Needham Town (part 1 of 12)

Also Desirable Building Lots On Reasonable Terms

DR. MILLER will sell houses or land to parties who desire to pay monthly (as they would for rent), or will, if desired, sell lots and furnish money to enable purchasers to build on said lots. Many families have paid rent enough the past few years to pay for a good house. It is poor policy to pay rent, when, by buying, the rent money will soon pay for a good home. The Dr. invites all desiring to secure a home of their own to call and see him.

Carpenter And J3Uilder

ESTIMATES furnished and CONTRACTS taken on the most favorable terms. Best of work guaranteed. Jobbing and General Repairs promptly attended to.

Needham Resident Directory

Ag., agricultural; agt., agent; asst., assistant; av. or ave., avenue; 1). boards: bldg.. building; blk., block; com., commission; c. or cor., corner; elk., clerk; com. trav., commercial traveller; emp., employee; h, house; ins., insurance; J. P., Justice of the Peace; lab., laborer;])., place; P. O., Post Office; prof., professor; prop., proprietor: rd., road; mfy., manufactory ; B, Boston. After the name of a street the word " street " is omitted.

John H, framework knitter, h Webster (II) Aclkins Herbert H, elastic stocking maker, h Central Ave (H) Ahearn Matthew, fireman N Y &^N E K R, h High Rock Alden Francis A, laborer, h Webster (H)

Win, framework knitter, h Hillside Ave (H) Arnold John, glove mfr, h Central Ave (N U F) Atkinson Delacy, messenger, Eaton's Express, h West (H) Averill Chas F, emp and b E Tnttle's

Steam Printer

Henry, farmer, h Greendale Ave Blackwood Ira O, carpenter, h Maple Blake Patrick, emp Perry's farm, b C H Southerland's Blood David, brick mason, h Central Ave (H)

Richard H, farmer, Bond Bros, b J Mcintosh Bonsall Mrs James, h Dale (H) Boot James, framework knitter, h Hunnewell (H) Booth Thomas, framework knitter, h Booth off Central

Mary C, fancy goods &c, b A. P. Boyd's Bramwell Samuel, framework knitter, b James Lyues (H) Brennan John, machinist, h Central Ave (N U F) Brien John N, mason, h Warren BROCKWAY WILLARD H, sewing machine agent, h 7

(NUF) Caldwell Laura, h Greendale Ave (Dedham) Card John F, carpenter, b Chas Toone's (H) Carson Win H, carpenter and builder, b A P Hatch's

Jarvis P, florist, h Chestnut Cassidy James, lab, b Mrs Herring's Caulton Geo J, framework knitter, h Dale (H) Chamberlain Geo W, farmer, h off South (CRV) Chambers Geo H, hair-dresser, h Central Ave (NUF)

O H, treasurer, Acme pen and paper cutter Co, (Boston), h South Childs Harold C, principal Needham High School, h Linden Christian Charles, lab, h Hunnewell (H) CLARKE GEO KUHN, lawyer, h cor Central Ave and

Osmond, upholsterer (Boston), h Central Ave Crossman Chas L, emp Grossman's grain store, h cor Dedham Ave and Warren CROSSMAN HOWARD A, hay, grain &c, h Dedham Ave

Timothy, stone mason, h off Central Ave (NUF) Cullinane Timothy, emp W E Perry's, b Hotel Wellesley CUMMINGS MRS C B, prop " The Pines," h Highland

James E, lather, h Hunnewell (H) Dyson Beaumont, iron moulder, h Greendale Ave (H) Eagan Patrick, lab, h Central Ave cor Nehoiden Eastwood Wm P, framework knitter, poultry, h Highland

John T. carpenter, h S G Low's Eldridare Harrison, lather, h Pickering Emerson Henry H, clerk, h May ENDRES GEO F, decorative paper hanger, h Grant Evans Chas, framework knitter, h cor Hillside Ave and Union (H)

Chas Jr, knitter, h cor Hillside Ave and Union (H) Fallon John B, leather dealer (Boston), h Grove (W) Fanning Fred H, painter, b P Fanning's

Philip, farmer, h Webster Farnham Mrs L A, dressmaker, 1) J F Edward's Fay John Q A, lab, h Webster (NUF) Fernald Geo W, hardware mfr (Boston), h Kimball Fisher Galen, teamster, h cor Webster and Central Ave (II) Fitzgerald John H, blacksmith, h Nehoiden

Ave and Chestnut Fox Wallace, framework knitter, h Hillside Ave (H) Freeman, Mrs E, boarding house, h Hunnewell (II) James, emp Moseley & Co, b Mrs Freeman's Mrs Margaret, h Hunnewell (H) Samuel, framework knitter, h Pine Grove (H) Wm, framework knitter, b Mrs S A Wilgoose's Wm C, electrician, h Chestnut

Herbert L, clerk, Whetton's store, h West (H) T Otis, book-keeper (Boston) h Great Plain Ave Gamble James farm hand, b J YV Smith's Gardner Andrew G, carpenter and builder, h May Chas A, " The Pines," h Highland Ave Jerome B, clothing cutter (Boston), h cor Greendale Ave and Webster (H) Gates Winthrop A, tree and shrub agent, poultry &c, h

Patrick, emp HE Leland, h Maple Gay Geo H, farmer, h Great Plain Ave Gehling J Frederick, emp and b J F Mills Geoghesran Thos, lab, h Brookside Road

Rev Wm B, retired clergyman, h Highland Ave Greenough A H, emp M Wr Quinlan's, h Great Plain Ave GREENWOOD CHAS C, insurance agent, h Nehoiden

Simeon, b E Grover 's, Maple Guyett Mrs Joseph, h Central Ave (N U F) Hackett Geo, manager Hotel Wellesley, b same HAHN A L, upholsterer, h in Newton HALL CHAS S, woolen goods mfr, h Hunnewell (H)

Herring Mrs Eunice, boarding house, h Keith Place Hevvett Walter, clothing cutter, h Central Ave (H) Hickley Frank, framework knitter, h Webster (H) Hicks C Atherton, civil engineer, h Dedham Ave

Wm E, farmer and dealer in wood, h Central Ave (N UF) Hutchins Geo, framework knitter, h Hunnewell (H) Hutchinson Solomon W, paper maker, h South (C R V) Ingalls Miss Catherine, dressmaker, h Chestnut

