35
Frederick Law Olmsted           SUBJECT FILE           Parks          New York, N.Y
                                                                                                          (Esp. Central Park) 1880-8210th June 1880.

Col Stebbins, 

My Dear Colonel, 
I wish to place myself 
at your service in the World's 
Fair matter as far as practicable 
but my business being 
wholly out of town, I am 
not to be depended upon.  I 
have not been able to attend 
half the meetings to which I 
have been called.  I dont think 
I can attend the public [meet] 
meeting or be of any use about 
it [?] work.  I should 
think that you had better 
accept my resignation from[*Drft*]  [*CP
2 copies*] 

Washington,
27th Oct: 1880,

My dear Mould;

         I would do what 
you want gladly and 
gratefully if it were only 
your affair. But you 
know that it would be 
the Department consulting   
me  through you upon the 
business of the city and 
I must acknowledge that 
I don't like to put myself 
in that position. I don't  
know that I could fully 
explain why but there 
is one circumstance of 

[*J]G Wrey Mould*]

which you may not 
be advised that comes 
into it. The Department 
some time ago 
formally notified me 
that I should be officially 
called upon whenever 
I could be of any 
use in its business. 

Naturally I don't  want
[to offer advice]  to be advising indirectly
[which]  when I am officially told 
[*supply*] this is not wanted. There is
no reason I should not 
be asked officially.

Yours sincerely,
Fredk Law OlmstedVI

Washington,
27th Oct. 1880

My dear Mould:

         I would do what you want gladly and gratefully ifit were
only your affair. But you know that it would be the Department
consulting  me  through you upon the business of the city and I must
acknowledge that I don't like to put myself in that position.
I don't  know that I could fully explain why but there is one circumstance
of which you may not be advised yjat comes into it. The Department some time
ago formally notified me that I should be officially called upon
wnebever I could be of any use in its business. Naturally I don't 
want tobe advising indirectly when I am officially told(this)is
not wanted. There is no reason I should not be asked officially.

Yours sincerely,
Fred k Law Olmsted[*Moved letters filed 
under his name
1880*]

My dear Mould 
I have just retnd from 
Colorado and find your note of 
4th I am sorry that it was impossible 
for me to meet you at 
once as requested. I hope that 
your apptmt may prove of good 
fortune to you  & the public but 
I must confess that I think it 
more likely to lead you to 
bitter mortifications & disappointments. 
I dont think that I could 
advise you with my heart with 
the same conv[i]ction that whatever 
ever you planned & advised would 
be 


the Invitation Committee and 
supply my place at once - 
Perhaps also from the Executive 
Committee. 
Faithfly Yours1880 
nycp
World's Fair[*WF N York -*]
[*Vaux
Copy item marked
2 copies*]

VAUX & CO., LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS,
71 BROADWAY.

C. VAUX
G. K. RADFORD
S. PARSONS, JR.

New York, Jan 7th 1881,

Dear Olmsted,
As yours of 5th refers to
new matter I add a few words to
what I said. = In regard to Park
matters. I have said that I understood
that you were nominally consulting
Landscape Architect now and that it
could hardly be in good form for
no recognition of this to be made
by Mr. Wales, [say] and other unprejudiced Commirs, when so decided
an expression of dissent was publicly
made when you were turned out
by Tammany. Mr. Green did not
consult me in regard to his
counter motion & I have not
seen him since he [resigned] made it [or so] -
If he were in the ascendant it
would probably be practicable
for me to be of some use, andVaux & Co., Landscape Architects
71 Broadway
C. Vaux
G.K. Radford
S. Parsons, Jr.

There are many things that I am 
interested in that need taking up 
on the Park, but the position under
present complications, supposing I
mean that he had remained and
had carried his points, is intolerably
disagreeable to conceive of.
I see that Grant is spoken of
for World's Fair. He would be better
than Fisk of course I mean for a popular subscription boom, if he can see
his reason for taking the position
and I presume that Sanitary
Com. experience with him would
count. With a popular President
& a well organized Bureau, &
Port Morris as the ideally perfect
site and our or any other good
Building Plan the popular subscription
necessary might be raised withVAUX & CO., LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS,
71 BROADWAY

C. VAUX
G.K. RADFORD
S. PARSONS, JR

New York, __188

case, of course the $250 000 promise 
of NYC. provisional on four millions 
being raised is a confession of absolute 
failure- Five years hence Port 
Morris cannot be got, and thus 
the opportunity for starting with 
a great advantage in this matter 
will have been lost. For the 
remarkable accumulation of 
[advantage is hardly likely to 
occur again] facilities to make 
a successful enterprise that centre 
on this track of land are on too 
large a scale to be got together 
elsewhere. of course success could 
be got without them but the 
question constantly recurs Why? 
do without them

Yours very truly
Calvert VauxN.Y. 15th Jan 1887

The Hon W.W. Astor,

Sir, I have just received 
a copy of the bill introduced by you 
to guard against the perversion 
of the Central Park with purposes 
of a [World's]  Fair-ground. I do 
not think that the danger which  
[is]  suggested it is wholly past & 
I hope that the bill may become 
law.

But I take leave to ask you 
to consider whether a more comprehensive 
measure may 
not be desirable.

There is but one purpose 
which justifies the permanent 
setting apart of large bodies of 
land in the midst of cities and 
the large  outlays which the legislaturelatrine has provided to be 
made upon them as "parks" Yet 
there has hardly been a year in 
the last twenty that projects 
have not been urged for appropriating 
park lands and diverting 
park funds to other purposes. 
The last brought to my attention 
not a month ago would have 
destroyed for its proper use at 
least a hundred acres of the 
Central Park and the gentleman 
who confidently sought to obtain 
my approval of the plan could 
not see that such destruction 
was not legitimate provided 
it would serve a purpose which 
might be thought of greater importance 
to the city even though 
foreign to that [purpose] for which 
the legislature authorized the land 
to be [taken] purchased, money forits improvement to be raised 
by taxation and in view of which 
the entire property has been pledged 
as security for debts of the 
city.

I submit the suggestion 
that a declaratory act might be 
proved adopted to guard all 
lands held by cities under acts 
of state legislation & defined 
therein as "parks" from being 
used for purposes the pursuit of 
which would tend to seriously 
injure their value as places for 
the enjoyment of sylvan scenery 
and quiet open air recreation.

There could be a section to prevent 
the act from interfering with 
plans already adopted in the case 
of our two museums, and itsapplication might be limited 
to parks of more than fifty acres.

I am, sir
Your obedient servant 
FLOTo W.W. Astor
Prevention of use of 
Central Park for 
Fair purposes

Trans. I

IV-N-Y CP
1881


[*2 copies 
[Jan or Feb 1881.*]

Drft.
Dear Mr. Wales,
It occurs to me to say that if
[If] you are disposed disposed and
find it practicable to carry a 
resolution offering me either my
old position or that of General  General 
Superintendent, while I do not
need, I should rather like the
vindication. There is no doubt
[that the public] that many regarded my
removal as a reproach, though
Mr. Save  at least did not so
intend it, and it was carefully
phrased to avoid that significance.
It must of course be understood
that though I make the suggestion
to you, I should be [allowed]
at liberty to decline the appointment.F. L. Olmsted                               209 West 46th Street
J.C. Olmsted                                 New York

Private         
209 W. 46th St. 2d Feby
1881

To the Editor of the Herald:
The Office of Superintendent of Parks,
formerly held by me, is vacant. I could
not afford to take it if for no other reason
because of its uncertainty of tenure. I wish
to favor no candidate and my only object
in writing you is to suggest an inquiry in
the interest of the public.
The Commissioners of Parks are not chosen
because of any knowledge or even interest
in park matters distinctively. If able to
judge of results they are as a rule unable to judge
on how far the methods and courses taken to [ab?]
them have been well-directed and economical.
There has been great blundering in this respect
going on under the eyes of the Commissioners,
obvious to any man of elementary knowledge in
horticulture, which they failed to see. They must
depend on their Superintendent.
There have already been four Superintendents
for whom not the smallest qualification
has been claimed beyond what would be
looked for in a foreman of street cleaning, seweropening or paving work. Of these four only one
had been employed in a higher occupation. He
had been I believe a merchant in the liquor trade.
A fifth Superintendent had been trained in
an architects' office and had served for years as
"a clerk of works" in building but preiously to
his appointment as Superintendent had shown
no interest in or knowledge of any distinctlively
park work. He was as dependent on his subordinates
in this respect as were the Commissioners
on him. His subordinates fell into gross
blunders of which  he saw nothing.

