Fort Ward Historical Park
Notes on history of creation of the park
DRAFT
J. Glenn Eugster
January 27, 2010
1954
April 1, 1954 Seminary Hill Association President Wiecking made a verbal and written statement about what is now Fort Ward Park to the Alexandria Planning Commission that indicates that:
* The City should save the area as an important historical landmark
* Last fall the Planning Commission gave careful study to preserving old forts. Reference was made to documentation within Gazette stories; Washington, DC papers; the Star Sunday magazine; and the work of Luckett Watkins.
* The area should be used for the creation of a “historical park for the use, education and enjoyment of all the people“. The Fort Ward Historical Park would be, in our thinking, a natural park, kept essentially in a natural state with a minimum of roads and structures and other developments, and a minimum of expense. Possibly some picnic areas”.
* There would be no athletic fields, no tennis courts, no playgrounds.
* The Association appointed a standing Fort Ward Committee. Mr. Wiecking said that, “The Association will stay with you and the City on Fort Ward, and see it through. The Association will do all it can to help make and keep Ft. Ward Historical Park a benefit and credit to the City,…”.
April 1, 1954 Planning Commission Meeting. Cahill tells City Council that they must take action now to save Fort Ward.
April 7, 1954 The Alexandria Director of recreation, Eugene L. Barnwell, commented on the land acquisition for Fort Ward Historical Park and said it was a proposal “to acquire not only valuable land in terms of historical character, but also to preserve as much land as possible to be left in a natural state. I think it is important for the community to have such areas located strategically throughout the entire City.
Mr. Barnwell went further to say that the proposal intended “to provide for the well-being of the individual not only from the standpoint of recreation pursuits, but for the basic reasoning that man is part of the soil”. He went further to reference Dr. Sockman who stated that “if the song, “The More We Get Together“, the happier We Will Be”, was true, then the subways of NY would be the happiest place in the world”.
Director Barnwell went further to say that “the municipality must gain acreage to give the apartment dwellers and the average residents a place in which he does not feel crowded”.
April 9, 1954 Kermit Sloan, Secretary of
The Civil War Roundtable of D.C. wrote in a letter to the Director of the Planning Commission that:
* They were pleased with the Commissions action on April 1, 1954, “respecting the acquisitions of the site of Fort Ward.
* The Fort Memorial Freeway Committee, is now engaged in efforts to get work started on the long-planned outer drive linking Civil War forts on this side of the Potomac.
April 13, 1954 Letter from the Alexandria Community Welfare Council to the members of the City Council recommending the purchase of the Fort Ward site for park use by citizens and tourists. The letter indicates that” this site should be preserved from both historical and recreational considerations”.
April 13, 1954 City Council Meeting decision to acquire Fort Ward based on a Planning Commission recommendation. DCKET # 46.
May 11, 1954 Dennis H. Cahill, Secretary of the Alexandria Planning Commission provided Ira F. Willard, City Manager, a five-year capital improvement budget as proposed by the Alexandria Planning Commission. The recommendations reference that:
* no capital improvements were ready to be submitted for consideration.
* that the City Council encourage the development of the municipal use of recreational facilities in connection with school buildings and school grounds on a year-round, all-seasonal basis.
* that the City Council request the School Board to consider the release of certain school properties (such as the Lee School on Prince Street) to the City for other municipal purposes
1955
January 7, 1955 Ashton Jones willing to sell lot 16.
January 11, 1955 Peabody, City Engineer responds. References Jackson Cemetery.
March 17, 1955 Lee Fones, Director of the Alexandria Recreation Department listed Fort Ward Historical Park as the #1 priority for land acquisition and parks in the Recreation Capital Improvements Budget.
An attached Fact Sheet, dated March 15, 1955, labeled Fort Ward Historical Park, Braddock Road and North Howard Street) included the following:
Land Acquisition:
Description: Historical Fort site of Civil War and requested additional area of 13 acres.
Purpose: To preserve a historical site and further provide a recreational area which should remain as much as possible in its natural state.
Parks:
Description: To clear underbrush and clean and establish picnic circles outside of actual Fort site. To define trails, type of trees and shrubbery.
Purpose: To provide for the recreational interest and pursuits of those persons desiring areas left in their natural state.
1958
March 4, 1958 Letter from Dennis H. Cahill, Secretary to the Members of the Civil War Roundtable of Alexandria, VA on “A Brief History of the Acquisition of Fort Ward”.
1959
April 9, 1959 the Alexandria Civil War Centennial Committee was appointed by the Mayor at the request of the Governor of Virginia.
1960
January 27, 1960 William B Hurd, Chairman of the Alexandria Civil War Centennial Committee writes to Mayor and Members of the City Council requesting financial participation “to prepare preliminary plans and estimates for the restoration of Fort Ward”.
1961
March 1961 Samuel Ashby sold 3.2862 acres to City.
April 11, 1961 City Council Meeting. Consideration of Progress Report re: Fort Ward Park
The following progress report was presented from the Director of Planning, dated April 4, 1961, together with the recommendation of the Acting City Manager.
"the City has acquired approximately 25 acres of ground including the site of Fort Ward, one of the defenses of Washington during the Civil War period. A topographic map has been prepared by the Department of Public Works, showing all of the main areas of the Fort. The topo has not been extended to include the most recently acquired properties to the east, that is the Ashby property. This will be completed by the Department of Public Works within the next several weeks.
Contacts were made with the National Park Service of the Department of Interior and several visits by Dr. J. M. Corbett, Regional Director, and Mr. B. Bruce Powell, Park Archeologist, leading to a report from them which recommended that as a beginning to the rehabilitation of the Fort, the north quadrant be explored by a historian-archeologist with the possible view to the immediate redevelopment of this section. Contact with several historian-archeologists, lead to an agreement with Mr. Edward McM.Larrabee to perform archeological work leading to a report and recommendation for the sum of $2,650.00 (Copy of his letter attached).
A copy of Mr. B. Bruce Powell's report listing the number of guns which were stationed at the Fort Ward site, as taken from Mr. Stanley W. McClure's studies, "The Defenses of Washington, 1861-1865" was furnished to Interarmco with a request for assistance in locating such guns. Interarmco advised us in March that prices on guns were quoted as follows but no assurance that they would sell.
