[Frederick Law Olmsted] [Subject File] [Parks] [Niagara, N.Y. 1887] 3330 ----Passenger Department---- CLEVELAND. COLUMBUS CINCINNATI & INDIANAPOLIS R'Y. DAYTON & UNION R. R. INDIANAPOLIS & ST. LOUIS R'Y. A. J. SMITH, C. E. HEALY, Excursion Agent G. P. & T. Ag't. New London, O. JAN. 18. 1887. THOMAS V. WELCH ESQ. SUPT.STATE RES.NIAGARA FALLS N.Y DEAR SIR! - YOURS OF THE 15TH. IS AT HAND, BUT I AM QUITE AT A LOSS TO KNOW WAT I CAN SAY THAT WILL HIT YOUQ CASE AS WISHED. I AM NOT WELL VERSED ON THE THROUGH RATES TO THE FALLS AS YOU WISH. SUCH EXCURSION RATES AS APPLY TO POINTS ON OUR LINES I AM FULLY AT HOME IN. OUR FALLS EXCURSION RATES ARE THE SAME AS FOR MANY YEARS, BUT THE POINTS INCLUDED IN THE RESERVATION BEING FREE HAS GREATLY INCREASED THE NUMBERS GOING, AND IT HAS BROUGHT ABOUT A MUCH WISHED FOR CHANGE, VIZ, THE FALLS CAN NOW BE SEEN WITH OUT BEING IMPSED ON, AND WITHOUT PAYING EVEN FOUR OR FIVE TIMES THE REGULAR RATES THAT WAS IN USE BEFORE THE STATE TOOK HOLD OF THE PROPERTY. THIS VAST ADVANTAGE TO OUR PEOPLE, ALSO THE NEWLY INTRODUCED TEN CENT RIDE, INCLUDING STOPS, FROM PROSPECT POINT AROUND GOAT ISLAND AND BACK TO THE POINT, IS A VERY DESIRABLE AND NO LESS PRAISE WORTHY INTEREST TO THE VISITOR. THESE CARRIAGES SHOULD IN OUR JUDGEMENT, BE INCOURAGED BY ALL MEANS. THE FIVE CENT CHARGE ON THE I.R.R. IS A SPECIAL FEATURE OF ATTRACTION WORTHY OF COMMENDATION. AS STATED, THESE THINGS COMBINED ARE WHY WE HAD SO LARGE PARTIES FROM OUR LINES LAST YEAR. IN THE OLD WAY, AS I USED TO TAKE PARTIES TO THE FALLS FOR ABOUT TEN YEARS, IT WOULD AVERAGE TO EACH PASSENGER FOR THE SIGHTS, INCLUDING THE IMPOSITIONS PRACTICED ON THEM, FULLY FOUR DOLLARS. BY YOUR ARRANGEMENTS OUR PEOPLE INCLUDE THE WHIRLPOOL RAPIDS AND SEE EVEN MORE OF THE FALLS AND AS A RULE PAY BUT SIXTY CENTS FOR MUCH MORE THAN THEY USED TO SEE FOR THE AVERAGE OF FOUR DOLLARS. IN THOSE DAYS MANY OF OUR PATRONS WERE SO IMPOSED ON THAT THEY PAID TO SHARKS AND IMPOSTERS AT THE FALLS, FREQUENTLY $15. OR $20. AND SAW LESS THAN NOW----Passenger Department---- CLEVELAND. COLUMBUS CINCINNATI & INDIANAPOLIS R'Y. DAYTON & UNION R. R. INDIANAPOLIS & ST. LOUIS R'Y. A. J. SMITH, C. E. HEALY, Excursion Agent. G. P. & T. Ag't. T. V. W 2. New London, O. FOR THE SIXTY CENTS, AS STATED. I DO NOT SEE HOW I CAN CONVEY TO YOU IN THIS, EVEN A FAINT IDEA OF THE ACTUAL PROTECTION AND ADVANTAGE FURNISHED TO THE VISITER AT THE FALLS BY THE PRESENT SHAPE OF THINGS AS IT NOW IS IN YOUR HANDS SO ABLY MANAGES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND NOT FOR INDIVIDUALS POCKETS. WE WOULD VENTURE TO SAY THAT THE WITHDRAWING OF THE ELECTRIC LIGHT FROM THE FALLS AND FOUNTAIN, AS MR. NEILSON HAD PLACED THEM, TOOK AWAY A SPECIAL ATTRACTION OF WONDEROUS BEAUTY. OUR PATRONS MISSED THAT SHOW AT EVENING VERY GREATLY. I DO NOT KNOW THAT THE STATE COULD WELL FURNISH THIS, BUT MANY ARE HOPING TO FIND IT REPLACED, NOT FAR DISTANT. THE ROUND TRIP RATES TO NIAGARA FALLS ON EXCURSIONS IN MY CHARGE, FROM THIS LOCALITY HAS FOR YEARS BEEN AS FOLLOWS, ALTON ILL. $6. 00, TERRE HAUTE IND. $5. 50, INDIANAPOLIS AND CINCINNATI $5. 00, MUNCIE IND. AND DAYTON OHIO $4. 50, ALSO BRIDGEPORT OHIO $4. 50, UNION CITY, AND COLUMBUS OHIO AND EAST $4. 00. THE RATE FROM CLEVELAND HAS BEEN $2. 50 FOR YEARS. I HAVE GIVEN YOU THESE RATES FROM MEMORY BUT THINK I HAVE MADE NO MISTAKE. , AS THEY HAVE BEEN IN USE FOR MANY YEARS. WHEN ANY HIGHER RATES HAVE BEEN TESTED IT HAS ALWAYS PROVED A FAILURE. THESE BEING ALL COMMUNITY COULD AFFORD TO PAY FOR A SHORT TRIP TO THE FALLS. THE TORONTO TICKET THEN USED IS ALWAYS SEPARATE AND OPTIONAL, COSTING $1. 00. THE REGULAR TURIST RATE TO THE FALLS AND RETURN DURING THE SUMMER WOULD PROBABLY BE ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE TIMES THE RATES I HAVE NAMED FROM OUR SEVERAL POINTS. THIS IS THE BEST INFORMATION I CAN GIVE YOU AND IT AFFORDS ME SPECIAL PLEASURE TO BE ABLE TO HELP YOU IN ANY WAY I CAN IN YOUR GOOD WORK. I REQUEST THAT YOU KEEP THIS LETTER STRICTLY PRIVATE AS TO WHO GAVE YOU THIS INFORMATION AND YOU WILL OBLIGE GREATLY. WITH MANY THANKS FOR PAST FAVOR AND THE BEST OF WISHES I AM VERY TRULY YOURS. C. E. Healy [*Niagara C.E. Healey to Mr. Welch (about excursion rates) Jan. 18, 1887*]Hotel d'Europe Rome Jan. [*Jan*] 21/87 Dear Mr. Olmsted I have only just received your favor of the 21th [Octo.?] (forwarded to me from New York), and which will account for my delay in replying to same. I am very glad to hear you duly received the copy of the 19th Century which I directed to be sentto you and am very much pleased to think you found my article interesting. It was published without any revisions or correction of proofs & so [comes?] forth in some what unfinished state. You are quite right in thinking we have been exceptionally lucky in finding such a man as Mr. Welch. Every day proves it more & more. It will be a satisfaction to the Commission to be able to present the Report of Mr. Vaux and yourself at the present session of the Legislature and trust you may have it ready next month. I expect to be home again early in July, and can perhaps do some thing with [?it?] at least towards carrying out your [??] and Mr. Vaux's suggestions. With kind[*Niagara Hampden Robb Jan. 21, 1887*] regards believe me Yours very truly J. Hampden Robb SHERMAN S. JEWETT, President. WM. F. ROGERS, Secretary and Treas. WM. McMILLAN, Superintendent. OFFICE OF THE Park Commissioners Room 31 City and County Hall. Buffalo, N.Y., Jany. 28 1887 Dear Mr. Olmsted Your note of the 13th did not reach me till the Monday after I had been to Niagara. The Three Men of the Village who met us at the office on Bath Island on the Saturday were very intelligent practical men. I think the information they gave was entirely trustworthy, and that reliable estimates can be made from the figures they gave. These differed from my expectations in two respect, Stone for the foundation of roads, both the rubble and the macadam sizes is dearer than I had expected. On the other hand gravel of a good quality for either road surfacing or for walks is cheaper. There seems to be only one quarry available inside the village limits. The [ledge?] [worked?] I understood to be less than six feet in depth, and there were three feet of earth to strip-off. Quarried stone of suitable size for foundation of roads was worth $3.25 per cord in quarry, say 80¢ per cubic yard Hauling and handling would cost about $100. If broken by machinery to [?ny] macadam size the cost would probably be $1.40. This would make the cost for road bottom = $1.85 for macadam layer $2.20, and an estimated price of ground delivery was only $1.50. So that averaging the whole it will not be safe to figure any lower than $2.00 per yardThis would be exclusive of excavation of roadbed, for which about 40c per year should be allowed on account of roots of trees &c If a steamroller be used the cost of rolling must also be added. On the Buffalo Parks the cost of drives 35 feet wide by 1/2 feet deep with paved gutters, and inclusive of excavation and cost of running the steam roller was about $18.00 per mile. This is about $1.75 per cubic yard for work completed. In making the footpaths I think a structure of grand only will be sufficient. This would make the cost $150 per yard exclusive of excavation of course the figures for the park drives here allow nothing for the value of the rock unquarried as the quarry is in the park, or the stone was obtained from the refuse [?] and chips of adjacent quarries which cost nothing. The grand is all on the Canadian side, not far from the west end of the upper suspension bridge. We were assured that the quality was first class, but I would have liked to examine it in the bank, and would have done so the day I was down there if the snow and frost had permitted. If there is any point on which you wish for further information I will be happy to obtain it for you if I can. Please consider me at your service in any way I can. I may or may not charge you for traveling expenses, but am too much in your debt to accept anything further. Thanks for your kind offer all the same. I enclose the Annual Park reports which appear in print today. Do you need any further data for the plans you have in hand? Yours truly, Wm McMillan [*McMillan Jan 28 1887*] Brookline Feb 11-1887 Dear Sir: Mine is the Abbot-Downing street sprinkler manufactured at Concord N. H. by Abbot G Downing. It will practically water a 30 ft. roadway for a distance of about 1500 ft or I can safely say 1/4 miles at one filling. Yours truly T. J. Kelley Abbot-Downing have an office 52 Oliver St. Boston and if you callor send there you can get their catalogue of street and Park sprinklers which may be of service to you.T. J. Kelley Feb. 11, "8713 Feby. 1887. Estimate for Improvement of State Reservation at Niagara. Waterworks: On Goat Island. [Stand Pipe or Tank over orment elevator shaft, with connections, say, 1,000] Gate chamber, strainers, valve, &c., say 1,000 Tunnel, 230 ft. x 3' x 6', from foot bridge to Luna Island, to Elevator shaft, [(say)] 154 en. yds, rock excavation @15.00 2,310 230 ft. 16" iron pipe in tunnel from gate chamber to penstock at elevator shaft. & 2.25 [3.00] 690 Small iron penstock at elevator shaft with values, &c., (say) 300 [180 ft. 6" iron pipe for overflow from penstock to bottom of the shaft & out to mouth of tunnel @1.00 180 to prevent freezing] 180 ft. [6"] 12" iron pipe from penstock to pumping turbine and wasteway, @ [1.00] 1.25 180 Turbine, pump, [wire rope for conveying power,] values, &c., (say) 1500 1400 for 4" and 2700 ft 3" 6000 ft. iron pipe under road, (short circuit) for distributing main, [@1.00] 6000 Blasting for water main in upper part of Island, (say) 200 cm yds @ 2.00 400 6 hydrants for watercarts and five, @50. 