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:: Thursday, July 29th, 2010In My Footsteps
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In My Footsteps: Dennis, Mass. - Trip 2
07/26/10 · 4:10 pm :: posted by Christopher
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After
living on Cape Cod for nearly the entirety of my life it is difficult
for me to find places that I either had not known about or had not
seen. On this second trip through Dennis I was able to discover one
such place. The town of Dennis, though settled by Thomas Howes and
John Crowe (Crowell), got its name for the resident minister Josiah
Dennis. His saltbox home, the Josiah Dennis
The north side of Dennis has an incredible stretch of beaches that are
some of the most popular on the Cape. My beach of choice is
Corporation Beach due to the scenic overlook that gives you a view of
the beach below from about thirty feet up(left). On a clear day you can easily see all the way up the coastline to Provincetown 
with
the Pilgrim Monument standing out against the sky. Another great view
at Corporation Beach happens during big storms. There is a long rock
wall, separating the private homes from the ocean, which runs parallel
to the parking lot about fifty feet out. During these storms it is fun
to park and watch the ocean waves crashing up and over the rock wall.
These views are what make Corporation Beach unique.
with
the Pilgrim Monument standing out against the sky. Another great view
at Corporation Beach happens during big storms. There is a long rock
wall, separating the private homes from the ocean, which runs parallel
to the parking lot about fifty feet out. During these storms it is fun
to park and watch the ocean waves crashing up and over the rock wall.
These views are what make Corporation Beach unique. Still,
if that is not your thing, Chapin Beach offers a different sort of
thrill which is off-roading. The route to Chapin Beach is nearly two
and a half miles leading to a very secluded parking lot; though in
summer it is extremely crowded. Those vehicles with the capability may
opt to drive out along the beach which extends out to where the Chase
Garden Creek Salt Marsh empties into Cape Cod Bay. From there you have
a great view of both Sandy Neck in Sandwich and the close by Grey’s
Beach, also known as Bass Hole.
After
hitting the beaches there are more historical sites to see and of
course they lie on Route 6A. Around the intersection of 6A and Old
Bass River Road there are a few places close together which makes it a
great area to park and walk. Located directly across the street from
one another are two historic places. The Carleton Hall, built in 1828,
was originally created to be a Methodist ‘praying house.’ It was
purchased in 1865 by Captain Carleton Howes and a group of local
citizens to be used for community activities. It is still used for
that purpose to this day.
Across the street from the Carleton Hall, and next door to the fire station, is the Dennis Union Church(right).
Originally established in 1727 this church still plays the chimes at
the tops of the hours. It is incredible to be there at noon when it is
almost as if an entire concert is being played for those in and around
the church. It has a large green in front of it with a gazebo; this
spot is a tremendous place to get out of the hot sun, or to just sit
and people watch along 6A.
Not more than a few hundred yards from the Dennis Union Church is the famous Dennis Playhouse(left).
It is the country’s oldest professional summer theatre. Originally a
Uniatrian Meeting House the Playhouse was begun by California native
Raymond Moore in 1927. A frequent visitor to Provincetown where he
worked in the theatres there Moore desired to have a theatre of his
own. The first performance came on July 4, 1927 and was The Guardsman featuring Basil Rathbone. In the time since many world famous
performers have graced the stage inside the Playhouse or, in the case
of Bette Davis
,
been discovered there. Ms. Davis worked as an usher in the Playhouse
when it opened. Gregory Peck, Lana Turner, Humphrey Bogart, and Ginger
Rogers are just a few of the performers that include shows at the
Playhouse on their resumes.
,
been discovered there. Ms. Davis worked as an usher in the Playhouse
when it opened. Gregory Peck, Lana Turner, Humphrey Bogart, and Ginger
Rogers are just a few of the performers that include shows at the
Playhouse on their resumes.
Finally
we come to a spot in Dennis that I had never actually been to. Crows
Pasture sits on South Street past the Quivett Cemetery on the east side
of Sesuit Harbor. The road out to Crows Pasture Beach is long, bumpy,
and unpaved. It is recommended that you take it slow, or better yet
have a vehicle capable of four-wheel drive. The scenery is amazing,
especially during a first drive out there. The 138-acre conservation
area has many designated parking areas with views of Cape Cod Bay and
the neighboring Quivett Creek Marsh(left). On this trip I witnessed a few people out on the beach at low-tide shellfishing
.
