47246: Frederick Law Olmsted Letter Signed "Fred. Law

Frederick Law Olmsted Letter Signed "Fred. Law Olmsted/Superintendent", with rare content regarding the philosophy of Central Park. Two pages of a bifolium, 5" x 8", New York; circa 1859. Written during the brief time that Olmsted served as Superintendent of the Park during its construction, circa 1859. On Central Park stationery, embossed "Office of the Arch't-in-Chief } CENTRAL PARK." Reading in full: "It is proposed to provide by subscription a band of music upon the finished portion of the park for a few hours during one or two afternoons a week, for the purpose of increasing its immediate value to those who cannot leave the city. It is believed that after this year the Commissioners of the Park will be able to furnish the means for this purpose without drawing upon their construction fund, but their arrangements cannot be completed at present without the aid of voluntary contributions from citizens who will be influenced by motives of kindness toward those who have no means to go into the country for relief from the heat and turmoil of the city." Olmsted's guiding principle during the construction of the park was to create an egalitarian public space, as evident in the content of this letter. Condition: Flattened mail folds, with two small holes at intersecting folds. Light edge toning. Boldly signed. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved