account
|
$458.37
|
Total
|
$4,369.00
|
By order of the Commission, Respectfully submitted
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Secretary.
NEW HAVEN, December 30, 1892.
* * * * *
City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1893
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government, Message
of His Honor, the Mayor; Annual Reports of City Departments; and Public
Documents.
Compiled By Edward A. Street, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: Press of O.A. Dorman, 696 Chapel Street, 1894
Mayor, Hon.
Joseph B. Sargent, Term expires January 1, 1895.
Pages 328-329 (pages 333-334 of the PDF) and page 336 (page 341)
of the PDF
Somebody back in history made an error because the year ending
1892 was listed for the parks as the “Third Annual Report,” while the year
ending 1893 was listed as the “Fifth Annual Report.” My guess is that the 1982
report should have been the fourth, since the first report was for the year
ending 1889, even though that year was not described as the first annual
report.
Fifth
Annual Report of the Commission of Public Parks.
Year
Ending November 30, 1893
West Rock Park
The early part of the
summer was employed in clearing the grounds along the line of the driveway, and
also in repairing the damage done by the destructive washouts of March and
April. Three additional culverts have been provided, together with large
quantities of top dressing along the entire length of roadway. A substantial
iron railing now guards the footpath at the top of the rock, extending along
the Cliffs for several hundred feet. A new foot-path has also been constructed
in continuation of the former, from its junction with the driveway, near Sunset
Point, through the woods to the Cave. Another path has been begun and nearly
completed from the cave to the high point north of it, this being the greatest
elevation in the park (420), and which commands not only a fine view of the
cave, but also a wide prospect south, west and north. Portions of the path
originally laid out on the slopes to the summit had suffered badly by washouts;
these have been rebuild in a substantial matter, as well as greatly improved. A
finde and permanent well of excellent water has been opened in the grove just
south of the Judges’ Cave, and a pump has been placed over it, while the
surrounding grounds have been cleared and otherwise prepared for further
improvement. Among other improvements, should be mentioned a bridle path,
constructed chiefly by Town work, on the southwest slope and connecting
Mechanic Street with the cart road which skirts the southern face of the rock,
thus making a continual bridle path from Rock street to Mechanic street, which
must be greatly prized by equestrians, when it becomes better known. On roads
and foot-paths, including culverts and railings, there has been expended
$1850.35, while $48.61 was devoted to incidental expenses, including guide-boards
and signs. There remains an available balance of $420.21.
Treasurer’s Report, Commission of Public Parks
December 1, 1892 to November 30, 1893
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$458.37
|
To Cash, appropriation from general park fund
|
$2,000.00
|
To Cash, balance appropriation for purchase land
|
$969.24
|
Total
|
$3,427.61
|
Expenditures
By Foot paths
|
$500.98
|
By Labor on roads
|
$1,037.35
|
By Iron railings
|
$172.70
|
By Culverts
|
$139.32
|
By Pumps and supplies
|
$28.07
|
By Labor about grounds
|
$139.20
|
By Road signs
|
$20.54
|
Balance to new account
|
$1,389.45
|
Total
|
$3,427.61
|
By order of the Commission, Respectfully submitted
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Secretary.
NEW HAVEN, December 21, 1893.
* * * * *
City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1894
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government, Inaugural
Address of His Honor, the Mayor; Annual Reports of City Departments; and Other
Public Documents.
Compiled By Edward A. Street, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: Press of O.A. Dorman, 696 Chapel Street, 1895
Mayor, Hon. Joseph B. Sargent, Term expires January 1, 1895.
Pages 336-337 (pages 344-345 of the PDF) and page 343 (page 350)
of the PDF
Sixth Annual Report of the Commission of Public Parks
Fiscal Year Ending November 30, 1894
West Rock Park
The new work done during
the past year has been chiefly of two kinds. First, in clearing out the
underbrush and dead wood on the east slope of the Rock, so as to give the young
trees a chance to grow in properly develop, and to remove danger from fires,
which are heretofore done great injury. Other benefits accrue in opening up
views from the foot-paths, giving greater ease and pleasure in rambling, and
also promoting the floral displays of the dogwood and Laurel. About two-thirds
of the Eastern slope has thus been improved at a cost of $538.53.
The other principal work
has been on the southwest part of the Rock, in extending the stone Road, or bridle
path, ultimately to be widened to a carriage drive, which begins at the
“crusher” on Rock street, and skirts the front face of the Rock, under the
precipitous cliffs. Some six hundred feet of this is been built during the past
season, most of it supported by a substantial stone wall, and probably more
expensive than any future portion. The cost has been $420.52, while a similar
amount should carry the road very nearly to the summit. When it connects to the
present driveway it will make a notable addition to our present road system, as
it will then enable pedestrians, riders, and even carriages to ascend West Rock
on one side and descend by the other.
Besides the foregoing
new work, there has been expended in improving foot-path $483.68, and for
maintenance of road, $445.87, mostly on account of washouts. In other work,
including the setting of bounding posts, placing pump and watering tubs at the
summit, new guide boards, tools and supplies, $80.85. Total expenditures
$1969.45; balance on hand, $450.76, after deducting unexpended balance of
appropriation for purchase of land, $969.24.
Treasurer’s Report, Commission of Public Parks
December 1, 1893 to November 30, 1894
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$1,389.45
|
From general park fund, appropriation
|
$2,000.00
|
Total
|
$3,389.45
|
Expenditures
For labor about grounds
|
$538.53
|
For labor, foot-paths
|
$483.68
|
For labor, bridle-path
|
$420.52
|
For maintenance of road
|
$445.87
|
For tools and supplies
|
$80.85
|
Balance to new account
|
$1,420.00
|
Total
|
$3,389.45
|
By order of the Commission,
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Secretary. A true copy.
NEW HAVEN, December 29, 1894.
* * * * *
City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1895
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government, Inaugural
Address of His Honor, the Mayor; Annual Reports of City Departments; and Other
Public Documents.
Compiled By Edward A. Street, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: The Price, Lee & Adkins Company, 1896
Mayor, Hon. Albert C. Hendrick, Term expires January 1, 1897.
Pages 336-337 (pages 344-345 of the PDF) and page 345 (page 352)
of the PDF
Google book link: (I did not record this and could not find it
again)
Reports of the Commission of Public Parks
Of the City of New Haven, Conn.
West Rock Park
The most important work on this park during the past year has been
that on the new road, running from the main drive toward the top of the bold
cliffs at the south front of West Rock, of which about one-third has been
built, at a cost of $1,390.40. This fine summit drive, when fully completed, will
afford a series of charming, far-reaching views of land and water. Other
improvements consist in the clearing away of dead trees and also underbrush on
the entire east slope of the park; a little work on the proposed bridle path
along the western slope; and finally, the necessary care of the footpaths and
the drive to the “Cave.”
There remains an apparent balance of $1,300.81, of which amount
$969.24 must be credited to land appropriation.
Seventh Annual Report of the Treasurer of Commission of Public
Parks
December 1, 1894 to November 30, 1895
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$1,420.00
|
From general park account, appropriated
|
$2,000.00
|
Total
|
$3,420.00
|
Expenditures
For new summit drive to cliffs
|
$1,390.40
|
For maintenance of roads
|
$354.37
|
For labor about grounds
|
$347.76
|
For tools and supplies
|
$26.66
|
Balance to new account
|
$1,300.81
|
Total
|
$3,420.00
|
By order of the Commission, Respectfully submitted
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Secretary.
NEW HAVEN, December 30, 1895.
* * * * *
City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1896
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government, Annual
Address of His Honor, the Mayor; Annual Reports of City Departments; and Public
Documents.
Compiled By Edward A. Street, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: The Price, Lee & Adkins Company, 1896
Mayor, Hon. Albert C. Hendrick, Term expires January 1, 1897.
Pages 316-317 (pages 323-324 of the PDF) and page 305 (page 313)
of the PDF
Google book link: (I did not record this and could not find it
again)
Seventh Annual Report of the Commission of Public Parks
West Rock Park
The work
accomplished during the past season with the small amount of funds available
has not been extensive, but so far as it has gone represents material progress
in the scheme of development. It consists mainly in the further extension of
the new Cliff road toward the front of the Rock, about nine hundred feet, a
good part of the way being through solid rock, which necessitated considerable
blasting. The cost of this work was $1,018.34. There remains to be built, in
order to complete the driveway, about fifteen hundred feet, the principal
portion of which will be comparatively easy work and of moderate cost. Besides
labor on the new drive, there has been some attention paid to the proper care
of the existing roads and footpaths, besides cutting out a great quantity of
underbrush from the woods along the drives. These and other minor improvements
amounted to $441.39. There remains on hand an apparent balance of $959.33, but
this was already been set apart for the purchase of land.
The placing
of an artistic bronze tablet on the Judges’ Cave by the Society of Colonial
Wars in October last, in commemoration of the regicides, proved an interesting
event in the history of the park, besides adding materially to its attractions.
The acquisition of the southwest slope by deed from the Proprietors’ Committee
and also the Selectmen was another important feature of the year. The park
territory now comprises 198.68 acres.
Pages 316-317 (pages 323-324 of the PDF) and page 305 (page 313)
of the PDF
Eighth Annual Report of the Treasurer of Commission of Public
Parks
December 1, 1895 to November 30, 1896
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$1,800.81
|
From general park account, appropriated
|
$1,100.00
|
From sale of stone
|
$80.00
|
Total
|
$2,480.81
|
Expenditures
For labor, Cliff road
|
$645.38
|
For general labor
|
$398.01
|
For foot paths
|
$43.38
|
For supplies
|
$11.75
|
Balance to new account
|
$959.33
|
Total
|
$2,430.81
|
By order of the Commission,
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Secretary and Treasurer.
NEW HAVEN, December 17, 1896.
* * * * *
City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1897
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments; and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Edward A. Street, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: The Price, Lee & Adkins Company, 1898
Mayor, Hon. Frederick F. Farnsworth, Term expires first week day
of June, 1899.
Pages 298-299 (pages 306-307 of the PDF) and page 305 (page 313 of
the PDF)
Download from: https://books.google.com/books?id=zUlNAAAAMAAJ
Download from: https://books.google.com/books?id=zUlNAAAAMAAJ
Ninth Annual Report of the Commission of Public Parks
Of the City of New Haven, Conn.
For the year ending November 30, 1897
West Rock Park
During the early spring months considerable work was expended in
repairing the drive leading to Judges’ Cave, which was badly washed by the
heavy rains of that season. Owing to the difficulty of getting a good supply o
flaom for top dressing near the summer of the Rock, it seems likely that these
annual outlays for repairs will continue until the roadways can be covered with
a top dressing of fine broken stone.
