USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > East Boston > History of East Boston; with biographical sketches of its early proprietors, and an appendix > Part 53
USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > East Boston > History of East Boston : with biographical sketches of its early proprietors, and an appendix. > Part 53
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After the first sale had been made (October, 1834), a dividend of five dollars on each share was declared, payable on the first of December, 1834; and in order to induce the purchasers of the lots on Belmont to appropriate the amount of choice money in setting out trees and otherwise ornamenting their lots and the streets adjacent, the company voted to expend $1,000 in planting trees in Hotel square, if the purchasers of the lots would appropriate the choice money in this manner. This measure was accomplished; and it was a wise procedure, as it secured the early planting of shade trees, which, under other circumstances, would have been left to individual proprietors. This last is an uncertain method; for there are individuals in every town, and in every street, who either have not sufficient public spirit, or are too deficient in good taste, to cooperate with their neighbors in an improvement of this kind. The company seemed to understand this, and took just the course to place the matter upon a proper basis.
The action of the East Boston Company above referred to was of course limited in extent, and wholly inadequate to the wants of the Island, but was important as the commencement of those efforts to cover the Island with shade and ornamental trees, which have been so eminently successful in their results. The circumstances attending these efforts, and the history of the Tree Association, the pioneer of similar societies which have since been organized in different parts of the country, demand a detailed account ; and as the subject is of importance
595
TREES.
1851.]
to the beauty and attractiveness of the Island, and is somewhat novel in its origin and execution, letters will be introduced and allusions made which delicacy and personal feelings would for- bid, but which a truthful narrative requires to be inserted. Dis- regarding, therefore, the censure which might be bestowed, the writer gives the account as the records present it.
The first person who addressed the writer on the subject of setting out trees upon the Island was Noah Sturtevant, Esq. (in 1851), who entertained the plan of planting trees on each side of Meridian street, at the end of which his house was sit- uated, doubtless supposing that this example would be followed in the other streets. This project, however, failed of accom- plishment; the prospect of making the avenues of the Island pleasant and beautiful by shade and ornamental trees was not very encouraging, and there seemed to be no adequate remedy for the naked and desolate appearance of the streets.
Anxious to remedy this, almost the only defect in the natural advantages and beauties of East Boston, and to fill the barren streets with handsome trees, General Sumner determined that this purpose should be finally accomplished, even should it be done at his own expense. He therefore sat down one day with Capt. Barstow, the energetic superintendent of the company, to make an estimate of the number of trees wanted, and the cost of purchasing and transplanting them. They made a list of all the then graded streets, calculated the double length of each, thus providing for trees on each side, estimated the proper distance between the trees, and the probable expense of the whole plan.1
General Sumner made this estimate for the purpose of mak- ing provision in his will, which he was about writing, for the accomplishment of this object, and set apart two lots, the value of which he thought would cover all the estimated expense ; the proceeds of these lots were to be appropriated, after his decease, to this purpose.
This clause in the will specified that the proceeds of the lots of land should be appropriated to planting trees in the streets of the settled parts of the first, second, and third sections, where the owners were not able to do it, under the direction of Capt.
1 For a copy of this paper see Appendix I.
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HISTORY.
[1852.
Barstow and such others as should be appointed by the citizens of East Boston for that purpose. It was also recommended that they should not be put out nearer than from thirty to forty feet to each other, nor before any person's estate, unless under a writ- ten agreement of the proprietor or some other responsible per- son that he would fence the trees around with chestnut or cedar posts in an uniform manner under the direction of the com- mittee, and warrant the life of the trees for five years .; care being taken, in setting the trees out, that it be with a sufficiency of soil to support them. Soon after his will was made the writer sailed for Europe.
It should here be stated, that, in the early part of 1852, and wholly unknown to Gen. Sumner when he made the estimate just alluded to, a Tree Association was formed at East Boston for the express purpose of covering the Island with shade and ornamental trees ; and that, during the first year of its exist- ence, it transplanted two hundred trees, all of which were paid for by private subscription.