12pdr. Howitzer(embrasure) $4,000.00
100pdr. Parrott (barbette) $6,000.00
10pdr. Parrott (embrasure)$2,000.00
They advised that they would continue looking for additional guns. In the meantime we are contacting the Lorton Reformatory, which has reproduced guns for the National Park Service. Further information on guns will be supplied as soon as it becomes available".
"The overall planning of the development of the Fort Ward Park site should include a park type road around the perimeter to be completely developed at a future date, but since the eastern road might possibly interfere with the edges of the Fort site it would be suggested that the road in from the west with another road at right angles to it, just north of the Fort be developed at this time, with the possible completion of the eastern road at a later date. Depending on the recommendations of the archeologist , it is proposed that the north corner of the Fort be rebuilt at this time and that future development of the complete Fort would be a matter of availability of funds to accomplish. It is also proposed that a field-house containing toilet facilities be placed on the western portion of the site near Braddock Road and that the field house be used to house such relics of the Civil War era as come into possession of the City. A proposal has been made by George B. Collins, representing the Rappaport Studios, Inc. of Cleveland, to prepare a model of the Fort and Mr. Collins has stated that he will have a sketch available at the City Council Meeting April 11, 1961. Upon completion of the site development, arrangements should be made to provide quarters on the site for a caretaker to deter vandalism. A further report as to the landscaping of the Park site will be furnished at a later date."
"A the present time, it is necessary that we secure an allocation of approximately $2,650.00 from the City Council to contract with Mr. Edward McM. Larrabee for the exploration of the north corner of the Fort. Attached hereto is a topo map with the Fort overlaid and a small scale drawing of the components of the north bastion of Fort Ward."
[A copy of the communication from Mr. Edward McM. Larrabee, Archeologist, dated February 25, 1961 and the plat above-referred to are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council marked Exhibits number 1 and 2 of Item No. 11:4/11/61, respectively and are incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.]
[Recommendation of the Acting City Manager:]
"Mr. E.G. Heatwole, City Manager, requested various City departments to study the possible development of the Fort Ward area. It was Mr. Heatwole's intent to bring this to City Council for action as soon as possible. He intended to recommend that the study by the Archeologist-Historians be paid from funds received from insurance on the old Armory Building fire. A balance of $11,355.38 exists in this account."
"It is recommended that the City Council allocate $2,650.00 from this account and that the Acting City Manager be authorized to negotiate with Mr. Edward McM. Larrabee to perform the work."
{General Discussion. The Acting City Manager displayed three large plats, one showing the proposed layout of the fort, one being a topographical map, and one showing the way the fort should look when completed, and explained the project outlined in the above recommendations. None of these plats were left for the record.
Mr. George B. Collins, representing the Rapport Studios, Inc. of Cleveland (see above progress report) also participated in the discussion and explained certain details of the proposed project.]
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Ewald, seconded by Councilman Luckett and carried unanimously, Council adopted the above recommendation to the Acting City Manager and allocated the sum of $2,650.00 from the old Armory building fund for the above project, and authorized the Acting City Manager to negotiate with Archeologist Edward McM. Larrabee and to proceed with the above outlined archeological study.
September 11, 1961 City Council Meeting
11. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the condemnation of 3.2802 acres of land in the vicinity of Fort Ward and the allocation of $28,274.45 for the purpose of compensating the owners of the property.
[The draft of the above proposed resolution was presented by the City Attorney and read in full, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11;9/11/62 and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.]
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Luckett, seconded by Councilman Pickens and carried unanimously, Council adopted the above Resolution as presented and allocated the sum of $28,274.40 from the Public Parks Bond Account for the purpose of compensating the owners of the above-described property.
Condemnation of a 1.0 acre property (identified as Parcel 2, which is outside of the Fort Walls), approved at a City Council Meeting, for the purpose of establishing a public historical park.
October 10, 1961 City Council Meeting
Item 27. Consideration of a report from the City Manager in re the development of Fort Ward Park, together with "A Brief History of Fort Ward from Mrs. R.F.S. Starr.
[A report from the City Manager, dated October 3, 1961, and a brief history of Fort Ward presented by Mrs. R.F.S. Starr, are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 and Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 27; 10/10/61, respectively, and are incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.]
[Recommendation of the City Manager included in the above report:]
I recommend to City Council that the manager be authorized to consult with firms engaged in this type of work to determine costs of services for the development of such a master plan. Upon determining which one could best serve the interests of the City of Alexandria, I will return with a recommendation to City Council as to the name of the firm and the cost for such services.
FUNDS AVAILABLE NOW
Special Appropriations:
Armory Fire Insurance Proceeds $8,705.38
his sum could be used to engage consultant for preparation of Park Master Plan
BOND FUNDS
Public Parks $21,769.77
These funds could be used to obtain options or buy certain parcels.
[General Discussion: Mr. Edward McM.Larrabee, the archeologist, exhibited a model showing the proposed development of Fort Ward and explained the proposed project in some detail.
The following members of the audience participated in the discussion: Mrs. R>F>S> Starr, Chairman, Fort Ward Committee of the Civil War Centennial Committee; Mr. M. W. Belcher, President, Seminary Hills Citizens Association.]
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Duncan, seconded by Councilman Luckett and carried unanimously, Council adopted the above recommendation of the City Manager and authorized the Manager to engage appropriate consultants for this project and to use the above-mentioned funds which are available for this purpose.
November 14, 1961 City Council Meeting
Item No. 22. Presentation of a report from the City Manager recommending the acquisition of additional property at Fort Ward Park [#27 10/10/61].
[The following report was presented from the City Manager, dated November 3, 1961:]
At a recent Council meeting a report was given on the activities at Fort Ward Park and of the great potential which we believe exists in developing this fort and park. City Council instructed the City Manager to proceed with plans for this area, including studies of the adjacent property which might have to be acquired in order to properly develop the park.
As a result of Council's interest, we have continued studies and I am now ready to recommend acquisition of additional property immediately adjacent to the fort and park area. The attached map indicates that the City owns in excess of 19.16 acres; that 3.28 acres are under condemnation and being acquired; and that 14.19 additional acres are adjacent to the park, and in my opinion should be acquired to round out this project into a 35 acre park.
In making the recommendation for acquiring this additional land, it should be noted that a portion of the area contains old rifle pits which were constructed during the Civil War. it should also be noted that the 14 acres are divided into many small lots and under many ownerships. Acquisitions will no doubt be rather difficult because of the many ownerships involved. If the City Council concurs with my recommendation to acquire this 14 acres, then it should be prepared to condemn property if negotiations fail.
