Nomination for West Parish Burying Ground

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

1221 NPS Form 10-900 (Rev. 10-90) United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB No. 1024-0018 RECEIVED 2280 OCT - | 200 National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NAT. RECISTER CI AATIO NAL P ACES This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form (National Register Bulletin 16A). Complete each item by marking "x" in the appropriate box or by entering the information requested. If any item does not apply 5to the property being documented enter "N/A" for "not applicable". For functions, architectural classification, materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories from the instructions. Place additional entries and narrative terms on continuation sheets (NPS Form 10-900a).

Use a typewriter, word processor, or computer, to complete all items. 1. Name of Property historic name West Parish Burying Ground other names/site number River Street Burying Ground (Newton MRA) 2. Location street & number _ River and Cherry Streets N/A _ not for publication city or town Newton N/A vicinity state Massachusetts code_MAcounty Middlesex _code017zip code 02465 3. State/Federal Agency Certification As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1986, as amended, i hereby certify that this nomination request for determination of eligibility meets the documentation standards for registering properties in the NationalRegister ofHistoricPlaces and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in 36 CFR Part 60. In my opinion the property meets does not meet the National Register Criteria.

recommend that this property be considered significant - nationallv - statewide E locally. ([See continuation sheet for additional comments.) tuedler Signature of certifying official/Title Cara H. Metz, Executive Directo Narional Regester Dueiror 9/28/04 Massachusetts Historical Commission, State Historic Preservation Officer In my opinion the property meets does not meet the National Register Criteria. ([See continuation sheet for additional comments.) Signature of certifying official/Title State or Federal Agency and bureau 4.

National Park Service Certification 1, hereby certify that this property is: , entered in the National Register - see continuation sheet - determined eligible for the National Register - see continuation sheet - determined not eligible for the National Register - removed from the National Register - other (explain): Date Date 11-13-04 West Parish Burying Ground Name of Property 3. Classification Ownership of Property -private x public-local -public-State public-Federal Category of Property building(s) district xsite _structure object Name of related multiple property listing (enter N/A if property is not part ofa multiple property listing) Newton, MA MRA 1986 6. Function or Use Historic Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Funerary: Cemetery 7. Description Architectural Classification Narrative Description See continuation sheets.

Middlesex County, Massachusetts County and State Number of Resources within Property Contributing Non contributing buildings 2 13 sites structures objects 15 Total Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register N/A Current Functions (Enter categories from instructions) Funerary: Cemetery Materials Slate, Marble, Granite, Brownstone NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton MRA Newton (Middlesex County) MA Section number 7 Page 1 7. NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION West Parish Burying Ground, the second burial place established in Newton, is a small municipal cemetery that retains strong historical associations and distinctive burial markers associated with residents of the West Newton neighborhood.

There are 251 recorded burials that occurred here between 1777 and 1896 represented by approximately 170 headstones and small monuments and 11 tombs. The city of Newton lies immediately to the west of Boston and Brookline. The Charles River forms the municipal boundary on the north, west, and south. Newton is unusually decentralized for an eastern Massachusetts community, consisting of 12 villages, each with its own distinct identity. The varied topography, composed of glacial outwash with seven glacial drumlins and low swampy areas, adds to the physical diversity of the community. While Newton was settled in the 17" century, its present character was largely shaped by 19" and 20# century development. The burying ground lies three blocks northwest of the intersection of Washington Street and Watertown Street (MA Route 16), which marks the center of the village of West Newton.

The neighborhood immediately surrounding the burying ground is primarily residential, with a mix of late 19" and early 20" century houses and small commercial buildings. Houses are modest in scale and located on small lots. West Parish Burying Ground is a rectangular 1.6-acre site that consists of a single parcel. It is bounded on the south by River Street, on the east by Cherry Street and on the north and west by private residences. The site is generally flat except for low berms along the south and east sides. A low fieldstone perimeter retaining wall (NR #1) marks the south and east boundaries of the burying ground. It is approximately 30-36" tall, except behind the tombs where it reaches a height of 48", and is composed primarily of Roxbury puddingstone. It was probably built in the 19" century as a dry laid wall, with mortar added during the 20" century.

