178 FIRST COUNTY PARK SYSTEM 
In the discussions, however, favoring the reverse policy, 
the parkway subject was occasionally mentioned ; but it was 
not until the summer of 1896, after the commission had 
been in existence more than a year, that the question came 
up officially and directly before the board. At the meet- 
ing, June 4, Commissioner Shepard brought up the East 
Orange boulevard, or parkway project. A delegation from 
East Orange had appeared on December 19 previous, and 
urged that a local park or “speedway” be laid out within 
the limits of that city. No action was then taken. 
August 25, 1896, I wrote Commissioner Peck that, com- 
pared with the natural reservations of the (Massachusetts) 
Metropolitan Park system, “We have still greater oppor- 
tunities in Essex. A crest boulevard or parkway, as origi- 
nally suggested by Mr. Haskell, with the mountain acquire- 
ments already outlined, will give a feature of mountain 
park attractions not excelled, if equaled, in any other large 
parkway system so accessible to a great center of 
population.” 
On October 19 Commissioner Meeker introduced the 
resolution which the parkway-avenue controversy has since 
made historic. All the commissioners not being present, 
the resolution was entered upon the minutes for future ac- 
tion. On November 12 following, at a meeting held at 
Commissioner Murphy’s residence, the resolution was sec- 
onded by Mr. Shepard, and was then, by unanimous vote, 
passed. It was as follows: 
“Whereas, It appears to the Park Commission to be de- 
sirable that the avenues hereinafter named should be under 
the control of the commission as part of the system of parks 
and parkways, 
“Resolved, That the counsel be directed to obtain, if pos- 
sible, from the Board of Chosen Freeholders of the county 
of Essex a transfer of the care, custody and control of 
the avenues as hereinafter designated, to the Essex County 
Park Commission; as also from the other municipal cor- 
porations in the county a transfer of the same, so far as 
may be necessary, under the statute. The avenues now de- 