For the summer, the work consisted chiefly in extending the new
road along the top of the Rock toward the cliffs, for a distance of between six
hundred and seven hundred feet, at a cost of about one dollar a linear foot.
This drive now comes within one thousand feet of its proposed termination, and
ought, if possible, to be completed next year.
In addition, there has been expended about $250 in repairs to
footpaths, cutting away underbrush and other miscellaneous labor. Balance to a
new account, $1,013.54, of which $969.24 is already appropriated for land.
Annual Report of the Treasurer of Commission of Public Parks
December 1, 1896 to November 30, 1897
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$959.33
|
From general park account, appropriated
|
$1,000.00
|
Total
|
$1,959.33
|
Expenditures
For Cliff road, labor
|
$645.38
|
For maintenance of roads and footpaths
|
$298.26
|
For Supplies
|
$2.15
|
Balance to new account
|
$1,013.54
|
Total
|
$1,959.33
|
By order of the Commission,
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Secretary and Treasurer.
NEW HAVEN, December 28, 1897.
* * * * *
City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1898
This yearbook did not have a report on West Rock Park. It only had
a report on East Rock Park.
* * * * *
City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1899
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By James B. Martin, Assistant City Clerk, 1900
Link: No online version found.
Pages 497-498 and 506
West Rock Park
The
first work of the season consisted in completing the drive leading from the
main road to the face of the Rock. This occupied about a month, the entire
roadway being now in good condition and much patronized by the reason of the
magnificent views afforded. Immediately thereafter, the old drive to Judges’
Cave, which would become much broken up by use, was entirely reconstructed for
the nearly half a mile nearest the Cave, and was covered with find broken stone
three inches in thickness, this being top dressed with loam. The rest of this
drive was also repaired and improved throughout its whole length, to the
Springside road; these two operations consuming the greater part of the
available appropriation. In addition to this, the footpaths have been somewhat
improved, and progress made in clearing up underbrush and objectionable trees
on the east slope. These various improvements, including superintendence, there
was expended $1,753.86.
During the month of October the City, by contract,
constructed a highway along the western edge of the park, extending from
Mechanic street to within about 600 feet of its northerly boundary; this work
being in fulfillment of a condition stipulated by John W. Allning, Esq., in
1891, in his deed of land for park purposes. The cost of this road was limited
to $1,000, and although not as satisfactory in grade and finish as the park
driveways, it is nevertheless quite passable, as well as susceptible been
greatly improved at slight cost. It seems likely become a favorite drive, and
as the commencement of a thoroughfare through the Second Gap, to connect with
the system of roads on the east slope of West Rock, is a step of great
importance and future value.
ELEVENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION
PUBLIC
PARKS. JANUARY 1, 1899 TO DECEMBER 31, 1899
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$993.51
|
From general park account, appropriated
|
$1,800.00
|
From rent of cottage
|
$27.00
|
Total
|
$2,820.51
|
Expenditures
For maintenance of drives
|
$1,157.28
|
For labor about grounds
|
$418.47
|
For foot-paths
|
$102.42
|
For blacksmith shop
|
$46.83
|
For tools and supplies
|
$19.26
|
For city water
|
$6.00
|
For insurance
|
$3.60
|
Balance to new account (appropriation for land, $969.24)
|
$1,066.65
|
Total
|
$2,820.51
|
 |
| Two of the boulders that comprise Judges Cave are seen in this view from the back of the cave. |
-->
City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1900
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By James B. Martin, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: The “Mac” Printing Company, 1901
Hon. Cornelius T. Driscoll, Mayor
Page 542-545, 547-548, 556-557 (pages 555-558, 5601-561, 569-570
of the PDF)
Commission of Public Parks
COMMISSIONERS
Chairman HON. CORNELIUS T. DRISCOLL, Mayor, ex-officio
President, HENRY T. BLAKE, Residence, 361 Temple Street.
SIMEON E. BALDWIN, Residence, 44 Wall Street
WILLIAM W. FARNAM, Residence, 335 Prospect Street
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Residence, 38 Hillhouse Avenue
EDWARD E. BRADLEY, Residence, 353 York Street
Alderman HARVEY G. SHEPARD, Term
expires June 1, 1900, Residence, 159 Blatchley Avenue
Councilman HENRY HILLMAN, Term expires
June 1, 1900, Residence, 1082 Chapel Street
SECRETARY AND TREASURER, HENRY F.
ENGLISH, Office, 132 Orange Street
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, JAMES E. ENGLISH,
839 Chapel Street.
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT,
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN, Room 16, City Hall
Committees for 1899-1900
West Rock Park,
Messrs. BRADLEY, BLAKE, AND ENGLISH
Meetings second Friday in each month at
8 p.m. in No. 7 City Hall, except in January, meeting fourth Friday, and in
August, meeting omitted.
TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS OF THE
CITY OF NEW HAVEN, CONN. 1900.
To His Honor, the Mayor, and the Court of Common Council:
Gentlemen: — The Park Commissioners respectfully submit the
following statement of the work carried on during the past year. But two
changes have taken place in the membership of the board during that period,
these being occasioned by the expiration, in June, of the official terms of
Alderman Harvey G. Shepard and Councilman Henry Hillman. In place of these
gentlemen, Messrs. William P. Baldwin, M. D., and Clifford I. Stoddard were
designated by the Mayor as the representatives respectively of the boards of
Aldermen and Common Council. In January last Mr. Henry T. Blake was again
elected president for the ensuing year, and in December following he was
reappointed commissioner for the term of three years, from January 1, 1901.
As concerns the care and development of our public pleasure
grounds, while their condition in general is quite satisfactory, the ever
increasing cost of maintenance effectually prohibits any extensive
improvements, some of which are already definitely planned. In this connection
it may be stated that a new administrative office—that of general
superintendent—was created early in the year, being filled by the appointment
of Gustave X. Amrhyn, a native of Lucerne, Switzerland. Mr. Amrhyn brings to
this field a long and varied experience in landscape work and gardening,
acquired in Germany and France, as well as in the vicinity of New York City.
All park work is now executed under his direction and general supervision, the
beneficial results of the newly adopted policy being most advantageous, besides
relieving the Commissioners of an unnecessary responsibility. At the same time
it must be borne in mind that this executive management has added materially to
the item of superintendence and certainly should induce more liberal
appropriations on the part of the city. One
great need of our existing parks, in nearly every case, is more
territory, which at present can be secured at reasonable cost. But the
Commission has only meagre funds at command for such purpose; consequently the
available course would be the issuance of Park improvement bonds, at a low rate
of interest and subject to redemption in from ten to thirty years. Furthermore,
it is to be hoped that the ever increasing interest of the people of New Haven
in their park system, as evidenced by valued donations, will speedily lead to
its extension and greater adornment. In every community there may be found
citizens opposed to these playgrounds devoted to the health and enjoyment of a
busy people; but in this city today the Park Commissioners fully realize that
the great majority feel a personal pride and interest in the work already
accomplished.
During the year the sum of $19,361.82 has been expended on maintenance
and improvements, while there remains a balance of $3,371.62, mainly
representing the amount of various annual appropriations previously set apart
for land purchases. The reports for the several parks which follow give a
concise account of the results accomplished.
EAST ROCK PARK
… A significant memento of
our late war with Spain may be seen at the summit, where directly in front of
the Monument is now planted an ancient bronze cannon, which formerly frowned
over the ramparts of historic Santiago de Cuba. This famous piece having been
presented by the General Government to New Haven was finally located at East
Rock, where it is destined to be inspected by thousands of interested
visitors….
WEST ROCK PARK
For lack of funds no
undertaking of special consequence was begun, yet the grounds were well kept up
and a number of minor improvements successfully prosecuted. Besides putting the
roads in fair order, several hundred feet of post and rail fence was constructed
along the more exposed portions of the Cliff drive, while a number of circles
near the summit, formed by loops in the road, were treated with rich loam and
then seeded for grass. All the footpaths have also been repaired and improved,
especially the one from Rock street along the edge of the precipitous cliffs,
in which the former steps were strengthened and many new ones added, so that
now this popular path is in excellent condition, giving easy access to the
summit.
At the same time
arrangements were made for the immediate use of a large tract at the base of
West Rock, belonging to the Hartford Retreat for the Insane, in anticipation of
its early acquisition, the entrance from Mechanic street being rendered avail
able by building a neat trestle footbridge, eighty-four feet long, over West
river. From this bridge two diverging paths were opened across the tract
mentioned; one connecting with the foot path from Mechanic street bridge, up
the west slope of the Rock to Judges' Cave, and the other turning eastwardly to
join the route to the summit from Rock street. In order to make connection with
the last named path, it was found necessary to purchase two small strips of
land at the southern base, at a cost of $110, and this now affords the shortest
and most attractive route for pedestrians from Westville post office to the
south brow of the Rock. A pretty rustic gateway has been set up at the new entrance
on Mechanic street, adorned with ornamental flowering shrubs; also guide boards
at this point and again further along, where the paths diverge. A beginning was
made in the contemplated driveway around the southern base of the Rock, from
Mechanic street bridge to Rock street, by constructing a footpath, eight feet
wide, which also forms an excellent and much used bicycle track over the line
of the proposed road. As this path is elevated some forty feet above the plain
and river, it affords for one-half its length a beautiful prospect, embodying
the new portion of the park, the village of Westville, and the stream below,
while that section which passes through the woods is hardly less attractive.
The amount expended in
these various labors and improvements, including the purchase of land, was
$1,797.69.
TWELFTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION
PUBLIC
PARKS. JANUARY 1, 1900 TO DECEMBER 31, 1900
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$1,066.65
|
From general park account, appropriated
|
$1,800.00
|
From rent of cottage
|
$54.00
|
Total
|
$2,920.65
|
Expenditures
Maintenance of drives
|
$304.76
|
Footpaths
|
$829.55
|
General labor
|
$312.17
|
Supplies and tools
|
$199.96
|
Bridge
|
$41.25
|
For land, Gustave Unger, ½ acre
|
$60.00
|
For land, Aner Thomas 1/3 acre
|
$50.00
|
Balance to new account
|
$1,122.96
|
Total
|
$2,920.65
|
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Secretary and Treasurer.
NEW HAVEN, CONN., February 9, 1901.
* * * * *
No. 41: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1901
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By James B. Martin, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: The “Mac” Printing Corporation, 1902
Link: No online version found.