The entrance, located on River Street, is marked by a semi-circular section of wall set back slightly from the sidewalk. Dressed granite posts approximately 3'6" tall are located on either side of the entry, which is secured by a 6' tall double-leaf chain link gate. Set on top of the perimeter wall is a distinctive cross link fence (NR #2) about 4' tall with iron posts surmounted by ball post caps. Somesections of cross link fence have been replaced by black chain link fence of the same height. The north and west boundaries of the burying ground are marked by chain link fence that varies from 4' to 5' tall. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton MRA Newton (Middlesex County) MA Section number 7 Page 2 The River Street gate, which is kept locked except for maintenance or special requests, is the only access point. There is no paved circulation system, but the 1901 map of the burying ground (copy attached) shows a system of narrow rectilinear roads and paths. These are turf and rarely used, but their pattern is still visible on the ground today. Vegetation consists of scattered mature trees, mostly white pines, oaks, and maples, with a few cherries and cedars. There is also some volunteer growth that is impacting tombs and gravestones. The 1901 map shows evenly spaced trees planted on the berm adjacent to River Street, although none remain. The remnant roots indicate that these may have been white pines.

The existing large trees contribute significantly to the character of the site but also represent a potential hazard to the burial markers, particularly if dead limbs are not pruned or if shallow roots cause markers to lean or topple. The rectilinear organization of West Parish Burying Ground reflects the transitional style of the early 19# century. It consists of a combination of single graves and family lots laid out in rough rows running north/south. The oldest graves, which are predominantly single burials, lie in the eastern section of the burying ground near the entrance, while the later burials located in the western section are primarily in family lots. Most of the headstones face west. The spatial organization is most clearly evident on the 1901 map, which shows all recorded burials, including those not marked by headstones or monuments.

Today the spatial organization is less clear because there is no visible evidence of many of the graves, although there is slight mounding in some areas where no headstones are present. The cluster of unmarked graves in the northwest corner may have been a paupers section. There are 38 family lots shown on the 1901 map, 23 of which are still marked by low granite corner posts about 30-36" tall. Most show staining caused by chains that no longer exist. There are also 11 mound tombs (NR #3). Ten of these (A-J) are attached tombs with granite lintels located in the northeast corner of the burying ground. Tombs A-E are larger and are generally in good condition, while tombs F-J are smaller and are partially collapsed. Tomb K located just to the west of the other tombs has mortared fieldstone on three sides to about 30" high, with cut granite on the west side and an earthen top.

There are approximately 170 headstones and small monuments. These display a range of styles that were popular from the late 18th century through the late 19" century and clearly illustrate evolving funerary styles during this period. Approximately 111 of the headstones are slate. Most of these are (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton MRA Newton (Middlesex County) MA Section number 7 Page 3 dark gray, although there are also a few light gray and greenish slates, and at least one reddish slate. There are footstones associated with about one-third of the slate headstones. Most remain in their original location, although some have been relocated or are lying loose the ground.

Many of the late 18" century slate headstones have a rounded tympanum on a shouldered main block, and display the winged head or soul effigy which symbolized the deceased ascending to heaven. There are also a large number of well-carved 19" century slates that display the willow and urn motif. These are found both on rectangular slates and on those with a pointed Gothic-arch tympanum on a shouldered main block. The latter is a relatively unusual shape that is also found at Newton's South Burying Ground (NR pending). It may indicate the work of a single carver or group of carvers. These stones are skillfully carved with extensive decorative and architectural motifs. There are also 56 marble headstones that vary in size and style. Most are fairly simple and are 3-4'tall, except for those of children, which are typically smaller.

Many are surprisingly clean but also eroded with most of the original design softened by years of weathering. A few, such as the marble headstone of Maria Allen (d. 1858), which depicts a book in an inscribed panel, retain some of their original detail. The headstone of Lucy Park (d. 1823) has a well-carved urn that also retains its detail. There is one small marble pillar about 4' tall commemorating Deacon Joseph Fuller (d. 1818) and other Fuller family members, which is one of the few family monuments found here. There is also one marble obelisk, which has fallen over and is lying on the ground. There are also a few miscellaneous stones. One large brownstone slab on grade bears no inscription. There is also a small granite headstone for Martha Ware, which is probably a replacement stone.