Of seven men whom I have heard spoken
of as candidates at this time four will be found
on inquiry no better qualified than those I have
described. These are Munckwitz the architect now
acting Superintendent (on a salary of $1000); Flanagan
late Superintendent upon temporary appointment; Johnson
a foreman upon the park; Manning, formerly a park
foreman, a contractor for filling streets, a small politician,
and once candidate for Assembly. All worthy
men, if you please, but worthless with reference to the
supreme special responsibility of the Department.
The other two have each had some proper education
and experience. I do not not name them and
beg you to make no use of any thing I have said
except as a lead to inquiry. You will observe that
I blame no one- only a political system.

The design of a great work in landscape
gardening is only to be fully reached by
a developing process in patient cooperation
with nature. If the development
of it is left to indifferent, ignorant or
rude hands the consequences are as wasteful
as they would be in any others art.

My vast knowledge in the matter comes
to me because three of the present candidates
have asked me to recommend them to the Commissioners.
Though personally friendly to each
I have declined to do so in each case.

Yours respectfully
Frederick Law OlmstedTo Ed. Herald
2 Feb. 1881.

On the appointment of a 
Superintendent.  —

[*Central Park*]14 Feb 1881.

Thomas Henry Edsall - 9 Nassau St.

Sir:

I have recvd and herewith
return the copy of a Bill directing
the substitution of a common road
for the Spuyten Devil Park way
which you left  last evening at my house
with the request that I would
give my opinion of the proposition.

[I know nothing of the [arguments]
reasons which have been prompted
it and am [consequently unable]
to analyze them. The
Park way was originally laid out
as the leading line of communication
through a larger district]This Park way was originally laid out
as the trunk of a 
[as the central feature of a]
considerable local system
[of roads in such a manner
as to allow] through a
region [which [?]
the varying surface of which
required [that] for the sake
of economy [they] much irregularity
of course in different
roads, and it was given its 
peculiar form and character
in order that these various
roads might be conveniently
worked into connection one with
another and each given
value from a graceful relation

with a central feature
[adapted to] having the character
of [an informal and
pict] a small, informal
inexpensive and picturesque
green, park or pleasure
ground.  The arrangement offered
also certain advantages with 
respect to the drainage of
the district.
The question was very
thoroughly discussed [at the time
the plan] for a period of some 
months at the time the plan
was made and as finally
presented to the Commissioners
[had the]it
met the views of all the
different parties of the neighborhood
to an extraordinary degree.
I know nothing of the 
reasons which have prompted
the proposition to do away
with this feature but presume
that new interest have [ar]
arisen to which it is not
adapted. If so I [know]
am not informed what
they are and cannot judge
their importance. I can only 
add therefore that [if] the control
feature of the park waywas regarded as

can not in my judgement be
materially changed without
throwing the entire
local system of roads
more or less out of joint
and if needed I think that the Bill
should provide for a 
[reconsideration of the plan
of the district.]
more more comprehensive version
of the plan of the district.14 Feb. 1881

To Thomas H. Edsall

Spuyten Duyvil Park

[*IV N.Y.*]

[*A*]F.L. Olmsted Dft. - Fisher
Oct 19/81
Brookline     Brookline Mass. 19 Oct - 1881

Dear Mr. Fischer

I have yours of yesterday - Since I wrote you last I have written half a dozen letters to friends trying to stir up some feeling on the subject. I hope that you will see some results - meantime if any body hunts you up try to fill him with the idea that landscape gardening is an art with clear well-defined principles; that the application of these principles under the conditions given on the Central Park requires much study and great caution because of the extreme contrast between its very rugged and mild natural topography and the formal, urban, architectural objects by which it must be surrounded aswell as the extensive provisions necessary to be 
introduced for the use of vast numbers of people. 
The transverse roads arches, the  larger part 
of the shrubbery plantations and all of the
 outside border plantations being so many distinct
expedients for meeting this difficulty 
Without making distinct complaint such 
as might appear insubordinate effort to obtain 
public sympathy, let it be seen that you regard 
the work of the new superintendent as a rash 
ignorant and absurd attempt to destroy the 
main object hitherto in view in all that has 
been done on the park and a wholly unjustifiable 
usurpation of your office.  Show what 
you have understood to be your commission 
(in the old by-laws of the Commissioners) & 

repeat what you wrote me that Mr. Jones said 
of it:  I will do all I can to aid you -

Yours truly
Fredk Law OlmstedNew York November 7, 1881

F.L. Olmsted Esq.

Dear Sir,

Yours of the 24th of October is received and
I thank you most sincerely for the interest 
you take in me. With regard to the note
which I delivered from you to Eidlitz
it is so, as you suggested, I called on him
just at the time when the Commissioners
were in session.

[Jones?] is continuing his sanitary measures
in thinning out shrubbery, though it
seems he is no longer allowed to grab 
out any shrubs, but they are mutilating
the masses of young healthy shrubbery
in the lower park, particularly
near the arches in the neighborhood
of the pond and Arsenal, between 
the walls and bridle road and drive,
which I planted three years ago
and looked very pretty and natural,
but but of course this is very [?]
healthy and they cut mercilessy through
it for the free circulation of the
air. In the upper park they clean
the dense masses of natural growth
carefully from the dry branches
inside which nobody can see, as 
Jones alleges the dry wood poisons
the air and is very much satisfied
with the result produced telling 
the gardeners: Now it will soon
look like a park. The Commissioners
it appears think think the same, considering
Jones to be a wonderfull clever man.
According to my opinions it would
be more to the interest of the Department,
if he had found occupation in
his former business of making plaster
casts for Mould. If the Commissioners
visit the Park it is just as when
you bring deaf and dumbs in a concert.
As Mr Wales is very much opposed
to cutting down trees, so very much

needed, I suppose they will continue
with this interesting work for the health
of the people all winter, as it suits the
gardeners better than making tree
holes for planting, as it is so nice
and easy to cut and trimm about
the shrubs.  It is really ridiculously
to see how they fizzle around the
shrubs with theyr knifes, hardly
knowing what to cut off and what
not. Mr. Wales admires Jones for making
the men do theyr days work, as he
imagines, which will please the tax
payers, as he expressed himself in
the meeting; the kind of work they
perform, if the park is improved
by it, or destroyed does not seem to
be worthy of his consideration. Jones
is only a play ball in the hands of
the Foremen and Gardeners, he is
led by theyr suggestions.
Yours truly
W.L. Fisher.November 22. 1881.

F.L. Olmsted Esq.

Dear Sir

Yours of the 11th was received only a
few days ago, owing to some mistake 
at [Schodlers?]. A copy of the Brookline Avenue
with a map showing the improvements
which you intend to make in the surroundings
of Boston was also received
and am very much obliged. I have called
on Weidenmann and he promised to write
an article in the Tribune. I have however
to show him in the Park what has been 
done and somewhat instruct him about
it, which I intend to do on the morning
of Thursday next, as this is Thanksgiving
day, where there is no work in the
park and we will not be noticed much.
Mr. Flubert of the Evening Post, who has
written two articles about the affairs of
the park some weeks ago, has sent me notice
last week, that he wished to see meand I spent an evening with him; he said
he wished to write another article, and
I gave him all the information he desired
and I could think of, but told
him better not to mention my name.
You have probably heard that Mr. 
Vaux has been appointed Superintending
Architect at the last meeting. I am very
sorry that Wales effort to get you
in was of no avail. I hope Vaux's appointment
will be for the best, but
as long as an ignorant Superintendent
is allowed to interfere with my duty, 
I can not accomplish much and a good
deal of mischief will be done.
In thanking you most sincerely 
for the continued efforts you make
in by behalf I remain
Yours
truly W. L. Fischer.
W.S. Fisher
Nov 27/81
N.Y.

[look up Brookline]
[dates of Vaux appt.]
[(see ASA transactions)]

p. 110-Parsons article
C. Vaux L.A. Nov 1881
                          Jan. 1883
reappt Jan 1 1888 held pos
                                     L.A.
to death
Nov. 18, 1895.New York Dec. 2. 1881.

F.L. Olmsted Engr.

Dear Sir

Yours of the 23.d of last month is received
Allow me to express my deep sympathy
with your loss. It is a very sad thing
that parents have to weep on the
graves of theyr children, as according
to nature it ought to be the reverse
I know what it is, as I have lost two
nice little girls a few years ago.

