State Parks in Connecticut Due to Movements Carried Out by Environmentalists - Research Paper Example

Introduction Connecticut is home to a number of Parks within the country. However, different Parks have their own roots and historical significances. On the other hand, there are certain common features that bring together all these parks at least during their foundation stage. This happened to be between the years 1900 to the year 1930. The paper shall look at these developments in relation to the key political or grass root figures, the funding of the state parks and the time frame required to build some of the state parks. It should be noted that a lot of work went on after the nineteen thirties but this will not be covered in subsequent parts of the essay. History One of the most prominent and well known parks in Connecticut is the Putnam Memorial Park. This is because it is also the oldest Park in the State. Its creation began as far back as the late nineteenth century and into the early twentieth Century. At that that time, there were some key personalities that were useful in the creation of this historical treasure. Efforts started with some of the local citizens of this state and some of them included -Aaron Treadwell -Charles Todd The latter individual was a local historian while the former one was a landowner who felt that he had the ability to change the way people view their respective area through his donations. It should also be noted that these two individuals’ efforts were instrumental in providing some of the raw materials for the creation of the latter Park. However, for the actual creation of the park, there was a need for political actions to occur within this respective area. Efforts started in the year 1887. At that time, a Committee was created by the legislative team to examine the possibility of creation of a memorial camp for the town of Redding. This town was an important reserve because it is said that some of the encampment that represent the actions of Army officers there are still in existence until today. (Grasso, 1999) In that same year, the same committee went to view the site for erection of the memorial site and wrote down a report about it. In that report, it was said that the committee had found some stones arrangements in manner that would define their respective areas of rest. It was found that there were around forty five heaps of stones that were placed in parallel rows stretching ten yards wide and five hundred feet long. Consequently, they asserted that Putnam hosted some of the largest brigades in the State of Connecticut. In this regard, the town of Redding would therefore be a suitable place to include these kinds of issues for consideration. It should be noted that Aaron Treadwell who was the owner of the land in this area played a crucial role in the creation of this park because if he had been reluctant, then the memorial would not have come into play. In line with this was the offer of 1500 dollars for the creation of the memorial site. The legislature made a resolution to approve the recommendations made by the committee on the matter and then decided to pursue these lines. History books also show that this land owner agreed to accept one dollar for the translations that led to the disposition of twelve point four acres of land. This transaction was one of the first stepping stones in the process of creation of this park. (Ellsworth, 1997) It should be noted that the purchase of that land for recreation was a new concept because of the fact that it was initially assumed that most of it would be used for the purpose of preserving the winter quarters on that area. In fact, the plan was brought forward to the legislative committee so as to ensure that they actually understood what the rationale behind the creation of the Park was. In defense of this park, the latter group claimed that they were not doing it for pleasure; instead, they claim that their overall driving force was to build a memorial that would remember and preserve the history of a number of persons that were heroes of their land. They claimed that although these men were rather rugged and very simple, their contribution to the state of Connecticut could not be ignored. Consequently, in the process of creating a memorial, they felt that it would be necessary to capture the spirit of this kind of approach through the use of such elements. They therefore proposed that instead of manicuring one’s respective area or instead of creating a scenario in which most of the features have been refined and reshaped, it was necessary retain the earlier thoughts and features that would reflect the themes in the parks. It should also be noted that they were also interested in creating a scenario in which other additional features were created but the rugged nature of the park would remain as it was. (William, 1990) In the process of creating this park, it was necessary to retain the stone bridges that had been used in the process through the restoration of certain kinds of things. However, they wanted to add certain stone parapets that would signify how the troops passed through the latter encampments on their way to deal with other matters. In this regard, it was also imperative to leave the stone markings that were used to indicate the limits of the camps. This was because it indicated one of the most interesting things about that site. Besides that, they also worked on restoring one the camps in that area so as to depict how the camps were used at that time. A suggestion to create a block house was also made so as to give off a meaning that was similar to some of the assertions that can be found in the art of war during the description of what defendants do. Consequently, such features were meant to create and ignite forms of historical curiosity amongst these respective parties. One of the most longstanding ideas put forward by the people working on this park was the issue of a monument that would then be used to commemorate the well renowned General Putnam Source: (Marshall, 2001) The latter monument was a direct result of the lobbying done by interest groups that had put forward suggestions to erect it. On top of the latter, there was the creation of a plan was instrumental in the process of showing the encampment and the features that were important in this historical event. The following were some of the things that were identified in the plan; Old roads made by Putnam soldiers A single hut Chimney remains Quarters for camp guards Officers quarters Monument The governor was very instrumental in the supervision process of the Camp because of the fact that his presence was significant in identifying some deficiencies in the Park. For instance, he claimed that there was a need to include some of the winter camp areas that had not been included in the land that had been officially donated. In this regard, he was important in supervising this purchase. On top of the latter, this governor also ensured that there were adequate levels of land that were instrumental in making the whole concept of the soldiers’ commemoration complete. In line with these thoughts was the fact