Approximately a dozen headstones and roughly an equal number of footstones, lie loose within the burying ground. Some are propped against other stones while others are partially buried in the ground. Several stones are signed by their maker. A small marble monument signed by A. Cary (#607) is probably the work of Alpheus Cary, a well-known 19* century stone carver whose work is represented throughout the Greater Boston area. However, the skilled artistry usually associated with his work is no longer evident because the stone is so eroded that the image and inscription have been largely lost. Two slate headstones were signed by Jepson of Newton, whose work is also found at Newton's East Parish Burying Ground. One marks the grave of Julia R. Smith (d. 1836, age 32) and her infant son, (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton MRA Newton (Middlesex County) MA Section number 7 Page 4 while the second marks the grave of Ann Amelia Smith (d. 1837, age 4). The signature of T. Warren of Lowell is evident on the headstones of Susannah Mead (d. 1850) and Mercy Tolman (d. 1838), which are large well-carved rectangular slates with the willow and urn motif. The earliest burials here are associated with the Fullers, relatives of Nathan Fuller who donated the land for the burying ground. This family is the best represented at West Parish with 31 family members interred here. Burial of several Fuller family members in 1777 and 1778 before the burying ground was officially established may be associated with an epidemic, perhaps of smallpox.

The earliest death date is Catherine Fuller (d. June 3, 1777, age 30), followed a few weeks later by her young son Henry (d. June 23, 1777, age 4) and by Captain Joshua Fuller (d. Aug 23, 1777, age 75), by his wife Anna Fuller (d. October 6, 1778, age 61) and by another of Catherine's sons, Jacob Fuller (d. Oct 18, 1778, age 3). Some members of the Fuller family were reinterred at Newton Cemetery in the mid-19t century. Other families who are well represented at West Parish are the Jacksons with 17 family members, the Adamses with 14, and the Jenisons with 11. While municipal records indicate that burials occurred as late as 1896, the last death is that of Thomas Benjamin Turner (d. May 12, 1891, age 26) one of three children of Benjamin and Eliza Turner who are commemorated on a single marble headstone. An earlier son, also named Thomas Benjamin Turner (d.

1852), lived less than a year, as did his sister Annie Florence Turner (d. 1863). The high rate of infant mortality is evident throughout the burying ground. Of the 251 recorded burials, 46 or 18% were under five years old. Childbirth and motherhood also seemed to be hazardous, with mothers frequently dying around the same time of their children. Mary Jenks (d. 1782) died a few days after the birth of her 12" child. On the other hand, many of those who survived lived remarkably long lives, 20 people buried here lived into their 80s and three into their 90s. Names on the burial markers are almost entirely of Anglo Saxon origin. Epitaphs indicate that several people came from England, others were from Boston, Concord, Newburyport or other New England cities and towns. Epitaphs also reveal several who served the church, including the first pastor of Newton's second parish, Rev.

William Greenough (d. 1831, age 75) and several deacons. Members of the community who served in the military during the Revolutionary war include: Captain Thomas Eustis (d. 1807), Captain Joshua Fuller (d. 1777), Lieutenant John Fuller (d 1786), and Captain Aster Stoddard (d. 1793). (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton MRA Newton (Middlesex County) MA Section number 7 Page 5 The burying ground is generally well maintained, but like most municipal cemeteries, has suffered deterioration and loss of gravestones over time. There are approximately 200 headstones shown on the 1901 plan, only about 170 or 85% of these remain. The loss of footstones over the past century is even greater.

Several fallen stones have been preserved in place. Other stones are leaning or show evidence of poor pat repairs. A 1990 master plan identified many issues. Archaeological Description While no ancient Native American sites are recorded in the burying ground or in the general area (within one mile). Environmental characteristics of the property indicate locational criteria (slope, soil drainage, proximity to wetlands) that are favorable for the presence of Native American sites. Undisturbed soils are well drained and located on generally flat topography. An unnamed wetland is located approximately 1,000 feet from the burial ground. The headwaters of Cheese Cake Brook lie approximately 2,000 feet to the southeast with the confluence of Cheese Cake Brook and the Charles River slightly over one mile to the northeast. The town of Newton lies entirely within the Charles River drainage.

