LIBRARY ANNEX CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FINE ARTS LIBRARY — Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924014907830 BOARD OF WEST CHICAGO PARK COMMISSIONERS As Appointed by Hon. Edward F. Dunne Governor of the State of Illinois Organized August 12, 1913 COMMISSIONERS WILLIAM F. GROWER President EDWARD MULLEN : Treasurer JAMES C. DENVIR , : ‘ Auditor JOHN ANDA MICHAEL KOLASSA PETER J. O’BRIEN CAMILLO VOLINI, M. D. TIMOTHY CRUISE Secretary JACOB C. LEBOSKY Attorney A. C. SCHRADER Supt. and Eng. JENS JENSEN . Consulting Landscape Architect OFFICES: UNION PARK, CHICAGO TELEPHONE: MoNnROoE 5840 yreg uolug SYANOISSINWOD MUVd OOVOIHO LSUM *SAHOITAO oL8I—MUVd ATHIAYVO CREATION AND AUTHORITY The first Board of West Chicago Park Commissioners was appointed by Governor John M. Palmer on April 26, 1869, in pursuance of an Act of the Legislature under date of February 27, 1869. The West Park Board is a distinct municipality in itself, like the South Park and Lincoln Park Boards, independent of the City of Chicago, with absolute control over the parks, playgrounds and boulevards under its juris- diction. It is composed of seven members, appointed by the Governor of the State. It derives its powers from the State, which involves matters of policing, lighting, taxation, maintenance, and the passage of ordinances regarding the use and supervision of its parks, playgrounds and boulevards. The Park System is maintained by a yearly tax levy, equal to a certain percentage of the total tax valuation levied upon the property in the West Chicago Park District. No charge of any kind is made, therefore, or per- mitted, in connection with the use of any activity. TABLE SHOWING PARKS AND BOULEVARDS under the jurisdiction of the WEST CHICAGO PARK COMMISSIONERS. 1914, Names Area Length Boundaries in in Acres Miles LARGE PARKS: Austin Park Site (new) W. Adams st.; 8. Central ave.; Aurora, Elgin & Chicago R. R.; . Austin ave..... 154.00 Douglas Park 12th st.; Californi ; 19th bany ave. Pear 181.991 Garfield Park Kinzie st.; Central Park ave.; Lake st.; Homan ave.; Madison st.; Central Park 2 ave.; Colorado ave.; Hamlin ave............ 187.534 Humboldt Park SMALLER PARKS: Union Park (Office of W. C. P. C.) Campbell Park Holstein Park Jefferson Park Shedds Park Vernon Park Wicker Park NEW SMALL PARKS: (1905-1912) Dvorak Park Eckhart Park (Bernard A.) Franklin Park Harrison Park Pulaski Park Sheridan Park Stanford Park North ave.; California ave.; Division st.; Sacramento boul.; Augusta st.; Kedzie ave. Poste mes Seteat cane See nee oe sae Lake st.; Bryan Place; Ogden ave.; Warren ave.; Ashland boul. te Flournoy st.; Leavitt st.; Le st.; Oakley boul Ems st.; Hamburg st.; Oakley ave........ ngton Monroe, Throop, Adams and Loomis streets SSS ee, pihideuee dates scuee c., B. & Q. R. R.; Millard ave. st.; Lawndale ave McAllister Place; Center Place; Loomis st Park st.; Evergreen ave.; Robey st...... Fisk, May, 20th and 21st streets............ Chicago ave.; Cornell, Noble, Chase streets era 14th and 15th s Courts ....... si uxeischess 18th, 19th, South Wood and South TGINCOlM: SCRCCtS: 2asccclecacsecpussteisr ec eemnc tern Noble, Blackhawk, Cleaver and Brad- ley sts. ..... oe May, Polk, Aberdeen streets, and alley MOTth Of Taylor (St ieecceccecseccvesegeressssscteceseaicecie Barber, Union, 14th Place HUMBOLDT NATATORIUM: (Additional land adjacent to Humboldt Park) Augusta st.; Sacramento boul.; Cor- nelin st.; alley west of Sacramento WO le cseysncecreceecerncreneanpataepeees ans 6.140 4.030 BOULEVARDS: Ashland Boul.—N. s. California Boul. Central Park Boul.—N. Ss. Douglas Boul. Franklin Boul. Hiirsch Boul. Homan Boul. Humboldt Boul. Independence Boul. Jackson Boul. Kedzie Boul. (N.) Logan Boul. Marshall Boul. Oakley Boul.—N. s. Ogden Boul. Palmer Square Sacramento Boul.—N. s. Thirty-first Boul. Twelfth St. Boul. Twenty-fourth Boul. Washington Boul. Western Boul. TOTALS: Madison st. to Lake st.; Madison st. to 12th st. boul... 24th Go: St, WOUWc tLe sssectecaete te Franklin boul. to Garfield Park (Kinzie st.) Madison st. to Colorado ave Independence boul, to Douglas Park (CATE? VCs) 02s ee tears Sacramento boul. to Central Park boul.; Central Park boul. to Gartield Park: (Kin Zie: St.) ccccccccccsccssyscce-cceeesncseeseeeesnees Oakley boul. to Humboldt Park (Cali- fornia ave.) cesdeceosess to Lake st... Humboldt Madison st. Park Palmer (North Garfield Park (Colorado ave.) to Doug- las boul. Square to ave.) Park (Austin)... Chicago River to Central ave.; Hamlin ave. to Central ave. Logan boul. to Palmer Square... North branch of Chicago River to Ked- zie ave. goles 19th st. (Douglas Park) to 24th st... Madison st. to North ave. Madison st. to 12th st. boul... Douglas Park (Albany ave.) to Oak- ley boul. N. Kedzie boul. to Humboldt boul... Madison st. to Humboldt Park (Au- gusta st.) Madison st. to Douglas Park (12th st.) to Western California ave. ave Oakley boul. to Ashland boul.....0...0....... Marshall boul. to California boul............ Canal st. to Garfield Park ave.) ; Garfield Park Austin ave. (Homan (Hamlin ave.) to 31st boul. to Ilinois & Michigan Canal WP ARIK. oo ososect acd tsenieeionee: 808.214 acres BOULEVARDS .0000....... § 444,776 acres 1 29.527 miles VALUATION 19.427 23.085 25.562 51.470 15.995 34.773 15.077 24.000 35.996 14.400 7.602 6.600 64.061 4.316 1 2260 .692 Assessed valuation of the property in the district subject to taxation by the municipality: The West Chicago Park Commissioners............... Rate: 74 cents on the $100.00. Amount Collectible $216,749 ,372.00 g feb ge se decd cunseb Serve Oy. eee Ie hd $1,508 945.35 (Zurpting A1opajoy preMmo} Yoo14S UOSTpePY WOLF YPIOU BuIyooT) MUVd AIAIMUVS ‘SLUNOD YALVM WEST CHICAGO PARK COMMISSIONERS AREA LENGTH] AREA PARKS ACRES BOULEVARDS Mi Re ifPark (UNNAMED) [i5s000l1T LOGAN 2] HUMBOLDT ongesi2iN. KEDZIE 3] GARFIELD 1875941 3[ PALMER SQUARE DOUGLAS 181291) 4[ HUMBO Ss ON 1237 0/5[ N.& 5. SACRAMENTO W ES S a 6| JEFFERSON zozalel FRANKLIN VERNON 614017 N.CENTRAL PARK S| CAMPBELL Lasols| s. CENTRAL PARK eee said stathoet PARK SYSTEM hol SHEODS: L13hol OO uUGLAS i] HOLS TEIN 1.9401! OG OEN BERNARDO AECKHART, A.12 5112] w. 12 TH STANFORD 2.89 2)31 N.& S OAKLEY CHICAGO ILL. OVORAK 3A5 2 HIRSCH FRANKLIN A2HOUS! N. & S. ASHLAND hel PULASKI 2.80 0h6l w. WASHINGTON ee 1914 HARRISON B244N7| W. JACK SON ae 1& SHERIDAN 387 5)8| MARSHALL ve 19] HUMBOLOT NATATM. 15 7/19] W. 24TH S.CAUFORNIA 0692) 1942 oO = al oe) 2: < CI TOTALS 808214] Z Ni or E BERLORE OTE! MARGINAL oy a 1 2 io ' « I 1 a sec Janene og —.-- J... 2g----- ez * [. -© - ~ 9/2 ameccaar. t — DEVS 10M AN. AUSTIN C) HUMBOLOT Spee ates --%g acces N SACRAMENTO N OAKLEY N_HALSTEO ZN 2 ‘eB ; ELO Bo eae * brisket ; 1 | z INDEPENDENCE Bo inoeeenotnce OoUGLAS BOUL SSACRAMENTO 5 N cos \\EE Bo Crea 5 OAKLEY ee Nae b ‘ Ss. ASHE BNOD 83. 2) A . ioe o] o | Pan ) warsvart ac Y S. CALIFORNIA. yt * oO} ia) i © # .O Z| =| pieces [eae Se Tel Re ee (aes ie em cate a N a +] Z| go: 3 g 4% g ei alo ye 4 318 & q Is 3 ole *e I Ble & i fe Ey al® if ap 2 o a MUVd CIGIMAVS ‘AYOLVAYASNOO OUR LARGE PARKS GARFIELD DOUGLAS HUMBOLDT AUSTIN PARK SITE GARFIELD, DOUGLAS AND HUMBOLDT Parks constituted a part of the original Park lands at the time of the creation of the West Park System in 1869. The AUSTIN PARK SITE has been but recently acquired. It was pur- chased in 1913 by reason of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Illi- nois, approved and in force May 25, 1911, entitled: “An Act to enable Park Commissioners to enlarge Park systems under their control by acquiring additional lands or territories for Park purposes, and to pay for the lands or territory thus acquired,” $1,000,000.00 of bonds being issued and sold in pursuance of said Act. The site will be improved by the Board as soon as funds are available for this purpose. RECREATION FEATURES GOLF TENNIS BASEBALL-FOOTBALL (Humboldt and Douglas) BOATING SKATING BAND CONCERTS SWIMMING POOLS WADING POOL (Humboldt) ATHLETIC FIELD ASSEMBLY HALL PRIVILEGES: Social gatherings, dances, entertain- ments, lectures, celebrations, etc. GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY Located north of Lake street, near Hamlin avenue. Completed, 1907. Cost, $276,000—(approx). Designed by Hitchings & Co., of New York City. TABLE SHOWING DATA AND DIMENSIONS: F General Floor Cubical | Glass Height Di oe Area Contents | Area Bieam mension. | gq. Ft. | in Cu. Ft.| Sq. Ft. Radiation Palm House .| 60% | 85”x 2507 | 20,450 | 781,000 | 39,400 8,384 — Aquatic Hous 35” | 112.5x 1507 16,680 16,720 4,935 Show House.. 30’ | 50’ x 132’ 6,600 00 10,650 2/318 Stove House .... 50’ 50’ x 132 6,600 $8,400 10,650 37112 Conifer House .. 39” 65’ x 86’ 5,462 167,700 9,030 2,562 New Holland House... | 388” 65’ x 867 5,462 167,700 9,030 3.124 Economic House ... | 30° 50’ x 97.5" 4,875 115,200 81500 1583 16’ 27’ x 38! 1,026 17,200 500 480 10/ 25’x 36’ 900 9,000 220 240 Totals ee so] 68,055 | 1,927,000 | 104,700 | 26,738 AQUATIC HOUSE, GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY The largest attendance of any single day during the Fall exhibit, 1913, at the Conservatory, was on November 18, when 31,492 visitors were counted on entering. This exhibit showed an increased attendance of 45,000 over the attend- ance a year ago. PALM HOUSE — EXHIBITION HOUSE — FERN HOUSE — SHOW HOUSE—CONIFER HOUSE—ECONOMIC HOUSE—NEW HOLLAND HOUSE—STOVE HOUSE The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Nowhere else has an attempt ever been made to build greenhouses for the exhibition of exotic plants in a public park with public funds on such a large scale. The houses contain 68,055 square feet of floor space, and are roofed over by 104,700 square feet of glass. The cubical contents of the entire structure is 1,927,400 cubic feet. The Palm House, which is the largest room, is 65 feet high in the center, 26,738 square feet of steam radiation being required for heating. Prior to 1905, each of the large West Chicago Parks: Humboldt, Gar- field and Douglas, had its own conservatory and propagating house. As these buildings were old and beyond repair, new houses had to be considered. Consideration was given to the excessive cost