300 1 horsetrough, (say) 150 1900 1900 [1800] ft. [2] 1 1/2 iron pipe for @30c branches to w.c.s & 7 drinking fountains @ 25.00 [30c 50c 400 14.230 Total for Goat Island. 14,230 For Mainland. [Strand pipe, as before, ] [ 1,000] Gate chamber, as before, 1,000 Tunnel, 165 ft. @ 10.00 (Ferry House to River.) 1,650 [*2.25*] 165 ft. 16" iron pipe, @ [3.00] 2.25 (say) 500 Penstock, (say) 300 400 ft. [6"] 12" iron pipe for pumping Turbine, [*1.25*] and waste, @ [1.00?] 1.25 400 [400 ft. 6" iron pipe for turbine to run inclined railway] Turbine & pump for water supply, 1,500 [Turbine for inclined railway] [1,000] Alterations in inclined railway 1,000 2700 ft. 4" @ 45c & 2700 ft. 3" @ 40c, 5400 ft. [6"] iron pipe for water supply @ [1.00] [ 5400] 600 ft [2½] 1½" iron pipe for branches to W.C.s and drinking fountains @ [50c] 30c [300] 6 hydrants @ 50. 300 1 horsetrough (say) 150 10 drinking fountains @ 25.00 Total for Mainland 14,500 Drainage. For Goat Island 10,000 ft. 2" land drains, under roads, &c @ [25c] 15c [2,000] 1,500 6" sewer pipe" catch basins with vit. pipe. (say) 1,200 3,700 For Mainland. 30 ordinary city catch basis @ [1.50] 50 [4,500] 1500 3000 ft. [12"] 6" vit. drains, laid, @ [75c][1.00] 35c [2,250] 100 ft. 6" sewer pipe from reception house @ [50c] 35c 75c [50] 11,000 land tiles, laid, @ [25] 15c 2750 9,550 ------------ 41,980Brought forward, 41,980 Curbing. 2300 ft. on Bath & Goat Islands @50 [2300] 1600 ft. in Grove, @ 50c 1,600 12770 ft. in River way & 50c concourses, 12,770 Total for curbing 16,676 Paved Gutters: 2300 ft. on Bath & Goat Islands, 60 @ [50c] [400] 2,300 1600 ft. in Grove @ 60 [50c] 1,600 12150 ft. in River way & branches @ [50c] 60, 12,150 Total for paved gutters, 16,050 Foot Bridges, moving & altering, 1,000 Masonwork: Goat Island and Bath Island 20 ft. of archway at Porter's Bluff, (say), [1,000] 750 565 ft. stone seats, @ say 400 2,260 1260 lin. ft. stone steps @1.00 1260 140 cu. yds foundation for steps @ 200 280 Total for Goat & Bath Islands 4,800 Grove: 90 ft. stone steps, @ 1.00 90 12 cu. yds. dry foundation, @ 2 (say) 30 185 lin. ft. stone seats, @ say 400 740 300 lin. ft. stone wall, (Niagara Entrance) @ [300] 500 [900] 1500 Total for Grove 1760 Riverway. 400 cu. yds @500 2000 27) 10800 cu. ft. retaining wall (head of Rapids) @15c 1620 130 cu. yds 150 x 8 x 3 @ 500 650 27) 3600 cu ft " " " French Landing @15c [540] 150 ft. of coping for same, @ 300 450 Forward 2610 82,260 Brought forward 2610 82260 27) 10000 (370 cu. yds. @500 1850 27) 15600 cu. ft. Terrace wall at Soldier's Place, @15c [2340] 300 lin. ft. of coping for same, @ 300 900 235 lin. ft. stone seats, @ say 400 940 Total for Riverway 6,790 Ironwork: Goat Island: 535 @2000 10700 Widening & reflooring Goat Island Bridge, [375] @ say 800 3,000 Iron railings on Island. 1000 ft @250 2500 5,500 Grove, Strengthening balconies (say) 2000 Balcony halfway down incline (say) 1000 1000 ft. iron railing @ 250 2500 1100 ft. lighter railing to enclose upper Grove, @150 1650 Total for Grove 7,150 175 ft. iron railing at French Lndg @ 250 440 440 Handling stone for shores, 5,000 Roads: 23770 sq. yds. in Bath & Goat Islands @ 100 23,770 3210 sq. yds. in Grove @100 3,210 28710 sq. yds in Riverway & concourses @100 28,710 (Total for drives 55,696) Walks: 17260 sq. yds. on Bath & Goat Islands @ [60c] 80 10,360 6355 sq. yds on Goat Island without gravel @ 20c. 1,270 11,630 12100 sq. yds. in Grove @ [60c.] 80c 7,260 17000 sq. yds in Riverway @ [60c.] 80c 10,200 (Total for walks 29,090) 192,120 Brought forward, 192,120 Grading: Bath & Goat Islands, say 1,500 cu. yds. @35c. 525 In Grove, say 1000 cu. yds. @ 50c. 500[*3330 Niagara*] CENTURY CLUB, 109 EAST [15?] Street, Feby 15th: 1887 Dear Olmsted, I again refer to report as it is necessary , to avoid disappointment , or [?ssures] or interlineations that we should agree on every line before reading a conjoint report - your objections to my verbal preferences and mine to yoursstatement that I am prepared to defend (individually) line by line and even word by word when attacked - It is much more important that each of us should be in this position than that the literary dress should be very perfect - We can modify for publication if refinements of importance occur to either of usmust be compromised as they are in the present document so far as agreed [on] to on Saturday - I do not want to find anything revised and shall not revise anything myself (rest assured) without consultation - I refer to this because Jon once said in reply to my statement that "I could sign" something Jon sent me , that "of course I could sign it as we agreed to it at Niagara" - What I meant then and what I mean now is that the Report must be in such shape that I can sign it as a we cannot justify appearing before a Commission with a paper , that is not coordinated to the extent of unhesitating defence at every part by each of us - when read at open meeting Truly Vaux1. Mr. Bullard My Dear Sir; I should certainly regard your retirement at this time from the management of the plantations of the Park in Brooklyn [as a calamity to the city] [a this time] as very deplorable They have all been made under your immediate supervision, you thoroughly understand the motives of the grouping, what is essential to the designed result and what can be spared; you know [the treatment they have received.], the individual history of most of the plants from the seed, the treatment they have received and what they require for their proper development.Estimate for the Improvement of the State Reservation at Niagara. 18th. Feby. 1887. Waterworks: Goat Island, Gate chambers, strainer, valve, &c. say 1000 Tunnel, 230' x 3' x 6' from foot bridge to elevator shaft. 154 cu. yds. rock @1500 2300 230 ft. 16" iron pipe in tunnel from gate chamber to shaft, @ 225 520 Small iron penstock, with valves &c., at elevator shaft, say 300 180 ft. 12" iron pipe from penstock to turbine and mouth of tunnel, @ 125 230 Pump and turbine for pump and elevator, say 1,500 1500 ft. 4" iron pipe for water supply, @45c. 675 2700 ft. 3" iron pipe for water supply, @40cts, - 1,080 1900 ft. 1 1/2" iron pipe, for branches to w.c.s and drinking fountains, @30c. 570 Blasting for water pipe in upper part of Island, say 200 cu. yds. @200 400 6 hydrants for watercarts, @5000 300 1 horse trough, say 150 7 drinking fountains, @25.00 175 Total for Goat Island, 9.200Brought forward: 9,200 Waterworks, continued. Mainland, Gate chamber, strainer, valves, &c., say 1,000 Tunnel, 165 ft. @ 1000 per lin. ft. 1,650 165 ft. 16" iron pipe, @ 225 370 Penstock & valves, say, 300 400 ft. 12" iron pipe, for turbine, @1.25 500 Turbine and pump, say 1,500 Alterations in machinery of inclined railway, say, 1,000 2700 ft. 4" iron pipe, laid @ 45c. 1,210 2700 ft. 3" iron pipe, @ 40c. 1,080 600 ft. 1 1/2" iron pipe, @ 30c. 180 6 hydrants, @ 5000 300 1 horse trough, say 150 10 drinking fountains, @2500 250 Total for mainland 9.490 Drainage, Goat Island 10,000 ft. land drains, @ at 15 1,500 6 catch basins with vitrified pipe overflows to river, say 1,200 Total for Goat Island 2700 Mainland. 30 ordinary city catch basins, @5000 1,500 3000 ft. 6" vitrified pipe for overflows, @ 35c. 1,050 11,000 ft. land drains, @ 15c 1.650 4,200 25.590 Brought forward, 25,590 Curbing: Goat & Bath Islands, 2300 ft. curbing, Medina sandstone @ 50cts. 1,150 Grove, 1600 ft. curbing, @50c. 800 Riverway, Concourses and Canal St., 12,770 ft. curbing @ 50c. 6,385 Total for curbing, 8,335 Paved Gutters: Bath and Goat Islands: 2300 ft. paving @ 60c. 1,380 Grove, 1600 ft. paved gutters, @60c. 960 Riverway and Canal St. 12 150 ft. paved gutters, @ 60c. 7,290 Total for paved gutters, 9.630 Foot Bridges: moving and altering foot bridges, say 1,000 Masonwork: Goat & Bath Islands: Archway at Porter's Bluff, say 750 565 lin. ft. stone seats, @400 2,260 1260 lin. ft. stone steps @100 1,260 140 cu. yds. dry foundation for steps, @200 280 Total masonwork for Bath & Goat Islands 4,550 49,10515070 2400 ---------- 12670 3300_3" 40 ------------ 1320 1000 2300 520 300 230 1500 ----------- 5850 250 150 100 1320 ---------- 1820 089 2510 700 ------- 3260 207.740 750 ----------------- 8490 1000 1650 370 300 500 1500 -------- 5320 67 188.860 750 ------------ 189.610 300 180 280 ------- 700 875 ------- 125 1900 .45 ------------ 9500 76 ------------ 855.00 1080 90 ------------ 2025 45 800 ------- 360 90 ------ 450 27 1700 20 --------- 34000 27 ------- 70 63 ------- 70 300 30 ----- 90 3777 1400 875 1200 --------- 3475 2500 35 -------- 125 75 --------- 87500 .15 8000 -------- 1200.00 23.63 2100 -------- 2363 4726 ------- 49623 9250003000 25000 300 .80 ------- 24000 780 1260 280 -------- 2290 6320 4200 34.75 --------- 725 62 66 ------ 372 372 ----- 4092Brought forward: 49,105 Masonwork, continued, Grove: 210 lin. ft. stone steps, @100 210 30 cu. yds. dry foundation for steps @200 60 185 lin ft. stone seats, @ 400 740 300 lin. ft. stone wall (Niagara St. entrance) @5.00 1,500 Total masonwork for Grove, 2,510 Riverway and Concourses: 400 cu. yds. retaining wall, @500 2000 130 cu yds. riverwall at French Landing @500 650 150 lin. ft. [lin] coping, for same, @ 300 450 [Total masonwork for Riverway, &c.,] 370 cu. yds. retaining wall and parapet at Soldier's Plac,e @ 500 1,850 300 lin. ft. of coping, for same, @ 300 900 235 lin. ft. stone seats, @ 400 940 Total masonwork for Riverway, &c., 6,790 Ironwork: Goat & Bath Islands: Widening and reflooring bridge to Goat Island, 535 ft. @2000 10,700 Iron railings on Island, 1000 ft. @ 250 2,500 13,200 Grove: Strengthening balconies (say) 2,000 Balcony on inclined railway, say 1,000 1000 ft. iron railing, @ 250 2500 1100 ft. iron fence about Upper Grove, @ 150 1650 Total for grove 71,150 78,755 5. Brought forward, 78,755 Ironwork, continued, Riverway. 