WEST ROXBURY PARK. 



Sometime during the spring of 1873 the question of 

 establishing a system of Pubhc Parks for the city of 

 Boston was first suggested and brought before the 

 citizens, who heartily and earnestly approved the project. 



It was felt that a large enterprising city like Boston, 

 the metropolis of ISTew England, possessing ample 

 wealth and enjoying such a wide-spread reputation at 

 home and abroad for refinement and culture, should 

 not fall behind other noted cities of the world in provid- 

 ing for its citizens broad fields and acres for a public 

 domain, where our own citizens and strangers alike 

 coidd meet together with freedom, on common ground, 

 to breathe the pure air of heaven; to bask in the health- 

 giving sunshine of the country; to enjoy its sjdvan 

 shade, its rustic scenery, and the pleasure of friendly 

 meetings and friendly greetings. 



The city government, after a long delay interspersed 

 with hostile conflicts and hard fought battles, finally 

 concluded to follow the example of other thrifty cities, 

 and commence a series of public parks, to be estab- 

 lished in different parts of the city, in order to accom- 

 modate, and at the same time to satisfy the tax payers 

 and tax grumblers in the various sections. 



Thus was inaugurated an enterprise worthy the high 

 standard Boston occupies as one of the leading com- 

 mercial cities in this country. 