Pickering LADD LEVI, clothes wringer mfr, h cor Chestnut and South Lafay Charles, coachman, b J B Fallon's Lane Wm, emp C & C Mcintosh, b Curtis Mcintosh' LANGDALE JOSEPH, glove mfr, h Dale (H) Larkin Theodore H, emp J W Brown's, b same Laselle Mrs A E, dressmaker, b C A Lord's Latham Arthur, painter, b Wm Mitchell's

Ellen A, dressmaker, h off Central Ave (NUFi Mrs Jeremiah, h off Central Ave (N U F) Lawrence, book agent, h off Central Ave (N U F) Maggie C, music teacher, h off Central Ave (N U F) Patrick, carpenter, h Charles River (C R V)

Plain Ave Maguire Thomas F, dry goods (Boston), h Grove (W) Maloney Timothy T, traveling salesman, h Great Plain Ave MANN DANIEL F, house painter, h cor Dedham Ave and

Grant Mannix Michael, fireman NY&NEE R, h Maple MANSFIELD DP H T, physician and surgeon, h Highland Ave Robert, land surveyor, h Greendale Ave (H) Marriott George, glove and mitten mfr, h Central Ave (H) Martin Edward, framework knitter, h Central Ave (H)

Joseph, framework knitter, h cor Rosemary and Highland Ave (H) Marshall Eiias, farmer, h Great Plain Ave Mathey Alcide E, engraver, h Pickering

Marshall, emp and b FE Steadman's Munroe J Francis, inspector (Boston), h Webster (H) Munson Myron A, conductor N Y & N E R R, h cor Great Plain Ave and Marked Tree Road

Jeremiah Jr, machinist, b J Murphy's Murray David, framework knitter, h West (H) Nash Franklin, manufacturer, h Warren Neagle Patrick, lab, h Central Ave (N U F) Newbury John, farmer, h cor Greendale Ave and Hardy Newcomb Joseph, framework knitter, h Rosemary (H) NeAvell Denzil M, farmer, h Brookside Road

Thomas, emp paper mill, h South (CRV) Packer Herbert, emp C & C Mcintosh, b Chas Mcintosh's Page Thomas W, auctioneer, real estate agent and carriage

Richard, machinist, h South (CRV) Pruden Charles, emp Walter Bowers, b same Pulsifer Samuel, farmer, h cor Rosemary and Webster Purcill Patrick, lab, h Central Ave (N U F) PUTNAM MRS STEPHEN, prop Dr Clarke's Bitters, h

Michael H, lab, h Greendale Ave Michael J, tinsmith, h off Meadow Thomas F, lab, h Greendale Ave (H) Thomas J, farmer, h off Meadow Rankin John W, h Greendale Ave (H) Reed Benjamin, emp and 1) TT V Ingolls Remmele Bertrand, shoemaker, Remmele Bros, h Great Plain Ave near Central Ave Mrs Clnrabel A, dressmaker, h Great Plain Ave near Central Ave Ave]

Mrs Frank, dressmaker, h Central Ave (X U F) Richards Charles E, machinist, h Central Ave (N U F) D W, merchant (N Y), h May John E, nursery man ami florist, h Chestnut Richardson Geo Y, sash and blind nil'r (Boston), h Dedham Ave James, carpenter, h Chestnut James II, plasterer, h Chestnut Samuel C, farmer, h Rosemary Rielly Patrick, lab, h Central Ave (II) Riggs Daniel, emp Walkup's vinegar factory, h Chestnut

Lewis J, clerk Sutton's market, h cor Great Plain Ave and Pickering Riley Luke, mason, b M J Quinlan's RILEY P E, cigar mfr, h Chestnut ROBBINS ERNEST F, machinist, h off Chestnut Roberts John L, farmer, h Brookside Road Robinson Robert A. clothing cutter (Boston), h Chestnut ROCK JOSEPH, carriages7, horses &c, h Great Plain Ave Rodgers Charles, emp and b B Durgin's

Henry D, book-keeper, h Marshall Rodrick Solomon, lab, h Central Ave (N U F) Rollins Geo H, farmer, h Nehoiden Rooney James, emp G C Mcintosh, b same Roper John, framework knitter, h Pine Grove (H)

Thomas J farmer and wheelwright, h off Webster Sargent Walter A, wax threader, h Highland Ave (H) Schmidt Philip, farmer, h cor Meadow and Bird Scott Walter, painter, b Mrs E Herring's Seotton Mrs Kate, h Greendale Ave (H)

Wm, sash and blind mfr (Boston) h Hunnewell (II) Searcy Levi, framework-knitter, h Hunnewell (H) Shaw Mrs Charles, h Central Ave Sheerar Benjamin, carpenter and builder, h Grant Shine James, farmer, h Central Ave (II) Slack Mrs Annie, h Dale (II)

Geo J, framework-knitter, h Hunnewell (II) Southerland Clarence H, emp Perry's farm, h Hardy Southworth Geo W, publisher and printer, h May Stanton Richard, farmer, h Central Ave (C R V)

T D, parlor-car conductor, h Central Stiles Charles S, insurance clerk (Boston), h Webster Stone William, framework-knitter, h Hillside Ave (H) Stowell Mrs Sylvester, h cor Hunnewell and West (H) Sullivan Daniel, machinist, b Wm Sullivan's

Win, Jr, machinist, b Wm Sullivan's Summers Thomas, laborer, h Rosemary Sutton Charles, farmer, h South, near Dedham Ave SUTTON FREDERICK D, carpenter and builder, h South

Samuel, farmer, h South, near Dedham Ave SUTTON THOMAS, provisions, h Warren Tabb Robert H, emp and b J A Mongovan's Taylor Amos, framework-knitter, h Hunnewell (H)

Joseph, framework-knitter, b Frank Slaney's (H) Thorpe Charles, framework-knitter and tax collector, h Hillside Ave (II) Elijah, b Jarvis Thorpe's (H) Jarvis, weaver, h Central Ave (H) THORPE JOHN, mfr silk mittens, &c, h West (H) Joseph B, silk hosiery mfr, h High (H) Thomas, poulterer and framework-knitter, h West (H) Tilton John A, carpenter, h Fisher (C R V) TISDALE FRED C, auctioneer, real estate and insurance agent, (Geo W Tisdale & Son) h Webster TISDALEnGEO W, auctioneer, real estate and insurance agent, (Geo W Tisdale & Son) h Webster G Willie, salesman, b Geo W Tisdale' s Titus Mrs A S, h Webster (H)