Given the above information, the small size of the burial ground (1.6 acres), and the presence of 251 recorded burials, a moderate potential exists for locating significant ancient Native American resources at the West Parish Burying Ground. A high potential exists for the recovery of historic archaeological resources at the West Parish Burying Ground. Additional documentary research combined with archaeological survey and testing may locate evidence of walls, post holes, and other boundary markers within and around the burying ground area. Similar research may also locate structural evidence of outbuildings, unmarked graves, and funerary related artifacts. Unmarked graves may represent the most common historic archaeological resource at the burying ground.

Unmarked graves may result from burials with lost or misplaced markers, biodegradable markers, and the intentionally unmarked graves of slaves, unknown persons, paupers, other indigent persons, and body parts. Unmarked graves may contain stratigraphic evidence of a burial shaft, a casket, skeletal remains, and artifacts. Some graves may contain multiple sets of remains; partial remains or no remains at all. The latter two examples can refer to graves that have been partially or completely removed or reburied - END - West Parish Burying Ground Name of Property Middlesex County, Massachusetts County and State 8. Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

Applicable National Register Criteria X A Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. _B Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past. X C Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction or that represent the work of a master, or possesses high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction.

- D Property has yielded, or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history, Criteria Considerations Property is: purposes A owned by religious institution or used for religious _ B removed from its original location _ C a birthplace or grave X D a cemetery E a reconstructed building, object, or structure - F a commemorative property G less than 50 years of age or achieved significance within the past 50 years Narrative Statement of Significance See continuation sheets 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographic References See continuation sheets Previous documentation on file (NPS) - preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requestec _previously listed in the National Register - previously determined eligible by the National Register designated a National Historic Landmark -recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey # Areas of Significance Art Social History Community Planning and Development Period of Significance 1777 -1896 Significant Dates Significant Person Cultural Affiliation Architects/Builders A. Cary (Boston) Daniel Hastings Jepson (Newton Corner) T. Warren (Lowell) Primary location of additional data IStae Hilatoeic reseraion o rice . Federal Agency - Local Government _ University x Other Jackson Homestead, Newton NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton (Middlesex County) MA Section number 8 Page 1 8. NARRATIVE STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE West Parish Burying Ground is a historically significant property located at the corner of River and Cherry Streets in the West Newton neighborhood, which lies within the city of Newton. The site possesses integrity of location, design, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and meets National Register Criteria A and C on the local level with a period of significance extending from 1777 to 1896. The site may also have archaeological significance associated with unmarked graves and buried headstones.

West Parish Burying Ground meets Criterion A due to its strong associations with the early history of West Newton, particularly the early expansion of Newton, and the concurrent demand for a second meeting house. It was the second burying ground established in Newton and contains the graves of approximately 251 of the town's early citizens. One of the town's early surviving cultural resources, it is a constant element around which the West Newton neighborhood has developed. West Parish Burying Ground meets Criterion C as a typical late 18 century New England burial ground that illustrates evolving ideas of death and commemoration through the 19t* century. The spatial organization reflects 19# century transition from single graves to family lots.

Most of the gravestones are made of dark gray slate and many are unusual in their shouldered main block headed by Gothic-arched tympanum (a form also found at Newton's two other early burying grounds). The earlier slate headstones display the winged head known as a soul effigy, while later ones have the classical willow-and-urn motif that was popular during the mid-19 century. The smaller number of marble headstones and small monuments also display typical 19t century motifs, many of which have become eroded over time. Some of the headstones have been signed by early stone carvers such as A. Cary; T. Warren of Lowell; and Jepson, Newton Corner; while others have been attributed to Daniel Hastings.