Page 543, 549
THIRTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS OF
THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN, CONN., 1901
WEST ROCK PARK
Paths and roads were
kept in good condition, and a number of dead and broken down trees removed.
Certain places on the newly acquired property along West River were graded and
seeded, a number of unnecessary trees removed, and a wire fence put up on the
property facing Stone Street. For the benefit of the driveways, additional
culverts have been placed at intervals between those already existing, these
insuring to a great extent protection against future washouts. Many acres of
forest land have been cleared of dead trees and undesirable undergrowth. This
operation will give the much admired mountain laurel a chance to display its
glorious blossoms much better during another season. For an experiment I have
seeded a quantity of sumac and barberry bush seeds at the base of the Rock,
among the loose stone, the idea being that that should a certain percentage of
the seeds make a successful growth it would soften the appearance of the fields
of stone.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN, General Superintendent
January 10, 1902
THIRTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF
PUBLIC PARKS OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN, CONN.
JANUARY 1, 1901 TO DECEMBER 31, 1901
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$1,122.96
|
From annual park appropriation
|
$1,000.00
|
From Clinton Park, transferred
|
$230.76
|
Total
|
$2,353.72
|
Expenditures
For Land damages, Retreat for Insane tract
|
$1,200.00
|
For Road and footpaths
|
$468.74
|
For Forest clearing
|
$251.49
|
For General labor
|
$323.39
|
For Trees and shrubs
|
$20.10
|
For Tools
|
$18.10
|
For Beaver Ponds Park, transferred
|
$25.00
|
Balance to new account
|
$46.90
|
Total
|
$2,353.72
|
* * * * *
No. 42: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1902
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By James B. Martin, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: The “Mac” Printing Corporation, 1903
Link: No online version found.
Page 543-544, and 550-551
FOURTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS OF
THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN, CONN. 1902
WEST ROCK PARK
Owing to the small
appropriation made for this Park only a few improvements were made. The West
side drive, opened a few years ago as a public highway, has been widened and
repaired for one-third of its length. In that section two new culverts and a
small bridge were built to secure safe traveling. Several improvements were
made on the triangular piece of land recently purchased by the city, situated
between Blake Street and West River and Stone Street. First an old house and
its surrounding fences, opposite the Greist manufactury were torn down; later
the cellar was filled and the whole surface graded and rolled. A new wire fence
was erected along Blake Street and Stone Street, leaving a narrow opening in
each street for a passageway, which has been much used b the nearby residents.
A new path has been made for their convenience, leading along the riverbank and
passing by an excellent well, fitted with a new pump.
A dozen stationary
settees were placed beneath the shade trees in that vicinity. Several acres of
forest land on the easterly slope were cleared of dead and superfluous wood.
The park cottage has been repaired and painted.
The
necessity a for strong iron fence surrounding Judges’ Cave having been referred
to at a meetings of the Commission and mentioned the newspapers, Mr. Frederick
D. Grave of this city made an offer to the Commission to erect at his own
expense such a protective railing around the historic monument as the
Commission should direct. His offer was gratefully accepyed and the plans for
the fence having been prepared and necessary surveys of the plat made by the
city engineer, the contract for construction was awarded by Mr. Grave to Julius
Waas of the city, who is now engaged in the work with the promise that the
fence shall be erected early in the spring.
ANNUAL REPORT
TREASURER COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the
year ending December 31, 1902.
Receipts
Balance from previous year
|
$46.90
|
From annual park appropriation
|
$1,000.00
|
From sale of wood, etc.
|
$46.00
|
Total
|
$1,217.90
|
Expenditures
For drives and footpaths
|
$457.40
|
For Grading and filling
|
$256.37
|
For Forest clearing
|
$119.53
|
For Care of buildings
|
$116.70
|
For General labor
|
$184.12
|
For Surveys at quarry
|
$65.00
|
For Tools
|
$12.25
|
Balance to new account
|
$6.53
|
Total
|
$1,217.90
|
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Treasurer.
NEW HAVEN, CONN.
* * * * *
No. 43: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1903
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Thomas C. Moran, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: The “Mac” Printing Corporation, 1904
Hon. John P. Studley, Mayor
Pages 561-564; 567, 576 (pages 566-569; 572, 581 of the PDF)
FIFTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE Commission of Public Parks
To the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of the City of New Haven:
Such
permanent improvements as were made have been effected in great part through
private generosity." On West Rock Park a handsome and substantial iron
fence around Judges' Cave, costing over $500, has been set up at the expense of
Mr. Frederick D. Grave…
By
vote of the Board of Aldermen last September, the tract of land bequeathed to
New Haven in 1826 by Elijah Thompson, which is situated near the Woodbridge
town line and contains about fifty acres, was turned over to this Commission to
be cared for as a public park. This tract, which is about five miles from the
City Hall, consists of rocky wild land, mostly covered with a growth of small
forest trees, and on account of its distance and inaccessibility is not likely
to be needed or used by our citizens for park purposes for many years to come.
In time it may become a valuable feature in our park system, but for the
present, while it will call for some attention and expense from year to year to
protect it from trespassers and deterioration, it will not be expedient to
devote any considerable sums to its development. Doubtless for an indefinite
period in the future this Commission will find abundant use for its annual
appropriations in properly maintaining and judiciously improving those parks
which are nearer to the centers of population and in constant use by the
public.
All
of which is respectfully submitted.
HENRY
T. BLAKE, President of Park Commission
New Haven, January 20, 1904
REPORT
OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
To
the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners:
GENTLEMEN:
I herewith submit my report for the past fiscal year, giving an account of the
work done on all the parks under your direction.
WEST
ROCK PARK
Valuable
improvements were made in this park: first, by the erection of a neat and
strong iron fence around Judges' Cave, donated by Mr. Frederick D. Grave; then
by the construction of a large wooden shelter near the Cave, in a location most
central for equestrians and pedestrians. The structure is very plain and
substantial, and fills a long felt want. Here the same forest clearing was
carried on, the results of which will be very beneficial, especially in the
event of fires. Roads and paths were properly repaired and well maintained.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN, General Superintendent
New Haven, Conn. January 8, 1904
ANNUAL REPORT
TREASURER COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the
year ending December 31, 1903.
Receipts
Balance from previous year
|
$6.53
|
From annual park appropriation
|
$1,600.00
|
From sale of wood
|
$19.50
|
Total
|
$1,626.03
|
Expenditures
Picnic shelter
|
$323.29
|
Forest clearing
|
$272.21
|
Roads and foot paths
|
$414.49
|
Surveys
|
$50.48
|
General maintenance
|
$372.86
|
Tools and repairs
|
$23.80
|
Fort Hale Park, transfer
|
$150.00
|
Contingent Fund, Transfer
|
$10.00
|
Balance to new account
|
$8.90
|
Total
|
$1,626.03
|
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Treasurer.
NEW HAVEN, CONN. February 9, 1904
* * * * *
No. 44: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1904
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Thomas C.
Moran, Assistant City Clerk
New Haven: The “Mac” Press, 1905
Hon. John P. Studley, Mayor
Link: No online version found.
Page 558-560, 563, 574
SIXTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
...At West Rock park a commodious and useful baseball and football
field has been prepared during the last summer which has been much availed of
and enjoyed by the young men of Westville. It will be further improved and
utilized during the coming season…
All of which is respectfully submitted,
Henry T. Blake, President Park Commission, New Haven, February 6,
1905
REPORT
OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
To
the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners:
Most forest work has been accomplished during the past year and
some planting has been done along the drives and around Judges’ Cave. The
planting used there being all indigenous, such as barberries, rosa lucinda,
rosa setigera, and other running prairie roses. Considerable time has been
devoted to the grading and seeding and fertilizing of a tract laying between
Stone street, West river, and the Rock. A part of these grounds has been
arranged for a baseball ground, which, with some additional grading, can be
turned into a good athletic field; the location is an excellent one and the
plan should be carried out. A new stone basin replaces the old wooden tubs,
formerly used as a drinking arrangement for horses near the shelter. The barn
near the park cottage received some necessary repairs, the most cost being a
new roof; roads and paths were kept in good order.
ANNUAL REPORT TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the Year ending December 31, 1904
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$8.90
|
Annual appropriation
|
$1,400.00
|
Sale of wood
|
$9.00
|
Transfer from Contingent Account
|
$70.00
|
Transfer from Clinton Park
|
$10.00
|
Total
|
$1,497.90
|
Expenditures
For Grading and Planting
|
$272.97
|
For Forest clearing
|
$81.68
|
For Seats
|
$48.62
|
For Drinking Fountain
|
$59.60
|
For Tools and supplies
|
$37.15
|
For Roads and paths
|
$363.09
|
For Buildings
|
$119.97
|
For General labor
|
$503.39
|
For Legal services
|
$11.40
|
Balance to new account
|
$0.03
|
Total
|
$1,497.90
|
* * * * *
No. 45: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1905
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Ambrose V. Beecher, Assistant City Clerk
Press Of Samuel Z. Field New Haven, Conn. 1906
Pages 594-595 (pages 601-602 of the PDF)
Commission of Public Parks
Chairman (ex-officio) HON. JOHN P. STUDLEY
President, HENRY T. BLAKE
PERMANENT MEMBERS,
Department of Public Parks
SIMEON E. BALDWIN, 44 Wall Street
WILLIAM W. FARNAM, 335 Prospect Street
HENRY F. ENGLISH, 38 Hillhouse Avenue
APPOINTIVE MEMBERS
HENRY T. BLAKE, Term expires February 1, 1907.
RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE, Term expires February 1, 1908.
HERBERT C. WARREN, Term expires February 1, 1909
HENRY H. TOWNSHEND (Alderman), Term expires January 1, 1907.
ANDREW P. ALLEN (Alderman), Term expires January 1, 1907.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER, HENRY E.
ENGLISH, 839 Chapel Street.
ASSISTANT SECRETARY, JAMES E. ENGLISH,
839 Chapel Street.
GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT, GUSTAVE X.
AMRHYN, Room 16, City Hall
Standing Committees
West Rock Park,
Messrs. BLAKE, ENGLISH, AND FARNAM
Pages 597-601 (pages 604-608 of the PDF)
SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS
To the Hon. John P. Studley, Mayor of the City of New Haven
…The ball ground in West Rock Park has also been in constant use
through the season…
…At West Rock Park there has been acquired a strip of land on the
south bank of West River, in the rear of Valley street, which will be converted
into a picturesque foot path, along the river bank, in the course of next
season…
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY T. BLAKE,
President of the Park Commission
New Haven, Conn. January 30, 1906
Pages 604-605 (pages 611-612 of the PDF)
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
To the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners:
GENTLEMEN: — I herewith submit my report for the year ending
December 31st, 1905:
WEST ROCK PARK
In this Park much time has been devoted to forest clearing. The
necessity of such work here is very pressing since the welfare of the entire
wood land on West Rock is absolutely depending upon its judicious treatment.