George, baggage master, NY&NEKK, h Parish (H) Upham Orville J, market gardener, h Nehoiden Urban Frederick A, machinist, h cor Central Ave and West Wagstaff Archibald, emp Newton, b J Wagstaff's (C R V)

Mrs S A, h Central Ave Wills George, plumber, (Boston) h Webster Wilson Samuel, framework-knitter, h Central Ave Windram Harold W, stock broker, (Boston) h Central Ave

Samuel, machinist, h Hunnewell (H) Woodworth Titus G, emp Bond Bros, bAH Greenough's Wragg Geo, h West (H) WRAGG GEO E, bakery and variety store, h Lincoln

Aves YOUNG OTIS J, provisions, h cor Great Plain and Central Aves Zirngiebel Augustus, florist, b D Zirn^iebel's ZIRNGIEBEL DENYS, florist, h South

Board Of Engineers

The Publishers desire to express their thanks to J. W. Lewis & Co., of Philadelphia, for permission to use their history of Norfolk County, also to C. C. Greenwood, Esq., and George K. Clarke, Esq., for their valuable assistance in preparing this historical sketch of Needham, and to all other citizens of Needham for the courtesy extended to them in their labor of canvassing, and for the patronage received for the work.

Also Stamping For Needlework And Painting

Hair Goods at panic prices. Kid Gloves cleansed at short notice. Hair work of every description, including Hair Jewelry, in solid Gold Mounting, made to order. Combings of Hair carefully headed and made up into hair work. .Dominoes and hair work to let. Wig work one of our specialties. Hair work that has become faded, dyed. White bair that has changed color or faded to a yellow, restored to

Powers & Lamb Post Office Block, - - Highlandville

Having graduated from Professor Clarke's School for Embalming, will give special attention to preserving and embalming dead bodies. PERSONAL" ATTENTION GIVEN IN ALL CASES. Residence, Cottage Street, - - - Wellesley, Mass.

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A tea cup full of Puritene will do more work and be more lasting, if used according to directions, than any 25 cents' worth of soap. It contains no adulterations. It is made from pure and clean materials, and is perfectly harmless to the cloths. It will not injure the skin, but improve it. Remember Puritene will not injure the finest fabric. Never make the hands sore.

Don'T Be A Dounderfunk

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Needham Directory

DRESSMAKERS. Carter Mrs Belle, Central Ave Coulter Mrs C A, Garden Farnham Mrs L A, Pickering Flewelling Ella A, Chestnut Ingalls Catherine, Chestnut Lasselle Mrs A M, Garden Leary Ellen A, off Central Ave (N U F) Livingston Miss E II, cor Great Plain and Dedham Aves Osborne Mrs Elizabeth, Webster (H) Reramele Mrs Clarabel A, Great Plain Ave, near Central Remmele Mrs Lottie A, Great Plain Ave

Nurse

CLEWS FRED G, cor Hillside Ave and Hunnewell See page 88 KINGSBURY II A (carnage), Nehoiden See page 107 MANN" DANIEL F, cor Dedham Ave and Grant See page 109

Library Of Congress

Stationery and Fancy Articles. Perfumery, Sponges Brushes, etc. Full line of Patent Med vines at Lowest Prices. Particular attention paid to Prescriptions.

Hats And Caps

GLOVES in every variety, from a ten cent Cotton to a $ro Fur. HOSIERY to please the most fastidious. UNDERWEAR from 25 cents to $4 each. C\ -rails, Jumpers, Cardigans, T,"nks, Umbrellas, Canes, Rubber and Oil Clothing, Robes and Blankets. A^-nt for one of the best Steam Laundries in the State.

Source changes here: from History of Needham, Massachusetts, 1711-1911;, by Clarke, George Kuhn, published 1912; 172,668 words in this source stream.

Needham Town

On May 28, 171 1, a committee of the town of Dedham had reported in favor of the incorporation of the north part of the town, but designated a boundary line quite different from that desired by the petitioners for the new town, and later obtained by them. The report recommended that "a. streight Line be run and Stated from Charls riuer at a place called the Landing place below Enfign KindricKs houfe to Charls riuer towards the South weft so as to comprehend and take in the houfe and houfe lot of John Smith Sen''", This line ran from Kendricks Bridge southwesterly, and north of Bird's Hill, crossing Great Plain Avenue near Augustus Eaton's, thence crossing Webster, High Rock and South Streets to the Charles near the residence (1908) of Ezra Fuller. The report also contained a proposition as to the Province tax. The petitioners objected to the narrow limits proposed by Dedham, and addressed a petition to Governor Dudley, the Council and House, dated June 7, 171 1. They "Enform this H°noured Court" that notwithstanding the recommendation made to Dedham by the General Court the petitioners had had to pay the minister themselves. "Never y" Lefs procurd y Revl''^ m'"Hale to preach with us This winter Seafon till Now & have paid him to satiffaction for his service". "That y^ Land peti- tioned for to be A Township, was purchafed by y® Town of Dedham of One W- Nehoiden Indian in y^ year 1680 as of Record will apear to This Hon^ Court. And: Therefore we hope will not be Aledg'd as any Intrenchm* opon y^ Towns former grant." Most of the lands "are already Laid out into Diftinctt propriys" and will be more valuable after the incorporation. The petitioners pray "that we may be Either freed as A Townlhip, or have Conveniant Scooling & preaching Maintain^ Among us at y® Gen^'^ Charg of y^ whol Town

There are various papers, and certified copies of town records introduced to prove the Nehoiden transaction. On February 8, 1711/12, Needham appointed Jonathan Gay and Joseph Daniell to treat with Dedham as to the boundary, and on March 10 the mother town chose three men to appeal to the General Court to change the line In favor of Dedham, and the same day Needham selected Jeremiah Woodcock, Joseph Daniell and John Smith, Jr., to maintain that "the Longe Diche, a straite Line from Riuer to Riuer" should be the line. "Sargeant" John Fisher and Robert Cook were added to the committee and directed to answer the Dedham men before the General Court. On April 7 the same citizens, with the exception of Ebenezer Ware in place of Daniell, were chosen "to Come to a Loveng a Greement" with Dedham. The General Court ended the controversy by deciding in favor of the existing line.

