Annual report of West Chicago Park ... - Chicago Cop.com

TWENTy-THIRD ANNUAL REPORT
-OF THE-
WEST CHICAGO
PARK COMMISSIONERS
- FOR THE-
YEAR ENDING FEBRUARY 29. 1092.
.. .
CmCAGO:

.....
STANDING COMMITTEES.
1891-92.
FINANCE.
HA R VEY L. THOMPSON. JOHN KRALOVEC.
HERMAN WEINHARDT.
JUDICIARY.
FRED. M. BLOUNT. J. L. FULTON.
HERMAN WEINHARDT.
IMPROVEMENT.
GEORGE MASON. C. K. G. BILLINGS.
JOHN KRALOVEC.
SUBDIVISIONS.
c. K. G. BILLINGS. GEORGE MASON.
J. L. FULTON.
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presibent's Report.
CHICAGO, March 8th, 1892.
To THE HONORABLE THE WEST CHICAGO PARK COMMISSIONERS:
Gentlemen :-1 have the honor to lay before you my annual
report as President of your Board for the year ending February
29th, 1892.
Since our last· annual meeting, one of the members who then
sat with you in the deliberations of your Board has closed his
earthly career. The Hon. Willard Woodard departed this life on
Thursday, March 19th, 1891. He had been a member of the
Board of West Chicago Park Commissioners for nearly twelve
years, and during all of that time he had given to the interests of
the West Chicago Park System his untiring energy and exceptional
abilities. His work as a Park Commissioner was crowned with
honorable achievements, and the progress made in the improvement
and management of the West Chicago Park system has been
largely due to his earnest and sincere integrity of purpose as well
as to his far sighted wisdom in the management of public affairs.
I know you will all join with me in adding a tribute of respect
to his memory, and in testifying your heartfelt appreciation of his
high character as a man and his great usefulness as a public
servant.
The annual reports of the Secretary and of the Engineers
of your Board are transmitted herewith. These reports in detail
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6 REPORT OF THE WEST CHICAGO
will give you a comprehensive statement of the work done and
the progress made in the improvement and management of the
parks during the past year. They contain also an itemized
account of all the moneys received from every source, and of the
amounts paid out, in detail, for every purpose, including the
amounts expended for the improvement and maintenance of the
parks and boulevards under your control. A careful perusal of
these reports cannot fail to merit the full measure of your appreciation
for the faithful and painstaking labors performed by your
Secretary and Engineers. Great credit is due to the Engineers
and Superintendents of the several parks and boulevards for the
careful and economic manner in which they have discharged their
respective duties, and I cheerfully add the acknowledgement of my
personal obligations for their courtesies as well as for their faithful
attention to their several duties.
The members of your Improvement Committee have rendered
such efficient and intelligent service in the management of the work
assigned to that committee, as to entitle them also to the sincere
commendation, not only of your Board, but of the public as well.
I regard it both a duty and a pleasure to call your attention
to the public spirit of the people of West Chicago, which took
form during the early winter of 1891, and resulted in the passage
by the General Assembly of this state, of an Act approved by his
Excellency, Gov. Joseph W. Fifer, on the 12th day of June, 1891,
authorizing the corporate authorities of the town of West Chicago
to issue bonds for the purpose of improving and completing the
parks and boulevards now held, controlled and maintained by
the West Chicago Park Commissioners, excepting therefrom, however,
all boulevards acquired from pre-existing streets. In compliance
with the provisions of this Act, such proper action was
taken on June 30, 1891, by the corporate authorities of the town
of West Chicago, as was necessary to place in the hands of your
Board bonds of the town of West Chicago aggregating the total
sum of one million dollars, to be applied in improvements of the
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PARK COMMISSIONERS. 7
original Park and Boulevard System as specified in such Act of
the General Assembly. These bonds are payable within a period
of twenty years from the first day of July, 1891, with semi-annual
interest thereon at the rate of five per cent. per annum. In order
to secure the payment of the interest on those bonds as it becomes
due from time to time, and also to pay and discharge the principal
thereof, according to the provisions of said Act, as the same shall
mature, the corporate authorities of the town of West Chicago
in strict compliance with their legal duties under the constitution
and laws of the State of Illinois, have provided for the levy and
collection of an annual tax of one and one-half mills on the
dollar on all of the taxable property of the town of West Chicago.