of maintaining three sepa- rate conservatories whose contents were practically the same, and whose exhibits were duplications of one another. In order to reduce the cost of erecting and maintaining three smaller conservatories with the necessary propagating houses, in which to provide for the flower shows and the out- door display during the summer, the West Park Board decided to erect one large conservatory, centrally located. The use of a power house already in existence, for heating purposes, and the placing of compost evils and other unsightly but necessary adjuncts to a greenhouse establishment, decided the present location, which is conve- nient to surface and elevated roads and on the main park drive encircling the city. The Conservatory was completed in 1907. The object was to erect a conservatory that would contain a great variety of plants interesting to the layman and professional, and of educational value to the student, to produce periodical exhibits that would be of interest to the people, and to create a center of horticulture that would lead the Middle West. The Conservatory represents the most modern studies in growing exotic plants under glass for exhibition purposes, and it is unique in containing different sections, having special temperature and humidity to meet the requirements of plants from all parts of the warmer zones of the earth. The entrance to the Conservatory is dignified and in keeping with what one meets inside. Flanked by two beautiful groups—“Idyl” and ‘“Pastoral”— a most imposing picture is presented, a tropical jungle, as it were, from the carboniferous age. The formal exhibition shelves on either side of the en- trance indicate one of the purposes to which these glass houses are devoted. Right and left the path leads through jungles of palms and ferns from the tropics. As the palms are the dominating feature of this exhibit, this house is called the Palm House. There are Cocoa Palms, Date Palms, the Fish Tail Palm that supplies alcoholic drinks to the Malays and Indians, the Raphia Palm used for basket making, matting, etc., the Corphya Palm from South- ern Europe, and the Carludevica from South and Central America, the latter furnishing material for the expensive Panama hat; the Sago Palm and Sugar Palm, (Phoenix Sylvestris). Many of these palms furnish food, clothing and shelter for the aboriginal people of tropical countries. One of the most important, perhaps, is the Banana Tree. At the north end of the house, around the pool, is a group of Bamboos. These trees furnish the staple wood for many purposes in China and the entire eastern part of Asia. The stems are used for building bridges, masts, poles, etc. When split, they are used AUOLVAUASNOOD MUVd AIGIMAUVO—ASNOH MOHS oe making hats, umbrellas and wicker work. The young shoots are used for ood. At the extreme southern part of the Palm House flourish rubber plants of several varieties. Rubber is extracted from more than a hundred species, but the main supply comes from the Hevea Brasiliensis and the Ficus Elac- tica, the latter being the variety grown extensively as a house plant. The Coffee Tree can be found along the west path, and climbing up along the rafters of the east side of the Palm House grows the blue gum tree (Eucalyptus) of Australia, now planted extensively in Southern Cali- fornia. Owing to the power of its leaves to transpire great quantities of water, it is extensively planted in swampy districts to remove excessive moisture, especially when there are no other means of drainage. West of the Palm House, which takes in the entire eastern part of the Conservatory, are the Exhibition House on the north and the Stove House on the south. The western part of the building consists of the Economic House in the middle, with the Conifer House at the northwest corner, and the New Holland House at the southwest. The space surrounded by these various sections is occupied by the Fern House with an aquatic dis- play in the center. The Fern House, which is entered from the Palm House, presents a miniature landscape indoors, with lawns of Lycopedium, a la- goon with tropical Water Lilies and cliffs covered with ferns, some of which, like the tree ferns, belong to a large family now almost extinct, save in Australia and Jamaica. Tropical climbers, falsely called Bread Fruit Trees, climb up the roof supporters. These plants—Monostera Deleciosa— produce a sweet edible fruit, not unlike the banana. The Fern House, with its miniature waterfall and artificial spring, proves of interest to the layman. The Show House to the north, as its name indicates, is a house devoted to the exhibitions during the year. In the Fall is the Chrysanthemum dis- play, followed by the Christmas exhibit, and later by the Easter flowers. During the intervals.between these different exhibits, this house, which attracts more visitors than any other part of the Conservatory, is filled with many kinds of flowering plants, propagated and grown for this purpose in the propagating houses north of the Conservatory. Adjoining the Show House is the Coniter House, containing