It is requested that the City Manager be given authority, in negotiating with all of the property owners in this 14 acre acquisition, and that he be given authority to execute contracts and options for the purchase of the property.
In addition to the above recommendations, I wish to report that we are proceeding with the cost estimates of restoring a portion of the fort and are negotiating with landscape architects for the development of the park. Future reports will be made to the Council as information develops.
In conclusion, it is my opinion that this acquisition of the additional acreage is imperative for the protection of the fort and for assembling a large enough tract of land to be developed into an attractive and usable park for our city.
[A plat of Fort Ward, showing the property presently owned by the City, the property now in the process of acquisition by the City, and property which the City proposes to acquire, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item 22; 11/14/61, and incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.]
[General Discussion. Louis M. Taitalbam (???), President Northeast Citizens Association, speaking both in favor of the City Managers above recommendation for Fort Ward and also in favor of the acquisition and development of Daingerfield island as a park area for Alexandria, participated in the discussion)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Luckett, seconded by Councilman Ewald and carried unanimously, Council adopted the above recommendations of the City Manager to negotiate and, if necessary, to institute condemnation proceedings insofar as allowed by law.
1962
January 22, 1962 Proposal for preparation of overall plans for Fort Ward Park
February 13, 1962 Proposal for overall plans for Fort Ward park approved by City Council.
June 5, 1962 City Council adopted a resolution establishing a Park & Recreation Commission. (amended January 13, 1097; December 13, 1972; January 23, 1979)
June 1962 City secures open space acquisition funds from U.S. Housing & Home Finance Agency, Regional Office in Philadelphia, PA. Urban Renewal Administration. Funds provided through Public Law 870-70, 42 U.S.C. 1500. Housing Act of 1961.
City Resolution
Land “is to be held and used for permanent open-space land as an Historic Park”. Signed by Patsy Altizer, Clerk 07-30-62.
June 29, 1962 Letter from Eugene Barnwell, General Services Director, to City Manager Albert Hair, Jr. regarding the Development of Fort Ward Park and the Northwest Bastion. The letter, which was endorsed by the City manager and forward to the City Council for approval, recommends $225,000 for the acquisition and development of the following:
* Restoration of the Northwest bastion
* Museum and Park Buildings Construction
* Initial parking development (Parking Lot and Road)
* Further land acquisition
July 24, 1962 Reference made to a 20 year old park survey done by the Planning Commission.
September 1, 1962 Letter to City of Alexandria mayor and City Council in support of the Council’s resolution adopting a Generalized Land Use Plan and Major Thoroughfare Plan. These plans and the Council’s pledge were aimed to hold the line on further rezoning from single family residential to apartment and commercial rezoning. The letter was signed by the:
* President of the Brookville-Seminary Valley Association
* President of the Strawberry Hill Community Association
* President of the North Ridge Citizens Association
* President of the Lincolnia Hills Civic Association
* President of the Seminary Hills Association
* President of the Dowden Terrace Civic Association
* President of the Sterling Citizens Association
* President of the Old Town Civic Association
* President of the Northeast Citizens Association
* Vice President of the Washington Forest Citizens Association
* President of the Del Ray Citizens Association
September 1962 Plan for Grading, Road Alignment & Signs. Fort Ward Park, Alexandria, VA. Prepared by Robinson Brothers Co.
October 1962 Numerous petitions and letters sent from North Early Street residents to City of Alexandria Mayor Frank Mann in response to the proposed high-rise apartment development to be constructed on the Richard and Mary Ruffner property. The property adjoins the North Early Street subdivision. Letters urge the City to “not approve the pending petition for rezoning” and “seriously consider purchasing the property, as well as the property to the west which adjoins Fort Ward park for a major park development…”.
October 8, 1962 Seminary Hill Association Notice
October 15, 1962 Written protest--Section 9.13 of the City Charter, as amended.
October 16, 1962 City Council Meeting on the Ruffner Property Rezoning. Public hearing. [SEE ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM MINUTES]
October 23, 1962 Letter from City Clerk and Clerk of Council, Patsy Altizer, to Mr. Francis Kenny Alexandria Director of Planning. Letter notes that the proposal was “referred back to the Planning Commission for further study so that proponents might work with the planning commission and the citizens of the area in an effort to come up with a reasonable and palatable manner of buffer zoning, which might be agreeable to all concerned.
1963
June 24, 1963 The City Site Plan Coordinating Committee met to consider site plans including the Final Site Plan for the Fort Ward Museum (#63-070). All Departments were represented except the City Arborist.
July 2, 1963 The City Planning Commission met and approved the Fort Ward Site Plan Report (#63-070) subject to the recommendations of the Site Plan Coordinating Committee and Council approval of Special Use Permit number 548.
August 8, 1963 Letter to Mr. Robert Osthrein, from Eugene barnwell, Director of General Services; subject: Land Acquisition Ft. Ward Park Land Purchases, Condemnation and Cloudy Ttitles.
1964
January 27, 1964 The City’s Site Plan Coordinating Committee met to consider a final proposal for the Storage Building, Fort Ward Park ( a 1,600 square foot building to be located behind the existing museum within the 42 acre Fort Ward Park). The conditions of this review included:
* The City is proposing to construct a service and storage building containing 1,600 square feet of floor area within the 42 acre Fort Ward Park.
* The present zoning of this property is R-8, Residential. A Special Use Permit is required for this structure.
* the roadways and parking areas be paved and marked in accordance with the requirement s of the Director of Public Works.
January 28, 1964 The City’s Director of Planning and Urban renewal gave public notice to property owners about the proposal to build the Storage Building at Fort Ward Park (Site Plan No. 64-013). The proposal was for “construction of a one story maintenance and equipment building”. Residents were told that they may appear at the Planning Commission meeting to present their views.
February 4, 1964 The Planning Commission approved the site plan subject to the recommendations of the Site Plan Coordinating Committee.
May 30, 1964 Fort Ward was officially opened to the public.
July 1964 Colonel Joseph B. Mitchell was appointed director and served until his retirement in 1979.