The annual ravages of woodfires can only be suppressed in this way and these
are every year very serious. The park cottage has been supplied with spring
water and a sewage drain. The baseball field, near Stone street, was regraded
in the most uneven places and many park seats were placed nearby to accommodate
the visitors.
The addition of land to this park between West River and Valley
street, which was obtained from the New Haven Water Company and other owners along
the river banks, has been availed of to create a new and attractive riverside
walk on the south bank of the stream, for which purpose a retaining wall has
been built along a portion of the bank, thereby not only enlarging the area of
the banks, but also protecting them effectively against washing away in time of
freshets. It is to be hoped that these improvements will be taken up for
completion early next year.
Tables and benches should be set up in suitable places for family
picnics or gatherings of school children, etc.
West Rock Park is worthy of more attention than it has heretofore
received. Its approaches should be improved in various ways and more paths to
different points should be built. The driveway should be top dressed and a
water supply is necessary for the sprinkling of the drives. I recommend to this
Commission to urge a permanent appropriation of not less than $5,000 per annum
to carry out these much needed improvements.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN, General Superintendent
New Haven, Conn. January 12, 1906
Page 615 (page 622 of the PDF)
ANNUAL REPORT TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the Year ending December 31, 1905
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$0.03
|
From annual appropriation
|
$1,850.00
|
From sale of wood
|
$35.50
|
From fire insurance recovered
|
$85.37
|
Total
|
$1,970.90
|
Expenditures
Forest clearing
|
$361.01
|
Retaining wall, West River
|
$292.04
|
General labor
|
$511.24
|
Tools and repairs
|
$100.49
|
Drives and foot paths
|
$291.07
|
Playground
|
$30.33
|
Composting
|
$73.10
|
Water supply
|
$91.68
|
Buildings
|
$38.52
|
Land
|
$75.00
|
Transfer to land account
|
$21.81
|
Balance
|
$86.01
|
Total
|
$1,970.90
|
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Treasurer.
NEW HAVEN, CONN., January 12, 1906.
* * * * *
No. 46: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1906
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By A. Oswald Pallman, Assistant City Clerk
Samuel Z. Field, New Haven, Conn. 1907
Link: No online version found.
Pages 576, 588
West
Rock Park
Much time has been devoted
during 1906 to forest clearing in this park, and this work and the work of
former years are beginning to show good results. The next treatment will be the
planting of pines, hemlocks, etc., throughout the whole wooded land of the
park.
The paths were kept in
good condition but such has not been the case with the roads, owing to the fact
that their surfaces have become more and more sandy and consequently in worse
condition for driving. Crush stone top dressing should be put in the entire
drive system in the near future.
Improvements have been
made on park land at Stone Street where the roadway has been widened at a point
opposite the end of Hard Street. The widening of this thoroughfare extends
about halfway across the river bed. In this improvement the building a
retaining wall between the street and the river became necessary. Material used
for filling behind the wall was obtained from an old, narrow river channel
nearby which being thus widened and deepened now takes a part of the water flow
of West River and thus creates a small island between the old channel and the
new one.
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$85.01
|
From annual appropriation
|
$1,900.00
|
From Sale of wood
|
$58.75
|
Total
|
$2,043.76
|
Expenditures
For grading and composting
|
$643.43
|
For Grounds
|
$647.96
|
For Forest clearing
|
$280.63
|
For General labor
|
$169.83
|
For Tools and repairs
|
$161.13
|
Transfer to Stable Account
|
$100.00
|
Transfer to Beaver Ponds Park
|
$15.00
|
Balance
|
$25.78
|
Total
|
$2,043.76
|
* * * * *
No. 47: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1907
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Michael A. Moran, Jr., Assistant City Clerk
The Hon. James B. Martin, Mayor
New Haven, Samuel Z. Field, 1908
Link: No online version found.
Pages 591-592, 599
West
Rock Park (Area 215.30 Acres)
Roads
and paths have been kept in good repair. A row of Pin oaks have been planted
along Stone street, from Blake street to the base of the Rock. Considerable
forest clearing has been done during the whole year throughout all woodland.
Other improvements made in this park have been of small importance.
The
park area has been increased through the purchase of land from Thomas Corrigan
of 3.83 acres and from Walter C. Kay and others of 2.12 acres. Both pieces
front on Springside avenue and are very important acquisitions for the park.
The
buildings on the first named property were in a very dilapidated state. Repairs
on the house became immediately necessary and were attended to and the land
cleared of rubbish.
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$25.78
|
From annual appropriation
|
$1,900.00
|
From sales and rents
|
$55.00
|
Transfer from Beaver Ponds Park-land fund
|
$1,955.22
|
Transfer from Beaver Ponds Park
|
$144,78
|
Total
|
$4,080.78
|
Expenditures
For land, Est. Thomas Corrigan, 3.83 acr
|
$1,455.22
|
For land, Walter C. Kay, et al, 2.12 acres
|
$979.88
|
For maintenance
|
$545.53
|
For general labor
|
$404.22
|
For forest clearing
|
$204.95
|
For tools and supplies
|
$155.57
|
For planting
|
$118.09
|
Transfer to Edgewood Park
|
$101.00
|
Transfer to Stable account
|
$50.00
|
Balance
|
$0.25
|
Total
|
$4,080.78
|
* * * * *
No. 48: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1908
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Michael A. Moran, Jr., Assistant City Clerk
The Price, Lee & Adkins Co., New Haven, Conn. 1909
Hon. James B. Martin, Mayor
Link: No online version found.
Pages 617-619, 625
TWENTIETH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS
To the Hon. James B. Martin, Mayor of the City of New Haven
…Two or three pieces have also been purchased as additions to West
Rock Park in order to improve access to that park on Valley street and
adjoining West river. These additions will materially enhance the
attractiveness and utility of that picturesque portion of the park…
Very respectfully,
HENRY T. BLAKE,
President Park Commission
New Haven, Conn. January 25, 1909
West Rock Park (Area 215.30 Acres)
All the paths have been
thoroughly overhauled and the drives top-dressed with loam; this material is
not very desirable, but no other can be obtained unless large appropriations
are provided. Forest clearing has been kept up and improvements in the forest
are plainly noticeable. Two of the park cottages have been repaired and
painted, and a supply of city water placed therein. A new foot-path has been
commenced, which when completed will start near the Blakeslee quarry and lead
to through woods on the easterly slope of the mountain by a very easy grade to
a point where Regicide Drive joins Springside avenue and the road to
Wintergreen Lake. The building of this path will effectually afford a pleasant
walk through beautiful woodland adorned with laurels and will also reduce the
danger of large forest fires. One thousand seven hundred and seventy feet of
this path is completed Several small parcels of land have been purchased along
Valley Street, namely, from Mrs. Mary Merriman, 0.78 acres; Peter McNeil 0.07
acres.
These land purchases been
made in order to improve our boundaries and also gain territory along the West
River banks.
Receipts
Balance from old account
|
$0.25
|
From annual appropriation
|
$1,600.00
|
From sales of wood, etc.
|
$16.50
|
From rent of houses
|
$96.00
|
Transfer from Beaver Ponds land account
|
$575.00
|
Transfer from Fort Hale Park
|
$25.00
|
Total
|
$2,312.75
|
Expenditures
For land, 0.85 acres
|
$601.61
|
For grounds
|
$447.04
|
For foot-paths
|
$176.65
|
For buildings, repairs
|
$449.57
|
For general labor
|
$306.76
|
For forest clearing
|
$177.36
|
For playgrounds
|
$121.21
|
For tools
|
$32.55
|
Total
|
$2,312.75
|
* * * * *
No. 49: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1909
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Frederick W. Kaye, Assistant City Clerk
Press Of Samuel Z. Field, New Haven, Conn., 1910
Commission of Public Parks
Chairman (ex-officio), Mayor James B. Martin
PERMANENT MEMBERS,
Department of Public Parks
SIMEON E. BALDWIN, 44 Wall Street
WILLIAM W. FARNAM, 335 Prospect Street
HENRY F. ENGLISH, 38 Hillhouse Avenue
APPOINTIVE MEMBERS
HENRY T. BLAKE, Term expires February 1, 1910.
Alderman EMIL LOOS, Term expires January 1, 1910.
Alderman FRANK KENNA, Term expires January 1, 1910.
RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE, Term expires February 1, 1911.
JOHN H. SHAW, Term expires February 1, 1912.
Pages 589-590 (pages 598-599 of the PDF)
TWENTY-FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS
Hon. Frank J. Rice, Mayor of the City of New Haven
…An important change in the previously existing park system was
made during the year by the abandonment of the Woodfield tract as a park, and
its exchange for a much more available, though smaller, piece of land on Valley
Street in Westville, as an addition to West Rock Park. This exchange was
authorized by an Act of the Legislature in 1908 and carried out by the action
of the Board of Aldermen and the Mayor. The Valley Street land was conveyed to
the City of the heirs of the late John M. Griest, to whom the City, in return,
conveyed the Woodfield tract, the transaction being in settlement of a
long-standing litigation between the parties. The exchange was not only
beneficial to the park system of the City, but was gratifying as the
termination of an unpleasant and doubtful controversy with the family of an estimable
and public spirited citizen, deceased…
…Several new footpaths in Edgewood and West Rock Parks have not
only shortened the distance for pedestrian travel between two points, but have
provided new and delightful by-ways for leisurely visitors…
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY T. BLAKE,
President Park Commission
New Haven, Feb. 1, 1910
REPORT OF GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT
To the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners:
GENTLEMEN: — I herewith submit my tenth annual report of work done
on the various parks during the year ending December 31, 1909 under your
direction:
Pages 599-600 (pages 608-609 of the PDF)
WEST ROCK PARK (Area, 217.96 acres)
This park has been very well kept and a great deal of forestry
work done in the wooded lands. A footpath, which was started during the last
year, leading through the woods on the easterly slope of the mountain, has been
completed to a certain point on the Regicide Drive; this addition being some what
over 770 feet in length. Certain parts of the Regicide Drive have been top
dressed with fine crushed stone, greatly improving its surface. A small
playground has been established in the triangular piece of ground bordered by
Blake and Stone Streets, directly opposite the Greist Manufacturing Company.
