USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Sketches of Boston, past and present, and of some places in its vicinity > Part 18
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
It is now, we believe, the property of some of the descendents of Gover- nor Hancock, and rented as a private dwelling. But, as we have indica-
.
r
-
195
BOSTON COMMON
ted, since the demise of that emine.it man, the hand of time and improve- ment has been constantly contending around and against it. It cannot long resist such attacks; and, before many years elapse, this famous mansion will probably be razed to the ground, " and its place supplied by others."
BOSTON COMMON.
Contains 48 acres. The iron fence is 5,932 feet in length, and cost up- wards of $ 100,000.
The Common has many historical associations to attach it to the hearts of the people. From the earliest settlement of Boston, it attracted atten- tion, which has been increasing ever since. It has several times been in danger of invasion, but thanks to the wisdom which then preserved it, and which has since rendered it inaccessible. The example should be heeded by all bodies who legislate for the health and happiness of posterity. Had this delightful spot been sacrificed to satisfy the cravings of public or pri- vate cupidity, language would fail in attempting to describe the injury it would have inflicted upon the city, or the contempt that would have cov- ered the perpetrators of the deed.
Anxiety, however, for the future welfare of the Common may well re- main unaroused, as under the auspices of the City Government it must re- ceive proper improvement. Much is now doing to render the place still more attractive. Great credit is due our worthy Mayor, for the efficiency which has been exhibited in improving it the present year. A superin- tendent has recently been appointed to take charge of it, whose efforts are giving it an additional beauty. Several years since, the ashes and dirt that were carted on the Mall were found to operate against the healthy con- dition of the trees. Plantain weeds sprang up, also, to the great injury of the grass. This year, these evils have been remedied. The ashes have been removed, and about thirty loads of the plantain carried off. The con- sequence is, a healthier appearance among the trees, and a more luxuriant growth of grass.
Its Early History. - Commissioners were appointed to dispose of un- occupied lands, in 1634, and were instructed to leave out portions for new comers, and the further benefits of the town. Among this reserved ter- ritory was our present beautiful Common, which it is believed has always been public property. For many generations it served the double purpose of a training field and pasture, for which it was laid out by the town, ac- cording to depositions of the then oldest inhabitants, taken before Gov. Bradstreet, in 1634. The city ordinance forbidding its use as a pasturage hears the date of 1833. The late militia laws have rendered its use, as a
....
196
BOSTON COMMON.
"training field," in a measure obsolete ; it is now used for the parades of our independent companies.
Attempts to possess the Common have been made at different times. In one instance, a citizen petitioned for half an acre, for a building lot, but these attempts were all unsuccessful. We may be permitted to record an act which came very near making it private property. The proprietors of the Rope Walks, in 1795, had the misfortune to have their property burned. The town generously offered them that portion of the Common which is now the Public Garden, rent free, for rebuilding, which offer was accepted. In 1819, the rope walks were again destroyed by fire, and the owners proposed to cut the land into building lots and sell it. To this the citizens strongly objected, and so intense was public feeling upon the sub- ject, that it was left to referees, and as it appeared that the proprietors of the walks had ground for their claim, they were awarded the sum of $ 50,- 000 to relinquish it, which the town authorities paid.
A clause was inserted in the City Charter, making the Common public property for ever, and placing it beyond the power of the city to dispose of it.
The Fence. - Previous to 1836 the Common was inclosed by a plain, unpretending, wooden post, three-rail fence. The present substantial iron fence was built at this date, and makes an imposing appearance.
The Malls are wide, gravelled, and smooth, and are deemed the most de- lightful promenade grounds in the world. They are beautifully shaded by majestic elms and other trees, to the number of upwards of one thousand, some of which were planted over a hundred years ago.
The time-honored elm still stands, the most significant and attractive of all, and crowds on all public days pay it a special visit. It has been strengthened by the ald of art, and it is inclosed by a fence to prevent its admirers from plucking a remembrancer from its rough exterior. By its side lies the frog-pond, but not the one of yore. Cochituate Lake now pours her glistening stream upon its rocky bed, and its waters leap and seem to laugh for joy that they have come to visit the far-famed garden of liberty. The wants of visitors have been anticipated, and, to give all the privilege of drinking the pure beverage, hydrants have been placed in different parts of the Common.
In early times the name of " Crescent Pond " was given to this sheet of water, and it has been known as "Quincy Lake," but none have been in so common use as that of "Frog Pond," which now claims precedence only by custom.