I have tried to see Mr. Vaux, several
times, but have not yet been able to
find him in his office. I have seen
his son and young Parsons, who told 
me that Vaux sent a letter to the Commissioners,
in which he stated the conditions,
by which he will accept.
They considered it very doubtfull.
Weidenmanns idea is to strike more
at the Commissioners, that at Jonesand he thinks the attention of the
Mayor ought to be drawn to the state
of the affairs at the Park. He promised
me that soon an article in the Tribune
will appear by him. It is true that 
Jones is urged to his stupid work by
Oliffe and Mclean, as he said to one of 
the Division Gardeners "I have my superiors
above me and must obey theyr
orders. If Mr Fischer is not doing it, I 
have to do it." He constantly urges the
gardeners to thinning out the shrubs
to improve the air. I told Green that
it was a great shame that Jones is allowed
to carry on, as he does, and if he
could advise me to see McLean to
talk to him about it. He said it
would only injure me, as McLean
would not believe it, as Jones is
his choice. I told Green that I wished
to be independent of the Superintendent.
He said, he would do all for me, what
he could, but I have not much faith


in him, that he will do much for
me. However young Parsons told me
that Green spoke very highly of me.
I pay now a great deal of attention to 
the propagation of such plants, which
will be suitable for the Winter
Drive, you know this part of the
Park on the West side from 79 St to
100 St. and in this at least I am not
interferred; in about three years
I will then have a fine supply
and if I live and am on the Park
I hope I shall be able to accomplish
what your intentions with regard
to the Winter Drive were. I have already
a good quantity of the different species
of hardy Juniperus, Retinospoara,
Erica, a pretty new kind of hardier
Ilex etc, which I raised from cuttings
last winter and which will be planted
in the nursery next spring and
then in two years I can use them.
provided that we will have at thattime more sensible Commissioners,
who will not consider it a misdemeanor,
if any planting is going
on at the Park. As long as Oliffe and
McLean remain on the Park a great
deal of mischief will be done and the
whole laboring force entirely demoralized.
[?] thanking you again for
your kindness and good advice I
remain truly
Yours
W.L. Fischer.

N.Y. Dec. 28. 81.

F. L. Olmsted Esqr.

Dear Sir

The copy of the Tribune of 25th, which
I mailed you last night, I hope you
have received. In the article about
the Park you will have found that
Vaux wants to put L. Parsons junior
in my position. The encl;osed article
of the "Sun" of the same date will
show you more fully his intensions.
According to you last letter, I
understood that the plan was to
put old Parsons in Johns positions
as Superintendent, which
had been perfectly satisfactory to me,
but to give a young man, who understands
according to Weidenmanns
testimony nothing at all about
Landscape Gardening the position 
as Superintendent of planting, ismore than I can endure and if the
Commissioners should concede to these
conditions of Vaux, my selfesteem
shall require my resignation. Of
course if I could be convinced that
young Parsons were such a great
genious and had the high reputation
of a Landscape Gardener as these
articles represent I should be only
too happy to have him on the park
as my superior, as my knowledge
in Landscape Gardening could only 
be improved.

I am sure Mr. Vaux knows perfectly
well, that during the entire period
I was engaged at the Park, my chief
occupation was the superintending 
of planting and preparing the
planting maps, as Pilat was chiefly 
engaged in the superintending
of the shaping of the ground. It is
not fair, that I am this treated
by Vaux. If it should come to it, that
[that] young Parsons and Jones with
MacLean and Oliffe in the background
should manage the Park, then you
will see some fun. Genera; Viele
would be behind them too. Vaux
would not interfere much as You
know yourself that his greatest force
in Landscape Architecture consists in
talking about it. (I ought to have said
Landscape gardening).

I should be very thankfull, if You
were kind enough to give me again
your valuable advice, what I had
better to do, to retain my position.

 Yours
very truly
W.S. Fisher
W. L. Fisher
Dec 28/82
N.Y.[*[1881]*]
This circular will be addressed to
a number of men who may be presumed
to have had their minds for considerable
periods directed to questions
[of design] of a corresponding character to
those which occur in public parks. It is
designed to submit to their consideration
without [circut?], a few simple propositions
applicable to the management of a park under the
[[the circumstances  fitting the Central Park.] [with]
[The object is to] circumstances [which are found]
of the Central Park. The object is to ascertain
whether [it is held by] those who have given the
subject studious [and unbiased attention there]
attention free from political biasses, [are substantially
agreed upon substantially] agree in
holding such propositions to have been established
and to [have] [be authoritative and binding]
be so far authoritative and binding that [many]
disregard of them implies culpable ignorance, negligence
or perversity.
first the circumstances in question to be
more particularly considered are these"
[organic ends and fundamental principles
[and policies] the reverse of those
before entertained.]
[Of this class of works the Central Park
of New York is the oldest and most renowned
in the country. It has cost & is costing
more than any other.]

[Topographical conditions & other circumstances]
The first proposition is that by no other treatment
[of such a property proper to intended]
[under] [to which the word park can be properly
applied] of such property consistent with
[the] its designation [of it] as a park can it be given
as much value to the people of a [city] [great and]
great city, as that [will offer] which will make available
to them upon it the enjoyment of [natural scenery]
beauty in natural scenery, [as though the art of
landscape gardening,] [as that art meaning thereby]
or in scenery [to] designed to affect the imagination
and sensibilities of men [in the]
[similarly] by [its] a semblance to natural
scenery such as may be accomplished through the art of landscape
gardening as [defined in] its objects, [its] principles and
processes have been defined by Gilpin, Repton, Price, London
Downing and other standard authorities on the subject[the premises, [certain] any simple propositions
of practical bearing [and]
with reference to [this particular]
the administration of the
particular property will
[not] be recognized as [of]
[unquestionably] [binding]
[and whether properly of binding
force.]

It is hoped that [practical] [what are cat] questions
growing directly from actual practice may be presented with this object
in view, [wh] the answers to which
will show that a certain footing
[has been] has been firmly established
for Landscape gardening
among the arts of Design and
that it is only ignorance which
assumes to conduct a public [um]
undertaking inviting outlays [of
many millions] and affecting the
value of property to amounts
of many millions of dollars in
denial of such laws as [may]
may thus be [ascribed to be
established] [recognized] [laid down.]
recognized as fixed for that art.The Central Park occupies a
body of land two miles square
(exclusive of parts given to other than park purposes.)
in what is [to be] [laid out to]
[laid out and] expected to be the
[the cut] the [centre] heart of a great
commercial city, interrupting its two
central avenues and [in] [fifty
streets otherwise extending]
fifty streets which would otherwise
[extend from] cross [it] from one of its
navigable [?] to another.

you will order Mr Butter[In all of their divisions of park
business [there are] some forms of authority
are recognized by which the ends to
be had in view and the means and
methods of pursuing them [in to a general
fix] are presented and limited within
certain ranges of discretion. But in
parks it is held that no corresponding
restraints exist. Every succesive
administration [is] may be law to itself, [and] free
to adopt purposes the reverse of those
which have been previously entertained
[and to and] & to use such means & methods as [may] shall
suggest themselves to men to whom
the business is [entenl] new.]
[Of this class of works the Central Park
is the oldest and the most renowned
in the country. It has cost and is annually
costing more than any other. The
mere connection of Great public [trea]
treasure of art, science & scholarship [is] added
to its more proper attractions, cannot]

It is to stand in the heart of our largest
and most fragmented commercial and
social centre. [l?nt] By posing through great treasures of art
science & scholarship [are being added] [are being added]
[added] are to be reached in addition to its own proper attractions.
For these reasons it will be more [largely]
visited, will more affect the credit of
the country and will have a larger power
to mould popular tastes, customs
and manners than any other park more possibly
than any other single institution.  And it
happens that such conflict of purpose
and method, [such waste and such
derangement of design as is liable
evils in all respects] as are liable
to occur from the absence of [fixed]
fixed ends, plans and methods and [from
the repudiation of ] [all] the denial of authority [and
principle] here have their most conspicuous
illustration.
[The object of this circular is to
ascertain whether among [those who]
[men who are known, [to] or from]The management of the Central
Park, directly and through the discussions 
growing out of it must
largely influence customs, fashions,
manners, opinions and tastes throughout
the country. The differences of opinion
which now appear [with] [in]
upon the subject are so radical
[and] they touch the value of property of such enormous value and they
are sustained with [such]
[an] so much assurance as to leave
[it] open to question among all [who]
to whom the subject has most been
one of special study, whether they
[that are] [any fixed principles
are to be reguarded as] [an] [at all
fixed and authoritative in [ref]
[respect] to the [?] of pleasure
grounds public or private, or
[in the] by which the administration of trusts
with regard to them needs to be regulated. [ser]
Doubt on the subject is doubt
of the value of all study that
has been given to the art of
landscape gardens by a large number of eminently
wise and worthy men
and of the utility of the
[serious preparation for
the assumption of responsibility
in respect to such works.]
[utility of the] professional landscape
gardening. It is thought that
something may be done to lessen
this doubt if an expression of conviction
[upon] can be obtained
from the gentlemen to whom thiscircular will be addressed upon
a few simple points, even
though a wide field [of contr]
for difference of opinion and
diversity of [imanagint]
policy shall be left open
and that these points can be best [presente
in] presented in answer to
[questions] [practical questions
in respect to the management of
the Central Park.]
questions having reference
to the particular circumstances
of the Central Park.The circumstances to be particularly
considered are that the ground
is to be enclosed by high buildings
[of all classes] from some of which no
[one was] part of it will be more than
quarter of a mile distant; its surface
is [very] divisified but no part of it
[will be] of higher elevation than the
tops of [the buildings] such of their buildings
as [are] have been already erected. It is every
where underlaid with [ledges of]
granitic rock of which the usual surface
form is that of long undulations.
[The site upon] [The earth and soil overlaying
the rock is]