In December, 1852, while in Paris, Gen. Sumner reconsidered his donation, and concluded that it was altogether desirable that the gift should take immediate effect, instead of waiting for the natural course of the will. To this end he wrote a. letter to Capt. Barstow, from which the following is an extract :
" In reflecting upon my purpose, with which you are ac- quainted, of devising two lots of land at East Boston, the pro- ceeds of which were to be appropriated to the setting out of trees for the ornament of that part of the city and for the health and convenience of its inhabitants, and considering that the city authorities have lately made handsome appropriations for its improvement, I think it will better promote the object I had in view to make a direct gift of the lots I designated, sub- ject to my existing contracts, and not to wait until my devise can have a legal effect. For by taking this course, while I am declining the trees will be growing, and possibly upon my return, Deo volente, to Boston, I may hope to see such of them flourishing as are set out in the spring. I therefore authorize you in my behalf to make the donation directly in the terms I used in the paper in your possession, in lieu of that intended devise. If the power of attorney I left with you will not au-
597
GIFT TO THE TREE ASSOCIATION.
1853.]
thorize a conveyance to be made to yourself, you will use it by making a conveyance to a third person, so that there may be no delay or embarrassment in carrying my design into imme- diate effect."
The Tree Association being in flourishing operation when this letter giving authority to make an immediate donation was received, Capt. Barstow judiciously made it the means of carry- ing into effect the wishes of the donor, and the feelings with which the gift was received are shown in the letter received from him in answer, an extract from which, with another letter from an esteemed friend, expressing similar sentiments, is in- serted in the Appendix.1
In addition to a vote of thanks, the following gratifying letter was addressed to the donor, through the officers of the society :
" East Boston, Feb. 14, 1853. " GEN. WM. H. SUMNER : -
" RESPECTED AND DEAR SIR, - We would present to you our grateful and heartfelt thanks for your munificent gift of two valuable lots of land to the 'East Boston Ornamental Tree Association,' and communicated to us by Capt. Wm. C. Bar- stow. It is now one year since the association was organized, having for its object to adorn and improve East Boston, by planting trees in all the streets. Since its formation, about $600 have been contributed by individuals, which was expended last year in setting out trees.
" From the encouragement the association has received, and with your liberal gift, we believe its object will now be attained, and that East Boston will yet pride herself on the beauty of her trees, as she now does in the skill of her mechanics. It is quite remarkable, and we might say wonderful, what an im- press all plans receive from their first founders. If a niggardly policy is commenced, a selfish one is sure to follow ; but when those who commence entertain just and liberal views, we find, after a lapse of time, those traces remaining ; and we trust that on what was once called 'Noddle's Island' they will never be obliterated. Since the commencement East Boston has moved steadily to her present prosperous condition. Did you, or any
1 See Appendix I.
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HISTORY.
[1852-8.
of its founders, believe that in 1853 it would contain fourteen thousand inhabitants, 9 religious societies, $100,000 invested in school-houses, in which more than two thousand pupils would receive instruction ; that the beauty of her ships would excel, and their fleetness outstrip, all the world has ever seen ?
" Whatever might have been your hopes, we believe the sequel has fully realized your most sanguine expectations; and now, when an effort is made to embellish the Island by planting trees, it is truly gratifying to learn that the effort is duly appre- ciated; and that although you are in a foreign land, yet your regards for East Boston are not abated. We can assure you that your munificent donation shall be appropriated to accom- plish the object for which it is intended, in the most economical manner, and that your gift shall be perpetuated so long as the records of the association shall exist.
" That you may receive all the benefits which can be expected from your foreign tour, and that, with the blessing of Provi- dence, you will return to your native country invigorated and in the full enjoyment of health, are the sincere wishes of
" Your obedient servants, " EBENEZER ATKINS, President.
" D. H. BLANEY, Secretary."
The Tree Association has prosecuted its objects with energy and success, and since its organization has expended the follow- ing sums of money : -
In 1852
$589.30
" 1853-4
3,344.04
1855 .
1,089.10
1856
· 1,544.19
$6,567.53
The association realized from the land presented by General Sumner -
Lot 262 White street
$2,679.33
225 Havre street 1,411.00
$4,090.33
The East Boston Company also gave a lot of land to the asso-
ciation (81 Moore street), amounting to $571.50
$4,661.83
599
LETTER OF MR. BARSTOW.
