B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN
Cover, back, and chapter title page illustration courtesy of David Jameson, Iannelli Collection. &632732ƫ4%6/ƫ1%78)6ƫ40%2
Prepared for: THE CITY OF KALAMAZOO MICHIGAN
Prepared by:
3IJ&3=0)'3;)00&0%03'/ %773'-%8)7-2' Kalamazoo, Michigan Grand Rapids, Michigan and 59-22):%27%6',-8)'87 Madison, Wisconsin Ann Arbor, Michigan
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',%48)6 -2863(9'8-32 Overview ...... 1.1 Location ...... 1.2 Description of the Project Area ...... 1.2 Project Approach and Objectives ...... 1.2 Cultural Landscape Terminology ...... 1.4
',%48)6 0%2(7'%4)',632303+= Overview ...... 2.1 Native American Land Use ...... 2.2 1831-1846: Public Squares Established ...... 2.5 1847-1877: Establishment of a Public Park ...... 2.13 1878-1937: A Formal Design for Bronson Park ...... 2.21 1938-1940: The Fountain of the Pioneers and a Modern Park ...... 2.37 1941-Present: Continued Use and Change at Bronson Park ...... 2.47
',%48)6 0%2(7'%4)%2%0=7-7 Overview ...... 3.1 National Register Criteria ...... 3.1 &VSRWSR4EVO7MKRMƉGERGI'VMXIVME &VSRWSR4EVO4IVMSHSJ7MKRMƉGERGI National Register Status ...... 3.3 Landscape Characteristics ...... 3.4
',%48)6 6)'311)2(%8-327 Treatment Approach ...... 4.1 The Design Process ...... 4.2 Vision Statement ...... 4.2 Design Guiding Principles ...... 4.3 Final Master Plan ...... 4.5 8,-7ƫ4%+)ƫ-28)28-32%00=ƫ0)*8ƫ&0%2/ ',%48)6ƫ1 ƴƫ-2863(9'8-32 B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN Kalamazoo, MI INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
O v e r v i e w
Bronson Park has served as both a green oasis and one of the primary public gathering places in downtown Kalamazoo since the early 1800’s. Since 1847, the park’s shaded walking paths, lawns, and canopy trees have combined with the sight and sound of flowing water to provide a relaxing retreat in the city. The focal point of the park landscape is the Fountain of The Pioneers complex, designed by Alfonso Iannelli and installed in 1940. Iannelli intended the fountain to be an artistic representation of the history of Kalamazoo. The design is a skillful presentation of long horizontal planes punctuated by vertical foci and purposeful detail. The subject has been controversial, leading to neglect and threatening loss of this important work. In 1940, Iannelli stated:
Regarding the meaning of the Fountain of the pioneers, the scheme of the fountain conveys the advance of the pioneers and the generations that follow, showing the movement westward, culminating in the tower symbol of the pioneer…, while the Indian is shown in posture of noble resistance, yet being absorbed as the white man advances. The pattern of the rail indicates the rich vegetation and produce of the land.1
The park is beloved in the city, a place referred to as the “front porch” of Kalamazoo by many residents. Although the historic design has not been altered extensively, incremental changes have gradually reduced historic characteristics and legibility of the historic design. The current park conditions do not fully support the many ways the park is used today. The Fountain of The Pioneers complex is in poor condition and its relationship to the reflecting pool has been visually and conceptually interrupted. Opinions regarding use of the park as a performance venue are conflicted and concerns about maintenance and safety have led to proposals to remove the Fountain of The Pioneers complex and reflecting pool. The Bronson Park Master Plan project has been undertaken as an inclusive process to assess the history of the park, develop an understanding of the significance and integrity of the landscape, integrate concerns and desires of park users, and create a plan for the future that respects the past and accommodates current and future use.
1 Jameson, David. Alfonso Iannelli, Modern by Design. (Oak Park, Illinois, Top Five Books, 2013), 279. Jameson notes that this account was documented by Flora Roberts, head of the Kalamazoo Public Library, in April 1940.
Page 1.1 B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN Kalamazoo, MI INTRODUCTION
L o c a t i o n Bronson Park is located in the heart of downtown Kalamazoo in a two block area bounded by Park Street on the west, Rose Street on the east, South Street on the south, and Academy street on the north.
Description of the Project Area
Bronson Park is also at the center of the Bronson Park National Historic Register District, which boasts 17 historic structures in a 10-block area. The park is surrounded by numerous important civic buildings, A. First Congregational Church including the First B. First Baptist Church Congregational Church, C. First Reformed Church First Baptist Church, First D. Kalamazoo County Building E. YWCA Building Reformed Church, F. United Methodist Church Kalamazoo County G. First Church of Christ, Sci enti st Building, YWCA Building, H. Civic Auditorium Lawrence House/Park I. First Presbyterian Church J. Ladies’ Library Association Club, Kalamazoo City K. City H all Hall, First Presbyterian L. Lawrence House/Park Club Church, Civic M. Austin-Sill House N. Prange Building Auditorium, First Church O. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church of Christ Scientist, and P. Federal Post O ffice United Methodist The orange box outlines the Bronson Park National Historic Register District Church.
Project Approach and Objectives
An inclusive process to assess Bronson Park’s history, develop an understanding of the consistent elements through time, and create a plan for the future that respects the past while accommodating current uses was undertaken to develop a master plan. The approach was intended to bring stakeholders and the public to the table to work together to develop a consensus-based master plan.
A team of landscape architects, a cultural landscape specialist, an architectural historian, and support staff collaborated with the City of Kalamazoo Parks and Recreation Department and the public to complete a master plan for Bronson Park. The work plan for the master planning process included conducting a transparent, participatory design process; developing a specific and detailed study of the parks’ historic features; and incorporating an understanding of how the park functions as a downtown public space. The approach included evaluation of the issues and relationships related to use of the park for community events and daily activities.
Page 1.2 B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN Kalamazoo, MI INTRODUCTION
An important part of the master planning process was to allow the voices of many groups with varying opinions about the existing amenities in the park to be heard and acknowledged through a transparent process. The design team worked collectively with a Steering Committee composed of representatives from agencies and organizations including the Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission, the Kalamazoo County Public Art Commission, the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, The Event Company, the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan, the Fountain Complex Restoration Committee, Kalamazoo in Bloom, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Bronson Hospital, Downtown Kalamazoo Inc., and City staff. Others that were invited but did not participate include representatives of the Hispanic American Council, Potawatomie Tribe, and local veterans. To contribute to the transparency of the project, the City maintained a webpage for the project on the City’s website for the duration of the project.
In order to objectively evaluate the many existing design features in Bronson Park, the design team applied a cultural landscape process to the project that adhered to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the evaluation and treatment of historic properties. A chronology of the physical evolution of the park was provided to illustrate the park conditions at key points in time during each period of significance.
The consideration of the existing physical features and types of use was a major focus of the design process, and the key objectives of the master plan were to improve the park user’s experience, protect the integrity of the significant historic features, provide design and maintenance guidelines for the future, and include planning for future sculpture and memorials.
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Cultural Landscape Terminology This section includes definitions of terminology used in the report that may not be familiar to the reader. These definitions are directly drawn from two sources including the National Park Service Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes and A Guide to Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Process, and Techniques.2
Cultural Landscape – a geographic area (including both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therein), associated with a historic event, activity, or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values. There are four general types of cultural landscapes, not mutually exclusive: historic sites, historic designed landscapes, historic vernacular landscapes, and ethnographic landscapes.
Integrity – the authenticity of a property’s historic identity, evinced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property’s historic or prehistoric period. The seven qualities of integrity as defined by the National Register Program are location, setting, feeling, association, design, workmanship, and materials.
Significance – the meaning or value ascribed to a cultural landscape based on the National Register criteria for evaluation. It normally stems from a combination of association and integrity.
Treatment - work carried out to achieve a particular historic preservation goal.
Historic designed landscape – A landscape significant as a design or work of art. Such a landscpae was consciously designed and laid out either by a master gardener, landscape architect, architect, or horticulturist to a design principle, or by an owner or other amateur according to a recognized style or tradition. Historic designed landscapes have a historical associated with a significant person, trend or movement in landscape gardening or architecture, or a significant relationship to the theory or practice of landscape architecture.
Character-defining feature – a prominent or distinctive aspect, quality, or characteristic of a cultural landscape that contributes significantly to its physical character. Land use patterns, vegetation, furnishings, decorative details and materials may be such features.
2 United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, Defining Landscape Terminology, http://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/four- treatments/landscape-guidelines/terminology.htm; and Page, Robert R., Cathy A. Gilbert, and Susan A. Dolan, 1998. A Guide to Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Process, and Techniques (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resource Stewardship and Partnerships, Park Historic Structures and Cultural Landscapes Program).
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Feature – the smallest element of a landscape that contributes to the significance and that can be the subject of a treatment intervention. Examples include a woodlot, hedge, lawn, specimen plant, house, meadow or open field, fence, wall, earthwork, pond or pool, bollard, orchard, or agricultural terrace.
Historic character – the sum of all visual aspects, features, materials, and spaces associated with a cultural landscape’s history, i.e. the original configuration together with losses and later changes. These qualities are often referred to as character-defining.
Landscape Characteristic – tangible and intangible aspects of a landscape from the historic periods; these aspects individually and collectively give a landscape its historic character and aid in the understanding of its cultural importance. Those relevant to Bronson Park include:
Land Use – Organization, form, and shape of the landscape in response to land use.
Spatial Organization - Arrangement of elements creating the ground, vertical, and overhead planes that define and create spaces.
Patterns of Circulation - Spaces, features, and materials that constitute systems of movement.
Views - Features that create or allow a range of vision which can be natural or designed and controlled.
Constructed Water Features – The built features and elements that utilize water for aesthetic or utilitarian functions.
Vegetation – Native or introduced trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, and herbaceous materials.
Buildings and structures - Three-dimensional constructs such as houses, barns, garages, stables, bridges and memorials.
Small Scale Features - Elements that provide detail and diversity combined with function and aesthetics.
Archeological Resources – Material remains or physical evidence of past human life or activities that are of archeological interest, including the record of the effects of human activities on the environment. They are capable of revealing scientific or humanistic information through archeological research.
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LANDSCAPE CHRONOLOGY
O v e r v i e w
This project has been undertaken using a cultural landscape approach according to federal standards guiding cultural landscape projects including A Guide to Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Process, and Techniques, The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, and other pertinent documents.1 This approach includes building a foundation of historical documentation as a basis for understanding the evolution of significant landscapes. The historical information is presented herein in the form of historic landscape chronologies that outline the physical development of each park over time. Period of landscape change diagrams illustrate each phase using consistent scales and graphic styles, to allow for easy comparison of landscape conditions from one period to the next.
Next, existing landscape characteristics are assessed. Landscape characteristics include tangible and intangible aspects of a landscape from the historic periods; these aspects individually and collectively give a landscape its historic character and aid in the understanding of its cultural importance. Landscape characteristics relevant to Bronson Park include: spatial organization and patterns of circulation, vegetation, views, land use, small scale features, and archeological resources. Descriptions of existing conditions and an analysis of integrity are provided for each of the landscape characteristics for the park. This information is being incorporated into the development of design and management recommendations for the park.