[The field of operations consists of two
parrallelograms]
The field to be considered is in the
midst of a great town, [to be] the buildings
of which are to [be over] looked over only
from a few exceptional points. It [will]
is

The field to be considered is no where
more than half a mile in breadth

In five sixths of the [area] field [of the park] the earth,
soil and boulders overlying this rock
[is more] [probably] [was sort] are not naturally on an average more than three
feet in depth [in an average] [and]
while at frequent intervals there are outcrops
of the ledge and considerable
[spaces in which] [where the] [there is insufficient
depth of earth] insufficient earth to sustain
[trees or turf] [large trees or turf]. [Any]
[By large outlay for the purpose the depth
of earth in certain [selected areas has]
has in some parts been increased [and] by excavation from
the base of the more conspicuous rocks
[a] and by exposing the portions of rock surface
[originally thinly] thinly covered]

[The earth, soil and boulders lying
over this rock upon]able spaces where [the earth in
insufficient to] it is insufficient to
sustain large trees or maintain
[turf] tolerable turf. By excavating
near the base of conspicuous rocks
and exposing portions of rock surface
originally thinly covered [earth]
material has been obtained [to increase] for increasing the
original depth of earth in selected
localities, the aim being to obtain the
greatest practicable breadths of greensward in
the interior parts of the park.
To avoid frequent interuptions of the 
[purpu] distinctive use of the park by ordering
street traffic [from subways on]
it is crossed in the 2 1/2 miles of its length
by four subways, [the present] and
where those would otherwise be [most] 
[spicuous they carried] conspicuous the ground
is tunnelled. Elsewhere they [grass subways]

[are lined with walks of masonry
grandly & everywhere at least] [everywhere at
least 8 ft in height] are everywhere walled to a height of at least 8 ft.
the pavement being
generally 10 ft below the natural
surface. This brings within the park
two miles of masonry [in addition to]
which has to be considered in addition
to the structures which are to surround
it and those by which [it is]
its two principal parts are divided.[Certain] The soundness of certain ends which have been had
in view in laying it out and of certain
principles which have been regarded
in pursuing these ends [have been
called in] has been often very vehemently
denied, never by any landscape
gardener, but by men [of such] whose
influence and authority [as to]
has nevertheless been sufficient to
induce great [and sometimes]
[dif] departures from the courses
which would otherwise be pursued.
At the present time there is a complete rever-
[sal of those courses,] [is] [and it is]
[and they and it is denied that they]
[sal of those courses and the management
is avowedly directed]

reversal in important particulars [and]
of those courses and [it is justified
by an acknowledgment of]
[by an avowal] a profession of
[different] counter purposes and principles.
It is desired to [submit the more
important question thus thus
made an items at issue to the]
obtain the judgment of those to
whom this circular will be addressed
[as] upon the questions thus
at issue, and it is proposed [?tions]
from it shall have been [re?d]
to embody the general [sul] sentiment
in a paper which will
again be submitted for consideration
with a view to a public declaration on the subject.Thirty millions of dollars have
already been invested in [a few]
parks by a few of our leading
cities and the outlay upon them
is continuous. Their [value]
actual value depends on their
management from year to year.
Their managment is generally
controlled by boards the composition
of which is subject to change
from year to year. No previous knowledge
or consideration of anything distinctive
in the business of parks is required
in [their] the members of these
[boards. There is a custom of ap-]

[A few of the parks of our leading
cities have already cost upwards
of $30,000,000. Their actual][upon? of landscape gardening.
The object is to demonstrate, if it shall be found
practicable, that [under given circumstances 
there are a] under circumstances
relative differences of judgement
there might be as to de?,
there are a few radical 
points upon which all
[who have any respectable claims to
be regarded as experts in
landscape gardening]
who have made a beginning
in the proper study of landscape
gardening would be
substantially agreed, and]

boards. There is a custom of
using the term landscape gardening
as if there were a recognized
art, with fixed laws, [to
be respected] in some degree
applicable to a part of the
business, but some regard
this as cant to cover quackery
and to far has the [term]
term any meaning so [far]
far fixed and clear that
its use serves otherwise than
to darken counsel. It is, sub
[stantially claimed that there are any
principles or canons of landscape gardening
[a] knowledge of which many not be assumed
and [the] application of which under all
circumstances undertaken]

[plying the term landscape garden]


applying the term landscape gardening
to a part of the business but to
many it has no fixed meaning
and there is no limit to the
conflicts of opinion and [pract]
contradictions in practice which it
may be honestly supposed to

substantially denied that there are
any principles or canons covered
by the term that any
man of ordinary intelligence
may not be presumed to be
familiar with or which he
may not honorable assume
himself qualified to apply
under any circumstances,
even in cases where [millions 
of trust property are consi]
the value of millions of trust
property is at stake.during which

[it is substantially denied that
there is any such art; in practice
it is much more denied
that if there is such an art, [its]
it rests on any such fixed
foundations that [in the most]
most extreme case] to enter upon
its practice [in the most extreme] even in a
case involving the value of
property millions in value and
the direction of great expenditures, and studious
special preparation is required.]
[The ground of this denial]
If there is ground for this denial
it lies in the fact that
within the proposed field of landscape
gardening and under 
such laws and [authority]
precepts as constitute the framework of the art, there is room
for such differences of opinion
and of practice that to superficial
observers there is nothing 
settled.
This circular will be
sent to a number of persons
who are known to have given
the subject more thorough
study than is common and
who if not of professional
[standing, are, at least comparatively
with even the
quarter number of liberally
educated men to be properly
regarded as experts within
the narrow limits of landscape
gardening to be considered]upon them of landscape gardening

standing may justly be regarded
as experts within
the [narrow] limits of landscape
gardening which will
be brought under consideration. The
[object will be to demonstrate 
so far as shall [be proven] prove to
be practicable that under
give circumstances, within
the limits to be considered.
Whatever the differences of
opinion that might be developed
beyond them, [there
is a well-settled] the requirements
of landscape gardening
are [as] fixed and authoritative. [as]]gardening to which it will
relate.

object will be to demonstrate
that, within there,
under given circumstances
there is a perfectly well
established [under]
understanding [by] among
all men having [any claim
to] any authority in landscape
gardening, as to what
is right and wrong, true
and false, reputable and
disreputable. [That there is
in this respect a basis of
professional honor and dishonor,
of honesty and imposture
[in] landscape gar]work, of the art, there is room
for such differences of opinion
and of practice that to superficial
[als?] nothing appears [settled] settled.
[among nothing settled. No
concurrence of opinion, nothing
binding, nothing settled.]
This circular will be sent
to a number of gentlemen supposed
by the writer to have given
more than ordinary study to the
subject, some [professionally
others] because of professional
duties others because of their
possession of properties. The value
of which to them they have caused
[on] and to be dependent on [an
application of] a sound practice.The Central Park is a work of [much] more than
local and immediate importance. The direct outlay
[upon it] of public money [which has been]
already made upon it amounts [already of] to upwards of $15,000,000.
[and] important parts of it [remain] being yet unimproved,
encumbered and [so far] unused. The expense in which
it must indirectly involve the city will be much 
larger than that of this direct outlay. [upon it.] [?]
public treasures in addition to those classed with the park
are accumulating within and adjoining it. Not only will these circumstances
[not only] [will] give it extraordinary [general importance
but] celebrity but from its situation in the heart of the
principal city of the continent [will] it will be brought more
under general [public] observation than any other work of its class
[and no] [nor a valuation [its] [the] merits or demerits] of
[what is to be seen it can it whatever its merits or demerits
[can ? to have] Therefore it cannot fail to be of ? influence [or public taste
or to affect] in the education of the republic. If managed
in successive periods with a view to differing and irreconcilable
ends, or upon opposing principles, the result
must be calamitous & nationally humiliating.]The Central Park of N. York has cost in direct 
outlay  $15000,000 & considerable parts[*1881 A                               IV - N. Y.
                                               Central Park*]

                                               [*THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS*]

Central Park

Draft of Circular proposed to be sent to experts in 
matters of landscape gardening inviting their opinion 
on the design and management of Central Park.  (Date 
probably 1881).  Cf.  footnote p. 44, "Spoils of the 
Park", 1882.