The History Of Needham 75

"Ordered that a comm*^^ of both Houfes be appointed to go upon the Place to confider of a Line of divifion between the faid Towns, Having great Refpect to the ancient Town of Dedham, to hear both Sides & to Endeavour to bring them to an Agreem* between felves; Otherwife to propofe what they judge most agreable for the Benefit of both Towns, & Make Report to this Court at their next Sefsion, And Penn Townsend & Ephraim Hunt Esq'.^ are appointed of the Committee for this Affair, The faid Comm'^^ alfo to confider & determine any difference that may be amongfi: the Inhabitants of Needham referring to the Place for Setting up their Meeting Houfe". State Archives, Vol. 113, pp. 620-629.

Early Records Of The Town Of Needham

The pettitions of the Inhabatance of y® North Side of Charles River in y® year 170 8/9 we made our adreses to the towne of Dedham for Libeity thatt we might attaing the gofpel amongstt our Selfes. . . March 10 in 1710 we made our Requistt to the town of Dedham againe for the Same Libeity May 15 1710 we made our adressis to the towne of Dedham a gaine for the fore menflioned priveliges. . . March 8 170 7/8 a petition was put to the town of Dedham for a lought forty ore fifty Acors of Land for the minestrey one the North side of Charls Rever wher apone the towne & proprietors Choas Sar-Eleazer Kingsbery John Gay & Thomas Ockinton a Commit for to make lands & SItt oight Said Land and make ther Return there of to be Recorded the Said Comity haue Laid out one the north Sid of Charles River - 40 and Six Acors of Land in one parcill and 13 Acors in another which aCordingly is Recorrded in the book of Dedham ReCor*^^ aS foloweth Dedham March the 19 1710 11 Att a meeting of the proprietours of this town Itt was this Day proposed to the proprietours to graint to the pititioners on the north part of this town two parCells of Land for pulVie (?) for the miniftre one for a houfe Lot and another for a wood Lott the first parcell abbutteth north upon Rosemary meadow & east and upon a way Coming from s'^ medow towards the Weft and South and upon Rofemary meadow brook in part Eaftt The other parcell is one the Eaft Side of a hill abutting upon the way leading to Rosemary medow and Robart fFullers towards the north Containing abought 20 aCers. The proprieators in Anfwer to the petitioners do Sitt pittitioned for Shall be grainted to the pititioners to them and their heyers for Euer for the minef - from on generation to another for euer and nott to be Sold nor alien from the mineftre for euer but to Remaine for the publick ufe for the minestre one the north Side of Charles Riuer This is atrue copiy takin outt of the townes book of Dedham ReCords given by the Clark of Said town

On the third page is an attempt at a copy of the first part of the petition for the incorporation of the town. This petition was printed in full, with modern spelling and with some slight changes, as an appendix to Mr. Palmer's Century Sermon of 181 1.

Needham In England

From Lewis's Topographical Dictionary, in four volumes, 183 1, it appears that Needham Market is in the County of Suffolk in the Parish of Barking, Hundred of Bosmere and Claydon, nine miles northwest of Ipswich. Population 1300 in 183 1, 1393 in 1880. There is also in England another Needham, a parish in the Hundred of Earsham, Norfolk, one and one fourth miles southwest from Harleston. Population 351 in 183 1. It is in the southern part of the County of Norfolk near the County of Suffolk. Dedham is in the northeast corner of the County of Essex, and but a short distance from the boundary between that County and Suffolk. Population 1651 in 183 1. Suffolk is south of Norfolk, and Essex is south of Suffolk.

Some of the roads in Needham were laid out prior to 171 1, and others appear to have never been formally designated, but were early paths or trails. It is known that there were such paths through this region in the time of the Apostle Eliot, but he is said to have travelled on the Dover side of the river in his journeys from Roxbury to his Indian congregation at Natick. In the records of Dedham are original descriptions of roads now In Needham, and the following is a summary of those pages, with some paragraphs quoted verbatim: In 1687 a cart road was laid out on the north side of the Charles River to the "school ground," and also a leading way to its northern portion. In 171 8 this "school ground" belonged in part to Thomas Aldridge's estate, and in 1765 to the heirs of his daughter. Widow Mary Lyon, and for them John Jones made a plan of the land, which extended from Green Street, as it is now called, to Solomon Fuller's Brook, and also included three acres on the easterly and southerly corners of South Street and Dedham Avenue. The total area belonging to the heirs of Mrs. Lyon was thirty-two acres, according to Mr. Jones's neatly drawn plan.

In 1694 a way was laid out over Rosemary Meadow Brook, and in 1698-9 John Fuller, Nathaniel Gay and John Smith laid out a road from the town, Dedham, to the Lower Falls, possibly not the falls now known by that name.

In 1701 that part of Great Plain Avenue formerly known as Causeway Street was laid out as a road, and also a road was laid out from the Great Plain road to the residence of

The History Of Needham 79

John Smith. A few years later Smith lived on High Rock Street, on the farm since owned by Joseph Richards, and If he lived there in 1701 the road then laid out was presumably a part of Webster and High Rock Streets. On the map of the town made In 1771 South Street does not extend east of Webster Street. In 1700 or 1701 Eleazer KIngsbery, John Smith and John Rice laid out a way from the "Great Plalne" toward Maugus Hill. On March 24, 1703, "John Smith & John Rice are chosen a Commity to lay out a highway from great Plalne to Birch plaine to the southeast corner of Joseph Hawes lot and strait up by his house to Strlffe medow Brook at the Common weading place". The return was made February 18, 1703/4; this road was apparently a part of Great Plain Avenue. On March 4, 1705/6, Smith and Rice were appointed to satisfy Joseph Daniell, through whose land a road had been laid out, with a piece of the common land adjoining his.