It is possible to park and any of the designated areas and taking a
walk to the beach or to Coles Pond which sits in the northeast section
of Crows Pasture and only a few hundred yards from the ocean.
.
It is possible to park and any of the designated areas and taking a
walk to the beach or to Coles Pond which sits in the northeast section
of Crows Pasture and only a few hundred yards from the ocean.Though
it is relatively hidden to those unfamiliar with it, Crows Pasture is a
spot in which a day can easily be spent simply enjoying the solitude
and beauty of untouched Cape Cod. I left there feeling like it was a
part of the National Seashore on the mid-Cape; an area large enough to
give you the feeling that it looked much the same as when the first
settlers gazed upon it for the first time.
Whether
taking a walk along Rt. 6A, where nearly everything has historical
significance, or enjoying the untouched solitude of Crows Pasture,
Dennis is a destination point with limitless possibilities for good
times. I enjoyed taking another look at the amazing sites that are in
my own backyard and absolutely recommend any visitor to the Cape take
some time to enjoy what this town has to offer. Have fun and happy
traveling!
For more In My Footsteps items follow my Twitter Feed, view more photos at the In My Footsteps fan page on Facebook, or visit my homepage at ChristopherSetterlund.com. Thanks for reading!
Directions: Corporation Beach: From Rt. 6A heading east, turn left onto Corporation Rd. Follow it to the beach. Chapin Beach:
From Rt. 6A heading east, turn left at New Boston Rd., take quick right
onto Beach St. Continue onto Taunton Ave., turn left at Dr. Botero
Rd., continue onto Chapin Beach Rd. Follow it to parking lot.
Crows Pasture:
From Rt. 6A heading east turn left onto School St. Take first right at
South Street. Follow it past the cemetery on the right. Entrance to
Crows Pasture is straight ahead, remember road is dirt so drive
carefully.
References: Cape Playhouse
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In My Footsteps: Chatham, Mass. - Trip 2
07/19/10 · 4:49 pm :: posted by Christopher
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When visiting a place filled with as many amazing sites as Chatham is it becomes hard to fit them all into one article and not have it become long-running and boring. That being said, my second visit to Chatham was every bit as good as the first, if not better, thanks to the influx of sunny spring weather. Of course when visiting I had to go back over those places I had seen and written about during my first article, it is only natural. When you drive down Main Street and pass by Chatham Light and North Beach it is impossible not to stop at least momentarily and take a deep breath.
One spot I missed the first time around actually ties into Chatham Light. The Atwood House(left),
which doubles as a museum, is virtually unchanged since it was built by
sea captain Joseph Atwood in 1752. Five generations of the Atwood
family were raised in the house. The only major change in the historic
home was the wing added to it in 1833 by Joseph Atwood’s grandson,
John, for his wife in 1833.
In addition to the Atwood House there are other items to see. There is
the Nickerson North Beach Camp which was built in 1947 by Joshua Atkins
Nickerson II, a descendent of Chatham founder William Nickerson. It
once sat in a row of about fifty similar dune shacks along North Beach
before the break in the beach in 1987 caused the shack to be moved in
1990. What amazed me was to find out that back in those days right
after World War II if you so desired you could lug your own materials
out to the beach and build your own dune shack.
Not to be forgotten is the before mentioned connection to Chatham Light
and that is the one of the original lanterns of the Twin Lights which
is located on the far side of the parking lot. The second light is now
known as Nauset Light as it was moved to Eastham in 1923. The lantern(left)
was removed from Chatham Light in 1969 and donated to the Historical
Society. With the lantern intact it is possible to walk around on it
and imagine what it was like when this piece of history was guiding
ships that came close to North Beach more than forty years ago.
With miles of beautiful beaches in Chatham it is possible to overlook Oyster Pond(right).
Situated near Main Street and actually connected to the ocean by the
narrow Oyster River, this water body is a great spot to enjoy a swim or
a picnic. The picnic area is one thing that makes the pond stand out
from the beaches and the surrounding area has been renovated in the
past few years as well. It is a perfect getaway from the busy beaches
during the summer, the water is warmer and calm, there are boats but it
is a very safe environment. Not to be missed is Oyster Pond’s
proximity to Chatham’s Main Street, it is a short walk to many of the
town’s shops and restaurants. It is possible to grab a bite to eat, or
some snacks, and stop off at Oyster Pond to enjoy them.