This circular will be addressed to a number of men who may be presumed 
to have had their minds for considerable periods directed to questions of a 
corresponding character to those which occur in public parks.  It is designed 
to submit to their consideration without concert, a few simple propositions 
applicable to the management of a park under the circumstances of the 
Central Park.  The object is to ascertain whether those who have given the 
subject studious attention free from political biases agree in holding such 
propositions to have been established and to be so far authoritative and 
binding that disregard of them implies culpable ignorance, negligence, or 
perversity.

The circumstances in question to be first more particularly considered 
are these:

The first proposition is that by no other treatment of such a property consistent 
with its designation as a park can it be given as much value to the 
people of a great city, as that which will make available to them upon it the 
enjoyment of beauty in natural scenery, or in scenery designed to affect 
the imagination and sensibilities of men by a semblance to natural scenery 
such as may be accomplished through the art of landscape gardening as its 
objects, principles, and processes have been defined by Gilpin, Repton, Price, 
Loudon, Downing, and other standard authorities on the subject.

It is  hoped that questions growing directly from actual practice may be 
presented with this object in view, the answers to which will show that a certain 
footing has been firmly established for landscape gardening among the 
arts of design and that it is only ignorance which assumes to conduct a public
undertaking involving outlays and affecting the value of property to amounts 
of many millions of dollars in denial of such laws as may thus be recognized 
as fixed for that art.

The Central Park occupies a body of land two miles square (exclusive 
of parts given to other than park purposes) in what is expected to be the 
heart of a great commercial city, intercepting its two central avenues and 
fifty streets which would otherwise cross from one of its navigable waters 
to another.  It is to stand in the heart of our largest and most frequented 
commercial and social center[s].  By passing through great treasures of art, science, and 
scholarship are to be reached in addition to its own proper attractions.  For 
these reasons it will be more visited, will more affect the credit of the 
country and will have a larger power to mould popular tastes, customs, and 
manners, than any other park, now more possibly than my other single institutions, 
and it happens that such conflict of purpose and method as are liable 
to occur from the absence of fixed ends, plans, and methods and the denial 
of authority here have [been] their most conspicuous illustration.-2-

   The management of the Central Park, directly and through the discussions 
growing out of it, must largely influence customs, fashions, manners, 
opinions and tastes throughout the country.  The differences of opinion 
which now appear upon the subject are so radical they touch the value of 
property of such enormous value and they are sustained with so much assurance 
as to have open to question among all to whom the subject has not 
been one of special study, whether [they] there are any fixed principles 
applicable to the treatment of pleasure-grounds public or private, or 
by which the administration of trusts with regard to the[ir] needs to be 
regulated.  Doubt in the subject is doubt of the value of all study that 
has been given to the art of landscape gardening by a large number of eminently 
wise and worth men and of the utility [study] of the profession of landscape gardening.  
It is thought that something may be done to lessen their doubt if an 
expression of conviction can be obtained from the gentlemen to whom this 
circular will be addressed upon a few simple points, even though a wide 
field for difference of opinion and diversity of policy shall be left open.  
These points can be best presented in answer to questions having reference 
to the particular circumstances of the Central Park.

   The circumstances to be [the] particularly considered are that the ground 
is to be enclosed by high buildings from some of which no part of it will 
be more than quarter of a mile distant; its surface is diversified but no 
part of it of higher elevation that the tops of such of the buildings as 
have been already erected.  It is everywhere underlaid with granitic rock 
of which the usual surface form is that of large undulations.

   In five-sixths of the field, the earth, dirt and boulders overlying [enveloping] 
this rock are not naturally on an average more [now] than three feet in depth while at 
frequent intervals there are outcrops of the ledge and considerable spaces 
where it is insufficient to sustain large trees or maintain a tolerable 
turf.  By excavating near the base of conspicuous rocks and exposing portions 
of rock surface originally thinly covered, material has been obtained for 
increasing the original depth of earth in selected localities, the aim being 
to obtain the greatest practicable breadths of green sward in the interior 
parts of the park.

   To avoid frequent interruptions of the distinctive use of the park by 
ordinary street traffic, it is crossed in the 2-1/2 miles of its length 
by four subways, and where these must otherwise be conspicuous the ground is 
tunnelled.  Elsewhere they are everywhere walled to a height of at least 8 
feet, the pavement being generally 10 ft. below the natural surface.  This brings 
within the park two miles of masonry which has to be considered in addition 
to the structures which are to surround it and those by which its two principal 
parts are divided.

   The soundness of certain ends which have been had in view in laying it 
out and of certain principles which have been regarded in pursuing these 
ends has been often very vehemently denied, never by any landscape gardener, 
but by men whose influence and authority have nevertheless been sufficient 
to induce great departures from the courses which would otherwise be pursued.  
At the present time, there is a complete  reversal in important particulars 
of those courses and a profession of counter purposes and principles.  
It is desired to obtain the judgment of those to whom this circular will be 
addressed upon the questions there at issue, and it is proposed after returns 
from it shall have been received to embody the general sentiment in a paper 
which will again be submitted for consideration with a view to a public declaration -3-
on the subject.

   Thirty millions of dollars have [b] already been invested in parks by a 
few of our leading cities and the [cutting] outlay upon them is continuous.  Their 
actual value depends on their management from year to year.  [Theis] Their 
management is [greatly curtailed] general controlled by boards the composition 
of which is subject to change from year to year.  No previous knowledge 
or consideration of anything distinctive in the business of parks is required 
in the members of these boards.  There is a custom of using the term landscape 
gardening as if there [was] were a recognized art, with fixed laws, in some 
degree applicable to a part of the business, but some regard this as cant 
to cover quackery and to few has the term any meaning so far fixed and 
clear that its use serves otherwise than to darken counsel.  It is substantially 
denied that there are any principles or canons covered by the term that any 
man of ordinary intelligence may not be presumed to be familiar with or which 
he may not honorable assume himself qualified to apply under any circumstances, 
even in cases where the value of millions of trust property is at stake.

   If there is ground for this denial it lies in the fact that within the 
proper field of landscape gardening and under such laws and precepts as constitute 
the [former] framework of the art, there is room for such differences 
of opinion and of practice that to superficial observers there is nothing 
settled.

   This circular will be sent to a number of persons who are known to have 
given the subject more thorough study than is common and who, if not of 
professional standing, may justly be regarded as experts within the limits 
of landscape gardening which will be brought under consideration.  The object 
will be to demonstrate that, within these, under given circumstances there 
is a perfectly well established understanding among all men having any 
authority in landscape gardening, as to what is right and wrong, true and 
false, reputable and disreputable.

   The Central Park is a work of more than local and immediate importance.  
The direct outlay of public money already made upon it amounts to upwards of 
$15,000,000., important parts of it being yet unimproved, encumbered and 
unused.  The expense in which it must indirectly involve the city will be much 
larger than that of this direct outlay.  Great public treasures in addition 
to those classed with the park are accumulating within and adjoining it.  Not 
only will these circumstances give it extraordinary celebrity but from its 
situation in the heart of the principal city of the continent it will be 
brought more under general observation than any other work of its class.

THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESSWas any "World's
Fair" held in New
York 1883? or 
thereabouts?

One was considered 
and location sought 
1881 ff.  Set for 
1883?

Did it actually cone 
off?
No
Mr. Budsly at BPL
says it never 
came off

Jan 17/21

IV NY-CP
1881
Letters about 
[Fair]
using Central Park
as Worlds fair site
see Pfl - lettersN.Y. Jan 5. 1882.

F.L.Olmsted Esqr.

Dear Sir
Yours of Dec 30. and the 2. of this month 
is received. I am extremely sorry that you 
have met with so disagreeable an accident 
and suffered so much pain, but 
I hope all the sad and sorrowful events 
of the old year will be left behind
with it and the new Year will bring
you only joy and happiness, which you 
so well deserve and which I wish 
most sincerely trusting You will transfer 
the kindness shown to me in 
the old year also the the new year.