1965
September 9, 1965 The City Planning Commission Meeting included consideration of a Preliminary Site Plan (#65-068) for Fort Ward Park Greenhouse and Parking. The site plan included a proposal to:
* Construct a 38 car paved parking lot, with stripes, and a 300 square foot greenhouse in Fort Ward park.
The information submitted to the Council was approved.
On December 14, 1965 the action to pave and stripe the parking lot was deleted by orders of C.M. as relayed per conversation with Mr. Hendryx. In addition the Site Plan Checklist indicates that neither of the approved uses is permitted in the R-8 zone where this part of the park was.
1967
Ft. Ward Amphitheater dedicated on May 14, 1967. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and urban development, Dept. of Housing & Community Development. Secretery of the DOI Stewart Udall attended.
1968
March 26, 1968 City Council Resolution Condeming the property of Cassius McKnight.
Letter from Armistead L. Boothe, from Boothe, Dudley, Koontz, Blankingship and Stump, Alexandria, VA. to Deputy Cook, Deputy Director, Department of Public Works, City Hall; May 2, 1968; regarding Cassius McKnight and Edward Robinson.
Included in the letter is:
“p.s. I understand that part of these properties may be occupied by a family cemetery. Would you kindly advise if this be true and let me know if it poses any problems. Specifically does the City want to remove the bodies or will it keep the graveyard as part of the park”.
September 2, 1968 regular Meeting of the Planning Commission included consideration, and approval, of a land exchange between the City and the Oakland Baptist Church. Parcel 3963-1 (owned by the Church) exchanged for a portion of 3963-2(owned by the City). The applicant, the Oakland Baptist Church, was not represented at this meeting.
1971
October 29, 1971 City Council resolution designating Dorothy C.S. Starr Library at the Fort Ward Museum
1979
January 23, 1979 City Council Resolution to amend Resolution No. 172 to add 12 members to the Parks & recreation Commission--three of which shall be from each of the City’s three planning districts.
April 10, 1979 City Council Resolution # 678, which passed unanimously, designating April 23-29, 1979 as Landscape Architecture Week in Alexandria to recognize the value and importance of the landscape architectural profession in Alexandria.
May 12, 1979 An Ordinance, #2372, to Amend the Community Facilities Element of the “Adopted Consolidated Master Plan of the City of Alexandria, VA 1974”.
The City Council..Ordains:
c. The Park & Recreation Master Plan dated march 1978, is hereby made an appendix to the “Adopted Consolidated Master Plan of the Ciy of Alexandria, VA 1974”.
“Recreation Amended Text”
The need to preserve open space and provide public recreation facilities is becoming increasingly acute in the Washington metropolitan area. At the same time, the limited supply of vacant land accelerates the cost of land acquisition. By the end of the century it is expected that Alexandria will approach its “saturation point”, with a population of approximately 165,000 and development covering the maiximum amount of land now allowable by zoning controls. Open space will become increasingly vital to protect the environment and provide leisure-time activities to increasing numbers of residents.
Alexandria has been sensitive to these kinds of pressures, which result in the need to weigh the responsibility to provide a comprehesive municipal recreation program against the cost of bringing private land into public ownership and use. Accordingly, in 1978 the Park Planning Division of the City’s Department of transportation & Environmental Services prepared, with considerable citizen participation and advice, a Parks & Recreation Plan. The purpose of the plan was to look at the present recreational facilities in Alexandria and recommend additions or improvements to them, in order to provide a range of facilities to meet present and future needs of all residents. The Plan was adopted as an amendment to this Consolidated Master Plan; a brief summary of its findings is presented here.
Existing Facilities: #14. Fort Ward Fort Ward Park museum.
Objectives:
Preserve and enhance areas of special architectural or historic significance.
Open Space: Alexandria’s park system should include areas of permanent open space, as woodlands, open areas or nature conservancies. As the City becomes more urban, the need for tracts of undeveloped land to provide visual contrast and relief from urban congestion increases. In some instances, such as floodplains, stream valleys or areas of steep terrain, the land cannot support development; in other instances, it becomes important to merely save some land from from total development, before the City finds itself with too little open space to offer its residents.
Recreation Development
Seminary Forest Associates --This is a 6.5 acre wooded area which extends from Seminary Road to Braddock Road, opening a connection to Fort Ward/ Minnie Howard Recreation Area. Preservation of the area’s dense vegetation and steep slopes is the primary reason for acquisition, as the threat of residential development is great in this area.
Summer 1979 Fort Ward Park. 3 sheets. Prepared by Kathleen Kust, Park Planning Division, Department of Transportation & Environmental Services. Includes three sheets. Sheet #1 includes a proposed picnic area with overflow parking and play area delineated. A hand-written note is on the paper copy indicating “graves” within the overflow parking area.
June 26, 1979 City Council Meeting. Resolution # 693, as part of the Comprehensive Employment & Training Act of 1978, identified the Fort Ward Historic Trail Construction as a Private Sector Initiative Program project that could help “urgent needs within the City of A, V to provide employment for Young Adults”…. Funds provided by the VA Commission of Outdoor Recreation; USDA abd DOI are requested to provide funds
September 11, 1979 item 29 (a) consideration of report on Proposed Open Space Development of the Winkler Tract at Seminary Road and Shirley Highway (on file in the office of the City Clerk Marked Exhibit No. 1 Item 29(a)
September 26, 1979 City Council Meeting. #50. Consideration of a resolution declaring the City Council’s Intent to Protect certain Specimen Trees and identifying their location. On file at City Clerk Marked as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 50; 9/26/79 approved unanimously and set for public hearing on Nov. 17, 1979
Nov. 17, 1979 City Council Public Hearing on above. Action to be taken on Nov. 27, 1979.
Nov. 27, 1979 City Council action to deffer and indefinite time.
1979 to 1981 Cynthia Grant appointed Director
1981
1981--? Wanda S. Dowell appointed Director
SEARCHED FILES
00473
Council Proceedings, Vol. 35
1/1/52-4/14/53, Pgs. 1-362
Reel 12
FILES TO BE SEARCHED
00473
Council Minutes, 1961 Jan. 10
BoxNo. 1961-65 B/W
1987
June 29, 1987 Acting City Manager Vola Lawson signs a Deed of Consolidation to consolidate the lands comprising Fort Ward Park.