The last place I visited is a place mentioned in my first Chatham
article. While walking along the shore of the Monomoy Wildlife Refuge
I had come to the mouth of Stage Harbor and was able to view Stage
Harbor Light on the other side of the water. On this day I wanted to
see it up close. To do so you need to take a trip to Harding’s Beach.
The beach has two parking lots connected by a short road, it has a
fabulous view of Monomoy Island to the east.
Stage Harbor Light is visible from the moment you get into the second
parking lot, though it does sit about a mile down the beach. The tower
itself was built in 1880 but deactivated in 1933. The lantern has been
removed and the surrounding property is private, still you get a very
close up look while respecting the boundaries.
I thought that the walk out to the lighthouse was going to be rough
much like the walk across Herring Cove Beach to get to Race Point
Light. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the pathway, being
used by vehicles to get to the light, was much sturdier and the walk
was easier. Along with the skeleton of the lighthouse there is still
the original lighthouse keepers house, a shed, and an outhouse
remaining on the property.
My visit to Stage Harbor Light(left)
was a prefect cap to this trip. When standing alone on the western
shore of Stage Harbor, facing the Monomoy Wildlife Refuge, it was so
peaceful that I had to take some time to sit in the sand and enjoy the
sounds of the waves and the sights of a pair of osprey circling and
looking for lunch. I highly recommend at least one trip to Stage
Harbor Light but remember the actual structures are private. That will
not dampen the experience though.
Chatham holds so many amazing places and sites that I was bound to have
missed some on my first trip through. It is remarkable that a renowned
fishing village can pack so much into a relatively small area. Sitting
at the ‘elbow’ of Cape Cod, Chatham is a spot that needs to be visited
and enjoyed over and over. I am guessing I might have missed something
else on my second trip as well! Have fun and happy traveling!
For more In My Footsteps items follow my Twitter Feed, view more photos at the In My Footsteps fan page on Facebook, or visit my homepage at ChristopherSetterlund.com.
Thanks for reading!
Directions: Atwood House & Museum: From Rt. 28 heading east, take 2nd exit in the rotary for Stage Harbor Road. Museum is at 347 Stage
Harbor Rd., on the left. Chatham Light lantern is on right side of
parking lot.
Oyster Pond: From Rt. 28 heading east, take 2nd exit in rotary for Stage Harbor Road. Oyster Pond is on the right a half mile down the road.
Stage Harbor Light/Harding’s Beach: From Rt. 28 heading east, turn right onto Barn Hill Rd., just after Kream ‘N Kone.
Turn right onto Harding’s Beach Rd., follow it to parking lot.
Lighthouse is a mile walk away down the beach, pathway begins at end of
parking lot.
References: New England Lighthouses - Stage Harbor Light
In My Footsteps: Yarmouthport, Mass. - Trip 2
07/12/10 · 5:13 pm :: posted by Christopher
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Nothing beats Route 6A in the spring and summer. The warm, sweet smelling air coupled with the blooming trees and flowers gives every site the appearance of a painting or postcard. I decided to venture back over to Yarmouthport to check out some places missed during my first article. I also wanted to find out just how people spell Yarmouthport. Is it with the space, or without? According to the highway signs near Exit 7 it is without the space, so I am going with that way until further notice.
It was a pleasant change to be able to take a stroll along the historic
sidewalks of 6A in Yarmouthport while it was sunny and warm. Most of
my other trips had taken place during the dead of winter so I really
appreciated this day. There are plenty of great places to park to get
out and walk along 6A, I chose the small parking area of the Kelly
Chapel, located behind the Post Office. I walked east a little ways,
deciding to start from the First Congregational Church of Yarmouth(left) and work my way back.
The First Congregational Church, which sits on Zion Hill overlooking the Yarmouthport Village Store,
was first gathered in 1639 coinciding with the town’s founding. The
current church was built in 1870 due to the increasing need for a
larger building to house all of the worshipers in the town. It has a
majestic quality to it, especially after dark when the face of the
church is lit up by a large spotlight. It is the prefect start to a
spring stroll.
As you walk along this area of Rt. 6A it is important to keep your eyes
open for black and gold plaques featuring a sailing ship. It is along
this stretch of road that there are fifty-three such plaques; these
make up the ‘Yarmouth Captain’s Mile.’ It is amazing when you do spot
all of the plaques adorning the fronts of homes, to realize that so
many sea captains once lived in such close proximity during the 18th and 19th centuries.
