Bridge to Gilbert Park - 2005-03-06 16:56:31
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On her way back over this bridge, Ypsidixit spied a slight man peering out over Waterworks Park with binoculars. He peered here and there with quick, birdlike movements. The gregarious Ypsidixit struck up a conversation.
"See any good birds today?"
"Oh...yeah...saw a, um, merganser."
"A merganser...aren't they kind of rare?"
"Yep, pretty rare...saw a hooded merganser down there [points to river]. River's running pretty fast today."
"Yep, sure looks fast...well, good luck!"* * * * * * * * * * * * Independence Island Remnant - 2005-03-06 17:23:14
* * * * * * * * * * * * Celebration at Independence Island - 2005-03-06 21:53:46
Celebration of the Anniversary of the 4th of July, 1776 [within the living memory of many Ypsilantians of the day] .
The citizens of Ypsilanti and of the Towns and Villages in the vicinity are respectfully invited to attend the celebration on Saturday the 3rd day of July next.
ORDER OF THE DAY.
National Salute at Sun-rise.
At 10 o'k A.M. the citizens will assemble at the Methodist Church.
Prayer.
Vocal Music by the Choir.
...The procession when formed will proceed under the direction of the Marshal of the day to Independence Island.
ORDER OF EXERCISES AT THE ISLAND.
Prayer.
Reading of Declaration by Prof. Eaton
Oration by Rev. Mr. Crippens.
Oration by L. D. Norris
Reading of Washington's Farewell Address
DINNER.
--Ypsilanti Sentinel, June 30, 1847.* * * * * * * * * * * * Report on the Festivities - 2005-03-06 21:55:11
The day was, throughout, most pleasant.--The heat, it is true, was a shade or two higher than perfect comfort would call for...At the appointed time the procession was formed as announced last week, and marched to the sound of martial music to the Island which had been fitted up for the occasion. Numbers however, had previously repaired to the spot, and when the long procession came in sight, it became a matter of serious consideration whether all would be able to cross the bridge and find footing on the Island. By the good management of the Marshal, and his assistants, however, the immense assemblage was soon seated;--that is, the "better half"--and the exercises commenced.
At this point of affairs, after standing a minute on the overhanging bank, gazing up at the natural charms of the scenery and the (artificial) graces which the foliage of the spot but half concealed, with, (some will say if we don't, and so we may as well get the start of them,) feelings akin to Satan's, when he gazed on the happiness of Paradise (see Milton) we left.
--Ypsilanti Sentinel, July 7, 1847* * * * * * * * * * * * lynne - 2005-03-06 22:02:53
Huh? I might have to take some dogs for a walk over there. I dont think I have ever even been to Gilbert Park. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-03-07 00:29:20
There is a parking lot in Waterworks Park (where the bird guy parked); it would be easy to park there & just take the bridge over to Gilbert Park. It's a 5-minute walk at most. But it's a fairly forlorn area. With a brace of big dogs I'd say it's OK.* * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2005-03-07 08:54:34
There's a parking lot at the terminus of Park Street, right at Gilbert Park, behind the Arlens/Flea Market building. I'd like to walk the tracks from the park down to Factory Street. Never have. Should do it before brush thickets the path. Probably won't.
By the way, the area at Waterworks Park where all the piles are heaped may be YCUA property. There used to be some YCUA buildings down there. Years ago (yes, I have a postcard) the City Well, a domed structure, was there. There's a postcard on Ebay now, I think. Ebay has driven up the cost of postcards some 10-fold.* * * * * * * * * * * * yd - 2005-03-07 09:36:00
There used to be a painted line right in the middle of the foorbridge. Then it said "Southside."* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-03-07 09:40:23
Raymond, I had seen the old city well on plat maps recently. I looked for it, but saw no trace of it. Its site is full of truck tracks, scraped earth, &c. I wonder if it is YCUA land--the Electric and Waterworks building used to be there (one thing I wanted to check out but didn't have time to).
The Freep had something a day or two ago about eBay recently raising its rates.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-03-07 09:42:08
yd: There were several weather-beaten park signs there, directing people left (to Riverside Park & Frog Island) or right (Gilbert Park)...but I may have overlooked the one that says "Southside."* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-03-07 09:44:08
Raymond: That sounds like a nice walk. I didn't know you could access Gilbert Park from Park Street. I'll try that way next time just to see what's on Park Street. Does that take you into the blasted heart of the decrepit old Water Street area factories? * * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2005-03-07 19:05:06
The parking lot at the end of Park St takes you to the same places you were, but from the north side. I looked the materials dumpsite up. It's not YCUA property any more. It's City. It may have changed hands when the treatment plant across I-94 was abandoned a a park created. The ballfield is owned by Visteon. The City also owns the area right across from Visteon that looks like a boat landing where people fish. River Park it's called.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-03-07 19:18:28
Very interesting, Raymond; thanks for adding that info. I have some more exploring to do, clearly. Now I'm curious about River Park...and that abandoned treatment plant. Thank you for the tip.* * * * * * * * * * * * Carpe diem - 2005-03-08 13:49:07
Who owns all the shopping carts in the river?* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-03-08 13:50:20
Dunno. I didn't see any, I must say, when I visited this area. It was pretty clean, trashwise.* * * * * * * * * * * * CD - 2005-03-08 13:56:23
River is high, give it time.* * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2005-03-08 13:57:43
It was very high. That was the day all the snow melted. Maybe the island will be bigger in the summer.* * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: