PREFACE
In some important particulars connected with its origin
and history, Tower Grove Park is different from the other
pleasure grounds of the City of St. Louis. It originated
from a donation of private property for park uses, was placed
from its inception under special control by an act of the
State Legislature, and its improvement was conducted under
the personal supervision of the donor of the lands embraced
within its limits. It may also be stated, that it was the
first driving park opened to the use of the public, and
that the plan and character of the improvements are dissimilar,
in some respects, from those adopted in connection
with the other large parks.
In view of these facts, and that the cost
of the improvement was defrayed by public funds, it seemed
desirable that a review of the history and improvement of
the park should be presented to the citizens of St. Louis
in a compact and convenient form, not only for the purpose
of conveying information, but in the hope of deepening public
interest in this and the other pleasure grounds which contribute
so largely to the ornamentation of the city, the recreation
of its citizens and the advancement of taste.
This volume owes its publication to these
considerations. It is not in the form of an official report,
because it contains some matter not properly embraced in a
formal document of that kind, but the aim has been to supply
complete information respecting the park, in a more attractive
form that that of a mere statement of details, embracing also
suggestions intended to illustrate the purpose and spirit
of the enterprise.
The Commissioners trust the publication will
meet the approval of the public, regretting that the edition
could not be extended so as to admit of general gratuitous
distribution.
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