An addition has been made to the park area, in acquiring a piece
of property on Valley Street and adjoining the Geometric Tool Company’s
property. For some years the Park Commission has desired to acquire it and it
has finally been accomplished through an exchange by the City of Woodfield Park
for this tract; such exchange having been authorized by the Legislature 0f
1909.
WOODFIELD PARK. (Area, 45.32 acres.)
This park has gone out of existence through the exchange made for
the Valley Street property, as mentioned in the West Rock Park report.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN, General Superintendent of Parks.
Pages 607-608 (pages 616-617 of the PDF)
West Rock Park
Receipts
From General Park appropriations
|
$1,700.00
|
Grounds and buildings
|
$22.00
|
Total
|
$1,909.20
|
Expenditures
General Labor
|
$298.78
|
Grounds and buildings
|
$458.46
|
Forest clearing
|
$147.71
|
Drives and Paths
|
$366.12
|
Seats
|
$12.50
|
Playgrounds
|
$353.36
|
Tools and repairs
|
$102.57
|
Transfer to Edgewood Park account
|
$119.70
|
Transfer to Stable account
|
$50.00
|
Total
|
$1,909.20
|
* * * * *
-->
No. 50: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1910
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Frederick. W. Kaye, Assistant City Clerk
A.D. Steinbach. 1911
Mayor Frank J. Rice
Pages 627-629, 632, 644-645 (pages 636-638, 641, 653-654 of the
PDF)
TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC
PARKS
(To the) Hon. Frank J. Rice, Mayor of the City of New Haven:
… A third important
feature of our park development during the past year has been effected by the
enlargement of West Rock Park, at its north end, by some 40 acres of woodland,
through the action of the Selectmen of the Town, who, as trustees of the tract
under the will of Elijah Thompson, turned the same over to the Park Commission
for its management under the terms of the will. This act was supplemented by
the Board of Aldermen by placing in the care of the Commission a small portion
of the adjoining Springside property, including the picturesque glen, formerly
known as Wintergreen Falls. By these additions the north boundary of West Rock
Park is extended to its natural limit at the so-called “Second Gap,” through
which at some future day a highway will doubtless be constructed, connecting
Wintergreen Ave nue on the east side of the Rock with the newly opened West
Rock Road on the west side, thus forming not only a beautiful and romantic park
drive, but by its junction with the projected Pond Lily Avenue an important
public thoroughfare between Hamden and Woodbridge…
Respectfully submitted, Henry T. Blake, President
New Haven, January 11, 1911
REPORT OF GENERAL
SUPERINTENDENT New Haven, Conn., January 6, 1911.
To the Honorable Board of
Park Commissioners:
WEST ROCK PARK (Area
280.95 acres)
This park has been well
maintained for the amount of money expended thereon. The improvements made are
small. A footpath from the Blakeslee quarries to the Judge's Cave path has been
built. It passes through beautiful ravines, thus opening up some of the best
scenery of West Rock Park for the length of 0.29 of a mile. It also connects
with a path built a year ago further north, so that pedestrians, by its use,
can now reach the Lake Wintergreen section. The play ground near Blake and
Stone Streets has been improved with new apparatus and the resort kept in good
order. A good section of the Regicide road has been top dressed with crushed
stone, this work being continued so long as the weather kept open. Forest
clearing has been kept up through the whole year, but much remains to be done
in this direction. Some important changes have been made in the area of the
park through a lease from the Selectmen of the Town of New Haven to the City
for park purposes of about 55 acres of land for 99 years, and this tract now
forms a part of West Rock Park, to be developed as such in a general layout. A
number of Norway Maples have been planted along Spring side Avenue, thus
completing the street tree planting along this avenue from Wintergreen Avenue
up to the West Rock Park woodland.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMRYHN, General
Superintendent
January 6, 1911
Receipts
From General Park appropriation
|
$1,800.00
|
From Waterside Park account
|
$6.15
|
From Edgewood Park account
|
$10.39
|
From Bay View Park account
|
$30.08
|
Rents, etc.
|
$199.50
|
Total
|
$2,046.12
|
Expenditures
General Labor
|
$270.70
|
General Labor
|
$359.77
|
Grounds and buildings
|
565.79
|
Drives and Paths
|
347.18
|
Forest clearing
|
100.98
|
Tools and repairs
|
80.92
|
Seats
|
14.25
|
Playgrounds
|
353.08
|
New paths
|
$144.74
|
Lawns and planting
|
79.41
|
Total
|
$2,046.12
|
* * * * *
No. 51: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1911
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Frederick. W. Kaye, Assistant City Clerk
A.D. Steinbach. 1912
Hon. Mayor Frank J. Rice
Link: No online version available.
* * * * *
TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF PUBLIC
PARKS
Hon. Frank J. Rice, Mayor of the City of New Haven
… Perhaps the most important change which has
affected park conditions during the past year, has been the extensive distruction
of the chestnut trees in the forest parks by a new pest, which has made similar
havoc elsewhere in this and adjoining states. Whether the evil has passed its
climax or whether it has just begun its ravages is at present only a matter of
conjecture. Following as it has the wide spread disease among hickory trees
which occurred a few years ago, and concurrent also with the prevailing insect
pests which are devastating our other forest and shade trees, we must recognize
the fact that the acquisitions by our city of a capable in efficient City
Forester has been effected none too soon…
WEST
ROCK PARK (Area, 280.95 acres)
The maintenance of the
park, which consisted mostly of keeping paths and drives in good order, has
been well looked after. Additional cares however, have grown upon us here, as
the forest clearing, which means mainly the cutting of chestnut trees afflicted
with the same disease as on East Rock, and also the maintenance and care of the
playgrounds have become important features. Here the children’s playground
receive new apparatus, while ball field had a good top dressing of loan, but
the outfield in the latter instance should be properly graded, in order to make
it complete. The sidewalk along Blake Street, from the West River bridge to
Stone Street, has been straightened, graded and top dressed with crushed stone.
A house and barn on Springside Avenue have been repaired and make useful for
the keeping of a man and teams.
The Regicide Road has
received a crushed stone dressing for quite a distance, which is a decided
improvement.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMRYHN, General
Superintendent
Receipts
From general park appropriation
|
$1,800.00
|
From rents, etc.
|
$193.50
|
From Waterside Park account
|
$16.48
|
From Clinton Park account
|
$8.12
|
Total
|
$2,018.10
|
Expenditures
Total
|
$2,018.10
|
* * * * *
No. 52: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1912
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Frederick W. Kaye, Assistant City Clerk
Press Of A.J. Ely, 1913
Mayor Frank J. Rice
Pages 595, 608-609 (pages 606, 619-620 of the PDF)
WEST
ROCK PARK (Area, 280.95 acres)
Proper
care has been taken of the whole park, as far as maintenance is concerned. The
hardening of the Regicides Road, from the park entrance near Springside Home to
Judge's Cave, has been practically completed this Fall. It is now in good
condition for driving. Some of the catch basins and culverts along the drive
were properly repaired. Much has been done on the new path on the easterly
slope of the Rock. This improvement was started two years ago and is now
completed as far as Wintergreen Falls. The total length built this year is 3300
feet. Many culverts and small wooden bridges had to be built on the entire
length of the path. A wagon shed has been added to the barn, to store wagons
and implements.
Receipts
From general park appropriations
|
$2,500.00
|
From rents, etc.
|
$243.00
|
Total
|
$2,743.00
|
Expenditures
General Labor
|
$219.77
|
Drives and Paths
|
633.68
|
Grounds and buildings
|
623.19
|
Forest clearing
|
231.51
|
Tools and repairs
|
$228.71
|
Seats
|
$61.75
|
Playgrounds
|
$350.04
|
Transfer to nursery account
|
$394.35
|
Total
|
$2,743.00
|
* * * * *
No. 53: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1913
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Frederick. W. Kaye, Assistant City Clerk
Press Of Samuel Z. Field New Haven, Conn. 1914
Mayor Frank J. Rice
Page 652 (page 659 of the PDF)
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS Office 20, City Hall
Chairman Ex-Officio Hon. Frank J. Rice, Mayor
President WILLIAM W. FARNHAM
Vice-President RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE
Permanent Members
SIMEON E. BALDWIN, 44 Wall Street
THEODORE S.WOOLSEY, 250 Church Street
HENRY F. ENGLISH, 38 Hillhouse Avenue
Appointive Members
JOHN H. SHAW, 90 College Street, Term expires February 1, 1915
ALDERMAN LOUIS E. STODDARD, Prospect and Harriet Streets, Term
expires January 1, 1914
ALDERMAN JOSEPH T. ANQUILLARE, 216 Orchard Street, Term expires
January 1, 1914
RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE, 46 Hillhouse Avenue, Term Expires February
1, 1924
JUNIUS C. KNOWLTON, 324 Sherman Avenue, Term expires February 1,
1916
Secretary and Treasurer
HENRY F. ENGLISH
Office, 839 Chapel Street
Assistant Secretary and Treasurer
RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE
46 Hillhouse Avenue
General Superintendent
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN
Room 20, City Hall
Meetings on second Friday evenings of each month.
Pages 656-657 (pages 664-664 of the PDF)
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS FOR 1913
Hon. Frank J. Rice, Mayor of the City of New Haven:
(This report has no commentary on West Rock, but discusses work on
Farnham and English Drives at East Rock. I include the farewell from William W.
Farnham, president of the Department of Public Parks).
…As on December 31, 1913, my long connection with the Commission
of Public Parks, a connection of more than thirty-three years, terminates, this
report will be my valedictory. In resigning from the Commission, I carry with
me the recollection of many years of pleasant service and I desire to express
my thanks for the unvarying consideration, courtesy, and co-operation extended
to me by the Commissioners, the Superintendent, and all the employees with whom
I have come in contact. My interest in the development of our Park System will
continue to the end, and I sever my official connection with the feeling of
sincere friendship for the men with whom I have been so long associated.
Wm. W. Farnam, President
January, 1914
Pages 658 and 665 (Pages 665 and 672 of the PDF)
REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
New Haven, Conn., January 1, 1914.
To the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners:
Gentlemen:—I herewith present my annual report, giving a full
account of work done during the fiscal year 1913, on all public parks, city
squares and playgrounds under your direction.
WEST ROCK PARK. (Area, 280.95 Acres.)
Very few improvements could be made during the year in this park,
as the appropriations made barely covered the ever increasing cost of
maintenance, in which the item of forestry work figures up pretty well.