You say that I am not just to Mr. Vaux, 
I am sorry that You are under this 
impression, but is Mr. Vaux just to me?
In this article in the Tribune of Dec.25.
of which I have sent you a copy and 
which I presume is written by him, hesays: "The Park developed at once into a
thing of beauty because a man with the 
skill of Ignaz Pilat planted to the design 
of Messrs Olmsted and Vaux." is this 
just? If he does not know that during 
all the periodes I was engaged on the 
Park, comprising at least 15 years the 
planting was done exclusively by me, 
of course according to your directions 
and that Pilat was chiefly engaged
in the superintending of the shaping 
of the ground and did not interfer 
with the planting at all, then he 
knows nothing about the Park, 
except that he has designed and 
superintended the architectural 
structures and at the time you were 
in California the rustic bowers over 
parts of the bridle road and drive,
which I can not admire, as they are 
out of place. Farther below in this 
article is stated: " In performing his 
important duties he can not intrust 

the details of his work to any unknown 
gardener, so called , and it is to his credit 
as an artist that he has at hand a 
man upon whim he can rely for 
technical support and whose skill 
is universally recognized." Am I really
to his the unknown gardener, so called
to whom the details of the superintending 
of the maintenance of the 
plantations cannot be trusted? 
I have always esteemed Vaux as a 
Gentleman and an architect of merit 
but I can not help to say that he 
has fallen very low in my esteem 
It is not very honorable to further the 
interest of Parsons by abusing me 
and I am afraid this article will 
have hurt Vaux more than me, 
as not every body will be persuaded 
that Parsons really is this universally
recognized great Landscape 
Gardener. But however I will follow 
Your advice and bide my time. I 

will also try to forget [the] and 
forgive the wrong Vaux has done 
me and try to do the best for 
the interest of the Park, provided 
I shall be allowed an opportunity 
to do so, which however will not be likely 
the case if the report of Jones, of which 
you will find enclosed and extract, has 
any weight with the commissioners. During  
all this fine fall I was not allowed to 
plant anything at all. I am very sorry 
that your absence from New York is so 
protracted but hope there will yet 
come the time when I shall be with you 
on the Park under the same relations 
as before.
Yours
Truly W. L. Fischer.
I saw Green and he said I shall console myself 
with him, as he got no credit either for what he had 
done for the Park. I could not tell him that he did a good.

many things for which he deserved no credit.Vaux & Co., Landscape Architects
71 Broadway
New York. Jan 6th 1882

Dear [*FL*] Olmsted, [*Sr*]

As you mention Fischer you
may like to know that he has the position "Supg
Gardner") that he had when I went in. He
has been of little account, not because, I
did not or Mr Parsons did not want him to be,
but from congenital limitations. I found
him occupying the position, without insisting
on its rights, and being paid for residing
quietly on the hill top. All this was coordinated
without a row, and Fischer's position
became a rather soft one, but no longer an
indefensible one.  On the morning that
my (unexpected) resignation was received, it
was on the programme to bring up the
following issue - a Civil Service Reform
examination of Gardeners, oral practical
and written had all been gone through
with, a special order of the Board having
been formulated approvingly Supt. of Planting
(Parsons) Supg Gardener (Fischer) and Supt
of Parks (Jones) to conduct it in the presence
of the Commrs. (Mr. McLean representing them)
at the Arsenal. All this had been done 

[* I send this as I have written it, but am disappointed
in the result today, the last meeting my resignation was
tabled and today it was not called up. this is
very entangling, as I had hoped to be relieved [c]
long before this *]

C. Vaux
6th Jan. 1883with the best results, the three appointees signing
the Report. The issue was to hear what Mr.
Fischer had to say in support of his advocacy
for the restoration of one of the men who
had been dismissed for incompetency. Mr
Wales, one the Commsr. having recd. a long
letter from Fischer stating that the examination
was not worth a damn, and that twelve
years tenure of the position, satisfied him
(Fischer) that the man should be put back
(or something of that sort for I have not seen
the letter) Can you conceive of anything more
inconsequent? Do not for a moment however
suppose that this gave me the slightest serious
uneasiness as I did not intend to depend on
Fischer at any time. The real issue is
a curious one. I have the three votes today
more than at any time, and it much
embarrasses the majority to have to act on my
resignation, but I see no continued advantage
to the cause, in my being identified with this 
administration, and prefer to be outside of it
both for city & State complications in regard to
the elementary construction of the Dept. of Parks. Inside
of it I have to be loyal to my employers outside
of it I am free. I thought you took the
Tribune. [illegible cross out] The numbers of all Jan. 3rd and
the Wednesday previous. The whole
machine is in thorough working order. Every
employee satisfied, including Jones, who does not

understood the situation at all apparently, seeing no harm in acting on the ipse dixit
a single commissioner. Yours, C. Vaux[*IV - N.Y.              dupl Vaux*]

New York, Jay. 6th, 1882.
C. Vaux to F. L. Olmsted

   On the morning that my (unexpected) resignation 
was received, it was on the program to bring up the following 
issue.  A Civil Service Reform examination of gardeners, 
oral, practical and written, had all been gone through with, 
a special order of the Board having been formulated 
appointing Superintendent of Planting (Parsons) 
Superintendent Gardener (Fischer) and Supt. of Parks 
(Jones) to conduct it in the presence of the Commissioners 
[*McClean*] (Mr. McClean representing them) at the Arsenal.  All this had 
been done with the best results, the three appointees 
signing the Report.[*IV NY CP*]                  [*B - Asts*]
Brookline, 11th Jan. 1882.
My Dear Vaux:-
I had thought myself prepared for it but am really
much shocked by Viele's appointment. And it is bewildering to
find no public comments recognizing the unquestionable fact that it
has for twenty-five years been his principle public business to
mutilate and damn the park. Of course it cannot be known to
everybody as it is to us that he had systematically used
falsehood for his purpose and proved himself capable of perjury.
It is but poor comfort to know that even at his age he is sure to
put his foot in it as in the meantime he may do infinite and
irretrievable damage.  I deplore your leaving at a crisis when
you might stay so much from the inside. For my part, for my
personal health and welfare it is everything not to be living in
New York which would be hell to me.
I take the Tribune but the number containing your
resignation missed. Do you not owe the public a statement of
the facts? The Board having been revised do the grounds of your
resignation stand?
Yours truly,
Fredk. Law Olmsted.

[*502*]

S.H. Wales.
Jan. '82
City of New York
Department of Public Parks.
36 Union Square
Jany 21 1882

Dear Mr Olmsted
I much regret that I had
not the opportunity to see you before
you left the city. I was quite anxious
to have a full & free conference
with you about matters here - & one
thing I wish now to say that I hope
you do not take stock in the sensational
reports which make it
appear that I am approving certain
acts & things done in the Central
Park. My position here is bad
enough [wont] without embellishment.
The Supt understands from me that
I do not approve of some things
that have been done & futhermoreI was not consulted in advance about 
any of the changes he has made = 

I could say much more than it 
is necessary for me to write —

What i desire now is to give 
you the reassurance of my warm 
personal attachment & to express 
my deep regret that you cannot 
be here to give your mind & 
heart to this work, & freed of 
all political intrigue & trammel —

I regret now that I ever took 
the Office - the spirit of Evil
is upon the department & I am 
sure you know where it comes from.

I tried to do you a kindness 
in November while on a western trip
in recommending you to Park Commissioner 
Thos McMillan of Detroit - They
are about to lay out a great park 
on an island in waters adjacent 
Truly Yours 
S H. Wales
[*Belle Isle Detroit*][*Howard Potter
1 Feby. 1882.*]
[*IV N.Y. CP
ch VII*]
[*Destruction
[?] on in
Park 1882*]

New York
Feb 1st/82

My Dear Sir
A conversation [had] I 
had recently with Mr Fredk
Law Olmsted, prompts me (on
receipt of the pamphlet pubd
by the N.Y. Park Assocn
to ask whether that assoc
might not, properly [?]
[?] inform itself as to
the destruction of the
Hon. Waldo Statue

is quite in accordance with
the purposes of your Association
that you should do so.
Unless the parks we have
are preserved, & protected
from injury & spoliation,
they will stand directly
in the way of your movement.
I ought to add that I write
entirely without Mr. Olmsted's
knowledge or remotest suggestion
& wholly of my own volition.
I am your faithfully
Howard PotterPlantations in the Central 
Park which is now going
on - Effects which it 
has cost hundred of 
[*noted*] thousands of dollars to 
produce, & which are 
essential to the rural 
features of the original
design, are being destroyed, 
& the existence 
of what is left endangered

by a management 
which is ignorant & 
unskilled & even wantonly 
wilful & perverse - 

I feel sure that you 
can by addressing Mr.
Olmsted obtain information
about what is doing in 
the park, which will be 
of great interest to your
Association, & to the public 
& it seems to  me thatMy own Mr. Olmsted.

I have your letter. I
know Mr. Lane would be very 
glad to have your views of Mr.
Fischer. and that he would
make use of them. I will
as soon as I see [there] him. in 
a day or two. I hope, tell
him, that he may write 
to you.

It is not wholly
Safe for you to judge from
the papers, about what is
to be done at Albany, about
city matters. 
I can give you information, 
from time to time.
Which it will be better for you 
to act on. only you must
not mention me as the source
of it. nor tell it. onlyuse it for good

You will see in
the papers that there is a
combination between Tammany
& the Republicans. this
you may fully believe.