The grounds of the Common have been greatly improved the last year, under the superintendence of Mr. Sherburne. The paths have been re- gravelled, and the trees trimmed and washed with composition. Many of the young trees have had guards placed around them. The following is a list of the kind and number of trees.
Y
197
PUBLIC SQUARES.
TREES.
American Elms,
664 Buttonwood, .
1
English Elms,
49 Black Aspen,
5
Linden Trees,
65
Black Ash,
7
Tulip Trees,
17 White and Silver-leaf Maple,
70
Oaks,
8 Rock Maple,
1.4
Sycamores,
10
Arbor Vitæ,
20
Hemlock,
1
Fir Trees,
250
Jingo,
1
Spruce Trees, .
69
Slippery Elm,
1
Total,
.
1255
Of the above, 202 trees were set out in April and May, 1850. Many of the decayed trees were thoroughly repaired. For this purpose, 300 yards of duck and 40 barrels of composition were used. Fifteen barrels of compo- sition were used in filling up the hollow in the " Big Elm," near the pond. Forty loads of plantain and seventy five loads of knot-weed were carried away, and twelve bushels of grass seed and eight bushels of oats were sown last season. There was also taken from Tremont Mall 6,104 loads of coal ashes, which were carried over to fill up near the Charles street Mall. Fifteen thousand and nine hundred bushels of Somerville gravel were used in improving Tremont and Charles street Malls.
Iron Fences. - The Iron Fence around the Common has been thorough- ly cleaned, and 552 pounds of pales were put into it. Besides the iron fence, 8,110 feet of joist were used in stopping up paths made by persons in walking across the lots.
There are on the Common 201 seats, of which 171 are wood, and thirty are stone. Of the wooden seats, 50 were put up and covered with zinc, in 1850; the remaining 121 are covered with sheet iron.
Boston Neck .- On this beautiful avenue there are 240 American elm trees.
Fort Hill. - At this place there are fifty American elms, five ash trees, and one rock maple; all of which have been trimmed and washed. The fence has also been repaired.
In Summer, Franklin, Cambridge, Charles, and other streets, the trees have been fixed up in good style, and they are now repaying us, by their vigorous appearance, for the attention bestowed upon them.
PUBLIC SQUARES.
A residence on the Neck is made more agreeable by the additional at- tractions derived from the beautiful public squares, completed and contem- plated at the South End.
Blackstone Square contains 105,000 feet of land, and is handsomely or- namented with trees. The fence is about 1,300 feet in length, and cost
198
MASSACHUSETTS BLIND ASYLUM.
about $ 5,000, of which sum $2,000 was paid by the private subscription of the residents in the innmediate neighborhood. There is a fountain in this square, which, exclusive of the pipe and vase, cost about $ 750.
Franklin Square, in size, cost, and appearance, is similar to Blackstone Square.
Chester Square, near Northampton and Tremont streets, contains 62,- 000 feet of land, inclosed by an iron fence, 937 feet in length. The cost of the fence was nearly $ 4,000, and that of the fountain, complete, about $1,000.
Union Park, previously known as Weston street, has been graded this season, and is handsomely laid out, between Suffolk and Tremont streets. It contains about 16,500 feet of land, and will be appropriately ornamented with trees, walks, and a fountain. There are one hundred and eiglit house lots in the immediate vicinity of this square, which will soon be covered with neat and substantial buildings.
Worcester Square, between Washington street and Harrison avenue, will be completed in a short time, and will resemble Union Park.
. The Square in front of Dr. Lowell's church, on Cambridge street, has been beautifully ornamented. The substantial iron fence is 369} feet in length, which, together with the fountain and improvements, cost about $5,000.
PERKINS INSTITUTION, AND MASSACHUSETTS ASYLUM FOR THE BLIND.
In the year 1823, the late lamented Dr. J. D. Fisher called the attention of the people of Boston to the neglected condition of the Blind, and made an appeal in their behalf. In consequence of this, several benevolent gen- tlemen associated themselves together, and in 1829 were incorporated by the name of the New England Asylum for the Blind. During several years various attempts were made to put a school in operation, but they were not successful until the year 1532, when Dr. Samuel G. Howe undertook its organization, and commenced the experiment of instructing six blind chil- dren. Before the experiment was concluded the funds were exhausted, but it was persevered in to the end of the year, and then an exhibition of the pupils was made before the legislature and the public, and an appeal was made for aid. This was promptly and generously met. The legisla- ture voted to make an annual grant of $ 6,000; the ladies raised $ 14,000 by a Fair in Faneuil Hall; contributions were raised in all the principal towns of the State, and finally Thomas H. Perkins offered his valuable man. sion house in Pearl street, provided the sumn of $ 50,000 should be secured
in
7
199
MASSACHUSETTS BLIND ASYLUM.
to the funds of the institution. The condition was accepted, and the lib- eral merchants of Boston made up all that was needed.
