Frederick Law Olmsted SUBJECT FILE Community Design Chicago, Ill. 1868 - 74, 1931 &UD[*V 1/2 Riverside*] Sherman House, Chicago. Nov. 10th, 1868. My Dear Sir, I wish to restate, as I can do so perhaps more clearly in writing, my reasons for asking you to review our contract with Mr Childs. Before the contract was written Mr Childs had often told me and had written me that there was an eager demand for lots at Riverside at at least [?] 1000 a lot, from persons who wished to build and to reside there and that he wished to take advantage of this demand as soon as possible. He consequently urged us to complete a plan of a part of the property and to meet his impatience we worked night and day and have spent money freely and run in debt several thousand dollars. More than three weeks ago we sent him a plat of more than three hundred lots.and have since under his urgent driving completed another and larger plat. Before our contract was written Mr. Childs wrote us that he should before the middle of November, give the public perfectly satisfactory assurance that our plans would be rapidly and completely executed. This in reply to our observation from us that no one must buy at such prices as he anticipated, without such assurance, except in a spirit of wild speculation with which we would willingly have nothing to do. When we were writing the terms of our contract with him, I asked Mr. Childs how the valuation of lots which he proposed that we should receive in payment should be established. He replied that he would let us take what we chose at the price at which he had previously been selling lots of corresponding character. At his request I afterwards wrote words to this effect in the draft of our agreement. I came here last week not doubting that I should be able through brokers with whom I had some acquaintance, to obtain several thousand dollars by contracting to deliver lots which would be due us on the 1st of January, at a slight discount from the prices at which I should find Mr. Childs to have been selling. He had led me to suppose that he had reserved certain lots for us or wished to do so and I expected to find the greater part of all, except such as he might have reserved for us on the first plat, already sold. But I do find in fact that although he refers to certain sales that he has made to persons who he says are going to build and reside uponthem next summer, no bona fide sales have been made, not one lot has been sold in a regular way and that he has not yet recorded the plat which three weeks ago he telegraphed he had urgent need to do at once in order to legally deliver lots which he had already contracted to convey. It is also clear to me that he is not prepared to give the security to the public for the proper carrying out of the plan which he promised to do. It is highly improbable that he will be before the first of January. Since I have been here Mr. Childs has stated in my presence that land surrounded by the Riverside property and adjoining to and fully as valuable as the most desirable of that which he is prepared to sell was not worth one quarter of the price he intended to get for his. It is not to be supposed that any of his land can be sold in a fair market at his prices. Under these circumstances I wish to know if there is any danger that we may be required to take land in payment of our services at less than a fair market price? If so I do not see but Mr. Childs has it in his power to drive us to bankruptcy, and I wish to know what we can do to place ourselves on a stable footing with the least loss. Yours truly, Fred. Law Olmsted. E. Larned Eng. E. Larned Esq.to. E. Larned Nov. 10, 1868. about being recouped for outlay on Riverside prop.[*V ½ Riverside II 16 [?] 8 (1 page) 1st NOTES ON TREE GROUPING Dupl XI AT RIVERSIDE A 1 ser (about 1868) 1868 12 hr 8*] In planting the long common and adjoining borders, oaks and elms should frequently stand alone or a little detached from groups, more frequently alone than any where else on the place except perhaps Indian Garden where elms will be likely to grow particularly well and should accordingly be exhibited somewhat distinctively. In groups where oaks are intended to predominate elms, especially the stiffer European sorts may be introduced chestnuts also associate very agreeably with nearly all oaks - better than with elms, so do the maples generally, and the maples better with chestnut than with elms. The American Limes vary agreeably with either of the above. Dogwood and Alder and I should think the common Craetagus of Riverside would go well with oak and with all of the above. The English field Maple, A. Campestris is also harmonious with the oak in masses. In groups in which the American elm predominates after other elms, maples may be subordinate with advantage. The Nettle tree and the Hornbeams are good for tailing down a group of elms being of lower growth and somewhat like form with but little variety of color. Ashes may also be planted with elm. Ash with Black Walnut Groups wholly of Ashes " " " Beeches are very agreeable and alternate agreeably. Horn beam with Beech Birches with Beech Horn beam with Birches Consequently these three; though the little white birch is hardly suitable when you are studying broad effects with these. American Lime may predominate in many groups. The Horse Chestnut associates more quietly with the Limes than with any other tree I think. I hardly know why and it may be more associative with other pleasant circumstances in my mind. I can put nothing else of such size agreeably with Massachusetts Maples - oaks - elms come in subordinately to bodies of Limes very pleasantly. There are many varieties of the Limes:the silver leafed and the pendulous are very valuable on the ends of groups, or the lighter colored varieties in coves of the darker and [*467 words*] - 2 - vice versa. Do not feel wholly confident of the hardiness of the "fancy" varieties as they are all seedlings of the European. The Mulberries may be planted with the Limes very freely I think. I feel great confidence in the Larch upon the prairies and should therefore let it predominate in some groups - chiefly on the side issues of the Common - the Delaplaine road for example. Half a dozen larches might be associated with two or three Hemlocks, and as many Birches and Hornbeams. The little white Birch will be here appropriate, especially if you desire to tail down at the ends, the weeping larch and the weeping and cut-leaved birch will give elegance to the ends of such a group, or will appear to advantage standing alone near by. Alder will come in also very well as a quite subordinate member and will serve to connect groups of Birch, Larch, etc., [and will] with adjoining groups of oaks, etc., with which it would (but they would not directly) harmonize. [*[tal?] From manuscript notes of F. L. O. caps.*] THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESSWhereas E.E. Childs of Chicago proposes to engage in the formation of a suburban village, with pleasure grounds and other places attached thereto, covering a space of sixteen hundred acres or thereabouts at a point on the Aux Plaines river ten miles, more or less, from the city of Chicago, together with a highway connecting the said proposed village with the said city, and desires one day to employ the firm of [Olmsted, Vaux & Co.] landscape architects and architects of the city of New York to plan the said works and to superintend the execution thereof: It is therefore agreed between the said E.E. Childs and the said Olmsted, Vaux & Co. First that Olmsted, Vaux & Co. shall cause to be made forthwith a topographical survey of the ground to be used for the above purposes and shall from the date hereof perform all the required duties of landscapearchitects, and architects of the said proposed works, and shall superintend the same in so far as they shall be carried out in accordance with the plans and instructions furnished by Olmstead, Vaux & Co. Second, that E.E. Childs shall convey to Olmstead, Vaux & Co. for the performance of such professional