1857.]
By this assistance, the society was enabled to commence its operations on an extensive scale, and has already planted about fourteen hundred trees.
The history of this enterprising association is given in so con- cise a manner in a letter recently received from Wm. C. Bar- stow, Esq., that the author transfers it to the narrative, believing that the reader will derive pleasure from its perusal.
"East Boston, Nov. 9, 1857. " GENERAL W. H. SUMNER.
" MY DEAR SIR, - Thinking that an outline of the rise and progress of the 'East Boston Ornamental Tree Association ' (of which we consider you the father), might be of some interest, I beg leave to state, that, in the early part of 1852, several enter- prising gentlemen of this place made an effort to induce the owners of real estate abutting on our most populous streets to plant trees opposite their lands and houses ; but as a large proportion of the owners were 'non-residents,' they did not feel that interest in ornamenting the streets that the 'residents' did ; consequently it was in the beginning rather up-hill work. But even so we were not disposed to give it up, and had several preliminary meetings on the subject. On the 7th of March, 1852, a general meeting of the inhabitants was held at the North American Insurance Company Office, in Winthrop block. The 'East Boston Ornamental Tree Association' was formed and organized, and a sum of money sufficient to make a begin- ning with was subscribed on the spot; committees were ap- pointed, and we went to work forthwith, and set out about 130 trees during that spring. Our operations being confined to the streets in the neighborhood of Hotel square, they being at about the right grade, we have as a general thing set out the maple and elm trees, as we find they do better in our soil than other kinds ; and have been careful to select those of healthy growth and rather large size. Every tree planted by the association has been well protected by a strong box around it, which boxes have cost us about as much as the tree and the expense of planting.
" The number of trees set out by the association up to this time is 1,400, and the expense $6,567.53. We are gradually progressing with the trees, as the city grade and pave our
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HISTORY.
[1857.
streets, - for we find from experience that it is money thrown away to plant trees where the streets are not at the right grade. As the paving and grading is usually done by the city at mid- summer, the raising or lowering a tree at that season is sure to kill it, unless done with more care than the city workmen use.
" Although we have expended nearly all our funds on hand, still we anticipate little trouble hereafter in carrying out our project, as we find that very many of the property owners on the principal streets, seeing what an ornament the trees are, and having the example set by the association before them, as soon as the city grade or pave the street opposite their lands, set out the trees in front at their own expense. This relief to the association, together with what may be subscribed by indi- viduals from time to time, will no doubt enable us to carry out the great project you had in view in making the bequest in your will previous to leaving this country for Europe, which fact, however, was only known by yourself and me.
"And I cannot but admire your promptness and action ; for I find upon referring to your letter to me dated Paris, December 8, 1852, you instruct me to convey at once to, and to be ex- pended by, a committee to be appointed by the citizens of East Boston, two valuable lots of land (from the sales of which the association have realized in cash $4,090), and not to wait for the bequest made in your will. 'For (as you say) by taking this course, while I am declining the trees will be growing, and possibly upon my return, Deo volente, I hope to see such of them flourishing as are set out in the spring. I therefore au- thorize you, in my behalf, to make the donation directly in lieu of the intended devise.'
" I at once made your intentions known to the Tree Asso- ciation, who, at their meeting held on the 28th January, 1853, passed a vote of thanks, and instructed the president to write you a letter of thanks also (copies of which I herewith enclose). All were loud in their praises for your princely gift. The news spread like lightning, and the newspapers came out with several complimentary remarks to yourself. The donation set our little association on its legs at once, and we went ahead that spring and set out from four hundred to five hundred trees, in order that you 'might see them flourishing on your return.'
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THE PUBLIC GARDEN.
1834-8.]
" The greater part of the trees set out in the spring of 1852 and 1853 have (as you are aware) grown to a size that not only makes them an ornament to our wide and beautiful streets, but they even now throw out a shade, that, in the summer months, is truly grateful to all pedestrians ; it must be gratifying to you, my dear sir, to know, that, among the many good acts of your life, this donation is one that will call down the blessings of the present and future generations on your head.