Thus, as soon as it was proved that the hitherto neglected blind could be instructed, the public were called upon to provide the means. They did so, eagerly and generously; and rapidly laid broad the foundation, and raised high the walls of an institution which will probably eudure as long as blindness is inflicted upon the community.
This institution may be considered as part of the Common School sys- tem of Massachusetts. All citizens having blind children may send them here and have them boarded and taught, not as a matter of charity, but of right.
As soon as the success of the enterprise was insured at home, efforts were made to extend the blessings of the system to the blind of the coun- try generally, and the Director with his pupils visited thirteen other States, and exhibited their acquirements. In consequence of this, the legislatures of all the New England States, and of South Carolina, made liberal appro- priations for sending their blind to the new school; and the foundations were laid in Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia, for what are now large and Aourishing institutions for the blind, -New York and Pennsylvania hav- ing in the mean time moved of their own accord.
The readiness and eagerness with which the public came forward in an- swer to the appeal in behalf of the blind is creditable to the age and to the country.
The pupils in the School are taught reading, writing, arithmetic, geog- raphy, history, natural philosophy, natural history, and physiology. They are carefully instructed in the theory and practice of vocal and instrumen- tal music. Besides this they are taught some handicraft work by which they may earn their livelihood. In this institution, for the first time in the world's history, successful attempts were made to break through the double walls in which Blind-Deaf-Mutes are immured, and to teach them a systematic language for communion with their fellow men. Laura Bridgman and Oliver Caswell are living refutations of the legal and popu- lar maxim that those who are born both deaf and blind must be necessari. ly idiotic. They are pioneers in the way out into the light of knowledge, which may be followed by many others.
In 1844 a supplementary institution grew out of the parent one, for the employment in handicraft work of such blind men and women as could not readily find employment at home.
This establishment has been highly successful. A spacious and conven- ient workshop has been built at South Boston, to which the workinen and women repair every day and are furnished with work, and paid all they can-earn.
'The general course and history of the Perkins Institution has been one of remarkable success. It has always been under the direction of one per-
٢
. ......
200 MASSACHUSETTS BLIND ASYLUM.
son. It has grown steadily in public favor, and is the means of extended usefulness. In 1832 it was an experiment ; it had but six pupils ; it was in debt ; and was regarded as a visionary enterprise. In 1833 it was taken under the patronage of the State; it was patronized by the wealthy, and enabled to obtain a permanent local habitation and a name.
In 1831, it had 34 pupils from Massachusetts, New York, New Hamp. shire, Connecticut, Ohio, and Virginia. The number has steadily grown up to 110; the greatest number ever in the institution at once. The pupils remain from 5 to 7 years, and are discharged. The average number is 100.
Perkins Institution, South Boston.
The building originally conveyed to the trustees by Col. T. H. Perkins for the uses of the Asylum, in the year 1833, was afterwards exchanged for the present building on Mount Washington, South Boston. This latter property includes about one acre of ground.
Y
201
MASSACHUSETTS BLIND ASYLUM.
The terms of admission are as follows : the children of citizens of Mas- sachusetts, not absolutely wealthy, free; others, at the rate of $ 160 a year, which covers all expenses except for clothing. Applicants must be under 16 years of age. Adults are not received into the institution proper, but they can board in the neighborhood, and be taught trades in the work- shop gratuitously. After six months they are put upon wages.
This department is a self-supporting one, but its success depends upon the sale of goods, at the depot No. 20 Bromfield street. Here may be found the work of the blind ; all warranted, and put at the lowest market pri- ces ; nothing being asked or expected in the way of charity. The institu- tion is not rich, except in the confidence of the public, and the patronage of the legislature.
It is open to the public on the afternoon of the first Saturday in each month, but in order to prevent a crowd, no persons are admitted without a ticket, which may be obtained gratuitously at No. 20 Bromfield street. A limited number of strangers, and persons particularly interested, may be adinitted any Saturday in the forenoon, by previously applying as above for tickets.
The number of pupils entered in the institution, up to 1851, has been sev- eral hundred.