duties as the said works shall require between the date hereof and the first day of January, 1869, a good and valid title to lots on the said ground of the value of fifteen thousand Dollars ($15,000) the said lots to be selected by Olmstead, Vaux & Co. and the value thereof to be determined by the average price of lots similarly situated which shall have been sold before the first day of January next; provided always that until such time as E.E. Childs shall be prepared to deliver the from E.E. Childs a commission of seven and one half percent in the gross expenditure made by E. E. Childs, in the laying out of the said grounds and the construction of the said road & improvements the same to be paid also in lots in the said ground as aforesaid, the value of such lots to be determined by the average price of lots of a similar character as nearly as possible, which shall have been sold before the first of January 1869. Fourth, that for the purposes of this agreement, the gross expenditure aforesaid shall be calculated and fixed at fifteen hundred thousand dollars,($1500,000), and the commission of Olmstead, Vaux & Co thereon at one Hundred and twelve thousand, five Hundred Dollars, ($112,500.) which shall be paid to them in quarterly installments or the equivalent thereof in lots, the value of the said [late] and shall offer to do so, he shall pay to Olmsted Vaux the sum of one thousand dollars per month, the first payment to be made on the signing of this agreement, and then one thousand on the first of October, one thousand on the first of November, and one thousand on the first of December next, and the balance of eleven thousand dollars on the first day of January 1869, in case E.E. Childs shall be still unable at that date to convey the lots as aforesaid. But all payments made in money shall be in lieu of lots and on account of the sum of fifteen thousand dollars above mentioned. Third, that for such service is as Olmstead, Vaux & co. shall render after the first day of January, 1869, they shall receive lots to be determined as aforesaid by the average price of lots sold before the first of January 1869; that is to say, the first payment of nine thousand three hundred and seventy five dollars ($9375,) on the first day of April 1869, and the remaining eleven installments, [one in ?] the first day of each succeeding quarter. In Witness Whereof, we the said E.E. Childs, and Olmsted, Vaux & Co. have herewith set our hands & seals this day of September in the year 1868.(Contract) Articles of agreement Riverside property Chicago V 1/2Whereas E.E. Childs of Chicago proposes to engage in the formation of a suburban village, with pleasure grounds and other places attached thereto, covering a space of sixteen hundred acres or thereabouts at a point on the Aux Plaines River ten miles, more or less, from the City of Chicago, together with a highway connecting the said proposed village with the said city, and is desirous of employing the firm of Olmsted, Vaux & Co., Landscape Architects and Architects of the City of New York, to plan the said works and to superintend the execution thereof: It is therefore agreed between the said E. E. Childs and the said Olmsted, Vaux & Co.: First, that Olmsted, Vaux & Co. shall cause to be made forthwith a topographical survey of the ground to be used for the above purposes and shall from the date hereof perform all the required duties of Landscape Architects, the Architects, of the said proposed works, and shall superintend the same in so far as they shall be carried out in accordance with the plans and instructions furnished by Olmsted, Vaux & Co. Second, that E. E. Childs shall convey to Olmsted, Vaux & Co. for the performance of such professional duties as the said works shall require between the date hereof and the first day of January, 1869, a good and valid title to lots on the said ground of the value of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000) the said lots to be selected by Olmsted, Vaux & Co. and the value thereof to be determined by the average price of lots similarly situated which shall have been sold before the first day of January next; provided always that until such time as E. E. Childs shall be prepared to deliver the said lots and shall offer to do so, he shall pay to Olmsted, Vaux & Co. the sum of one thousand dollars per month, the first payment to be made on the signing of this agreement, and then one thousand on the first of October, one thousand on the first of November and one thousand on the first of December next, and the balance of eleven thousand dollars on the first day of January, 1869, in case E. E. Childs be still unable at that date to convey the lots as aforesaid. But all payments made in money shall be in lieu of lots and on account of the sum of fifteen thousand dollars above mentioned. Third, that for such services as Olmsted, Vaux & Co. shall render after the first day of January, 1869, they shall receive from E. E. Childs a commission of seven and one half percent on the gross expenditure made by E. E. Childs in the laying out of the said grounds and the construction of the said road and improvements, the - 2 -same to be paid also in lots on the said ground as aforesaid, the value of such lots to be determined by the average price of lots of a similar character as nearly as possible, which shall have been sold before the first of January 1869. Fourth, that for the purposes of this agreement, the gross expenditure aforesaid shall be calculated and fixed at Fifteen Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1500,000), and the commission of Olmsted, Vaux & Co. thereon at One Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Five Hundred Dollars ($112,500) which shall be paid to them in quarterly installments or the equivalent thereof in lots, the value of the lots to be determined as aforesaid by the average price of lots sold before the first of January 1869, that is to say, the first payment of Nine Thousand Three Hundred and Seventy-five Dollars ($9375) on the first day of April 1869, and the remaining eleven installments, one on the first day of each succeeding quarter. In Witness Whereof, we the said E.E. Childs, and Olmsted, Vaux & Co. have hereunto set our hands and seals this day of September, in the year 1868. -3-(Contract) Articles of Agreement Riverside Property Chicago V 1/21868 V 1/2 [?] - July 12/20 Riverside Mr. Vaux did a good many bldg. plans - Thing a moderate success Mr. Olmsted did not consider schemes except Ruxedo a success. Did Mr. Olmsted have connection with other suburbs ? of Chicago copied Riverside Oct. 28th 1869. E.E. Childs Esq. President Riverside Company Dear Sir, I have just been informed that a private house is to be placed in the midst of the Long Common. I can not express to you how much I am shocked and pained to hear that such a suggestion could for a moment be entertained. It is not a matter for argument. It sets aside at once all the study which we have given to your enterprise as of no value and breaks the plan in its most vital point. If you have the least respect for our judgment, if you think that all the study and experience we have had, in matters of this kind should be regarded as of any Consequence, I most earnestly beg you to abandon the plan. I can say nothing more at this time but I must do all that is possible to prevent so great an injury to an enterprise in which I am so greatly interested from being consumated. I entreat you to give it up. Respectfully yours Fred. Law Olmsted. E. C. Childs Oct. 28, '69 Entreating him to give up placing a house on the long common. V 1/2 RiversideCOPY From the Office of Olmsted Brothers. Riverside Oct. 28th, 1869. E. E. Childs Esq. President Riverside Company Dear Sir, I have just been informed that a private house is to be placed in the midst of the Long Common. I can not express to you how much I am shocked and pained to hear that such a suggestion could for a moment be entertained. It is not a matter for argument. It sets aside at once all the study which we have given to your enterprise as of no value and breaks the plan in its most vital point. If you have the least respect for our judgment; if you think that all the study and experience we have had in matters of this kind should be regarded as of any consequence, I most earnestly beg you to abandon the plan. I can say nothing more at this time but I must do all that is possible to prevent so great an injury to an enterprise in which I am so greatly interested from being consumated. I entreat you to give it up. Respectfully yours, (S) Fred. Law Olmsted.