Considerable planting has been done throughout the woods, this consisting in
the setting out of certain spruces, pines and other species. An addition has
been built to the old barn which provides room for three horses and for the
storage of several wagons and implements which are in constant use in the
management of the park.
Respectfully
submitted,
Gustave X.
Amrhyn, Superintendent of Parks, Jan. 9, 1914
Page 670 (page
677 of the PDF):
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the Year
Ending December 31, 1913.
From a budget of $77,052.41, $2,866.51 was allocated to West Rock
Park
Pages 675-676 (pages 682-683 of the PDF):
WEST ROCK PARK
Receipts
From general park appropriation
|
$2,500.00
|
From rents, sales, etc.
|
$264.25
|
Transfer from Fort Wooster account
|
$102.26
|
Total
|
$2,866.51
|
Expenditures
General Labor
|
$495.14
|
Drives and Paths
|
316.31
|
Grounds and buildings
|
1,321.23
|
Forest clearing
|
$272.68
|
Tools and repairs
|
$110.66
|
Seats
|
$29.35
|
Playgrounds
|
$321.14
|
Total
|
$2,866.51
|
* * * * *
No. 54: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1914
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Frederick. W. Kaye, Assistant City Clerk
Press of Ely Printerie, 640 Chapel St., New Haven, Conn. 1915
Hon. Mayor Frank J. Rice
Link: No online version available.
WEST
ROCK PARK (Area, 280.95 acres)
Forestry work has been a
large item of expense, as here too the chestnut tree disease has strongly
developed, and most of the said trees are affected. Quite a number of the stems
have been sold for telephone poles, the balance cut up in the cordwood. Very
little timber large enough for lumbering can be found here. A portion of the
Regicide road has been top dress with crushed stone. In a general way the park
has been well-maintained. A small old house on Valley Street, which has for 70
years been in a rather dilapidated condition, has been torn down, as we were
not able to rent this building. Fences along the drive and Springside Avenue
have required a great deal of repairing.
Receipts
From general appropriation
|
$3,000.00
|
Special appropriation
|
$2,000.00
|
From rents, sales, etc.
|
$523.35
|
Total
|
$5,523.35
|
Expenditures
For General Labor
|
$593.73
|
Forest clearing
|
$273.36
|
Drives and Paths
|
$436.11
|
Grounds and buildings
|
$1,351.56
|
Seats
|
$9.11
|
Playgrounds
|
$195.41
|
Tools and Repairs
|
$92.06
|
Transfer to Workshop Account Special
|
$572.01
|
Transfer to Workshop Account
|
$2,000.00
|
Total
|
$5,523.35
|
* * * * *
No. 55: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1915
Annual Reports of City Departments, Etc.
Compiled By Frederick. W. Kaye, Assistant City Clerk
Compiled by William T. Minor, Assistant City Clerk
Press Of Samuel Z. Field New Haven, Conn. 1916
Page 408 (page 415 of the PDF)
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS Office 20, City Hall
Chairman Ex-Officio FRANK J. RICE, Mayor
President THEODORE S. WOOLSEY
Vice-President RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE
Permanent Members
SIMEON E. BALDWIN, 44 Wall Street
THEODORE S.WOOLSEY, 250 Church Street
HENRY F. ENGLISH, 38 Hillhouse Avenue
Appointive Members
JOHN H. SHAW 90 College Street, Term expires February 1, 1918
ALDERMAN EDMUND J. COFFEY, 27 Tilton Street, Term Expires Jan. 1,
1918
ALDERMAN JOHN W. MURPHY, 320 Blatchley Avenue, Term expires
January 1, 1918
JUNIUS C. KNOWLTON, 165 Park Street, Term expires February 1, 1919
RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE, 46 Hillhouse Avenue, Term expires February
1, 1917
Secretary and Treasurer
HENRY F. ENGLISH
Office, 839 Chapel Street
Assistant Secretary and Treasurer
RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE
46 Hillhouse Avenue
General Superintendent
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN
Room 20,
City Hall
Meetings on
second Friday evening of each month.
Page 409 (page 416 of the PDF)
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
Hon. Frank J. Rice, Mayor of the City of New Haven:
… We shall try the coming year a motor truck transport for the
longer hauls, noting how its higher speed (for West Rock and Fort Hale)
compares with the cheaper horse in economy and efficiency. It may be that this
concentration can be carried much further still to advantage…
THEODORE S. WOOLSEY, President
New Haven, Conn., January 14, 1916
Pages 430-431 (Pages 437 and 438 of the PDF)
REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
New Haven, Conn., January 1, 1914.
To the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners:
Gentlemen:—I herewith present my annual report, giving a full
account of work done during the fiscal year 1913, on all public parks, city
squares and playgrounds under your direction.
WEST ROCK PARK (Area, 280.95 Acres)
With several
thousand diseased chestnut trees on hand, forestry work had to be kept up as
much as possible. A large number of chestnut trees have been disposed of, cut
into saw logs, posts, and cord wood.
A special
appropriation of $2,000 enabled us to do considerable work on the park drive,
such as top dressing, and also to acquire several thousand feet of four by
sixteen inch curb stones, a number of catch basin fittings, and about 40,000
special cut dimension blocks. All of this material will make a valuable asset
for the coming year’s work, for which no special funds have been provided.
The Park
Cottage on Springside Avenue, opposite the Blakeslee Quarry, has been repaired
and the interior renovated.
A new fence
has been built along the newly established property line on Stone Street. This
change made it possible to build a seven foot sidewalk from Blake Street to
Hard Street along said fence. This walk is properly graded and surfaced with
fine crushed stone.
Respectfully
submitted,
Gustave X. Amrhyn,
General Superintendent
REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the Year Ending December 31, 1915.
Pages 417-418 (pages 423-424 of the PDF):
WEST ROCK PARK
Receipts
From general park appropriation
|
$3,000.00
|
From rents, sales, etc.
|
$264.25
|
From special appropriation
|
$2,000.00
|
From transfer city squares
(special appropriation)
|
$369.30
|
From transfer nursery
(special appropriation)
|
$19.33
|
From sales and rents
|
$173.25
|
Total
|
$5,561.88
|
Expenditures
For improvements on drives
(special appropriation)
|
$2,388.63
|
General Labor
|
$660.34
|
New Paths
|
$43.79
|
Drives and paths
|
$258.83
|
Material
|
$196.51
|
Playgrounds
|
$246.63
|
Lawns, grounds, buildings, etc.
|
$876.74
|
Seats
|
$37.00
|
Forest clearing
|
$295.58
|
Tools, machinery and repairs
|
$280.91
|
Transfer to nursery account
|
$27.74
|
Transfer to stable account
|
$249.18
|
Total
|
$5,561.88
|
 |
| This unmarked trail near the Konolds Pond overlook clings to the edge of the ridge. Be careful walking here as the cliff is about 300 feet above the Woodbridge side of the ridge. |
No. 56: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1916
Annual Reports of City Departments, Etc.
Compiled By Frederick. W. Kaye, Assistant City Clerk
Compiled by William T. Minor, Assistant City Clerk
A.J. Ely (Printer), 604 Chapel St., New Haven, Conn. 1917
Mayor Frank J. Rice, 220 Sherman Avenue, died January 18, 1917
Mayor Samuel Campner, 21 Eld Street
Page 414 (page 419 of the PDF)
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS Office 20, City Hall
Chairman Ex-Officio HON. SAMUEL CAMPNER, Mayor
President THEODORE S. WOOLSEY
Vice-President RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE
Permanent Members
SIMEON E. BALDWIN, 44 Wall Street
THEODORE S.WOOLSEY, 250 Church Street
HENRY F. ENGLISH, 38 Hillhouse Avenue
Appointive Members
JOHN H. SHAW 90 College Street, Term expires February 1, 1918
ALDERMAN EDMUND J. COFFEY, 27 Tilton Street, Term Expires Jan. 1,
1918
ALDERMAN JOHN W. MURPHY, 320 Blatchley Avenue, Term expires
January 1, 1918
JUNIUS C. KNOWLTON, 165 Park Street, Term expires February 1, 1919
RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE, 46 Hillhouse Avenue, Term expires February
1, 1920
Secretary and Treasurer
HENRY F. ENGLISH
Office, 839 Chapel Street
Assistant Secretary and Treasurer
RUTHERFORD TROWBRIDGE
46 Hillhouse Avenue
General Superintendent
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN
Room 20,
City Hall
Pages 415 (pages 420 of the PDF)
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
OF THE CITY OF NEW HAVEN, 1916
Hon. Frank J. Rice, Mayor of the City of New Haven:
…The gradual disappearance of the horse drawn vehicle has put the
Park Commission in a rather curious dilemma. The drives in the two mountain
parks in construction and grade were built for horse use but are no longer used
by horses. They are ill adapted for motor use yet the motor car is the only
vehicle which desires to use them. Must they then be entirely reconstructed, or
must they lie idle, used only by foot passengers.
The way out of this dilemma is not easily found. But the Commission
has gone so far as to commit itself to the opening of the main West Rock Park
drive for motor car use if it can be arranged with safety. Now it remains for
the engineers to tell us whether further top dressing of stone with a binder,
the turns being strengthened with Belgian blocks, is enough, or whether total
reconstruction if necessary…
THEODORE S. WOOLSEY, President
New Haven, January 12, 1917
Page 435 (page 440 of the PDF)
WEST ROCK PARK (Area, 280.95 Acres.)
During the whole Winter season the men were kept busy with forestry
work. Still a large number of deceased chestnut trees remain standing. All
houses and outbuildings have been painted and repaired. Material for filling
along Valley Street has been obtained from nearby excavations, which is to be
used in raising-the land along the West River bed. A large number of forest
trees have been planted throughout the woodland, where dead chestnut trees had
been removed previously.
Nothing has been done to the drive this season. No special
appropriations were made for this purpose, except for the purchase of crushed
stone, which is to be used another year in the rebuilding of the road; for the
details of this work the Engineering Department is making a survey of the
drive.
Respectfully
submitted,
Gustave X.
Amrhyn,
General
Superintendent
Page 422 (page 427 of the PDF)
WEST ROCK PARK
Receipts
From general park appropriation
|
$3,500.00
|
From rent and storage
|
$502.00
|
Total
|
$4,002.00
|
Expenditures
General Labor
|
$457.01
|
New drives and paths
|
$529.00
|
Drives and paths
|
$221.06
|
Buildings
|
$666.12
|
Playgrounds
|
$124.66
|
Lawns, grounds, etc.
|
$568.19
|
Tools,
machinery and repairs
|
$144.88
|
Transfer to zoo account
|
$300.00
|
Transfer to stable account
|
$623.17
|
Total
|
$4,002.00
|
* * * * *
No. 57: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1917
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Hugh J. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk
S. Z. Field, Printer, 44 Crown St., New Haven, Conn. 1918
Link: No online version available.