One
such house that intrigued me was the Captain Thomas Ryder House located
next to the Yarmouthport Library. The home itself is beautiful,
sitting on a modest hill with a large wraparound front porch
.
It was after I had snapped a few shots up close that I noticed
something odd. On the three steps leading from the walkway to the
street there were words. The words read ‘The Hillock.’(right)
I do not know what this meant, or how many people that pass by the
steps ever notice them, but it makes for a neat mystery that I am
trying to figure out.
.
It was after I had snapped a few shots up close that I noticed
something odd. On the three steps leading from the walkway to the
street there were words. The words read ‘The Hillock.’(right)
I do not know what this meant, or how many people that pass by the
steps ever notice them, but it makes for a neat mystery that I am
trying to figure out.
Located across from the post office is the Winslow-Crocker House(left).
Originally built in 1780 this house is a great place to check out just
because of the story of how it got to where it currently stands. The
house sat in West Barnstable but was bought and moved by Mary Thacher
in 1936; she subsequently used the house to showcase her collection of
colonial furniture, hooked rugs, ceramics, and other antiques. Set
back from the road the house has a spacious yard, it can make you feel
as though you are looking at this house when it was originally built
despite the fact that it is not its original location. The
Winslow-Crocker House is available for tours and operates as a museum
where many of Mary Thacher’s antiques are still on display.
Normally I would not consider a bookstore to be an historic spot that
needed to be visited. When it is the Parnassus Bookstore(left), a Cape Cod landmark, an exception can be made. Located just before the curve that forks off toward Dennis Pond the Parnassus 
Bookstore
has been a part of Yarmouthport for nearly 200 years. Before it was a
bookstore the building housed Knowles General Store. Inside you will
find shelves of old and rare books, many of which have to do with Olde
Cape Cod. Outside there are more shelves of books underneath an
awning, I found it a bit odd to have books located outside of the
building itself but I believe that it only adds to the charm of this
spot. Even if you are not a lifelong Cape Codder I recommend taking
some time to look through the rare books and discover a lot of what
made the Cape what it is today.
Bookstore
has been a part of Yarmouthport for nearly 200 years. Before it was a
bookstore the building housed Knowles General Store. Inside you will
find shelves of old and rare books, many of which have to do with Olde
Cape Cod. Outside there are more shelves of books underneath an
awning, I found it a bit odd to have books located outside of the
building itself but I believe that it only adds to the charm of this
spot. Even if you are not a lifelong Cape Codder I recommend taking
some time to look through the rare books and discover a lot of what
made the Cape what it is today.
After taking this stroll along Rt. 6A the only spot to end it is at the Hallet’s Store(right). Established in 1889 by Thatcher Taylor Hallet this Cape institution was originally a pharmacy complete with soda fountain
and lunch counter. Now owned by the great-great grandson of Thatcher, Hallet’s is still serving ice cream and sodas as well as doubling as a museum.
The 121-year-old shop still has all of its original fixtures inside;
the fact that they still serve sandwiches, ice cream
, and sodas as well makes you feel as though you just sat down in the late 19th century. The dedication to retaining that authenticity is what makes Hallet’s special. It is open from April through November.
and lunch counter. Now owned by the great-great grandson of Thatcher, Hallet’s is still serving ice cream and sodas as well as doubling as a museum.
The 121-year-old shop still has all of its original fixtures inside;
the fact that they still serve sandwiches, ice cream, and sodas as well makes you feel as though you just sat down in the late 19th century. The dedication to retaining that authenticity is what makes Hallet’s special. It is open from April through November.
Whether you choose to spell it Yarmouthport or Yarmouth Port there is
one thing that can be agreed on, a trip down the amazing Route 6A in
the spring is something that locals and far off visitors alike will
enjoy. I make this drive a few times per week and still marvel at the
fact that so much history sits so close to me. So visit the
Winslow-Crocker house, read a few passages at Parnassus, grab some ice
cream at Hallet’s, and if anybody knows what ‘The Hillock’
means on the steps in front of the Thomas Ryder House please let me
know. Have fun and happy traveling!
For more In My Footsteps items follow my Twitter Feed, view more photos at the In My Footsteps fan page on Facebook, or visit my homepage at ChristopherSetterlund.com.
Thanks for reading!