a collection of sub-tropical evergreens, amid a bit of natural scenery of the sandstone region. Among the collection may be found the Norfolk Pine, from Nor- folk Island; the Lebanon Cedar of Bible mention, creeping jumpers from Japan, and tall Pines from Florida, the Monkey Tree from Northern Africa, and the Umbrella Pine from Japan. The next house, which has a small collection of economic plants, includ- ing the Orange Tree, the Lemon, the Pomegranite, the Pepper Tree, Papaw and Cocoa Plants, will be filled eventually with a complete assortment of economic plants. Along the east wall is a small collection of the great and interesting Cactus tamily. These are also of medicinal value; Agaves, from which the Central Americans extract an alcoholic beverage; the Fory- inga of Mexico, which produces hemp; tiny Mamalaria from the arid south- western United States, as well as representatives of the giant cacti of our desert plains. There are the well-known night-blooming Cereus and Opuntias, with their edible fruit, from Texas, also the Christman Cactus, of great beauty, and the prickly Eupherbia, valuable for hedging in Western ‘Texas and Arizona. The New Holland House receives its name from New Holland, the pres- ent Australian Island group. The first name is still used by gardeners in referring to plants that come from that region. The collection is still in its infancy. The bottle brush plant, with flowers like a bottle brush, is among others of great interest. At present this house is filled with various plants, chief among which is a collection of Crotons, presented to the West Chicago Parks by Mr. H. Selfridge, formerly of Chicago, now of London, England. Another interesting collection in this house is the Bromellias, a family of semi-aerial plants, to which the pineapple of commerce belongs. Adjoining this house is the Stove House, a place for tropical plants of minor growth. The construction of this house differs from the others in some respects, as the exhibition shelves are of solid concrete, beneath which are large water tanks, which produce the humidity required by these plants ajjeunig paeuoeT Aq senzeys ezu0ig Inoj Zurmoyg Nadav) asou WUVd LATIOPNNHA from the tropical forests. The plants receive needed protection from the direct rays of the sun by lattice shading. Another advantage in having con- crete shelves is the ease with which they are kept clean, and the fact that no nesting places are afforded for injurious animals. Among the collection in the Stove House are plants of great value. It is here that some of the rarest plants in the entire collection are found. Pitcher plants from far off India hang over a pool in the center of the room, as in their native home. Rare foliage plants from tropical America, Africa and Asia are found upon the benches. Some of the most beautiful in foliage and flowers are the Anthuriums. In conclusion: all the heating pipes in the entire Conservatory are hidden by a concrete wall and plants in order to preserve the beauty of the decorations. The paths are brick, restful to the eye, as well as serviceable; and at interesting points benches are provided for the visitor, where he may rest and admire the tropical scenery before him. PAVILION, BOAT LANDING AND REFECTORY BUILDING Erected in 1907. Cost $47,194.74. Assembly Hall, used for social gatherings, dances, lectures, celebrations, etc. No charge of any kind is permitted for its use. Luncheon is served in the Pavilion. The Boat Landing is enclosed in the winter as a warming room for skaters. WATER COURTS Water Courts with innumerable fountains, situated between the Pavilion on the north and the music court on the south, lined on either side with broad, shaded promenades. In front of the Pavilion is a terrace from which these courts may be seen and: enjoyed. FLOWER GARDENS South of Madison street and crossing the water courts, gorgeous flower gardens have been created, bordered on two sides with flowering shrubbery and plants, with a garden hall at the eastern entrance, and at the west a garden gate with ornamental seats extending the entire width of the garden. GOLF COURSE 9-hole course. Opened September, 1908. For the accommodation of the players, a Field House, with loclers and dressing rooms, was constructed, and a Lunch Room provided. The class of people attracted by the golf course has been the very highest and most desired; the results have been most graitfying, both to the Park Board and the public. During July and August, 1913, the attendance at the golf links exceeded the 34,000 mark. BAND CONCERTS Band Concerts are provided during July and August in the band stand south of Madison street. The musical selections range from classical to popular, to appeal to all classes. Nine concerts were given during 1913 at a cost of $1,497.00. TENNIS—20 courts are available; also 2 roque courts BOATING—68 row boats were in use in 1913; receipts: $5,768.90. SKATING—32 days during the 1912-1913 season. ATHLETIC FIELD The golf grounds south of Madison street may be used as an athletic field for play festivals, folk games, national