The Hon. Mayor David E. Fitzgerald
Pages 383, and 395-396.
WEST ROCK PARK (Area, 283.22 Acres)
A tract of
land containing 4.27 acres belonging to the City and formerly under care of the
Director of Public Works, has been given to this department in compliance with
some charter changes of a few years ago. Said land is situated north of the
junction of Springside Avenue and Hard Street, and extending along Springside
Avenue to land now part of West Rock Park, the inventoried value being
$1,390.00. The stables and sheds have been enlarged considerably, to accommodate
an increased number of rolling stock. A great deal of forestry work has been done during the latter part of November and the
whole month of December. There still remain 2,400 chestnut trees to be cut,
most of this wood will be converted into posts and lumber.
The
reconstruction of the Regicide Drive, from the park entrance to Judge’s Cave,
was taken seriously in hand last spring. Contracts were awarded for the
necessary curbstone, about 5,000 feet, to New Haven Stone, marble and Tile
Company for 48¢ per linear foot delivered on the grounds. The contract for the
various sizes of crushed stone used in the rebuilding of the surfaces was
awarded to C.W. Blakeslee & Sons viz: 85¢ per ton for No. 2 stone; $1.10
for No. 3 stone; and 85¢ for screenings at the quarry The work of regrading,
curbing and paving the road begin in September and stopped at the end of
November. About four-fifths of the entire length has been practically
completed. Many new drains and catch basins have been established in the new construction,
to properly take care of surface drainage and prevent washouts. The expenditure
so far has been $15,568.99, which is someone higher than my estimate, which was
made at the beginning of the year. Increase of wages and higher prices for
materials will account for any additional cost.
Receipts
From General Appropriations
|
$3,500.00
|
Park
Bonds, Series 1917
|
$16,394.32
|
Rents and sales
|
$718.70
|
Transfer
from Quinnipiac Park Account
|
$471.16
|
Transfer from Waterside Park Account
|
$2.73
|
Transfer from Central Green Account
|
$174.31
|
Total
|
$21,261.22
|
Expenditures
For New Drives
|
$16,644.32
|
General Labor
|
$652.52
|
Drives and Paths
|
$498.91
|
Grounds and Lawns
|
$665.95
|
Playgrounds
|
$210.35
|
Buildings
|
$525.81
|
Forest clearing
|
$1,379.07
|
Tools, Materials, etc.
|
$479.38
|
Transfer to Stable Account
|
$205.21
|
Total
|
$21,261.22
|
* * * * *
No. 58: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1918
Containing Lists of the Officers of the City Government,
Annual Reports of City Departments and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Hugh J. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk
S. Z. Field, Printer, 44 Crown St., New Haven, Conn. 1919
Mayor David E. Fitzgerald
Page 19 (page 28 of the PDF)
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC PARKS Office 20, City Hall
Chairman Ex-Officio MAYOR DAVID E. FITZGERALD
President THEODORE S. WOOLSEY
Vice-President JUNIUS C. KNOWLTON
Permanent Members
SIMEON E. BALDWIN, 44 Wall Street
THEODORE S.WOOLSEY, 250 Church Street
HENRY F. ENGLISH, 38 Hillhouse Avenue
Appointive Members
JOHN H. SHAW 90 College Street, Term expires February 1, 1921
HAYES Q. TROWBRIDGE 100 Edgehill Road, Term expires February 1,
1920
ALDERMAN HENRY H. GRISWOLD, 143 Huntington Avenue, Term Expires
Jan. 1, 1920
ALDERMAN HARRY W. HITCHCOCK, 459 Ellsworth Avenue, Term expires
January 1, 1920
JUNIUS C. KNOWLTON, 324 Sherman Avenue, Term expires February 1,
1922
Secretary and Treasurer
HENRY F. ENGLISH
Office, 839 Chapel Street
Assistant Secretary and Treasurer
HAYES Q. TROWBRIDGE
100 Edgehill Road
General Superintendent
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN
Room 20,
City Hall
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
Hon. David E. FitzGerald, Mayor of the City of New Haven.
Sir: — In
making this report to you of the problems and prospects of the city park
system, I am obliged to confess that the past year has been a disappointing
one. We had much important work begun or planned and little has been
accomplished. Not only has help been dear and inefficient; it was not to be
had. We have not therefore maintained the parks as they should be kept; we have
not finished the Regicide Drive; ….
…two months
work will finish the drive to Judges Cave;
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE S
WOOLSEY. President N.H. Commission of Public Parks
Pages 433-434, 440-441, 453-454 (pages 446-447, 453-454, 466-467
of the PDF)
REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
New Haven, Conn., December 31, 1918.
To the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners:
Gentlemen:—I herewith present my annual report, giving a detailed
account of work done on the parks and squares under your direction during the
past year.
WEST ROCK PARK (Area 286.22 Acres)
This park has also suffered its share in the maintenance, which
was quite noticeable. An effort to accomplish a thorough forest clearing, viz: to
cut out all diseased chestnut and other trees succeeded fairly well. A lot of
logs were sawed up into useful lumber of all sorts, while small timber was
converted into fence posts and cord-wood. Later in the season the large open
lot opposite Springside Home was cleared of all brush, leaving it in good
condition, with a growth of young cedars, which in New England
characteristically adorn the Hillsides.
In June work began on the Regicide Drive and continued until November.
The upper section of the Drive, upon which we worked, involved a lot of
rock-cutting and blasting and also required, in some places, the building of
heavy, retaining walls; the expense of all of which this year amounted to
$9,905.00. Labor conditions and prices of material figure largely in this
amount. About 250 linear feet of the Drive remains to be done to complete it as
far as Judge's Cave. I hope the remainder of the road leading from this point
to the front of the Rock will be re-built at once, in order to open to
automobiles the whole length which leads to one of the most picturesque points
of view in this State and will afford visitors of this city the fairest
conception of the charming location of New Haven.
Efforts must be made to convince the city authorities of the
immediate necessity of re-constructing the roadway from Springside Home to the Park
entrance, upon which will hinge the use of the park when completed.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMHYRN
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the
year ending December 31, 1918.
Appropriations
(and Expenditures)
Receipts
From General Appropriations
|
$4,000.00
|
West Rock
Park Bond, series of 1917
|
$9,805.85
|
Rents and sales
|
$1,359.25
|
Transfer from
Kimberly Playgrounds
|
$433.86
|
Transfer from Band Concerts
|
$122.61
|
Total
|
$15,721.57
|
Expenditures
For New Drives
|
$9,929.66
|
General Labor
|
$703.73
|
Drives and Paths
|
$1,017.27
|
Grounds and Lawns
|
$769.79
|
Playgrounds
|
$263.64
|
Forest clearing
|
$2,844.36
|
Tools, material
|
$193.12
|
Total
|
$15,721.57
|
Respectfully submitted,
Henry F. English, Treasurer
* * * * *
No. 59: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1919
Lists of the Officers of the City Government, Annual Reports of
City Departments, and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Hugh J. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk
S. Z. Field, Printer, 44 Crown St., New Haven, Conn. 1920
Mayor David E. Fitzgerald
Pages 449, 457 and 470 (Pages 456, 464, and 477 of the PDF)
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT
(To) Hon. David E. FitzGerald, Mayor of the City of New Haven.
… Another job finished is the motor drive to Judges Cave which has been
freely used by automobilists and much appreciated. The road from the Almshouse
to our entrance, for some years in shocking con dition, has been paved by the
Board of Public Works, and now at last West Rock is really accessible. Our plan
is to harden a branch of the Regicide Drive which extends southeasterly along
the ridge, giving extensive views over the City, harbor and the region to the
north. A few months more should see this accomplished. I may add that this
drive to Judges Cave stands the wear well and the orderly procession of cars
observing the speed regulations with apparent cheerfulness is good for the
soul…
THEODORE S. WOOLSEY, President
REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
New Haven, Conn., December 31, 1919.
To the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners, New Haven, Conn.:
Gentlemen:—In accordance with the requirements of this office, I
beg to submit my annual report, giving a detailed account of work done in the
parks and squares, under your honorable board's direction:
West Rock Park Area 286.551 Acres
It was not until August 2nd that the Regicide Drive was completed
as far as Judges Cave and thrown open to auto traffic. The drive has been
enjoyed by thousands of automobilists and is a novelty and attraction of great
merit. The reconstruction of the drive leading from Judges Cave to the Summit
was started and most of the curb is set up and much of the block gutter is
laid. The completion of this improvement will cost quite a little, as some
blasting of rock is to be done, especially at the very end of the road, where a
fair-sized parking space for autos has to be provided which will afford room
for at least 100 cars. Permission has been obtained from the Legislature and
the Honorable Board of Aldermen to make an exchange of property between the
City and the Geometric Tool Company of Westville. For the above exchange the
City transferred a certain strip of land north of the Geometric Tool Company's
property, containing 0.249 acres, to that company and received in its place a
piece of land west of the above company's land containing 0.580 acres. In this
transaction we made a slight gain of area and also obtained additional control
of water rights of West River which we did not heretofore own. It in fact gives
us at present the riparian rights of West River in its entire length through
West Rock Park. We have accomplished a great deal in forestry work during the
year. I believe another season will complete the forestry work in this park as
far as the removal of dead chestnut trees is concerned.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMHYRN
Superintendent of Public Parks
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the
year ending December 31, 1919
Receipts
From General Appropriation
|
$3,599.60
|
West Rock
Park Bond, series of 1917
|
$7,935.79
|
Rents and sales
|
$455.40
|
Total
|
$11,990.79
|
Expenditures
For New Drives
|
$7,984.74
|
General Labor
|
$903.92
|
Drives and Paths
|
$859.15
|
Grounds and Lawns
|
$717.28
|
Playgrounds
|
$336.20
|
Forest clearing
|
$852.30
|
Tools, material
|
$337.20
|
Total
|
$11,990.79
|
Respectfully submitted,
Henry F. English, Treasurer
 |
| Hikers cross the walkway over the Lake Wintergreen spillway in this view from the frozen lake in early March 2015. |
* * * * *
No. 60: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1920
Lists of the Officers of the City Government, Annual Reports of
City Departments, and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Hugh J. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk
S. Z. Field, Printer, 44 Crown St., New Haven, Conn. 1921
Mayor David E. Fitzgerald
Pages 478, 490, and 493 (pages 485, 497, and 500 of the PDF)
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the
year ending December 31, 1920
WEST ROCK PARK (Area, 286.551 Acres)
The
work on the new auto-drive could not be continued, during the past year, which
is very much to be regretted. An effort must be made to continue this work next
Spring until completed. Very little work was done on the park since it was
almost impossible to get labor to go outside of the city. Late this Fall we
started some forest clearing work and also made thorough repairs on the
foot-paths.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMHYRN
Superintendent
of Public Parks
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the
year ending December 31, 1920
Receipts
From General Appropriation
|
$4,396.93
|
Sales, Rents, and Donations
|
$407.00
|
Total
|
$4,803.93
|
Expenditures
For General Labor
|
$995.16
|
Drives and Paths
|
$1,352.91
|
Grounds and Lawns
|
$363.18
|
Playgrounds
|
$157.07
|
Forest clearing
|
$801.12
|
Tools, Material, etc.