The bonds so issued and delivered by the town authorities of the
town of West Chicago to the West Chicago Park Commissioners
are of the denomination of one thousand dollars each. Of the
total amount of those bonds, five hundred have already been sold
and the remaining five hundred are now in the custody of the
Treasurer subject to the order of your Board. The first lot of two
hundred and fifty of such bonds were sold at par and accrued
interest; and the remaining two hundred and fifty were sold at a
premium of two and one half per cent. and accrued interest in addition
to the premium. The amount received by the Park .Board
applicable to general park purposes during the past year was but
one hundred ninety-four thousand six hundred and twenty-six
dollars and eighty-three cents. Of this amount one hundred and
fifty-seven thousand eight hundred and thirty-four dollars and fiftyone
cents were expended in the maintenance of our present park
system, leaving the sum of thirty-six thousand seven hundred and
ninety-two dollars, thirty-two cents for expenditure upon new
improvements. The extension of improvements upon the park
system necessarilly increases the amount necessary for the purpose
of maintenance, and without the timely provision of the one million
dollars obtained through the legislation above referred to, it would
have been many years before the system of parks under your
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8 REPORT 0.' THE WEST CHICAGO
control could have been completed. The burden to the tax-payer
occasioned by the issue of the one million dollar bonds will be
imperceptible when the beneficient results of a complete park system
are considered and appreciated. These bonds came to the aid of
the West Chicago Park Commissioners in a most opportune time,
and will enable your Board to place its parks and pleasure-ways in
most attractive condition at all times, and especially for the delight
and enjoyment of the millions who will be our guests during the
World's Columbian Exposition. To our public spirited citizens
who contrived and brought about this worthy measure, I, not only
for myself, but also on behalf of our Board, feel \lound to express
the gratitude due to generous enterprise in behalf of public
improvements, and to assure the tax payers of the West Division
that every cent of this special fund shall be judiciously expended
in the improvement and adornment of our park and boulevard
system, and for no other purpose. Before another year is past, it is
hoped that the long delayed wish, to see the West Chicago Parks
practically completed, will be consummated. As an evidence that
your Board has not been unmindful of its duties, contracts have
already been awarded for all the material necessary in the construction
of the boulevards and for the completion of the unimproved
portions of Douglas, Garfield and Humboldt Parks, and for such
additional buildings as have been deemed necessary. Work under
such contracts will be pushed forward as quickly as the weather
will permit. During the past year, we have expended forty-seven
thousand seven hundred and seventy-four dollars, seventy-three
cents for improvements from the general fund; eighty-eight thousand
and ninety-eight dollars and ninety-five cents from the special
improvement fund of one million dollars; and three hundred and
ninety-six thousand, six hundred dollars and nine cents, from
special assessments levied on contiguous property for the improvement
of boulevards.
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PARK CO:\lltIiSSIONERS. 9
.DOUGLAS PARK.
Contracts have been awarded for the construction of a new
green-house, including rose-house. propagating house and also for
toilet room and new stable. These improvements will be entirely
finished and ready for occupancy in sixty days. Plans for retiringrooms,
toilet-rooms, music-pavilion together with plans for altp.rations
and additions to the refectory building have been adopted,
contracts let and the work thereon is now well under way. Contracts
have also been let for the further excavating and grading
required in that portion of Douglas Park lying south of Ogden
avenue, and the work necessary will be carried forward with as
much expedition as practicable.
GAkFIJo:LD PARK.
