December 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, December 13th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/13/2018
Frederick Law Olmsted letter signed with very rare content regarding the philosophy of Central Park, written during the brief time that Olmsted served as Superintendent of the Park during its construction, circa 1859. Composed upon Central Park stationery, embossed ''Office of the Arch't-in-Chief } CENTRAL PARK { 5th Avenue and 79th St.'', letter appears to be a solicitation to a volunteer, reading in full, ''It is proposed to provide by subscription a band of music upon the finished portion of the park for a few hours during one or two afternoons a week, for the purpose of increasing its immediate value to those who cannot leave the city. It is believed that after this year the Commissioners of the Park will be able to furnish the means for this purpose without drawing upon their construction fund, but their arrangements cannot be completed at present without the aid of voluntary contributions from citizens who will be influenced by motives of kindness toward those who have no means to go into the country for relief from the heat and turmoil of the city. [signed] Fred. Law Olmsted. / Superintendent''. Olmsted's guiding principle during the construction of the park was to create an egalitarian public space, evident in the content of this letter. Two pages measures 5'' x 8'' as folded on bifolium card-style stationery. Two small holes at intersecting folds, and date of 1859 written on first page, else near fine.
Frederick Law Olmsted Letter Signed as Superintendent of Central Park, During Its Construction -- ''those who have no means to go into the country for relief from the heat and turmoil of the city''
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