Directions:
From Rt. 6, take Exit 8 and head north on Union Street. Turn left on
Rt. 6A and follow it for about ¾ mi., it is up to you where to park and
start to enjoy the sites along 6A.
References: Parnassus Books
In My Footsteps: Easton, Mass.
07/05/10 · 8:27 pm :: posted by Christopher
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There are some spots that are obvious destinations in Massachusetts such as Cape Cod, Plymouth, and Boston. There are other spots that are hidden gems that should be made destinations. One such place is a little town just east of Brockton called Easton. When choosing my destinations for my travel articles I look for towns with history and natural beauty, Easton has both.
First settled in 1694 by Clement Briggs, who had a home built near the
present-day Easton Green, the town was mainly a Native American hunting
and burial ground until 1713. During King Philip’s War, Metacom, King
Philip himself, used Easton as a headquarters. The most prominent
name, however, associated with Easton is that of the Ames family. Many
buildings in Easton feature the Ames name. Who are the Ames family?
Oakes Ames was a politician born in Easton. He served in the House of
Representatives for Massachusetts from 1863 to 1873. He is also seen
as the most important person in the completion of the Union Pacific
portion of the United States Transcontinental Railroad
. He was asked to take over the Union Pacific portion by President Lincoln
who was busy dealing with the Civil War. The railroad was completed in
1869 where the ‘Golden Spike’ was hammered home at Promontory Summit in
Utah.
. He was asked to take over the Union Pacific portion by President Lincoln who was busy dealing with the Civil War. The railroad was completed in
1869 where the ‘Golden Spike’ was hammered home at Promontory Summit in
Utah.
Oliver Ames was the son of Oakes Ames. He was also a politician and
was Governor of Massachusetts from 1887 to 1890. Easton’s high school
is named Oliver Ames High School in his honor. However it is his
father Oakes Ames who has the more amazing building serving as a
memorial to his work.
The Oakes Ames Memorial Hall(above),
located in the historic district of North Easton, is a truly
spectacular piece of architecture. Built between 1879-1881 the hall
served as a gift from Ames’ children to the town of Easton after his
disgrace of the Credit Mobilier of America Scandal during the late
1860’s. It was meant to be a Town Hall but ended up being more of an
informal meeting house for private groups. It stands up on a hill
overlooking the historic districts Main Street and Lincoln Street and
has a pinkish-gray color. Though rarely used today this building is
more than just eye-catching, upon seeing it I felt the need to stand
under the immense arches and take in the hot sunny day from the shade.
Two other buildings adjacent to the Ames Memorial Hall have an
amazingly similar look to it, almost as if they were its children. The
reason for this is that all of the buildings were designed by famed 19th Century architect Henry Hobson Richardson
.
Directly across the street from the Hall is a former post office
located at 66 Main Street which is now a public building. Located to
the right of the Hall is the Ames Free Library(right). Serving
as the town’s library this building has a beautifully large front
lawn. It has stayed virtually untouched since the children’s wing was
built in 1931 as a gift from Fanny Holt Ames to honor her husband
William H. Ames. With a renewed interest in the architecture of H.H.
Richardson the library has become a destination for students from all
across the country and abroad. Located behind the library is what can only be described as a sizeable restoration project.
.
Directly across the street from the Hall is a former post office
located at 66 Main Street which is now a public building. Located to
the right of the Hall is the Ames Free Library(right). Serving
as the town’s library this building has a beautifully large front
lawn. It has stayed virtually untouched since the children’s wing was
built in 1931 as a gift from Fanny Holt Ames to honor her husband
William H. Ames. With a renewed interest in the architecture of H.H.
Richardson the library has become a destination for students from all
across the country and abroad. Located behind the library is what can only be described as a sizeable restoration project. After
purchasing the adjacent Queset estate and the property behind the
library the Ames Library Trustees have taken it upon themselves to
restore the incredible Italian Garden. Developed by Winthrop Ames in
1911 this garden was once a shining example of the Country Place Era in
the United States. It had fallen into severe decay and disarray but as
I stood alongside the grounds I could not help but be impressed by the
work these Trustees have put in. The former Italian Garden is a sight
to see even in this early stage of restoration.
On an island in between Main and Lincoln sits a most unusual piece of historical beauty. It is called The Rockery(right)
and my words will not fully describe exactly what it is. Created by
noted American landscaper Frank Law Olmstead, The Rockery was built in
1882 as a memorial to the citizens of Easton lost during the Civil
War. The memorial itself consists of systematically piled boulders and
an archway very similar to those seen in the Ames Memorial Hall.