On December 25, 1706, the selectmen appointed John Fuller, Sr., and John Smith, Sr., "a Commity to lay out a highway from the house of James KIngsbery to the house of Robert Cook and from thence to Charles River". "John Smith fen & Thomas Metcalfe being Deputed to lay out a h way make return of their laying out faid way from the way leading to the houfe of Josiah KIngsbery by the houfe of Robert ffuller as the fence now ftandeth untlU It is paft the land of faid Robert ffuller & from thence it Is bounded by marked trees untlU It Come to the road leading from the Jofeph Haws to ftrife medow Brook & from thence to the Medow of faid Jofiah KIngsbery"; March 8, 1707/8. The latter road was from Forest Street, passing by the ancient Fuller house, and over the hill, joining Great Plain Avenue some distance east of Brook Street.-^

^ The descriptions of these old roads are not clear, and Mr. James Mackintosh may be correct in saying that there never was a town road from the Robert Fuller house to Hawes Field, or connecting with the Great Plain road. If he is right, then the road that ran from Wellesley Avenue to Great Plain Avenue, through Hawes Field, was the one referred to.

In 171 1 the selectmen of Dedham appointed Daniel Fisher and Andrew Dewing, Sr., "to lay out a high way from Sherburn Road to the farm of Jonathan Gay which he bought of the town of Dedham". They laid it out two rods wide, and it must have been a road from Washington Street, possibly Pond and Oak Streets. The Turnpike was not built till 1808. The farm of Jonathan Gay was the "School Farm" of three hundred acres, which the town of Dedham sold to Mr. Gay for £50 by deed dated January i, 1 699/ 1 700; it may be roughly described as extending from Morse's Pond to the Weston line, and until the latter part of the last century was owned almost entire by the Stevens family, who still (1900) possess a considerable portion of it.

John Pain and John Rice were a committee "to Lay ought away from Thomas ffuUer dayre House to the great playn road by order of the Select men." On June 2, 1713, the report was made as to the laying out of the said road, "by Matthias Ockintons houfe this way is Laid oute upon the Land of Benjeman gay a rod and on half" (illegible), and was recorded on the first page of the Needham town records. The town accepted, on February 23, 171 5, the report of Jeremiah Woodcock and Timothy Kingsbery, who on March 17, 1714, had made an alteration in the "Road Runing before the houfe of matthew Tambling".

On June 22, 1714, the selectmen appointed John Parker, Sr., and John Smith, Jr., to view the premises, and to report as to a highway through land of Thomas Fuller, and by the house of Joseph Haws, in order to enable Josiah Kingsbery to get to his meadow. They reported the 24th, and began the proposed road near a bridge over Strife Meadow Brook, but Mr. Fuller objected, and July 3, the selectmen changed the proposed location, starting this time "from y^ west end of y^ Cancy leading ouer birch meeadow in at a paye of draw Bars unto fuller's field and so marked trees not uery far from y^ side of burch meadow and so through a track of wood land to Josiah Kingsberys meadow and by y** sid of s^ meadow seuerl Rods (upon fuller's land) and so acros ouer a place of meadow to Jame Kingsbery's meadow". This road ran from Forest Street, near the Country Club, over the hill in a southwesterly direction, and joined Great Plain Avenue east of Brook Street, and not far from the junction of the avenue and another old road, which also ran from Forest Street.

On November 9, 1714, Sergeants Metcalf and Fuller with Eleazer Kingsbery were appointed to lay out a "Roade from Needham meetting houfe to the new bridg by y^ houfe of Leu*° Cook", and on the i6th the town accepted a road from the road leading from Robert Fuller's to the meeting house "unto Rosemary medour brook and so offer y" brook and offer Rosemary brook neck unto fox medow as it is marked and so to Henery alldings & by his houfe offer the brook unto Le*° Cooks Land". This is now Central Avenue, from the junction with Forest Street to the Upper Falls.

At a town meeting October 11, 1715, a petition was presented for a road through the house-lot of Henry Alden, the road to be "turned nearer the houfe of William Mills fo as to help the Sd mills with away to his hous & not go throw y^ hous lot & orchar'* of Henery Allding this petition was Grainted". The selectmen laid it out through the land of William Mills, William "Eattin", Henry Alden, Joseph Mills and Lieut. Cook "to the houfe Lot of william mills & would have Layed out this Road into the Road Layed out to the bridg but Leu*" Cook forbad us & we Stopt". This was the old road through Hahaton Field to the Upper Falls. ^ On January 4, 1716, in answer to a petition "to have the way layed out upon the Land of Leut Cook to the new bridg", Joseph Boyding, Joseph Mills, Joseph Barbure, James Kingsbery and Ebenezer Ware were appointed a committee, and reported January 4, "begining where you Left of". This was the completion of Central Avenue at the Upper Falls. January 19, 1716, Thomas Metcalf and Josiah Newell were named a committee to lay out a road "from Joseph barbars bares to the way Leading to poles Ifland". Their work was not satisfactory, and two of the selectmen later performed the duty. On May 14, 1716, the town voted to "have the Laft way that was Layed out by the Houfe of william mills to be the way from the meeting Houfe to the bridg by Le^* Cooks houfe".

On October i, 1716, John Smith, Sr., John Rice and Timothy Kingsbery, selectmen, on petition for a road "to y® River by Ens Kindrecks" laid one out "begining upon the Land of Thomas aldridg and fo to the Land & Meadow of Joseph Barbur to the River where the Bridg is to be Raised". On February 3, 171 8, the selectmen on petition of Josiah Kingsbery appointed Lieut. Cook and Ebenezer Ware "to have a hyway Layed out from his houfe to the Road goin to Dedham by Ebenezer Mills Houfe". They reported February 8, favoring a road "a long on the Lower Sid of Rosmary medow Damm & So a long too & offer Rosmare medow plain by william Eatons Houfe & So along one the East Corner of Lieu Cook land to the Road". On February 3, 1718, John Smith, John Rice and James Kingsbery were appointed to lay out a road "from the great playn Road over a Crost the Hill to the Hyway going from the damm to y« meeting Houfe". They reported on the 14th.

On January 29, 1720, there was a petition of Samuel Wilson and Thomas Fuller, Jr., for a road "from Charles River throgh the land of fald willson and the Said fullers and Jonathan parkers land by the house of the tha^ said parker till it corns to the top of the hill by the plain"; report made on January 30. Jonathan Parker and Jeremiah Woodcock as a committee laid out this road, which was from the Hanks Place, where Wilson then lived, to Central Avenue, viz., Charles River Street.

