Frederick Law Olmsted SUBJECT FILE Parks Brooklyn, New York 1865-91 & U.DJan 9th -- 65. [?]. Olmsted. Your letter has just come to hand dated Dec. 9th. I shall write to you soon. in the mean time you may be interested in the Brooklyn affair although nothing may come of it. [Stranahan?] induced me to go over the other day & examine the site with him and a Mr. Taylor who has recd a financial appt. under the Commrs -- the latter seems an undemonstrative man who probably takes the position as a moderately lazy way of securing a competent annual renumeration. He is Stranahans next door neighbor and is a lawyer. of between 50 & 60. I should think -- I found that the Pres! for S is Pres. was inclined to increase the boundaries on the south and East sides to some [slight] considerable extent. On examination of the ground in this direction & in connection with an impression gained when on the ground last summer I did not hesitate to recommend him if he went to the Legislature at all to make some such modification as the one indicated on the [study] sketch He had not supposed the cheap flat land valuable for Park purposes but I explained to him that by securing it the Commrs could make a skating pond deserving the name and in this particular easily surpass their competitors the C.P. Moreover as the land on this side with the exception of the lots marked expensive lots could be bought for less than half the price of that on the other side and as the plan of having a hundred foot avenue running through the Park was an objectionable feature and the ground on the Washington Avenue side was generally unsuited for Park purposes being in an awkward shape I suggested that this be, not perhaps immediately abandoned, but entirely thrown out of the Park scheme except so far as a control of the lots bordering on the ave. was concerned & thus perhaps only for a short distance near the principal entrance as the Ave was unsuited for handsome residences. By this means the [tax] cost of the desirable addition would be very little - as the Washington Avenue section is valuable & increasing in value - and the Reservoir with its steep formal banks and artificial constructions and splendid view could be connected with the Park by a flying bridge - and all cumbrous & expensive structures in connection with crossing over or under Flatbush Avenue avoided - The lie of the land the diagonal direction of the streets & the near propinquity of Greenwood Cemetery which occupies a large tract and the general relation of Brooklyn to the work seems to suggest that transverse Roads may be omitted without detriment to public convenience, perhaps however, one may be called for - Stranahan has absorbed the idea rapidly enough and of Saturday had been fine I was to have gone over the ground with him again as he is anxious to get the subject before the Legislature this season. He had previously asked me what I would make a plan for & I told him that I should probably ask $10,000. This somewhat alarmed him, but he asked me con amore to come over & see the ground, and I have sketched the results. If it should end in any decided modifications I suppose that my chance will be no worse. I real however approach the subject with a feeling akin to dislike fearing to be annoyed as we were in the C P affair we are all pretty well Love to yr. wife. Yours affly, C. VauxWilliamsburg Brooklyn Parent Site Proposed Site Walkabout Bay Brooklyn Greewood Cemetary New York [?] Governers Island Flats like Haarlem Flats Water view on the Hudson Proposed Pond of [Jay?] 40 ac. Edge of Hilly Region Hilly Region Quaker Cemetery [no a????? lattitude?] Railway Station The Quaker Cemetery & RR Station rather settle the question of boundary in the directions - the 2.C. i full of forest trees, not likely to be cut down. C Vaux. to FLO Jany 9th 186[5?] [*Important Prospect Park TR July 23/20*](Duplicate) VAUX & WITHERS, ARCHITECTS No. 110 Broadway, New York. Jany 10th, 1865 -- Sir, Saturday being so wet you did not, probably, expect me- Since I went over the ground with you the subject has naturally forced itself, more or less, on my attention, and I see that the most important matter to discuss at this time is, not the design as a work of landscape art, but the plan of the park as a judiciously selected public domain; this part of the general subject has little to do with the artistic arrangement of the park proper, it embraces however all important questions, such as location, natural and artificial boundaries, approaches, and the regulation of surrounding property. I have never cordially accepted the idea that the Brooklyn park should be divided into two parts by a public thoroughfare so wide and conspicuous as Flatbush avenue, but supposed that some serious difficulty existed that prevented the selection of a site with different boundaries. Having now had the opportunity to spend some time with you on the property, I find that there is apparently no insurmountable obstacle in the way of securing, what seems to me, a more natural and agreeable arrangement of the enclosing lines- Your expressed desire to somewhat increase the dimensions of the park to the South and West shows that you, and probably your brother Commissioners, have gradually arrived at a somewhat similar conclusion, and are prepared to consider favorably a recommendation to discard the Northerlysection altogether, spanning the avenue however by a light foot bridge in the vicinity of the Reservoir ground, so as to bring within the park limits that public structure and the fine view obtainable from the walk on its upper level - If this were done, and if the property on the North side of Flatbush avenue were sold or held for sale and a purchase made of the cheaper ground on the South and East sides of the property, an agreeable hill district would be added to the park, the whole site would be in a better shape, several costly bridges would be avoided, and a large lake might be secured in the comparatively inexpensive flat land to the South East - The skating facilities on the Central Park, New York, are necessarily somewhat limited because the ground is so hilly and varied, and the present dimensions of the ponds have only been secured by excavations made at considerable expense - you on the other hand have a good opportunity to include a stretch of low flat land within your boundaries and to excavate a pond of 50 or 60 or even a larger number of acres, and the soil required to be taken out would doubtless be useful in enriching adjoining lands that might require improvement. The question of approaches is a highly important one and probably if left unstudied now it will be settled at some future time at great outlay, as is the case yearly in London, Paris, and other Continental Cities, costly improvements being destroyed to insure tardily comprehended advantages that with proper foresight could have been easily and cheaply arranged for at the outset - For example, I think the approach from Brooklyn and Flatbush avenue should be arranged somewhat in accordance with the sketch appended, and that the necessary legislation had better be secured at this time ; I also believe that it would be wise to make 9th avenue and Vanderbilt avenue 100 feet wide and to obtain possession of all the lots facing the park, at anyrate on 9th avenue, so as to secure to the city the rise in value occasioned by the widening and by the improvement of the park itself - a small portion, if not the whole of the lots facing on Flatbush avenue should also be reserved, so as to secure at the North Western entrance a dignified general effect on approaching the park, which result can hardly be looked for if the present boundary lines are retained unaltered - The questions I have touched on seem to be pressing at this time, they have nothing whatever to do with and may be considered quite apart from the improvement of the park - for at this time I consider the skating pond merely as a gymnasium needed for the healthy development of the young citizens of Brooklyn in winter - These views, with others that would probably suggest VANDERBILT AVENUE FLATBUSH AVENUE CRESCENT CRESCENT PARK ENTRANCE NINTH AVENUEthemselves may, if thought desirable be embodied in a preliminary report and illustrated by a plan - my fee for such service being $500 - I have spoken thus plainly to you as I consider that your invitation was extended to me in your private rather than in your public capacity, and because I feel assured that you will believe me entirely sincere in saying that I shall be quite willing under any circumstances to look at the site and advise with you again, con amore, when the weather is a little more settled____ - I remain Dear Sir Yours faithfully Calvert Vaux Archt. [*C. Vaux June 10th 1865*] [*Brooklyn*] J. J. T. Stranahan Esq Prest. B. of Comrs. of Prospect Park Brooklyn Dr Olmsted As I sent you some mem's in regard to the Brooklyn affair the other day I send you the enclose map & this letter I wrote to S after visiting the property - he has since been in and said that the offer would probably be accepted. However, I have heard nothing definite and shall leave them to their deliberations. I wish you were on hand and willing to cooperate. I see some quotations from your letters in the Park and hear that the mines are not yielding so successfully. I trust however that this is a passing episode & that you will have good luck in the long run. I will write again soon. I heard from Brewer again this morning about the Photography, they have not yet arrived however - I will write to you soon. In the mean time Love to your wife & little ones. We are tolerable - yrs affectly C. V.Febr. 26th 1865. N.Y.