[*[1869]*] EE Childs Esq President of the Riverside Improvement Company Dear Sir: You ask us to give you in a written form all all objection to the planting of trees at Riverside in the way which is usual upon the streets of Chicago and its environs. To fully explain the matter we must briefly refer to the principles upon which Riverside is laid out, and which have been more fully set forth in the preliminary report we furnished you last year and which you have printed[Formerly in all civilized countries until the middle of this last century] II All pleasure, [all because] grounds [used to be in all civilized countries rise never more] more not long since [unusually] laid out in a formal manner, their various parts, walks, borders, plots of turf, [and] beds of flowers and bodies of water, [more] lining all [reduced] [to] brought with straight lines and geometrical, figures any other arrangement was thought to appear untidy & careless. {Trees will of course planted in lines or similar similar way and] All the tress within [one for] or bordering any distinct figure or line of walk were of course as nearly as possible of the same [a square] size, [plante] of similar form and planted at equal distances apart. The change from this style to what is known as the natural style is now universally regarded as [having] a great [While securing all the conviences of the finest modern forms, on it is the sum of our design to avoid the formality]Office of the Riverside IMPROVEMENT CO. 73 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS. Emery E. Childs, President. L. W. Murray, Secy. Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. David A. Gage of Sherman House. Wm. T. Allen " Day Allen & Co. A. C. Badger " A. C. & Q. F. Badger Geo. M. Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS. Olmsted, Vaux & Co, New York City. Chicago, _ , 18_ The object we have had in view in our study of the plan of Riverside is [to secure the] while securing to the residents all the concurrences of the finest modern townsimprovement. In this style formality is [?], [and] trees for instance are disposed irregularly and generally in such a way as to form groups so that by the association of one with another their foliage appears more beautiful and becomes more interesting. [[Riverside] At Riverside we are attempting to supply the same principles of art to the laying out of village streets in connection with such grounds and open spaces as may be currently introduced]At Riverside we are attempting to apply the [same] principles of Art upon which [this] the beauty and interest of modern [extensive] pleasure grounds thus depends to the arrangement of the streets and grounds of a form or suburban village, and especially to reconcile such an undertaking [in a higher?] degree than has yet been done with all the usual requirements of convenience. Houses at Riverside, for instance, will be equally accesible from the public roadways & walks and will be [equally] as well supplied with gas and water, the walks & roadways[as these are] as are the best in Chicago, the walks & [a] road ways passing before them will be as [good as the least in Chicago] firm & weather proof [and as the best in Chicago] and water will run from them as free [and] as from the best in Chicago. [Watson? desire todo beyond this run is to reconcile these conditions with] at the same the straight lines and angles of the [Chicago] town streets will be avoided and trees may be planted in such a manner [which where grown will so as to afford all desirable shade so] that their disposition will be appear to be natural and [and so that] the [least] beauty which is obtained in the finest [and lawn part] gardens and parks by [grouping] large irregular masses of varied foliage and a broad play of light and shade among them [*will [be as firm and as frost and weather proof as those*]M can not claim that what you will offer in respect to gas & water, [and] drainage [and] that access [will be better then] and other matters of convenience will be better than [If this were all you had to offer it would] can be found in some of the more desirable residences [be no better than can be obtained in some other city, but what you can offer of the finer streets of Chicago; what we propose you should be able to offer in addition] of the city not what [and as is a much is] besides more pure [purer] air and other conditions of health you can offer is a much higher degree of the gratification of true Haste [conditions of beauty in the neighborhood] We have studied to lay out the public highways, [for instance] [streets roads. Therefore] with reference not merely to the avoidance of straight lines & angles of the city streets, but so also as to admit of our arranging bodies of trees in such a manner that [in as] [upon them in a way that will appear to be] [natural] [*Chicago Lithograph Co OFFICE OF THE RIVERSIDE IMPROVEMENT CO. 73 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS. Emery E. Childs, President. L.W. Murray, Secy Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. David A Gage of Sherman House Wm. T Allen of Day Allen & Co. A.C. Badger of A.C. & Q.F. Badger Goe. M Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS Olmsted, Vaux & Co. New York City, Chicago _______A considerable degree of the beauty which [is obtained in our finest gardens and parks] the play of light and shade are the varied hues of large masses of foliage gives to the finest gardens & parks [will thus] may also be obtained [and we anticipate expect this eventually to be the chief attraction of Riverside and] We expect [the] [that] in the interest and pleasure to be derived from this source [of] in passing [through] from one point to another at Riverside [to] [eventually that] its most attractive characteristic will eventually be found. [[The roadways] The public drivers and mules are intended to take as far as possible [the character] consistently with [a perfectly convenient & permanent character,] conditions of convenience & permanence the modest character of simple country roads passing through the midst of nature groves] [A considerable degree of the beauty which is found in the varied hues and the broad play of light and shade [among] in the [foliage] large masses of foliage][that] the peculiar beauty [which may be gained] which under the necessariy[ly] [formal] arrangement of the formal town streets is impossible may be gained. Chicago Lithograph Co OFFICE OF THE RIVERSIDE IMPROVEMENT CO. 73 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS. Emery E. Childs, President. L.W. Murray, Secy Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. David A Gage of Sherman House Wm. T Allen of Dav Allen & Co. A.C. Badger of A.C. & O.F. Badger Goe. M Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS Olmsted Vaux & Co. New York City, Chicago _______ 18 ______They will not be seen or will certainly be inconspicuous from the [finest?] houses while with any advantage of accessibility whatever [whatever beaut beaut] beauty [there] or desirableness there may be [in a game of this character] in the location of a house adjoining a grove of this character will be enjoyed by each resident. [This explanation of our design will] This stature of an purpose will sufficiently indicate an objection to the planting of trees up with roads or within the lots in the formal manner usual upon city streets and lots. We desire every tree to [every tree should] be made subordi[nate] Chicago Lithograph Co OFFICE OF THE RIVERSIDE IMPROVEMENT CO. 73 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS. Emery E. Childs, President. L.W. Murray, Secy Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. David A Gage of Sherman House Wm. T Allen of Dav Allen & Co. A.C. Badger of A.C. & O.F. Badger Goe. M Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS Olmsted Vaux & Co. New York City, Chicago _______ 18 ______[nate] to more interesting and beautiful [because larger and more intricate] effects of foliage than it is practicable to aim at securing [trees in town ordinary] in the planting of ordinary town streets [can be] - [They each tree should] The position of each tree [near] upon and near the road we would have [should be] chosen not from regard to its relation [not] to the house [behind it] adjoining it but to the grove which will [cer?] be looked upon from the house, and [will be the view of which will] which will form a must important [the chief] advantage of a residence in it over a residence in an ordinary city house -nate to effects of a larger and more intricate and therefore more interesting [& more beau] and beautiful [*Explaining Plan for tree planting Riverside.