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Rural Dorchester in the 1840’s
Rural Dorchester in the 1840’s, 200 years after the first colonists divided the land for farms, fields and orchards
Settled by English colonists who crossed the ocean on the John and Mary in June 1630, the new arrivals established a community near what is now Edward Everett Square. Colonists took ownership of land, clear-cut forests, built fences to protect their livestock and cultivate successful farms.
Image courtesy First Church Parish Dorchester
Settled by English colonists who crossed the ocean on the John and Mary in June 1630, the new arrivals established a community near what is now Edward Everett Square. Colonists took ownership of land, clear-cut forests, built fences to protect their livestock and cultivate successful farms.
Image courtesy First Church Parish Dorchester
Clapp's Favorite Pear
By the 1800’s, Dorchester had become home to large estates where orchards and gardens produced the finest fruits and vegetables. Many of these were new varieties, cultivated through experimentation and grown for the first time by gentleman farmers such as Dorchester’s William Clapp. The Clapp’s Favorite pear, a hybridization of the stout and sturdy Bartlett pear with the sweet and fleshy Flemish beauty pear, was first grown on the 300 acre Clapp estate and orchards not far from Edward Everett Square. Other examples of fruits grown in Dorchester include the Downer cherry, the Dorchester blackberry, and the President Wilder strawberry.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
A 1916 photograph of the 1760 renovated Lemuel Clap House along Willow Court, now Enterprise Street, just off Boston Street
A 1916 photograph of the 1760 renovated Lemuel Clap House along Willow Court, now Enterprise Street, just off Boston Street
This image provides stark evidence of Dorchester’s agricultural past where fields, pastures and orchards surrounded what is now Edward Everett Square. William Clapp, son of Lemuel, devoted much of his later life to his nearby farm where he cultivated many varieties of pears, most notably the Clapp Pear, in 1820. These crops, as well as others grown in the fertile soils of Dorchester, were soon commercially marketed. The William Clapp House, built by William in 1806, now serves as the current site of the Dorchester Historical Society at 195 Boston Street.
The exact date of the construction of the Lemuel Clap house, shown above, is uncertain. The house was owned by members of the Clap family in 1712, and refashioned in the 1760’s by Lemuel Clap, a farmer and tanner. Shortly thereafter, Lemuel Clapp became a Captain in the Revolutionary War and his home was used as a barracks for troops who helped fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing British evacuation of Boston in 1776. The house was moved in the 1950’s to sit beside the William Clapp House.
England
This image provides stark evidence of Dorchester’s agricultural past where fields, pastures and orchards surrounded what is now Edward Everett Square. William Clapp, son of Lemuel, devoted much of his later life to his nearby farm where he cultivated many varieties of pears, most notably the Clapp Pear, in 1820. These crops, as well as others grown in the fertile soils of Dorchester, were soon commercially marketed. The William Clapp House, built by William in 1806, now serves as the current site of the Dorchester Historical Society at 195 Boston Street.
The exact date of the construction of the Lemuel Clap house, shown above, is uncertain. The house was owned by members of the Clap family in 1712, and refashioned in the 1760’s by Lemuel Clap, a farmer and tanner. Shortly thereafter, Lemuel Clapp became a Captain in the Revolutionary War and his home was used as a barracks for troops who helped fortify Dorchester Heights, forcing British evacuation of Boston in 1776. The house was moved in the 1950’s to sit beside the William Clapp House.