- C. Vaux Dear Olmsted, The photographs have come duly to hand at last in perfect order in an ample portfolio and are the delight of our eyes and are thoroughly enjoyed by our friends. I have them now hung up in most of our rooms including the nursery and even young Marion is impressed with awe and points to the "Rocks" with an expression of perception of the the sublime, They are altogether the best photographs of scenery -- exclusive of the subjects that I have seen -- and I realize California and the Yosemite as neverbefore. Those at Professor Baches were not nearly so good - Mr. King called the other day and brought the packet of seeds - Dr Torrey - who named the trees called on me the very next morning as good luck would have it ~ for a photograph for him forwarded in my portfolio & he took great interest in the seeds of which I gave him of course packets, to take away. [Pelat?] has put up packets with letters to several who would be interested. I will send you a list at another time. I was delighted with King and we lunched together when he returns from Boston. I hope he will stay a few days at our house. Prof Brewer I missed as I wrote you - We have been this last week at Rondons attending Lucy's wedding to Captain Andrews. a pleasant & festive experience which went off well & enjoyably - I also was off for two days to see the Kauterskill Falls in winter with Jervis & a few friends, Gifford included - the latter much out of health this winter we saw the Falls frozen solid and had a very varied and satisfactory trip with a slice of all sorts ofweather, ending after bright sunshine at the start and during our explorations with a heavy rain storm in N Y which we reached late at night. I start tomorrow-Monday morning with Jervis to pay a visit of a week to City Point Petersburgh & the Potomac army generally. His cousin John McSuter, Lt. Col. of the old 20th being Provost Marshall & having sent us papers and expressed his willingness to show us what is to be seen. Events are crowding on us now and the opportunity is too good to be lost so that I make an effort to spare the time- [*Brooklyn*] - I sent in my report about the B. P. in due course. being requested to do so. Have heard nothing since except that the application to the Legislature is to be made. I hope to write to Mr. Olmsted when I return Yours Affly L. Vaux[*IV - Brooklyn*] [*B18th*] S. F. February 27th (1865) F.L.O. to Mrs. O. My dear wife:- I should like very much to go with Vaux into the Brooklyn Park, but from that I can not. I look more definitely to undertaking a newspaper in San Fransisco than to [*noted*] anything else.[*IV Brooklyn*] [*B lsts*] (F.L.O. to C.V. personal. Brooklyn Park, &c. &c. &c.) San Francisco, March 12, 1865. My dear Vaux, I have recently received yours letter of 9th and 10th January, and the map of Brooklyn Park as designed by General Viel[t]e. My heart really bounds (if you don't mind poetry) to your suggestion that we might work together about it. I can't tell you and you can't conceive how I would like to expect it. But I don't think it's likely, my health is weak. I get on now from day to day tolerably well, but feel very liable to break down suddenly and finally, and therefore am strongly possessed with the duty of laying up something for my family while I can. It is true the Mariposa Company has failed (I suppose) and I am relieved of any obligation to stay here but the chances are that some arrangement will be made and I shall be wanted, or that I shall fall into some other business here that will enable me to save something or at least to maintain my family comfortably and nurse my present investments. I don't believe I could ever do that on the Brooklyn Park, let alone the chance of being turned out or hurried out just as I had got settled. I can't tell you, I say again, how attractive to me the essential business we had together is; nor how I abhor the squabbles with the Commission and the politicians. Both are very deep with me - I feel them deeper every year. It was a passion thwarted and my whole life is really embittered with it verymuch and I think I shall feel it more as I grow older. I think a good deal how I should like to show you what I really am and could do with a perfectly free and fair understanding from the start, and with moderate degree of freedom from the necessity of accommodating myself to infernal scoundrels. I have a perfect craving for the park, sometimes, and for an exposition from you of what I want. But, bother! Your plans are excellent, of course, you don't play with it but go at once to the essential starting points, and I hope the Commissioners are wise enough to comprehend it. I think the ground looks attractive, as if you could form a much simpler and grander and more convenient kind of park than any on it. I am getting on with my Cemetery which will be of a very elaborate and complicated pattern. Miller is employed in staking it out. I have also made a preliminary reconnaisance of a large piece of ground held by the College of California, which I propose to lay out upon the Llewellyn plan. It is an accursed country with no trees and no turf and it's a hard job to make sure of any beauty. I have given plans for improvement of a country seat and I will try to send you copies, so you can see how I do it. I made a journey last week, a hundred miles south, and across the Coast Mountains to the seashore to examine some oil springs, with Ashburner. Ashburner is my best friend, here, a mining engineer. - Upon our report, capital was immediately obtained and a mill will be started within a week. A. and I, get each 1/12 of the stock for our trouble, and the whole business is put into our hands. We have proxies for all thestock except what is held by the contractors for boreing - and so manage it, electing ourselves officers, &c. The scenery over the mountains was interesting and I own several new trees. The marked feature however, was the red woods. They were large trees, 250 ft. high, generally in small groups and often very beautiful. I have got a good deal "in oil", if it ever comes to anything. At present we know nothing about it of much value. The geological conditions are different from Pennsylvania - the oil oozes in a thick tarry condition from the surface, or has done so, leaving asphaltum, which softens and runs oily sometimes in the sun. But clear oil is sometimes found with this and the presumption is that by boring, reservoirs of it will be struck as in Penna. But this has not been proved. I am interested a little in one enterprise, in which the borer is run down 80 feet. If there is any oil to be got this way, there will be enough "to float all the navies of the world". &c. for there are thousands of acres where there are these surface indications. I don't put much in nor reckon much on success but am a good deal interested. I have been away from my home now more than two months, and am tired enough of hotel life. I can form no idea what is before us - the Company's telegrams being only inquisitive. I think I have managed my part of the business directly and successfully. The men are at work again for wages and to pay their own debts, and the other creditors are patient. Mary keeps in pretty good spirits and the housekeeping slides along with no unusual friction. I hope for a visit from her here next week. When you write again tell me more of the McIntees please. With kind regards to your wife, I am, Cordially Yours, Fred. Law Olmsted.IV CP. May 13, '65 Brooklyn Resolut'n B'd Com'ms appointing C.V. to make plan for pk -- D.Vs OfficeIV May 30. 65 Brooklyn C Offer condnd aptment to C. Vaux. $6000 -- for genl plan -- & consulting & supervising services for a year -- with permisn to visit Europe for study prov. it does not interfere with complete productn of plan -- D.Vs Office [IV 4 Central Park] [*IV Brooklyn. dupl Vaux.*] [*Important*] [*FLO's duty to profession*] [*Central & Brooklyn Parks*] [*C. V. needs FLO*] C. V. to Olmsted, June 3, 1865. Rondout, Sunday June 3. Dear Olmsted: I saw Stranahan yesterday. He called with a counter propositon - a rather wooly and unvolved affair, but he explained all about the Board and its membership, etc., and said although the mission, such was the phraseology to Europe, was politely discountenanced, the reason was that as they had only part of their ground they wished to avoid being quoted on as doing this, but that really as Prest. he [*Brooklyn*] could say that I could start next week if the thing was quietly arranged. However, I do not see us there just now. I am unravelling the proposition and shall put the thing into square convenient shape in the course of the week. The appt. they wished to avoid in definite terms for similar reasons. It will probably result in $7500 or thereabouts for the plan with an understanding that no work is to be started of any consequence and that I am to advise with the Board and supervise generally till the close of the next Ligislature when they hope to get their ground. He was very kind and seemed to wish to disabuse my mind of any idea that they wished to be mean or stingy. I think I told you at the committee meeting at my office when they came to propose a simple $5000 plan I was rather short with them and give them to understand that they did not stand between Brooklyn and myself as protectors of Brooklyn, but that we were going in together to serve Brooklyn in a spirit of mutual confidence and that if we were not the sooner the matter was closed the better. I see no reason why thing should not turn out well. Campaign Document No. 2 which I sent to Stranahan, the day before he last came, he did not refer to, but I could see that he noticed the Brooklyn Reference. It was of course intended he should and should show it to his men also. So this remains unsettled as I deem it should just now. They have refused my proposition and I am free - to accept any better one from elsewhere while considering their counter proposition. [*C. P.*] The Central P. progresses. Bellows wrote me a kind note in general terms and asked me to call, but it came yesterday just as I was starting for Rondout with Mary and he goes west for 3 weeks, so I do not suppose he will act still he may [be] see Grinnell today, but that is not likely. I wrote him a brief reply giving him the hint, but do not anticipate that anything will come of it. It is of no material consequence, however. At the meeting on Friday, called by Grinnell to countermand the gate postponement the thing was understood to be finally disposed of Green Blatchford & Fields voting adverse and G. and Rupell for. 5 must vote to countermand. The vote to [be] reappoint did not come up. Butterworth & Hutchins must come in it, G & R. stand out. Why they should stand out now, I know not. [*not use this page for CP. later pages used. for CP g. v.*]At a Meeting of the BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PROSPECT PARK, held June 13, 1865, the following resolution was unanimously adopted, viz. : Resolved,--That Calvert Vaux be employed to make a plan of the Park, and to do whatever may be required in aiding this Board to carry out the plan, for the term of one year, to end 1st June, 1866, for the sum of six thousand dollars ; with the understanding that if the next Legislature shall authorize the addition of the land to the Park grounds, so as to cover all the territory embraced in his plan, Mr. Vaux shall be paid fifteen hundred dollars additional. A true copy from the minutes. Attest: WALTER F. GRIFFITH, Secretary. Resolution subsequently passed - Resolved. What the payments to Mr. Vaux be made as follows at his request. $1000. 