West Parish Burying Ground meets Criteria Exception D because it contains graves of persons of importance to the early settlement and development of Newton, as well as because of its age, its distinctive gravestone design, and the skilled carving of many of the gravestones. Newton, formerly part of Watertown and Cambridge, was settled by 1660 when the community's first burying ground, known as the East Parish Burial Ground (NR 1983), was established near the meeting house at corner of present day Centre and Cotton Streets. Newton became a separate town in 1688 and a city in 1873. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton (Middlesex County) MA Section number 8 Page 2 As Newton grew, other villages developed throughout the town. In 1764, after many years of petitioning, West Newton was granted permission to erect a second meeting house (no longer extant), which was built near the corner of Washington and Cherry Streets. The second parish (Congregational) was established in 1778 with the appointment of the first minister, Rev. William Greenough. The West Parish Burying Ground was formally established in 1781, a short distance north of the meeting house.

Nineteenth century histories indicate that there may have been earlier burials on the site, but the first recorded interments occurred in 1777-78, when five members of the Fuller family were buried on family-owned land. In 1781 Captain Nathan Fuller, who is buried in Tomb C, gave the land for the burying ground to the newly established parish. It consisted of one and a half acres located 60 rods north of the meeting house which was to be "improved only as a burying place." West Newton remained primarily a quiet farming community through the 18" century. The 1831 town map (see attached detail) shows a small village spread out along Washington Street, with the railroad running slightly to the south, and the burying ground located on a dead-end street just north of the village. West Newton grew rapidly after 1834 when a station of the Boston & Worcester Railroad was located there.

Regular train service brought wealthy Boston commuters to the village, as well as working class people who settled in the low lying areas along River Street. The 1855 town map (see attached detail) clearly illustrates the rapid growth of the community, with an expanded road system and many more houses. In 1855 Newton Cemetery, a large cemetery in the rural cemetery style, was established, effectively ending use of the older burying grounds. A few members of the Fuller family who had been buried at West Parish were reinterred at the new cemetery. Although occasional burials occurred as late as 1896, it was not considered an active cemetery. The last death date was that of Thomas Benjamin Turner who died in 1891. Municipal records indicate that in 1855 a wall was laid out at West Parish (presumably the present stone wall along River and Cherry Streets).

In 1857 repairs were made to the tombs and some grading was done. The West Parish Burying Ground was transferred to the city in the 1880s after nearly a century of association with the local parish. In 1891 the wooden picket fence along the north side of the burying ground was rebuilt. In 1916 River Street was widened and a new fence was erected on top of the old stone wall to prevent vandalism, which was a problem at that time. The 1901 map of the burying ground (copy attached), drawn by the Office of the Newton Street Commissioner, is an unusually thorough plan showing lots, graves, headstones, footstones, roads, paths, (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton (Middlesex County) MA Section number 8 Page 3 and plantings.

This detailed record documents what existed at that time and contains information about unmarked graves that is not readily apparent on the ground. Also noteworthy is the row of evenly spaced trees planted along River Street, which no longer exist. These may have been part of a late 19th century beautification effort undertaken by the city. There is also evidence of scattered volunteer trees, some of which remain. The road system within the cemetery is shown as two loops, with secondary West Parish Burying Ground remains an important cultural resource for West Newton and for the city as a whole. The careful burial records, which have been transcribed and are posted on the internet, as well as the 1901 map, provide unusually thorough documentation regarding genealogy and the appearance of the burying ground at the end of its period of significance.

Despite deterioration of headstones, footstones, monuments, and tombs, the burying ground powerfully evokes its past and provides a unique historical record of the early years of West Newton. Recent efforts to preserve and maintain Newton's older burial grounds began with a 1990 Master Plan that documented the condition of the burying ground and identified key preservation issues. In 2002 Newton received funds from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Management's Historic Landscape Preservation Grant Program to update the master plan and to prepare this National Register nomination. Archaeological Significance Since patterns of ancient Native American settlement in Newton are poorly understood, any surviving sites could be significant.

Native American sites in the burying ground area may contribute important information that helps to define the role of interior sites within the overall Native American settlement of the Boston and Charles River Basins. Sites in this area may contain information that documents the importance of interior wooded upland areas to regional settlement and subsistence patterns that appear to focus on floodplain areas of major drainages. Site inventories and the efforts of local collectors have traditionally been biased in favor of the latter areas. Historic archaeological resources described above may contribute important information that identifies its earliest use and patterns of development from a neighborhood burying ground to municipal-owned cemetery during the 19"h and 20"h centuries.