Notes on history of creation of the park
DRAFT
J. Glenn Eugster
January 27, 2010
1954
April 1, 1954 Seminary Hill Association President Wiecking made a verbal and written statement about what is now Fort Ward Park to the Alexandria Planning Commission that indicates that:
* The City should save the area as an important historical landmark
* Last fall the Planning Commission gave careful study to preserving old forts. Reference was made to documentation within Gazette stories; Washington, DC papers; the Star Sunday magazine; and the work of Luckett Watkins.
* The area should be used for the creation of a “historical park for the use, education and enjoyment of all the people“. The Fort Ward Historical Park would be, in our thinking, a natural park, kept essentially in a natural state with a minimum of roads and structures and other developments, and a minimum of expense. Possibly some picnic areas”.
* There would be no athletic fields, no tennis courts, no playgrounds.
* The Association appointed a standing Fort Ward Committee. Mr. Wiecking said that, “The Association will stay with you and the City on Fort Ward, and see it through. The Association will do all it can to help make and keep Ft. Ward Historical Park a benefit and credit to the City,…”.
April 1, 1954 Planning Commission Meeting. Cahill tells City Council that they must take action now to save Fort Ward.
April 7, 1954 The Alexandria Director of recreation, Eugene L. Barnwell, commented on the land acquisition for Fort Ward Historical Park and said it was a proposal “to acquire not only valuable land in terms of historical character, but also to preserve as much land as possible to be left in a natural state. I think it is important for the community to have such areas located strategically throughout the entire City.
Mr. Barnwell went further to say that the proposal intended “to provide for the well-being of the individual not only from the standpoint of recreation pursuits, but for the basic reasoning that man is part of the soil”. He went further to reference Dr. Sockman who stated that “if the song, “The More We Get Together“, the happier We Will Be”, was true, then the subways of NY would be the happiest place in the world”.
Director Barnwell went further to say that “the municipality must gain acreage to give the apartment dwellers and the average residents a place in which he does not feel crowded”.
April 9, 1954 Kermit Sloan, Secretary of
The Civil War Roundtable of D.C. wrote in a letter to the Director of the Planning Commission that:
* They were pleased with the Commissions action on April 1, 1954, “respecting the acquisitions of the site of Fort Ward.
* The Fort Memorial Freeway Committee, is now engaged in efforts to get work started on the long-planned outer drive linking Civil War forts on this side of the Potomac.
April 13, 1954 Letter from the Alexandria Community Welfare Council to the members of the City Council recommending the purchase of the Fort Ward site for park use by citizens and tourists. The letter indicates that” this site should be preserved from both historical and recreational considerations”.
April 13, 1954 City Council Meeting decision to acquire Fort Ward based on a Planning Commission recommendation. DCKET # 46.
May 11, 1954 Dennis H. Cahill, Secretary of the Alexandria Planning Commission provided Ira F. Willard, City Manager, a five-year capital improvement budget as proposed by the Alexandria Planning Commission. The recommendations reference that:
* no capital improvements were ready to be submitted for consideration.
* that the City Council encourage the development of the municipal use of recreational facilities in connection with school buildings and school grounds on a year-round, all-seasonal basis.
* that the City Council request the School Board to consider the release of certain school properties (such as the Lee School on Prince Street) to the City for other municipal purposes
1955
January 7, 1955 Ashton Jones willing to sell lot 16.
January 11, 1955 Peabody, City Engineer responds. References Jackson Cemetery.
March 17, 1955 Lee Fones, Director of the Alexandria Recreation Department listed Fort Ward Historical Park as the #1 priority for land acquisition and parks in the Recreation Capital Improvements Budget.
An attached Fact Sheet, dated March 15, 1955, labeled Fort Ward Historical Park, Braddock Road and North Howard Street) included the following:
Land Acquisition:
Description: Historical Fort site of Civil War and requested additional area of 13 acres.
Purpose: To preserve a historical site and further provide a recreational area which should remain as much as possible in its natural state.
Parks:
Description: To clear underbrush and clean and establish picnic circles outside of actual Fort site. To define trails, type of trees and shrubbery.
Purpose: To provide for the recreational interest and pursuits of those persons desiring areas left in their natural state.
1958
March 4, 1958 Letter from Dennis H. Cahill, Secretary to the Members of the Civil War Roundtable of Alexandria, VA on “A Brief History of the Acquisition of Fort Ward”.
1959
April 9, 1959 the Alexandria Civil War Centennial Committee was appointed by the Mayor at the request of the Governor of Virginia.
1960
January 27, 1960 William B Hurd, Chairman of the Alexandria Civil War Centennial Committee writes to Mayor and Members of the City Council requesting financial participation “to prepare preliminary plans and estimates for the restoration of Fort Ward”.
1961
March 1961 Samuel Ashby sold 3.2862 acres to City.
April 11, 1961 City Council Meeting. Consideration of Progress Report re: Fort Ward Park
The following progress report was presented from the Director of Planning, dated April 4, 1961, together with the recommendation of the Acting City Manager.
"the City has acquired approximately 25 acres of ground including the site of Fort Ward, one of the defenses of Washington during the Civil War period. A topographic map has been prepared by the Department of Public Works, showing all of the main areas of the Fort. The topo has not been extended to include the most recently acquired properties to the east, that is the Ashby property. This will be completed by the Department of Public Works within the next several weeks.
Contacts were made with the National Park Service of the Department of Interior and several visits by Dr. J. M. Corbett, Regional Director, and Mr. B. Bruce Powell, Park Archeologist, leading to a report from them which recommended that as a beginning to the rehabilitation of the Fort, the north quadrant be explored by a historian-archeologist with the possible view to the immediate redevelopment of this section. Contact with several historian-archeologists, lead to an agreement with Mr. Edward McM.Larrabee to perform archeological work leading to a report and recommendation for the sum of $2,650.00 (Copy of his letter attached).
A copy of Mr. B. Bruce Powell's report listing the number of guns which were stationed at the Fort Ward site, as taken from Mr. Stanley W. McClure's studies, "The Defenses of Washington, 1861-1865" was furnished to Interarmco with a request for assistance in locating such guns. Interarmco advised us in March that prices on guns were quoted as follows but no assurance that they would sell.
12pdr. Howitzer(embrasure) $4,000.00
100pdr. Parrott (barbette) $6,000.00
10pdr. Parrott (embrasure)$2,000.00
They advised that they would continue looking for additional guns. In the meantime we are contacting the Lorton Reformatory, which has reproduced guns for the National Park Service. Further information on guns will be supplied as soon as it becomes available".
