140 FIRST COTJXTY PARK SYSTEM 



be a fair price for Mr. Eeynolds' holdings there in the tri- 

 angle — one which the commission wonld be justified in pay- 

 ing him b}' purchase x\fter a moment's reflection^ he 

 replied, "Twent}' thousand dollars." 



'^^Gentlemen/ T said, "will 3^ou entrust me to negotiate 

 with Mr. Eeynolds before the council meeting to-night, and 

 close with him for his land at the limit which Mr. Shepard 

 has stated he thinks a fair price 



AVe were all tired and anxious to get away. I think no 

 one believed, and I was myself in grave doubt, as to whether 

 any practical result would materialize, from the proposition 

 which I had made for the purchase. I have always under- 

 stood that a like impression was in the minds of the other 

 commissioners. But this resolution went through : "'^Moved, 

 that the counsel and Mr. Kelsey be authorized to offer Mr. 

 EejTLolds not to exceed $20,000 for such of his property 

 as the commission desires, and if he (Eeynolds) signs an 

 option to that eifect they are authorized to state to the 

 Common Council of Orange that the park commission ex- 

 pects to locate a park in the triangle bounded by Central 

 avenue. Center and Harrison streets, Orange." 



It was then nearly 7 o'clock. The council was to meet 

 at 8 o'clock. Mr. Shepard conveyed the word to Mr. Ee}^- 

 nolds to meet me at the council chamber at 7 :45 o'clock. 

 Before that hour I was in a coupe by the entrance there. 

 Mr. Eejmolds soon came along and stepped into the carriage 

 as requested. I cannot now recall all of the conversation. 

 It is not important here. 



PURCHASE OF LAJJD. 



We were in the carriage together perhaps a half hour. 

 We then entered the council chamber together. The meet- 

 ing was in session. F. H. Scott and others of the friends 

 of the parks were anxiously waiting. 



"Mr. Scott," I said, "I have just closed the purchase on 

 behalf of the Park Commission of all Mr. Eeynolds' land 

 in the triangle for $17,500 and you may announce to the 

 council that there is to be a triangle park." 