" I will, therefore, close after expressing what I believe to be the sincere wish of every man, woman, and child on the Island, and that is, may your shadow and that of the trees you have given us, never grow less.
" Very truly your obt. serv't, " W. C. BARSTOW."
The officers of the association at the present time are, - President, Ebenezer Atkins ; Vice-President, William C. Barstow ; Secretary, S. R. Field; Treasurer, D. H. Blaney ; Directors, Edwin Rice, Wm. H. Calrow, Dr. D. D. Folts, S. N. Stockwell, Salma E. Gould, Dr. P. M. Crane, Thomas D. Demond, Benjamin Lamson, and Noah Sturtevant.
These gentlemen are actively engaged in the prosecution of the original design, and each succeeding year the Island gives additional evidence of the value of this Tree Association.
PUBLIC GARDEN.
The " Public Garden" so called, containing about thirteen acres, was situated in section three, and was bounded by Sara- toga, Lexington, Marion, and Putnam streets. In 1834 Mr. William McCollough applied for a lease of this garden, but his request was not granted. It was a portion of the property ceded by the East Boston Company to the old ferry company in 1835; and thus passed to the latter. In 1836 a fence was erected around it, and trees were planted within the enclosure ; in April, 1838, it was leased by the ferry company to Mr. Thomas Mason for seven years ; but, Mr. Mason not succeeding, the lease was soon afterwards cancelled.
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HISTORY.
[1831.
When the ferry property was taken for debt by the East Bos- ton and the Eastern Railroad Companies in 1841, the public garden was equally divided between these two companies and held by them in fee, restricted only by the lease it was under at that time.
In 1842 Princeton street was extended through the centre of the garden (easterly and westerly), and also Brooks street (northerly and southerly), and the remainder of the land was divided into forty-eight lots of ten thousand feet each, and numbered from 334 to 381, both inclusive. The lots were then equally divided between the two corpora- tions, who have since sold them to different individuals ; many of the purchasers have built on these lots some of the most beautiful dwelling-houses that are upon the Island; and thus the " garden " ceased to exist.
EASTERN RAILROAD.
In the early part of the year 1831, the project was enter- tained of constructing a railroad from Boston to Salem over Noddle's Island. It was apparent to some, that such a road would be greatly advantageous to both places; that, passing through enterprising and business towns, it offered strong inducements for investment, and that, in process of time, it could with profit be extended further to the east. But what induced the writer to interest himself individually was the fact that the nearest, and, in all probability the most practi- cable, route passed directly over Noddle's Island, and if a road should be built with that location, the value of the Island estate would be immeasurably enhanced. The attempt to con- nect the Island with the city by the Salem turnpike and bridge had failed,1 and that road had been built so as to enter Boston over Charlestown bridge.
Locomotion by steam power was, at this period, considered in the light of an experiment. The public mind was ,to be convinced of its utility, and this formidable obstacle was to be met and overcome.2 It was also apparent that the proposed
1 Page 422.
2 No railroad was at this time in operation in this country, although roads to
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603
THE EASTERN RAILROAD.
1831.]
railroad from Boston to Salem would meet with opposition from the turnpike company, which would vigorously object to being deprived of their accustomed travel. Fully aware of this strong source of opposition, and that in all probability objec- tions would be presented from other quarters, it was, neverthe- less, thought that the object proposed was worthy of investiga- tion.
Before any public steps were taken it was considered prudent to have a partial survey of the route made to test the practica- bility of the enterprise, and to form an estimate of its cost, in order to obtain subscriptions for the stock. There being then no civil engineer in this part of the country upon whom reliance could be placed, Lieutenant Vinton, of the United States Artil- lery, a first-class scholar from West Point, and then stationed at Fort Independence, was thought of as a capable person, and, with leave from his commanding officer, was engaged, and per- formed his duties in an acceptable manner.
The results were of so favorable a character that the project was prosecuted with increased vigor. As civil engineering, in its application to railways, was then in its infancy, it may gratify the public to give Lieutenant Vinton's valuable report at length. Interest will be added to this communication when it is stated, that, soon after, the engineer changed his military uniform for the surplice, and now, as the Rev. Dr. Vinton, is Rector of Grace church in Brooklyn, New York, where his ele- vated character and eminent talents secure the esteem and ad- miration of his hearers.