that a number of donations were necessary so as achieve the goals and aspirations of the supervising committee and they included; -Bartam Isaac -Bartam Helen (Grasso, 1999) Between the years 1903 and 1915, the board that had been assigned with the creation of this park was required to engage in heavy duty work. They did this through the creation of a report to be written after a period of every two year. The latter committee had been appointed by the Connecticut General Assembly. Most of these reports were instrumental in the creation of the park and this was why they were preserved by the State. However, one particular report that was done for a period of fifteen months was the 1902 was the September thirtieth. Some of the contents that were contained in this report included; Lists of commissioners Expenditures Actions enacted by legislatures Findings from previous reports There are also a number of invaluable data that were instrumental in the process of creating such a park. For instance, when the Putnam Memorial Commission was meeting, they had recorded some of the minutes related to the construction of the Park. Besides this, it was also particularly interesting to note that there were some books and articles that revealed what had gone on in the construction process. An example of such an approach were other minutes recording meetings that had taken part between in 1923 on October eighteenth, in 1921 on July 7th, 1917 on June 6th and 1909 on 26th August. During the survey, the commission also worked on some of the available maps and plans that were instrumental in directing the entire process. Consequently, the overall nature of this commission was that they had the ability to correct mistakes made earlier. Most of these statistics were found in the State Department of Environmental Protection. On would wonder what took the attention of most of these supervisors as the work that they were engaging in may seem like a relatively easy one. However, statistics show that erection of the monument was one of the most important activities. This was then followed by the creation of other features that included bridges. Roads and park entrances were also some of the most important issues that took up their time. It should be noted that there were in fact high levels of security that the commission had to instate during the construction process. During the creation of the park, it was important to first clear any under bush that could be found in the chosen location. Besides that, it was also very important to eliminate some of the under bush that had long been associated with other locations around it. It was crucial to clear some of the rock that was found in the site for the park construction. The walks to be found within the park, the building drives, grounds and log barks also had to be maintained under strict conditions. It should be noted that most of the timber found in this area had to be cleared so as to create room for the enactment of certain forms of regards. This also meant that the group had to eliminate stumps that were located in this area. (Allen, 1994) Because some of these changes would alter the special features of the park, it was important to seek guidance from the supervisory group. This commission decided to vote on the issue and settled on making the clearances. The reason why this matter was particularly difficult to enact was that there was the danger of eliminating some of the former beauty of the place under consideration. Also, the moves made would result in inference of the drawbacks that made the park what it was. An avenue known as the Putnam Avenue was created so as to maintain the kind of issues that were needed in the restoration of some of this beauty. There was also need to create ways, side avenues and paths that would then lead to the park. Block houses and gates at the park were also constructed in line with this reasoning. Besides that, it was also necessary to restore some of the former beauty of the place. There are a number of issues that were instrumental in bringing out the park as we know it today. First of all, the creation of culverts, stones, bridges and iron fencing has to be dealt with. This was also backed up by the building that was necessary in the process. (Wills, 1995) It should also be noted that there were considerable changes that were made in regard to the need to restore some of the features of the park by instating new landscape changes. In other words, archeologists have found that there was a lot of interference caused by these groups and they included; Elimination of fire backs Removal o trees and stumps Land grading Landscaping Reconstructions therefore ended up destroying some of the originality of the place under consideration. It should also be noted that there were very little things that could actually be labeled as original in present day. The museum that can be found in this particular park replicates some of the original things that reflected the Revolutionary period. These facts were proved by some of the assertion made with regard to the superintendent who was working in the park known as the Thomas Delaney. The Huntington State Park The latter area was under agricultural use by the Luttgen Family. In the late 1800s, the land under which this Park had been built was purchased. At that time, the latter family put a lot of time and effort into the construction of ponds, rods and even trails that were synonymous with this park in present day. In fact, it has been asserted that there is lighthouse that was made in the early 1900 that signifies the importance of this family. Shortly after, the family that took over from the latter was known as the Starrat family. This family was highly interested in the restoration of this piece of land and they continued to do so until they handed to another family known as the Huntington family. In fact the latter park is named after this family. (Weaver, 1997) In the late nineteen twenties and nineteen thirties, the latter family members contributed towards the uniqueness and beauty of this park as people have come to identify it today. First of all, Lady Anna Huntington was a renowned sculptor whose pieces were known throughout the world. Examples of some of the pieces that she has done included -Joan of Ark -Cid Campeador -Heroic Statue of Israel Putnam The latter artist is well known for her creation of bears and wolves that were synonymous with the entrance to this particular park. The latter family was instrumental for preserving other features of the park that came to be appreciated after their death. This was because that was when the park was now open to the public. Shown below is a diagrammatic illustration of some of the reserves on what this family did towards creation of this park Source: Seelsky, H. (1990): War and society in Colonial Connecticut; Yale University Press It should be noted that some of these natural beauty would not have been possible without the efforts of the founders of this respective building. The Gillette Castles The latter castles are one of the most captivating and scenic places in Connecticut. These castles are arranged in such a