That part of Garfield Park lying north of Lake street has been
completed and will be open to the public during the coming
summer. The contracts for the excavating, grading and filling
required on that unimprov.ed portion of Garfield Park lying south
of Madison street has also been let. and when the work under those
contracts shall have been completed, that portion of Garfield Park
will present the most attractive grounds for parades, ball, cricket,
bicycles and other innocent and healthful amusement to be found
anywhere in America. The erection of a large museum building
overlooking these grounds is contemplated in the near future.
Contracts have been awarded for the construction of granolithic
walks on both sides of l\Iadison and Lake streets; and on the west
side of Homan avenue,adjoining Garfield Park. An addition to the
conservatory for the propagation of orchids and other delicate
plants in Garfield Park is now being built and will be finished with·
in a short peri )c.
HCMBvLDT P.-\RK.
The work of excavating the new lake and of grading the unim­
proved portion of Humboldt Park has pr03ressed very favorably
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10 REPORT OF THE WEST CHICAGO
during the past year and its early completion is assured. Plans for
a new park pavilion in that park have been prepared and its
construction will be completed during the coming summer. An
addition to the conservatory for the propagation of roses is now in
the course of erection and will be speedily finished.
WICKER PARK.
Wicker Park has been ;ntirely reconstructed. The old lake bas
been filled up and the additional space utilized for lawns. Plans for
a combination cottage consisting of a toilet-room, tool-house and
police station, have been adopted and win be built as soon as
practicable. A granolithic walk has been constructed on Robey,
Park and Fowler Streets.
JEFFERSON PARK.
In Jefferson Park bridges and all the walks have been rebuilt
during the past year and are now in good, serviceable condition.
UNION AND VERSON PARKS.
These parks have been properly maintained and are now in
excellent condition.
JACKSON BOULEVARD.
The improvement of Jackson Boulevard is almost complete.
Over three and one·half miles of roadway have been paved with
asphaltum; stone curbing has been set, granolithic sidewalks laid
and elm trees planted. All the work upon this boulevard has been
done in the most creditable and satisfactory manner. It has transformed
the street into a delightful drive and pleasure-way, and bas
materially increased the value of abutting property.
WEST TWELFTH STREET AND OGDEN AVENUE BOULEVARD.
The work of improving this boulevarrl from Western Avenue to
Douglas Park has been substantially completed and the beautiful

PARK COMMISSIONERS. 13
processes are weJl under way for the establishment of the record by
which the original park and boulevards were acquired in 18iO.
The fire of Iflil destroyed all record of the steps and legal proceedings
by which the title to the West Chicago Parks and Boulevards
was acquired, and it was found necessary to restore that record in
order that the rights vested in the West Chicago Park Commissioners
might be enforced and the full object of the park system
secured to the public. It is believed that the final decree in that
matter will be duly entered within the next thirty days.
SPECIAL MENTION.
It is with great pleasure that I call your attention to the munificent
gift of :\Ir. F. J. Dewes, one of our most public spirited and large
hearted fellow citizens. Mr. Dewes has presented to your Board a
splendid bronze monument of Alexander von Humboldt, which is
soon to be placed in a conspicuous position in Humboldt Park.
The thanks of the public, as weJl as of your Board, are due to Mr.
Dewes for this most graceful contribution to the delight and pleasure
of the people who will frequent more and more that beautiful park.
The example of Mr. Dewes is most earnestly commended to the
many other wealthy and public spirited citizens of the West
division.
To you, gentlemen of the Board, for your uniform kindness,
courtesy and co-operation manifested under all circumstances and
at all times to me as your President during the past year, and to
the Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Engineers, I beg to
acknowledge my sincere gratitude, and to express a hearty wilh for
your welfare in all the relationl of life.
Respectfully submitted,
HARVEY L. THOMPSON,
Presuunt.
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From boat hire. . ............ .
l'rom rent of refectories .. .
From rent of steam roller ....... .
From permit fees, etc ..
I'rom pony service ...
Fr()m sale of old barrels ....... .
From sale of old stone.
SECRETARY'S ITEMIZED ACCOUNT 01- MISCELLANEOUS RECEIPTS.
DoUGLAS
PANK.
GARFI&1.D
PAaK.