This section includes a chronological account of physical change to the landscape at Bronson Park. Although not meant to be a comprehensive historical account of social history, events that affected the formation of the park are noted.
1 Page, Robert R., Cathy A. Gilbert, and Susan A. Dolan, 1998. A Guide to Cultural Landscape Reports: Contents, Process, and Techniques (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, Cultural Resource Stewardship and Partnerships, Park Historic Structures and Cultural Landscapes Program), and Birnbaum, Charles A. and Christine Capella Peters, 1996. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. Washington DC: Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 3-5.
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Native American L a n d U s e
Long before European explorers first entered the landscape known today as Michigan, several Native American cultural groups were well established in the region. Tribes lived mostly along river valleys or near the shoreline of the Great Lakes in settlements that remained in one location for several years before relocating. Crops were cultivated to the extent that local soil conditions and vegetation supported the production of corn, beans, and squash. Wild food sources included apples, berries, nuts, game, fish, honey, and wild rice. Rivers and lakes were used for transportation.
Early inhabitants of Michigan constructed over 1,000 mounds, many of which contain burials. In general, mounds constructed in southern Michigan are directly linked to the Hopewell Havana complex of Illinois, which were constructed between 250 B.C. and 350 A.D.; no mounds in Michigan date later than 500 A.D.2
Later inhabitants also designed and built “garden beds” consisting of ridges of soil approximately eighteen inches high that covered many acres with detailed geometric patterns. Raised geometric garden beds were constructed in low wet prairie areas of southwest Michigan and north-central Illinois and Indiana between 1350 A.D. and 1650 A.D. Garden beds were most likely used by agriculturally intensive cultural groups such as the Miami Tribe, which occupied southern Michigan at the time of initial European contact.3 Examples of both mounds and garden beds were documented in the vicinity of Bronson Park by early explorers.
After 1763 the Huron/Detroit River Pottawatomi moved to a village along the Nottawaseppe Branch of the St. Joseph River. In 1796 the Pottawatomi, along with several other tribes, ceded to the U.S Northwest Territorial Government their lands along
2 David Brose, email message to author, March 16, 2015. 3 David Brose, email message to author, March 16, 2015; and “A Brief History of Michigan” http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/manual/2001-2002/2001-mm-0003-0026- History.pdf, 3.
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the present Ohio/Indiana/Michigan border region.4
The US Deputy Surveyor found a mound when he platted the Match-e-benash-i-wish reservation boundaries in the 1820’s.5 An American Indian mound was present “…when the country was first settled, in the midst of a plain covered by a scattering of burr-oak trees, an area called ‘oak openings’ by the pioneers.”6
According to William F. Dunbar, “’Garden beds’ shaped as rectangles, circles and triangles covered as much as ten acres in the area south of [what is now known as] Bronson Park.”7
1800-1821 Members of the Pottawatomi tribe were living in an established village when fur traders arrived in the location that would eventually be designated the City of Kalamazoo.8
In 1821, the Potawatomi tribe signed a treaty surrendering their land to the United States federal government in exchange for a yearly payment and a promise of lands west of the Mississippi. A nine-square-mile block along the Kalamazoo River was reserved for the Match-E-Be-Nash-E-Wish Band of Pottawatomi. Tribal members remained in the area.9
1823/1824 A French trading post was established in Kalamazoo in 1823 or 1824.10
1827 In 1827 the Michigan Territorial Government Treaty retracted the Match-E-Be-Nash-E-Wish Reservation. Members of that Pottawatomi band were moved away from the compact community that had been established on the reservation and scattered among nearly a dozen sections in the Gun Lake
4 David Brose, email message to author, March 16, 2015 5 Charles A. Weissert in “Historic Michigan: Land of the Great Lakes,” ca. 1930s, quoted in Kalamazoo Gazette, July 14, 1985. 6 Willis F. Dunbar, Kalamazoo and how it grew… and grew…(Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1969), 4. 7 Ibid., 5. 8 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 25, 1878. 9 Fred Peppel, “Kalamazoo’s First Residents: Our Native Americans,” last modified September 8, 2010, http://www.kpl.gov/local-history/general/native-americans.aspx. 10 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 25, 1878.
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prairies 25 miles to the north. Members of the Gun Lake Band of Pottawatomi continue to live in southwestern Michigan and consider themselves the descendants of the people who occupied the former Match-E-Be-Nash-E-Wish reservation.11
1829 In June 1829, Titus Bronson became the first European-American settler in the location that is now known as Kalamazoo, Michigan. Bronson was originally from Ohio and had farmed in Washtenaw County prior to moving to Kalamazoo.12
1830 In November 1830, Titus Bronson and his brother-in-law Stephen H. Richardson claimed the SW quarter of section 15, Twp 2 S, Range 11 West. Bronson claimed the east 80 acres, Richardson the west 80; the dividing line is the center of current Rose Street.13
11 David Brose, email message to author, March 16, 2015. 12 History of Kalamazoo County, 1880, 210. 13 Ibid., 211.
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1 8 3 1 - 1846: Public Squares Established
The 1831-1846 Period of Change diagram illustrates information regarding landscape conditions during this period.
1831 An account of the landscape in 1831 noted the vegetation and lack of development in the area that would become Bronson Park: “At that time there were no fences nor roads, nor any well-defined paths. This whole plain was carpeted with a bright green grass, much resembling an old meadow. There were no shrubs, nor underbrush. Small bur-oak trees, here and there, dotted the landscape, giving it something of the appearance of an old apple orchard; had the bur-oaks been in regular rows, the resemblance would have been more perfect…The ground the mound rests upon is nearly, if not perfectly level in all directions…Its dimensions as I ascertained by my careful measurement of the same, on the 17th ult., proved its diameter to be fifty-eight feet at the base, it being the same, when measured in different directions, showing that it was a perfect circle [footnote notes that the mound was 45 feet in diameter and 3.5 feet high in 1954]. Its height was four feet and nine inches. The first two feet of the bottom curved out, or upward slightly, giving it something of the shape of a large bell. From a point two feet from the ground the next twelve feet upwards, is perfectly straight, and inclines at an angle of sixteen and one-third degrees, or three feet in ten variation from the horizontal line. From a point about twelve feet from the base, it begins very mechanically to round, or curve over to form the top, about twelve feet of which is flat. By the most careful tests that I could apply, I found the inclinations the same on all sides, and great geometrical precision characterized the whole superstructure. There is an elevated ring encircling the whole mound. That ring is six feet at the base, it rounds over neatly from each side towards the center, which is four inches high. The base of this ring is uniformly two feet from the base of the mound, while the space between the two is neatly rounded, or hollowed out, to the original surface. The
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solid contents of the mound amounts to 3994 cubic feet or 147 and 35.27 cubic yards.”14
Sheldon noted that the elevated ring was part of his improvements “and like the other gravel walks was six feet wide, rounding to the centre to give a water shed of a few inches and in this case was two feet from the mound at all points, connecting at the south with a walk running around the inside of the fence, and on the north with another walk which extended up to a main diagonal one crossing the park from North East to the South West so the Mound could be reached without trespassing on the sward.” It was made of gravel.15
That same year, the town of “Brunson” was platted and chosen as the county seat. Titus Bronson laid out squares to be used for a courthouse, jail, academy, common schools, public burial grounds, and four religious denominations. Jail square, which included the mound, became the west half of the park, and the Academy square became the east half. Titus Bronson’s heirs later convey the land to the village for use as a park.16
During the 1830s, Residences filled in the blocks to the south of the location that would become Bronson Park. In the following decades these would be the homes of “some of Kalamazoo’s most distinguished early citizens.”17
1832 Cyrus Lovell and E. Larkin Brown dug into the mound from the top to the level of the plain and found charcoal.18
1835 First log jail built on Jail Square by David Hubbard east of the
14 Alexis A. Praus, “The Kalamazoo Mound: A Letter from Alexander J. Sheldon,” Michigan History, v. 44, n. 4, Dec 1960. 15 Ibid., 395. 16 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 25, 1878; and History of Kalamazoo County, 1880, 211. Note that another article in the Kalamazoo Gazette, December 26, 1966, indicated that Titus Bronson never owned the area now called Bronson Park. His brother-in-law Richardson gave a quit claim deed for ‘jail square’ to the county. The article implies that Bronson and Richardson merely identified the land for public use and never actually owned it. 17 Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982), 17. 18 Letter to Henry Little, November 28, 1873 quoted in Kalamazoo Gazette, September 3, 1905.
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American Indian mound. The American Indian mound was used as a root cellar.19 1836 Name of village of Bronson and township of Arcadia both changed to Kalamazoo.20
1836 One source indicates that the first fences were built around Jail Square and Academy Square around 1836.21
1838 The University of Michigan started a “branch” in Kalamazoo. A two story building was erected on the northeast corner of Academy Square. The school merged in 1839 with the Kalamazoo Literary Institute.22
Building at Academy Square, 1838. Source: KG May 1, 1921
1840 In 1840, members of the Potawatomie tribe were forced to leave Kalamazoo.23
19 History of Kalamazoo County, 1880, 271; and Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982), 4. 20 History of Kalamazoo County, 1880, 220. 21 Ibid., 271. 22 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 1, 1921. 23 Fred Peppel, “Kalamazoo’s First Residents: Our Native Americans,” last modified September 8, 2010, http://www.kpl.gov/local-history/general/native-americans.aspx.
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Ca. 1840s The early park is described as “…an unimproved woods surrounded by a crude wooden fence. Farmers traveling to the village left their animals there to graze, and there were reports of bears prowling the park at night.”24
1843 Kalamazoo incorporated as a village.25
1843 Alexander Sheldon became the marshal of the village in 1843. His description of the park area follows: “Directly south of “Court House Square” was what was termed “Academy Square,” separated from all the others [public squares] by a continuation of Church Street southerly, and a four rod street, running east and west, termed Academy Street. South of the “Church Square” and west of the Academy Square was the “Public Square” par excellence, which was a level piece of land except as varied by the “Indian Mound” and a number of “Garden Beds” with a few of the original oaks partial to the plain, and which in fact were sparsely scattered over the other squares…’Academy Square’ boasted an uncouth wooden two story building…the balance of the lot was devoted to culture of some cereal or another, the perquisite of the Principal…the two Eastern squares [Courthouse and Academy] were the only ones fenced in…whilst in…the “Public Square” the Village Cattle were free commoners, having one or more generally on the Mound…In 1843 the jail was a small wooden building just east of the mound… the mound was in a very bad state of repair, as it had been dug into for relics which did not exist, and one winter the jailor used it as a depository for his potatoes.”26
1844 A plat of the village illustrates the four squares and the layout of the surrounding streets, property divisions, Portage Creek and the Kalamazoo River.