175 ft. iron railing at French Landing @250 440 440 Total for Riverway Riprap. Riverway - Handling stone in wing dams and riverwalks and protecting new shores, say, 5,000 Roads: Goat and Bath Islands: 23700 sq. yds road building @1.00 23770 Grove, 3210 sq.. yds. @100 3210 Riverway and Concourses and Canal St. 28710 sq. yds. road building, @ 100 28710 Walks: Goat and Bath Islands: 17260 sq. yds. walk, @80c. 13,800 6,355 sq. yds walk with no gravel, @20c 1,270 Total walk for Goat & Bath Islands 15,070 Grove, 12100 sq. yds. walk @80c 9,680 Riverway, Canal St., and Concourses: 17,000 sq. yds. @80c. 13,600 Grading: Goat and Bath Islands, say 1500 cu. yds. @50c. 750 Grove, say 1500 cu. yds.750 179.735 6. Brought forward 179,735 Grading, continued, Riverway, Concourses and Canal St., 23,800 cu. yds. earthwork @ 35c. 8,330 28,000 cu. yds. earthwork, (filling in excess of supply in ground) @ 50c. 14000 Total for Riverway, &c., 22,330 Finishing surface: Regrading, moving top soil, trenching, [mar?ing,] cultivating, grubbing trees & roots; raking, seeding and rolling, in large surfaces, ploughed and little altered, $500 per acre, in small areas, strips, shores and steep banks $2,000 per acre. Goat and Bath Islands: 14 acres of finishing @ $500 7,000 3.5 acres of finishing @ $2,000 7,000 Grove: 7.81 acres, of finishing @ $2,000, 15,620 Riverway: 14.51 acres of finishing @ $2,000 29,020 Total for Finishing surface, 58,640 Planting: 5000 trees. @ 2.00 10,000 6000 shrubs, @ 50c. 3,000 Total for planting, 13,000 Forward 273,7057. Brought forward, 273,705 Elevator on Goat Island: Elevator, by Otis Bros. 7,500 Stair and wooden [lining,?] say, 3,000 Shaft, 43 ft in earth, 1200 cu. yds. @50c. 600 300 cu. yds. [cylindrical] stone wall for [circular] cylindrical lining @500 1,500 Shaft, 65' x 17' x 19' rock excavation, [@ 1000] 820 cu. yds, @ 1000 8,200 Tunnel, 100' x 9' x 12', rock excavation 400 cu. yds. @800 3,200 Total for elevator & shaft 24,000 Buildings Goat Island: Two shelters @ 3000 6,000 Elevator house, 1,500 Grove: Reception Building 10,000 Dancing pavilion and shelter 5,000 Riverway Shelter at French Landing 9,000 Summer House 500 Total for buildings 32,000 Electric lighting and police signal boxes540 400 5400 216 221400 2 110700 410 195 260 1170 585 2 70200 35100 360 360 280 28800 72 2 100800 50400 280 575 35.100 50.400 120.700 124.800 .200 00 13. 260 960 15600 2 34 2249600 124.800 960 590 960 35400 531 2 566400 283200590 960 35400 531 2 566400 283200 960 260 960 15600 234 2 249600 124.800 5.700 50.400 20.700 124.800 3.200 00 132 22 2 110 410 195 360 11700 585 2 70200 35100 360 360 280 28800 72 2 100800 50400 280 410 260 960 15600 15600 234 2 249600 124.800 960 575 2 566 2832 '960 260 960 15600 234 2 249600 124800 35,700 50,400 110,700 124,800 283,200 43560 604200 13 43560 168600 130680 379200Calculation of Area of finishing upper and of Goat Island 14 acres 18 Feby. 1887 Jan. 26. 1 1 1 1 1 Sat 1/2 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 13 1/2 7 91 3 1/2 94 1/2 19 Feby. 1887. to the Hon Wm Dor Prester Sir: In the following estimate there has been had in view the completion of such part of the provisions contemplated in the full plan [as it has been] presented as it is thought will be found necessary to the convenient and orderly use of the ground by visitors who may be expected within a fewyears to be seeking enjoyment of the now popular places of interest upon the Reservation [Less than what is thus contemplated would lend the Reservation to be subject to misuse and delapidation] It includes [complete] [the carrying out of the complete systems] the construction of the [of] roads and walks seats & railings; [the] another grading, planting and finishing of making of the approved [ground, the proposed shifting of the foot bridges, ground, the [seats] railings and other provisions for the safe movement of visitors, upon that part of Goat ] [That is to say of all]it looks to the realization of the plan on four fifths of Goat Island, on all of the smaller islands and on the greater part of the mainland, being all [of that] below Mill Street -It provides for a new system of water power for running the inclined rail way & for supplying hydrants and drinking fountains on so much of the mainland as is otherwise proposed to be improved, allowing the great canal to be done away with - It provides also for a system of electric lighting [[?] of the different estimate][water marks mainland - - 9,200 - Islands - - 9.490- [?] mainland - 4.200 - Islands - 2.700 -] for the entire mainland from Port [?ry] to the suspension bridge To be operated by the same power and for a system of electrical police signalling throughout the Reservation [when operated by the same water power.]It provides for a larger section of the Reception building, and for the stone [building] proposed building improvements in the [growth] [?] [for] [?] lighting of the entire mainland from Port Day To the Suspension Bridge, and for a system of electric police signalling throughout the Reservation.]it provides for a section of the Reception Building, for the improvements proposed It does not provide for the suggested elevator [on Goat Island] nor for the water works in Goat Island nor for the widening of the bridges to it.On the ground proposed to be improved; it provides for a new[*IV Scenic - 1887*] [*Niagara*] [*From Col. C.S. Gzouski*] [*answer on p 653 of 1884-87 letter book Have copies*] Toronto The Hall 21st February /87 My dear Sir It is now more than probable that the Niagara Falls Park Scheme will be carried out on our side of the River - The necessary act for so doing is in preparation and will be submitted to our Legislature which commences its session on the firstnext month - - I should be very glad and my Colleagues on the Commission to avail our selves of your advice and suggestions as to the best plan for treating the ground we have secured for the purpose of the Park and before [int?ing] on the details. I shall be obliged if you would let me know what your charge would be for coming to Canada going over the [?s] selected and giving me the benefit of your great experience in such undertakings - I maysay for your own information that my object in asking you this question is to enable me to complete my estimate of the cost of what will have to be done beside the payment for the land [?] - I remain Very Truly Yours C.S. Gzouski Col F. Law Olmsted Esq &-- & Brookline Mass. U.S. Memorandum from VAUX & RADFORD. Architects and Engineers. Bible House, Astor Place, New York Feb. 23 1887 To John C Olmsted ? to me whether you provided for ? and pipe connections for the roads of Goat Island My recollection is that they were only provided for the main land road If not included you must do so, sq? at every junction of road or gravelled path, and intermediate at 300 feet with 6 inch outlet pipes and a main connecting pipe as may be required to outlet from 6 to 12 inche, unless you propose relying on sod gutters, which are of doubtful utility from my experience. G.K.R. Superceded [*[1887 Fe. 26]*] ESTIMAT CO TS OF THE IAGARA. The Honorable William Dorsheimer; President of the Board of Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. Sir; Adetailed estimate is herewith presented of what it would cost in the present condition of the market, with unprejudiced management, to fully carry out, in all respects,the improvements advised in our reportof a plan to be had in view in any work hereafter to be done on the Niagara Reservation. This estimate is based mainly on experience had on the [village] public works of the village of Niagara [and on the public parks of] and of the city of Buffalo, [and has been obtained in conferences] the data for it having been mainly drawn from the accounts of the engineers, superintendents and contractors of those works. [We are especially indebted in this respect to Mr. William Mc Millan, Superintendent of the parks of Buffalo.] The principal park of Buffalo, twenty miles from the Reservation, offers an example, in nearly every important particular, of such work as [is advised to be] we have had in view; [and] it is economically managed, the conditions of cost of work and materials do not differ between the two places, [and we are especially indebted for accurate information to Mr. William McMillan, Superintendent of the Buffalo Parks]. [*1A*]tric polic [?] bout the [?] tems to be [?] water [?] way. It provides for the building of so [?] - House as will be immediately required and for all [?] [buildings] building improvements contemplated in the [Grove?]