1st July. $1000 1st August. $1000 1 Nov. $1000 1st Jan. $1000 1st Feby.. & Balance first of June provided that the President shall be satisfied that the work is progressing so as to justify such payments, and shall so certify to the auditing Comm.I had this printed for the sake of the half dozen copies I wanted to use. -- It does not appear in the papers & the Commrs wish but little said on the subject till the ground is obtained next spring -- This is all very well and suits us i.e. if there is to be any us in it [*Brooklyn Prospect Resolution appr Vaux & payments.*](Copy.) At a meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Prospect Park held June 13, 1865. the following resolution was unanimously adopted, viz: Resolved. That Calvert Vaux be employed to make a plan of the Park and to do whatever may be required in aiding this board to carry out the plan, for the term of one year to end 1 June 1866, for the sum of Six Thousand Dollars, with the understanding, that if the next Legislature shall authorize the addition of the land to the Park grounds, so as to cover all the territory embraced in his plan, Mr Vaux shall be paid Fifteen Hundred Dollars additional. A true Copy from the minutes Attest Walter F. Griffith Secretary [*Of course but little progress can be made before the ground is legally acquired & even after next legislature the purchase will have to be actually made before their title is good, so there is ample time for preparations CV.*]Resolution of the [C.P.] Commissioners June 13. '65 [*TK*] [*Brooklyn [Prospect]*][*IV - Brooklyn. B 1st 1865*] F.L.O. to C.V. Bear Valley, Aug. 1, 1865 I'm bound to go through the College, and I may want to do something more which would pay expenses of living here awhile. We have over $10,000. invested here and it wants watching. I have borrowed $5,000. for which I am paying 1 1/2 per cent a month at this time, and I have funds on their way from the East, and the more abruptly I have to wind up all my strands, the worse it will be for me. It will cost me nearly $2,000. to break up here and get fairly settled in New York, besides cost of furniture &c. there, and you will remember the fire pretty well cleaned us out. I refer to this because your last letter does not look as if you expected either the Brooklyn or the Central Park business to be pressing, and it may be very important to me- indeed may wholly change my plans to know exactly when it would be necessary to your purposes that I should be in New York. It looks to me as if I should go to New York last of September or October, if I go, but I want to be free longer than that if there should be occasion - especially if by staying, I could drive the San Franciscans into undertaking a park. I should like too, to be free to do more gratuitous work for the Yo Semite than I shall be likely to if I cut away in September. - - -IV Brooklyn- letter FLO to C.V. personal Aug. 1, 1865 filed C.P. 1863-70 - temporarily[*IV - Brooklyn 2 copies entire B-1str,*] F.L.O. to C.V. personal Bear Valley, Sept. 28th,1865. My dear Vaux: I have not heard from you since I last wrote. We have and epidemic of fevers here, typhoid on the highlands, congestive and remittent below. One of our clerks has died, and several of us have been threatened, but by timely care and quinine and brandy have escaped any severe attack. I was the last and kept my bed yesterday, am living on port wine to-day. We are nearly thro' with the turmoil and labor of packing, which is very great where so great a change is to be made. We have to determine what it is worth while to take home at all; then to divide the whole to go into three lots and pack accordingly for the voyage round the Horn, "slow" isthmus and "immediate" isthmus. We have made no change in our plans, except that Mrs. Olmsted (for the present) refuses to go by Nicaragua on account of the danger of the embarkation on the East side, and the difficulty of taking care of the children and baggage in the half dozen breaks of transit, and I may have to wait till steamer of 18th for Panama. I received on the 26th H.Potter's telegram of 22d which, if not satisfactory, justifies me I think in leaving, which perhaps will make a difference of two or three thousand dollars to me. We shall want to get a house and go to housekeeping as soon as possible after our arrival, and I shall be glad if you can nominate some houses for Mary to look at. I should prefer to be near you, CV lived 16 W 24 acc to NY directory for 1865, if you find yourself conveniently situated for the business; otherwise, nearer the park, and I think Cook's house in 78th St. would suit us. I suppose I shall need a riding horse at once, wherever we are, and you can judge what we can afford on the salary. I shall bring work enough to keep Miller busy for fully a month after arrival I think. I only work out the park plans crudely here, so as to have your help on it. The profit of it I intend to share with you - also to put O. & V. to the engraved cemetery plan if you approve. This latter also to be finished in New York. Do you remember Cleavland architect? a simple young man? He has been in S.F. some years and is going to return this winter to N.Y. He seems to have a regard for you. He has offered me several small jobs which I have not had time to take up, but have given him some advice. Affectionately, Fred.Law Olmsted.IV - Brooklyn BPL XL. 53.53 Graef - Explanatory remarks to a sectional plan of Prospect park - 1865[*IV Brooklyn. C*] 1866 May 29 At a meeting of the Board of Commissioners of Prospect Park, held May 29th 1866, it was, [*appointment*] Resolved, that Olmsted, Vaux & Co. be appointed landscape Architects to the board for the term of one year from the first day of June next at an [*General Duties of Architect*] annual salary of Eight Thousand Dollars payable quarterly & it shall be their duty to advise the board upon all points relating to the design of the Park, - to superintend the execution of the work & to aid the board in their professional capacity in any other way which the board may require within the scope of its duties. (signed) A true copy Walter V. Griffith Secretary. June 19th Copy resolution of 19 June 1866. [*appointments*] Resolved. That the applications for appointments on the park be referred to the Superintendent. Resolved. That the Superintendent be authorized [*order to commence work*] to commence work on the park forthwith - & for that purpose, under the direction of the Executive committee, to employ foremen laborers & mechanics [*purchases*] & to purchase such horses teams & materials as may be necessary, not exceeding in any particular the estimates submitted to this board on 10th June instant. (signed) John N. Taylor Comptr2 1866 June 19 [*Vouchers and forms of payment.*] Passed 19th of June. Recvd. from Mr. Taylor July 9th "That funds be drawn out on checks signed by the President and Secretary payable to the order of the Comptroller who shall endorse the same over to the payee in each case. That the Secretary shall have before him the Vouchers for the expenditure for which each check that he shall be required to sign was drawn with the evidence thereon that it is in accordance with the directions of the board and that it is on a proper requisition from the Superintendant or other officer authorized by the board to make the same."June 10 1866 _ IV Brooklyn (C To Stranahan - Report - recom - employment of Bogert - Culyer - etc - & asking author _ for expenditures - for 3 mos at $30000. per month , for salaries & wages - & auth for purchase of tools outfit & materials $22,950 _ itemized — D.Vs OfficeBrooklyn Park - August 1866. Trees marked and noted. Quality Total A B C Acer rubrum 14 152 122 288 Betula lenta 21 414 255 690 Carpinus Americana 2 6 1 9 Carya alba 46 798 369 1213 Castanea vesca 22 478 662 1162 Juglans cinevea et nigra 1 13 5 19 Lignidambar styraciflua 28 358 74 460 Linodendron tulip ifera 3 38 2 43 Nyssa agnatica 7 26 33 Pinus mitis? 1 1 Platanus occidentalis 3 3 Populas grandidenlata ? 1 1 2 Pninus Cesasus 3 3 Quercus alba 34 339 64 437 " palustris, tinctonia, rubra, et coccinia 20 612 299 931 Robinia Pseudacacia 3 10 13 Sassafras officinale 18 10 28 Tilia Europaea 5 5 " peterophylla 1 1 Ulmus campestris 4 4 8 " Americana 16 1 17 ------------------------------------------------- Totals 207 3280 1879 5366Besides the above, there are about two thousand trees of the prevailing kinds, under three to five inches in diameter. From one to two hundred Juniperus Virginiana, from one to three feet high, are scattered amongst the undergrowth. Seedlings of Acer, Betula, Carya, Liguidambar and Liriodendron are present in great numbers. The following were noticed frequently: Ampelopsis quinquefolia -- Vine Andromeda ligustrina Aralia racemosa -- Herb. " spinosa Azalea viscosa Clethra alnifolia Crataegus oxyacantha Cephalanthus occidentalis Ligustrum vulgare Pyrus arbutifolia Rhus glabra Viburnum prunifolium. Frank A PollardFOR PLANTING STUDIES [*Report for Brooklyn Park Frank A. Pollard*][*IV Brooklyn C*] PARK COMMISSION,COMPTROLLER'S OFFICE, No. 13 Court Street, Brooklyn, New York. June 11th, 1867 Olmsted Vaux & Co., Gentlemen:- At a meeting of the board of Commissioners held this day it was RESOLVED That Olmsted Vaux & Co. be appointed Architects and Superintendents for the term of one year from 1st inst. on the same terms and conditions as the last year. RESOLVED That Olmsted Vaux & Co. be paid at the rate of $20 an acre for making plans in their own office in New York for the improvement of Washington park, it being understood that the Superintendence of work on all the City parks is included in the duties to be performed by them under the previous resolution. IT WAS ALSO RESOLVED That the board consent that the Hudson Avenue Railroad Company may lay their rails on 9th Avenue Southerly from Flatbush Avenue and on such part of said Avenue as shall be directed by our Superintendents. Truly yours &c. John N. Taylor.