HUMnOLUT
PANK.
AsHLAND WASHINGTON. JACKSON
ROULaVARD. BoULEVARD. DOULHVAIC.D.
S'fADU!.
-------------._-----1-----1--·---
$4.860 50 $5,318 15 $3.619 90 .......... .
91000 1,00000 76315
317 75 ........... .
............ ............ ............ $158 00 $55 16 $23 30 ........... .
10000 ......................................................... .
I
!oj 25 ..................................................................... .
300 ........................................................ .
From sale of old horse, etc ....... 1....... ..... . ........ ... ...... .... ............ ............ ... ......... $93 43
From certified copies of ordinances. ............ .... ....... . . . .. . . . . . .. . .............................................. .
OFFlca.
$10 00
---------1-----------1--- 1-----------
Total ....... .........•• $5.778 75 $6.738 90 $4,383 05 $158 00 $55 16 $2330 $9343 $1000
Total. ......•.••............................................................... $17,24059

SPECIAL IMPROVEMENT FUND.
RECEIPTS.
From Sdle of $500,OOtl 00 bonds......... .. ...... . ....••.......••.... , ...... .
Accrued interest and premium. . . . . .. ..... . ...................................... .
Total .....•.....
EXPENDITU RES.
General «'und account bias payable for improvements 1890 (Loan) .................. .
General '''und, for Improvements It:l91 ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • •• • . . . . .. . . . . .. ..
(;cncral Fund, (Loan) ........... ., .••..•...•..........•........... . . •. . ... .
New fo'ive Per Cent. Sinking Fund 1891, for six months' interest on $500,000 00
bonds (Loan) ........•••......•.................•..........•........•. '"
Account Douglas Park Improvements ...••..••...•...•................•..............
Account Garfield Park Improvements ...................•.••........................
Account Humboldt Park Improvements .... ..•..... ........................... ••
Account Union Park Improvements ............. ......••................. .., .... .
Account Jeflen;on Park Improvements .................................•.......•..••
Account Wicker l)ark Improvements .................••...........................••.
Account Central Boulevard ......................••.................................
Account Humholdt Houlevf.rd ..•......••. , ., ........................... . .......... .
Accouut Labor ...........................................................••..••..
Account Advertising, Printing and Stationery .......•...•. . ..................... : ..
Account Engineers' Supplies ...................................................•...
Total ....................•...
Balance on hand February 29th, 1892 . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ........ . ................... .
$5(10,0110 00
12.·J32 14
$60,00000
8,8:13 8t1
:lU,t!OO 00
15,124 38
11,812 !l2
13,tl66 tl6
1 ti3 00
3,45005
6,232 tl5
5,011 82
7,12505
2:1,637 :it)
1,559 117
1-1 a5
98,t:l3:i 89
12,5(lU o()
8S,OH8 HfJ
$1 UlJ,43:! 84
:H2,!J9lJ.30
$512,432 14

l
JACKSON BOULEVARD ASSESSMENT.
RECEIJYfS.
Deposited by Special Collector Q. J. Chou .............................................................................. $90,000 00
EXPENDITURES. (Cash.)
For account Asphaltum Paving ..... : .......... , ................................... .
Fqr account Stone Curbing ................................................ ' ....... .
Jo'or account Catch· Basins " ......................................................... .
For account Paving Repairs around Catch· Basins ................................... ..
For account Granolithic \Valk ..................................................... .
For account Labor ................................................................ .
For account Houlevard Lamp Posts ................................................. .
For account Street Washers ........................................................ .
For account Earth·filling ..... " .... " .... " .... " .......... " .......... " .......... .
Fur account Plumbing and Sewer Repairs .......................................... .
For account Advertising, Printing and Stationery ................................... .
For account Surveying and Engineers' Supplies ..................................... .
For account Hardware ............................................................ .
For account Special Assessment Warrant, No.1 .................................... .
For account Special Assessment Warrant, No.2 .................................... .
For account Assessor's Services ...... " .... " .... " .... " .... " .......... " .... " .. .