'The Asylum is yearly in receipt of $ 9,000 from the State.
Articles manufactured by the Blind and kept constantly for sale at the sales-rooms, No. 20 Bromfield street : - Mattresses, of all sizes, of superi- or and common South American hair, Cocoanut Fibre, Cotton, Moss, Cornstalk, Palmleaf, Straw, &c. ; Improved spiral-spring Mattresses, Palm- leaf Palliasses, and Cushions of all kinds, made to order. Beds, of live geese and Russia feathers : the feathers are cleansed by steam. Comforters, of all sizes, wadded with cotton or wool, Sheets and Pillow Cases, Bed Ticks. Crash. Diaper, and Damask Towels, from $1 to $4 per dozen. Satchels and Travelling Bags, of all sizes. Entry Mats, Fine woven Mats of Cocoanut Fibre, with colored worsted bodies, equal to imported goods, and at less prices. Very heavy Woven Mats for public buildings. Also, Manilla, Jute, Palmleaf, and open-work Fibre Mats, of various qualities and prices. Sofas and Chairs repaired and restuffed, and Cane Chairs re- seated. Particular attention given to making over, cleansing, and refitting old mattresses and feather beds. Mr. J. W. Patten is agent for the sale of these articles, at No. 20 Bromfield street.
The asylum realized, in the year 1817, the handsome sum of $ 30,000, by the will of the late William Oliver of Boston.
The experience of the officers of the institution has induced the convic. tions, - 1. That the blind, as a class, are inferior to other persons in mental power and ability ; and 2. That blindness, or a strong constitutional ten- dency to it, is very often hereditary. The Superintendent says, -" I believe that a general knowledge of the existence of this stern and inexorable law
D
202
MASSACHUSETTS BLIND ASYLUM.
will do more to diminish the number of infirmities with which the human race is afflicted than any thing else can do.
"The experience of many years, an acquaintance with several hundreds of blind persons, and much personal inquiry, have convinced me that when children are born blind, or when they become blind early in life, in consequence of diseases which do not usually destroy the sight, the pre- disposing cause can be traced to the progenitors in almost all cases. Moreover, I believe, that, where the predisposing cause cannot be so traced, it is only in consequence of our ignorance, and not because there are exceptions to the rule.
'. The hereditary tendency to disease among the progeny of persons relat- ed by blood, or of scrofulous or intemperate persons, or of persons whose physical condition is vitiated in various ways, is not seen at once, and may be entirely overlooked, for various reasons. In the first place, there may be only a strong tendency or predisposition to some infirmity, as blind- ness, deafness, insanity, idiocy, &c., which is not developed without some immediate exciting cause."
The two blind mutes, Laura Bridgman and Oliver Caswell, whose in- struction was of course entirely different from that of the other pupils, have made very satisfactory progress. They each of them required special care, and the almost undivided attention of a teacher. They continue to be most interesting persons in their way ; and would be distinguished any- where, among youth with all their senses, for their happiness, gentleness, affection, and truthfulness.
Among the books published by this institution for the use of the blind are the following : The Bible, Lardner's Universal History, Howe's Geog- raphy and Atlas, The English Reader, two parts, The Pilgrim's Progress, Life of Melancthon, Constitution of the United States, Political Class Book, Principles of Arithmetic, Natural Philosophy and Natural History, Book of Common Prayer, Tables of Logarithmy. The entire number of volumes issued, up to 1816, was forty-one.
If a fund could be established which would yield a regular and perma- nent income of $2,500, it would secure to nearly fifty blind persons the means of supporting themselves independently of any other aid. Such a fund would in reality constitute an independent establishment, and might be made useful through coming generations.
The number of inmates reported on the first of January, 1850, was one hundred and two. Of these, fourteen have left, while twenty-one new ones have entered, so that the present number (January 13, 1851) is one hundred and nine. This is the largest number ever connected with the in- stitution at one time.
Eighty-three are connected with the school, and are for the most part of tender age. Twenty-six are adults belonging to the work department, most of whom were formerly pupils in the school.
ـاشير شد
»
---
203
THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS OF BOSTON.
BY ISAAC F. SHEPARD.