dances, exhibitions of play- ground activities, gymnastic and athletic drills. MaVd SVIONOG—TIVH Nadav) NEW NATATORIUM (In process of construction.) Site selected February 11, 1918, the land being a part of Garfield Park. Location: South of Steam Heating Plant Northwestern part of Garfield Park Frontage on Hamlin avenue To be opened during the summer of 1914. Cost: approximately, $39,000. Ground space: Swimming Pool, Locker and Shower Room House, 287 feet x 83 feet. HUMBOLDT PARK GARDENS The Rose and Perennial Gardens in this Park rank second to none in the country. It is impossible to describe these gardens and do them justice: likewise is it impossible to reproduce, in photographic form, the beauty of their col- oring. They must be seen to be appreciated. A Garden Hall connects the rose garden with the perennial garden beyond. At the eastern entrance, opposite Reuter’s statue, is an artistic gate- way, with garden lanterns, fountains and ornamental seats. Tea Houses are provided, for afternoon gatherings of women’s and children’s clubs. The Lagoon is filled with water lilies and other aquatie plants. BOAT LANDING AND PAVILION Erected 1907. Cost $53,357.79. A large, modern brick building, with spacious pergolas and terraces, from which the surrounding landscape may be viewed. A large terrace, con- stituting the roof of the Boat Landing, is ornamented with vases and boxes of flowers. In winter the Boat Landing is enclosed as a warming room for skaters. REFECTORY BUILDING This building has been put in good repair and is used for dances and parties. Refreshments are served in this building. MUSIC COURT A Music Court with a covered shelter, for band concerts, which are given during July and August, is one of the accommodations for the public. Nine concerts were given during July and August, 1913. Cost, $1,507.00. TENNIS COURTS. BASEBALL GROUNDS. BOATING, SKATING AND THE CHILDREN’S WADING POOL are always in demand in season. NEW NATATORIUM Now being constructed at: Franklin boulevard, Cornelia street, Augusta street, and the first alley west of Franklin boulevard. Area: 1,057 acres. Site selected: March 26, 1912. MuUVd CHOANVLS ‘GNNOUDAV 1d S.\NHUCTIHO CNV WOISVNWAD S\NANOM Land purchased, 1913, for $34,000.00, in pursuance of an Act of the Legislature of the State of Illinois, entitled: “An Act to enable Park Commissioners to enlarge park sys- tems under their control by acquiring additional lands or territories for park purposes, and to pay for the lands or territory thus acquired,” approved and in force May 25, 1911, $1,000,000 of bonds being issued and sold in pursuance thereof. This Natatorium will be opened to the public during the season of 1914. It will be adequately equipped with locker and dressing rooms, swimming pools, ete. Frontage: 267 feet on Sacramento boulevard; 172 feet wide. Ground space: Swimming Pool and Locker Room House: 172 feet x 225 feet. DOUGLAS PARK NATATORIUM AND GYMNASIUM In operation since 1895. The outdoor Gymnasium in this Park represents the first step towards playground work in the West Park System. The Natatorium is the first public Natatorium to be put into operation in the City of Chicage. For many years this was the only Natatorium under the supervision of the West Chicago Park Commissioners. At the present time, Garfield and Humboldt Parks, and six of our play- ground parks, are provided with public natatoriums. Attendance: June 5-Sept. 8, 1913: Natatorium Gymnasium 329,794 284,390 PAVILION, BOAT LANDING AND REFECTORY BUILDING Erected in 1907. Cost $67,302.81. Assembly Hall used for social gatherings, etc., as in our other Parks. Luncheon is served in the Pavilion. The Pavilion overlooks a music court with a coverefl shelter on each side, and a large meadow beyond, commanding a fine view of the Park. The Boat Landing is enclosed in the winter as a warming room for skaters. FLOWER GARDENS Containing flowers of infinite variety—a source of pleasure and enjoy- ment to all who visit them. A naturalistic gateway was created on the west side of the Park by the skillful use of trees and flowering shrubs. A large concrete fountain basin completes the entrance on the west, which is one of the most beautiful of our Park entrances. BAND CONCERTS are provided during July and August. In 1913, nine concerts were given at a cost of $1,512.00. MARSHALL BOULEVARD ENTRANCE Completed in 1911. This boulevard connects the West Park with the South Park System, an improvement of vital interest to the South Park System and the City as well as to the West Park System. WaVd LUVHMOG “V GUVNUA ‘ASNOH GTgaM ATHLETIC FIELD, BALL GROUNDS, ETC. The large lawn, the site of the old Refectory building, is now used as a playfield. Sand court and shelter are provided for children. The large meadow in the southern portion of Dovglas Park is used for tennis, baseball, picnics and general recreation. There are 3 baseball diamonds; 2 football fields, and 27 tennis courts in this Park. 78 row boats were in use in 1918. Receipts, $5,207.85. UNION PARK This little Park is one of the oldest parks in the City of Chicago. It was taken