*] Chicago Lithograph Co OFFICE OF THE RIVERSIDE IMPROVEMENT CO. 73 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS. Emery E. Childs, President. L.W. Murray, Secy Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. David A Gage of Sherman House Wm. T Allen of Dav Allen & Co. A.C. Badger of A.C. & O.F. Badger Goe. M Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS Olmsted Vaux & Co. New York City, Chicago _______ 18 ______Copy From the Office of Olmsted Brothers 1869 E. E. Childs, Esq., President of the Riverside Improvement Company, Riverside, Illinois. Dear Sir: You ask us to give you in a written form an objection to the planting of trees at Riverside in the way which is usual upon the streets of Chicago and its environs. To fairly explain the matter we must briefly refer to the principles upon which Riverside is laid out, and which have been more fully set forth in the preliminary report we furnished you last year and which you have printed. All pleasure grounds were not long since laid out in a formal manner, their various parts, walks, borders, plots of turf, beds of flowers, and bodies of water, being all brought within straight lines geometrical figures. Any other arrangement was thought to appear untidy and careless. All the trees within or bordering any distinct figure or line of walk were, of course, as nearly as possible of the same size, of similar form and planted at equal distances apart. The change from this style to what is known as the natural style is now universally regarded as a great improvement. In this style formality is avoided, trees for instances are disposed irregularly and generally in such a way as to form groups so that by the association of one with another their foliage appears more beautiful and becomes more interesting.-2- E. E. Childs At Riverside we are attempting to apply the principles of Art upon which the beauty and interest of modern pleasure grounds thus depends to the arrangement of the streets and grounds of a town or suburban village, and especially to reconcile such an undertaking in a greater degree than has yet been done with all the usual requirements of convenience. Houses at Riverside, for instance, will be equally accessible from the public roadways and walks, and will be as well supplied with gas and water as are the best in Chicago. We can not claim that what you will offer in respect to gas, water, drainage, street access, and other matters of convenience will be better than can be found in some of the more desirable residences of the city but what, besides more pure air and other conditions of health, you can offer, is a much higher degree of the gratification of true taste. We have studied to lay out the public highways with reference not merely to the avoidance of the straight lines and angles of the city streets, but so also as to admit of our arranging bodies of trees in such a manner that a considerable degree of the beauty which the play of light and shade over the varied lines of large masses of foliage gives to the finest gardens and parks may also be obtained. We expect that in the interest and pleasure to be derived from this source in passing from one point to another at Riverside its most attractive characteristic will eventually be found. This statement of our purpose will sufficiently indicate our objection to the planting of trees upon the roads or within the lots in the formal manner usual upon city streets and lots. We desire every tree to be made subordinate to more interesting and beautiful effects of foliage than it is practicable to aim at securing in the planting of ordinary town streets. The-3- Mr. Childs position of each tree upon and near the road we would have chosen not from regard to its relation to the house adjoining it but to the grove which will be looked upon from the house and which will form a most important advantage of a residence in it over a residence in an ordinary city house.Some Manuscripts Relating to Planting I 1869 Riverside Improvement Company, To Nurserymen, Proposals will be received at the office of this company till 12 ock. M. April 30th for supplying and planting three thousand assorted white, Scotch, Austrian and other tree Pines. All the trees are to be seedlings which have been at least twice transplanted and they are not to be less two feet nor more than four in height measured above the root; they are to be planted by the contractor at points to be designated on the Company's property at Riverside during the month of May, are to be in thrifty condition, carefully taken up, & planted, and are to be guaranteed to flourish for one year. Proposals will state the number of each sort offered, the place whence they are to be taken and the price demanded. One half the price is to be paid when the trees have been planted in accordance with the contract and the remainder which shall be then due, at the expiration of the period of the guarantee. The situation will be on well drained prairie soil and near an old plantation of pines which is in thrifty condition.[*copied*] Riverside Improvement Company. To Nurserymen. Proposals will be received at the Office of the company till 12 ock. M. April 30th for supplying and planting three thousand assorted White, Scotch, Austrian and other tree Pines. All the trees are to be seedlings which have been at least twice transplanted and they are not to be less two feet nor more than four in height measured above the root; they are to be planted by the contractor at points to be designated on the company's property at Riverside during the month of May, are to be in thrifty condition, carefully taken up. & planted, and are to be guaranteed to flourish for one year. Proposals will state the number of each sort of [?], the place whence they are to be [?] and the price demanded. One half the price is to be paid when the trees have been planted, in accordance with the contract & the remainder which shall be then due, at the expiration of the period of the guarantee - The situation will be on well drained prairie soil and near an old plantation of pines [the trees required] which is in thrifty condition.Riverside Compy [?] of advt for planting, sent April 12th 1869 V1/2 Riverside[1869] E. E. Childs Eqr President of the Riverside Improvement Company Dear Sir You ask us to give you in a written form our objection to the planting of trees at Riverside in the [usual and regular] way which is usual [and regular in the] upon of streets [and house lots fronting on them] of Chicago and [the] its environs To [purposely] fairly explain the matter one must briefly refer to the principles upon which [an] Riverside is laid out, [which] and which number more fully set forth in [our] the [first] prelimiary report we furnished you last year & which you have printed.