Additional documentary research combined with archaeological survey, testing, and careful mapping may locate post-hole patterns, remnants of walls, and other boundary markers that can help define accurate boundaries for the burying ground and its internal subdivisions based on race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, or other social/cultural criteria. (continued) NPS Form 10-900-a OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton (Middlesex County) MA Section number 8 Page 4 Similar research methodologies may also locate approximately 200 or more unmarked graves known to exist in the burying ground. At least 251 burials are recorded in the burying ground while only 170 standing headstones, small monuments, and 11 tombs remain.

The earliest burial dates to 1777 with the last burial in 1896. Early burials from 1777-78 were interred before the burying ground was officially established, possibly the result of a smallpox epidemic. Most burials date to the 19# century. In 1901, a plan of the burying ground shows approximately 200 headstones among which only 170 remain. The 1901 plan also shows 38 family lots marked by granite corner posts. Archaeological testing and documentary research may identify which unmarked graves are the result of lost or removed headstones or were intentionally unmarked. Some burials, especially those of slaves, unknown persons, paupers, other indigent persons, and body parts may not have been marked or documented. As a result, unmarked burials may add significant numbers to the total number of individuals buried in the burial ground.

Much of the above information could add important social/cultural information to the communities evolving ideas about death and commemoration. The identification of unmarked graves may also add important information that helps define the overall boundaries of the burial ground and its internal subdivisions based on kinship, race, ethnicity, religion, and socio-economic status. The detailed archaeological and osteological analysis of the contents of marked and unmarked graves may contribute a wealth of information relating to the overall health, physical stature, and pathologies that characterized the West Village neighborhood population.

Comparative studies with other neighborhood burial grounds in Newton may contribute important information that can be used to characterize Newton's late 18" and 19"h century population as a whole and the role that neighborhoods played in that development. Osteological studies may contribute important information that defines the physical characteristics and pathologies of neighborhood populations based on the social, cultural, and economic characteristics identified above. Detailed studies of the contents of burials and artifacts found in the burial ground may also help to identify the social, cultural, and economic characteristics of individuals, groups and evolving ideas about death and commemoration.

Gravestone fragments, personal items found with individuals and artifacts related to memorial services can help identify the social, cultural, and economic characteristics associated with specific individuals and groups. The same information may also help to identify and understand evolving ideas about death and commemoration in the community. - END - NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 West Parish Burying Ground Newton MRA Newton, Middlesex County, MA Section number 9-10 Page 1 9. BIBLIOGRAPHY Abele, Susan. Jackson Homestead. Personal communication, June 2003. Fleischman, Thelma. Newton Historical Society. Personal communication, June 2003. Jenkins, Candace et al.

"Historic Resources of the City of Newton, Massachusetts, Partial Inventory, Architectural Resources, 1636 - 1907." (National Register Nomination for Newton Multiple Resource Area) Newton, MA: Newton Historical Commission, 1986. Newton, Massachusetts. Annual Reports. 1834 - 1950. Pressley, William & Associates. Master Plan for the Newton Burying Grounds. Newton, MA: Newton Historical Commission, 1990. Sloane, David Charles. The Last Great Necessity: Cemeteries in American History. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991. Smith, Samuel Francis. History of Newton, Massachusetts, 1630-1880. Boston: The American Logotype Company, 1880. http://www.interment.net/data/us/ma/middlesex/riverstreet.htm (list of interments) Maps 1794. "A Plan of the Township of Newton..." Jonathan Kingsbury (1905 copy by E. H. Harvey at Jackson Homestead) 1831. "Map of the Town of Newton, Mass." E.E.

Woodward and W. F. Ward. (at Jackson Homestead) 1848. "Map of the Town of Newton." E.E. Woodward and W. F. Ward. (at Jackson Homestead) 1855. "Map of the Town of Newton." H.F. Walling. (at Jackson Homestead) 1901. "Plan of Cemetery, Cor. River and Cherry Sts." Newton, MA: Office of Street Commissioner. (end) West Parish Burying Ground Name of Property 10. Geographical Data Acreage of Property 1.6 _acres UTM References Middlesex County, Massachusetts County and State 1. 19 Zone 2. 19 Zone 316380 4691160 Easting Northing 316420 4691140 Easting Northing 3. Zone Easting Northing 4. Zone Easting Northing See continuation sheet Verbal Boundary Description See continuation sheets Boundary Justification See continuation sheets 11.