1845 In 1845, the jail building located on Jail Square was demolished and a new jail was built on Courthouse Square.27
24 Kalamazoo Gazette, June 9, 1976. 25 History of Kalamazoo County, 1880, 225. 26 Alexis A. Praus, “The Kalamazoo Mound: A Letter from Alexander J. Sheldon,” Michigan History, v. 44, n. 4, Dec 1960, 388-389. 27 “Bronson Park to 1972,” Kalamazoo Gazette, WMU clippings file, no date (ca. 1930s); Nicholas Kik, Jr., “Bronson Park History,” November 26 1963; History of Kalamazoo County, 1880; and Carol Knauss, “A
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1844 Plat of Kalamazoo. The area indicated in red is the current location of Bronson Park.
Detail of 1844 Plat of Kalamazoo, showing the four public squares. The area in red is the current location of Bronson Park.
History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982).
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1 8 4 7 - 1877: Establishment of a Public Park
The 1847-1877 Period of Change diagram illustrates information regarding landscape conditions during this period.
1847 On 5 August 1847, the portion of Church street between Jail and Academy squares was closed.28
1848 In ca.1848, fences are added along Church Street between Courthouse Square and the “Church” Square, defining the boundaries of the park. Trees were planted along the streets and in the square. Also, six foot wide gravel walkways were constructed.29
1848 sketch by Alexander Sheldon. The area indicated in red is the current location of Bronson Park. The green line indicates the area fenced to create a large public space in 1848.
28 Nicholas Kik, Jr., “Bronson Park History,” November 26 1963; and Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982). 29 Alexis A. Praus, “The Kalamazoo Mound: A Letter from Alexander J. Sheldon,” Michigan History, v. 44, n. 4, Dec 1960, 389-390.
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1850 On 4 July 1850, Alexander J. Sheldon excavated the mound. His notes indicate the process used: “Prior to the work of restoration, I directed laborers to drift through the mound, cutting a trench some four feet wide, by which a large portion of the mound was disturbed…the depth of the drift was down to the underlying hard pan, which was found in its natural state, never having been broken up. As I anticipated, there were no remains of a forgotten race…”A collection of coins and materials was placed in a glass jar in the mound at this time. 30 Sheldon also noted that others offered to level the mound, but he instead “restored” it with soil from the construction of the walkways.
1851 The two park squares were leased to the city for a term of ten years for use as a public park.31
One source notes that the location of the park was “…a wilderness of untrimmed native forest trees and evergreen thickets, the latter planted years before by some misguided person who believed that the cedars and spruces made an artistic arrangement.” A ring of cedars was located in the center of the park and the surface of park was below the grade of the streets, so that the park flooded after rain events. Eventually, the evergreens cut down, maples and elms removed, leaving oaks and a few other trees. The ground surface raised a foot despite protests by some who were concerned that the mound would be buried. The earliest fence was a wood rail fence; replaced by a picket fence, then later by factory constructed rails. 32
1856 In July 1856, a memorial cannon was installed in the park. It was removed after an accident while firing the cannon in September the same year.33
On 27 August 1856, Abraham Lincoln presented a speech to an estimated crowd of 10,000 in the park while campaigning for
30 Kalamazoo Gazette, February 17, 1955, quoting Alexander Sheldon letter, ca. 1870s. 31 History of Kalamazoo County, 1880. 32 Kalamazoo Gazette, July 11, 1915. 33 Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982),15.
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John D. Fremont. Accounts differ as to where he stood.34
On 6 September 1856, John C. Breckinridge (James Buchanan’s running mate) and William C. Preston, of New York, Stephen A. Douglass and Lewis Cass gave a speech from the mound in the park.35
1857 The Academy building was removed from the northeast corner of Bronson Park. The village gave the college notice to remove the building and the college refused. One night, the entire building was moved into the street. It remained there for some weeks until it was moved to a different location.36 1862 A new fence was installed around the park, including gates at all crossings to replace the stairs that had previously provided access to the interior of the park.37
1864 The city’s lease for the park expired in 1864; it was renewed on 8 January 1865 for a period of 99 years.38
34 Kalamazoo Gazette, January 11, 1955; 35 Kalamazoo Gazette, September 6, 1876. 36 History of Kalamazoo County, 1880, 270; and Kalamazoo Gazette, July 30, 1905. 37 Kalamazoo Gazette, July 4, 1862; Kalamazoo Gazette, April 25, 1862 quoted in Kalamazoo Gazette, December 22, 1929; and Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982), 20. 38 History of Kalamazoo County, 1880.
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1869 Image of the Park from KPL Photo Collection
1869 Image of the Park from KPL Photo Collection
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1875 The park was in disrepair. The president of the village noted in his annual report “…our park has been too long neglected; it requires immediate attention.”39
1876 On 5 December 1876, “The Park” was officially named “Bronson Park” in honor of Titus Bronson.40
1877 Adam Oliver, landscape gardener, submitted a proposal to design improvements for Bronson Park.41
39 “Kalamazoo Annual Report, 1875,” City of Kalamazoo Records, 17; Kalamazoo Gazette May 25, 1878. 40 Kalamazoo Gazette, December 5, 1876; and Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982),25. 41 Kalamazoo Gazette, October 2, 1877.
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1 8 7 8 - 1937: A Formal Design for Bronson Park
The 1878-1937 Period of Change diagram illustrates information regarding landscape conditions during this period.
1878 In 1878, the Kalamazoo Gazette announced the adoption of a formal design for Bronson Park. The article includes a diagram showing layout, walks, center basin with rock work and fountain, bronze gas lamps/fountains; paths to be eight feet wide designed by Adam Oliver, landscape artist. Adam Oliver, a native of Scotland, also laid out the grounds for the Michigan state capitol building in Lansing and did notable landscaping work in Jackson and Flint. Oliver’s plan for Bronson Park tried to save as many trees as possible, and also not disturb the grade at the mound.42 Notes accompanying the plan indicate:
1.Walkway surrounding the park (8’ wide path)
2.Center basin (60’ diameter with 20’ rock work and an elegant spray fountain in the center)
3.Walks from entrances at each corner of the park curve to the center (8’ wide path)
4.Two elegant combined bronze gas lamps and fountains (with three lights each and three 1878 Adam Oliver plan for Bronson Park drinking cups)
42 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 25, 1878; Kalamazoo Gazette, June 2, 1878; “Kalamazoo Annual Report, 1875,” City of Kalamazoo Records; Kalamazoo Gazette, March 30, 1939; and Coller notecard collection, Kalamazoo Gazette.
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1879 Oliver’s plan for the park was implemented in 1879 including installation of an ornamental fountain, walkways, water and gas pipes, drinking fountains, trees, and sod.43 A wire fence was installed around the fountain.44
1879-1885 A series of photographs taken between 1879 and 1885 illustrate the park during this period.
Ca. 1879-1885 KPL
43 “Kalamazoo Annual Report, 1879,” City of Kalamazoo Records, 6. 44 History of Kalamazoo County, 1880, 271.
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Ca. 1879-1885 KPL
Ca. 1880-1888 KPL
1880-1889 Documentation notes a variety of repairs and improvements related to the park. 1880: Drainage repairs completed on fountain basin.45 Sidewalk laid on the south and east sides of the park.46 1881: Complaint about poor drainage and water accumulation at the south and west sides of the park.47
45 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 26, 1880; and Kalamazoo Gazette, July 7, 1880. 46 Kalamazoo Gazette, August 3, 1880; and Kalamazoo Gazette, April 5, 1881.
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1883: Cement walk installed at the west end of the park.48 1884: Seasonal wire fence installed to protect the sod during the winter months.49 This practice is continued over the next several decades.50 1886: Drainage project completed to fill the north side of the park. Sidewalk installed on the north side of the park.51 Rehabilitation of park including removal and replacement of dead trees, planting of shrubs and flowers, and improvements to walkways.52 1888: New drainage system installed, though flooding is still apparent on the east and south sides of the park. A large number of geraniums were planted.53 1889: Cement sidewalk laid on north side of park.54
1881 Contract for Academy of Music building marks the beginning of change in usage around the park from residential to commercial.55
1884 Kalamazoo incorporates as a city.
1885 Village Board hires a park keeper.56
47 “Letter to the Editor,” Kalamazoo Gazette, August 4, 1881. 48 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1883. 49 Kalamazoo Gazette, December 25, 1885 50 Kalamazoo Gazette, February 1, 1899; Kalamazoo Gazette, November 8, 1905; and Kalamazoo Gazette, November 19, 1913. 51 Nicholas Kik, Jr., “Bronson Park History,” November 26 1963. 52 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1886. 53 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1887, 51. 54 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1888, 45. 55 Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982), 36. 56 Ibid., 34.
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1890s Speeches and events: Throughout the decade, Bronson Park was the site of various gatherings, including Sunday meetings, Decoration Day festivities, exhibition drills, Sunday School rallies, Labor Day celebrations, political rallies, street fairs.57 Speeches include: 1896: William Jennings Bryan and Generals Alger, Sickles, Howard, Stewart and Menard gave speeches in Bronson Park “from the historic mound where many noted men had spoken on similar occasions.”58 1898: On October 8, General William Shafter spoke from a platform on the mound in Bronson park.59
1890s General Landscape Conditions Park improvement included: addition of twenty-five new seats, repaving of walkways, resodding and tree replacement. Speculation about adding a monument to soldiers and sailors.60 1890: Annual Report mentions “the experiment of decorating the park with vases and flowers proved a marked success…”61 1899: Pavilion erected in the park.62 Old pines “detrimental to the growth of the grass and smaller trees” were removed.63 New gravel applied to park paths.64
1893 The Kalamazoo Public Library was constructed at the corner of South and Rose Streets.65
1897 A greenhouse was built at Riverside Cemetery. This enabled the park keeper to provide more elaborate displays in the public parks rather than being limited by what the city could buy.66
57 Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982), 41-42. 58 Kalamazoo Gazette, October 17, 1896; and Kalamazoo Gazette, October 20, 1896. 59 Kalamazoo Gazette, October 8, 1898. 60 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1891, 53 and 37. 61 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1890, 49. 62 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 2, 1899; Kalamazoo Gazette, May 16, 1899; and Nicholas Kik, Jr., “Bronson Park History,” November 26 1963. 63 Kalamazoo Gazette, August 10, 1899. 64 Kalamazoo Gazette, November 3, 1899. 65 Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982), 44. 66 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1897, 56.
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Ca. 1889-1892 KPL
Ca. 1892-1897 KPL
Bandstand in Bronson Park, early 19th century.