The History Of Needham 83

In March, 1719/20, in answer to a petition of Jonathan Smith for a highway from his house to the highway near Christopher Smith's house, the selectmen appointed the petitioner and Joseph Hawes to lay out a road and report. On January 23, 1720/1, there was a petition for a road "from y« Road going throw y^ Chefnut trees; to y^ dwelling houfe of Chriftph. Smith"; the report on this was made the 24th by Joseph Haws, Josiah Kingsbery, Christopher Smith and Nathaniel Bullard. Apparently Mr. Smith lived on the Reuel Ware place, and the road laid out included a small section of Great Plain Avenue and a portion of Brook Street. On February 13, 1720/1, on George Robinson's petition, John Smith, Sr., Eleazer Kingsbery and Hezekiah Broad were appointed "to vew and Lay out Sd way from the land of Sd Gorge Robinfon to y^ Country Road"; they reported on the 14th; apparently Robinson lived near where Newton, Weston and Wellesley join.

On February 21, 1720/1, there was a report of Ephraim Ware, Thomas Metcalf and Robert Fuller, a committee, "to vew and Lay out a road from y^ Road pafing by y® houfe of Ephraim ware" "we have Laid it out untill it Coms unto y^ North west Corner of michells metCalfs medow & by the weft End of Sd metCalf medows throw Jofiah Kingsbery Land" "a littell pond on y® Eaft Side" "over a brook to Sd ifullers Houfe frame Eaft and upon Sd ffullers Land in part and part in y® Land of y* Hirf of Joseph Danell" "& So into y^ Road y* leads from y® meetting houfe to Robert ffuller Dewelling Houfe"; this is Brookside Road and a part of Wellesley Avenue. Probably Ephraim Ware then lived in the old house south of Longfellow's Pond. Within twenty-five years this ancient homestead of the Wares showed its age to the passer by, and Miss Emma F. Ware of Milton had one photograph taken of it, which photograph cannot now be found, nor can the negative. This estate is owned by Mr. Sheridan, who has made extensive additions to the house. Formerly the main roof sloped to

June 21, 1721, "In perSuance of an order from the Select Men we have Layed out y^ hy way two Rods wide begining near the Dwelling Houfe of John Smith Sen and from thence by the hy Rock as the way is drawn till it meets with the way that Leads from Dewings throw y Great playn

On September 21, 1721, Captain Cook, John Smith, John Rice and Josiah Kingsbery were chosen to arrange with Henry Pratt and William Chub as to some land wanted by the Town of Weston for a highway. On October 12, 1722, the selectmen appointed Josiah Kingsbery, John Smith and Ephraim Ware, Sr., "to Vew and Mark out Rode from Rose mery meedow dam to the Houfe of Henry Alldens"; this they did on the 17th, and also laid out a road from Alden's to Ephraim Ware's.

The following January, in answer to a petition of Josiah Newell, Samuel Smith and Aaron Smith, the selectmen appointed Dea. Timothy Kingsbery, Deacon Woodcock and Lieut. Thomas Fuller to report on a way "from Jofiah Newells houfe to the Meeting houfe"; part of Central Avenue. Their report on the 24th was favorable. On June 6, 1726, Ensign Thomas Fuller and Josiah Newell were chosen "to View & lay out" a highway from near Capt. John Fisher's to the meeting house. They reported September 12, stating that Joseph Mills, who was to be notified, had been present. This road "begining att y^ East Corner of John Fishers fild and so as y« Old Rode" was accepted by the selectmen March 16, 1726/7, "Exfepting throw Joseph Millef Lot".

The History Of Needham 85

plain and so through the Greate-plain unto James Kingsberys Dweling houfe"; the selectmen and Joslah Kingsbery were to "Macke the Bounds", and reported on the 22d,

On March 27, 1729, "In anfwer to a Request of Decon Timothy Kingsbery It was put to the Town whether thay would disalow and alter the Road that goeth through His the sd Decon Timothy Kingsberys Land that he has Latly purchased of Hezekiah Fuller of Dedham and Through the Land of Thomas Fuller of Dedham aforefd and take up with and Accept of a Road from the Brook by William Ockintons House as it is Now Drawn and mark' Two Rods Wide unto the house of Decon Timothy Kingsbery and so along untill it Comes unto the old orignall Great plain Road ". Thomas Fuller was to have his timber and wood that were on the said land. On March 22, 1736, John Rice, Captain Cook, Jonathan Smith, Josiah Kingsbery and Ensign Nathaniel Bullard were appointed to view a road from Ensign Thomas Fuller's and Joseph Hawes's; on May 17th the town made a slight change in the lines as run by the committee. Ensign Fuller lived on Great Plain Avenue in the Fuller-Mills house, which is probably the oldest house in Needham, as it was built as early as 1708.

At the annual meeting 1737/8 the town accepted "of the Road or Hyway from Wefton Line Leading into the Road Leading to Jeremiah Gays Land or Dwelling Houfe", but the clerk noted that this was not to be recorded till after the adjourned meeting on the 28th. This road was laid out by Selectmen Fisher, Smith and Josiah Kingsbery, and may have been the westerly part of Blossom Street, which in 1771 did not extend to the Weston line, but turned westerly at Parker's and ran to Stevens's house in Parker Plain.

On page 73 of Vol. II. of the town records is a description of a road laid out by Selectmen Robert Fuller, Woodward and Amos Fuller, and accepted by the town. On April 3, 1738/9, the town accepted a road laid out by former selectmen in answer to a petition of "Sundry of the Inhabitance of the Towns from Natick Line to Sherborn Road with a llttil alteration throw the Land of Lef Thomas Metcalf and the Church Land belonging to Dedham".

On February 19, 1738/9, a petition of John Goodanow, John Underwood, Timothy Bacon, Edward Ward, Thomas Frost and Josiah Broad, all residents of "The Leg", was presented, and it stated the need of a road from "Natick Line to Sherburn high Way" as they had "no way to Mill or Market".^ This was an old way, and the town granted the petition, but a year later reconsidered, as the petitioners would not give some necessary land. On May 19, 1740, the town voted to discontinue this road, but on July 7 appointed Ensign Robert Fuller and Peter Edes to ascertain the amount of damage that Hezekiah Broad and others would suffer if the road was laid out; July I, 1741, the town refused to allow Mr. Broad £2, i6s. for his going to Court about this road, but May 16, 1743, the selectmen granted to Robert Fuller £1 "for his paying it to a Lawyer in the Cafe of the wefterly Inhabitants petition to have a jury to Lay them out a Road Leading into Shearbourn Road fo Called in the year 1742 in april".