The report is as follows : --
Providence, Lowell, and Worcester, were in contemplation. Surveys for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad had been made as early as 1827; but the first one in operation in this country was that from the granite quarries in Quincy to tide water; the first loads of granite were for the construction of Bunker Hill Monument. To show the state of the public mind in respect to this means of conveyance, even as late as 1827, it may be mentioned that in that year the North American Review expressed the belief that horse railroads were then better adapted to our circumstances, but that no change or improvement could be foreseen which would reverse the condition ; and just before the opening of the Liverpool railroad, a premium of £500 was offered for a locomotive engine which should travel ten miles an hour, and carry sixteen tons !
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HISTORY.
[1832.
"Fort Independence, February 13, 1832.
"DEAR SIR, - At your request I have made a reconnaissance and partial examination of a contemplated route for a railway to commence at N. Battery wharf, and to pass from thence (by ferry) to Noddle's Island, and thence over Noddle's and Belle islands, Oak island marsh, through Lynn village to Salem.
" I have the honor to submit to you the following facts, and my opinion as derived from them, of the practicability of the proposed route. It is to be observed, -
" 1st. That from the N. Battery wharf, or some other point near, the direc- tion N. 60 E. strikes Noddle's Island about sixty rods east of its south-western angle, and passes east of the hill, over a level surface on this Island, about fif- teen feet above high-water mark ; the prolongation of the plane of this direc- tion intersects the hill on Belle island (the highest point of which intersection is about one hundred and fifty feet above tide), and passes, east of Oak island, into the sea.
" 2d. The course N. 53 E. from N. Battery, strikes the south-western angle of Noddle's Island and passes thence to the eastern angle of the hill on this Island ; the plane of this direction intersects the hill in a curve (the highest point of which is sixty-seven and a half feet above tide), and also intersects the hill on Belle island in a curve (the highest point of which is one hundred and thirty feet above tide), and thence passes over the eastern part of Oak island.
" 3d. To avoid Belle island entirely, and pass on the Chelsea shore, the ter- mination of the ferry would be about sixty rods east of the western angle of Noddle's Island ; the plane of this direction intersects the hill on Noddle's Island in a curve which contains the summit of the hill (about one hundred and twelve feet above tide).
" 4th. The course N. 42 E. from the eastern angle of the hill on Noddle's Island strikes the western side of the hill on Belle isle ; the plane of this direc- tion intersects this hill in a curve (the highest point of which is eighty feet above tide), and thence passes over the western part of Oak island, and crosses Pines and Saugus rivers at favorable points, the width being about the same as at the bridge, and enters the village of Lynn near Summer street.
" 5th. A straight course from the N. Battery or Marine Railway will pass over the hill on Noddle's Island at a height of seventy-five feet; and over the hill on Belle island at a height of one hundred feet above tide; over Oak island and across Saugus river between Pines river and a small creek which empties into Saugus river.
" 6th. The hill on Noddle's Island may be entirely avoided, and that on Belle isle partially so, by making a turn of about eighteen or twenty degrees on Noddle's Island; the direction from thence to Lynn conforms nearly to the course pointed out in the preceding paragraphs (Nos. 4 and 5), except that it would pass over the hill on Belle isle eighty feet above tide.
" 7th. The hills on Noddle's and on Belle islands are composed principally
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LIEUT. VINTON'S RECONNAISSANCE.
1832.]
of gravel, and are of easy excavation. The latter would be very convenient for the construction of an embankment from Noddle's to Belle island, and from Belle island to Chelsea.
" 8th. The length of embankment from Noddle's to Belle island would vary from twelve rods to thirty rods, according to the points of departure.
" From these facts it appears clearly that the proposed route is practicable, at least as far as Lynn ; that the hills on Noddle's and on Belle islands are the chief obstacles; that the former may be entirely avoided, and the portion of the latter which it would be necessary to excavate would be useful and neces- sary for the construction of the embankments; and that a straight route very nearly can be obtained between the terminus in Boston and Lynn.
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