It covers a new
chapter for New York -  in
respect to this Dept of Public
Works &. Dept of Parks
What else is not yet determined.

Some time this
winter, a Bill will be proposed
& put through. The 
Governor is included in this
arrangement.

The Anti Tammany
democracy, including Mr
Green. will be left out.

In respect to 
the Party, the plan now
is to have 2 [?]
One Tammany & one Republican   Mr Lane
will be the Tammany. Mr Worley perhaps,
or some other of that party, the republican.
MacLean & Oliffe will go, Greens influences
will be gone.

If there comes any change in
this programme I will inform you. All
other bills are unmeaning without consequence,
to amuse the public, or obstructing. When
any real bill appears, I will tell you.

When the bill is passed
& the change is made, Mr. Lane will
take this position, with Mr Worley, or withany other republican. Next
you are to have control - 
Perhaps I need not add that
I am steadily working on
this line, & will. You
will have control, and pretty
large liberty with all subordinates
& details, advisory or direct.

Now dont do anything 
prematurely or unadvisedly. 
I think this
result will be the best -
& will tell you of any change.

If you read the
[?] I sent, you can
see that Mr Lane hashis thorough & hearty support 
of you, & your views,
just disregard it. You 
might as well believe the 
same things of me. In 
fact, your return is the 
main interest I take 
in it. 
Truly Yours 
Wm. R. Martin 

P.O.
430

21 Feby. NYork

[*W.R. Martin
N.Y.*]New York March [3?] 82

F.L. Olmsted, Esqr.
Dear Sir,

Yours of Feb. 21 and pamphlet
is received, my best thanks for it, it
can not fail to do some good in Albany. 
The idea of a board of directors with some Landscape painters in it,
is excellent; if this could be accomplished
the future of the Park would look
less gloomy. Oliff with the assistance 
of Jones is now trying to display his 
genius in planting. Near the transverse
road of 79 St. between Hodges toolhouse
and the bridle road is a thick cluster
of Norway spruces, but as is the case in
all dense plantations the lower branches
have died off, and between these trees
they have now planted young hemlocks
taken out on some locations where I have
planted them to good purpose a few
years ago. It is impossible, that any
young trees can grow under this old Norway
spruces and certainly no Hemlocks.
These 21 young Hemlocks were hammered
out of the ground, which was frozen about
a foot deep. I was informed, that foreman
Flanagan was with Jones looking
through the section of the winter
drive for some larger evergreens, which
he is to plant around his toolhouse
near the sheep fold, I think I have told
you that they have destroyed all the
shrubs, which were planted over 79 St.
transverse roads on the two little
spots on both sides of the west drive
between the walks and drive, and
had it trenched with 60 loads of manure.
Jones told the Division Gardener
to make a list of evergreen flowering
shrubs, which he will buy and have
them planted there. I have seen the
list, it contains: Rhododendron, Tralmia
Azalea [?] all such plants, which can
not grow there and are besides entirely
out of place on this locality and not
in harmony with the surrounding
plantations. I wonder what will be
next. Commissioner Lane sent for me a 
few weeks ago and ordered me to make
a report about the necessary planting
for the coming spring and direct it
to the board, but have it sent to him
in order that MacLean could not
steal it before the meeting, he would
then present it. I have done so, but
have not yet heard anything about
it. MacLean came to see me and asked
me what I had with Jones, I told him
nothing at all, but that as long as the
board allowed him to superintend
the work of the gardeners, I could
not do it. He asked me what work
ought to be done now, I told him
that [the] every season had its proper
work in park maintenance and it
was not enough that we [keep] provide
work for the men, the principal thing was that they perform the
right kind of work, but no such foolish,
useless as mutilating the shrubs
that now was a good time to cut
down the superfluous trees [down].
He ordered me to make a written report
about the localities where trees ought
to be removed, to him. I did so [and]
in a general way and suggested I 
would point out to him every individual
tree to be sacrificed in an afternoons
ride through the Park. This
was some weeks ago, but I have
nothing heard from him since. He
told me also, that Parsons appointment
was urged on him on the ground that
the connection with the Park would give
Parsons a good recommendation in his
outside business, to which hew was opposed
as the Park was not for getting a good
reputation. I could not suppress 
laughing.

Yours
very truly  W.L. Fischer[* IV N.Y.C.P.*]       [*Spoils of the Park.*]             [*1882 C*]

Cambridge, March 4, 1882.

My dear Olmsted:  

   I have read your pamphlet with deep and 
painful interest.  The story is worse than I knew.  I 
am very glad you have told it.  I wish you had put it 
into a more direct narrative form, for I fear lest the 
lightly sarcastic tone in which the pamphlet opens may 
prevent some readers from recognizing its deep and serious 
significance, and from reflecting that the essential 
question which it treats is neither the preservation of 
a great and beneficent public work of art, nor the vindication 
of an honorable reputation, but the very existence 
of popular, civic institutions and administration.
   I trust you will take the steps necessary to 
have the pamphlet widely read.  What does it cost?  Will 
you send me a hundred copies and let me pay for them?  
I do not want them unless you let me do so.  But if you 
refuse, then, please, send me five copies.
   I send you a copy of the pamphlet edition of 
Norman's Letters.  Mr. Potter has the edition in his 
hands.  What is the state of the Niagara business?  It 
is almost time to get Harrison at work.  Will you consult 
Mr. Potter about it?  How very interesting, by the 
way, are Harrison's articles in the Atlantic.
   I hope you are quite well.

Affectionately yours, 
C. E. NORTON.New York March 10. 82.

F.L. Olmsted Esqr.

Dear Sir

Yours of the 5th is received. According
to my opinion, there can not be a
particle of doubt, that your charges
against the Commissioners are
all perfectly true and can be
proved. I have read your pamphlet
very attentively, studied it, thought
it carefully over and read it again
and again and come to no other
conclusion, than that every thing
is, as you say. I am further more 
convinced, that the chief instigator to
all the mischief, which has been perpetrated
in the Park since your last
departure for Europe, is General Viele.
This fellow ought to be banished from
the United States. Cottam, who was under
Pollard on the Park is a great friendof Viele and is often seen driving
the Park with Jones. A few days ago, they
stopped at 79 St. transverse road, west
drive, Cottam making notes, probably
with regard to the planting. Van Valkenburgh
is also very thick with Cottam and
used to be the recipient of many boxes of
cigars from him. I suppose they try very
hard to get my position for him, as they
did, when I was dismissed by Wenman.
But Klepp came in, as somebody brought
charges of drunkenness against Cottam,
at the time, when he was on the Park
before. It seems to me there is a kind of
maliciousness in Jones in doing just
the opposite thing of what I advise.
For instance I wrote him a letter a few
week after he was in the service, explaining
to him the necessity of stopping
the stupid custom of burning the fallen
leaves, but having them piled
in suitable out of the way places, to 
be used, after they were rotten. He met

me a few days after and acknowledged the
reasonableness of my suggestion and promised 
to act accordingly, but instead
of complying with my request, I found, 
that he even ordered the Foremen, who did
not do so before to burn the leaves.
Thirty men, gardeners and laborers included
do the most damaging and stupid
work since September, the most ridiculous
is that they have to find the dry
branches on every tree of the natural
wood of the northern part of the
Park, which is rather a difficult 
thing in winter on deciduous trees {in
winter] so very useless in a dense wood.
Of course they cut here and there some 
branches off, wether they are dry
or not. I hope the present Mayor will
not be allowed to nominate another
Commissioner, as he has shown so bad taste
in nominating Oliffe, who delights more
in cockfighting than in the beauties of
natural sceneries.
Yours truly  W.L. FischerW. L Fisher
N.Y.
Mch 10/82IV  N.Y.-C.P.                      dupl C
                                          not use
                                          TS

New York, March 21, 1882.
Leopold Eidlitz to F. L. Olmsted.
 My dear Mr. Olmsted:
I delayed answering your letter until
I could see Mr. Wales and sound him with regard to your
pamphlet as you desired. He expressed himself as decidedly
pleased with it and acquiesced in my suggestion that you have
adroitly exempted him from all strictures upon the Park 
management. The only objection he had at any time was
against "that the frequent appearance of my name as a
candidate or otherwise has in every case been against my
repeatedly expressed wishes". He accepts your apology, however,
on that point as perfectly satisfactory and did not
seem to notice my suggestion that you have the right to and
doubtless do make a distinction between a public and
official expression of opinion and of a confidential communication*
to a valued friend even in the case when that
valued friend holds a high official position in the Park
Department, but he thought your view of the case much the
best "that you had forgotten all about those letters" and
he keeps the letters filed away with the pamphlet now.
This will be a lesson to you. "Never to confound a valued
friend with a Park Commissioner" and it also shows your
sagacity in allowing Wales to slip out of an indiscretion
without a rebuke.
Most truly yours,
Leopold Eidlitz.

