Volume of Park Board Commissioners proceedings for the year January 1-December 31, 1883. This volume is a typewritten transcript, prepared under the Federal Works Progress Administration, of the handwritten meeting minutes of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners. The Proceedings for 1883 include the details of the first meeting of the Board of Park Commissioners on March 14 and subsequent monthly meetings, the appointment of commissioners, and of the decisions to purchase the first lands to be designated as public parks and parkways in the city of Minneapolis. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
The twelfth annual report of the Park Commissioners for the city of Minneapolis includes details about maintenance, improvements, and expenditures related to the parks and parkways in 1894. The Superintendent's report highlights winter sports in the parks and the park's fleet of boats on Lake Harriet. When the Minnesota legislature created the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners in 1883, it required the board to produce an annual report. These reports, which came to be highly prized by libraries and park advocates across the country, provide a vivid and detailed account of the development of one of the world's leading urban park systems. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
This plan, written by Horace Cleveland, "landscape gardener," was a foundational document for the Minneapolis park system and was distributed with the first annual report of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
Table tennis and playground on the beach at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
When the Minnesota legislature created the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners in 1883, it required the board to produce an annual report. These reports, which came to be highly prized by libraries and park advocates across the country, provide a vivid and detailed account of the development of one of the world's leading urban park systems. This, the first such report, outlines the organization of the Board, describes the state of the nascent park system, and includes a map of a Minneapolis park system as recommended by Prof. H.W.S. Cleveland, showing parkways along the Mississippi River and arounds Lakes Harriet and Calhoun. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
Volume of Park Board Commissioners proceedings for the year 1885. This volume is a typewritten transcript, prepared under the Federal Works Progress Administration, of the handwritten meeting minutes of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners. Among much other content, the Proceedings for 1885 document setbacks the Board encountered in acquiring land for East River Boulevard and Powderhorn Park due to excessive expenses from landowner appraisals and negotiations with landowners in other areas where parks were being planned. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
The second annual report of the Park Commissioners for the city of Minneapolis contains the text of the legislative ace "providing for the designation , acquisition, laying out and improvement of lands in the city of Minneapolis for a system of public parks and park ways, and for the care and government thereof." When the Minnesota legislature created the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners in 1883, it required the board to produce an annual report. These reports, which came to be highly prized by libraries and park advocates across the country, provide a vivid and detailed account of the development of one of the world�s leading urban park systems.
This report of the Board of Public Works consists of tables and charts describing work done in 1885, including street paving, cleaning, and maintenance, and development of sewers, sidewalks, bridges, parks and boulevards. Financial statements, a narrative report of the city engineer, and maps of city streets and sewers are also included.
Volume of Park Board Commissioners proceedings for the year 1886. This volume is a typewritten transcript, prepared under the Federal Works Progress Administration, of the handwritten meeting minutes of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners. Among many other activities, the Park Board paid for and planted trees throughout the city. Payments approved on May 15 included $2936.45 for trees and shrubs. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
The third annual report of the Park Commissioners for the city of Minneapolis describes the ten parks and parkways under its care. Included in this report is an argument for public attention to the planting of trees throughout the city, and the commitment of the Board to planting trees in the parks and boulevards under its control, along with data on the numbers and varieties planted. When the Minnesota legislature created the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners in 1883, it required the board to produce an annual report. These reports, which came to be highly prized by libraries and park advocates across the country, provide a vivid and detailed account of the development of one of the world's leading urban park systems. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
Volume of Park Board Commissioners proceedings for the year 1887. This volume is a typewritten transcript, prepared under the Federal Works Progress Administration, of the handwritten meeting minutes of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners. The Board changed Secretaries in this year, which prompted a review by the Committee on Finance with recommendations regarding bookkeeping, payroll, inventories and reporting. The proceedings of June 25 contain a resolution justifying and creating the post of Chief of Park Police, who would also serve as accountant and time keeper for the Superintendent of Parks. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
One highlight of the fourth annual report of the Park Commissioners for the city of Minneapolis is a letter from renowned landscape architect and designer of New York City's Central Park, Frederick Law Olmsted, touching on the duties of park commissioners, the impact of changing ways of doing business on the layout of streets and the structure of cities, and reflections on the purpose, design and planning of parks and parkways. When the Minnesota legislature created the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners in 1883, it required the board to produce an annual report. These reports, which came to be highly prized by libraries and park advocates across the country, provide a vivid and detailed account of the development of one of the world's leading urban park systems. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
Volume of Park Board Commissioners proceedings for the year 1888. This volume is a typewritten transcript, prepared under the Federal Works Progress Administration, of the handwritten meeting minutes of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners. The proceedings of the April 14 meeting include the approval of revised rules for the Board, covering everything from instructions for Board meetings and reports, duties of the officers, duties and procedures for the standing committees, and guidelines for employees such as the Superintendent of Parks. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
This first report of the Board of Park Commissioners for the year beginning March 1, 1887, and ending February 29, 1888, consists of a brief narrative describing the process of establishing the Park Board, election of officers, improvements made to Como Park using workhouse inmates, bonds authorized to establish a park fund, orders given to Public Works designating West St. Paul Park, Indian Mound Park, Carpenter Park, and Hiawatha Park, and a survey of the Mississippi River boulevard. A list of expenditures is included.