On March 11, 1739/40, the town accepted "a new Drawn Road in Lieu & stead of the old one Between the houfes of Aaron Smith & Timothy Kingsberry Juni", (South Street), and confirmed "a Road or High way Leading from the houfe of John alden as it is now Drawn to y^ brook Called ox meadow Brook at the Lower end of James Kingsberrys meadow in the Room and Stead of the Road Leading from Said Brook towards the Lower falls till it Comes to the Crofs Road that Leads to the meeting Houfe". The same day Captain Cook, Ensign Robert Fuller and James Kingsbery were chosen "to treat with the felect men of Newton with Respect to Laying out a Road or High way to the Cart Bridge

* On pages 80 and 81 of Vol. II. of the town records is a description of this road, dated February 16, 1738/9, and signed by John Fisher and Jonathan Smith, two of the selectmen.

The History Of Needham 87

over Charles River". On March 14, 1747/8, the town accepted the road as laid out "from D^ Jofiah Newel His Dwelling Houfe to the Cart Bridge ouer Charles River Near his houfe", but no land damages were to be paid. The same day a way "from the Dwelling Houfe of Cap** John Fifher to the Cart Bridge over the Charles Charles River Near faid Fifhers houfe" was also accepted. This way was the southern portion of Central Avenue.

On March 30, 1750, the selectmen appointed Amos Fuller, Nathaniel Man and John Pain to lay out a highway "from M^ William Mills's to a Highway Lay*! out from Dedham to Poles Ifland alfo from S"? Mills's to the Highway leading through great Plain, alfo to the Highway by John Pain's"; perhaps a part of Greendale Avenue, which with Broad Meadow Road formed the "through" public way. In 1 77 1 there was a road running northerly from Great Plain Avenue to Joseph Colburn's (Blackman's), but it ended there. On March 9, 1752, the town accepted from Hezekiah Broad a gift of the land used for a road near Isaac Mills's. Two years later a road from William Mills, Jr's., house lot to the road leading by Jeremiah Eaton's house was accepted by the town, provided there were no land damages. John Alden and Josiah Eaton, "the Selectmens Committy", had reported October 11, 1753, as to this road. Messrs. Mills and Eaton lived between Webster Street and the river, and presumably this was the old road laid out In 1715 and discontinued in 1896. The same day that this road was accepted, March 11, 1754, the town voted to discontinue "the Road Leading from the Road by mr Caleb Kingsbery's a Croft Cheftnut Hill to the Road Leading by ml Jofeph Hawes's to m£ Chriftopher Smiths from Being an Open Road and allow It only to be a Leading Road Provided they have Gates to go through in Said Road". Mr. Kingsbery lived where the Wellesley Country Club is; Mr. Hawes on the hill north of Edward G. Fuller's, and Mr. Smith probably on Brook Street.

On March lo, 1755, the town accepted a road "Leading from the Road nere Strife meadow Bridg to y® Road Leading from Chriftopher Smith to David Smiths" provided it was as good as the old road, and cost the town nothing. Jonathan Deming, Jonathan Smith and Ephraim Bullard were appointed to view this new road, which apparently was the modern Brook Street. The same day the town voted to discontinue "y° Road Leading from the Road that Leads through y" Cheftnut Trees By Cap5 Caleb Kingsberys houfe to the Road that Leads from m^ Ephraim Wars to Jeremiah Woodcocks from being an open Road and allow it to be a Leading Road for three years Provided they have Gats to go through in Said Road". This road seems to be identical with that part of Wellesley Avenue between the club house and Brookside Road.

On February 22, 1756, Samuel and Joseph Mackinticr, appointed by the selectmen, of which board Samuel was a member, reported that they had layed out a road "from the Houfe of m'' Henry Dewing Jun^ to the Road Leading from m^ Jonathan Gay to mi Thomas Gardners"; apparently Grove Street, which in 1771 ended at Bcnvenue Street, the latter road then ran southwesterly, turned to the west, and came out onto the Sherborn road (Washington Street) near Bullard's tavern. This change in an old road was accepted by the town at its annual meeting in 1756. On May 23, 1758, there was a report from David Smith, Jesse Kingsbery and Jonathan Huntting, who had been appointed by the town in March "to Vew the Road Near Robert Cunningham which Ifaac Mills Petitions to Fence up".

On March 12, 1759, the town voted to discontinue "the Road Leading from Ephraim Wars to the Meeting Houfe as far as Peter Edes Land lies upon Said Road for two years Provided Ephraim Ware Hangs two Gates Sutible", and also discontinued "the Road Leading by Cap*" Caleb Kingsberys Houfe to the Road that Leads from Ephraim Wars to the Meeting Houfe from being an Open Road and allow it

The History Of Needham 89

On February 23, 1761, three of the selectmen laid out a road two rods wide "From the Houfe of m"" Nathaniel Fifher to the Cart Bridge Leading over Charles River near De" Fifhers Houfe"; evidently Central Avenue south of Charles River Street. In May, 1762, the town dismissed the article in reference to a road in the west part of the town near the house of Alexander Campbell. Mr, Campbell seems to have been the only person who wanted it.

At the annual meeting in 1764 the ninth article was to see if the town would accept a road, one and one half rods wide, through " Cedar Swamp Plain ", and Aaron Smith, Jr., Josiah Woodward, Capt. Eleazer Kingsbery, Josiah Newell, Jr., and Lieut. Day were chosen to ascertain what the land damages would be. At the adjourned meeting, March 16, a road was accepted "Near the Houfe of Uriah Coller Ju= As it is now Used and Improved on the Eaft Side of y^ Said Coller's Fence in the Room of a Road within Said Coller's Fence", and in May the road laid out the year before "From the Brook on the Southerly Side of Cedar Swamp Plain: And Runing Northerly to Natick Line " was also accepted. It was the road referred to in the ninth article at the annual meeting. Cedar Swamp is in the west part of the modern Wellesley.