[*file IV - Brooklyn then other points*] [*1 copy from Bowyer Vaux Mar 2/21*] Olmsted, Vaux & Co., Landscape Architects No. 110 Broadway, New York. Aug. 29th, 1868. My dear Vaux, Yours of Aug 18th (Killarney) is rec'd, and is admirable; I hope you will keep it up on that line. But I should have liked one line about your welfare, Mrs. Vaux, the passage, etc. The evergreen oak is not hardy here, I think we tried it on the Central Park; the little leaved rock plant growing with ivy and brilliant of bloom is a cotoneaster and was planted abundantly last spring with ivy on the Battle Pass rocks. I quite agree with you about the walls. I have always in mind that class of walls. The sod fences would soon die out here. [*[What?] Riverside [?] yrs*] I returned yesterday from the West. The enterprise there is a big speculation. Childs does not want to pay one dollar down, but would be willing to pay us fairly in stock. As before I write again I shall probably have settled arrangement in some way upon that basis, I won't go into particulars now. He wants to put 2000 men at work within a week and wants us to manage everything except "financiering," i. e. he wants Superintendance, and we have no fair precedent for L. A. superintendance -- certainly not payable in stock, so I am a good deal occupied with it. I have tried to get Aldritch to go there for the survey, but he so far declines. Bogart is on his holiday. I have set Minton (?) at some estimates. I send a newspaper report which gives as good an idea of what I actually did at Buffalo as newspaper reporters' work generally does. I did a deal of talking privately and publicly, was cross-examined, etc. and got through very well. At least, the project2. was advanced materially, I was told, and they will go to the Legislature in January for a Commission. Withers looks poorly and will leave on Monday. Work goes on well at Brooklyn. Entrance Arch complete and people using the road on it. Stranahan just returned from Saratoga. The Rustic Shelter is well advanced, nearly ready for the thachers. The dairy cottage walls are half up. Piers of Lull Wood bridge are complete. Miller is still behind hand and grumbling and explaining. He can't yet afford to give an hour to the Flagstaff. Earth work is getting on less rapidly for want of men. The Chicago operation is to make a suburban village out of the whole cloth on the prairie and connect by a park-way with town. There will probably be a large demand upon us for cheap little cottages growing out of it, wood chalets, also for spring houses, arbors, seats, drinking fountains, etc. My wife has been thrown from a wagon and dragged, but escaped, so far as yet appears, without serious injury. Weather sultry. With love to your wife Affe'tly Fred. Law Olmsted Since writing the above I have received yours of the 12 Aug. written on the Colorado. Very glad you had so pleasant a passage.[*IV Brooklyn B-1st*] New York, May 2d, 1869. My dear Norton, Please let me know when you propose to go to Ashfield and how long I can postpone my visit to Cambridge without giving you inconvenience? The action and the non-action of our legislature in regard to various park matters has given me a great deal of trouble, and that together with the unusual prolongation of winter and the final rush of spring makes it difficult for me to arrange engagements. To add to the difficulty, the Commissioners of Brooklyn Park have unexpectedly been put in charge of all the smaller parks and places of the city and we are expected to take the management of them immediately. At the same moment our chief engineer resigns and a considerable adjustment of an organization becomes necessary. This is my apology for not being with you this week and for making the enquiry I have. You can telegraph if it is important to you that I should come at once. Faithfully yours, Fred. Law Olmsted[*IV Brooklyn A dupl not with it.*] 110 Broadway, May 10th. [*1869*] My dear Norton, Thanks for your kind reply of the 5th. I can not leave home this week and it will be a special convenience to me to feel that you do not care particularly to have me keep my engagement to visit you at present. I believe I indicated the reasons in part, but there are now others. The Engineer in general charge of the Brooklyn work is going to leave somewhat abruptly and the Commission desire us to employ a stranger, with no experience in similar work, in his place. At the same moment, the engineer in charge of the office and accounts and supplies has fractured his leg and is likely to be disabled for some weeks. We have over 1000 men at work and soon about doubling the number, and as I am the responsible superintendent I could not be absent for several days without a good deal of uneasiness. I have some new suggestions to make to you in regard to the treatment of your ground and may perhaps put them on paper. My wife begs me to send her love to Mrs. Norton. Please remember me kindly to all your household. We are as well as usual, but pining for summer a little. Cordially yours, Fred. Law Olmsted. [*IV Brooklyn- Prosp ( C*] New York Sept 28 1869 F. L. Olmsted Esq Dr Sir I understand you have the selecting of trees to ornament Prospect Park. During several years residence in California I saw trees grown from the seed of the big trees, so called, of Calaveras County, in the ground attached to private residences. They formed a peculiar and very handsome evergreen there and are much prized. They might or might not grow as handsomely here, but in addition to their beauty they might be of interest as being of a species that has such a remarkable growth, and for that reason all circumstances being favorable to a decision in the care I have thought you might likeprocure some of the trees on their seeds. Bearing upon this subject a fact [of] has accidentally come under my observation which I write to give you, to use or not as you may find convenient - viz that there is now growing in the City of Brooklyn a tree of that species probably about 10 years old, which may be easily seen by you if it interests you. I have not seen any one who knows where this tree came from, but the identity of the species can be established to your satisfaction I presume, and if I am not mistaken your own eye would decide the question. This tree is of importance only as it may show that such trees will grow here, and about how they will grow, for I suspect this is too large to be removed. If the matter interests you at all I will be at your service to show the tree, and may be found in addressed 167 Broadway Room 2 N.Y. on N.E. Comm Hall St & Greene Ave. Brooklyn Respectfully yours L Bell[*IV - Brooklyn B - l sts*] June 4 1870 Prospect Park - Carrossel. B West granite & brick arch leading to Dairy. This area advised for cumulative effect of bldgs among foliage I much pref. to scattering Rustic shelter Childrens cottage. Vaux. [K.?] B1 Brooklyn Dr /73 Mr. Fredric Law Olmsted My dear sir, Those portions of the Park which have been resurfaced during the last two years, owing to the scarcity of top soil, have been very imperfectly finished. This has been particularly the case, on the work of the past season. The space between the West Drive and Ninth Avenue, and along 15th Street. is not only thinly covered with soil, but much of that used is of the poorest quality. The result will doubtless be, a marked contrast, in a very short time, between the growth of trees, shrubs and grass on the portion of the Park, as compared with the sections finished when material was abundant, and thorough work was the rule. Under the most favorable circumstances, the soil in this vicinity becomes exhausted with ordinary cultivation. I think the liberal use of peat on our early work will largely contribute to a healthy condition of the plantings for a long period, providing the 2 soil is not too rapidly exhausted by allowing the crops of grass to mature for hay. It is a great misfortune that all the peat could not have been taken from "the [Roots?]" and at the rear of the Litchfield place. It could have been hauled to the different sections of the Park during the winters and left in piles quite as cheaply as much poorer material has since been hauled greater distances to eke out a mere covering of the sub-gradation, this would have insulated some extra refill with crude material. But the peat is too valuable to use on our quickly worn out surface to admit of burying it under a superstructure of gravel & soil. besides, being itself an unreliable base on which to build a surface of any considerable delth. I have alluded to the exhaustion incident to maturing hay crops. The lawns which were properly surfaced, I believe can be kept in good condition almost indefinitely by proper clipping with the mowers. This returns to the soil3 all that grows therefrom - and constant clipping induces such perfect tillering as to produce the finest growth, and the most perfect matting of the grass. Such portions of the meadows as may be needed for the cattle and sheep, can if properly managed, be kept for a long time in passable condition at small expense. It will of course become uneven, & unless cared for, coarse weeds and uncroped clumps of grass, will give the whole surface an untidy and unsightly appearance. Too much caution cannot be used in employing only the most careful herdsmen; else has been the case too frequently the past season, the cows will be allowed to range among the young trees, and the shrubbery, and by browsing and hooking, damage or destroy valuable material. Cattle should never be permitted to feed on those portions of the meadows which are to be kept cropped closely for lawn effect. The lawn mowers leave very little for them to feed upon, and in their efforts to get something, cows pull up by the roots, large quantities 4 of the soft tender grass. The lawns have now come so generously & pleasantly into use, for promenade & croquet playing, that it is essential to cleanliness and the comfort of walking, to keep the cattle from those limits. Where trees & shrubbery are massed, if the grass is matured for a hay crop, the planting, while growing suffers materially - especially the low shrubbery & evergreens. If for two or three years, the grass is kept short, more of the first vigor of the soil goes to the growth of the newly planted stock, when it most needs it. The tall rank crop of maturing grass, almost completely chokes and overwhelms the young [struggling] plants - compelling them to rest until the grass crop is removed. Then follows the sudden exposure to the usual dry season - and they stand out under a burning sun, in soil sucked dry by the stronger growing grass - the result is small progress for the plants - except perhaps the late