Volume of Park Board Commissioners proceedings for the year 1889. This volume is a typewritten transcript, prepared under the Federal Works Progress Administration, of the handwritten meeting minutes of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners. Proceedings from this year reveal increased activity around facilities, amenities and activities in parks such as the purchase of pleasure boats and water swans for Central Park (now known as Loring Park) Lake, or the granting of privileges to sell refreshments at Minnehaha Falls. The June 29 business included amendments to “An Ordinance to secure the quiet, orderly and suitable use and enjoyment of the parks and parkways of the City of Minneapolis by the people” which contained notice that “No cattle, horses, mules, swine, sheep, goats, dogs or fowls shall be turned into or allowed to run at large in or upon any park or parkway.” This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
The second annual report by the Board of Park Commissioners, for the year March 1, 1888, to February 28, 1889, includes lists of board officers, park commissioners, expenditures, lands acquired for public parks, rules and regulations of public parks, and laws relating to parks. This report also contains a reprint of the first annual report, a detailed listing of the flora of Como Park, a map of Como Park and Lake, and the transcripts of two addresses regarding vacant squares and Mississippi River Park delivered by H.W.S. Cleveland.
Volume of Park Board Commissioners proceedings for the year 1890. This volume is a typewritten transcript, prepared under the Federal Works Progress Administration, of the handwritten meeting minutes of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners. Some important elements from this years’ Proceedings include ordinances spelling out what was considered “quiet, orderly and suitable use of the Parks and Parkways of the City of Minneapolis by the people” (an example: “No person shall ride, propel or drive any velocipede, bicycle or other vehicle propelled by the feet or hands, or both, of the rider or person carried thereon in any park.”). On August 5 an ordinance was passed authorizing the Minneapolis Street Railway Company to construct and operate an electric line along Hennepin Avenue. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
The third annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners for the year March 1, 1889, to February 28, 1890, consists of brief updates on the structure of the board itself, the assessment, survey, and development of public parks, the issuing of bonds, and a financial statement.
Volume of Park Board Commissioners proceedings for the year 1891. This volume is a typewritten transcript, prepared under the Federal Works Progress Administration, of the handwritten meeting minutes of the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners. Proceedings from this year include ongoing discussions about and efforts to acquire land along the East River Bank Parkway, for which $30,000 was set aside, and around Lake Harriet. The popularity of Minnehaha Park is evident through discussions of erecting guardrails and gravel paths in dangerous areas, approving a license to sell refreshments and photographs for $415, and actions to ban the erection of tents and curio stands within the park. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
This report of the Board of Park Commissioners, for the year ending March 31, 1891, describes board membership and officers, the progress on several parks, and expenditures. The report includes a report from the superintendent and an inventory.
The ninth annual report of the Park Commissioners for the city of Minneapolis includes the rules for the Board of Park Commissioners and descriptions of the acquisition of land to enlarge parks such as Powderhorn, Lake Harriet and Minnehaha Parkway. When the Minnesota legislature created the Minneapolis Board of Park Commissioners in 1883, it required the board to produce an annual report. These reports, which came to be highly prized by libraries and park advocates across the country, provide a vivid and detailed account of the development of one of the world's leading urban park systems. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
This report of the Board of Park Commissioners, for the year ending March 4, 1892, includes financial statements, a report of the superintendent on park updates, and an inventory of tools.
This report from the Board of Park Commissioners summarizes board activity for 1892, including financial statements, a report from the superintendent regarding work done on parks and boulevards, and a description of the parks labor force.
Annual report of the Park Commissioners for the city of Minneapolis. This report references "Lake Calhoun," a Minneapolis lake now known as Bde Maka Ska, the Dakota language for "White Earth Lake."
This report of the Board of Park Commissioners describes board membership and leadership during 1893, and includes reports from the secretary and superintendent along with financial statements.
This report from the Board of Park Commissioners consists of a brief narrative on the history of public parks in St. Paul, a description of the current park system, and plans for the future, along with eight photographs of Como Park, and maps of Como Park and the Lake Phalen area. Reports from the secretary and superintendent and financial statements are also included.
The fifth annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners describes membership and activities of the board during 1895, including improvements made to Como Park, developments to Phalen and Indian Mounds parks, parkway development, reports from the board superintendent and secretary, financial statements, and photographs of Irvine Park, Como Park, Carpenter Park, and Summit Park.