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1900’S General conditions during this decade: 1900: 9 July, the park was damaged by a severe storm.67 1901: Park connected to public sewer; walks graveled and in good condition. 1903: Trout were placed in the Bronson Park fountain in the spring and removed in the fall.68 The presence of the fish in the fountain basin (approximately 100, according to periodic articles in the Kalamazoo Gazette and City of Kalamazoo Annual Reports) was referred to as a “custom,” and continued into the 1930s.69 1904: Walkways regraveled and fountain repaired. 70 1906: Benches purchased for the park. 71 1909: Bandstand removed because it was “unsightly.” 72 1909: Lighting proposed for Bronson Park to celebrate the city’s silver anniversary includes four large posts and 40 smaller lights added to those already in the park.73 Electric lights were installed in the fountain in September.74
Speeches and Events in the park during this decade: 1900: On 8 September Governor Theodore Roosevelt spoke in the Bronson Park bandstand while on the campaign trail.75
Vegetation during this decade: 1905: New planting beds were planned for the park including a cloverleaf bed in the southwest portion of the park and a star opposite the cloverleaf. A bed is also planned for the top of the mound to increase the mound height and deter pedestrians from walking on the mound.76 1908-1909: In 1909 planting beds in the park included 18 garden
67 Muskegon Chronicle, July 9, 1900. 68 Kalamazoo Gazette, October 15, 1903. 69 Kalamazoo Gazette, June 10, 1906; Kalamazoo Gazette, May 13, 1909; City of Kalamazoo, Annual Reports, 1912, 129; City of Kalamazoo, Annual Reports, 1920; City of Kalamazoo, Annual Reports, 1926; and City of Kalamazoo, Annual Reports, 1931. 70 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 6, 1904. 71 Nicholas Kik, Jr., “Bronson Park History,” November 26 1963. 72 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 13, 1909. Nicholas Kik, Jr., “Bronson Park History,” November 26 1963 notes that the bandstand was removed in 1908. 73 Kalamazoo Gazette, August 24, 1909. 74 Kalamazoo Gazette, September 26, 1909. 75 Kalamazoo Gazette, September 8, 1900. 76 Kalamazoo Gazette, September 7, 1905.
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beds of tulips with over 20 varieties; three beds of fragrant hyacinths, one large bed of tubular begonias; crocuses, Japanese lilies, triangular bed filled with peonies just east of the fountain; and one small group of Crimson Rambler roses trained over a pyramidal frame near the fountain. Later in the season bulbs were replaced with coleus (17 varieties from yellow to red), over a thousand cannas, and other foliage plants. During the previous season, the park had been planted with sloping beds of foliage plants spelling “BRONSON PARK” facing the northeast corner of the square.77
1900’S Monuments/Memorials installed during this decade: 1901: GAR soldier’s monument placed in the park.78 1907: Flag pole (referred to as “liberty pole”) was erected in the park near the mound by the DAR. The flag pole stood 100’ tall. It was removed sometime after 1931.79
Ca. 1908 WMU
77 Kalamazoo Gazette, March 12, 1909. 78 Kalamazoo Gazette, September 18, 1901. 79 Kalamazoo Gazette, June 29, 1907; and Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982), 47.
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1910’s General conditions during this decade: 1911: Repairs were made to the Bronson Park Basin.80 1912: J.P. Gregory excavated the mound to find a jar buried in 1849. The jar was not found.81 1913: New drinking fountains were placed in Bronson Park.82 1915: Two drinking fountains were placed in the park.83 Annual Report recommends that the gravel walks be replaced with asphalt. This request is repeated in 1916, 1917, and 1922, due to heavy use of the park and damage to the grass.84 1916: Park superintendent installs a pile of rocks in the center of the fountain basin to provide a place for birds to bathe.85 1919: Colias in the shape of an arrow are planted on northwest side of the park.86
1910’S Monuments and Memorials installed during this decade: 1913: Memorial boulder placed at the foot of the liberty pole.87 1913: Bronze tablet memorializing the USS Maine placed by GAR in Bronson Park.88 1913: A memorial boulder entitled KPL Subject File list of monuments notes a boulder entitled “Commemorating leaving for the Civil War: 1863-1913”; presented to the city of Kalamazoo on Sept 11 1913. It is set on the east edge of the park facing South Rose Street. 89 1914: Plaque placed on boulder in memory of Lucinda Hinsdale Stone.90 First year a tree in the park is decorated to serve as a municipal Christmas tree. This is repeated in 1915.91
80 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Reports, 1911, 140. 81 Kalamazoo Gazette, August 1, 1912. 82 Kalamazoo Gazette, October 5 1913. 83 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1915, 237. 84 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1916, 161; City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1917; City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1922, 54. 85 Kalamazoo Gazette, June 4, 1916. 86 Kalamazoo Gazette, June 18, 1919. 87 Kalamazoo Gazette, June 10, 1913; Kalamazoo Gazette, June 11, 1913; plaque on the stone indicates that it was placed on June 14, 1913. 88 Kalamazoo Gazette, August 16, 1913; and Kalamazoo Gazette, November 4, 1913. 89 “Bronson Park Monuments: Monuments & Other Methods of Memorializing,” Kalamazoo Public Library Subject File; and Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982), 47. 90 Text on plaque indicates the plaque was placed September 30, 1914. 91 Kalamazoo Gazette, December 8, 1915.
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1914 - 1947 Tully Scott purchased a popcorn wagon and sold popcorn and peanuts next to the park from March through September. He continued until 1947.92
Ca. 1915-1926 KPL
Ca. 1910s WMU postcard
92 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 29, 1983.
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1920’S General conditions during this decade: 1921: Complaints of littering in the park (despite trash receptacles). 93 1921: Fountain repaired. 94 1924: City allocates $1075 for curbs for walks in the park.95 1925: Hundreds of visitors use Bronson Park on a daily basis. Complaints about standing water and dead grass.96 1926: New fountain installed at a cost of $1,700. The fountain is a gift of Duncan McColl. It was only the third “electric fountain” in the United States at the time it was installed, and featured hidden multi-colored electric lights to produce colors in the spray.97 1927: East end of the park filled to raise the grade.98 1928: Filling of the park grade continued. New walks were laid on the east side of the park.99 1929: New cement curbs and a paved walkway at the curb lawn around the park were implemented to help preserve the turf.100
1924 The Spanish-American War memorial consisting of a 10-ton boulder topped with a statue was installed. An earlier marker was relocated. The sculpture is one of 48 castings by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson.101
93 Kalamazoo Gazette, June 12, 1921. 94 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1921, 20. 95 Carol Knauss, “A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940” (Master’s Thesis, Western Michigan University, 1982), 52. 96 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1946. 97 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report 1926; Kalamazoo Gazette, July 20, 1925 from Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbook vol. 1; Kalamazoo Gazette, August 2, 1926, from Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbook vol. 1.Note that undated Kalamazoo Gazette article from Kalamazoo Public Library Subject files indicates that it was the only automatic fountain in the US when it was completed. A July 2, 1927 article in the Kalamazoo Gazette notes “at the present time there are but 10 fountains of this kind operating in the United States.” 98 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1928, 54. 99 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1929. 100 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1929. 101 Kalamazoo Gazette, February 27, 1923; Kalamazoo Gazette, March 16, 2914; and Kalamazoo Gazette, March 23, 1975.
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Ca. 1925
Ca. 1927-38 CA
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1930s General conditions during this decade: 1932: Park grade filled again and lawns reseeded.102 1935: Parks Department experimented with grass seed and fertilizer to improve lawns at Bronson Park, with some success.103 1936: Academy Street widened as part of WPA project.104
1934 City authorizes Daughters of Union Veterans to present boulder to city to be placed on spot where Lincoln spoke in 1856. It was to be placed in the southeast corner of park.105
1930s The city used Works Progress Administration (WPA) programs to expand city parks and recreation, the focus was on the provision of recreational facilities (playgrounds, golf courses, tennis courts, baseball and softball fields, picnic facilities, nature preserves, an archery range, wading pools, a zoo, ice skating ponds and sledding). The implementation of the new design for Bronson Park, including the fountain, was partially paid for with WPA funds.106
102 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1932. 103 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1935, 70. 104 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 1, 1939. 105 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 15, 1934, in Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks vol. 4; Kalamazoo Gazette, October 11, 1934, in Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks vol. 4. 106 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Reports, 1930s.
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1 9 3 8 - 1 9 4 0 : T he Fountain of the Pioneers and a Modern Park
The 1938-1940 Period of Change diagram illustrates information regarding landscape conditions during this period.
1936-1939 Design of the Fountain of the Pioneers In 1936/37, the Kalamazoo Business and Professional Women’s Club sponsored a contest for a new design for the fountain in Bronson Park. The entry by Marcelline Gougler was selected to receive the first prize. Gougler was a twenty-four-year-old instructor at the University of Illinois and a student of Iannelli’s. She invited Iannelli to collaborate upon realizing that the engineering of the design was beyond her expertise. Iannelli ultimately revised the design considerably, completely modifying it to present a modern representation of the history of Kalamazoo and its earliest inhabitants.107
The final work installed represents Iannelli’s concept:
“Regarding the meaning of the Fountain of the pioneers, the scheme of the fountain conveys the advance of the pioneers and the generations that follow, showing the movement westward, culminating in the tower symbol of the pioneer…, while the Indian is shown in posture of noble resistance, yet being absorbed as the white man advances.”108
The design process stretched over several years, due to a delay in funding for construction. Responses by the community of Kalamazoo regarding the artistic merit of the concepts and models developed by Iannelli were divided.
107 Kalamazoo Gazette, April 18, 1937; Kalamazoo Gazette, February 23, 1936; Kalamazoo Gazette, November 15, 1936; Kalamazoo Gazette, December 8, 1936; articles are in Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks vol. 4; and Jameson, David, Alfonso Iannelli, Modern by Design. (Oak Park, Illinois, Top Five Books, 2013), 278. 108 Jameson, David. Alfonso Iannelli, Modern by Design. (Oak Park, Illinois, Top Five Books, 2013), 279. Jameson notes that this account was documented by Flora Roberts, head of the Kalamazoo Public Library, in April 1940.
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In 1937, Iannelli’s model for replacing the McColl fountain was placed on display in city hall.109 In 1938, a model of the entire proposed park plan was prepared as a base for a new model of the fountain.110 The model was displayed at the American National Bank of Kalamazoo in 1939.111
Although the design of the park landscape was completed by the Kalamazoo superintendent of parks, LeRoy Gilbert, documentation indicates that the design concept was originally laid out by Iannelli Studios and related strongly to the design of the Fountain of the Pioneers Complex.112 A 1938 site plan prepared by Iannelli’s office, and renderings of the fountain that includes benches, trees, lawns and paths, illustrate the close association between the development of the design for the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and the park landscape. An undated article notes
the “…motif for the fountain was taken from the paths through the park. The triangles formed by the crossings of two squares are repeated in the fountain and its surroundings…”113
The site plan included fourteen discreet lawn and garden plots with eight diagonal and six other walks through the area. “…the new fountain and its two reflector pools would be centered in this setting of greensward and floral gardens, with the park benches arranged around the fountain and pools instead of along the walks as at present…The plans do not call for the removal of a single tree in the park.”114
The electrical features of the Fountain of the Pioneers complex were designed by Earl E. Norman.
109 “Model for Bronson Park Fountain on Display Here,” Kalamazoo Gazette, September 22, 1937. 110 “City Commission Really Stymied by Fountain Art,” Kalamazoo Gazette, October 13, 1938. 111 Kalamazoo Gazette, January 11, 1939, KDL scrapbooks vol. 4. 112 Iannelli Studios Site Plan for Bronson Park, 1938; and other renderings by the Studio. 113 Kalamazoo Gazette, undated article, KPL Subject File. (See also 1985 Chronicle Article on Iannelli and Fountain in KPL Subject File for more on Iannelli and design inspirations. 114 KPL Scrapbooks Vol 5.