immature growth of the Autumn. For two or three years the grass5 crops will have exhausted the richness of the soil - and the planting proves a failure. The expense of maintainance is undoubtedly increased, by the necessary frequent clipping of the grass among the young shrubbery. This expense diminishes every year as the shrubs increase in size - When massed - they soon, if not checked in their growth, so nearly cover the ground, that very little grass grows near enough to the plants to injure them. One early planting was treated as I have indicated and the growth of the shrubbery has been highly satisfactory. Among the later planting, say for the last three years - the grass has been allowed to mature for hay - and the shrubbery & young trees have suffered materially. If it is necessary - as a matter of economy - and I suppose it is - to save on the Park hay enough for the stock. it should 6 be done from the open grounds and slopes, not designed for especial lawn treatment - nor recently planted with young stock. It must be borne in mind however, that this system of cropping will soon exhaust the soil, unless some provision is made to keep up its fertility. The lawns which are kept under close cropping - the meadows [used] used for pasturage - the old woods, and those portions of the Park which are heavily massed with trees or shrubbery, where sufficient soil has been used - will suffer very little from exhaustion. Other sections of the Park, will soon begin to look poor and neglected - and the later finished portions will be the first to fail. Something may be done by the use of the commercial fertilizers - Phosphates &c - but I have not much faith in7 them, to meet radical defects in the soil - or absolute exhaustion - except as helps for immediate results. Under a judicious system and with economical management, abundance of fertilizing material might be sound on the Park for all future requirements. For the present, I know of no better location for a compost yard than the ground now so used - in the woods between 4th & 7th streets known as the "Durant place". The spot is hidden from the Drive and any finished portions of Park now frequented by visitors and is readily accessible by a temporary gate way on Ninth avenue. To the compost yard, wherever located, should be carried all the stable manure, sweepings from the trees, clippings & sweepings from the borders & walks, waste grass in fact rubbish of all kinds, which would decompose under proper treatment, including such quantities of leaves as could be safely mixed with the foregoing 8 near at hand to those materials should be accumulated, from time to time, peat, if obtainable, turfs or good loams. All these gatherings, as they accumulate should be mixed in large heaps, so as to induce fermentation, using enough peat, turf or loam to prevent too rapid heating. If stable manure or green grass should be in large proportions. Once or twice every year these heaps of compost should be dry ones and thoroughly remixed - If unslacken lime - oyster shell lime is the best - could be added when the compost is "turned once" - it would help to disintegrate any course material and improve the quality of the manure. This however is not essential - One not familiar with this subject would be surprised at the quantity of valuable material from top dressing, which could readily and with comparatively small expense be saved on the Park - if the matter was thoroughly systematized.9 If attended to in time - by another Autumn - enough compost would have been saved and ready for use to dress over the Section which will first need treatment, viz. the recently finished surface along 9th Avenue and 15th Street. This should be done for the sake of the new plantings. If the foregoing suggestions, or some thing equivalent, are fairly carried out, ample supplies will accumulate year by year for future use. There is another great waste going on which might be utilized largely to the benefit of the Park. The liquid manure from the barn - the sewage from the cottage and the shelter house, might, at small expense be applied, either directly to the grass surface, or taken to the compost heap. One Water Cart, with wide wheels to admit of the heavy load being drawn over the turf with both sprinkler & plug. One man and a horse. and a proper pump, makes the outfit. 10 The present arrangements for wasting this valuable material can only be temporary. Suitable reservoirs should be prepared from which the liquid manure could be readily pumped into the Cart. When the grass surface is in proper condition for the application all the liquid properly diluted with water, from the most convenient hydrant might be directly applied to the lawns, the meadows and all the grass surface-convenient of access to the cart. There can be no more economical system of enriching such grounds. When for any reason it may not be desirable to use it upon the grass directly the same cart can daily remove the accumulation to the compost heap where it would be [of] immensely valuable. A cheap plank run can be arranged for the compost heap, so that the cart may be driven on to the heap the plug drawn and the liquid allowed to soak into the compost. Or if this cannot be readily done-a cheap tank11 could be made near the heaps into which the liquid could be drawn from which it could be pumped on to the heap from time to time. I have intended to refer to one matter in connection with my allusions to the lawns & lawn mowers. I would suggest that the pretty meadow plot between the walks running from the 9th Street entrance on 9th Avenue and the 9th Street road stop on the west Drive towards the 15th Street entrance be put under lawn treatment by the use of the lawn mower early next season. This would make a most desirable croquet ground for a large number of visitors who come to the park via the Coney Island cars and enter at the 9th Avenue gate. It would save many from a long walk to the upper meadow. In time, another location could be selected near the 15th Street entrance when its use may seem to demand it. Very truly yours O.C. Bullard [*Suggestions of Mr. Bullard in regard to the maintenance management of Brooklyn Park.*]1873 Prospect Park Brooklyn. Suggestions of M. Bullard in regard to the maintenance management of the Brooklyn Park. M[*IV Brooklyn dupl A*] 18th October, 1886. A. A. Smith, Esq. Sec'y Brooklyn Park Commission. [*TR noted*] Dear Sir: I returned last night from California and find your note of the 16th ult. which would have been forwarded to me and answered sooner had it not been misdirected. I do not at once think of any man whom I can think well qualified for the duty proposed who is not now occupying a position from which it would probably be difficult to draw him. I will thank you to advise me, however, if the position is still open. I have been in the habit of visiting the Brooklyn Parks once a year since I withdrew from the superintendence of them and have several times written private letters deploring and earnestly remonstrating against the neglect of the plantations. I should be gratified for an opportunity to aid the Commissioners to repair as far as yet remains possible some of the results of it. At several points in Prospect and in Fort Greene Parks important intentions of the original design have been completely frustrated through the omission of a few simple and inexpensive operations needed to make available the results of large outlays. Whoever may be placed in charge of the arboriculture of the Parks I shall be glad to find him disposed to let me inform him to these intentions and to advise with me as to the present means of carrying them out. I would come to Brooklyn for the purpose without charge to the Commissioners. Respectfully yours, Fredk Law Olmsted.[*IV Brooklyn*] [*from Miss Bullard*] OFFICE OF THE BROOKLYN PARK COMMISSIONERS, CITY HALL. BROOKLYN. Oct. 23d. 1886. Fredk. Law Olmsted Esq. Brookline. Mass. My Dear Sir: I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your kindly favors of 18th & 20th inst. At a meeting yesterday of our Executive Committee your letters were read and attentively received. The criticisms and suggestions you make, coming from one to whom our City is so greatly indebted for health and enjoyments so long realized, will as of right and Superior Competency have their own weight. I was requested to express to you the obligations of the Commissioners for the valuable suggestions made, and the kindly offer of your assistance, and to assure you that they will be thankfully accepted. The new position of Supt of Horticulture & Arboriculture has not yet been filled. Several applicants, including American, German & Englishmen, have been before the Committee, and the full Board is expected soon to take action in the premises. Very Truly Yours, Andrew A. Smith Secretary.JNO. Y. CULYER, CIVIL ENGINEER AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, BROOKLYN, N.Y. P.O. ADDRESS, BOX 118. [*Personal.*] December 11, 1886 My Dear Mr. Olmsted; You have probably seen something in the papers of the [intro?] from proceedings of our new political Park coms. but I have finally got them on the run. They have now lost all public confidence & it may be that they can be turned out by the Legislature, this winter The most active man is a big headed & illiterate fellow named Somers, D. A. -- I have fought him successfully on his tree vandalism & his man -- who claims to embody all the art & experience in Park works -- has been discharged. He has started to destroy the view or rather the work itself behind the temporary structure used for boating -- which I had advocated to be removed -- He is a bad man & I wanted you to beJNO. Y. CULYER, CIVIL ENGINEER AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, BROOKLYN, N. Y. P.O. ADDRESS, BOX 118. on the look out for him - in case he [?]. send - by correspondence. & [?] as he would - anything that he could get - by misrepresentation, about which his [?] and stop. I still hope to get out to Boston before this year closes. Yours very [?] J.Y.Culyer[*IV Brooklyn*] [*New York Parks*] [*From Miss Bullard*] OFFICE OF JNO. Y. CULVER CHIEF ENGINEER AND SUPERINTENDENT BROOKLYN PARKS BROOKLYN DEC. 18, 1886 My Dear Mr. Olmsted; Yours of the 16th [?] is at hand, I am very sorry that I have not written before, but hearing by the papers that you had gone to Cal., I did not hear of your return & did not write. On Mr. [?]'s retirement the Park came under the charge of men entirely unfamiliar with public work, but they were gentlemen, and notwithstanding, they had absorbed many [?] - quickly changed their views & their subsequent administrations and my relation was an orderly & pleasant one. In June last, they were succeeding by a set of politicians all democrats except one & he a Mugwump! Office of Jno. Y. Culyer Chief Engineer and Superintendent, Brooklyn Parks Brooklyn 188- They were a poor lot with one or two exceptions and party men without any [?]