"The overall planning of the development of the Fort Ward Park site should include a park type road around the perimeter to be completely developed at a future date, but since the eastern road might possibly interfere with the edges of the Fort site it would be suggested that the road in from the west with another road at right angles to it, just north of the Fort be developed at this time, with the possible completion of the eastern road at a later date. Depending on the recommendations of the archeologist , it is proposed that the north corner of the Fort be rebuilt at this time and that future development of the complete Fort would be a matter of availability of funds to accomplish. It is also proposed that a field-house containing toilet facilities be placed on the western portion of the site near Braddock Road and that the field house be used to house such relics of the Civil War era as come into possession of the City. A proposal has been made by George B. Collins, representing the Rappaport Studios, Inc. of Cleveland, to prepare a model of the Fort and Mr. Collins has stated that he will have a sketch available at the City Council Meeting April 11, 1961. Upon completion of the site development, arrangements should be made to provide quarters on the site for a caretaker to deter vandalism. A further report as to the landscaping of the Park site will be furnished at a later date."
"A the present time, it is necessary that we secure an allocation of approximately $2,650.00 from the City Council to contract with Mr. Edward McM. Larrabee for the exploration of the north corner of the Fort. Attached hereto is a topo map with the Fort overlaid and a small scale drawing of the components of the north bastion of Fort Ward."
[A copy of the communication from Mr. Edward McM. Larrabee, Archeologist, dated February 25, 1961 and the plat above-referred to are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council marked Exhibits number 1 and 2 of Item No. 11:4/11/61, respectively and are incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.]
[Recommendation of the Acting City Manager:]
"Mr. E.G. Heatwole, City Manager, requested various City departments to study the possible development of the Fort Ward area. It was Mr. Heatwole's intent to bring this to City Council for action as soon as possible. He intended to recommend that the study by the Archeologist-Historians be paid from funds received from insurance on the old Armory Building fire. A balance of $11,355.38 exists in this account."
"It is recommended that the City Council allocate $2,650.00 from this account and that the Acting City Manager be authorized to negotiate with Mr. Edward McM. Larrabee to perform the work."
{General Discussion. The Acting City Manager displayed three large plats, one showing the proposed layout of the fort, one being a topographical map, and one showing the way the fort should look when completed, and explained the project outlined in the above recommendations. None of these plats were left for the record.
Mr. George B. Collins, representing the Rapport Studios, Inc. of Cleveland (see above progress report) also participated in the discussion and explained certain details of the proposed project.]
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Ewald, seconded by Councilman Luckett and carried unanimously, Council adopted the above recommendation to the Acting City Manager and allocated the sum of $2,650.00 from the old Armory building fund for the above project, and authorized the Acting City Manager to negotiate with Archeologist Edward McM. Larrabee and to proceed with the above outlined archeological study.
September 11, 1961 City Council Meeting
11. Consideration of a Resolution authorizing the condemnation of 3.2802 acres of land in the vicinity of Fort Ward and the allocation of $28,274.45 for the purpose of compensating the owners of the property.
[The draft of the above proposed resolution was presented by the City Attorney and read in full, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of the Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 11;9/11/62 and is incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.]
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Luckett, seconded by Councilman Pickens and carried unanimously, Council adopted the above Resolution as presented and allocated the sum of $28,274.40 from the Public Parks Bond Account for the purpose of compensating the owners of the above-described property.
Condemnation of a 1.0 acre property (identified as Parcel 2, which is outside of the Fort Walls), approved at a City Council Meeting, for the purpose of establishing a public historical park.
October 10, 1961 City Council Meeting
Item 27. Consideration of a report from the City Manager in re the development of Fort Ward Park, together with "A Brief History of Fort Ward from Mrs. R.F.S. Starr.
[A report from the City Manager, dated October 3, 1961, and a brief history of Fort Ward presented by Mrs. R.F.S. Starr, are on file in the office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 and Exhibit No. 2 of Item No. 27; 10/10/61, respectively, and are incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.]
[Recommendation of the City Manager included in the above report:]
I recommend to City Council that the manager be authorized to consult with firms engaged in this type of work to determine costs of services for the development of such a master plan. Upon determining which one could best serve the interests of the City of Alexandria, I will return with a recommendation to City Council as to the name of the firm and the cost for such services.
FUNDS AVAILABLE NOW
Special Appropriations:
Armory Fire Insurance Proceeds $8,705.38
his sum could be used to engage consultant for preparation of Park Master Plan
BOND FUNDS
Public Parks $21,769.77
These funds could be used to obtain options or buy certain parcels.
[General Discussion: Mr. Edward McM.Larrabee, the archeologist, exhibited a model showing the proposed development of Fort Ward and explained the proposed project in some detail.
The following members of the audience participated in the discussion: Mrs. R>F>S> Starr, Chairman, Fort Ward Committee of the Civil War Centennial Committee; Mr. M. W. Belcher, President, Seminary Hills Citizens Association.]
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Duncan, seconded by Councilman Luckett and carried unanimously, Council adopted the above recommendation of the City Manager and authorized the Manager to engage appropriate consultants for this project and to use the above-mentioned funds which are available for this purpose.
November 14, 1961 City Council Meeting
Item No. 22. Presentation of a report from the City Manager recommending the acquisition of additional property at Fort Ward Park [#27 10/10/61].
[The following report was presented from the City Manager, dated November 3, 1961:]
At a recent Council meeting a report was given on the activities at Fort Ward Park and of the great potential which we believe exists in developing this fort and park. City Council instructed the City Manager to proceed with plans for this area, including studies of the adjacent property which might have to be acquired in order to properly develop the park.
As a result of Council's interest, we have continued studies and I am now ready to recommend acquisition of additional property immediately adjacent to the fort and park area. The attached map indicates that the City owns in excess of 19.16 acres; that 3.28 acres are under condemnation and being acquired; and that 14.19 additional acres are adjacent to the park, and in my opinion should be acquired to round out this project into a 35 acre park.
In making the recommendation for acquiring this additional land, it should be noted that a portion of the area contains old rifle pits which were constructed during the Civil War. it should also be noted that the 14 acres are divided into many small lots and under many ownerships. Acquisitions will no doubt be rather difficult because of the many ownerships involved. If the City Council concurs with my recommendation to acquire this 14 acres, then it should be prepared to condemn property if negotiations fail.