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Iannelli Studios Site Plan for Bronson Park, 1938 (the plan is oriented with north down)
Rendering of the Fountain of the Pioneers and surrounding park prepared by Iannelli Studios. (Image courtesy of David Jameson, Iannelli Collection)
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1939-1940 In 1939, the McColl Fountain (1926) was demolished and construction of the Iannelli design began. In addition to the pools and fountains, the entire park was filled and new lawns, walks and irrigation were installed. The park was closed during construction.115
WPA funds were used to fund the installation of the new park and fountain, accounting for $19,500 of the overall project cost. The city allocated an additional $7,500 for the project. The construction of the fountain itself was $10,000.116
Some proposed portions of the fountain were never completed. Iannelli is quoted: “The scheme of the fountain conveys the advance of the pioneers and the generations that follow, showing the movement westward, culminating in the tower-symbol of the pioneer. A glass panel projecting from the head indicates his vision [the panel was never installed]…The Indian is shown in a posture of noble resistance, yet being absorbed as the white man advances. The pattern of the parapet rail indicates the rich vegetation and produce of the land. The play of the water which gradually changes, and the cascades of falling water all add to the impression of abundance and accomplishment of the Kalamazoo peoples; the pools give a sense of peace and serenity. The spouts of the water guns add to the general effect…[Iannelli called the fountain] a quiet mass [that was designed to] fit the architectural surroundings of the park, so it would take its place naturally.”117
An article by Alfonso Iannelli was published in American City magazine detailing the process of conceiving and planning the Fountain of the Pioneers. Iannelli noted that the drinking fountain at the end of the western pool was meant to recall
115 “Begin Demolition of Park Fountain,” Kalamazoo Gazette, March 20, 1939; Kalamazoo Gazette, June 2, 1940, from Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks, vol. 5; City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1939, 61; and Nicholas Kik, Jr., “Bronson Park History,” November 26 1963. 116 Kalamazoo Gazette, undated article (probably 1980s), KPL Subject File. 117 Kalamazoo Gazette, undated article (probably 1980s), KPL Subject File.
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“…the play of water at the other end.”118
Iannelli made the wooden casting boxes for the fountain in his studio and shipped them to Kalamazoo. He used some original parts from the McColl Fountain.
Construction of the Fountain of the Pioneers in Bronson Park fountain was completed and the Fountain of the Pioneers complex was dedicated on 6 June 1940.119
Postcard view of the Fountain of the Pioneers in Bronson Park
Alfonso Iannelli Alfonso Iannelli was an Italian-American sculptor, artist, and industrial designer. Iannelli was born in Andretta, Italy on 17 February 1888. He died on 23 March 1965 in Chicago. He came to America in 1898. He studied under Gutzon Borglum, famous for creating Mount Rushmore. Iannelli’s work includes collaborations with numerous architects and designers during the early 20th century. Frank Lloyd Wright invited Iannelli to work with him on the Midway Gardens project in 1914. Iannelli
118 American City Magazine., September 1941. 119 City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1940, 59; and Kalamazoo Gazette, April 1, 2006.
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created several of the Midway's Sprite sculptures for Wright, but the two did not collaborate on other projects after Wright took credit for the sculptures. In 1929-30, Iannelli also collaborated with Chicago architect Enrst Grunfeld on several Art Déco-style plaques for the Adler Planetarium, and noted Chicago area Prairie School design architects Purcell and Elmslie, as well as architect Barry Byrne. Iannelli also worked on numerous exhibitions displayed at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair.120
Iannelli and his wife Margaret, an illustrator and artist, established Iannelli Studios in Park Ridge, Illinois. Work from the studio included commercial design, advertising, product design, architectural interiors and collaborations with architects. Iannelli designed many significant interiors for churches and movie theaters, two of which remain in operation today: the Pickwick Theater in Park Ridge, Illinois, and the Catlow Theater in Barrington, Illinois. His sculptures include the Rock of Gibraltar on Chicago’s Prudential Building.121
Alfonso Iannelli, 1916. From Chicago Daily News - Chicago Daily News negatives collection, DN-0003451. Courtesy of the Chicago Historical Society.
120 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfonso_Iannelli 121 Ibid.
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Fountain of the Pioneers in Bronson Park, 1940. KPL
Paths, lawns and plant bed in Bronson Park, 1940. KPL
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Reflecting pool in Bronson Park, 1940. KPL
Fountain of the Pioneers and reflecting pool in Bronson Park. Note the blocks in the pool that are part of the design. City of Kalamazoo, Bronson Park 97
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1941 to Present: Continued Use and Change at Bronson Park
1954 The mound in Bronson Park was excavated again in 1954. Narrow shafts were dug into the mound. Part of the glass jar placed by Sheldon in 1831 was found within the mound, five feet below the surface. A pyrex bottle with artifacts from 1954 was buried in the mound, to be opened in 2054.122
1960 - current General Conditions 1960 - Curved light posts installed in Bronson Park. New shrubs placed around new ornamental light posts, replacing 20 year old shrubs.123 1966 - 8-9 sugar maple trees placed in the park to replace several diseased American elm trees.124 1967 - Boy Scouts planted a hardwood tree in Bronson Park.125 1968 - A bandstand was placed in Bronson Park for students to use in singing and informal gatherings.126 Temporary bandstands were installed during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980 to accommodate specific events. 1969 – The Fountain was repaired by replacing electrical wiring, motors, lenses, and fluorescent lights.127 1972 - City spent approximately $12,000 to replace the electrical system and make other repairs in the park.128 1977 - Walkways resurfaced with concrete.129 1977 – Park and fountain work undertaken at a cost of $45,000.130 1977 – New light poles and fixtures installed in the park.131 1979 – County received $200,000 federal grant for improvements to the park and fountain.132 Ca. 1980s – Volunteers hand clean the Fountain of the Pioneers
122 Kalamazoo Gazette, August 10, 1954, from Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks vol. 6; Kalamazoo Gazette, August 15, 1954; Kalamazoo Gazette, July 19, 1954; Kalamazoo Gazette, September 8, 1954; and Kalamazoo Gazette, September 10, 1954. 123 Kalamazoo Gazette, November 22, 1960; City of Kalamazoo, Annual Report, 1960, 24. 124 Kalamazoo Gazette, March 8, 1966. 125 Kalamazoo Gazette, April 23, 1967, in Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks, vol. 8. 126 Kalamazoo Gazette, April 5, 1968, in Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks, vol. 8. 127 Kalamazoo Gazette, June 6, 1969, in Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks, vol. 8. 128 Kalamazoo Gazette, September 26, 1972’ quoted in O’Connor chronology. 129 1977 Sidewalk Resurfacing Plan, City of Kalamazoo Records. 130 Kalamazoo Gazette, April 28, 1977; quoted in O’Connor chronology. 131 1977 Dwg. E-2 New Lighting Poles, City of Kalamazoo Records. 132 Kalamazoo Gazette, February 17, 1979; quoted in O’Connor chronology.
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complex and initiate a movement to restore it.133 1980 – May 13 a tornado struck Kalamazoo and caused heavy damage to the park (see below). 1980 - The 1963 flag memorial was removed from the park after the tornado.134 1988 - Four trees lost/replaced in park.135 1989 - Repair work completed on fountain and pools, including repairs to exposed concrete and new pieces molded to restore/replace broken portions. In addition, the pool lining was removed and concrete pool curbs and sculpture repaired.136 1999 – Rotary stage added to Bronson Park (see below).
1956 - current Memorials and Historical Markers 1956 - Bronson Park selected to receive Historical Marker commemorating Lincoln’s speech. Due to disagreements about the location of Lincoln’s speech within the park, the Kalamazoo Gazette indicated the marker will be placed on Park Street about half way between South street and Academy Street.137 1957 - Historical marker commemorating Lincoln’s speech unveiled in Bronson Park.138 1976 – As part of a Bicentennial event, a conglomeration of sculptures are placed in the east reflecting pool. The work is titled “Where Justice and Mercy Prevail, Children May Safely Play.”139 1984 – On Memorial Day, a 7000 pound rock marker was dedicated as a memorial to the Vietnam War.140 1986 - Civil War memorial cannon moved to Bronson Park. Accounts differ as to the original location of the cannon, which
133 O’Connor chronology. 134 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 13, 1980; Kalamazoo Gazette, May 18, 1980; “Memo from William VerMeulen to Ray Purdin, Bronson Park Tree Replacement, June 2, 1980, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-260, Folder: Tree Info; Kalamazoo Gazette, August 9, 1983; and Interoffice memo, October 17, 1985, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-260, Folder: Bronson Park Tree Maps; “Bronson Park Tree Census,” September 25, 1985, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-260, Folder: Tree Info. 135 Letter from Bill Nelson to Bill VerMeulen, October 19, 1988, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-260, Folder: Purchase: Trees. 136 Kalamazoo Gazette, November 13, 1989. 137 Kalamazoo Gazette, November 9, 1956. 138 Kalamazoo Gazette, February 13, 1957. 139 Kalamazoo Gazette, July, 1976. 140 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 18, 1984.
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may have been previously located in the park or in courthouse square. Between 1935 and 1986 it was located at the Kalamazoo Regional Pyschiatric Hospital’s Northwest Unit on Blakeslee Street.141 1995 - Korean War Veterans Memorial dedicated on July 27.142 2009 - Plaque identifying Kirk Newman as the sculptor of “When Justice and Mercy Prevail” statues installed.143 1986 - The seasonal display of “Mike” the topiary peacock began in Bronson park. It was the idea of a Kalamazoo County agricultural agent who had seen a similar flower peacock in Germany and brought the idea to Kalamazoo. The peacock was named for Norman “Mike” Blakely, who oversaw the peacock for over a decade.144
1950s - current Events and Speeches 1950s through current: The park is extensively decorated for Christmas with lighted trees, an archway of candy canes and a large nativity scene. Displays vary each year. 1960 - John F. Kennedy spoke in Bronson Park.145 1968 - Robert F. Kennedy spoke in Bronson Park.146 1968 – Last year that candy cane archways were displayed in the park for the holidays until 2009. 1969 – A series of lighted wreaths, fifty small evergreen trees and a forty-foot tall Christmas tree were installed in the park for the holiday season.147 2009 - Vintage holiday decorations including candy canes, Frosty the Snowman, Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, and others are displayed in Bronson Park as part of the 125th anniversary
141 Kalamazoo Gazette, July 19, 1987; and Kalamazoo Gazette, October 12, 1986. 142 “Program Korean War Momument Dedication Ceremony,” July 27, 1995, Kalamazoo Public Library Bronson Park Subject File. 143 Aaron Aupperlee, “New Bronson Park Plaque recognizes artist Newman,” Kalamazoo Gazette, June 3, 2009, in Kalamazoo Public Library Bronson Park Subject File Cards. 144 Linda May, “Once again, Bronson Park’s peacock blossoms to lift spirits,” Kalamazoo Gazette, May 21, 2006, in Kalamazoo Public Library Bronson Park Subject File Cards; and Sebastian Fryer, “Peacock returns to Bronson Park,” Kalamazoo Gazette, May 18, 2011, in Kalamazoo Public Library Bronson Park Subject File Cards. 145 Kalamazoo Gazette, December 29, 1997. 146 Kalamazoo Gazette, December 29, 1997. 147 Kalamazoo Gazette, December 4, 1969 in Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks, vol. 8.