Form Prepared By name/title Shary Page Berg, preservation consultant, with Betsy Friedberg, NR Director, MHC organization Massachusetts Historical Commission date September 2004 street & number 220 Morrissey Boulevard city or town_ Boston state MA telephone_617-727-8470 zip code 02125 Additional Documentation Submit the following items with the completed form: Continuation Sheets A USGS map (7.5 or 15 minute series) indicating the property's location. A sketch map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or numerous resources. Photographs Representative black and white photographs of the property.

Additional Items Property Owner name City of Newton street and number_1000 Commonwealth Avenue telephone 617-796-1129 city or town Newton state MA zip code_02459 NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 West Parish Burying Ground Newton MRA Newton, Middlesex County, MA Section number 9-10 Page 2 10. GEOGRAPHICAL DATA Verbal Boundary Description West Parish Burying Ground lies in the West Newton neighborhood of Newton, Massachusetts. It is bounded on the south by River Street, on the east by Cherry Street, and on the north and west by private property. The city-owned cemetery consists of a single 1.6 acre parcel (33-34-9) that corresponds with the proposed National Register boundary.

Boundary Justification The boundary encompasses a single parcel that includes the entire burial ground developed between 1777 and 1891. (end) LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS Location/Description Date Photo by Photo # 1 2 4 View northwest from River Street with perimeter fence and 4/2003 entry gate in foreground. View east from center of burying ground with tombs at right 4/2003 rear. View west with marble pillar in foreground 4/2003 This slate headstone (Dea. ElijahAdams,d.1834) with willow and urn motif and Gothic arched tympanum is typical of many found at West Parish Burying Ground. 4/2003 Shary Page Berg Shary Page Berg Shary Page Berg Shary Page Berg West Parish Burying Ground National Register Nomination Newton, Middlesex County, Massachusetts District Data Sheets September 2004 Architect (Contractor/Builder) Style Data sheet includes selective accounting of cemetery resources.

NR Map # Photo # MHC # Feature Name Constr. Date 1 1 West Parish B.G. Perimeter Wall 2 1 Perimeter Fence 3 2 Tombs Cemetery road system Resource Count Contributing Noncontrib. - Total - 2 13 - - 13 15 - 13 1777 19* century mid-20" century 19" century 19" century buildings sites structures objects TOTAL CB N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Estimated Acreage Assessors Map #s 70,560 sq ft. or 1.6 acres Maps 28 NE and 28 NW, parcel 33-34-9 NC B CSt NC St CSi NC Si 11 NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service OMB Approval No. 1024-0018 National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet West Parish Burying Ground Newton (Middlesex County) MA - Cado Cross R° 269..

phan Detail of 1831 map with burying ground at left center and Charles River at upper left Biy Detail of 1855 map with burying ground at left center and Charles River at upper left NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Continuation Sheet PLAN OF CEMErEEY COB. BIVER AND CHRREX SrS. ScAza 1-20. JaDuNTT 1,1901. Ornce or STREET CoMMIG-HANar EI M 000 ag. 8 - I0L HE BELE 6800 SR i KIER 1901 plan of West Parish Burying Ground 88888B90 BEEB 19810 BB 0 - W0900 -00 OMB Approval No.

1024-0018 West Parish Burying Ground Newton (Middlesex County) MA 88038388 89 838 B Bp B80 THH BEN SZ UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR NATIONAL PARK SERVICE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET REQUESTED ACTION: NOMINATION PROPERTY West Parish Burying Ground NAME: MULTIPLE NAME: STATE & COUNTY: MASSACHUSETTS, Middlesex DATE RECEIVED: DATE OF 16TH DAY: DATE OF WEEKLY LIST: 10/01/04 11/13/04 DATE OF PENDING LIST: 10/29/04 DATE OF 45TH DAY: 11/14/04 REFERENCE NUMBER: 04001221 REASONS FOR REVIEW: APPEAL: N DATA PROBLEM: N LANDSCAPE: N LESS THAN 50 YEARS: N OTHER: N PDIL: N PERIOD: N PROGRAM UNAPPROVED: REQUEST: N SAMPLE: N SUR DRAFT: N NATIONAL: N N COMMENT WAIVER: N VACCEPT RETURN REJECT 11-13.04 DATE ABSTRACT/SUMMARY COMMENTS: Entered in the National Poristex RECOM./CRITERIA REVIEWER DISCIPLINE TELEPHONE DATE DOCUMENTATION see attached comments Y/N see attached SLR Y/N If a nomination is returned to the nominating authority, the nomination is no longer under consideration by the NPS.