It is requested that the City Manager be given authority, in negotiating with all of the property owners in this 14 acre acquisition, and that he be given authority to execute contracts and options for the purchase of the property.
In addition to the above recommendations, I wish to report that we are proceeding with the cost estimates of restoring a portion of the fort and are negotiating with landscape architects for the development of the park. Future reports will be made to the Council as information develops.
In conclusion, it is my opinion that this acquisition of the additional acreage is imperative for the protection of the fort and for assembling a large enough tract of land to be developed into an attractive and usable park for our city.
[A plat of Fort Ward, showing the property presently owned by the City, the property now in the process of acquisition by the City, and property which the City proposes to acquire, is on file in the Office of the City Clerk and Clerk of Council, marked Exhibit No. 1 of Item 22; 11/14/61, and incorporated herewith as part of this record by reference.]
[General Discussion. Louis M. Taitalbam (???), President Northeast Citizens Association, speaking both in favor of the City Managers above recommendation for Fort Ward and also in favor of the acquisition and development of Daingerfield island as a park area for Alexandria, participated in the discussion)
WHEREUPON, upon motion by Councilman Luckett, seconded by Councilman Ewald and carried unanimously, Council adopted the above recommendations of the City Manager to negotiate and, if necessary, to institute condemnation proceedings insofar as allowed by law.
1962
January 22, 1962 Proposal for preparation of overall plans for Fort Ward Park
February 13, 1962 Proposal for overall plans for Fort Ward park approved by City Council.
June 5, 1962 City Council adopted a resolution establishing a Park & Recreation Commission. (amended January 13, 1097; December 13, 1972; January 23, 1979)
June 1962 City secures open space acquisition funds from U.S. Housing & Home Finance Agency, Regional Office in Philadelphia, PA. Urban Renewal Administration. Funds provided through Public Law 870-70, 42 U.S.C. 1500. Housing Act of 1961.
City Resolution
Land “is to be held and used for permanent open-space land as an Historic Park”. Signed by Patsy Altizer, Clerk 07-30-62.
June 29, 1962 Letter from Eugene Barnwell, General Services Director, to City Manager Albert Hair, Jr. regarding the Development of Fort Ward Park and the Northwest Bastion. The letter, which was endorsed by the City manager and forward to the City Council for approval, recommends $225,000 for the acquisition and development of the following:
* Restoration of the Northwest bastion
* Museum and Park Buildings Construction
* Initial parking development (Parking Lot and Road)
* Further land acquisition
July 24, 1962 Reference made to a 20 year old park survey done by the Planning Commission.
September 1, 1962 Letter to City of Alexandria mayor and City Council in support of the Council’s resolution adopting a Generalized Land Use Plan and Major Thoroughfare Plan. These plans and the Council’s pledge were aimed to hold the line on further rezoning from single family residential to apartment and commercial rezoning. The letter was signed by the:
* President of the Brookville-Seminary Valley Association
* President of the Strawberry Hill Community Association
* President of the North Ridge Citizens Association
* President of the Lincolnia Hills Civic Association
* President of the Seminary Hills Association
* President of the Dowden Terrace Civic Association
* President of the Sterling Citizens Association
* President of the Old Town Civic Association
* President of the Northeast Citizens Association
* Vice President of the Washington Forest Citizens Association
* President of the Del Ray Citizens Association
September 1962 Plan for Grading, Road Alignment & Signs. Fort Ward Park, Alexandria, VA. Prepared by Robinson Brothers Co.
October 1962 Numerous petitions and letters sent from North Early Street residents to City of Alexandria Mayor Frank Mann in response to the proposed high-rise apartment development to be constructed on the Richard and Mary Ruffner property. The property adjoins the North Early Street subdivision. Letters urge the City to “not approve the pending petition for rezoning” and “seriously consider purchasing the property, as well as the property to the west which adjoins Fort Ward park for a major park development…”.
October 8, 1962 Seminary Hill Association Notice
October 15, 1962 Written protest--Section 9.13 of the City Charter, as amended.
October 16, 1962 City Council Meeting on the Ruffner Property Rezoning. Public hearing. [SEE ADDITIONAL NOTES FROM MINUTES]
October 23, 1962 Letter from City Clerk and Clerk of Council, Patsy Altizer, to Mr. Francis Kenny Alexandria Director of Planning. Letter notes that the proposal was “referred back to the Planning Commission for further study so that proponents might work with the planning commission and the citizens of the area in an effort to come up with a reasonable and palatable manner of buffer zoning, which might be agreeable to all concerned.
1963
June 24, 1963 The City Site Plan Coordinating Committee met to consider site plans including the Final Site Plan for the Fort Ward Museum (#63-070). All Departments were represented except the City Arborist.
July 2, 1963 The City Planning Commission met and approved the Fort Ward Site Plan Report (#63-070) subject to the recommendations of the Site Plan Coordinating Committee and Council approval of Special Use Permit number 548.
August 8, 1963 Letter to Mr. Robert Osthrein, from Eugene barnwell, Director of General Services; subject: Land Acquisition Ft. Ward Park Land Purchases, Condemnation and Cloudy Ttitles.
1964
January 27, 1964 The City’s Site Plan Coordinating Committee met to consider a final proposal for the Storage Building, Fort Ward Park ( a 1,600 square foot building to be located behind the existing museum within the 42 acre Fort Ward Park). The conditions of this review included:
* The City is proposing to construct a service and storage building containing 1,600 square feet of floor area within the 42 acre Fort Ward Park.
* The present zoning of this property is R-8, Residential. A Special Use Permit is required for this structure.
* the roadways and parking areas be paved and marked in accordance with the requirement s of the Director of Public Works.
January 28, 1964 The City’s Director of Planning and Urban renewal gave public notice to property owners about the proposal to build the Storage Building at Fort Ward Park (Site Plan No. 64-013). The proposal was for “construction of a one story maintenance and equipment building”. Residents were told that they may appear at the Planning Commission meeting to present their views.
February 4, 1964 The Planning Commission approved the site plan subject to the recommendations of the Site Plan Coordinating Committee.
May 30, 1964 Fort Ward was officially opened to the public.
July 1964 Colonel Joseph B. Mitchell was appointed director and served until his retirement in 1979.