. Indeed, they frankly told me that their party was to control everything possible in its interest. My employment was graciously assured to me, with some modifications as to freedom & foremen & these restrictions came to be quite early -- so intolerable that I resigned in Oct. I crossed swords at once with a powerful contingent of the Ex. Comm. with men bigoted ignorant & ambitious to an unprincipled degree. Propositions undoing startling changes in design, I opposed from the start,3 Office Of JNO. Y. Culyer Chief Engineer and Superintendent Brooklyn Parks Brooklyn 188 & the lines of divergence between them & myself, widened daily. Their application for information as to a proper [person?] to take charge and placating &c, was a blind. They had secured as a Supt. of Horticulture & Arborculture, a mountebank gardener from England, who ten weeks after his employment, following my leaving, acquised in the design of the [Com.?] to [inaugurite?] a system of revision & improvements -- by cutting or starting to do so, a swathe, through the native forests - over the swale extending from the pidgeon ground ponds to the Neckenwood arches -- the reason - to offer a vista, to permit light & ventilation & possibly a cross cut walk - to dubiousOFFICE OF JNO. Y. CULVER CHIEF ENGINEER AND SUPERINTENDENT, BROOKLYN Parks Brooklyn 188___ women & children upon a drive - to scramble as fast as they might to the meadow beyond. This I protested against so successfully that under a storm of indignation which has substantially robbed them of the public's confidence, they desisted. In the same ignorant line, they had started to destroy the lily pond, as too uncouth a feature for a Park - & to fill up the bay in the rear of the boat house, in part of the falls. This I explained to them was not to be thought of, as it was the key to a charming composition of which the general [?] was the subject & at present dominated by the Lake house, a temporary structure which I had hoped shd be rescued. OFFICE OF JNO.Y. CULYER CHIEF ENGINEER AND SUPERINTENDENT BROOKLYN PARKS Brooklyn. 188_ and which we had secured money to do this coming season. This in conjunction with the forcing out of the service of some of the best & most experienced men - will give you an idea of their reckless methods - their ignorance & untrustworthiness. If in securing an expression of interest in this Park, from you, they can torture any part of it into a reflection or criticism upon the case of the work, they are unprincipled enough to do so. The Secty [?] is a specious writer to have put himself in line with his new employer. I think much good which has been done in the last few years in a conservative way to care for the plantations & into the [?] which we had waited forOFFICE OF JNO. Y. CULYER CHIEF ENGINEER AND SUPERINTENDENT, BROOKLYN PARKS Brooklyn 188 we would have been able to do much good work this ensuing year. This money is now in their hands - but alas I fear it might go without results. In the balance of things, this [?] may hold for another year although it is proposed to seek legislative interference of this [?]. I do not have much hope since the Govnor is in sympathy with the party in power. Of course, I do not know how fully you may have written to them. but one of my strongest arguments was always that the design must not be interfered with, for it was your work & I don't want them to turn away [?] against that. The best people of the city are disgusted & any7 Office of JNO. Y. Culyer Chief Engineer and Superintendent, Brooklyn Parks Brooklyn 188 return is suggested - had a proposition and already under consideration, but that (my return) is impossible - with these men - I shall open an office in NY in Jan'y. It might be that you could write to your correspondent from the office. That your communications were based only upon what was written to you & your general knowledge & interest in this work. the want of means which has prevented much that ought to have been done, & that your views were not for public use in the shape sent to them. This is possibly a means to cut off any improper use of your replies. If not understood, I would deem it time well spent to go to Boston to see you. that these men shall not seem to have any chance to justify their miserable schemes[8] OFFICE OF JNO Y. CULYER Chief Engineer and Superintendent Brooklyn Parks Brooklyn 188? They have had the opposition of the N.Y. papers & the papers of this City except the Lamp & that has already materially modified its support. If you chose to give me your views, that I could use, as to cutting away the woodlands & as to interfering with such features as I have mentioned, it would be a great blow to them. I judge that in using your name as I have, I have been fully justified, for in all that I have done with my resources, I will naturally appeal to you for justification. The facts - being understood & because I have always fought for a recognition & services of those who have made this work a specialty. In haste, Yrs tr J.Y. Culyer 1 New York Press Club 120 Nassau Street New York Dec. 22, 1886 My Dear Mr. Olmsted; I will endeavor in the future, to write a readable chirography. Your letter satisfies me that these people started out to justify their revolutionary propositions by implying that they were proceeding not without some intelligent idea based upon information which they tried to have it inferred IV Brooklyn 2 From Mr Bullard Dec 22/86 Cuyler New York Press Club, 120 Nassau Street, New York came from you- They have not dared since nor are they likely to now- to resort to such tactics. It is not possible for them short of employing you or my more humble self- which they cannot do- to secure the public confidence & until they can have wise counsel, they will be very slow to again arouse the indignation which so summarily checked their first attempt to butcher the Park. Your servant JN Cuyler Box 118 Brooklyn IV From Men Billard Brooklyn Parks Office 22 Sands Street C.C. Martin Brooklyn June 1st 1888 Chief Engineer & Supt. New York & Brooklyn Bridge My Dear Mr Olmsted- I take the liberty of mailing to you today a copy of the report of the Department of Parks Brooklyn- thinking perhaps you might not see it otherwise. It is a literary curiosity, and there are some novel ideas of landscape architecture which I think that you will enjoy. You will of course remember with what care the borders of the park were mounded up & thickly planted with the purpose of isolating the park from the surrounding city- These trees have all been trimmed up so that park visitors can readily see the buildings and everything outside. This is but one instance where the original design has been ridden overrough shod. It is sad to see the destruction that has held high carnival in our beautiful Park. Very truly yours C.C. Martin IV Brooklyn C.C. Martin Office 22 Sands Street Chief Engineer & Supt New York & Brooklyn Bridge Brooklyn Aug 13th 1888 [N.Y.]Parks Dear Mr Olmsted Yours of the 11th inst is at hand. General Woodard is the Prest. of the Park Commission and I believe that their next full meeting is on the 21st inst & he probably wants to see you before that time to ascertain what arrangement can be made with you-. I have not seen him about park matters but I met with 3 of the Executive Committee last [Friday] Friday. I do not see any necessity for your coming on earlier than the time. "John" mentioned viz Friday next. I leave the city tomorrow to be away until Sept 1st. I know ofnothing that you can do for me or that I can do for you more than I have done- I am engaged to look after & repair the well-practically- The action of the Ex committee has to be formally notified by the full Board. I believe to make the arrangement binding. I hope that you will be able to see Genl Woodard before their meeting so that they can take final action as to your case at that time- Many people in Brooklyn will be glad to see you back for then they will know that desecration & destruction will stop- I regret that I shall be away when you are here but should you be employed by the board I shall always be most happy to cooperate or consult with you in any matters of Park interest Hoping that you may once again direct the Park management I am Vry truly Yours C C Martin IV- Brooklyn C- 1st 1888- Proposed agreement with Brooklyn [ ?Com] as to Prospect Pk by { FLO C.V. $3600 per an + services of inspector of planting when required not to exceed $400 a day + [plus] wages of draftsmen[and daily expense] Trav. Exp. included in salary D.Vs Office[*IV Brooklyn*] [*From Miss Bullard*] J. WEIDENMANN, Landscape Architect, No. 9 East 7th St. New York, June 10th 1889. My dear Mr. Olmsted, I suppose you received Dr. Storrs report to the Brooklyn Park Com. in relation to the proposed University Park together with my report accompanying the Preliminary plan, advising the Park Com. to consult the designer of Prospect Park on the important subject of making connection with the latter. Your favor of March 16th informs me of the position you take in park matters of this kind when managed by politicians, but that [you are] on the other hand you are pleased to learn that the scheme has been put in my hands. -- Since then I have not heard from the Park Com. except what the daily paper state about the movement, beside I was told by a prominent outside party, that there isa very strong and sincere feeling in your favor among the highest city officials such as Mayor Chapin, Dr. Storrs, P. Com. Kennedy and a large number of private citizens hoping that something may yet be done to interest you again in Brooklyn Park affairs and to give advise or prepare plans for the new Park, when I flattered myself that in this case you might recommend me for superintending the work. -- At present I am engaged in two or three proposed improvement schemes the Calvary Cemetery combination for the Trustees of the St Patrick's Cathedral, the Winyah Park at New Rochelle and the large Hospital grounds at Independence La. but the proceeding of each of them