Part 2, Dedication Day Summary

In 1892, Olmsted worked like a man much younger than his years. Even with Codman in charge of supervising the landscaping of the Exposition during his absences, the landscaping was behind schedule, as was all the construction at this time. Construction delays caused Olmsted much frustration. His main frustrations, however, were the fact that Burnham was still considering steam powered boats instead of the electrical boats he had recommended, and that the wooded island should remain without structure. Everyone wanted the island and Burnham knew that Olmsted would have to allow something built there. Olmsted finally agreed, but with reluctance, to a structure by the Japanese Government.

All the problems with the Exposition and the proposed changes to Central Park in New York took their toll on him. He was on the verge of a collapse, when he finally decided...