1965
September 9, 1965 The City Planning Commission Meeting included consideration of a Preliminary Site Plan (#65-068) for Fort Ward Park Greenhouse and Parking. The site plan included a proposal to:
* Construct a 38 car paved parking lot, with stripes, and a 300 square foot greenhouse in Fort Ward park.
The information submitted to the Council was approved.
On December 14, 1965 the action to pave and stripe the parking lot was deleted by orders of C.M. as relayed per conversation with Mr. Hendryx. In addition the Site Plan Checklist indicates that neither of the approved uses is permitted in the R-8 zone where this part of the park was.
1967
Ft. Ward Amphitheater dedicated on May 14, 1967. Funding provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and urban development, Dept. of Housing & Community Development. Secretery of the DOI Stewart Udall attended.
1968
March 26, 1968 City Council Resolution Condeming the property of Cassius McKnight.
Letter from Armistead L. Boothe, from Boothe, Dudley, Koontz, Blankingship and Stump, Alexandria, VA. to Deputy Cook, Deputy Director, Department of Public Works, City Hall; May 2, 1968; regarding Cassius McKnight and Edward Robinson.
Included in the letter is:
“p.s. I understand that part of these properties may be occupied by a family cemetery. Would you kindly advise if this be true and let me know if it poses any problems. Specifically does the City want to remove the bodies or will it keep the graveyard as part of the park”.
September 2, 1968 regular Meeting of the Planning Commission included consideration, and approval, of a land exchange between the City and the Oakland Baptist Church. Parcel 3963-1 (owned by the Church) exchanged for a portion of 3963-2(owned by the City). The applicant, the Oakland Baptist Church, was not represented at this meeting.
1971
October 29, 1971 City Council resolution designating Dorothy C.S. Starr Library at the Fort Ward Museum
1979
January 23, 1979 City Council Resolution to amend Resolution No. 172 to add 12 members to the Parks & recreation Commission--three of which shall be from each of the City’s three planning districts.
April 10, 1979 City Council Resolution # 678, which passed unanimously, designating April 23-29, 1979 as Landscape Architecture Week in Alexandria to recognize the value and importance of the landscape architectural profession in Alexandria.
May 12, 1979 An Ordinance, #2372, to Amend the Community Facilities Element of the “Adopted Consolidated Master Plan of the City of Alexandria, VA 1974”.
The City Council..Ordains:
c. The Park & Recreation Master Plan dated march 1978, is hereby made an appendix to the “Adopted Consolidated Master Plan of the Ciy of Alexandria, VA 1974”.
“Recreation Amended Text”
The need to preserve open space and provide public recreation facilities is becoming increasingly acute in the Washington metropolitan area. At the same time, the limited supply of vacant land accelerates the cost of land acquisition. By the end of the century it is expected that Alexandria will approach its “saturation point”, with a population of approximately 165,000 and development covering the maiximum amount of land now allowable by zoning controls. Open space will become increasingly vital to protect the environment and provide leisure-time activities to increasing numbers of residents.
Alexandria has been sensitive to these kinds of pressures, which result in the need to weigh the responsibility to provide a comprehesive municipal recreation program against the cost of bringing private land into public ownership and use. Accordingly, in 1978 the Park Planning Division of the City’s Department of transportation & Environmental Services prepared, with considerable citizen participation and advice, a Parks & Recreation Plan. The purpose of the plan was to look at the present recreational facilities in Alexandria and recommend additions or improvements to them, in order to provide a range of facilities to meet present and future needs of all residents. The Plan was adopted as an amendment to this Consolidated Master Plan; a brief summary of its findings is presented here.
Existing Facilities: #14. Fort Ward Fort Ward Park museum.
Objectives:
Preserve and enhance areas of special architectural or historic significance.
Open Space: Alexandria’s park system should include areas of permanent open space, as woodlands, open areas or nature conservancies. As the City becomes more urban, the need for tracts of undeveloped land to provide visual contrast and relief from urban congestion increases. In some instances, such as floodplains, stream valleys or areas of steep terrain, the land cannot support development; in other instances, it becomes important to merely save some land from from total development, before the City finds itself with too little open space to offer its residents.
Recreation Development
Seminary Forest Associates --This is a 6.5 acre wooded area which extends from Seminary Road to Braddock Road, opening a connection to Fort Ward/ Minnie Howard Recreation Area. Preservation of the area’s dense vegetation and steep slopes is the primary reason for acquisition, as the threat of residential development is great in this area.
Summer 1979 Fort Ward Park. 3 sheets. Prepared by Kathleen Kust, Park Planning Division, Department of Transportation & Environmental Services. Includes three sheets. Sheet #1 includes a proposed picnic area with overflow parking and play area delineated. A hand-written note is on the paper copy indicating “graves” within the overflow parking area.
June 26, 1979 City Council Meeting. Resolution # 693, as part of the Comprehensive Employment & Training Act of 1978, identified the Fort Ward Historic Trail Construction as a Private Sector Initiative Program project that could help “urgent needs within the City of A, V to provide employment for Young Adults”…. Funds provided by the VA Commission of Outdoor Recreation; USDA abd DOI are requested to provide funds
September 11, 1979 item 29 (a) consideration of report on Proposed Open Space Development of the Winkler Tract at Seminary Road and Shirley Highway (on file in the office of the City Clerk Marked Exhibit No. 1 Item 29(a)
September 26, 1979 City Council Meeting. #50. Consideration of a resolution declaring the City Council’s Intent to Protect certain Specimen Trees and identifying their location. On file at City Clerk Marked as Exhibit No. 1 of Item No. 50; 9/26/79 approved unanimously and set for public hearing on Nov. 17, 1979
Nov. 17, 1979 City Council Public Hearing on above. Action to be taken on Nov. 27, 1979.
Nov. 27, 1979 City Council action to deffer and indefinite time.
1979 to 1981 Cynthia Grant appointed Director
1981
1981--? Wanda S. Dowell appointed Director
SEARCHED FILES
00473
Council Proceedings, Vol. 35
1/1/52-4/14/53, Pgs. 1-362
Reel 12
FILES TO BE SEARCHED
00473
Council Minutes, 1961 Jan. 10
BoxNo. 1961-65 B/W
1987
June 29, 1987 Acting City Manager Vola Lawson signs a Deed of Consolidation to consolidate the lands comprising Fort Ward Park.
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