[*Picture only*] BE SURE TAILPIECE NOT TO 5 in long dimension SPOT THESE OLD PAPERS◸ 1/2 Riverside (Chicago) reference to material on this in Letter Book 1809&70 J Lo Jr. Memo mad at D. Vaux office. Copy Buffalo, April 3rd 1870 L. Y. [Sch?] [Riverside?] Dear Sir On report of this [?] you should be advised that the Riverside Co has offered or is prepared to offer us a fine price for the use of our plans You will please ship the same to us at 110 Broadway, together with all [?] of our property which is left in your charge except as you wouldthereby a part maneuver in closing up offices for us Yours truly [OLN?] The help of [? ?] [becky] to the Co.Olmsted [?] April 3, 1870 SHERMAN HOUSE Chicago, April 28th, 1870. EE Childs Esq. Sir: Under our agreement with you dated October 19th 1868, it is provided that the same shall [terminate whenever desired by either party therefo after sign months after notice] be terminable at the desire of either party thereto, six months after notice of such desire shall have been given to the [?] party. This therefore is to give you such notice of our desire to terminate the agreement & that it will not be in force after six months from this date.E. C. Childe April 28 70. Notice of Termination of [?] Copy. (F.L.O. Ap. 28th. 1870) Chicago, April 28th. 1870. E. E. Childs Esq. Sir; Under our agreement with you dated October 19th. 1868, it is provided that the same shall be terminable at the desire of either party thereto, six months after notice of such desire shall have been given to the other party. This therefore is to give you [such] notice of our desire to terminate the agreement and that it will not be in force after the period of six months from this date. Yours Respectfully, Olmsted, Vaux & Co.Olmsted & Co Apr. 28, 1870 E. C. Childs. Notice of Termination of agreementCopy -- F.L.O. May 2d. OFFICE OF THE RIVERSIDE IMPROVEMENT CO. 13 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS. Emery E. Childs, President. David A. Gage of Sherman House. L. W. Murray, Secy. Wm. T. Allen " Day Allen & Co. Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. A. C. Badger " A.C. & Q. F. Badger Geo. M. Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS. Olmsted, Vaux & Co. New York City. Chicago Lithographing Co. Chicago April 30th, 1870 E. E. Childs Esq Sir. We agree to close on present agreement for services to the Riverside enterprise this day. Account to be settled by either party paying to the other what may be due. All plans, [specifications] plane table sheets &c. [Take] belonging to us to be given up to us. Yours Respectfully Olmsted, Vaux & Co.E. C. Childs. Apr. 30. 1870. Notice of Termination of agreement F.L. Olmsted Apr. 30, 1870[*V 1/2 Riverside*] OFFICE OF THE RIVERSIDE IMPROVEMENT CO. 13 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS. Emery E. Childs, President. David A. Gage of Sherman House. L. W. Murray, Secy. Wm. T. Allen " Day Allen & Co. Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. A. C. Badger " A.C. & Q. F. Badger Geo. M. Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS. Olmsted, Vaux & Co. New York City. Chicago Lithographing Co. Chicago April 31st, 1870 E. E. Childs Esq. Sir; We agree to close on present arrangement this day. Accounts to be settled by either paying the other what may be due. All plans, plane table sheets &c belonging to us to be given up to us. Yours Respectfully Olmsted, Vaux & Co.F.L. Olmsted & Co Apr. 31, 1870 E. C. Childs.Copy Chicago Lithograph Co OFFICE OF THE RIVERSIDE IMPROVEMENT CO. 73 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS. Emery E. Childs, President. L.W. Murray, Secy Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. David A Gage of Sherman House Wm. T Allen of Dav Allen & Co. A.C. Badger of A.C. & O.F. Badger Goe. M Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS Olmsted Vaux & Co. New York City, Chicago _May 1 1870__ E E Childs, Esq Dear Sir, In lieu of payment for unexpected plans and for services of consulting landscape Architects to the Riverside leo. for one year from date, as provided in our role of April [May] 28th. 1870 we will accept six lots of 100 ft front of our selection at Riverside. Respectfully OVNOlmsted ,FLW May 1, 1870 E. E. Childe 6 lots 100 ft from accepted in paymentV 1/2 Riverside Chicago Lithograph Co OFFICE OF THE RIVERSIDE IMPROVEMENT CO. 73 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS. Emery E. Childs, President. L.W. Murray, Secy. Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. David A Gage of Sherman House. Wm. T. Allen of Day Allen & Co. A. C. Badger of A. C. & O. F. Badger Geo. M. Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS. Olmsted, Vaux & Co. New York City. Chicago May 2d- 1870 L. M. [Schaunham?], Eng [Res. Engin] Dear Sir Our arrangement [with] for supplying plans & supco for the Riverside Co [enterprise] has terminated by mutual agreement. [this] You will please pack up and hold ready for shipment to us all of our property, including plans, plantube sheets, books, instruments, & c._ now in your possession. Respectfully OV&coOlmstead & Co May 2, 1870 V 1/2 B - 1st July 1870 Riverside, Ill Price of land has been advanced by improvements from $300 an acre (& no sales) on a paper plan to $40.00 a front foot in three years. Fifty private houses already blt & bldg Vaux L.B.T 1/2 Riverside Copy Sunday, 1873. [*must be wrong - upr*] F.L.O. to Mrs. F.L.O. Sr. Dear Mary: [*Bogert*] I was disappointed yesterday about engineers. I think I may have to take Bogart [*Bogert*] into partnership to get the work properly attended to at Chicago, and I can't get my estimates low enough. There were plenty of Halcyons at Riverside. The best combination with holm seems to be one like Thistleholm, Chiselholm, etc. Frizzleholm won't do. Blythe, Blithe- Parkway. I did not quite give you my idea of grove. I want to avoid the word park if I can and grove partly expresses the same idea and is true where park is not, when it could be without impropriety united with parkway (which the name must be) in such a way as to make it doubtful to which it belonged, prefis or suffix, as Bargrove-park way, Bargrove Parkway for the Boulevard.Copy 204 West 46th St N York 7th Dec 1874 Dear Sir; Yours of the 14th is received on my return to town. This case does not quite stand as you say. Childs has "claimed" nothing. He assumes only that I have already given quit claim deeds to lots in the 3rd division He perfectly well knows that I did not and that I never for a moment entertained a proposition for doing so It would be a waste of time to ask an explanation of him & would be treating him with more respect than could be justified -- If you think it worth while to speak with him on the subject I should think it better to let him know that I have informed you of his request, and if it means that the present owner of the lots in the 2nd Division wants me to repeat my quittance of them and you send me proper papers for the purpose with your advice that I should do so I will sign them with pleasure. If he should then develop any claim or project of claim on the 3rd Division lots I should like to have him asked to put it in proper form and informed that you will deal with it as my attorney -- I shall regard it as an incident of an attempted fraud and donothing and say nothing except as the law may require -- I suppose his letters are simply a demonstration used to brazen out a fraud on some one else and he may possibly wish to carry it a little further but it will prove a waste of time to listen to him -- Most cordially reciprocating your kind wishes I am Truly your friend Fred Law Olmsted.McCagg 17 DecMonday, A M Dec 14, 1874 My dear Sir Yours of the 11th is before me. The settlement with Childs, (and the defering to him of the quit claims deeds) was made or rather consummated in 1871 while I was in Europe, so I am without personal knowledge of it and all my letter books &c &c were burned in the fire of 1871.If I carefully understand you it is now claimed that under the terms of this settlement you should have quit claimed to him Lots 1121 & 1122 B 25. 