over by the West Chicago Park Commissioners from the City of Chicago in the year 1885. The offices of the Park Board are located in this Park. WADING POOL During the past two years, the lagoon has been converted into a_wad- ing pool for children during the summer months. As many as 3,000 children have patronized the pool in one day. There are 6 tennis courts. Band Concerts are also provided during July and August. OUR PLAYGROUND PARKS BERNARD A. ECKHART PARK STANFORD PARK DVORAK PARK FRANKLIN PARK HARRISON PARK PULASKI PARK SHERIDAN PARK HOLSTEIN PARK THE PLAYGROUND MOVEMENT in general, in this country is of recent origin. In 1886, the first public playground was built in Boston, Massachusetts. In 1894, the first public playground was built in the City of Chicago. In 1899 the demand for public playgrounds made itself publicly so ap- parent that the Mayor of the City appointed a Special Park Commission, composed of aldermen and private citizens, to investigate and report upon the needs of Chicago with reference to playgrounds. The investigation showed a demand far greater than the City’s finances and powers enabled it to supply; therefore, the matter of providing the City with an adequate system of playgrounds was referred to the three existing Park Boards of the City: the North or Lincoln Park Board, the South Park Board, and the West Park Board. In 1905, the West Chicago Park Commissioners appealed to the State Legislature for the passage of an enabling Act granting the West Park Board the right to issue $1,000,000 of bonds for the acquisition and improve- ment of small park sites. The act was secured, and the Board immediately set to work to acquire these sites and improve them. MuUVd CUOANVILS ‘ASNOH ATA OUR FIRST PLAYGROUND PARKS Three park sites were selected, originally known as Small Parks Nos. 1, 2 and 3, and acquired under and in pursuance of said Act, as follows: “An Act to enable Park Commissioners to issue bonds to raise funds for the acquisition and improvement of small parks and pleas- ure grounds, and to provide a tax for the payment of the same,” approved and in force May 18, 1905, $1,000,000 Small Park bonds being issued and sold for this purpose. SITE NO. 1—BERNARD A. ECKHART PARK Selected: September 26, 1905. Located in a Polish section of the Seventeenth Ward; population, 1910 census: 107 people per acre. A mass of congested, dilapidated buildings had to be removed before this site could be improved. Formally opened to the public, August 1, 1908. Named in honor of Bernard A. Eckhart, President of the West Park Board, 1905-1907. SITE NO. 2—STANFORD PARK Selected: July 10, 1906. Formally opened to the public: February 22, 1910. Located in the Ghetto district. Site covered with 57 houses and stores, housing 597 people. But one bath tub in the block. Named in honor of George W. Stanford, first President of the West Chicago Park Commissioners. SITE NO. 3—DVORAK PARK Selected: July 10, 1906. Formally opened to the public: June 25, 1908. Located in a crowded, Bohemian district of Chicago. Density per acre, 95 persons. Named in honor of Antonin Dvorak, the Bohemian composer. HOLSTEIN PARK Turned over to the Park Board by ordinance of the City of Chicago, May 6, 1901. Accepted by the West Chicago Park Commissioners, July 9, 1901. Field House constructed and playground facilities provided, June, 1912. Holstein Park has been under the jurisdiction of the West Chicago Park Commissioners since 1901, but it was not until 1912 that it was provided with playground facilities. It has done excellent service during its first full year of playground activity. EQUIPMENT In each of these playground Parks, a Field House was erected. THE INDOOR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Field House, with Assembly Hall, Refreshment and Rest Room, Separate gymnasiums for men and women, Separate locker and shower rooms for men and women, Separate club rooms for men and women, Libraries, Children’s playroom. Season: October 15th to May 15th. MUVd MVUOAG ‘ASNOH ATHIA THE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Large play or athletic field, Separate gymnasiums for men and women, Swimming pool with dressing quarters and shower rooms, Tennis courts, Children’s play ground, Children’s gardens. The outside grounds are adequately designed and fitted for practical use. Trees, shrubbery and plantation give every appearance of shade, comfort and rest. DIRECTORS, ETC. The Field House and grounds are in charge of the Playground Director, who directs all activities. Under him is a force of instructors, attendants, life guards, janitors, laborers, etc., who conduct the activities, and insure safety and comfort to the using public. PLAN OF OPERATION An excellent general plan of promoting the playground activities has now been effected in our parks. There is, to a great extent, a definite, uni- form program of work, with superior methods of carrying it out, so that our playground parks are adequately meeting the specific needs of their communities. ADDENDA Soap, suits, towels, furnished free of charge. Swimming Pools and Gymnasiums are under the supervision of trained instructors. Life Saving Station operated in connection with all swimming pools. Since the creation of our small parks, there has been no death from drowning in our swimming pools in the seven years of their operation. An Infant Welfare Station was provided at Eckhart and Dvorak Parks. Tuberculosis and similar educative exhibits are held in the various Parks. No charge of any kind whatever is permitted for the use of the As- sembly Hall, or allowed to be collected within it. SPECIAL ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO THE CHILDREN’S GARDENS (See cover illustration.) The children’s gardens, each 5 feet x 4 feet in size, are a distinct form of educative amusement. Each child, upon application, is allotted one of these plats of ground for cultivation. The Park Board furnishes the vege- tables and flower seeds, together with the services of a trained kindergar- tener. The children enjoy the gardens immensely, take great care of them, and raise as many as three crops of vegetables in one summer. They are allowed to take home what they raise. The work is carried on in class form, the children coming after school twice a week for a period of one hour. This work is producing pleasing and permanent results, which are mani- festing themselves in the appearance of small gardens in the front or rear of buildings in the neighborhood, and in boxes of flowers in the window sills. PUBLIC LIBRARY A branch station of the Public Library is one of the most popular fea- tures of the indoor activities. The Park Commissioners furnish the room, light, heat, janitor service and furniture. The Chicago Public Library fur- nishes the books and the help. Yearly circulation, average: 55,835 books; Reading attendance, average: 66,000. MUVd MVUOAC “100d DNIGVM scott OUR NEW PLAYGROUND PARKS FRANKLIN PULASKI HARRISON SHERIDAN The sites for these additional small parks were acquired under and in pursuance of an Act of the Legislature, approved and in force June 10, 1909, entitled: “An Act to enable Park Commissioners to issue bonds to raise funds for the acquisition and improvement of additional small parks and pleasure grounds, and to provide a tax for the payment of the same.” As these parks are now in process of improvement, no views are avail- able for publication. FRANKLIN PARK Selected by the West Chicago Park Commissioners, May 23, 1911. Named in honor of Benjamin Franklin—no park in Chicago being pre- viously named in honor of him. Four baseball diamonds are provided in this Park. PULASKI PARK Selected: September 12, 1911. Also located in one of the most densely populated districts of the City. Population of this site, 1910: 1,200 people. A Field House is being constructed, with locker and dressing room house and swimming pools, which will be opened during the year of 1914. This site was closely built up with stores and dwellings—90 buildings being removed to clear the area preparatory to making the improvement. The Park was named in honor of General Casimir Pulaski, of Poland. HARRISON PARK Selected: March 12, 1912. A Field House is also being constructed on this site, with all the neces- sary facilities for playground work. Three old lime kilns, three large brick barns, and many old buildings were removed. Harrison Park was named in honor of Carter H. Harrison, Sr. SHERIDAN PARK Selected: January 9, 1912. There were 13 brick buildings on this site and 42 frame buildings. This Park is adjacent to the Jackson Public School, which has a large Assembly Hall and a well-equipped gymnasium. For this reason, the Park Board is providing no Field House, but outdoor facilities only. The Nata- torium will be opened to the public during the present season. Named in honor of General Philip Henry Sheridan. TI6I—yA1eq sepsnog MHOIIAVH THUVa STATUES DOUGLAS PARK KAREL HAVLICEK MONUMENT Bronze. Sculptor: Josef Strachovsky. Unveiled: July 30, 1911. Location: Opposite entrance to formal garden, north of Natatorium. Inscription: “HAVLICEK.” “The martyred statesman of Bohemia. Beloved by his countrymen. Born October 31, 1821. Died July 29, 1856. In him Bohemia lost One of her best sons, A fearless defender Of her rights and liberties, A man of sterling character, Ever true to his convictions For which he sacrificed His life! Undying honor to his memory. Dedicated by the American Bohemians to the State of Illinois. Erected A. D. 1911. Sculptor: Josef Strachovsky, 1907.” INDEPENDENCE SQUARE FOUNTAIN Bronze and granite. Erected: 1901. - Sculptor: Charles J. Mulligan. Location: Independence Square. Inscription: “1902. 