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 Current Photos by Adam Paul |
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Baltimorean worth their weight in steamed crabs knows at least a few of
the city squares that still refresh the brick landscape otherwise known
as the Monumental City. From the once elite Lafayette Square and
the newly hip Union Square on the West to the more functional
Collington Square on the East, these squares remain a pleasantry for
many Baltimoreans, as they were a century before. But very few Baltimoreans are even aware of the existence of the hidden square on Baltimore's West Side that remains a pleasing place to the handful of residents whose homes border upon this odd little piece of land that is locked away in obscurity. Ironlcally, this intrguing little Oasis is officially called "Locke Square," though one wonders if the fortunate few who know about this neat piece of real estate call it as such. Unlike the more well known city squares, Locke Square is an oddity in that it is a private square, for use only by those whose reside in the homes in the block surrounded by Payson, Mulberry, Monroe, and Saratoga Streets.  The park was formed in 1912, when the homeowners of this block each bought a "share" of the common property which was behind their homes, and turned it into their own private park. Purchased for a price of $460, the square was named after the developer of the block, whose first name is not mentioned in period articles on the property. In 1920, Locke begat a copycat arrangement in the block to the north, when similarly arranged Lincoln Park was established. Lincoln, however, would never seem to live up to the prestige that surrounded the original Locke Sqaure. By the early 1930's however, with the country in the midst of the Great Depression, it was noted that Locke's condition had deteriorated. A full fledged effort was undertaken to clean up the common ground, and the backyards that bordered on the square, while enhancements were performed on the footpaths, and a gazebo installed along one edge of the park.  A view of Locke Square from the 1940's. Note the flagpole in the center of the park, and the small gazebo in the distance.  As seen in early spring, Locke Square shows a simple yet pleasing arrangement that optimized its small space. In the decades that would follow, Locke Square would remain a mark of pride for the residents of this block, while "sibling" Lincoln Park deteriorated to little more than a parking area for the residents of its block by the 1950's. A news article from 1970 remarked at the time that the little square was still known as a spot of pleasure for its neighboring residents.  As seen in 1958, Lincoln Park in the next block North of Locke Sqaure was noted for having a shabbier appearance, helped greatly by the residents who converted it to the Lincoln Parking Lot. This block has since been replaced by the "highway" between Franklin and Mulberry. And so it remains today. Despite the passing of over 90 years, little Locke Square remains, much as it always has, likely thanks to some of its neighbors who see to its upkeep. While the block that encircles it has encountered many of the usual urban problems such as abandoned properties and crime rate issues, Locke Square still retains a soothing look of comfort for the urban dweller looking for an oasis, as well as for nearby children looking for a safe place to play.  Despite some minor trash and worn grass, Locke Square looks good for its 90+ years of service to its immediate residents.  View of the center area of the park, as taken from one of the alleys bordering it. The flagpole and gazebo are gone, but the center tree now serves to hold a basketball backboard. GOT SOME INFO ON LOCKE OR LINCOLN? KNOW OF OTHER OLD INTERIOR PARKS? CONTACT ME!
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