3d Div. but did in fact quit claim to him Lots 235 & 136. B3 & Div: that the quit claim you made was burned in his office never having been recording, and he now wants a deed to replace.2 or in place of the one burned. which shall at the same time correct the error he claims to have been made. In other words he now wants a deed of lots 1121 & 1122 B 25: 3d Div. in substitution for deed of Lots 235 & 236 B3. 2d Div, claimed to have been burned. never having been recorded. This would take away from you the lots on the 3d Div which you nowas I understand it under the deeds therefore made own and give you two Lots in the 2nd Div. which you have not treated as yours and this necessarily if you should come to the conclusion that a mistake was made involves an examination of the title to the lots in the 2nd Div - payt of taxes &c &c. The presumption is [?] any such error. The deeds were prepared when the3 whole matter was fresh in the minds of all the parties; [and] were the result of a long and somewhat angry negotiation. and were [prepared] drawn by Childs or under his direction. My partner Mr Culver however tells me that at the time the money was paid, Childs claimed that there was some error - he does not recollect what, which he refused to regard. thinking it a pretence for more delay. I should say thecorrespondences and particularly the letters from my office. if you have them would probably, indicate the Lots he was to [?] had quit claimed to him. The [?] no way here of aiding you in determining, and under your own paper shew, or Childs in some way can furnish proof here to shew a mistake, he must it seems to me abide by the facts as they appear4 of record- he is frequently in my office and I will speak to him about it - meanwhile it would be well to see what Letters of one you have - Wishing you a "merry Christmas" and a "Happy New Year" with a full measure of all comforts physical and mental I am firmly form friend E. B McCagg Mr Fred Law Olmstead 209 West 46th St.EB McCagg [Sept] Dec 14 '74 V 1/2 Chicago Riverside lots31st Dec. 1874 To Mr. McClay Dec 31- 74 Dear Sir; Since I last wrote [you] I have not heard from you but have received from Mr. Seelye a [blank] quit claim and [Tonhich?] my signature is requested for lot no. 235, Pl. 3. [?'s]. 2 Riverside. I [have also heard] and also from Wilkin Sprague of Chicago, another quit claim deed with request for my signature for the same lot and [also for] together with the adjoining lot 236. Considering the recent request of Childs for quit-claims to lots on the 3o . Orvis. and certain other circumstances, I think, before compliance with any of those complicated requests, I should [have an explanation] be informed how the apparent mistakes and disconnections of the various parties interested have occurred. * [If there is a There is possibility] a difference between Mr Childs and others in [?] the hold. [*I can see no room for wrong but it seems possible that there is*]any of my quit claim ]?] in our advantage to use or the other and I do not wish even unintentionally to [innocently] [of intention] to [afford aid to] be the means of [aiding] increasing any mans difficulties in securing his rights. I send both [deeds] [of] signed to you, to be disposed of at your discretion. I observe that one [deed] deed contains a clause which [I observe] is omitted from the other. I should have done so before but it has been inconvenient for Mrs. Olmsted [to be with us to a notary] and myself to go together to a notary.My Dear Mr. Schermerhorn, I promised some time ago to designate my lots at Riverside. They are nos. 21 & 17 4th Block 1st Div [Bl 4 Divis 1st] 235 & 236 Bl. 3rd 2nd Divis. 1121 & 1122 Bl. 25 3rd Divis. Mr. Vaux's are 1 & 2 Bl. 4. 1st Divis. I want to use a tree mover next fall at Washington. Do you know what has become of that built for Riverside and whether it could be brought at a low price?[To G. S. Waring] [Sept 25 '74] [No acct] 1874 To Schermerhorn Lots at Riverside Tree mover for Washington[H Perkins] Feb 13, 1931 OLMSTED BROTHERS RECEIVED FEB 16 9 01 AM 31 ACK'D_____BY______ ANS'D 20 Feb [?] 09 [D 1sts] or [*Copy sent H*] [20] 607 Mr. Olmsted [Mr. Gallagher] Olmstead Brothers Landscape Architects Dear Sirs, Several years ago I had the pleasure of talking with Mr. Manning of your firm about Riverside. And as I remember he told me you still had in your possession the original drawings for Riverside. I have myself a very attractive map about 25 x 32 which has the name Olmstead, Vaux 1864 upon it and was given to my grandmother at that timeWe have just erected a very lovely new library in the village and one of our Women Club wishes to present to it an old map of Riverside if it can be found I am not generous enough to give up mine. If you have such a map of which you would be willing to dispose will you kindly let me know. I would also like some of the details about it as to whether it is printed on cloth or paper [?] is colored etc -- We all love our little village & feel so grateful to Mr. Frederick Olmstead for having so planned it that even the murderous trend of the times can't change its foundation. The lilacs he planted are one of our chief pride -- Very sincerely (Miss) Josephine Sherman 84 Gage Rd Riverside Illinois607 Feb. 28th 1931 Mr. Gallagher Riverside [?] [*Olmsted Brothers Received Mar 2 916 AM 31 ANS May 1 by PG*] Olmstead Brothers Dear Sirs: I have received the photostat of the map of Riverside and also the copy of the preliminary report which you so kindly ask to have presented to our new library. I have turned them over to the committee who are collecting such things of interest on old Riverside to be presented to the library at its opening which we hope will be within thenext few weeks. The map they will frame & the preliminary report bound & placed in a case for such interesting things as may be collected from time to time. The preliminary report I found most interesting & amusing and reflects the times so well. I found it hard to part with it. But will be entered as presented by Olmstead Brothers. And you will hear direct from the library as soon as possible. I have enclosed one of my own attempts at photographing Riverside & if it is anythinglike what you had in mind I should be very happy to send you some. Also take others which might show better the lay out of the parks-- Very sincerely Josephine Sherman 84 [Gage?] Rd. Riverside Ill607 [D 1sts] April 12 - 1931 168 ADDISON ROAD RIVERSIDE ILL. OLMSTED BROTHERS RECEIVED APR 21 9 24 AM 31 ACK'D_____BY_____ ANS'D May 1 BY P9 READ BY____ Mr. Gallagher The Olmsted Brothers, Landscape Architects. Brookline, Mass. My dear Mr. Olmsted, Recently, at the request of the Women's Reading Club of Riverside, Miss Sherman sent you an inquiry concerning old maps and records of Riverside, Illinois. For response to this letter, a photostat of one early map, and a very interesting pamphlets were generously presented to the Riverside Li-2 brary by the Olmsted Brothers. These were given into the care of the Reading Club. The group shared in your gifts to the extent of framing the map in a suitable old fashioned frame, and binding the book for its better preservation. The map bears an inscription explaining the gift and naming the Olmsted Brothers as donors. A preface with a smilier explanation was printed for the "Preliminary Report," now a cherished posession of the new Library; and the map hangs on the wall. 3 The Riverside Reading Club (with one exception the first organization of its kind in Illinois) has sought to make a collection of Riverside memorabilia for the new Library. It is our understanding that the map, sent by your [?] is a photostat of the first General Plan as proposed for Riverside, in 1869 by Frederick Law Olmsted. Riverside is very proud of its connection with Frederick Law Olmsted, and the Reading Club is happy to have these two valuable records of his work for thelater generations. A search in Chicago and in local quarters for old documents, etc. has revealed nothing. Our group has tried in vain to obtain a small pamphlet, a prospectus published in 1871 by the Riverside Improvement Co. showing a few quaint cuts of early houses and the old hotel. They would