|
$952.98
|
Grading and Filling
|
$61.17
|
Buildings
|
$120.34
|
Total
|
$4,803.93
|
Respectfully submitted,
Arthur D. Mullen, Controller
January, 1920
* * * * *
No. 61: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1921
Lists of the Officers of the City Government, Annual Reports of
City Departments, and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Hugh J. Murphy, Assistant City Clerk
S. Z. Field Company, New Haven, Conn. 1922
Mayor David E. Fitzgerald
Pages 477-481, 488, 498, and 504 (pages
486-490, 497, 507, and 513 of the PDF)
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS OF THE CITY OF
NEW HAVEN 1921.
Annual Report of the President
Hon. David E. Fitzgerald, Mayor of the City of New Haven.
…Each park has its own foreman, who lives near by. Three parks,
West Rock, Edgewood, and Beaver Ponds, are served by the Western Division
stables on Crescent Street…
On West Rock
itself, the branch of the Regicide Drive which was planned last year has made
great progress. This leads from the crest of the ridge southwesterly to the
Rock tip where a concourse is arranged to hold a hundred vehicles. The outlook
in every direction is spectacular, not matched by any park in the country. It
is a pity that the road from Westville, the natural approach to this wonderful
drive, is not in better shape.
Respectfully submitted,
THEODORE S.
WOOSLEY, President
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
New Haven, Connecticut,
December 31, 1921.
To the Honorable Board of Park Commissioners, New Haven, Conn.
Gentlemen: I beg to submit my annual report dealing with the work
of Our
department which has been greater than in any former year. The
maintenance work was carried out to the full extent of the appropriation, while
many improvements have been performed with the financial aid of the bond
issues.
West Rock Park (Area 286.551 Acres)
The Drive to Judges Cave has been very much used and enjoyed by
autoists and it appears that the wearing surface of the road stood up very well
so far. Work has been started again on the Summit Drive and kept up all Summer.
I really expected to complete this Drive by December 1st; this however failed.
While starting to blast away the rock where the parking place is located at the
end of the Drive we found the rock extremely hard, in fact so much so that the drilling
became real slow and again the retaining and protection wall, which circles the
parking space proved to be a rather heavy job. Furthermore water had to be
brought to the Summit to feed the boilers, sprinklers, etc. This was
accomplished by laying a surface pipe line from the keeper's cottage, on
Springside Avenue, to the Summit, and connect same with a 6000 gallon tank. The
tank is properly set up on a stone foundation and housed in, in order that it
may last for a good many years to come and supply the Summit with water in the
Summer time. A gasoline engine and triplex pumps connected therewith was set up
at the keeper's place to do the necessary pumping. This outfit was also
properly housed in. We expended $21,456.00 for all this work during the season.
A very
handsome stone fireplace and concourse was erected by the Camp Fire Girls, in
memory of the late Miss M. Fisher, which is located on the banks of West River
beneath the cliffs of West Rock.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN,
Superintendent
of Public Parks.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the year
ending December 31, 1921.
WEST ROCK PARK
Receipts
From city appropriation
|
$4,311.46
|
Rents
|
$324.00
|
Sales, etc.
|
$170.90
|
Transferred from Beaver Ponds Park
|
$62.11
|
City park improvement bonds
|
$23,247.16
|
Total
|
$28,115.63
|
Expenditures
For Regicide Drive
|
$23,247.16
|
Drives and Paths
|
1,660.55
|
Grounds and Lawns
|
770.37
|
Playgrounds
|
336.42
|
Forest clearing
|
634.06
|
Buildings
|
309.36
|
General Labor
|
1,037.91
|
Tools, repairs, materials
|
119.90
|
Total
|
$28,115.63
|
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY F. ENGLISH, Treasurer.
New Haven, February 10th, 1922
* * * * *
 |
| Invasive wineberry (a non-native raspberry plant) grow freely along the edge of Amrhyn Field, named for Gustave X. Amrhyn, New Haven's first superintendent of parks. |
* * * * *
No. 65: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1925
Lists of Officers of the City Government, Annual Reports of City
Departments, and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Dominic W. Celotto, Assistant City Clerk
The Columbia Printing Co., New Haven, Conn. 1926
Mayor John B. Tower
Link: No online version available.
Pages 598, 619
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
New Haven Park Commission
For the Year Ending December 31, 1925.
West Rock Park (Area 286.55 Acres)
The most
important improvement of the year is repaving of Springside Avenue from Blake
Street to the park entrance beyond Springside Home. This work was done and paid
for by the Paving Commission with the exception of the cutting down of two
embankments on the west side of the avenue on park land. The straightening of
sharp curves necessitated this work, and about fourteen hundred yards of sand
stone were removed by us and dumped along the easterly embankment of the
avenue. The approach to the park is now in good order from Westville at least.
Forestry work has been kept up during the Winter months, and roads and paths
were kept in good condition.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN,
Superintendent
of Public Parks.
December 31,
1925
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the year
ending December 31, 1925.
WEST ROCK PARK
Receipts
From City Appropriations
|
$4,511.21
|
Rents and Sale of Wood
|
$524.00
|
Park and Playground Acquirement and Development Bond
|
$1,206.13
|
Total
|
$6,241.34
|
Expenditures
For Grading and filling
|
$1,170.34
|
Forest clearing
|
$489.68
|
Drives – Maintenance
|
$994.80
|
Paths – Maintenance
|
$614.77
|
Grounds
|
$266.12
|
Playgrounds
|
$402.17
|
Buildings
|
$378.51
|
Tools
|
$161.56
|
General labor
|
$1,257.05
|
Transferred to Beaver Park
|
$506.32
|
Total
|
$6,241.34
|
* * * * *
No. 66: City Year Book of the City Of New Haven for 1926
Lists of Officers of the City Government, Annual Reports of City
Departments, and Other Public Documents.
Compiled By Dominic W. Celotto, Assistant City Clerk
The Columbia Printing Co., New Haven, Conn. 1927
Mayor John B. Tower
Link: No online version available.
Pages 436-437, 457-458
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT OF PARKS
New Haven Park Commission
For the Year Ending December 31, 1926.
West Rock Park (Area 286.55 Acres)
Forestry
work was carried out during the Winter months throughout the wooded slopes and
in the West River Valley. Roads and paths were kept in good condition.
Improvements
were made to the park keeper’s cottage by adding a bathroom and a toilet with
sewer and septic tank connections. The interior and exterior of the building
have been repaired and painted.
Mr. Charles
Berggren rented the sales stand on the summit for the sum of one hundred
dollars for the season. A small comfort-station should be set up there during
the coming season. The cost will certainly be a minor matter compared with the
necessity thereof.
Respectfully submitted,
GUSTAVE X. AMRHYN,
Superintendent
of Public Parks.
December 31,
1926.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE TREASURER OF COMMISSION OF PUBLIC PARKS
For the year
ending December 31, 1926.
WEST ROCK PARK
Receipts
From City Appropriations
|
$5,809.26
|
Park and Playground Acquirement and Development Bond
|
$50.98
|
Rents and Concession
|
$665.00
|
Sales
|
$48.00
|
Wm. S. Pardee Trust Fund
|
$121.00
|
Total
|
$6,694.24
|
Expenditures
For Drives
|
$901.60
|
Paths
|
$411.46
|
Grounds
|
$987.27
|
Cutting Grass
|
$192.56
|
Forest Clearing
|
$588.16
|
Playgrounds – New Apparatus
|
$212.66
|
Playgrounds – Maintenance
|
$441.26
|
Buildings
|
1,706.55
|
Tools and Machinery
|
$255.15
|
General labor
|
$501.60
|
Transferred to Washington Playgrounds
|
495.97
|
Total
|
$6,694.24
|
* * * * *
 |
| East Rock and New Haven, along with the woods of West Rock in this view from the overlook on the Red Trail of Farm Brook Reservoir, partially seen at left. |
* * * * *
 |
| This view of Wintergreen Brook is just downstream from Wintergreen Falls, on the property of the West Rock Nature Center. |
All of this is amazing! I've been working at CGHS on Springside Ave as an environmental educator for a few years now, and have admired west rock park for a few more. Ever since I started going to this park, I've noticed bits and pieces of its history, and the efforts of those who worked the land there.
ReplyDeleteI've recently been very curious (slightly obsessed) about the historical facts surrounding the park, the lands it's comprised of, and the individuals who made it all possible. The most fascinating part for me is how time seems to bend, soften, and erode, if you will, the factual history of this beautiful place..
One assumption I've been fed was that the springside home was once located on what is now common ground's campus. I never believed it. To the best of my abilities, I have decided that the almshouse or springside home was located somewhere past the new haven jobs corps. Am I in the right location?
Another mystery for me has been the stone foundations near the sharp hair-pin turn on wintergreen ave (just south of lake wintergreen). What was that?! Seem somewhat substantial.
Yet another mystery is this stone pillar, standing between 1'-2' tall, found along what is now marked as the teal trail. I've also seen them across springside ave, in an abandoned lot located opposite of wintergreen brook from the horseshoe pits.
So many mysteries out there! Thanks for these resources!
Dan DeCamillo
daniel.decamillo@nhep.com
As a child in the late 1940s and early 1950s, We would take large gallon jugs and collect water from the West Rock spring.
ReplyDeleteMy family also took water from this spring. The"poor house" was nearby.
ReplyDeleteI remember going to the spring to get water with my mother-in-law for my father-in-law because his stomach could not tolerate tap water. We’d bring about 6 gallons. Who knew someday we’d have to pay for spring water.
ReplyDelete