The Historical Context:
The Visionary: John M. Olin, a lawyer and professor, was the driving force behind the creation of a system of parks and scenic drives in Madison. He believed in connecting the city's residents with the natural beauty of the surrounding lakes and landscapes.
The Organization: He founded the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association (MPPDA) in 1892. This was a private, non-profit organization funded by donations from prominent citizens. Its primary goal was to build and maintain scenic roads for recreational use—initially for horse-drawn carriages and cyclists, and later for early automobiles.
The Project: The construction of Lake Mendota Drive was the association's flagship project. They acquired the land (often through donations) and engineered the road to hug the shoreline, creating a winding, picturesque route. The ravines were a major obstacle, and the timber trestle bridges were an elegant, rustic, and cost-effective solution that blended perfectly with the natural environment.