West Parish Berging Ground, Nawten, Midalosex Co, MA 4/2003 Photo 1 - View NW frum River Street wlfence #entry gate dunl West Parish Burqung ground, Newtun, Middlesex co, MA 412005 Photoz-Ulew east frumceuter of buryiky ground, tumbs at reaht West Paish Burying Ground, Newten, Middfesex Co, Mt Photo 3 Royal ZONA PHOTOK S20K 32087**NNN2132(38) 2003 Kodak West Parish Buryukg Ground, Newtm, Middlesex do, MA Photo 4 Kodak ZONA PHOTOC 610K 32087** NNN3062(038) Kodak 2003 Kod City of Newton, Massachusetts Office of the Mayor Nº nik Telephone 23-2112D (617) 796-1100 Telefax {072Ct (617) 796-1113 E-mail MASS. HIST. COMN David B. Coben Mayor September 2, 2004 Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Mass Historical Commission 220 Morrisey Boulevard Boston, MA 02125 RE: National Register Nominations for West Parish and South Burying Grounds, Newton Dear Ms.

Friedberg, On behalf of the City of Newton, I wish to express our enthusiastic support for the nominations of Newton's West Parish and South Burying Grounds to the National Register of Historic Places. These valuable landscapes are some of the City's most unique and important historic resources, and their inclusion on the National Register will help to increase their visibility within our community and to aid in their continued preservation. The research involved in completing these nominations has significantly increased our knowledge of their unique place in Newton's history and has aided in the completion of several grants which will ensure that the sites are restored and preserved for future generations.

The City of Newton has maintained a long-standing commitment to historic preservation and continues to expand its understanding of the historically and architecturally significant resources found throughout our community. The City's first burying ground, East Parish, was added to the National Register in the 1980s, and the present nominations will ensure that all of the City's early burying grounds are recognized for their importance to the history of the City. With this in mind, I am pleased to support the Newton Historical Commission's nominations of the West Parish and South Burying Grounds to the National Register of Historic Places and hope that the Massachusetts Historical Commission will do the same. Sincerely, David B.

Cohen, Mayor 1000 Commonwealth Avenue .Newton, Massachusetts 02÷59 www.ci.newton.ma.us DEDICATED TO COMMUNITY EXCELLENCE AHE LIBENATO SFTETY The Commonwealth of Massachusetts William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth Massachusetts Historical Commission RECEIVED 2280 OCT - 2004 NAT REGISTER HIST TIONAL PARK SERI PLACES September 28, 2004 Ms. Carol Shull National Register of Historic Places Department of the Interior National Park Service 1201 Eye Street, NW 8tfloor Washington, DC 20005 Dear Ms. Shull: Enclosed please find the following nomination form: West Parish Burying Ground, Newton (Middlesex), MA Newton MRA The nomination has been voted eligible by the State Review Board and has been signed by the State Historic Preservation Officer.

The owners of the property in the Certified Local Government community of Newton were notified of pending State Review Board consideration 60 to 90 days before the meeting and were afforded the opportunity to comment. One letter of support has been received Sincerely, petsy Fredlerg Betsy Friedberg National Register Director Massachusetts Historical Commission enclosure CC: Shary Page Berg, consultant Lara Kritzer, Newton CLG coordinator David Cohen, Mayor, City of Newton David Olson, Newton History Museum Michael Kruse, Planning and Development Director John Rodman, Newton Historical Commission Fran Towle, Newton Parks & Recreation Commissioner 220 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, Massachusetts 02125 (617) 727-8470 - Fax: (617) 727-5128 www.state.ma.us/sec/mhc