welcome any suggestions from your firm as to how this small booklet or other material bearing on the history of Riverside can be obtained. The remain deeply indebted to you for your generous response to our early inquiry. Sincerely yours, Janet Bangs - Pres. of the Riv. Women's Reading Club.Mrs Hubbard borrowed May 16/31 Riverside [?] Plan (Photostat) Prospectus ([?]) Purple prospectus Letterhead for Tailpiece Typed copies Tree grouping notes (dupl XI) Proposed articles agreement Invitation to nurserymen Letter of Protest [*just copied*][Of course] It may be that there is no greater worry than [The only error] [here is] a clerical error [one] in filling in the quit claim blank with the wrong figures for the lots [and that the lots] [sold Mr Stevens are there in the] [2nd Division] but what Mr Childs calls my "antipathy" suggests that I should inform you of the occurrence [faults as they now appear to me] before moving at all [to clear up the] [doubt] [affair here.] [Childs is in Chicago I believe] [Stevens here, and there may be some] [roguish plot afoot between them] I prefer to keep both Childs and his friends at arms length.for lots in the 2nd. I think it hardly possible that there has been any mistake on our part. The deeds I have 9for 6 lots in the 1st and 3rd Divs) have not been re-recorded since the fire. Is it desirable they should be & can I send them to you by express for the purpose? Faithfully yours, EB McClagg V 1/2 re Lots at Riverside taken in settlement of O. V. [?] E.B. McClagg Esq Chicago Sir, I enclose two letters from E.C Childs, which I have received as indicated through Mr. Withers and accompanied [as] by quit-claim deeds performed for my signature as also indicated, which I retain. The important facts in the case as I understand them are these: [In 1869 Olmsted Vaux & Co received from the Riverside Co deeds for 8 lots, among them those named in the quit claim deeds which I am now asked to sign. In a final settlement with the company through you, two lots]In 1869 Olmsted Vaux & Co received from the Riverside Company deeds for 8 lots as follows: Division I. Block 4 lots 1,2,21, & 17. Div. II Bl. 3 lots 235 & 236 [1121 & 1122] Div. III Bl. 25 lots 1121 & 1122 In a final settlement arranged through you in 1870 O.V. & Co. returned deeds of two lots retaining the remainder. The returned deeds I now hold; among them are these for lots 1121 & 1122 Bl. 25, Div III. which are the lots to which I am now asked to [give] quit claim. The deeds [which we] returned were [are] for those in the 2d. Division. At the time if our settlement though you Childs tried to [induce to retain the deeds] obtain the lots for which he now asks which [are a] lie adjoining his residence and are much more valuable than those which were returned in the 2d Divis.E.E. Childs of Chicago designing to form a suburban village with pleasure grounds and other suitable arrangements connected therewith, covering a space of sixteen hundred acres or thereabouts, at a point on the Aux Plaines River, ten miles more or less from the City of Chicago, together with a highway with series of [*?*] pleasure grounds connecting then with the whole connecting the said proposed village with the city of Chicago, and desirous of employing the firm of Olmsted Vaux & Co. Landscape Architects of the city of [?] to plan the said proposed village and other improvements and to superintend the execution of the plans thereof it is therefore agreed between the said E.E. Childs & the said Olmsted Vaux & Co. First, that Olmsted Vaux & Co. shall cause to be made forthwith a topographical survey of the ground to be used for the above purposes and [*[*shall from the*] date hereof perform all the required duties of Landscape Architects and architects of the said proposed works and shall superintend the execution of the same in so far as they shall be carried on in accordance with the plans and instructions*] furnished by Olmsted Vaux &Co. Second that E.E. Childs shall convey to Olmsted Vaux & Co. for the performance of such professional services as the said works shall require between the date hereof and the first day of January 1869, a good and valid title to lost [*A*]on said grounds of the value of Fifteen Thousand dollars ($15000), the said lots to be selected by Olmsted Vaux & Co. and the value thereof to be determined by the average price of lots similarly situated which shall have been sold before the first day of January next; provided always that until such time as E.E. Childs shall be prepared to convey the said lots and shall offer to do so he shall pay to Olmsted Vaux & Co. the sum of One Thousand Dollars ($1000), per month, the first payment to be made on the signing of this agreement and then One Thousand Dollars on the first day of October, One Thousand dollars on the first day of November and One Thousand Dollars on the fist day of December next, and the ballance of eleven Thousand dollars on the first day of January 1869, in case saidE.E. Childs shall be still unable at that date to convey the said lots as afore said or so large a part of the same as shall at [the price above specified] prices determined as above specified, be equivalent of the amount then due OV. & Co [under] for so much of the services above specified as shall then have been rendered. But all payments made in money shall be in lieu of lots and in account of the said sum of fifteen thousand dollars above mentioned; the whole of which shall be due and payment [?] [when] on the 1st January or as soon thereafter as the said services shall have been rendered. Third, that for [such services as] the remainder of the services undertaken to be rendered by said Olmsted, Vaux & Co [shall render after the first day of January, 1869, in addition to the above [?], they shall receive from E.E. Childs a commission of seven and one half per cent on the gross expenditure made by E.E. Childs, in the carrying out [laying out] of the said grounds and the construction of said highway and other improvements, the same to be paid in lots on the said ground as aforesaid, the value of such lots to be determined by the average price of lots of a similar character as nearly as possible which shall have been sold before the first day of January, 1869. Fourth that for the[*2*] [[first] and first of that part of it known as the peninsula, then of the remaining [and as soon as practicable these] ground East of the peninsula and South of the Park way.] [*B* ——>] 1) [and thereupon after as soon as] and thereupon with all dispatch practicable [speed] shall prepare [plans for laying with them several] [(a)] a general plan of the proposed village, (b) a general plan of the proposed highway & minor pleasure grounds [improvements], [also that they shall prepare] (c) studies of plans for a number of dwelling houses and [als] complete building plans and specifications for builder & [suptet?] as for [for] one house of public entertainment, & said dwellings and [pub] house of entertainment to be of the estimated value of [about] one hundred thousand dollars more or less. Second, that or, of o shall [They shall] also provide (d) all missing detailed plans, planting plans, working plans specifications, [and] instructions and superintendance for [case] the execution of said general plans [and shall plan to and for the includings] of improvement including plans and superintendence for a gas and water system, and generally shall counsel [advis] and assist said Childs [in] [as may be required] in their professional capacity as the business [occasion] may [arise] properly require. [If] [Second] Third, [as] that said E. E. Childs shall convey to O. V. & Co for the performance of so much of said [au] duties as relates to the invision of [is] the topographical survey, [a] the general plan of [improvements, the plans and other] the village & its pleasure grounds, the general plan of the high- 3 way between the village & Chicago and [the minor] its connected pleasure grounds, the plans of dwelling's houses, & the plans, details, specifications & suptce of the house of entertainment, a