Unstable and falling apart over the years The Rockery has been
fortified and restored to its original dimensions. There is a dirt
walkway atop the memorial that gives one some spectacular views of the
North Easton historical district. I cannot stress enough the need to
physically see this most unusual yet beautiful piece of history.
Along
the border between Easton and Sharon sits Borderland State Park. An
amazing array of natural beauty it is also surprising to find out that
the state park is a National Historic Site. Once I stepped onto the
grounds I found out the reason though. It all comes back to the Ames
family once again. The 1,782 acre Borderland State Park has a Frisbee
golf course, gigantic open fields, horseback riding, and the
picturesque Leaches Pond. However, this land, purchased by Oakes Ames,
son of Governor Oliver Ames, in 1906 contained a surprise for me, a
three-story, twenty room surprise. The Ames’s mansion(left)
still stands along the edge of a large green field and is virtually
unchanged inside and out. It is magnificently out of place. The home
is available for tours on the third Sunday of the month between April
and November. Leaches Pond which is only a short walk from the mansion
was used for scenes of the film Shutter Island
. There is a stone lodge along the shore where the scenes were shot.
. There is a stone lodge along the shore where the scenes were shot. Easton
was a spot on my list of places to see for a while and when I finally
got the chance it absolutely lived up to my expectations. It had the
amazing historical sites like the Ames Memorial Hall and The Rockery.
These were made more enjoyable by the peaceful ambiance of the historic
district. Borderland State Park is a place that could be visited for
weeks in a row and you’d probably find spots yet unseen. Easton is a
hidden gem in Massachusetts that needs to be a destination for all
people who enjoy beautiful scenery, historic sites, and small town
charm. I highly recommend taking a day trip here to take it all in.
Have fun and happy traveling!
For more In My Footsteps items follow my Twitter Feed, view more photos at the In My Footsteps fan page on Facebook, or visit my homepage at ChristopherSetterlund.com.
Thanks for reading!Directions: North Easton Historic District:
From I-495 heading north take Exit 7A for Rt. 24 north. Take Exit 17B
to merge with Rt. 123. Turn right onto Rt. 138, follow 1 mile turn
left at Main Street. Take a slight right to stay on Main Street.
There is a small parking area in front of The Rockery. From here it is a short walk to Ames Memorial Hall and Free Library as well.
Borderland State Park:
From I-495 heading north take Exit 7A for Rt. 24 north. Take Exit 16B
to merge with Rt. 106, follow 5 miles and turn right at Poquanticut
Ave. Turn left at Massapoag Ave, follow 2 miles, park will be on right.
In My Footsteps: Brockton, Mass.
07/02/10 · 9:13 am :: posted by Christopher
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Brockton, nicknamed the City of Champions for its connection to boxing legend Rocky Marciano
Originally called part of Bridgewater, and then North Bridgewater,
until 1874 Brockton got its name from Isaac Brock. Brock was a British
soldier nicknamed the ‘Hero of Upper Canada.’ He fought and died
during the War of 1812 at the Battle of Queenston Heights in
present-day Ontario, Canada. The feel as you drive through the
downtown area of Brockton is that of a once thriving industrial
center. There are many old brick buildings that once housed successful
businesses more than a hundred years earlier. They still stand as a
throwback to Brockton’s history. One such building is the brick
building that once belonged to the Brockton Edison Company Old Power
Station. Now housing the Metro South Chamber of Commerce(above), the building was constructed in 1883. The power station was Thomas Edison
’s
first model of a complete power station. The main reason that this
incredible first in modern power has been overlooked is that Edison
felt that it was much more important to achieve a similar three-wire
electrical generation in New York City. The Brockton Edison plant was
never fully appreciated during its initial run but its pace in American
history cannot be overlooked.
In the same vicinity as the Brockton Edison building lies Brockton’s City Hall(right)
which is a magnificent sight. It was originally built in 1892 and sits
overlooking an area called Brockton Common. The Common is a small area
with benches and a few rows of trees
,
it is a gathering place in the center of the busy city. City Hall
itself appears to be much more modern than the surrounding buildings
despite being nearly 120 years old, the brick design looks like a
second skin. The monument to the Brockton Firefighters who perished in
the Strand Theater fire in 1941 is an eye-catching statue and is only
the first evidence of the importance of Brockton’s firefighters. On
Pleasant Street lies the Central Fire Station(below). Built in 1884 it is an historic brick building that is a part of the National Historic Register.