England
Edward Everett Square in the 1840’s
Edward Everett Square in the 1840’s, when it was known as “Five Corners”
After the American Revolution, Dorchester landowners and manufacturers prospered. Local businesses thrived, and many individuals became well educated, influencing politics, education, science and industry. Edward Everett, statesmen and orator, was born in the house featured above. A bronze marker at Edward Everett Square now marks the location of this house.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
After the American Revolution, Dorchester landowners and manufacturers prospered. Local businesses thrived, and many individuals became well educated, influencing politics, education, science and industry. Edward Everett, statesmen and orator, was born in the house featured above. A bronze marker at Edward Everett Square now marks the location of this house.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
Edward Everett (1794-1865)
Edward Everett Square is named after the outstanding statesman and orator Edward Everett (1794-1865) who was born on his father’s estate in this square
Edward Everett devoted his life to the emerging new nation, stressing the importance of democracy and universal public education. An extraordinary student, Everett graduated from Harvard when he was 17. In his long, diverse career, he served as Congressman, Governor, U.S. Senator, Ambassador to England, President of Harvard and U.S. Secretary of State. Edward Everett advocated for a national public school system, teacher training institutes, and prison reform. As civil war loomed, he traveled the country, using his magnificent oratory to support preservation of the Union.
Image courtesy of Massachusetts Historical Society and Dorchester Historical Society
Edward Everett devoted his life to the emerging new nation, stressing the importance of democracy and universal public education. An extraordinary student, Everett graduated from Harvard when he was 17. In his long, diverse career, he served as Congressman, Governor, U.S. Senator, Ambassador to England, President of Harvard and U.S. Secretary of State. Edward Everett advocated for a national public school system, teacher training institutes, and prison reform. As civil war loomed, he traveled the country, using his magnificent oratory to support preservation of the Union.
Image courtesy of Massachusetts Historical Society and Dorchester Historical Society
A late 1800’s image of Edward Everett Square
A late 1800’s image of Edward Everett Square
Dorchester remained an autonomous town of the Commonwealth until its annexation to Boston in 1870. In the 1800’s Edward Everett Square was still known as “Five Corners”, a major community crossroads. Notice the horse drawn carriage and trolley in the right of the image.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
Dorchester remained an autonomous town of the Commonwealth until its annexation to Boston in 1870. In the 1800’s Edward Everett Square was still known as “Five Corners”, a major community crossroads. Notice the horse drawn carriage and trolley in the right of the image.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
Postcard of Edward Everett Square
Postcard of Edward Everett Square
Early 1900’s post card shows a developed Square as a major gateway connecting Boston and Dorchester. The statue of Edward Everett at the center of the square was later moved to Richardson Park and the bronze Clapp’s Favorite Pear now sits in its place.
Image courtesy of The American Antiquarian Society
Early 1900’s post card shows a developed Square as a major gateway connecting Boston and Dorchester. The statue of Edward Everett at the center of the square was later moved to Richardson Park and the bronze Clapp’s Favorite Pear now sits in its place.
Image courtesy of The American Antiquarian Society
Postcard showing view of Dorchester Ave with Trolley car, 1913
Postcard showing view of Dorchester Ave with Trolley car, 1913
In the late 1800’s, public transportation made Dorchester accessible to Boston’s growing working population. With the annexation of Dorchester to Boston in 1869, explosive real estate development divided Dorchester’s large estates. By the 1900’s singles, two families and “three-deckers” covered Dorchester.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
In the late 1800’s, public transportation made Dorchester accessible to Boston’s growing working population. With the annexation of Dorchester to Boston in 1869, explosive real estate development divided Dorchester’s large estates. By the 1900’s singles, two families and “three-deckers” covered Dorchester.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
Diorama showing Native American life during the Middle Woodland Period, 2,500 BCE
Diorama showing Native American life during the Middle Woodland Period, 2,500 BCE
“It was not possible in such times for a women to be silent” Lucy Stone, 1893
“It was not possible in such times for a women to be silent” Lucy Stone, 1893
Dorchester resident Lucy Stone (1818-1893) was devoted to equal rights for women and for the abolition of Slavery. At the time women could not vote, own property, or have guardianship of their children. Stone spoke out about this political, social and economic discrimination. She helped create the first National Women’s Rights Convention, the American Women Suffrage Association, and published the Women’s Journal a weekly newspaper that provided voice to women’s issues of the day. She lived on Pope’s Hill with her husband and daughter, and often grew fruits and vegetables in the yard to supplement her income from speaking tours and writing.
