It provided that the dock commissioners could build an upper deck to any of the piers which jutted out into the river, and arrange it for the use of the people as a recreation pier, a place where the children could walk and run and romp and play, and the mothers could take the babies for a breath of fresh air on the summer nights, when their work was done.
Finding the law on the books, these kindly men determined to carry it out, and so they built the pier at the foot of Third Street; and, when that was finished, began work on the one at East Twenty-fourth Street, which was opened the other day.
RECREATION PIER
There are to be five of these piers in all—two on the west side, and three on the east.
The pier was opened by the Mayor, amid much merry music and general good feeling.
At the head of the pier a wooden band-stand had been erected. This was gaily decked with flags, and filled with chairs for the city fathers, who were to come and make speeches and give the pier to the people.
Seats had been set aside for the children, and the little ones flocked to them in hundreds, seeming to feel that this pier was for their especial benefit. They crowded every entrance, eagerly waiting for the moment when the city should give the new building to the people.
Presently the Mayor, Colonel O'Brien, and several others walked down the pier. Colonel O'Brien is the chief of the dock commissioners who have worked so faithfully to give the people this pleasure.
As the Mayor came down the aisle the little ones cheered and cheered, and the big people joined them, and waved their handkerchiefs, and it was quite an exciting moment.