autumn haze by Chris Maple

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Description The memorial plaque claims that Elm Park was the first public park in the United States (1854). Unfortunately, this is not altogether accurate, both Hartford (Bushnell Park) and New York City bought land for parks earlier in the same year. President Lincoln created the three ponds at Elm and stocked them with specimen water fowl. Peking ducks, Toulese geese, great blue herons, swans and other water birds were most commonly seen during this time.Elm Park was a favorite place for carnivals, circuses, and other traveling menageries, which Lincoln tolerated with thinly disguised derision. Once a P.T. Barnum caravan left a dead Anaconda behind.Lincoln believed that ice skating was especially healthful exercise, and he installed jets of water to flush the ice in the winter.He once challenged the police department for the constant nuisance of dogs (police licensed dogs then). 'Flowers and plants', he insisted, 'are not planted for a target, nor that each stray can, in rapid succession, may apply a blistering lotion.' He advocated a leash law and got one in 1889. The dogs too were a threat to the sheep employed as grass-cutters in the parks.

Chris Maple, los angeles
Member Since February 2008
Artist Statement