. It does not provide for the Elevator, nor for the waterworks on Goat island, nor for the suggested widening of the bridges to the island. [*2A*]It is [?] [templ?] to [?] are [?] that, [will lead to] must be expected to cause variations from [?] if the entire work could be no [?] [?red] [?] [?dly] to completion, it could be done at the cost named. In the first table following [that immediately follows] we offer an estimate prepared with a view to the early completion of such part of the provisions of improvement contemplated [in our report on the plan] at an early day as [it is thought] will [immediately] be found necessary to the convenient and orderly use of all of the ground as yet likely to be much frequented by visitors [by visitors who may be] expected [within a few years to be seeking to seek the enjoyment of the more popular places of interest within the Reservation]. It includes the construction of the roads and walks, seats and railings, the revision of the shores, and the entire [and the] grading, finishing and planting operations of about four fifths of Goat island, of all the smaller islands and of the greater part of the main land, being all that below the line of Mill Street. It provides for a complete new system of water power for running the Inclined Railway and for supplying hydrants and drinking fountains on so much of the mainland as is proposed to be otherwise improved; thus allowing the present canal to be done away with. It provides, also, for a system of electric lighting for the entire mainland from the Suspension bridge to the old French Landing, [ing, to be operated by the same power] and a system of [electric police signaling throughout the entire Reservation.] [*3A*]It does not provide for the elevator nor for the new waterworks on Goat Island, nor for the widening of the bridges to Goat [the] [i]Island.[*Copy of this sent to Vaux 26 Fbry, 1887*] REPORT ON THE ESTIMATED COST OFTHE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. The Honorable William Dorsheimer; President of the Board of Commissioners of the State Reservation at Niagara. Sir: An estimate is herewith presented of what it should cost, in the present condition of the market, to fully carry out the improvements advised in our report of a plan to be had in view in any work to be done on the Niagara Reservation. This estimate[s] is based mainly upon the actual cost of closely corresponding operations in the public works [i]of the [v]Village of Niagara and of the [c]City of Buffalo; prices [the data for it] having been obtained [taken] from the [accounts of the] engineers, superintendents and contractors of those works. The largest[er] park of Buffalo, twenty [mi] miles from the Reservation, offers an example, [in nearly particular] in nearly every important particular, of such work as we have had in view; it is economically conducted; the conditions of cost of work and materials do not differ essentially between the two [plases] places, and we are especially indebted [for accurate information] to Mr. William McMillan, Superintendent of that park, for reliable information.As it may not be thought best that the State should undertake to carry out all of this scheme for years to come, we offer, in the first table following, an estimate prepared with a view to the early completion of so much of it as will, in our judg[e]ment, be found necessary, [to-be] very shortly, to the convenient and orderly use of all of the ground subject to be thronged by visitors. It includes the roads and walks, seats and railings, the revision of the shores, and the entire finishing and planting operations of about four fifths of Goat Island, of all of the smaller islands and of the greater part of the mainland, being all that below Mill Street. It provides for a complete new system of water power for running the Inclined Railway and for supplying hydrants and drinking fountains on so much of the mainland as is proposed to be otherwise improved,[;] thus allowing the present canal to be filled up, a measure necessary to the economical management of other operations proposed. It provides also for a system of electric lighting for all of the mainland form the Suspension Bridge to the Old French Landing and for a system of electric police communication throughout [th] the entire Reservation, both systems to be worked by the same water [- provided that of the Inclined Railway.] power with that of the Inclined Railway. It provides for the building of so much of the [Inclined---] Reception House as will be immediately required and for all the building improvements contemplated in the Groves. [*2*]Estimate for Immediate Improv nts Grading:- Goat and Bath Islands, ----------- $750.00.. Grove, ----------------------------------- 750.00 Riverway, ------------------------------- 7,740.00 Roads:- Goat and Bath Islands, ------------- 22,200.00 Grove, ------------------------------------ 4,970.00 Riverway, -------------------------------- 18,370.00 Walks:- Goat and Bath Islands, --------------- 12,670.00 Grove, ---------------------------------------- 9,680.00 Riverway, ------------------------------------ 7,980.00 Drainage:- Goat Island, --------------------------------- 4050 [2,700.00] Grove, ----------------------------------------- 840.00 Riverway, ------------------------------------- 2,130.00 Waterpipes:- Grove, ------------------------------------------ 990.00 Riverway, -------------------------------------- 800.00 Waterpower and changes in inclined railway, --------- 6,320.00 Mason-work, (seats, steps, walls.) Goat and Bath Islands, ------------------- 4,550.00 Forward, ---------------------------------------- 103,440.00 104790 103,440.00 1350 104790(2) Brought forward, [103,440.00] Mason-work, (continued) 104,790.00 Grove, 3,260.00 Riverway, 3,150.00 Iron-work:- Goat Island, 2,500.00 Grove, 7,150.00 Shore-work, 2,500.00 Cultivating and surface work:- Goat and Bath Islands, 7,000.00 Grove, 15,6[2]10.00 Riverway, 14,140.00 Planting:- Goat and Bath Islands, 1,500.00 Grove, 500.00 Riverway, 5,250.00 Mo[o]ving bridges on Goat Island, 1,000.00 Buildings in Grove, 15,000.00 Electric lighting system, 5,400.00 Electric Police signal system, 2,200.00 190,940.00 [189,610.00] Plans,superintendence and contingences,10% 19,094.00 [18,960.00] 210,034.00 [208,570.00]ESTIMATE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIA A Grading:- Goat and Bath Islands, $ 750.00 Grove, 750.00 Riverway, 22,330.00 Roads:- Goat and Bath Islands, 26,300.00 [23,770.00] Grove, 4,970.00 [ 3,210.00] Riverway, 42,380.00 [28,710.00] Walks:- Goat and Bath Islands, 15,070.00 Grove, 9,680.00 Riverway, 13,600.00 Drainage:- Goat Island, 4,050.00 [2,700.00] Grove, 840.00 Riverway, 3,360.00 Water supply:- Goat Island, 3,420.00 [ 3,360.00] Grove, 990.00 Riverway, 1,820.00 Water power:- Goat Island, 5,850.00 Grove, 5,320.00 Forward, 161,480.00 [143,110.00] [5](2) Brought forward, 161,480.00 [149,110.00] Changes in inclined rails, Grove, 1,000.00 Shore-work, Riverway, 5,000.00 Mason-work:- Goat and Bath Islands, 4,550.00 Grove, 3,250.00 Riverway, 6,790.00 Iron-work:- Goat Island, 2,500.00 Grove, 7,150.00 Riverway, 440.00 Moving bridges on Goat Island, 1,000.00 Widening bridgegs to Goat Island, 10,700.00 Buildings:- Grove, 15,000.00 Goat Island, 7,500.00 Riverway, 9,500.00 Cultivating and surfacing:- Goat and Bath Islands, 14,000.00 Grove, 15,600.00 [15,620.00] Riverway, 29,000.00 [29,020.00] Planting:- Goat and Bath Islands, 1,500.00 Grove, 500.00 Riverway, 11,000.00 Forward, 307,470.00 [288,140.00](3) Brought forward, 307,470 [288,140.00] Elevator and shaft on Goat Island, 24,000.00 Electric lighting, Grove and Riverway, 5,400.00 Electric Police signal system, 2,200.00 339,070 [319,740.00] Plans, superintendence and contingencies, 10%, 33,900 [ 31,970.00] 372,970 [351,710.00] [*7*][*3330 Niagara CV? 1887 Harrison?*] I left a copy of report with S. He said he could do nothing it was so late - but promised to see Editor before night and endeavor to have a reference to italicised paragraph and closing remarks about maintenance He intends to take it up later himself I see no reason why you should not write to him without delay. At Times office I found that an abstract was being prepared (which I saw) - it seemed to be fairly conceived - I did not interrupt its progress except to ask that italicised paragraphs should be italicised this there was an objection to but it may be done. - afterwards saw Mr. Miller Principal Editor & suggested that the elementary idea of Reservation should be noted in Editorial. also fact about appropriation to follow and suggestion about [tiberately?]