,
it is a gathering place in the center of the busy city. City Hall
itself appears to be much more modern than the surrounding buildings
despite being nearly 120 years old, the brick design looks like a
second skin. The monument to the Brockton Firefighters who perished in
the Strand Theater fire in 1941 is an eye-catching statue and is only
the first evidence of the importance of Brockton’s firefighters. On
Pleasant Street lies the Central Fire Station(below). Built in 1884 it is an historic brick building that is a part of the National Historic Register. 
Brockton may be the sixth largest city in Massachusetts but there are
spots where peace and quiet reigns supreme. One such place is D.W.
Field Park, a 700-plus acre park that is used by frazzled city folk as
a way to unwind. Daniel Waldo Field donated the land during the 1930’s
and was a well known contemporary and combatant of Thomas Edison.
Field believed that any city needed an abundance of natural beauty for
its people to truly be happy. He also believed that Edison would
disrupt that upon his arrival. His donation of the 700-plus acres is
living proof of D.W. Field’s beliefs.
The park is a great way to spend a sunny day. There are several ponds
and nearly seven miles of paved roads around the park. Porter Pond is
split by Oak Street into Upper and Lower sections. Lying next to the
park is the D.W. Field golf course
as well as a tremendous stone observation tower simply called the Central Tower(left).
The tower, ponds, and golf course wrap together and make an incredible
scene that seems to be so far removed from the downtown area but yet it
fits right in perfectly.
as well as a tremendous stone observation tower simply called the Central Tower(left).
The tower, ponds, and golf course wrap together and make an incredible
scene that seems to be so far removed from the downtown area but yet it
fits right in perfectly.
After all of the sites had been seen it was time for me to discover the
areas that were important to my family in Brockton. I enjoyed the
drive out to a beautifully quiet section of Brockton on West Elm Street
where I found the house my mother grew up in. According to her and my
grandparents it still looks the way they remember it.
The last spot I needed to see was the location of my grandfather’s
doughnut shop on Warren Avenue. Sullivan’s Donuts was a staple of
Brockton in the 1960’s into the 70’s. It was after my grandparents
moved down to the Cape my grandfather opened a new Sullivan’s Donuts on
Bearses Way in Hyannis that was a popular meeting place into the early
1990’s. I was truly able to appreciate where my family came from after
seeing these spots with my own eyes.
Brockton is a mix of city life and history with a splash of natural
beauty. It is also very important in my own life as it is where my
mother’s side of the family originated. I highly recommend that
everybody who has the ability takes a trip to areas where their
families originated. Brockton has a lot of culture and things to see,
the fact that it holds personal significance only added to the allure.
Have fun and happy traveling!
For more In My Footsteps items follow my Twitter Feed, view more photos at the In My Footsteps fan page on Facebook, or visit my homepage at ChristopherSetterlund.com.
Thanks for reading! Directions: DW Field Park:
Take Rt. 3 North, continue onto Yankee Division Highway. Merge onto
I-93 South, take Exit 4 to merge onto Rt. 24 South. Take Exit 18B to
merge onto Rt. 27 North. Turn right at Oak Street. The park is on
either side of the road.
Brockton Edison Building:
Take Rt. 3 North, continue onto Yankee Division Highway. Merge onto
I-93 South, take Exit 4 to merge onto Rt. 24 South. Take Exit 18A to
merge onto Rt. 27 South. Turn left at Pleasant St., turn right at
Montello St., turn right at School St. The building is now called
Metro South Chamber of Commerce.
Central Fire Station:
Take Rt. 3 North, continue onto Yankee Division Highway. Merge onto
I-93 South, take Exit 4 to merge onto Rt. 24 South. Take Exit 18A to
merge onto Rt. 27 South. Turn left at Pleasant Street, follow it for a
mile and a half, fire station is on the right.
About This Blog
Christopher Setterlund was born and raised on Cape Cod, the
oldest of five siblings, and coming from a large family mixed of many
different nationalities, I enjoyed hearing the stories my elder
relatives would tell. I must have been a born storyteller because I began writing tales of adventures that my friends and I
would take when I was was
eight years old.
My biggest hope for all of you that choose to read my books and be able to lose yourself in the world I create.
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