Jenks Park and Cogswell Tower: 1890, 2007. This small, 4-acre park was the gift of Alvin Jenks to the city in which his progenitors had pioneered the manufacture of textile machinery. Once beautiful with fish ponds and flower gardens , today it only retains the Fales and Jenks’ iron umbrellas, the clock tower, a small fountain and its winding, tree shaded walkways. The tower, a gift of Caroline Cogswell and designed by Albert Humes, has been the symbol of the city since its construction in 1904. Cogswell Tower is eighteen feet square and nearly seventy feet tall, with a clock face on each of its four sides. Observation balconies with iron rails under each of the clocks provide an unparalleled view of the city. The tower is supported by a brick barrel vault resting atop the historic Dexter’s Ledge, from which, it is said, Pierce’s progress was observed by his Indian enemies before they met in battle at the river’s edge. The tower’s lower level is surrounded by a pergola of delicate iron work. Today the public is not allowed to go up to the tower, due to the deterioration of the stone steps and possible safety risk of the ironwork surrounding the tower. It is to be hopedthat the city, or the state will find a way to repair this wonderful part of Central Falls history.
Jenks Park and Cogswell Tower: 1890, 2007. This small, 4-acre park was the gift of Alvin Jenks to the city in which his progenitors had pioneered the manufacture of textile machinery. Once beautiful with fish ponds and flower gardens , today it only retains the Fales and Jenks’ iron umbrellas, the clock tower, a small fountain and its winding, tree shaded walkways. The tower, a gift of Caroline Cogswell and designed by Albert Humes, has been the symbol of the city since its construction in 1904. Cogswell Tower is eighteen feet square and nearly seventy feet tall, with a clock face on each of its four sides. Observation balconies with iron rails under each of the clocks provide an unparalleled view of the city. The tower is supported by a brick barrel vault resting atop the historic Dexter’s Ledge, from which, it is said, Pierce’s progress was observed by his Indian enemies before they met in battle at the river’s edge. The tower’s lower level is surrounded by a pergola of delicate iron work. Today the public is not allowed to go up to the tower, due to the deterioration of the stone steps and possible safety risk of the ironwork surrounding the tower. It is to be hopedthat the city, or the state will find a way to repair this wonderful part of Central Falls history.
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