THE Company who settled in Boston in June, 1630, under Winthrop, were most of them men of sound learning, far-sighted vision, and noble spirit. Stern as were their religious views, their sentiments upon politi- cal prosperity were sound and healthy ; and the deep foundations which they laid for social and public happiness are truly wonderful. With the Bible for a basis, they erected a fabric of intelligence and learning, which is, at this day, the glory of their descendants, and the crowning excel- lence of entire New England. It has, indeed, been the pride of each sub- sequent generation, not to deface nor mar the walls of our fathers' build- ing, but to beautify, perfect, and adorn them, extending their area, and elevating their towers of grandeur in all strength and fair proportion. Hence it is, that the religious element of our character has ever been eclipsed by the intelligence, knowledge, and sound wisdom of the people at large. Almost at the moment of landing, they began to teach the chil- dren ; and as early as April 13, 1635, the Records give ample evidence of the establishment of a " Free School," - and from that hour to the pres- ent have the inhabitants of Boston cherished and fostered these invalua- ble institutions, - so that the history of the Boston Schools is, in a good degree, the history of the people themselves.
The generous public spirit of our citizens, proverbial as it is, shows in nothing so conspicuously as in the support of schools. The Masters of the Latin and English High Schools, have a salary of $ 2,400 each, per annum; the Sub- Musters of both schools have $ 1,500 each, and the Ushers have $ 800 for the first year of service, with an annual increase of $ 100 for each additional year of service until the salary amounts to 8 1,200, at which sum it remains fixed. All the Grammar and Writing Masters have $ 1,500 per annum; all Sub-Masters in the Grammar Schools $ 1,000; all Ushers $ 800; all Head Assistants $ 400, and all other Assistants $300 each. The Teachers of all Primary Schools re- Ceive each $ 300 per annum, with $ 25 extra allowance for the care of their rooms. The Teachers of Music receive $ 100 per annum, for ser- vices and the use of a piano forte.
Few people are aware that the vast sums spent each year in the city of Boston, for public instruction, - larger than in all Great Britain, - are
204
PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN BOSTON.
almost entirely a voluntary offering. The laws of the Commonwealth, even as early as 1647, do, indeed, require the support of public schools in all the towns within its jurisdiction; but a single school will meet the demands of the law in most towns ; and in our large city itself, but three schools and three teachers would meet the intent of the statute. Two of these must be teachers "competent to instruct children in Orthography, Reading, Writing, English Grammar, Arithmetic, and good behavior"; and the other must be "a master of competent ability and good morals, who shall, in addition to the branches of learning before mentioned, give instruction in the History of the United States, Book-keeping, Surveying, Geometry, and Algebra ; the Latin and Greek Languages, General Histo- ry, Rhetoric, and Logic." These three teachers might cost the city, at the present rate of salaries, $ 4,500, with the expense of interest for houses added ; in all, perhaps, $ 7,000. Instead, however, of being satis- fied to fulfil the letter of the excellent law, our citizens take pride in supporting a Latin School, an English High School, twenty-two Gram- mar Schools, and one hundred and eighty-eight Primary Schools, with a corps of three hundred and seventy teachers, whose combined salaries amount to $ 175,100! Add to this, perhaps, $ 1,000,000 vested in school- houses, besides apparatus and incidental expenses of fuel, superintend- ents, and et ceteras, and the sacrifice of property, for the good of future generations, stands forth without a parallel, probably, in the world's his- tory.
The present school system of Boston is nearly complete, and almost perfect. Until the year 1792, the selectmen of the town had the entire charge of the schools, and all matters pertaining to them. At that time there was but six schools, -the North Reading, and the North Writing Schools, the Centre Reading, and the Centre Writing Schools, the South Reading, and the South Writing Schools. On the 12th day of March in that year, "at a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boston, duly qualified and legally warned, in public Town Meet- ing assembled in Faneuil Hall, the article in the warrant, viz. 'To choose a School Committee,' was read," and on motion it was " voted, that in addition to the Selectmen, twelve persons shall now be chosen." In accordance with the vote, Hon. Thomas Dawes, Rev. Samuel West, Rev. Jolın Lothrop, Rev. James Freeman, John C. Jones, Esq., Dr. Thom. as Welch, Dr. Nathaniel Appleton, Jonathan Mason, Jr., Esq., Dr. Aaron Dexter, Christopher Gore, Esq., George R. Minot, Esq., and William Tu dor, Esq., were chosen by ballot. These gentlemen, with the Selectmen, constituted the first legitimate School Committee in the town, and ever since this Board have had their election direct from the people. At pres- ent, by a special enactment by the Legislature, in 1835, twenty- four per. sons are annually elected to this office, two from each ward of the city, who with the Mayor and the President of the Common Council, consti-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.