has been delayed after the first start on account of necessary legislative action or for money appropriations or the decision about locating Railroad depot e.t.c. etc so that J WEIDENMANN, Landscape Architect, No. 9 East 7th St. New York, 188 2 up to this day I have not earned a dollar yet, since my return to New York. I really need a positive engagement, for my expense have been large exceeding my actual means. -- Yesterday, an influential citizen of Brooklyn, advised me to call on Mayor Chapin, as he is to make a change in the Board of Park Com. this week, at the same time propose to take an active step as regard to the new Park, since the Governor has approved all the papers conserning the East side land and $25000 been secured to start with. But as I am comparatively unknown in Brooklyn in the capacity of a Landscape Archt. and while I may obtain a favorable introduction to the Mayor from any of the Executive Board ofthe Park Com. it would naturally look as a forced obligation for the voluntary work done, in preparing the Preliminary plans. Under these conditions may I ask you for a few lines to Mayor Chapin? I would call on him without delay and try to secure his favorable opinion and influence in this for me so important matter. But should in any way my request interfer with your view or position, I beg you to drop the question and not to blame me for a boldness which is the result of your constant kindness towards me. -- Sincerely Yours J. Weidenmann J. WEIDENMANN, Landscape Architect, No. 9 East 7th St. New York, June 18th. 1889. My dear Mr Olmsted, Your favor of the 10th inst. received. I understood from P. Com. Somers that the lady clerk at the Dept Office had mailed to you April, a copy of Dr. Storrs Report also that she inclosed a copy in typewriting of my description to the plan. Upon inquiry now they cant remember anything about it as they mailed about 2000 copies and as I myself have no copy of my report they promise to make a duplicate and send it to your address. I called on P. Com. Kennedy with a very satisfactory result. However he expect to be out of office when the Mayor appoints a new Board consisting of 3. instead of 7. Commissioners. -- I am anxious to secure the job but whatever may be the outcome of it I never interfered with Mr. Vaux's works and am not aware of any wrongs I actedindependently from the very beginning. If the present Board of P. Com. ignored Mr. Vaux or interfered with the Plans of Prospect Park, all I could do was to point out the mistake and advise a consultation with the original designers of P. P. -- In the report I said designers meaning you and Mr. Vaux for whom I have the highest respect and sympathy. I remain Yours Truly J. Weidenmann P.S. Should Mr. Moores deposition, which I sent you some time ago, be conveniently at hand, please return it to here and oblige J.W.[*IV dupl A Brooklyn*] Page 231. 30th March, 1891. Mr. Robert Courtney, Secretary of the Department of Parks, Brooklyn, N.Y. Dear Sir:- I have received from you a communication in behalf of your Board, inviting me to take part in an examination of the plantations of Prospect Park. I much regret that I shall be unable to visit Brooklyn at the time specified. At some other time I shall be thankful for an opportunity to advise with the Commissioners on the subject. Within a few years after my public relations with your Department ended, in a private and personal capacity I repeatedly and strenuously urged that, to prevent a great waste of what had before been done, it was essential that the plantations of Prospect Park should be gradually thinned with cautious discretion, under the close personal direction of a man of capacity, trained and practised in such duty, and who would understand and be in sympathy with the motives of the design and respect the principles with regard to which the plantations had been started. Also, that certain operations equally essential to prevent the frustration of important features of the design, then nearly realized, should be intelligently pursued to a successful end. I felt it to be so wasteful and so altogether pitiable that the latter object should be neglected that I expressed my willingness not only to give such personal services as might be desirable, but to furnish needed plants at my own expense. Straightened circumstances and the policical necessity of accommodating the management to the conditions of public opinion, even though unwise public opinion, were given me as reasons for not following such counsel. The planting of Prospect Park began about ten years after that of Central Park. Out of a similar regard for an inconsiderate, improvident, ignorant, superstitious and deluded superficial public opinion, a suitable thinning of the plantations of Central Park was, also, most wastefully prevented for many years. Two years ago, as a warning of what results were impending in Prospect Park, I sent to each member of your Board a copy of a pamphlet containing a brief history of the plantations of Central Park, and with it, not simply a statement of my opinion, but a body of testimony as to facts of experience given by many eminent tree planters. This testimony establishes the supreme folly of the supposed public opinion that had been alleged as the reason Robert Courtney. -2- 30th March, 1891. of the course of management pursued with reference to the plantations of the park; vindicates the proverbial injunction to planters, "Plant thick and thin quick", and enforces the conviction that prolonged delay of thinning must lead to a condition of well-started plantations that can be judiciously dealt with only by a complete clearance and re-planting of the ground. There can be no question of park management calling for a higher order of artistic and technical wisdom, or more patient and painstaking personal detailed direction, than that with which your Board is now confronted. The importance cannot be overestimated of a refined, sensitive and seriously studied discrimination between those trees and bushes that remain available for producing the landscape character with regard to which the original outlay for all the constructive work of Prospect Park was planned, and those which can no longer remain on the ground only to cause a yet more scandalous waste than has yet occurred of the value of the property with the care of which the Commissioners have been entrusted. Your obedient servant, Fredk Law Olmsted.¶ the sythe is used too much in the [pictures] some of the more woody and [broken?] parts; [and too little] [in the open.] coarser and weedier herbage would suit the scenery better. [The boats and boat landing and other intrusive raw artificial objects at the head of the [Gull water] Sull water almost destroy a scene which [otherwise is] best for them] ¶ Hold some small dark [of] object so as to cover the head of the Sull water and the view [from about] in that direction from & about the Cliftridge span is at this season one of the most superb and [rf] refined park [sylvan] scenes I ever saw. [It is] I believe it to be unequalled for a certain kind of sylvan beauty. But as a composition it is wrecked, the scale of the scene is changed and its delicacy [is] killed by the boats, awnings and [rawd] raw stuff [at the] [head of] which remain at the head of the bay. If a landingis a necessity [ner] above [the] Gullwood bridge I am inclined to think it should be in the East side and [near the not far from the bridge] on the point near & opposite (S.E.) the bridge. and as inconspicuous as possible. There is much in all this part of the park that will seem wrong and incomprehensible until you can shift all the business to the [?Carcut] Grove. The [?Carcut] Grove with all its masonry and fuss will seem an anomaly and great waste of capital until the boats crowd the water in its front and the music [pantheon?] is built. It is now like a [richll] richly furnished room without a fire place or chairs. [But the] The more generally dissaponting part of the park is the lake shore and the border toward the Coney Island road. I can't quite understand why it should be so dreary but think a good deal of [stuff] the foliage first planted must have died out entirely. The raising of the water another foot would be a surprising improvement [immensely improve it] but if this is finally to be held impossible, something should be done to give more grace and naturalness to theshores mishapen with a view to that eventuality. The bank should be broken down and scooped into in some places and small shrubs and water edge plants set in it. The islands have a garden like quality which is much out of place. It would be partly [ren] remedied by new and wilder planting, [but cl] and partly by opening some shallow channels in the flat parts originally designed to be flooded and starting rushes, irises, brambles (blackberries) and clematis [near] to grow over them. [Not no ey] The material need not cost $10 & but a few days work would be necessary to [u] make a considerable improvement. Along the Coney Island Road, manure and water are, I suppose, required for what is living; then if sumach and elder roots are gathered in the gravel [and Osage Orange] hills near by and [hedge plants are] sit in the gaps, they will soon freshen up that part of the park at trifling cost. Both will grow in a dry and hungry soil.You know my opinion of the ridiculous little pies of bedding plants. Except some few on the Carcut Grove , they are as much out of place as [m] mosaic broaches on a [red flannel] a Guernsey [shirt for] shirt but the fashion which makes the public endure them is nearly run out & they do no permanent harm. Only I must say it is a pity the money they have cost has not gone for manure & such gardening as the park suffers permanently for lack of. The excessive use of the West Woods first in a poachy condition of the soil, then, [w] when it is excessively dry, seems to be gradually taking the life out of the trees. I don't know that there is any [remedy] remedy without a keepers force. I did not go into the Gull wood but suppose for the same reason some of the tree tops are failing there. But the park in all its [all the] upper part [of the park] in the East Woods, the Dairy district, and the Netherwood is thoroughly delightful and I am prouder of it than of any thing that I have had to do withProspect Park Stranahan Comments on details in Prospect Park, Ext copied IV—Brooklyn JNO. Y. CULYER, CIVIL ENGINEER AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, BROOKLYN, N. Y. P. O. ADDRESS, BOX 