The sixth annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners consists of a narrative describing work done in 1896 to maintain and develop city parks and boulevards, with information on plantings, park police, and water works. The report includes charts outlining labor, expenditures, other financial statements, inventories of tools and buildings, and photographs of Como Park.
The seventh report of the St. Paul Board of Park Commissioners for the year ending March 1, 1898, contains park photographs, a list of board members, inventories, and financial and narrative reports from the president, superintendent, and secretary. This report includes updates on the development of various city parks and boulevards, including information on trees planted, bicycle paths, lighting, water features, boating, concerts, a railway station, and a skating rink.
The eighth annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners consists of narrative reports from the board president, superintendent, and secretary, describing improvements to and maintenance of parks in 1898, new rules adopted by the board, detailed monthly financial statements, and lists of plants and trees planted. This report includes a list of board membership from 1887 to 1898, and photographs of Como Park, Indian Mounds Park, Rice Park, and Lake Phalen.
The ninth annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners consists of narrative reports from the board president, superintendent, and secretary regarding park maintenance, plantings, recreational activities, and development during 1899. This report includes a complete list of park laws, detailed monthly financial statements, inventories, and photographs of Cozy Lake, winter sports, fountains, and Como park and lake.
The tenth annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners consists of narrative reports from the president, superintendent, and secretary describing improvements and maintenance to public parks, as well as plantings and park recreational activities during 1900. Monthly financial statements, inventories, and photographs of various park features, including Shadow Falls and elk in Como Zoo, are included.
The eleventh annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners describes extensions to parks and parkways with updates on various park services from the board president, superintendent, and secretary for the year 1901. These narrative reports include plans for the future as well as charts detailing monthly financial statements, and monthly records for improvements to and maintenance of each park, with photographs of Como Park, Lake Iris Park, Shadow Falls Park, a park office building, and cattle in Como Zoo.
The twelfth annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners consists of an address by the board president concerning the board's jurisdiction, along with narrative reports from the superintendent and secretary concerning park maintenance and activities during 1902, including a brief update on the developing zoological collection, plantings, inventories, and monthly financial statements, presented with photographs of Como Park, Indian Mounds Park, and an award given to the board by the Paris World's Exposition.
The thirteenth annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners contains an address from the board president detailing the history of several major parks, with proposals for future development, a report from the superintendent describing financial struggles that decreased productivity during 1903, and the board secretary's report. Inventories, details on plantings and grass cutting, blacksmith earnings, and monthly financial statements are included.
The fourteenth annual report of the Board of Park Commissioners consists of an address from the president describing efforts to improve funding to and increase the legal power of the parks department, the establishment of a Japanese tea garden in Como Park, the development of playgrounds, and other park needs and accomplishments during 1904, the superintendent's report with details on park maintenance and plantings, blacksmith earnings, park police, inventories, financial statements, playgrounds, and recommendations, and the secretary's report with updates on street lawns under board care, along with monthly financial statements. This report includes a memorial to recently deceased board member John Henry Allen, and photographs of Riverside Park, Shadow Falls Park, and a foot bridge in Como Park.
The fifteenth annual report from the Board of Park Commissioners contains a narrative describing the development of parks, parkways, and recreational activities during 1905. The report includes monthly financial statements, inventories, and information on plantings, park maintenance, playgrounds, and the new Como Park pavilion.
This chart of expenditures is found in the Twenty-seventh Annual Report of the Board of Park Commissioners of the City of Minneapolis, after page [110].
This report of the Board of Commissioners for Duluth, Minnesota, describes the city's parks, including improvements made during 1911 and planned improvements. The book includes photographs of some parks, including Lincoln Park, Congdon Park, Lake Front Park, Fairmont Park, and Chester Park.
A report covering the work of the year 1911 with a detailed statement of the committee's receipts and disbursements. The report describes the many camps and outings held throughout the year, primarily for women and children, which had the purpose of curing and preventing sickness, and teaching mothers and children about clean bodies and clean, well-regulated homes. Includes pictures of the camps throughout the report.
Contributing Institution:
Hennepin County Library, James K. Hosmer Special Collections Library
The chart of maintenance expenditures for 1912 is found in the Thirtieth Annual Report of the Board of Park Commissioners of the City of Minneapolis, after page
The chart of expenditures for improvements, land and sundry special items for 1913 is found in the Thirty-first Annual Report of the Board of Park Commissioners of the City of Minneapolis, after page 26.
The chart of maintenance expenditures for 1913 is found in the Thirty-first Annual Report of the Board of Park Commissioners of the City of Minneapolis, after page 26.
This report from the Commissioner of Public Works consists primarily of tables and charts describing work done to city streets, alleys, sidewalks, sewers, bridges, tunnels, and other structures, along with city building and population statistics, charts outlining the organization of city departments and tax distribution, photographs of street paving, and a map of population density. Reports on street cleaning, building inspection, rainfall, and garbage disposal are included.