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celebration.148 2013 - Hanukkah menorah displayed in BP for the first time.149 2013 - Lunchtime Live event series began in the summer of 2013, returned in the summer of 2014. The event includes live music and local food trucks.150
1961 Alfonso Iannelli returned to Kalamazoo to see the fountain. He was pleased with how the fountain was maintained but didn’t like the shabby benches or curved light poles. The light posts did not go over well with the public.151
1964 The County of Kalamazoo renewed the lease of Bronson Park to the City for 50 years for $1.152
1964 The ACLU contended that use of funds and public land for a Nativity Scene in the park was unconstitutional. The ACLU dropped the suit after the City of Kalamazoo accepted an offer from the Kalamazoo Council of Churches to underwrite the expense of the display.153
1980 A tornado struck Bronson Park on May 13, 1980. The park lost a number of trees in the tornado, the exact number is not clear. Proposals to replant trees began immediately following the tornado and continued into the 1980s.154
1980 - 1982 Proposal to put a memorial to Bronson Park in Bronson Park, using a slab from one of the burr oak trees that fell during
148 Kathy Jessup, “Vintage holiday decorations return to Bronson Park,” Kalamazoo Gazette, November 20, 2009, in Kalamazoo Public Library Bronson Park Subject File Cards. 149 Kalamazoo Gazette, November 25, 2013. [KG article in KPL Subject File Cards] 150 Kalamazoo Gazette, September 28, 2013. [KG article in KPL Subject File Cards] 151 Kalamazoo Gazette, July 16, 1961; and Kalamazoo Gazette, August 1, 1961, in Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks, vol. 6. 152 Lease document in file CA 395 at City of Kalamazoo Archives. 153 Kalamazoo Gazette, January 9, 1964; Kalamazoo Gazette, March 4, 1964; Kalamazoo Gazette, June 7, 1964; Kalamazoo Gazette, June 30, 1964; Kalamazoo Gazette, July 6, 1964; and Kalamazoo Gazette, January 15, 1965. From Kalamazoo Public Library Scrapbooks, vol. 7. 154 Kalamazoo Gazette, May 13, 1980; Kalamazoo Gazette, May 18, 1980; “Memo from William VerMeulen to Ray Purdin, Bronson Park Tree Replacement, June 2, 1980, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-260, Folder: Tree Info; Kalamazoo Gazette, August 9, 1983; and Interoffice memo, October 17, 1985, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-260, Folder: Bronson Park Tree Maps; “Bronson Park Tree Census,” September 25, 1985, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-260, Folder: Tree Info.
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tornado as a base, with a metal plate containing a drawing of BP before the tornado. Flags also to be set in rings of slab noting important dates.155
1983 Bronson Park included as part of the Bronson Park National Register of Historic Places District.156
1999 Kalamazoo Downtown Rotary funded a new permanent stage for Bronson Park as a “Millenium Project.” City of Kalamazoo funded an electrical upgrade for the park in conjunction with the new stage. The city manager proposed removing the reflecting pool, replacing deteriorated asphalt sidewalks, park benches, and trash receptacles, upgrading park lighting, and adding bike racks for “better utilization” of the park space.157 The Park and Recreation Advisory Board voted against filling the pool, and the City Manager announced in May, 1999 that the reflecting pool would not be filled.158 The Rotary Stage was dedicated December 6, 1999.
2006 The American Indian Movement demonstrated in Kalamazoo calling for removal of Fountain of the Pioneers.159
2007 A study group ruled out relocating or removing the Fountain of the Pioneers, instead recommending an equally compelling and accurate presentation of the seven principles articulated by the Match-E-Be-Nash-E-Wish Band on the site.160
2008 Kalamazoo City Commission accepted a $2,500 grant from the
155 Kalamazoo Gazette, November 9, 1980; and Kalamazoo Gazette, August 20, 1981; and Kalamazoo Gazette, May 13, 1982. 156 National Register of Historic Places, Bronson Park Historic District, Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo County, Michigan, 83000855. 157 Correspondence from Office of the City Manager with Paul Clark, March 17, 1999, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-395; “Bronson Park Projects,” undated, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-395; OCBA, “Bronson Park Site Improvements, Layout Plan,” undated, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-395. 158 Letter from Doug Wood to Pat DiGiovanni, March 17, 1999, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-395; Letter from Garrylee McCormick to Pat DiGiovanni, April 9, 1999, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-395; Letter from John Brennan to Frank Szopo, April 27, 1999, City of Kalamazoo Records, CA-395; Kalamazoo Gazette, May 5, 1999; Kalamazoo Gazette, May 25, 1999. 159 Kalamazoo Gazette, April 1, 2006. 160 Kathy Jessup, “Sculpture will stay, may get a companion,” Kalamazoo Gazette, May 1, 2007, in Kalamazoo Public Library Bronson Park Subject File Cards.
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Daniel K. Thorne National Preservation Fund for repairs to the Fountain of the Pioneers. The grant was designated to help pay for an engineering assessment. The City had budgeted $40,000 toward repairs to the Fountain of the Pioneers complex.161
2011 Public meeting held to solicit ideas for rehabilitating the Fountain of the Pioneers. The fountain was inoperable for several weeks because of leaking, which was symptomatic of the need for major repairs.162 A proposal to remove mechanical equipment from inside the east end of the fountain to a central location between the two pools was presented. The fir tree between the two pools is dying and proposed to be removed. Four designs were shown as potential “aesthetic improvement;” other ideas include adding a festival kiosk, New Year’s Eve ball- drop site, Christmas Tree stand, interpretive markers, donor recognition monument. Final design to be approved by the end of the year. Some residents still disputed retention of the fountain due to subject content.163
161 Kathy Jessup, “Bronson Park fountain gets money for repair work,” Kalamazoo Gazette, September 3, 2008, in Kalamazoo Public Library Bronson Park Subject File Cards. 162 Paula Davis, “Input sought on Bronson Park fountain repairs,” Kalamazoo Gazette, August 17, 2011, in Kalamazoo Public Library Bronson Park Subject File Cards. 163 Jef Rietsma, “City solicits ideas for Bronson Park’s Iannelli Fountain,” Kalamazoo Gazette, August 24, 2011, in Kalamazoo Public Library Bronson Park Subject File Cards.
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View of the County Building from Bronson Park, 1948
1950s aerial photograph, City of Kalamazoo Records.
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1963 Site Plan of Bronson Park illustrating locations of electric lines, outlets, poles, and plantings as well as paths.
City of Kalamazoo Records, Bronson Park Xmas 10
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2012 City unveiled plans for Fountain of the Pioneers renovation. Pump room to be relocated to area between fountains, and the top of the fountain would be repaired. Proposal for decorative lighting scheme with different colors. Proposed protective covering for the fountain to keep water and condensation out and prevent snow and winter-weather damage, to be paid for through private fundraising.164
2012 Private donation to Kalamazoo Historic Preservation Commission to list the Fountain of the Pioneers complex individually on the NRHP.165
2013 City received $83,000 challenge grant from Jeffris Family Foundation to restore the fountain; the city must raise $166,000 by 2016. Project cost estimated at 2-2.5 million, includes renovation plus new piece of art.166
2013 City and County allocated $2,000 each for a new piece of art for Bronson Park. The Gun Lake Potawatomi Band indicated they will not pursue removal of the Fountain of the Pioneers.167
2013 Proposal to put a swing set in Bronson Park. City approved the idea of placing a statue of Abraham Lincoln in Bronson Park.168
2013 The Historic Preservation Committee and the Gun Lake Potawatomi Band initiated a new collaborative project to present the seven principles articulated by the Match-E-Be- Nash-E-Wish Band through digitally enhanced, compelling, and accurate public information presentations both in Bronson Park and at selected locations throughout the City and County.169
2014 The city initiated discussions to purchase Bronson Park from the county as the 50 year lease has expired. The city expressed a desire to demonstrate to donors to the Fountain of the Pioneers
164 Kalamazoo Gazette, March 14, 2012. [KG article in KPL Subject File Cards] 165 O’Connor chronology 166 Kalamazoo Gazette, July 14, 2013. [KG article in KPL Subject File Cards] 167 David Brose, email message to author, March 16, 2015; and Kalamazoo Gazette, July 18, 2013. [KG article in KPL Subject File Cards] 168 Kalamazoo Gazette, December 29, 2013. [KPL Subject File Cards} 169 David Brose, email message to author, March 16, 2015.
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restoration that the city has title to the park. In March, the County Board of Commissioners approved a one year extension of the lease while negotiations continued for the purchase of the park.170
170 Kalamazoo Gazette, March 2, 2014; Kalamazoo Gazette, March 20, 2014. [KG article in KPL Subject File Cards]
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Photograph Source Citations Coller: Coller Collection [3x5 notecards gleaned from Kalamazoo Gazette]
KG: Kalamazoo Gazette (dates refer to article publication, not necessarily event); Various sources, including database of articles from 1860s to 1910s, plus those held in clippings files (WMU, City) and scrapbooks (KPL, see below)
AR: Kalamazoo Annual Reports (page numbers for cited year unless otherwise noted),held at City of Kalamazoo Records CA 260 and 395: File boxes held at City of Kalamazoo Records
Kik History: Bronson Park history dated November 26 1963 by Nicholas Kik, Jr. Superintendent of Parks 1880 History: History of Kalamazoo County, 1880.
KPL: Kalamazoo Public Library collections, including subject files, subject file cards, scrapbooks, and photo collections
Knauss: A History of Bronson Park, Kalamazoo, Michigan from 1829 to 1940 by Carol Knauss, MA, WMU, 1982 (Master’s Thesis)
Dunbar: Kalamazoo and how it grew…and grew… by Willis F. Dunbar, WMU, 1969.
Praus: Alexis A. Praus, “The Kalamazoo Mound: A Letter from Alexander J. Sheldon,” Michigan History, v. 44, n. 4, Dec 1960.
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Page 2.60 ',%48)6ƫ3 ƴƫ%2%0=7-7 B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN Kalamazoo, MI LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS
LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS
O v e r v i e w
Bronson Park has served as both a green oasis and one of the primary public gathering places in downtown Kalamazoo since the early 1800’s. Since 1878, the park’s shaded walking paths, lawns, and canopy trees have combined with the sight and sound of flowing water to provide a green oasis in the heart of the city. The analysis of the landscape as part of the Bronson Park Master Plan is intended to inform the designers, steering committee and public about the significance of the park landscape, in order to help guide the development of the master plan design and ensure that significant aspects of the park landscape are addressed according to the United States Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.1 This report is not intended to serve as a comprehensive evaluation and does not replace the preparation of a national register nomination for the park, although the content of this report may be used to assist in the preparation of a nomination.
