"I present to you, the people of St. Louis, your own, this large and beautiful Forest Park for enjoyment of yourselves, your children, and your children's children forever … the rich and the poor, the merchant and the mechanic, the professional man and the day laborer, each with his family and lunch basket, can come here and enjoy … all without stint or hindrance … and there will be no notice put up, 'Keep off the Grass.'"

— Chauncey F. Shultz, June 24, 1876, opening ceremonies for Forest Park.