. He said the suggestion was valuable but I have no conviction that he will take it up today.UNITED STATES LETTER SHEET ENVELOPE. IF NOT CALLED FOR IN TEN DAYS POSTMASTER WILL PLEASE RETURN TO UNITED STATES POSTAGE TWO 2 CENTS NEW YORK [MAR 5?] 5:30 PM 01 Mr. Fred Law Olmsted LA Brookline Map [1887] U. S. PATENT, JULY 1, 1879. BROOKLINE STA. MASS. REC'D MAR 6 [11 PM?] 1887 [*3330 Niagara -*] [* Niagara*] [*C. Vaux*] CENTURY CLUB. 109 EAST [?] STREET Sunday March 6th 1887 Dear Olmsted , The Times Tribune and Star publish extracts. - I see nothing in the other papers - I suppose you will receive the enclosures I sent you yesterday , the headings added by Star , are sensational , and I think destroy the validity of the presentation as our method of Elucidation so that I do not propose to send it to any one but shall not think it necessary to mention this to D - I shall offer to facilitate his intention in regard to plan reduction later in the week. Let me know if you found anything missing in report - I suppose that the lithographer will notify me tomorrow - I have written to him about 7. V. to make sure - as the place was closed yesterday when I went there - If you wish I will send your last note to [Stiles?] - as a clue to your present attitude in regard to the pending discussion - - The abstract in Tribune is on the whole preferable to that in Times so far as my notions are concernedbut you will doubtless see both as there is no post out tonight from Club. I may find something to add at the office on Monday - [?]. - - Monday - S follows up with an Editorial this morning - brought the Report to be printed with a reprint to same scale as old Report map (much smaller you know) of original facts This just occurs to me to consult you about Reply by return mail Yrs C Vaux. [*3330 Niagara*] - March 8., 1887 Dear Olmsted, I cannot understand why the Report should not have been delivered - Decker says it was neatly wrapped , and stamped with 3c (what was demanded), at regular branch office early on Saturday after clerk had weighed it - doubtless you have , [at] long before this , received it - I have no spare copy having sent one this a m to ELG. telegraph if you are without a copy . None are fit to send till map is added. - Lithographer promised proof today - I sent that note to W. D at Star this morning that he might see how much delay was occurring also mentioning about possible reprint of smaller map of existing facts -[*Niagara C. Vaux Mar. 8, 1887*] Messrs Olmsted & Vaux To A. M. Austin Dr. To type-writer copying in the matter of "The Niagara Reservation" $22,50 Rec'd pay't. (Type writen, a/c. appended) This account is a little under the 5 a folio calculation - but is satisfactory to Mr. A. - It will stand for a while - & then I can pay it - if you approve. I wish you would have the joint account made out of expenses on map &c. - so that - I may know how I stand - - (My understanding of our agreement) Radfords work I cover (except travelling expenses), as you do John's (except travelling expenses) about Estimate, The items of draftmans time type writing paper &c. are joint - - As you doubtless have these particulars ready for reference you will relieve me of one uncertainty (which I hate) by sending to me soon Yrs C. Vaux.[*3330*] [*Niagara C. Vaux*] CENTRY CLUB 109 EAST 15TH STREET March 9th, 1887 Dear Olmsted , Having need to get some paper at the Office , before breakfast , I found your note saying Report was received , It seemed to me attractive in appearance - I am glad that the concentrated reading between the meeting and the dinner in Thursday was measurably effective - - I suppose that the printer struck off all that were called for by first order , how many I do not know - - The lithographer has not yet presented a proof - probably I shall find one when I go to the office the 2d. time today. I understand from your last note that the instructions as to scale were precise on your part - I should prefer for such a document to find the 1885 Report map. at the beginning of the Report & our plan to larger scale at the end I shall express no views in this point till I hear from you as it is a new proposition Y. C.V. [*3330*] [*Niagara C. Vaux*] March 12th 87 Dear John , At your leisure send me a line about the type writing , it is not the amount but the misunderstanding of facts on my part that I want cleared up . I certainly thought you said at Boston that your bill wasover $20. and that the price I should have to pay was 5c. for a hundred words - as 22.50 is much less than 5c. per hundred words I supposed I was making a reasonable adjustment but now comes your bill only $17. (I have paid Mr. a $10 on a/c - for the present) There is another point namely one of principle although the amount involved is larger. The carriage item resulted from your fathers lameness , and was necessary therefore on joint a/c to reach conclusions that should not be lame - Send me the amt when convenient [*3330 Niagara*] CENTURY CLUB. 109 EAST 15TH STREET [*Acknowledged*] March 22 [*1887*] Dear Olmsted , I wish you would let me know , (when you consider that the proper time has come) - how you propose to bring up the matter of our compensation on Niagara matterI do not proposed to take any step without you but feel that nothing is to be gained by delay - as the liability is now fully incurred, and the question of settlement for past services should be made before any new claim is made on us. The appointment as finally made was without stipulations and the point we are interested in is the bearing of the preliminary resolution in which not over $2000 was mentioned - I write without settled views as to the best course to pursue Yours truly Calvert Vaux [*Niagara C. Vaux Mar. 22, 1887*] [*3330*] [*Mar 23, 1887*] Grading - Goat and Bath Islands. 750.00 Grove 750.00 Riverway 22380.00 Roads - Goat and Bath Islands 2630000 Grove 497000 Riverway curb and gutters 42380.00 Walks, Goat and Bath Islands 15070.00 Grove 968000 Riverway 1360000 Draining, land x roads. Goat Island portion 4050.00 Grove 84000 Riverway 336000 Water Supply Goat Island. pipes, hydrants fountains 342000 Grove 990.00 Riverway 182000 Water Power Goat Island. 585000 Grove 532000 Change in Incline Railway 100000 Shore protection. walks & riverway 500000 Mason work. Goat Island. Wells, walls, seat etc 4550.00 Grove 3260.00 Riverway 8790.00 Iron Work. Goat Island. railings, platforms etc 250000 Grove 715000 Riverway 44000 Moving Bridges on Goat Island. 100000 Widening " to " 10700.00 205920.0020592000 Building, Grove 15000.00 Goat Island. 750000 Riverway 250000 Cultavating & surface works Goat & Bath Islands. 1400000 Grove 1560000 Riverway 2900000 Planting Goat and Bath Islands. 150000 Grove 50000 Riverway 1100000 Elevator & [sh?] on Goat Island. 2400000 Electric Light Grove & Riverway 540000 Electric Police Signal Systems 220000 Plans, specifications & Contingencies. 10 per.ct 3320000 36732000State Reservation at Niagara Copy of Schedule of Estimated Cost of Permanent Improvement Published in the "Niagara Falls Gazette" March 23d-1887 [*IV Scenic dupl 1887*] Shady Hill, March 31, 1887. C. E. Norton to Frederick Law Olmsted. My dear Olmsted: Norman's address is, - Connaught Mansions, Victoria Street, London. I was very sorry to miss your visit ten days ago. I was thankful to hear from Mrs. Olmsted that, though suffering from our recent accident, you were gradually recovering from its effects. I hope that you will find that no permanent injury was done to your poor leg. [*] Your last paper on Niagara for which I am very much obliged to you, is characteristically excellent. It is very interesting, and on the whole very satisfactory. The progress made in the great work, and the promise of maintaining it, are like the progress and the promise of the Reform in the Civil Service, - more than we could have hoped for five years ago, and yet not all we could desire. Curtis is with me today and desires me to send his love to you. He would like a copy of the "General Plan". Affectionately yours, C. E. Norton. *—is this the Report on Genl. Plan? TC[?][*3330 Niagara*] [*C.Vaux*] April 1st [*1887*] Dear Olmsted. There was I found nothing new to communicate. I concluded to write to Mr. D in form I send you and the letter will be delivered at his house in the moring - It is non committal - I hope he may be disposed to take some responsibility - as the one sided aspect of things as they stand seems to benefit nobody and to be needlessly bothersome to us Yours truly C.V-- Copy - to be left at Mr Ds Residence - Bible House April 2d. 87 Hon Mr. D Dear Mr D. This note is a personal one to ask you when convenient to consider in what form it is expedient that we should bring up the matter of our compensation for Niagara work. In reply to a note I addressed the other day to Mr. Olmsted on the subject he writes - "If you are disposed to move promptly I shall go with you, otherwise I should not make up my mind till I had talked with Mr. Dorsheimer My general experience in regard to such claims points to the conclusion that settlement will naturally be deferred until we bring the matter up in some definite form , but I may be in error , and think that you maybe willing to give us some friendly advice at this time in regard to the best course to pursue