[*The letter [probably] is the draft marked "FLO would like
the vindication of a reappointment.*]
Confidential

P.O. 430. N.Y. 22 Mch 82

Dr Mr Olmsted

I do not want to write
to you. I want to see you & talk
with you. Let me know when you
are coming here.

Why did you not send to
Mr. Lane a copy of yr pamphlet. He
wrote to you for it. & has not receivd
one. He thinks it is a slight.

I dont think it makes
any difference what the newspapers
say. one way or the
other. I pay attention to other
things. There is a bill in preparation
Which will be [?]
through. Which is drawn up 
for that purpose. I am trying
to aid in shaping this so as to
get you back.

You have no better 
friend any where than Mr. Lane.
Warm, hard working, practicalWhatever you may hear to
the contrary. dis [?] it.

It is not a question of what
you would like or I would like.
What can be done?

If I can shape things to
get the Green influences out
& you back I will be satisfied
This is what I am working at.
& Lane is doing all he can.

Yours trly 
W Martin

N.Y. March 25. 82.

F.L. Olmsted Esqr.

Dear Sir

Yours of the 12 inst. is received.
Mr Wales ordered me to report, what
trees I would recommend to plant
on Riverside Drive. I have after careful
study recommended the following
From 72 St. to 85 St. Acer pseudoplatanus
(sycamore maple)
" 85 St. to 97 St. Tilia americana
(American Linden)
" 97 St. to 104 St.  Liriodendron tulipifera
(Tulip tree)
" 104 St. " 108 St. Catalpa speciosa
(The Western Catalpa)
" 108 St. " the end. Acer platanoides
(Norway maple)
Mr. Wales told me that the Committee
of Gentleman (Viele among it) were
not pleased that no Elms were tobe planted as the foliage of the
maple was to dense, and obstructed
the views. I answered Mr Wales that
they could not see through an elm either
when well grown and the reason
that I did not introduce any elms
was that on 6 Av., 7 Av. and Broadwat
Boulevards and 5 Av. along the Park
were elms and on 8 Av. along the 
Park were also intended to plant
Elms, therefore I thought it best to
have another feature on Riverside
Avenue, or N. York Island would become
too monotonous. You recollect there
were some trees bought for Riverside
Drive some years ago, but they were 
so much neglected during my absence
from the Park, that I can only use
50 Norway Maple and 50 Sycamore
Maple out of them. Should my selection
have not your approbation
however and you should wish
to have some other kinds substituted,
it can be arranged, if you let
me know immediately. Munkovitz
urged me to let you know that he
gave always the necessary assistance to
the gardening force, when he was
Superintendent, but he is only a
smarter rascal than Jones and would
not care a bit if the Park were
ruined, provided his interests
could be advanced by it. I am very 
cautious with him, but whenever
he gets hold of me he talks me nearly 
to death. He is not very much
edified with regard to your pamphlet
and says Lane feels offended
that you do not praise him in it.
Munkowitz is probably not pleased
with what you say about the Architects.
Mr. Constable one of the trustees
of the Museum of Natural History
has called on me and desired me
to see Mr. Wales to urge him to let
me plant the grounds of the Museumwith shrubs. I told him he had
better do this and if ordered I would
certainly plant it. He asked me, if I
had no influence with Lane, If I was
not Mr. Lanes man. I said that I
was nobodys man, but tried to
do my duty to the best of my knowledge.
The design which Munkowitz made
ought to be exhibited before an assembly
of Landscape Gardeners, it is a most
remarkable opus, but he told me, if
I should plant & need not care about
his design, so it seems he knows, that
he does not understand any thing
anout it. Flanagan has now planted
a hedge of Norway spruce along the
bridle road from the sheep fold towards
the 7 Regiment statue. He is certainly
very happy with regard to this improvement
he has made.

Yours
very truly
W.L. Fischer

[* W. L. Fischer
NY Mch 6/82 *]

New York March 29. 82

F.L. Olmsted Esqr.
Dear Sir
Yours of the 26 is received. I will be
under the necessity to take American 
Elms for Riverside Drive, as I can get
no English Elms.  I have looked through
all the nurseries catalogues I had at
hand, but they have none. I have
not found any sickness among the
American Elms in the Park. They
are all thrifty. The only reason, why 
I did not wish to introduce them
on Riverside Drive was, as I wrote
you, my idea was there ought to 
be something different from the
boulevards, which are all planted
with Elms. I had a fancy for
the tulip trees, because in Carlsruhe
the capital of the Grandduchy of Baden
there is a Boulevard plantedwith these trees, which I admired
when I was a boy, as I am born in
this city, but probably you are
right they might not thrive on
Riverside Park. Parsons is of opinion
they can only with success be transplated, 
when quite young only
four feet high.

I am very thankfull to you that
you have written such a favourable
letter on my account, but am not at
all anxious to see my name in the
paper, all what I want is that
I can do my duty unmollested by a
stupid malicious superintendent
and if this can not be accomplished
I sometimes think I had better resign.
I am perfectly satisfied with the
way you act in my interest,
do only as you see best.

Yours
very truly
W. L. Fischer


Office of the
Board of Commissioners
of the Central Park,
Bank of Commerce Building, 31 Nassau Street.
New York, Mch 27 1861

Mr. Dear Sir

I think it important that we
should meet without delay with reference
to the work of the Season. I have failed to 
see Mr. Grant he being sick & as I have
not had the time to go to Mt. St. Vincent I have
desired Mr. Peckham to come down here tomorrow.
As I know you cannot come down without
inconvenience I shall take an early day to
go to the Park & to  Mt. St. Vincent. If you should be
down before I get up which will probably be on
Friday morning I should be very glad to see you.

Yours very truly
Andrew H. Green
CCP
FL Olmsted Esq
A in C CP
Brookline, 31st March 1882.
The Hon. Smith E. Lane:
Dear Sir:  In reply to your inquiries
I beg to say that Mr W. L. Fischer was
first employed on the Central Park in 1857.
and if I remember rightly in the capacity of Assistant
Foreman, from which position he was
advanced solely for merit until upon the
current advice and at the request of Mr Pilat
the Superintending Gardener he took that of
Associate Superintending Gardener. He had important
part in the detailed preparations of the
planting plans and during the proper seasons
was in direct superintendence of the principal
planting operation. Some sixteen years after his
first employment he succeeded to the Office of
Superintending Gardener and a By Law of the
Board was soon after enacted fixing his responsibility
for all the operations affecting the 
plantations in all the parks of the city and 
guarding it from interference by officers of

[* Interesting acct of
condition of Central Park *]
[* Smith E. Lane
March 31/82
Brookline
F. L. Olmsted DPP *]the Department not trained as landscape
gardeners. This promotion and the respect
for Mr Fischer this evinced was due solely
to the fact that in his previous service he
had proved his high capacity and established
an enviable character for discretion,
efficiency and trustworthiness. I do not suppose
true it is because a lower estimate is now
placed upon his qualification or because
landscape gardeners more maturely prepared
have been sought out to assume his duties
that his position has lately been reduced to
one of less professional discretion and dignity
than that given him unsolicited twenty
four years ago. It would therefore be superfluous
to refer to the long and severe course 
of study and training by which he had prepared 
himself for those duties and I will only
add that independently of the high standing
to which he is justly entitled in his
chosen calling no man with whom I have had
the honor to [stand in] hold official relations is more firmly
fixed in my respect. Your Obedt. Servant
Fredk Law Olmsted.City of New York
Department of Public Parks
36 Union Square Office of Supt'g Architect

Dec. 18th 1882

To the Commrs Dept. of Public Parks

Gentlemen, At the last meeting of
your Board, I recommended the erection of a temporary
building for skaters on the East side of the Harlem 
mere and presented a plan.

The recommendation was not adopted 
and a resolution was passed, directing the Superintendent
to construct a temporary building in connection
with a ladies cottage on the north side of the lake.
 I find now that a building is being put up on
the East shore, without directions from me, and I 
report these facts to your Board, as they conflict with
my position as Superintending Architect, and
make it untenable.

respl'y
Calvert Vaux
Superintending ArchitectDec. 21st 1882

To the Hon, Board
Commrs D.P.P.
Gentlemen,

As no action was taken yesterday
by your Board in regard to my communication of Dec. 18
I resign herewith the position of Superintending
Architect to your Department.

respl'y
Calvert Vaux
Supt. Architect

[* F. O.  
I have had these copied as
I promised to send them to you.
From C. V. *]

[* C. Vaux
18 Dec. 1882 *]