Henry Vilas Park

Henry Vilas Park, Madison
(U.S.A.)

In 1904 William Freeman Vilas bought a 63 acre parcel of marshland, for use as a public park for the city. Work on draining the marsh and landscaping the park continued for over 10 years. The picture shows some Madisonians enjoying a stroll in the city's finest park, named after Vilas' son Henry, who died at the age of 22. Still the city's finest park, Henry Vilas Park remains a popular venue for Madison families. Unfortunately, on this particular summer's day, the extreme heat (over 36¡C) kept many in their air-conditioned homes. (A. Rossiter)