1776. Dedicated to American Youth and Independence Day.” “INDEPENDENCE SQUARE FOUNTAIN Sculpture by Charles J. Mulligan, Architecture by Art Institute, R. Bruce Watson, Chicago. State Architect, Illinois. Design suggested by Charles Lichtenberger, Jr., President of the West Park Board, 1901. Cast by American Bronze Foundry Co.” TO6T NIVINOOT FUVNOS AONAGNAdACNI “GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS: RICHARD YATES. WEST PARK COMMISSIONERS: Fred. A. Bangs, Pres. Charles Lichtenberger, Jr. Charles W. Kopf Gabriel J. Norden Edward H. Peters Andrew J. Graham F. Schultz Walter Fieldhouse, Sec’y. Fred. M. Blount, Treas. W. J. Cooke, Gen. Supt.” GARFIELD PARK AMERICA Terra cotta. Erected 1893. Copy of model of part of group: “The Nations,’ (America, Europe, Asia and Africa) erected in London by Queen Victoria in honor of her hus- band, King Albert. Sent to the World’s Fair by the Doulton Terra Cotta Company of London, as an exhibition and there unveiled Oct. 16, 1893. Presented by Sir Henry Doulton to the West Park Board. * Ok OK Location: West drive of Madison street, opposite entrance to Garden. * ok Inscription: “AMERICA: Presented to West Park Commissioners by Sir Henry Doulton. 1893.” BUFFALOES World’s Fair models. Sculptor: Edward Kemys. Reproduced in bronze, by Jules Berchem. Erected 1911. Location: West drive, south of Madison street, entrance to Gardens. LINCOLN, THE RAIL-SPLITTER Bronze. Erected 1911. Sculptor: Charles J. Mulligan. Location: Southeast corner Garfield Park, near Madison street, opposite St. Louis avenue. AMERICA Garfield Park—1898- ROBERT BURNS Bronze and granite. Sculptor: W. Grant Stevenson. Presented by the Burns Memorial and Monument Association. Unveiled: August 26, 1906. Location: Open space just east of Boat House, facing Madison street. Inscriptions: “A man’s a man for a’ that.” “From scenes like these old Scotia’s grandeur springs.” “The best laid schemes 0’ mice an’ men Gang aft a-gley.” “Pleasures are like poppies spread You seize the flower, its bloom is shed.” “In fair virtue’s heavenly reward The cottage leaves the palace far behind.” PASTORAL AND IDYL Marble. Sculptor: Lorado Taft. Location: Conservatory entrance. COL. JOHN F. FINERTY Marble. Sculptor: Charles J. Mulligan. Presented by Finerty Memorial Association, 1913. To be erected at southwest corner of Garfield Park, near Independ- ence boulevard. HUMBOLDT PARK ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT Bronze and granite. Unveiled: October 16, 1892. Sculptor: Felix Garling. Presented by Frederick J. Dewes of Chicago. Location: Opposite music court at new Pavilion. Inscription: “1769 1859. A. Von Humboldt.” TI6T— Ae pleyrey Sado TVHHNa FRITZ REUTER Bronze. Sculptor: Fr. Engelsmann. Unveiled: May 14, 1893. Location: Opposite east entrance to Rose Garen. Inscription: “FRITZ REUTER. Wenn einer deiht, wat hei deiht Denn kann hei nich mihr Dauhn as hei deiht. In warmer Verehrung Dem aechten Deutschen Volksdichter Gewidmet von den Deutschen Chicago’s MDCCCXCIII.” THADDEUS KOSCIUSZKO (Equestrian.) Bronze. Sculptor: Casimir Chodzinski. Unveiled: Sept. 11, 1904. Location: North entrance to Park. Inscription: “KOSCIUSZKO. Erected by the Polish-American Citizens of the United States, A. D. 1904.” LEIF ERIKSON Bronze, on natural granite boulder. Sculptor: I. Asbjornsen. Unveiled: Oct. 12, 1901. Presented by the Norwegians of Chicago Location: Northeast of old Refectory building. Inscription: “LEIF ERIKSON Discoverer of America.” THE MINER AND HIS CHILD Georgia marble. Sculptor: Charles J. Mulligan. Erected 1911. Location: Division street and California avenue entrance. Inscription: “HOME.” LINCOLN, THE RAILSPLITTER Garfield Park—1911 BULLS (Two) (World’s Fair Models.) Now being reproduced in bronze by the Florentine Brotherhood Bronze Foundry. Sculptors: Daniel C. French and E. C. Potter. Erected 1909. Location: Entrance to Humboldt Park Rose Garden. FOUR BRONZE STATUES IN ROSE GARDEN By Leonard Crunelle, Sculptor. Representing: “Maiden,” “Dove Girl,” “Crane Girl,” “Fisher Boy.” Erected 1909. These statues are placed at the four corners of the lagoon. UNION PARK CARTER H. HARRISON, SR. Bronze. Sculptor: Frederick C. Hibbard. Unveiled: June 29, 1907. Presented by the Carter H. Harrison Memorial Association. Location: South of Washington Boulevard side drives. Inscriptions: “CARTER H. HARRISON.” “Genius is but audacity and the audacity of Chicago has chosen a star. It has looked upward to it and knows nothing that it fears to attempt and thus far has found nothing that it can not accomplish. From Mayor’s Day Address, The World’s Fair, Oct. 28, 1893.” This Monument erected by the CARTER H. HARRISON MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION George Duddleston, President L. E. McGann, Treasurer W. H. Morrisey, Secretary.” POLICEMAN’S STATUE Bronze. Sculptor: F. Gelert. Unveiled: Oct. 16, 1892. Location: Ogden Avenue and Bryan Place. (This statue was formerly located at Haymarket Square.) Inscription: “IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS I COMMAND PEACE. DEDICATED BY CHICAGO, May 4th, 1889, TO HER DEFENDERS IN THE RIOT of May 4th, 1886.” ROBERT BURNS. Garfield Park—1906. el6I—oouerjug Atoyeadesuoy yAleg pleyaey TVUOLSVd AGNV TAI eos oe ALEXANDER Von HUMBOLDT Humboldt Park—1892 FRITZ REUTER Humboldt Park—1893 po6I—AAed Jploquny OMNZSNIOSON SNACACVHL LEIF ERIKSON Humboldt Park—1901 THE MINER AND HiS CHILD Humboldt Park—1911 CARTER H. HARRISON, SR. Union Park—1907 STATUE COMMEMORATING HAYMARKET RIOT OF 1886 Union Park—1892 Cornell University Library SB 483.C4C53 1914 he west p: (iT