Image courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University and the Dorchester Historical Society
Dorchester resident Lucy Stone (1818-1893) was devoted to equal rights for women and for the abolition of Slavery. At the time women could not vote, own property, or have guardianship of their children. Stone spoke out about this political, social and economic discrimination. She helped create the first National Women’s Rights Convention, the American Women Suffrage Association, and published the Women’s Journal a weekly newspaper that provided voice to women’s issues of the day. She lived on Pope’s Hill with her husband and daughter, and often grew fruits and vegetables in the yard to supplement her income from speaking tours and writing.
Image courtesy of Schlesinger Library, Radcliffe Institute, Harvard University and the Dorchester Historical Society
Extended family on the stairs of their Norfolk Street home c. 1900
Extended family on the stairs of their Norfolk Street home c. 1900
New immigrants continued to arrive and settle in Dorchester. Grandparents, grown children and grandchildren lived together, created businesses and built a strong sense of community life. By the late 20th century Dorchester was Boston’s largest, most culturally diverse neighborhood.
Image courtesy of Louise Varnerin DiTullio and Bob Rugo
New immigrants continued to arrive and settle in Dorchester. Grandparents, grown children and grandchildren lived together, created businesses and built a strong sense of community life. By the late 20th century Dorchester was Boston’s largest, most culturally diverse neighborhood.
Image courtesy of Louise Varnerin DiTullio and Bob Rugo
William Monroe Trotter, featured 8th from the right in the top row, at the 1907 Niagara Movement’s Annual meeting in Boston
“(I) did not seek a career of agitation” William Monroe Trotter, featured 8th from the right in the top row, at the 1907 Niagara Movement’s Annual meeting in Boston
Civil rights activist and journalist William Monroe Trotter, dedicated his life to the recognition of African American Achievement. The first African American to graduate magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard, Trotter established a successful real estate company and became a prominent member of Boston’s Business community. In 1901 he co-founded The Guardian, a newspaper dedicated to the cause of civil rights for African Americans. As editor and publisher, Trotter provided an intelligent, aggressive voice to address racial injustice. In 1905 he and other political thinkers formed the Niagara Movement, a forerunner to the NAACP. Trotter’s tactics of confrontational protest and picketing served as a model for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and the African American protest traditions of the twentieth century. He lived on Jones Hill.
Image courtesy of Special Collections and University Archives, W.E.B. Du Boise Library, UMass Amherst
Civil rights activist and journalist William Monroe Trotter, dedicated his life to the recognition of African American Achievement. The first African American to graduate magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard, Trotter established a successful real estate company and became a prominent member of Boston’s Business community. In 1901 he co-founded The Guardian, a newspaper dedicated to the cause of civil rights for African Americans. As editor and publisher, Trotter provided an intelligent, aggressive voice to address racial injustice. In 1905 he and other political thinkers formed the Niagara Movement, a forerunner to the NAACP. Trotter’s tactics of confrontational protest and picketing served as a model for the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s and the African American protest traditions of the twentieth century. He lived on Jones Hill.
Image courtesy of Special Collections and University Archives, W.E.B. Du Boise Library, UMass Amherst
Replacing the Old Dorchester Milestone in front of the Blake House at the 175th anniversary of the settlement of Dorchester, Dorchester Day June 1907
Replacing the Old Dorchester Milestone in front of the Blake House at the 175th anniversary of the settlement of Dorchester, Dorchester Day June 1907
Efforts to preserve Dorchester’s history began in the mid 1800’s when individuals with a common reverence for the past gathered to discuss historic curiosities and consider collected artifacts. By 1891 the group had evolved into The Dorchester Historical Society, whose mission was to promote, collect and publish the history of Dorchester.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
Efforts to preserve Dorchester’s history began in the mid 1800’s when individuals with a common reverence for the past gathered to discuss historic curiosities and consider collected artifacts. By 1891 the group had evolved into The Dorchester Historical Society, whose mission was to promote, collect and publish the history of Dorchester.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
Shoe Cobbling Class, November 1912-April 1913
Shoe Cobbling Class, November 1912-April 1913
Local women founded Dennison House, Dorchester House and Little House in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s to serve immigrants and the poor. Still active today, these centers initially provided vocational training, kindergartens, baby clinics, community gardens and outings for youth and adults adapting to America. In 1948, Little House moved from South Boston to East Cottage Street expanding its programs to include services for health, mental health, seniors and day care. These important community centers continue to serve Dorchester residents today.
