In recognition of the success acheived by the Board of Park Commissioners in establishing and administering the Olmsted park system in Buffalo, care and control of all public squares and greens in the city was transferred to the Board in 1886. In April 1887, Frederick Law Olmsted submitted designs for several of the grounds placed under the Board's control, including one on the site of what was then Potter's Field, the city's pauper burial ground.
Masten Place is located on the west side of Masten Street (from which it took
its name), between Best and North Streets. It was originally bounded on its west
by a small Catholic cemetery, which was subsequently acquired and incorporated,
extending the the park to Michigan Street. Constuction of the park began in the
spring of 1887, and was substantially completed that same year. The site
required considerable regrading to make it suitable for park purposes, and large
amounts of loam had to be hauled to the site to make planting possible. It
continued to feature a steep grade, sloping toward Best and Michigan streets,
which made turf difficult to sustain. Olmsted's design for the park called for
winding diagonal walks 10 feet in width crossing the site from its corners,
setting off an open turf playground at the center. A small shelter house offered
toilet facilities and tool storage. Six foot walks were provided on the outer
periperhery of the park. Characteristic of similar Olmsted parks, thick
plantings screened the site from the bustle of street traffic. The Buffalo
Express praised the design, stating "The embellishments to be made, however,
will be tasteful and sightly, gratifying the eye with green foliage and grass
plats reasonably well protected from the ravages of foot passengers."
Plan of Masten
Place.
In 1895 the park became the focus of considerable local controversy, when it was proposed as the site of a new East Buffalo High School. Despite strong opposition by the Park Board, the high school was built in the park, at the center of the plot. Although the new building destroyed its continued suitability as a public pleasure ground, the remainder of the site remained in the charge of the Park Board. The Masten High School was destroyed by fire some years later. It was quickly rebuilt, and eventually became known as Fosdick-Masten High School, honoring the school's Principal, who had acted heroicly in ensuring the safety of his students during the blaze. The structure is still in service, currently as the City Honors High School, and continues to dominate the site of this lost Olmsted park.
Copyright 1996-2007 Stanton M. Broderick