Balance on hand February 29th, 1892 ........................................... ..
Total. ....... ' ......................................................... .
$13,33603
19,13203
9,86043
1,58600
4,67868
13,22940
4,39040
1,84800
1,044 85
4404
41265
26478
647
1,43479
1,501 48
25000 $73,02003
16,97997
$90,000 00
=

HUMBOLDT BOULEVARD ASSESSMENT.
FIRST DIVISION. - "'ROM NORTH AVENl!K TO LOGAN S'll'ARE
RECEJPTS.
From Frllnk S. Amick, Special Collector.. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . .. $18,10161 1M
SECOND PIVISION .-FROM LOGAN SQUARE TO WESTERN AVENU.:.)
"'rolll Jorank S. Amick, Special Collector................................................. ........... 12,222 74
Total .. .......................................... '0 •••••• " • • •• •• •• • • •• • • •• • • •• • • •• • •• ------
mS8URSEMENTS. (CASH.)
FIRST DIVISIJ)N.
For stone curbing ..... " .••............... " .............................. " ...... .
For labor .........•........... " .................................................. .
For legal services and costs ......................................................... .
.... or Assessor's services. .. .. . . .. .. .. .. .. . . .. . .... . .. . . .. . . .. . .. .. .................. .
.... or earth filling ................................................................... .
.... or advertising, printing and postage ................................................ .
For interest on special assessment warrants ........................................... .
J'or commissions on collections ...................................................... .
SECOND DIVISION.
For stone curbing ................................................................. .
For legal services .................................. " .................. " .......... .
For Assessor's services ............................................................ .
For commissions on collections. . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . . .. . .. . ..... .
For labor ......................................................................... .
For advertising, printing and postage ................................................ .
Total disbursements ....... " .......................................... .
By balance on hand February 29th 1892 ........................................... .
$14,O:i4 :n
2,042 14
2.50600
\100 00
93 \16
67 03
l:n 87
f18 46 $lU,S93 84
5.085 66
2,171 00
SaO 00
11846
;;!IH 79
67 02 S,tml 93
$2M,7H577
2,298 15
$31,083 92
$31,08392

PARK COMMISSIONERS. 43
TABLE SHOWING NET PROCEEDS OF "BOULEVARD
AND PARK TAX." FIVE PER CENT. SINKING FUND.
(One·half Mill Taz.)
See Laws of Illinois, 1879, pages 21:1-215. Law of May 31, 1879.
WARRANT. Collected iD Net Proceeds.
Tax WarraDt 1879 ...... . 18S0 820.48916
1880 ........................... . 1881 20.13279
18IH ............. . 1882 20,64344
1882 .......................................... .. 1883 20.86964
1883 .. 1884 20.1106 80
18!!4 ................. . 1883 21.23800
1886 .......................................... .. 1886 21,907 54
1886 ......................................... . 1887 24.47371
1887 .......................................... . 1888 24.460111
1888 .......................................... .. 1889 24.15691
1889 .......................................... .. 1890 23.81421
1890 .......................................... . 1891 26,60232
All of which is respectfully !lubmitted.
Total....... ,276.596 80
CUTHBERT McARTHUR,
Secretary.
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REPORT OF THE WEST CHICAGO
NOTE.
A contribution of 1750.00 for Park Concerts was received
from the West Chicago Street Railroad Company, and by direc­
tion of said Company paid over to the Second Regiment Band
(John Edwards, Manager), and for which receipts are on file in
this office.
CUTHBERT McARTHUR,
$er,tla,y.
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REPORT Of" THE WEST CHICAGO
All of which is respectfully submitted.
GEORGE MASON, -
J. L. FULTON,
HERMAN WEINHARDT,
HARVEY L. THOMPSON,
FRED. M. BLOUNT,
C. K. G. BILLINGS,
JOHN KRALOVEC,
Attest:
- )
Wtsl Ch;raKo
Park Commiss;(mns.
CUTHBERT McARTHUR,
Surttary.
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