good and valid title to lots [*A*] [*A*] [A] [on the said ground of the value of Fifteen Thousand dollars ($15000), the said lots to be selected by Olmsted Vaux & Co. another value than] [*C*] [Third, that for the remainder of said services (d) [undertaken] to be rendered E E Childs by Olmsted Vaux & Co. [said Childs shall] they shall receive a commission of 7½ perct on the [gro estimated] gross expenditure required for carrying on the undertaking [out the plans to be furnished by them] the same to be paid on lots on the said ground [in the same manner as [pr??aced]] the value of the lots to be determined by the average price of lots of similar character [as nearly as can be determined] which shall have then sold before [the payments shall have] each payment shall have become due [as] which shall be [as follows] determined as follows: [On the f] As soon as practicably after the first day of January 1869, and thereafter [at the] as soon as practicable after the close of each quarter of a year Olmsted Vaux & Co. shall prepare a statement [of] showing as nearly as practicable the proportion of the whole amount of service required of them for the completion of [the designed] [the plans] the designed mines, which they shall have rendered during the previous quarter] C [Third] Fourth, that for the remainder of said [for carrying on the undertaking] services undertaken by Olmsted Vaux & Co. (viz those of the division where designated (d)) they shall receive from said Childs at the end of every quarter [a sum of] a good & valid title to lots on said ground of the value 7½ percent upon the cost of [whole amount then paid for or due upon the] [for the cost of all supplies and work or remaining due for[ [all the plans,] [the carrying on of the proposed improvements and operations for which they [are] hereby undertake to provide, plans, [coms] counsel] [advice] [as then remaining due for the] carrying on during said quarter [of] the operations and improvements to which this agreement relates, the said lots [&c] [repeating D] when selected by Olmsted Vaux & Co another value thereof. When determined by the average price of lots similarly situated which shall have been sold during said [previous] preceding quarter or [fr] previously thereto.and it should be held that there is then due them [and E.E. Childs shall then within thirty an equal eq] an equal proportion of the [minimum] estimated [minimum] cost of said works which minimum estimated cost shall be held to be one million dollars unless after a time that sum shall have been exceeded, [when] and then thereafter [it etc] an equal proportion of the actual sum which shall have been expended shall be due quarterly [and at the close of each year] sum which shall be required for the completion of said works, and that [unt] until the sum of one million dollars shall have expended, [one] that sum, namely one million dollars shall be taken as the minimum estimated sum of expenditure required and [payment shall be made upon thereupon] the proportion due Olmsted Vaux & Co shall be [estimated] received thereupon.dwelling houses + house of public entertainment [duties], [*V 1/2. Drafts of agreement with E.C. Childs to lay out Riverside.*]Riverside Improvement Company. To Nurserymen. Proposals will be received at the office of this company till 12 ock. M. April 30th for supplying and planting three thousand assorted white, Scotch, Austrian and other tree Pines. All the trees are to be seedlings which have been at least twice transplanted and they are not to be less two feet nor more than four in height measured above the root; they are to be planted by the contractor at points to be designated on the Company's property at Riverside during the month of May, are to be in thrifty condition, carefully taken up, & planted, and are to be guaranteed to flourish for one year. Proposals will state the number of each sort offered, the place whence they are to be taken and the price demanded. One half the price is to be paid when the trees have been planted in accordance with the contract and the remainder which shall be then due, at the expiration of the period of the guarantee. The situation will be on well drained prairie soil and near an old plantation of pines which is in thrifty condition.OFFICE OF THE RIVERSIDE IMPROVEMENT CO. 73 CLARK ST. DIRECTORS Emery E. Childs, President. David A. Gage of Sherman House. L. W. Murray, Secy. Wm. T. Allen " Day Allen & Co. Henry E. Seelye, Treas. & Atty. A.C. Badger " A.C. & Q.F. Badger. Geo. M. Kimbark of Hall, Kimbark & Co. ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS. Olmsted, Vaux & Co. New York City. Chicago 187 Proposition to the Riverside Imp Co, If they will consent to old arrangement closing May 1-. closing the a/c. we will do this, Act as Consulting Architects & Engineers for one year, & will visit [visiting] Riverside once every 60 days, and remain[ing] there at least one week, at each visit. giving such advice as required by letter at other times, on the following terms, $100 in cash to be paid at each visit and expenses at Riverside. at the End of year a deed of one lot to be given. (150 ft front) Present a/c's to be settled, either party paying the other whatever balance may be found to be against him, All plans. plain table sheets &c belongingto us to be given up to us, O V & Co Childs' suggestion afterwards repudiated Riverside Chicago, V /2I propose, therefore, that as a guarantee was that the enterprise shall be duly prospelsterbid. [Went] [The] our expectatury realized you shall give us security for $15000, either by mortgage or real estate worth double that amount, or by the deposit [as war] of a deed cer. by cross [of a chart] Co [not going or good valued treble] to [roperty] [the same], The mortgagee to be cancelled, or the value to be returned to you in token deed upon shall have [either] expended $200,000 on the approach road and shall have converged twenty lots of the value of $15000. For the remainder of the work, whle adhering to a commpeiss of 7½ per cent in the gross expenditure, or the sale of Complurabon, we would stipulate that or glends the fund of [1000] 2000 became due & payable, was lots of that value of that accurate should be ci? to? and as security against the abrupt termination of the work, leaving us liable for payment of spcl expences is caused by us on acct of the works, [you shd give us you box you & sons] you shd give us your assurances for the issue of $10,000 [estimated on the payment] [payable] conditioned on the[payment tons of] the accruing tons of the same amnt of ten thound dollars in the course of the year -That on the first day of every quarter the amt [of] which shall have been expended for construction away the previous quarter shall ascertained and that [7 pr ct of this amt shall then] [be lo] lots to the value of 7½ pr ct on this amnt shall be carryd to O.V.&Co [as above] as aforesaid, provided that [the current toke] the value of lots on each quarter day to become due to O.V.&Co. shall be at least equal to [three thousand] [dollars per] a payment at the rate of three thousand dollars [per month] quarterly. The value of the lots to be determined by the average price of lots sold during this quarter next preceding. If corner lots are selected by the average price of corner lots, if lots 200 feet deep and inside lots are selected then by the price of lots of that depth are so situated and so on, as fin as practicable in all cases by the price [of the lots sold during the preceeding quarter of the lots of [most nearly] corresponding character] of the lots of a character most nearly corresponding [to those selected which] among those which have been sold during the last preceeding quater to those sold toThe general rule intended to control this agreement at all points is this that O.V. & Co. are [not] to receive full payment in cash or its equivalent value of land monthly [or q] till the first of January 1869 and quarterly thereafter so long as this agreement shall continue, for all services which they render, or cause to be provided.