Image Courtesy of the University Archives & Special Collections Department, Joseph P. Healey Library, University of Massachusetts Boston: Dorchester House Multi-Service Center Records: 1909-1983
Local women founded Dennison House, Dorchester House and Little House in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s to serve immigrants and the poor. Still active today, these centers initially provided vocational training, kindergartens, baby clinics, community gardens and outings for youth and adults adapting to America. In 1948, Little House moved from South Boston to East Cottage Street expanding its programs to include services for health, mental health, seniors and day care. These important community centers continue to serve Dorchester residents today.
Image Courtesy of the University Archives & Special Collections Department, Joseph P. Healey Library, University of Massachusetts Boston: Dorchester House Multi-Service Center Records: 1909-1983
Trolley cars and automobiles above Edward Everett Square in nearby Upham’s Corner, circa 1927
Trolley cars and automobiles above Edward Everett Square in nearby Upham’s Corner, circa 1927
As Dorchester became more developed and densely populated, Edward Everett Square and local streets were transformed into important thoroughfares. Men and women traveled by trolley and car into Boston for work, although civic life and shopping continued to be focused near people’s homes and the streets they lived on. Throughout this time there was a strong sense of community life as the immigrant populations of Dorchester settled in certain neighborhoods, with dozens of nationalities living within block of Edward Everett Square. “I was 15 or 16 before I first went to Boston” recalls one resident born during this time period.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
As Dorchester became more developed and densely populated, Edward Everett Square and local streets were transformed into important thoroughfares. Men and women traveled by trolley and car into Boston for work, although civic life and shopping continued to be focused near people’s homes and the streets they lived on. Throughout this time there was a strong sense of community life as the immigrant populations of Dorchester settled in certain neighborhoods, with dozens of nationalities living within block of Edward Everett Square. “I was 15 or 16 before I first went to Boston” recalls one resident born during this time period.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
Edward Everett Square Circa 1960’s–1970’s
Edward Everett Square Circa 1960’s–1970’s
In the 1950’s Edward Everett Square was an important commercial center patronized by the local neighborhood community. Wooden three-deckers along Columbia Road featured a variety of small businesses with residents living above. There was the Rexall Drug Store, Stacy’s Stationers, Angie’s Delicatessen, a barbershop, a bowling alley, a dancing school, Smith Cadillac-Olds, McDonough Motors, Wattendorf Real Estate, the Killarney Tavern and Casey’s Liquor Store. Residents of Edward Everett Square remained a tight community.
Image Courtesy of the University Archives & Special Collections Department, Joseph P. Healey Library, University of Massachusetts Boston
In the 1950’s Edward Everett Square was an important commercial center patronized by the local neighborhood community. Wooden three-deckers along Columbia Road featured a variety of small businesses with residents living above. There was the Rexall Drug Store, Stacy’s Stationers, Angie’s Delicatessen, a barbershop, a bowling alley, a dancing school, Smith Cadillac-Olds, McDonough Motors, Wattendorf Real Estate, the Killarney Tavern and Casey’s Liquor Store. Residents of Edward Everett Square remained a tight community.
Image Courtesy of the University Archives & Special Collections Department, Joseph P. Healey Library, University of Massachusetts Boston
First Communion Day for Lorrie and Jackie!
First Communion Day for Lorrie and Jackie!
In the twentieth century through the 1960s, Irish Catholic working-class families made up the majority of Dorchester’s population. People identified their local community by the parish they lived in: St Margaret’s, St Kevin’s, St William’s, St Paul’s, St Peter’s, St Ambrose, St Mark’s, St Ann’s, St. Leo’s, St Matthew’s, St Brendan’s, St Gregory’s, St Angela’s.