National Register Criteria The National Register of Historic Places recognizes districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that fulfill at least one of four criteria of significance and possess integrity. Significance the meaning or value ascribed to a structure, landscape, object, or site based on the National Register criteria for evaluation. Significance is usually the result of a combination of association and integrity. Integrity is the authenticity of a property’s historic identity, evinced by the survival of physical characteristics that existed during the property’s historic or prehistoric period. To determine integrity the question “How does what is present today compare with what was significant historically?” is addressed. The seven qualities of integrity as defined by the National Register Program are location, setting, feeling, association, design, workmanship, and materials.
The National Register criteria for evaluation identify properties that:
Criterion A. Properties that are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or Criterion B. Properties that are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or Criterion C. Properties that embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
1 http://www.nps.gov/tps/standards.htm
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Criterion D. Properties that have yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in history or prehistory.2
Bronson Park Significance Criteria Bronson Park is significant according to National Register Criterion A for its association with the community of Kalamazoo as an important public open space that has served as the “front porch” of the city since its establishment as a park in 1847.
The Fountain of the Pioneers complex, west reflecting pool, and overall layout of the park are also significant according to Criterion C as representative of the work of Alfonso Iannelli, an Italian-American sculptor, artist, and industrial designer; and as a representation of a prairie- style modern landscape design.
The park is also significant under Criterion D. The “Bronson Park Mound” is a National Register listed archaeological site (20KZ26). The state of Michigan also has a file referencing unverified Woodland Period garden beds located in the immediate vicinity and south of the park (site 20KZ108). 3 According to the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, the “presence of a mound and garden bed is characteristic of an intensive occupation.” Despite previous ground disturbance, the park is considered sensitive for the presence of additional archaeological materials.4
Bronson Park Period of Significance According to Criterion A the period of significance for the park landscape spans the years from 1847 to 1940. This time period reflects the park’s evolution as a public space in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, culminating in the implementation of a design guided by master designer Alfonso Iannelli and superintendent of parks LeRoy Gilbert.
According to Criterion C, the significant period for the park landscape begins in 1938 with the creation of the design for the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and park and ends in 1940 with completion of construction.
A period of significance has not been determined related to Criterion D.
2 National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register Criteria for Evaluation, 2. http://www.nps.gov/nr/publications/bulletins/pdfs/nrb15.pdf 3 Tchorzynski, Stacy, Archaeologist, Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and Department of Natural Resources. Email correspondence to Ruth Mills, QEA, 6 October 2014. 4 Tchorzynski, Stacy, Archaeologist, Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and Department of Natural Resources. Email correspondence to Ruth Mills, QEA, 6 October 2014.
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National Register Status
The Park contributes to the Bronson Park National Register Historic District, significant for its role as an important place in the history of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo County. The seven- block district includes seventeen of the city’s oldest and most historically and architecturally significant governmental, civic, and religious structures. The nomination indicates that the park contributes to the district, but does not include an evaluation of the park as a historic landscape.
A National Register nomination is currently being prepared for the Fountain of the Pioneers complex. It is recommended that the evaluation of the park landscape included within this report be used to enhance the Fountain of the Pioneers complex nomination.
A. Federal Building B. First Congregational Church C. First Baptist Church D. First Reformed Church E. Kalamazoo County Building F.YWCA Building G. United Methodist Church H. First Church of Christ, Scientist I. Civic Auditorium J. First Presbyterian Church K. Ladies’ Library Association L. City Hall M. Lawrence House/Park Club N. Prange Building O. Austin-Sill House P. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
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Landscape Characteristics
Landscape characteristics include tangible and intangible aspects of a landscape from the historic periods; these aspects individually and collectively give a landscape its historic character and aid in the understanding of its cultural importance. They are aspects of the landscape that help to categorize and organize information regarding historic and existing conditions associated with the site. They help to capture pertinent information which can then be synthesized to understand the site as a holistic entity.
Landscape characteristics relevant to Bronson Park include: land use, spatial organization, circulation, views, constructed water features, vegetation, small-scale features, structures, and archaeological resources. The next section provides an analysis of integrity related to landscape characteristics associated with the park.
Summary of Character Defining Features
Character-defining features are prominent or distinctive aspects, qualities, or characteristics of cultural landscapes that contribute significantly to its physical character.5 This chapter includes an analysis of landscape characteristics that identifies character defining features that are the essential historic aspects associated with Bronson Park. They are summarized here:
Land Use: -Public park Established as public open space in 1831 and a park in 1847, Bronson Park continues to serve as an important public park, and the “front porch of Kalamazoo.” Bronson Park retains integrity of land use according to the aspects of location, setting, feeling, association and design. The aspects of workmanship and materials are not directly associated with land use.
Spatial Organization and Circulation: – Layout of park paths, lawns, fountain and reflecting pool as central focal point – Tree canopy – Intrusions: stage, conifer tree
Views – Internal views within the park – Views from the park to the surrounding blocks – Views from the surrounding blocks into the park – Intrusions: stage, conifer tree
5 http://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/four-treatments/landscape-guidelines/terminology.htm
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Constructed Water Features – Fountain of the Pioneers – Reflecting Pools – Intrusions: tree between pool and fountain, added sculptures in pool Vegetation – Existing trees present in the historic period – Canopy trees – Lawns
Small-Scale Features – Memorials and monuments installed before 1940 – Intrusions: features installed after 1940
Archaeological Resources – Native American Mound
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Spatial Organization and Circulation Bronson Park retains a high level of integrity related to spatial organization and circulation in association with the design by Iannelli and implementation of the park in 1940, according to the aspects of location, setting, feeling, association and design. The patterns of circulation at Bronson Park strongly influence the overall spatial organization of the landscape. The rectangular shape of the park, symmetrical layout of parallel and diagonal walkways, central focal point of the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and reflecting pool, geometrically shaped lawns, and overhead canopy all were established by 1940 and are intact today.
The aspects of workmanship and materials also retain integrity, but the level is diminished partially due to the addition of non-contributing elements and alterations to paving materials. The installation of a coniferous tree between the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and the western reflecting pool severed the association between these integral parts of the design and the horizontal character of the central area of the park. The sculptures of children added in the reflecting pool altered the balance of positive and negative space created by the relationship between the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and the western reflecting pool. The Rotary Stage imposed a structural element in a location that the original design intended to provide open to views to the buildings on the west side of the park.
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Bronson Park Spatial Organization and Circulation Contributing / Aspect or Feature Notes Non-Contributing Layout of park Established in 1940 as part of the implemented Contributing walkways design prepared by Iannelli and Gilbert.
Location and layout of the Fountain of the Established in 1940 as part of the implemented Contributing Pioneers complex design prepared by Iannelli and Gilbert. and reflecting pool
Location and layout Established in 1940 as part of the implemented of the geometrically Contributing design prepared by Iannelli and Gilbert. shaped lawns
This vertical element was not part of the 1938- Coniferous tree at 1940 design. It interrupts the relationship Non-contributing center of park between the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and the western reflecting pool.
The stage was not part of the 1938-1940 design and interrupts views and the balance of space Rotary Stage Non-contributing established by the design. It provides an important function that was not included in the original design.
A tree canopy has been important to the park throughout its history. The 1938-1940 design Canopy trees Contributing preserved existing canopy trees as part of the new plan.
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Vegetation Bronson Park retains integrity of vegetation related to the aspects of location, setting, feeling, association, design, and materials. The aspects of setting, feeling, and design are diminished somewhat due to reduced tree canopy in the park. The aspect of workmanship does not apply to vegetation at this site.
Vegetation in Bronson Park includes three main components: lawn, ornamental beds, and canopy trees. Lawns and canopy trees have been part of the park landscape since the establishment of a park in the location in 1847. The park includes twenty-six trees that have been present since at least 1940. Many of these were present well before that time. The 1940 park design carefully strove to preserve existing trees. Although many canopy trees have been lost, including a large number that were destroyed during the 1980 tornado, the park retains an association between lawns and canopy trees, albeit less dense than that previously present.
The earliest documentation of ornamental plant beds in the park dates to 1905. Although the sizes, content and location of the plant beds have changed over time, the tradition has persisted. Although the placement of annual beds was not a primary focus of the 1940 design, the tradition of seasonal ornamental plantings in the park is important to the community.
Bronson Park Vegetation Contributing / Aspect or Feature Notes Non-Contributing Trees create an overall canopy for the park as in Canopy trees Contributing 1940 plan. Some existing trees present in 1940 have been identified. Although not indicated in the Iannelli plan, Planting beds Contributing ornamental plant beds were established in the park prior to the 1940 plan and continue today.
Lawns Contributing Layout of the lawns retained from 1940 plan.
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B RONSON PARK MASTER PLAN Kalamazoo, MI LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS
Views
The 1938-1940 design for Bronson Park established strong views between the central focal point of the park and the surrounding streets. The park walkways provided direct sightlines into the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and reflecting pool, and from this central area, views of the historic buildings surrounding the park provided a sense of enclosure and a link to the historic context of the community. This strong association continues to exist today throughout the majority of the park.
The addition of elements in some locations has diminished historic views. The rotary stage, spruce tree in the center of the park, and sculpture in the west reflecting pool have all changed the visual relationships within the central portion of the park.
1940 2014
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Constructed Water Features The Fountain of the Pioneers and the reflecting pools are extremely important focal point of park. The Fountain of the Pioneers complex and reflecting pool were installed 1938-1940. The original fountain and reflecting pool are intact on the site however they are in poor condition and in need of repair. Sculptures were added in the reflecting pool in 1976 as part of a bicentennial commemoration. An evergreen tree planted between the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and the reflecting pool has severed the visual relationship between these two key elements of the artwork. A National Register nomination is currently being prepared for the Fountain of the Pioneers complex that will include more information about the condition and integrity of the features.
A sculpture titled “When Justice and Mercy Prevail, Children May Safely Play” was added in the west reflecting pool after 1964 and does not contribute to the historic integrity of the park. The addition of this multi-piece sculpture to the pool impacts the integrity of the central portion of the park by creating a tension between the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and the west reflecting pool, which was designed to balance the overall composition of the Iannelli design. The sculpture is an important work of public art in need of an appropriate location that is not competing in scale and style with the historic Fountain of the Pioneers complex.
Bronson Park Constructed Water Features Contributing / Aspect or Feature Notes Non-Contributing Original fountain complex Fountain of the Pioneers Contributing installed in 1940 designed by complex Alfonso Iannelli.
Original reflecting pool installed in Reflecting Pool Contributing 1940 designed by Alfonso Iannelli.
"When Justice and Mercy Designed by Kirk Newman and Prevail, Children May Safely Non-contributing installed in the park after 1964. Play"
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Small-Scale Features Bronson Park’s small scale features historically included benches, lawn curbs, memorials and markers. A rendering prepared by Iannelli’s studio illustrates benches along the lawn curbs facing into the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and reflecting pool. The benches illustrated appear to reflect the character and materials used for the Fountain of the Pioneers complex, although the details of the furniture are not clear in the rendering. They appear to be concrete with low arms and backs, reflecting the horizontality of the space. During the 1940s, benches constructed of cast concrete legs and wood seats were in place as indicated in the plans. Photographs indicate that the benches were a design used in other Kalamazoo parks. Although the design did not match the Iannelli rendering exactly, the benches reflected the designer’s intent by providing seating facing the park’s focal highlight. The 1940s benches are no longer extant. They have been replaced with non-contributing metal benches that are finished with green paint and located in the central portions of the park. Other styles of benches and tables are located along the perimeter and angled paths. Additional non-historic features have been added in the park, including trash receptacles, acorn light fixtures on ornamental posts painted green, drinking fountains, flag poles, and a large number of plant pots and pot holders.
