WAUPACA COUNTY POST

February 10, 1921

MRS. BROWNE RECONSIDERS SALE OF PARK

LETTER RECEIVED BY CIVIC AND COMMERCE ASSN. CAUSE OF SATISFACTION

TO PEOPLE OF THIS COMMUNITY

            The following copy of a letter from Mrs. Browne is response to the efforts of this city to acquire the land between South Park and Shadow Lake so as to own the beach and the wooded prominence overlooking one of Waupaca’s two beautiful lakes, will bring a feeling of pleasure and satisfaction to everyone interested in securing for future use this point of scenic beauty that should belong to all the citizens of the community in and about Waupaca.  The commendable action of Mrs. Browne in reconsidering her former decision, will call forth all the spontaneous expression of approval which the act deserves and the columns of the County Post are freely opened to the full text of Mrs. Browne’s letter as well as the very courteous reply from Mr. Cristy, president of the Civic and Commerce Association.

Mrs. Browne’s Letter

                                                                                                            7 West Underwood St.

                                                                                                            Chevy Chase, Md.,

                                                                                                                        Feb. 5, 1921

Dear Mr. Cristy: -

            I notice in the report by the Civic & Commerce Association published in the Waupaca County Post of Jan. 27, 1921, you state that the purchase of my property on Shadow Lake is “vital to the future interests of the city of Waupaca.”

            As I told you in my personal interview with you November 11^th, 1920, at which time I handed you the letter printed in the report, I am sole owner of the property, having purchased it for a home and took full responsibility for my decision to retain the land.

            As I stated in the letter of November 11, 1920, the land when purchased was rapidly being destroyed as a beauty spot.  I have preserved and increased its natural wild beauty and have never in any way prevented the free access of the general public to this land, having allowed two bathhouses to be erected on the bathing beach.

            The city already has a park and I did not feel in retaining the title to this land that I was depriving any citizens of Waupaca from all the privileges and enjoyments that I myself enjoyed.

            However in view of the fact that the directors of the Civic and Commerce Association state in their report that the purchase of this property is “vital to the future interests of Waupaca,” I waive my personal wishes in the matter and upon the city paying me $3,000, I will sign a warranty deed to the premises, with the provision that the land shall always be used for park purposes.

            I wish you would give this letter the same publicity in the Waupaca County Post, in the earliest issue, that your report of the Civic and Commerce Association was given.

                                                                                    Yours very truly,

                                                                                                ROSE C. BROWNE.

Mr. Cristy’s Reply

                        Waupaca, Wis., Feb. 9, ’21.

Mrs. Rose C. Browne,

            Chevy Chase, Md.

Dear Mrs. Browne:

            I have your letter of Feb. 5^th, and am very much pleased at the probability that your property may be secured for park purposes for the city.

            There is one point I would like to have cleaned up before presenting this matter to the city council.

            You will recall that at the time of our negotiations with Mr. Browne, he named $3,000 as the price for the entire property.

            The Association recommended Mr. Browne’s proposition to the city council who took official action thereon, authorizing the purchase for $3,000.

            In the meantime it has developed that a portion of the property has been sold at a reported consideration of $700.

            The point in question is, can you make the necessary arrangements to deed the entire property (including the portion sold) or is it your intention to deduct the $700 from the $3,000 named by Mr. Browne for the entire property?

            We fully appreciate the courtesies you have conceded to the public in extending the free use of this property and there undoubtedly will be no objection to your stipulating in the deed that it shall be used for park purposes as that is the purpose for which it is desired.

            Anticipating your favorable reply accordant with the previous understanding with Mr. Browne, we wish to express our cordial appreciation of your personal consideration of the interests of your home town.

            Complying with your request, I am pleased to give your correspondence for publication in the first issue of the Waupaca County Post.

                                                                                                Sincerely,

                                                                                                            J.E. CRISTY,

                                                                                                Pres. Civic & Com. Ass’n.