About 1840, two lines of stern-wheel steamboats ran to Springfield daily; but opening of railroad to Springfield in 1844, broke up the steamboat business-To-day one line of modern river steamboats runs from Hartford to New York MODERN FACTORS IN MUNICIPAL PROGRESS THE BUILDING OF A MODEL MUNICIPALITY AS EXEM- BY HON. WILLIAM FRANKLIN HENNEY BSERVATIONS MAYOR OF HARTFORD abroad give me reinforced confidence that the city of Hartford is to-day in the foreranks of municipal progress; not that it has plunged into social idealism or inaugurated radical measures but that it moves steadily and surely toward the model municipality with conservative and intelli Mayor Henney's able story of the building of Hartford from the days when it became the birthplace of American Democracy and the scene of the writing of the first constitution creating a government by the people, has gained commendation throughout the country for its clear and entertaining narration. While it was receiving much friend. ly reviewing in the public press, Mayor Henney sailed for the old continent where he spent some time in studying conditions abroad, and especially in Glasgow, Scotland. The greater part of the article presented herewith, was written in Glasgow and mailed to this country in instalments, prepared at intervals between conferences with executives of that municipality and investigation of the methods of municipal administration. As in the case of the preceding article, many rare illustrations have been gathered to illustrate the development of Hartford, which while not mentioned in the text, present important phases of life in the community. Files of leading magazine fail to find any town record ever presented in magazine form as thoroughly and more entertainingly than these writings by Mayor Henney-EDITOR Much of this article was written during a sojourn in Glasgow, Scotland, a sojourn which gave me an opportunity to consider my home city unaffected by surroundings, appealing to local loyalty and pride. Three thousand miles distant, the love of home and country deepens and intensifies; but interest is stimulated and the vision broadened by the con HARTFORD'S EAST SIDE BEFORE THE DAYS OF THE TENEMENT HOUSE Birdseye view of river front about 1868-Photograph taken from roof of Old State House, now City Hall, looking northeast-Pillared structure in center is Old City Hall which stood where police station now stands complishing familiar purposes competently and successfully. With my attention turned studiously to the government of this fine old classic city of Glasgow, I state my convictions: Hartford has a great future. As the capital of Connecticut it should inevitably be a great city-great in its population, in its industries, in its wealth, in its public undertakings for the general good. Three things demand its immediate attention. First: It should absolutely control Park river. By a system of properly managed dams this stream could be made attractive and wholesome throughout its entire length within the city limits. mitted by City Engineer Ford are worthy of commendation and should be at once adopted and acted upon. Second: The protection of the East Side from the annual floods and freshets. This difficulty is now being investigated by the court of Common Council with the promise of eariy action upon the report of the city engineer. Third: A commodious municipal building which shall gather together all the city offices under one roof, and make their offices convenient and easy of access to all having lawful business with the departments. Hartford has much to commend it in comparison with other American cities. But what it lacks in common THE CONNECTICUT RIVER ON RAMPAGE DURING GREAT FLOOD OF 1854 An idea of its extent may be had by noting Old Toll Bridge to East Hartford, at extreme left of picture, which during flood was nothing more than a pier-Many quaint old structures then standing along State street, have been demolished to make way for modern business blocks-First stone business block erected in Hartford, was in 1832, on south corner of Commerce and Ferry streets, and is still standing-Note stage coach standing in front of American Hotel ANNUAL INUNDATION OF LOWER STATE STREET Hartford's east-side becomes an American "Venice," during spring freshets of Connecticut River-Plans are being perfected to overcome the floods municipal charter-a charter which shall be simply and only a competent business organization for the transaction of corporate business, and in no sense a political machine for the exploiting of private interests. There should be absolutely no political color given to purely municipal affairs. No parties should be known or recognized in municipal elections. The citizens, as stockholders of the City Corporation, should elect their directors to manage its affairs, and no political consideration should have aught to do with the selection of the citizens representatives. With a proper charter the city would adopt non-political system naturally. a With such a charter who can say but that in the future it may yet administer public utilities for the public benefit as completely and satisfactorily as they are now administered by cities of the old world. It will be a happy day for Hartford when these things are brought to pass. In my first article on "The Building of a Model Municipality," in the pre ed some of the historical incidents that have shaped the present Hartford. There are many more narratives that might be related, all of which have a direct bearing on the character and individuality of the city, but my space, and your time, permit me only to mention a few others that are to-day marking the course of the future Hartford. From any point of view, the picture presented by modern Hartford is interesting and inspiring. From a business standpoint old things have passed, or are rapidly passing away, and the great stores and industrial enterprises of the city are assuming aspects altogether metropolitan. For these new phases of enterprise so far as the stores are concerned, the electrifying and extension of the street railway system are largely responsible. The population of the city proper could hardly warrant or support the large department stores-which are unsurpassed in the excellence and variety of their wares by any establishments in New England. Such concerns are rendered possible only by the fact that the improved trolley service has enabled them to supply the wants of an urban and rural population of perhaps 250,000. Hence we have such establishments as Brown, Thomson & Co.; G. Fox & Co.; Wise, Smith & Co.: C. S. Hills & Co.; Sage Allen & Co., R. Ballerstein & Co.. Neal, Goff & Inglis, and others; purchases can be made which for price and quality will compare favorably with the offerings of any of the great concerns of New York and Boston. It must be conceded that proposed trolley extensions are full of promise for Hartford's merchants. With two lines already running to Springfield, it is proposed to establish a third by way of the Tariffville branch of the Connecticut Western Railroad, which will make the trip between the two cities in an hour and a half. To the Typical business establishments that have succumbed to progress-Valley division of New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad now intercepts this section at foot of State street BUSIEST PLACE IN HARTFORD DURING SHAD SEASON FIFTY YEARS AGO Foot of Ferry street where fish were sold from boats drawn up on shore, dressed and taken home by purchaser-A |