Yours very truly C. V. [*Niagara*] Saturday - [*Apr 5 1887*] Dear Olmsted, Yours of 4th recd" and I shall endeavour to report proceedings - as they occurred meeting came to order at 12.15 , D. A. R. G. Welch & Sec" attending , I was asked to stay - having full size model of railing , in a portable section , on hand - and to respond to enquiries generally - Business opened by reading of minutes of day before - then Secretary s Report which was long and cumulative in regard to recommendations and request for instructions on points of interest to us - First, was old Eating house renewal of permit for the season - Welch rather took the ground that the lessee had put ice in &c in good faith and deserved consideration . Mr. Green rather favored that view at first - not having read report - and said in effect that it would be inexpedient for Commission to hand over the public to the certainty of imposition in prices &c as it had been with regard to carriage service - Mr. Rogers explained that there must be a limit to what the State ought to provide - and he thought it ought to be drawn at that point. Mr. D & D: A took same ground on being referred to. I said that , however small and simple the arrangement might be made at this moment, experience showed that it would inevitably be expanded , perhaps to a ten thousand dollar restaurant in the future the precedent of this commission action being quotedas not adverse to the Elementary ideas - In the end the vote was unanimously recorded in favor of the lessee being notified to clear out , and the building to be taken down by Supt. - Welch then referred to plan which was on the wall and said it made no provision for the present booth system which he found [convenient?] as caterers supplied picnic parties with provisions at a moderate price . Being referred to , I said that the veranda extensions provided far more than the present booths in sheltered space which , the State was bound to supply - but that the booth system was open to the objection that it allowed a caterer not in the employ of the Commission to sell at his own price to the outside public, an indefensible method of proceeding that would not stand close analysis - In the end the vote was unanimous against the caterer system as a permanent plan of arrangement to be endorsed by Com - Mr. Welch brought up his scheme for conferring with adjoining owners opposite the picnic ground with reference to encouraging good men to take hold , and supply what was needed off the grounds , but near enough to be as useful to the public as if they were on the grounds - This was discussed and no conclusion arrivedat. Being referred to , I said that the idea was absolutely sound - but the Commission must of course protect itself from the charge likely enough to be made that its Superintendent was giving favorable privileges to certain individuals - to suit himself - This dropped , as no Board action was needed - - Mr. Welch then asked to have a section of railing put up in accordance with our model - Discussion postponed till he had finished his report which included many other details that were not directly connected with our presentation Next business brought up - acceptance of Report. Mr. Dorsheimer said that it was ordered printed and that Mr. Green would doubtless like to read it before acting on it - Something said about Elevator. Mr. Green favoring outside staircase at the moment - Railing was explained , Each Comm trying it and Welch was ordered to put up say fifty feet of it under our direction Mr. D then turned to me and said , have you report on Estimate with you ? - I produced it saying it was preliminary &c. He took it and retained it - rather as I thought out of the program arranged the day beforebut he did , with a gesture [indicating?] that he had come to a conclusion in his own mind in regard to proper course to pursue and did not want me to interfere - He then said that they had to decide what course to take - that the Comm. would not soon meet again - appropriations must be applied for &c &c , that it was his impression that $100.000 might be asked with propriety on the basis of the report . - In the end Mr Gray Sec was instructed to return to Buffalo and see the suitable view in the Legislature with ref to best course to pursue - Question coming up as to adoption of Report. I asked permission to point out that at this moment . the report was open to criticism from the press (without reflecting on the Board) - that the press could be more easily interested in a topic on this "situation" than in one that was officially acted on - In the end the [Report was] Comm agreed to sign the resolution adopting the Report individually on being applied to by Secretary without another meeting being called- Whether you will think I did right in thus interfering I cannot tell , but taking a man of Stiles calibre for example - it seems to me that he would rather approach the subject as one open for discussion without reflecting on official action than as a matter in which all that was to be done was either to oppose Board action or endorse it - The meeting then went into executive session and I left - what they did I cant tell - [Tha] I then went to printers to correct - proof and saw you in the evening . - Next morning Friday , I took the draft about professional responsibility &c to Mr. Dorsheimers office with a respectful note - I waited , and saw him but not to any purpose as he was engaged all the time on pressing matters connected with his paper - I send you report just received from office. I have not read it yet. I hope there are no unnoticed blunders in it . I corrected without referring to M S.S. much, having only an hour and a half before D. dinner to give to it yrs. C. VauxNiagara C Vaux Apr. 5, 1887[*IV [*A1887*] Niagara*] P 711 16th April, 1887 F.L.O. to Vaux Dear Vaux:- Nothing was said in my short interview with the Chairman about our Niagara acct. He told me of a letter from Welch and of his having written in consequence of it to Sloane of the Legislature. I remember nothing of [Mr. Plue's (?)] The Phila ? matter and it seems to me probable that your recollection of it is incomplete. I have no idea what action you would propose. I infer that you don't think that we should be paid until this Legislature makes an appropriation. Our appointment is now by its terms a continuous one, compensation unprovided for, only the Commission cannot well make it less than $2,000 for services thus far. If we hold we are likely to be called on from time to time for further services and when a settlement comes the $2000 is likely to be increased rather than lessened. But if we press for payment and become inconvenient action is likely to be taken which will work an end to our engagement. This is all there is about it, and, as I said before, I don't care which view you take. If you think best to send in a bill at this time I shall not object. If you think best to tide along and want four or five hundred dollars to do so conveniently, I can supply you. We have just collected some debts and are well to windward of expenses for the time being. Yours truly, (Signed) Fred. Law Olmsted There is a liberal, public-spirited man names ---James, who was a member of the Adirondack Commission. I don't know him personally but do know that he takes F.L.O. to Vaux, 16th April, 1887 --2 a hearty interest in trees, etc., and is of high standing. There is Edward Mitchell, member of the Century, once member of the legislature, lawyer, son of a judge and himself judge, perhaps, of late. Either of these would be a very greatly better Park Commissioner than either of those named in your interview with Hewitt. Mitchell is, or was, a republican. Geo. Vanderbilt, Paul Dana, Bayard Cutting either would be fortunate.Monday [*1887*] [*about April*] Dear Olmsted , Thanks for your note - I will look up the data - if there is any likelihood of expense a/c appearing as a legitimate item - although more interested than you probably in early settlement - the matter is out of my mind for a few days . - I am to see Gov D. today at his invitationabout Secy's draft of possible report . informally of course , but it shows current tone - I hope you will get some copies of Report sent from printers today - I shall be at Printers soon and shall force some copies into distribution if possible this aft. I mean to D. and if he so instructs to A U. G. whom I have not seen since Thursday meeting . I shall have an opportunity to write later in the day so send this current memorandum of what is occurring - V C. Vaux - glad to hear that you got your C. P. bill passed . Parsons said he saw the record at office D.P.P.[*Niagara*] [*C. Vaux*] (May 16, 1887 Dear Mr. Olmsted, Am I right in thinking that your scheme for the Niagara Reservation, as embodied in your pamphlet & accompanying plan has been positively adopted? And if so is the work already under way? I have been commiscommissioned to write a brief summary of it for a Century editorial. I am only sorry that it must be brief, for the pamphlet seems to me a very remarkable & instructive & interesting essay: which has a general value, as explaining the true "principles of things" outside of its special [?hre] " as explanatory of this one case - I am so please to hear that the Richardson office has really got the California Commission & doubly pleased because I'm [ag???] this means that you too are to have your say about it. With kind regards to your household Very Sincerely M. G Van Rensselaer 9 West 9th St May 11[*Mrs. Van Rensselaer*] 9 West Ninth St. May 2ist. 1887 Dear Mr. Olmsted, I sent my little MS to Mr. Gilder today and have already heard from him that he is pleased with it and delighted to think ( as he found from your letter to me) that the Century has already been of some use in your schemes. He writes "How glad I am that the Century ca n help on this work and all kindred undertakings." I imagine they will print it without much delay. If you think best I will have a proof sent you for inspection but think I [am] have got things about straight. I said that all entrance-fees had already been abolished on the Reservation. If this is not correct kindly 2.) let me know; but if it is you need not take the trouble to write. Very sincerely yours M. G Van Rensselaer[*3330 Niagara*] 142 East 18th. June 30th [*1887*] Dear Olmsted. 100 feet of the railing is ordered and will soon be sent on. I have instructed Jackson to send on with it two granite rough parts four feet deep as a guide for Welchwho says that the experimental piece will be set up in sand and gravel (in answer to a letter that I directed Jackson to write when the order was received) - I have had no letter from Welch on the subject . - I want you to take part in this first practical operation resulting from our design. Can you decide where exactly it should go - I think it ought to be as irregular in plan as possible Yours C. Vaux[*Niagara*] [*C. Vaux*] [*June 30, 87*] [*330 Niagara*] [*Niagara*] [*T.V. Welch*] [*Aug 5, 87*] THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE STATE RESERVATION AT NIAGARA. WILLIAM DORSHEIMER, PRESIDENT, 239 BROADWAY, N. Y. DAVID GRAY, TREASURER AND SECRETARY, BUFFALO, N. Y. THOMAS V. WELCH, SUPERINTENDENT, NIAGARA FALLS. MARTIN B. ANDERSON, ROCHESTER. ANDREW H. GREEN, NEW YORK. J. HAMPDEN ROBB, NEW YORK. SHERMAN S. ROGERS, BUFFALO. Niagara Falls, N. Y. August 5th 1887 Dear Mr. Olmsted. Yours of July 25th came duly to hand. The pamphlets were also received safely, and in abundant season for my purpose. I note carefully what you say, in relation to attempting any small patch work local improvements. The sum appropriated will be barely sufficient, to keep the Building's Bridges. Stairways etc. in repair, and to meet the current expenses for salaries Etc. during the coming year. A large amount of work is being done upon the Canadean Park, and I hope the example thus given, will have its effect upon our Legislature during the coming winter. The Inter-State Commerce Bill, does effect us vis a measure. The number of excursionists from distant points, is not so large to this date, as last year. The bill will probably be amended during the next session of Congress. With kind regards I am Very truly yours. Thos. V. Welch, Supt. [?] Fredk Law Olmsted Brookline Mass. IV Scenic Niagara Clifton House, 15th August, 1887. dupl A My Dear Colonel: If had undertaken to give you professional opinions upon any of the questions which were approached in our conversation this afternoon I should do so only after much more careful study of the circumstances and after more deliberation than I can give them now, but I trust that you will allow me to offer you some offhand observations showing how I am inclined to think I should advise you, if, after such study and deliberation I found my present impressions confirmed. There are local circumstances on your side of the river that from the same general principles might lead to a very different practice in some respects from that which Mr. Vaux and I advised to be adopted by the New York Commission. In the New York plan no refreshments are to be allowed to be sold to visitors on the Government property and none to be bought by visitors to be eaten upon it, except within an area of less than four acres which was bought especially with requirements in this respect of "excursionists", at a point which other visitors need have no occasion to occupy, and would not need to cross in order to enjoy all that is distinctive of Niagara scenery. In this area, called the Upper Grove, permanent shelters and other conveniences are to be provided making it a gathering place for excursion visitors but nothing like what is ordinarily called a picnic ground is intended, the reason being the space is too contracted to be so used. Within your limits, on the other had, there are two bodies of land, together nearly ten times as large as the Upper Grove on the New York side, equally removed with that from the river bank, and out of the popular lines of transit. One of these is admirably adapted to the use of picnic parties, being nearly level, well carpeted with turf and a considerable part of it shaded by beautiful well-grown and umbrageous trees scattered and grouped in a park-like manner. The other I am not so familiar with and could not examine closely today but I judge that it can be made equally suitable to the purpose at no great outlay. Both of these areas could be used by large excursion parties and would accommodate several at a time with--2- 15th August, 1887. [with]out interfering with the movements of other visitors seeking to view the Falls and Rapids, or at all marring their enjoyment of the views. If desirable they might be in distinct enclosures. There is, then, this further circumstance to be taken into account. Nearly all visitors to your ground will enter it, not as they enter the New York Reservation on its roadside and with the necessity of crossing it in numerous streams, but at one end and on one line of march. To pass from this end of your property to the other and return on foot by any route likely to be followed by those seeking to enjoy the river, will require a walk of not less than five miles, and with a moderate allowance of time to be spent on the way for the enjoyment of the scenery, visitors moving in a party with women and children will be likely to be three hours or more on the ground and much of this time at a distance of more than two miles from any existing place of refreshment outside the Grounds. Under these circumstances it should be well considered whether it is not best to establish two picnic grounds, one some distance above and one some distance below Table Rock, both as far back from the bank as practicable and secluded somewhat from the view of people passing along the bank. A shelter might be built in the back part of each of these grounds large enough in case of a shower to protect several hundred people. In these shelters rooms might also be provided in which rest and restoratives might be offered to any taken ill, and light refreshments to be sold for all needing them. The chief difficulty of such an arrangement would be that of resisting the tendency to enlarge it and make all the money out of it practicable. If it is adopted every care should be taken to fix a limited scope to the refreshment part of the scheme and to prevent its coming unnecessarily into competition with proper commercial undertakings. Whether the areas which have been referred as suitable for picnic grounds are to be used as such or not, it is, as I think, most desirable that they should be preserved in the character of park-like spaces; that is to say, glades of greensward broken only by a few scattered trees or groups of trees and measurably secluded by the other-3- 15th August, 1887. surrounding trees. No road or walk should be so laid out as to split them or in skirting them to unnecessarily encroach upon them. Partly for this reason but partly also for others I am disposed to question the policy of setting a carriage road so far from the bank as you are proposing to do. The route you have staked out would be suitable if the object were simply to provide for the conveyance of visitors from the Suspension Bridge to Table Rock and the Islands above the Falls and by taking it you would be relieved of some temporary complications. But there is this important objection to doing so. The greater number of the visitors who are to come in carriages from the New York side, from whose fees you are looking for an important part of your revenue, will be moved to come, not in order to get a different near view of the Falls or the Rapids from that to be obtained on the New York side nor to visit the Islands but to get a comprehensive front view of the Falls which is not to be had on the New York side nor from any place except the brink of the Chasm for a distance of half a mile from the lower end of your property. The road you have staked out passes so far from the brink (about 380 feet) that visitors wishing to get the view of which I speak would be compelled to leave their carriages for it. In nearly every carriage load of visitors there would be some who could not and others who would not willingly walk the half mile along the brink for this purpose and the knowledge that such a walk was necessary in order to obtain good front views of the Falls would deter many from crossing the river. Hence as a matter of finance, in your case, it would be better to adopt an arrangement similar in principle to that adopted from other considerations by the New York Commission. This would lead two or three points to be fixed upon as the best for the enjoyment of a front view of the Falls, to the furnishing these with seats perhaps with balconies and shelters, and to the providing nearby them of waiting places ("harbors") in which carriages would stand while those coming in them were enjoying the view. If viewing places for visitors and waiting places for carriages are to be provided near the edge of the crags as thus suggested it would be undesirable that the route of the road connecting them should be very devious.-4- 15th August, 1887. The only way to avoid making it so would be to lay out by courses approximately parallel with and at no great distance from the edge of the crags. If so laid out the further advantage would appear of a broad quiet, simple unbroken park-like body of land between the road and the steep wooded slope on the border of your property. This would supply an agreeable contrast to the view on the other side of the road. It would be restful and grateful. I am inclined to think further, that a walk on the land side of the road will eventually be desirable, first as a route for visitors returning, alternative to the often crowded walk along the edge; second, as a means of access to the picnic grounds. Suppose such a walk to have been formed it will distinctly define the territory within which picnic meals are to be permitted and it will be much more practicable to enforce the regulation against them elsewhere. I will add a few suggestions as to matters of detail. The principal improvement to be made after the few works of construction that you have in view are completed is to be accomplished by planting. This, after a year or two, can be done cheaply if done gradually in the spring and autumn when your men will be little occupled by visitors, provided you shall have previously made arrangements for having ready suitable trees, bushes and vines in good condition for planting. To this and you should soon have a nursery started with small plants to be bought in quantities at low prices. If this is well ordered it will cost little to grow them to good planting size. You can buy at four, five to ten cents trees which when grown to a size for final planting would cost you a dollar each. As you intend for other reasons to employ a gardener the business will be easily attended to. There is no inexpensive way in which you can prevent much of your land above the Falls from being too wet and boggy on the surface for the healthy growth of most trees but at small cost it can in a few years be covered with beautiful masses of willow foliage. The unsightly high, raw and sliding bank beneath the-5- 15th August, 1887. railroad, if you cannot afford a more radical treatment, might in a few years be covered by foliage of vines and creepers to be started in beds and pockets of prepared soil made near the base and brink of the bank. Rooted cuttings of the wild grape vine and of Virginia creeper, which are growing profusely nearby, can be prepared at trifling cost in any desirable quantity for the purpose by your gardener. A thousand dollars spent within the next ten months for seedling nursery stock and means to such willow and vine planting as has been suggested would greatly set forward and make frugal a much to be desired improvement, one result of which would be a larger income through greater attractiveness of the road and walk on your bridges. In making rustic railings as you propose for the bridges and paths of the Island I should think it better to attempt not the slightest "fancy work." Any variety of character in the railings will better grow out of a necessary adaptation in the form and arrangement of their parts to suit variations that may be found in the materials used and to special local suggestions and requirements. As a general rule that which as an engineer you would prescribe having regard simply to strength, endurance and utility, would give the best results from a high landscape gardening point of view. It is only in situations where there is no special natural interest to be considered that a decorative purpose should govern in the design of such constructions. It appears to me that where you have further occasion to paint bridges and railways, a somewhat darker tiny than that you are using may make them less conspicuous. It would be well to experiment a little upon the point. Regard must be had to the fading of the paint. Very respectfully yours, Fredk Law Olmsted. Col. C. S. Gzowski.[*IV Niagara*] [*no dupl. found TK -*] 22nd September, 1887. Dear Mr. Vaux: Father left early yesterday morning for the North on business after hearing on Sunday morning of the postponement of the Niagara meeting. He worried a good deal over the opening of the report and was rather "cut up" about the postponement of the meeting. Being all primed and cocked he naturally wanted to fire. Then, too, he had been working every night and getting but little sleep saying to himself that it would be all over on Tuesday and thinking that he could stand it till then. He can't take writing easily. He must worry over it till the moment when it is delivered and he can alter no more. It would be useless to re-typewrite the report until the last possible moment, except as an aid to him in getting a fresh view of it -- just as an architect alters details at each successive drawing -- seeing them in a fresh light when newly or differently rendered. To put his writing in type helps him to realize how it will strike the reader. He is trying now to meet your objections, many of which he realizes are sound. He says that some of your comments show that he has failed to convey his ideas understandingly. He realizes that his presentation is not as clear and striking and convincing as it should be and is trying to improve it. Still he is convinced that his ideas are sound. Sincerely yours, J. C. Olmsted. [*3330 Niagara*] [*Copy for F. L. O.*] [*Vaux*] Bible House NY. Dec. 24th. 1887 Hon Mr. Dorsheimer, President of Commission for the Improvement of the Niagara Reservation Dear Sir, On the 6th day of November 1886, we were appointed Landscape Architects to your Commission and were subsequently instructed to prepare a general Plan for the Improvement of the Niagara Reservation . This plan with accompanying Report having been submitted on March 1t 1887 and afterwards approved by your Board , we are desirous at this time of advising with you in regard to the presentation of a bill for services in connection with same No compensation was fixed for the special service required but , - as we were furnished with a copy of an antecedent resolution not fully acted on , which mentioned the sum of $2000 . - we make out the account for that amount adding outlays for travelling expenses Please let us know at your convenience of the account , in this form is in accordance with your views Yours faithfully Calvert Vaux for FLO and C.V. The Commissioner for the Improvement of The Niagara Reservation to F L Olmsted and C. Vaux Landscape Architects 1887 Dec. 24th, Prepared General Plan for the Improvement of the Niagara Reservation in accordance with your instructions $2000.00 travelling expenses - 320.00 $2320.00 CENTURY CLUB. 109 EAST 15TH STREET Stays at [SJ.T?] home is beginning to be [?] to have discussed this library matter with you when in NY. April 18th [*(Niagara)*] [*1887(?)*] Dear Olmsted, I have yours of the 16th . I send you Welch' letter which I wanted to show you - My view of the situation independently of the question of time of payment , is that the appointment is continuous in its terms , I should and shall aim to Translate it into what I believe is our joint desire$1000 and is looking for a change - - A H G was instrumental in getting D the situation and D feels indebted to him - I mention this - in passing - nothing may come of it. As to O & V. I do not see what lion there is in the path if we are of one mind as to what we (or D) expect to do at the next meeting of Comm - I have not seen A. H. G. lately He is a Tilden Exor one of three : I had calculated on receipt of thirtyfive & is certainty the logical sequence - "an instruction to proceed with working details and superintendence at an annual compensation of ? I should then wish to be represented in the work by some inspecting Engineer I could depend on and should probably recommend to you, Downing's Engagement at about $5.00 a day or $1500. a year - He has been Engaged in Croton Aqueduct for three years now at - abouthundred overdue office on Tildens house work some year since - Exin have a legal year to close outstanding a/c but, G promised settle in Feb & the money would have been paid in full instead of $500. on a/c if some objection had not been made by New Exor 2 or 3 - I mention this only in connection with your thoughtful offer to make an advance - which I will gladly accept to the extent of $300. any time between this & first of May My forecast in regard to liberal on recognized by Exors - I should