Former City Councilor and long-term Dorchester resident Maureen Feeney describes her experience in this way: “I’ve been married for 29 years. My husband is also from Dorchester. We had a mixed marriage. He was from St. Anne’s, I was from St. Brendan’s.”
In the twentieth century through the 1960s, Irish Catholic working-class families made up the majority of Dorchester’s population. People identified their local community by the parish they lived in: St Margaret’s, St Kevin’s, St William’s, St Paul’s, St Peter’s, St Ambrose, St Mark’s, St Ann’s, St. Leo’s, St Matthew’s, St Brendan’s, St Gregory’s, St Angela’s.
Former City Councilor and long-term Dorchester resident Maureen Feeney describes her experience in this way: “I’ve been married for 29 years. My husband is also from Dorchester. We had a mixed marriage. He was from St. Anne’s, I was from St. Brendan’s.”
Volunteers at the Dorchester Historical Society, 2009
Volunteers at the Dorchester Historical Society, 2009
Edward Everett Square is rich in its history of community. English Colonists first settled at this crossroads in 1630, a place with evidence of Native American habitation from 10,000 years ago. Edward Everett Square is the site of America’s first town meeting (1633), first tax supported school (1641), and still features the Blake House, the oldest house in Boston built in 1640. Dorchester was a largely agricultural community that changed dramatically in the late 1800’s when large country estates were divided to create housing for new immigrant populations. Throughout these changes, civic government, local control and strong family traditions thrived.
Today the area still represents a crossroads of people and activism. There are more union halls in Dorchester than any other community in Massachusetts, while more public meetings are held here than anywhere else in Boston. Political and social organizations, youth and veteran groups, peace, civic and historic associations thrive and work to serve the members of the community. It is a place where people and their sense of place matter, whether they grew up and raised their families here, or have just moved in.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
Edward Everett Square is rich in its history of community. English Colonists first settled at this crossroads in 1630, a place with evidence of Native American habitation from 10,000 years ago. Edward Everett Square is the site of America’s first town meeting (1633), first tax supported school (1641), and still features the Blake House, the oldest house in Boston built in 1640. Dorchester was a largely agricultural community that changed dramatically in the late 1800’s when large country estates were divided to create housing for new immigrant populations. Throughout these changes, civic government, local control and strong family traditions thrived.
Today the area still represents a crossroads of people and activism. There are more union halls in Dorchester than any other community in Massachusetts, while more public meetings are held here than anywhere else in Boston. Political and social organizations, youth and veteran groups, peace, civic and historic associations thrive and work to serve the members of the community. It is a place where people and their sense of place matter, whether they grew up and raised their families here, or have just moved in.
Image courtesy of the Dorchester Historical Society
2008 Archaeology Dig at the William Blake House
2008 Archaeology Dig at the William Blake House
Dorchester residents, youth and adults, explore the history held in the ground near the Blake House during Massachusetts Archaeology Month. Working with Blake House caretaker and City of Boston Archaeologist Ellen Berkland, dig participants found archeological evidence that this place we now call Edward Everett Square has been lived in for thousands of years.
Of particular note were remains of an early Native American clam bake that would have been associated with the pond originally located where Pond Street now intersects with Columbia Road. Also discovered were items from the late 1800’s which were used as landfill to prepare for the relocation of the Blake House which occurred in 1896 by the newly formed Dorchester Historical Society. These items, trash at the time, included metal hardware from wooden refrigerators, children’s toys, fishing nets, bottles, shoes and other items discarded from local residents. Interesting, this trash was identified as coming from a very specific 6-week period of December 1895 – February of 1896 – right around time the house was moved.
Image courtesy Ellen Berkland
Dorchester residents, youth and adults, explore the history held in the ground near the Blake House during Massachusetts Archaeology Month. Working with Blake House caretaker and City of Boston Archaeologist Ellen Berkland, dig participants found archeological evidence that this place we now call Edward Everett Square has been lived in for thousands of years.