118 Since writing the enclosed inquiry, I learn that during my sickness and absence from the city, there was published in the Brooklyn Paper, extracts from your communication—evidently a direct violation of your injunction, and these were so deftly garbled that, as a gentleman of excellent judgement informs me—he was led to think that if anything, what was printed, rather reflected upon the late park management. I write this to show the unprincipled character of these men—who will attempt [??] more such tactics—in my opinion.JNO. Y. CULYER, CIVIL ENGINEER AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, BROOKLYN, N. Y. P. O. ADDRESS, BOX 118. In a day or two, I will write you specifically, what they are doing in their ignorance with regard to the falls & basin in the rear of the boat house. If I remember anything, I remember that you hope for a full development of that effect. by the removal of the boat house &, -- which I had urgently recommended -- Yours in [?] Jno Y Culyer Mr. O Sr Cuy Aug 2/20. Mr. O. & Mr. Vaux were rather pushed out of Prospect Park by the enterprising supt.Special List of Plants, to overhang or shade walks, or other plants and which can themselves be overlooked from an adjoining elevation of 15, 25, and 35 feet respectively. The figures denote degrees Sky Degrees of Degrees of Color of regularity & density, 15ft 25ft 30ft outline regularity Density of Leaves 4 being very dense. Cercis Canadensis X Flat 2 2 light green " Japonica X " " " Halesia tetraptera X roundish 2 3 " " Cornus Alternifolia X Spiny 1 2 " " " Mas X " " " Florida X Flat 3 2 " " Sassafras officinale X " 4 3 " " Robinia Viscosa X " 3 4 " " Diospyros virginiana X Crataegus Coccinea X " Cordata X Cytisus Labrunum X roundish 3 3 Rhus typhina X flat 2 1 " Glabra X " 2 1 Pynis Coronana X " Angustifolia X " Spectabilis X " Aria X Amelanchier Botryapium X light green " Canadensis X " "Sky Degree of Degree of Color of 15 ft 25ft 35ft outline Regularity Density Leaves Ptelia trifoliata x Flat 4 3 light green Koelmteria paniculata x " 3 4 " " Oxydendrum Arboreum x x Magnolia Conspicira x roundish 4 4 Dark green " glanca x " 3 3 light " " tripetala x " 2 2 " " Populus tremuloides x x Spring 2 2 " " Sambucus Canadensis x Flat 3 3 Dark '' Synuga Vulgaris x " 4 4 " " Viburnum opulus x 4 4 " lentago x " lantana x " prunifolium x 4 4 Benjoin odoriferum x 2 2 " " Catalpa bignonoides x 2 3 " " Celtis occidentalis x 1 2 " " Virgilia latea (grows 60 ft. high x 2 3 " " (ride scott. Betula Alba x 2 2 " esccelsa x " nigra x Hamamelis Virginica x 1 1 Carpinus belutus x 4 4 " Americanus x 4 4 Corylus Avellana x 2 3 " Americana x 2 3 Sky Color of 15ft 25ft 35ft outline Degree of Degree of leaves Regularity Density Ostrya Virginica x 3 3 light green Chionanthus Virginica x 3 4 " " Acer Spicatum x " Striatum x dark green Pinnus Americana x 2 2 " Peninsyliancaa x " Virginiana x " Serotina x 3 2 " " " padus x 4 3 " " Morus nibra x 3 " " Ulmus Campestris Vimernalis x 3 4 Euonymus Europaeus x 4 4 deep " Elacagnus hortensis x 3 2 silvery Sheperdia Argentea x "IV Brooklyn. Special List of Plants to Overhang Walks & themselves be overlooked from a height There is another copy of this in white paper in a different handwriting. Is FLO responsible for this. Another paper in same writing as white copy is signed FA PollardFLO Can you identify this? Is it of any interest? TK May 17/21. Can't identify: except through name of Mr. Bullard possibly. Might be interesting to know more about period and work and to compare with later rates [methods] if manuring used by office -- FLIn all Land except where there is old standing wood, the crude sub-soil is to be broken up or thoroughly stirred to a depth of at least seven inches, either with plow, pick or spade or a combination of instruments as may be found necessary or most economical. Where the Plow is used the Sub-soiler is to follow it and be driven as deep as practicable Manure is to be incorporated with the subsoil by plowing and harrowing or other means. 1 Where the surface is to be in turf and free from trees it will be dressed with different manures as follows. For each square of 50 ft sides -- 1 horse cart load of fish compost 3 " " " " night soil compost 5 " " " " limed peat The incorporation of this dressing with the subsoil can be made with the Plow at the first plowing, except where the subsoil is unusually porous, in which case the fish and night soil are to be applied to the surface after plowing and harrowed in. One foot of top soil is to be afterwards laid on {taking care that the sub soil is notpreviously consolidated by carting over it or otherwise) and each square of 50 feet sides is to be added -- 6 horse cart loads of compost of horse manure & peat 8 " " " " limed peat 8 quarts of Superphosphate of lime This manure is all to be applied to the surface and the ground afterwards plowed and harrowed so as to cause it to be intimately incorporated with the soil within six inches of the surface 2 Old woods will receive a dressing of manures as follows -- For each square of 50 feet sides -- 1 horse cart load of fish compost 3 " " " " night soil compost 6 " " " " compost of horse manure & peat 4 " " " " limed peat 8 quarts of Superphosphate of lime These manures are to be incorporated with the surface with pick and spade. 3 When the surface is to be planted chiefly with deciduous trees and shrubs add to the subsoil -- For each square of 50 feet sides -- 6 horse cart loads of limed peat. work in to the depth of seven inches with Plow; Pick or Spade or such combination of instruments as may be found necessary or most economical One foot of top soil is to be afterwards laid on (taking care that the sub-soil is not -- previously consolidated by carting over it or otherwise) And to each square of 50 ft sides is to be added 12 horse cart loads of compost of horse manure & peat 5 " " " " limed peat 8 quarts of Superphosphate of lime This manure is all to be applied to the surface and the ground afterwards plowed and harrowed or otherwise worked so as to cause it to be intimately incorporated with the soil -- wishing six inches of the surface 4 When the ground is to be planted chiefly with Evergreens add to the subsoil -- For each square of 50 ft sides 6 horse cart loads of limed peat. Work in to the depth of seven inches with Plow, Pick or Spade or such combination of instruments as may be found necessary or most economical. One foot of top soil is to be afterwards laid on (taking care that the sub-soil is not previously consolidated by carting over it or otherwise) And to each square of 50 feet sides is to be added 12 horse cart loads of limed peat 8 quarts Superphosphate of lime. This manure is all to be applied to the surface and the ground afterwards plowed and harrowed or otherwise worked so as to cause it to be intimately incorporated with the soil within six inches of the surface. When grass is to be sown on such planting an additional dressing of fine manure may be added to the above when [dressed] deemed desirable by Mr BullardNo 1. Manure Specification [?] under Mr Bullards specification IV Brooklyn Parks ?Special List of Plants to overhang or shade walks, or other plants and which can themselves be overlooked from an ajoining elevation of 14, 25, and 35 feet respectively. The figures denote degree Sky Degree of Degree of Color of regularity & density. 15ft 25ft 35ft Outline regularity density of Leaves 4 being very dense Cercis Canadensis x Flat 2 2 light green " Japonica x " " " Halesia tetraptera x Roundish 2 3 " " Cornus Alternifolia x Spiry 1 2 " " " Mas x " " " Florida x Flat 3 2 " " Sassafras officinale x " 4 3 " " Robinia Viscosa x " 3 4 " " Diospyros Virginiana x Crataegus Coccinea x " Cordata x Cytisus Laburnum x roundish 3 3 Rhus typhina x Flat 2 1 " glabra x " 2 1 Pyrus Coronaria x " Augustifolia x " spectabilis x " Aria x Amelanchier Botryapium x light green " Canadensis x " " Ptelea trifoliata x Flat 4 3 " " Koelreuteria paniculata x " 3 4 " " Oxydendrum arboreum x x? Magnolia conspicua x roundish 4 4 Dark green " glauca x " 3 3 light " " tripetala x " 2 2 " " Populus tremuloides x x? Spiry 2 2 " " Sambucus Canadensis x Flat 3 3 Dark green Syringa Vulgaris x " 4 4 " " 15ft 25ft 35ft Sky Degree of Degree of Color of outline regularity density Leaves Viburnum opulus x 4 4 " lentago x " lantana x " prunifolium x 4 4 Benzoin odoriflorum x 2 2 Dark green Catalpa Bignonoides x 2 3 " " Celtis occidentalis x 1 2 " " Virgilia lutea x 2 3 " " Betula alba x 2 2 " excelsa x " nigra x Hamamelis Virginica x 1 1 Carpinus betulus x 4 4 " Americanus x 4 4 Corylus avellana x 2 3 " Americana x 2 3 Ostrya Virginica x 3 3 Light green Chionanthus VirginicaX 3 4 Light green Acer spicatum x " Striatum x Dark green Prunus Americana x 2 2 " Pennsylvanica x " Virginiana x " Serotina x 3 2 Dark green " padus x 4 3 " " Morus nibra x 3 " " Ulmus Campestris Viminalis X 3 4 Euronymus Europaeus x [x] 4 4 Deep green Elaeagnus hortensis x 3 2 Silvery 15ft 25ft 35ft Sky Degree of Degree of Color of outline regularity density Leaves Sheperdia argentia x Silv[?]Another copy XI planting DesignSpecial List of Hardy Shrubs, not growing over 2 1/2 feet high, or which can be kept at that height. adaptability to the situations Massing Dry Wet Rocks Shade indicated by an X Soils Soils Andromeda Mariana x x " Calycalata x x " Axillaris x x " ligustrina x x Azalea Nudeflora x x Amygdalus nan[us]a x Ceanothus americanus x x x Clethra Alnifolia x x Cotoneaster mycrophyllum x " buxifolia x Cytisus capitatus x " Scoparius (?) x x Comptonia asplenifolia x x x Dentzia Cneorum x x " trifida x x x Daphne Cneorum x x " Mezereum x Diervilla trifida x x x Forsythia Suspensa x x Genista Germanica x x x Hydrangea nivea x Hypericum Kalmianum x? Itea virginica x x x Kalmia augustifolia x x x Lycium barbarum x " Europæum x Myrica Cerifera x x x Potentilla fruticosa x Rubus odoratus x x " canadensis x x x " Cunefolius x x x Symphorcarpus vulgaris x For Dry Wet Rocks Shade Massing Soils Soils Spirea Callosa x " Billardii x x " Tomentosa x x " Salicifolia x x " Ulmaria x x Philadelphus nanus x Viburnum nanum x? Vaccinium vacillans x x " stamineum x x Spirea Callosa alba (new,-fine] x Evergreens Juniperus Squamata x x " Nepens x x " Sabina x x Ilex glabra x x x Mahonia aquifolia x xXI "Special Also List of Hardy Shrubs not growing over 2 1/2 feet high or which can be kept at that height". R. A. [XI] IV - Brooklyn Not to be used for "J. C" [4 5 4 5 18] 20