Of the 17 memorials and historic markers currently in the park, seven were present in 1940 (see the Small Scale Features diagram). The 1938 design drawings for the park did not address these features, and it is not clear if any have been moved since the Iannelli design was implemented. The ten added since 1940 do not contribute to the historic integrity of the park. The majority of these features are small and moveable. No evidence of a master plan or design directing the placement of the memorials or markers has been found and several have been relocated since their original placement. Although many of these features are not historically significant, they are important to the community.
Bench in Bronson Park, City of Kalamazoo Records, Bronson Park 118
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Bronson Park Small Scale Features Contributing / Aspect or Feature Notes Non-Contributing Orcutt G.A.R. 79 and Women's Contributing Added in 1925. Relief Corps Marker
Lincoln at Kalamazoo Marker Contributing Added in 1956.
September 11, 2001 Memorial Non-contributing Added after 1964 Rock
Liberty Pole Marker and Lucinda Contributing Added 1913-1914. Hinsdale Marker Stone
USS Maine Rock Contributing Added in 1913.
Vietnam Memorial Rock Non-contributing Added 1984.
Korea Memorial Rock Non-contributing Added 1995.
Molly Barker Stone Non-contributing Added 2004. Katsura tree and Memorial Rock, Non-contributing Added 2006. Fusko Nakamura Present in the park in 1940. Circuit Post 79 Rock Contributing Installed in 1934. Orcutt Post G.A.R. Tree Stone Present in the park in 1940. Contributing Marker Installed in 1909. Present in the park in 1940. Spanish-American War Marker Contributing Installed in 1924. 11th Regiment Michigan Present in the park in 1940. Contributing Volunteer Cavalry Marker Installed in 1913. Cannon Non-contributing Added in 1986. Flag poles (east and west sides of Non-contributing Installation dates unknown. park) Pushkin, Russia marker with Birch Non-contributing Added in 2005. Tree Kalamazoo-Numazu Sister City Non-contributing Added in 1998. Rock Benches, trash receptacles and Non-contributing Added after 1940. planters
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Archaeological Resources The Native American mound located in the southwest portion of Bronson Park is a National Register listed archaeological site (20KZ26). The presence of the mound and nearby Woodland Period garden bed site is characteristics of an intensive occupation. Although the ground has been disturbed in Bronson Park, it is possible that additional archaeological materials are present.6
6 Tchorzynski, Stacy, Archaeologist, Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and Department of Natural Resources. Email correspondence to Ruth Mills, QEA, 6 October 2014.
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RECOMMENDATIONS
Treatment Approach
Selection of a treatment philosophy for a historic site provides a fundamental structure upon which future management decisions may be made. The United States Secretary of the Interior indicates four types of treatment approaches that may be appropriate for historic landscapes. Each is defined herein, and their applicability to Bronson Park is discussed.
Preservation is the act of sustaining the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic property. This approach is most appropriate for properties that have a high level of integrity and often requires acceptance of representations from multiple time periods at the site. Although this approach is appropriate for Bronson Park because of the high level of integrity related to the 1940-implemented design, as well as the existence of features added prior to and since 1940, the need to alter some conditions in the park indicates that rehabilitation is the most appropriate approach to apply to Bronson Park.
Restoration is the process of depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a particular period in time. Elements that relate to earlier or later periods are removed in order to clearly represent one time period. A high level of documentation is necessary to ensure that the site accurately represents the historic period. This approach is not appropriate for Bronson Park because there are elements that have been added since 1940 that are important to the daily use and activities associated with the park. Restoration is an appropriate approach for the central portion of the park, including the Fountain of the Pioneers complex and western reflecting pool, due to the high level of significance and documentation available for this area.
Reconstruction is the act of using new construction to depict a non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object as it appeared at a specific period of time in its historic location. This approach is used only in cases where the highest level of significance applies and detailed documentation exists regarding the historic conditions of the property. The high level of integrity of Bronson Park indicates that this approach is not necessary.
Rehabilitation allows repairs, alterations, and additions necessary to enable a compatible use for a property, as long as the portions or features which convey the historical, cultural or architectural values are preserved. Rehabilitation has been selected as the most appropriate approach for Bronson Park. This approach accommodates the restoration of the central portion of the park and sensitive alterations in other areas to improve conditions and accommodate the needs of park users.
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The Design Process
The design process employed for the Bronson Park Master Plan relied on a series of Steering Committee meetings at which the design team initially gathered input to determine the collective vision, and then collected feedback as various design ideas were explored. The Steering Committee met monthly over the course of eight months. Early in the process City staff and the design team identified and met with several focus groups from which feedback was needed; and the session at the mid-point of the process was structured as a public input session at which all of the historic data, cultural landscape assessment, and preliminary design concepts were reviewed and discussed with the general public in an informal workshop session. The input and feedback received at all of these meetings shaped the concepts, 47 comment sheets such as this were generated by the refinements, and ultimately the final more than 60 citizens that attended the Bronson Park master plan. Master Plan Public Input Event.
The first task was intended to unify the diverse interests of the Steering Committee members through the development of a Vision Statement and Design Guiding Principles. Each Steering Committee member had the opportunity to generate a vision statement and principles that represented their views; the design team organized and categorized them, and over the course of three meetings consensus was achieved by the whole committee on the following:
Vision Statement We will work with the community to develop a plan for Bronson Park which honors and enhances the park’s unique heritage, fosters appreciation of the natural world and the arts in urban life, and explores opportunities for use and enjoyment while creating a welcoming and engaging place in the heart of Kalamazoo.
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Design Guiding Principles Historic: • Adhere to Secretary of Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Landscapes. • Preserve the integrity of the park’s landscape as a whole & its significant character defining features. • Interpret and respect the historical significance of the use, design, and events that are commemorated in the park. • Be guided by the park’s history as a “passive” place, while accommodating appropriate new or expanded use as defined through the planning process • Identify appropriate process for design, location and installation of future memorials. • Reflect the heritage of Kalamazoo through arts, architecture, landscape design, and horticulture. • Give primary consideration to continuity while acknowledging change in the cultural landscape. Design: • Make circulation routes fully accessible. • Encourage public use of the park. • Enhance the green and open areas; address landscape improvements. • Incorporate sustainable materials, practices, technologies and strategies to ease maintenance, incorporate green infrastructure, and reduce vandalism. • Use appropriate signage as defined by the planning process. • Develop a simple process for review of all visual art related plans and recommendations by collaborating with related agencies. • Support the goal of themed flower plantings. Use: • Ensure that use policies are clearly stated. • Establish a reasonable fee schedule for usage. • Support transfer of ownership from the County to the City. Social: • Encourage positive social behavior. • Maximize personal and public safety. • Respect and welcome park users, encouraging an atmosphere of inclusivity. • Consider the unique role of Bronson Park in the context of other City and County parks. • Recognize Bronson Park as a gathering place of the Kalamazoo community. • Consider community engagement in funding for future maintenance and management.
Once the Vision Statement, Design Guiding Principles, and the Cultural Landscape Assessment were substantially complete and the Iannelli Fountain Complex was deemed historically significant, the design team recommended that the design for Bronson Park be guided by the Rehabilitation Treatment Standards established by the Secretary of the Interior. This triggered the development of several preliminary design alternatives which encouraged the committee to consider the tenets of Placemaking. Given the historic significance of the dominant physical features in the park, the basic design and layout would not be changing
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significantly. What could Option 1 change, however, was the intensity of programming and use in the park.
The early concepts explored the addition of bathroom buildings, vendor kiosks, loose furniture such as tables and chairs, sculptural play equipment and other sculptural pieces, and a shaded platform over the Iannelli Fountain Complex Option 2 reflecting pool which would offer improved seating for the Rotary Stage.
The majority of the feedback received through the public input event supported less intensive use and low impact changes to the park. For example, while many agreed that public restrooms are desperately needed around the park, most did not think the park was big enough or Option 3 the right location for them. There was little support for development of permanent facilities to support vendors, and most of the comments expressed a preference for minimal change in Bronson Park.
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As refinement of the preliminary concepts began based on the feedback received, it became clear that many in the community wanted to explore an adaptation of the reflecting pool so that improved seating could be provided at the Rotary Stage. Several options were explored, and the final master plan reflects the majority of the Steering Committee member’s desire to maintain the pool and minimize changes to those that will adhere to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation.
The Final Master Plan
The final master plan reflects the community and Steering Committee preference for minimal change in the design, use, and features in Bronson Park. The relocation of the “When Justice and Mercy Prevail, Children May Safely Play” sculpture from the fountain complex reflecting pool to the lawn area south of the center lawn panel will be one of the more notable changes. Sculptor Kirk Newman reviewed the relocation plan and deemed it an appropriate setting for his piece, which was commissioned by the local churches and placed in the park in 1976 to commemorate the country’s bicentennial.
New flower beds that replace the existing are grouped along the east and west ends of the park to provide a respectful and organized setting for the relocated monuments and markers. The topiary peacock is relocated to the southeast quadrant of the park where it will be visible from the busy corner at Rose and South Streets. A temporary ice-skating area and art display space are proposed for the northeast and west quadrants respectively. The existing holiday tree in the central panel of the fountain complex that is dying will be replaced with a new tree centered at the east end of the central paved area, and the tree canopy is slated to be restored through a planting program undertaken by the City of Kalamazoo.
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Corner bump-outs are added at both the Academy and South Street corners along Rose Street to accommodate the addition of new kiosks which will display event and interpretive signage for the park and Rotary stage. New site furnishings (benches, trash receptacles, tables and chairs) are proposed throughout that reflect the prairie-style architecture in and around the park.
The fountain complex reflecting pool and its location in an area that could offer premium seating for the Rotary Stage presented a great challenge to the design team and Steering Committee. Based on the vision statement and guiding principles, it was agreed that the goal of the master plan was to adhere to the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation of the fountain complex while finding a way to provide improved seating from which to view the stage. The master plan proposes raising the bottom of the reflecting pool and reducing the water depth to between 4” and 6” to offer more programming opportunities. In addition, the master plan proposes installation of a temporary shade sail over the paved area between the reflecting pool and stage to provide shade for seating.
There were several key design issues that had consensus from the Steering Committee and general public throughout the process, and are noted in the master plan: x Relocate the monuments and markers in the park into a contained and respectful display x Develop policies to guide the selection of future monuments & art for display in the park x Restore the tree canopy x Improve the lighting system x Improve the sound system for the Rotary Stage x Install WIFI throughout the park
The eight month master planning process for Bronson Park has resulted in a road map for the future of Kalamazoo’s “front porch”. While few major changes will result from implementing the plan, there is now clear direction from the community on how the park should be improved, maintained, and used for many years to come.
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