manner that they reflect beads on a necklace. Besides that, they also symbolize some of the most feasible methods used in treatment of this matter. Besides this, the castles also embrace some the hills that make that part of Connecticut what it is today. Its roots can also be traced as far back as the nineteenth century. At that time, there was a move towards creation of high rise buildings that could allow for the appreciation of good scenery. In this regard, one should be aware of the kind of issues that were reflected in most of these tools and implementations. A large share of the castles reflects the romantic ideas of the time. In this regard, people were highly interested in interrelating nature and humanity. In other words, roads, trails and tower were all important aspects of this kind of arrangement. The main inspiration for the creation of these castles was to create a scenario in which family could go for a picnic and enjoy the sight of nature at the same time. Most people usually approach this particular area with the hope of seeing the Battle Tower. The latter building was created in the year 1929 following state acquisition of this private property by other individuals. The state built this area in such a manner that there would be a trail which visitors would have to reach in order to view the summit of the arrangement. Besides that, the epitome of this creation can be seen through the location of the building. Also, it should be noted that during the nineteen twenties, there was a move towards a different approach in the creation of parks. In other words, at that time, greater emphasis was now given to the appearance of parks rather than the function which the park was intended to serve. The latter park also had certain historical significances owing to the fact that its creation was highly related to some of the local campaigns conducted by people in Connecticut. During the year 1924, many locals felt that in order to protect land that was located in some of the highest locations, it was crucial to make this land available so that they ensured that the public could be able to view it. Consequently, the actions of these locals were fundamental in ensuring that such magnificent locations were available. (Bushman, 1967) It can therefore be said that prior to the nineteen thirties, there was a national park movement in the State of Connecticut. This can be illustrated by the fact that there was an association that brought together a number of previously privately owned properties. Examples here included summer cottages, primitive cabins and even a quarry that was seen to be of particular economic significance to the area. However, because of the rising cases of cooperation between these groups, one of the most breathtaking structures was built; a turreted castle that was completed by a renowned engineer at that time. This became the centerpiece of the attractions among those respective castles. Green movements Some of the creations that had been synonymous with Connecticut largely reflected the movement towards preservation of natural things in this state. During the early twentieth century, trees had been destroyed though the actions of agriculturalists who needed the land to farm. Besides that, it was also common to find trees being ferried for fuel. Because of all these issues then many people in the state of Connecticut decided to form the forestry movement. The purpose of such an association was to ascertain that forests were preserved and that the people of Connecticut would earn sustainable income from such an endeavor. In the year 1903, there was the purchase of the Meshomasic State forest which was applicable in the year 1903. Some ten years later, the Connecticut State Park Commission was formed so as to look into land that could be purchased for the purposes of preservation. In subsequent years especially in the nineteen twenties, the country formally began acquiring some spaces that were categorized as green so as to ascertain that the needs of the respective country were met adequately. This was the reason why there was an inclination towards the creation of state parks in Connecticut. (Woody, 2000) Another important occurrence at that time was the issue of pollution within this area. Many residents of the State were longing for clean fresh air given the fact that most people now began owning their own cars. Besides this, it was also imperative for the latter State to start monitoring the number of fires that were cropping up and this necessitated the institution of certain kinds of reforms that were in line with this kind of methodology. Also in order to adequately deal with these green issues, then there was a need to look for a way to prevent this invasions. The best solution was by building parks or memorial sites that would then lead to creation of a scenario in which people feel obliged to obey their respective areas. Additionally, it was necessary to create a situation in which this sort of arrangement could lead to the creation of a venture that would lead to some profit. This was the reason why there was a national parks movement. In line with the latter assertions was the fact that there was the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps. The latter group was instrumental in the purchase of wilderness lands during the nineteen twenties. However, it should be noted that most of their work was limited to the great depression that occurred within this area. It should also be noted that there were scenarios in which the latter groups took part in some initiatives. For instance, they were responsible for providing person without any jobs in the city with something to do in the rural areas and some of the activities included; Picnic areas Pond dams Roadways All the latter issues were instrumental in the creation of these parks as they are. Conclusion State parks in Connecticut had their history dating back to the early nineteenth century. Most of them stemmed from the purchase of private land from land owners by the state. Some were created due to movements carried out by environmentalists. However, their work merely began prior to the nineteen thirties – it was during the great depression that they did most of their work. Lastly, the work of locals was also important in pushing for the creation of these parks. References Allen, T. (1994): Connecticut; National Geographic Report, p 64-93 Bushman, R. (1967): Series in Connecticut History; Millbrook Press Ellsworth, G. (1997): The History of Connecticut; Connecticut Historical Society Grasso, C. (1999): Transforming Public Discourse in 20th Century Connecticut; North Carolina University Press Marshall, J. (2001): A two century review if Connecticut farmhouses; Connecticut Colonel Publishing Woody, K. (2000): A story of a New England’s town’s rise to prominence; Greenwood William, P. (1990) Change and tradition in Connecticut; Garland University Press Seelsky, H. (1990): war and society in Colonial Connecticut; Yale University Press Weaver, G. (1997): the Cultural Process in the Middle Connecticut River valley Wills, C. (1995): A Historical Album of Connecticut; Millbrook Press Read More