Of particular note were remains of an early Native American clam bake that would have been associated with the pond originally located where Pond Street now intersects with Columbia Road. Also discovered were items from the late 1800’s which were used as landfill to prepare for the relocation of the Blake House which occurred in 1896 by the newly formed Dorchester Historical Society. These items, trash at the time, included metal hardware from wooden refrigerators, children’s toys, fishing nets, bottles, shoes and other items discarded from local residents. Interesting, this trash was identified as coming from a very specific 6-week period of December 1895 – February of 1896 – right around time the house was moved.
Image courtesy Ellen Berkland
The Food Project in Dorchester
The Food Project employs young adults in Dorchester
As Dorchester developed, many residents maintained a connection to the land by planting fruits and vegetables in their yards. These gardens have helped keep food on the table and provided new immigrants comfort as they harvested and ate the traditional foods of their homelands. One long-time Dorchester resident recalls growing up in the 1950’s where “We played in the streets because our mothers grew fruits and vegetables in the yard.” Even today, innovative programs work with youth to transform vacant lots into urban farms that provide fresh food for local residents.
Image courtesy of The Food Project
As Dorchester developed, many residents maintained a connection to the land by planting fruits and vegetables in their yards. These gardens have helped keep food on the table and provided new immigrants comfort as they harvested and ate the traditional foods of their homelands. One long-time Dorchester resident recalls growing up in the 1950’s where “We played in the streets because our mothers grew fruits and vegetables in the yard.” Even today, innovative programs work with youth to transform vacant lots into urban farms that provide fresh food for local residents.
Image courtesy of The Food Project
Earl Taylor, President of the Dorchester Historical Society with a 2010 bottle of pear wine made from the Dorchester Clapp Pear
Earl Taylor, President of the Dorchester Historical Society with a 2010 bottle of pear wine made from the Dorchester Clapp Pear
In 2009 the Dorchester Historical Society began to harvest the Clapp pears grown from the fruit trees at the William Clapp House, home of the Dorchester Historical Society. The project was initiated to raise funds and restore the 1850 barn located beside the Clapp House, an important icon of Dorchester’s agricultural history and one of the few remaining livestock barns in Boston. “It’s our pear and we will have a little bit of our history in the wine,” said Earl Taylor, society president. “And the pear will help us preserve that history.”
The Dorchester Historical Society offers a prolific range of events and educational programming.
Photo by Jack Tumacki, Globe Staff Photographer, Boston Globe
In 2009 the Dorchester Historical Society began to harvest the Clapp pears grown from the fruit trees at the William Clapp House, home of the Dorchester Historical Society. The project was initiated to raise funds and restore the 1850 barn located beside the Clapp House, an important icon of Dorchester’s agricultural history and one of the few remaining livestock barns in Boston. “It’s our pear and we will have a little bit of our history in the wine,” said Earl Taylor, society president. “And the pear will help us preserve that history.”
The Dorchester Historical Society offers a prolific range of events and educational programming.
Photo by Jack Tumacki, Globe Staff Photographer, Boston Globe
Boston Mayor Tom Menino and community residents at the dedication of the Dorchester Clapp Pear in 2007
Boston Mayor Tom Menino and community residents at the dedication of the Dorchester Clapp Pear in 2007
The public artwork now in Edward Everett Square helps to preserve the history of this community. The Dorchester Clapp Pear sculpture honors the Clapp Pear, originally grown for its sturdy skin and sweet interior—which now stands emblematic of the abundance and tenacity of Dorchester citizens and history. The sculpture and transformed pedestrian plaza has become a gateway to Dorchester, forever marking this intersection with renewed meaning and context.
Image courtesy of The City of Boston, Mayors Office
The public artwork now in Edward Everett Square helps to preserve the history of this community. The Dorchester Clapp Pear sculpture honors the Clapp Pear, originally grown for its sturdy skin and sweet interior—which now stands emblematic of the abundance and tenacity of Dorchester citizens and history. The sculpture and transformed pedestrian plaza has become a gateway to Dorchester, forever marking this intersection with renewed meaning and context.
Image courtesy of The City of Boston, Mayors Office
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