On May 22, 1766, the town accepted a road "as it is Laid out from Sherburn Road (So Called) To the Road that Leads by Enfs Lemuel Pratts houfe to Wefton": there to be no land damages. This road was on land of Josiah Upham, Jr., and on that of Henry Pratt, deceased, according to the report, under date of February 13, 1766, of a special committee consisting of Joseph Daniell, Caleb Kingsbery and Samuel Huntting. On March 14, 1768, the town accepted "a Leading Road as it is laid out: from the Houfe of Josiah Ware; through Samuel Mackintier's Land: To the Road that Leads by Said Samuel Mackintiers Houfe: Upon Conditions that the Said Samuel Mackintier has

Libberty to pafs and Repafs through the Land of the Said Josiah Ware to his Wood Land". Mr. Ware lived on Cartwright Street. The report of Ephraim Jackson, Ebenezer Huntting and Oliver Mills, who laid out this road, is dated March 13, 1768, and is recorded in full. At the same meeting the town accepted a road "over Rofemerry Meadow Damn" in place of one "below Rofemerry Meadow Damn", which latter road was discontinued. The report of the committee, Ephraim Jackson, Josiah Woodward and William Mackintaih, was dated March 4, and contained these words: "And in Cafe the Flume wants Repairing or New Building it is to be Done at the Expence or Charge of the Propriators of the above Said Meadow".

At the annual meeting in 1770 the town discontinued "the Road Leading from Sherburn Road; Towards Josiah Woodwards; as far as the Road is now Laid Out. Adjoining to the Land and fence of Samuel Daniel; and Accept of the Road that is now Laid out ; on the Land of ml Joseph Daniel in the Room and Stead of the old Road". The selectmer had appointed two of their number, Robert Fuller and Capt Caleb Kingsbery, to lay out this new road in company with Lemuel Pratt, and their report is dated March 9.

On March 15, 1771, the town accepted "a Road Leading from Ml Benjamin Mills'es Land as it is Marked Out: anc Now Travilled in on the Eafterly part of John Kittley's Land Untill it Comes to Great Plain Road: With Out Cofi and Charge to the Town And it paft in the Affirmative" The town also accepted a road "as it is Marked Out fron the Northwefterly Corner of Ml Joseph Colburn's Land On the Land of Lii Amos Fuller : Untill it Comes to the Roac that Leads to Pofes Island (So Colled) With Out Coft anc Charge to y® Town". The reports as to these two roadi are on page 23 of Vol. IL, and are dated March 6, I77i'

The History Of Needham 91

The town also accepted a leading way "as it is Marked Out through the Land of Ml Josiah Ware: To a wood Lot Belonging to the Heirs of Ml Samuel Mackintier DecS with out Co ft and Charge to y^ Town:" This was on Ridge Hill and a continuation of a road. The report, which is dated March 4, 1771, is on page 23 of Vol. H.

On March 16, 1772, Josiah Newell, Esq., Lieut. William Mackintafh and Samuel Daggett were a committee to see about a road which ran between Ensign Eliakim Cook's house and barn and ended at the Widow Judeth Mills's, but on May 28 the town refused to accept it. Early in 1773 the town paid Timothy Newell and Michael Metcalf fifteen shillings each for attending the Court of Sessions in Boston, and Mr. Shephard and John Jones, Esq., three shillings each for writing for the town, including an answer to the petition before the court as to a road in the west part.

On May 19, 1773, the town appointed Dea. John Fisher, Michael Metcalf and Lieut. Jonathan Day to treat with the owners of the land through which it was proposed to lay out a road, viz., from Natick line and Lieut. John Bacon's house, on what is now North Main Street in Natick, to the brook by Theodore Broad's mills and thence to Sherburn road. The committee reported at the next March meeting as directed.^

At the May meeting in 1773 the town dismissed article thirteen which was to see if they would open a road through the Chestnut Trees. At an adjourned meeting on March

23, 1775, the town accepted a road from Natick line near the house of Moses Fisk to the road "that Leads from the Neck of the Ponds to Bofton", but there was to be no expense to the town. The report of the laying out of this road by Selectmen Robert Fuller, Nathaniel Fisher and Ebenezer Fuller, is dated February 14, 1775, and is recorded. The road was one and one half rods wide, and ran through Moses Fisk's land to Isaac Underwood's and through Mr. Underwood's to the southeast corner of Joseph Drury's orchard.

On May 29 the town accepted a road "from John Kingsbery's Houfe as the Road is now Traveled in, Untill it comes to the Road leading by John Aldens Houfe to the Uper falls. As it is Laid Out Two Rods wide, through the Land of Josiah Eaton and Jeremiah Eaton, In Exchange for part of an Old way that was Laid Out from Dedham to the Lower falls: Viz That part of Said Old way that Goes through Jeremiah Eatons Land; Beginning at William Milleses Land Near Rofemerry Pond, and from thence Runing to the Road Leading from Josiah Eatons to John Aldens". At the meeting of March 23 Josiah Newell, Lieut. Day and Amos Fuller had been chosen to view this proposed road, and to report at the May meeting, which they did.

On February 24, 1778, the town accepted the report, dated the i6th, of Amos and Thomas Fuller, a committee appointed by the selectmen "to Lay out a way; Beginning at the Road by Nathaniel Ware's and so thrugh M"" William Millse's Land into the Road above Rofemerry Pond; And alfo from the Road by the North End of John Hall's Lot to Kindrecks Bridge (So Called) And make Return to the Subfcribers as Soon as may be". At the annual meeting the town took action, and named Josiah Eaton, Capt. William Smith and Henry Dewing to lay out the same proposed road; in their report to the May meeting they describe this road as "From the Corner of John Hall's Land as the way Is now Drawn and Travil'd Into KIndrick's Bridge (So Called), And alfo a New way as It Is laid Out Upon the Said Mllls'es Land Two Rods wide Adjoining to Nathaniel Ware's fence as it Is Mark'd Out; Viz Beginning Near Said Ware's Barn, And Runing from thence into the Road above Rofemerry Pond (So Called) The land Said Roads are laid Out Upon to be Given by Said Mills, in Exchange for that Part of an Old way formerly laid Out from Dedham to the Lower falls: Going thro Said Mllls'es Home Lot, Viz from the Land of Jeremiah Eaton, as far as the middle of a watering Place at Rofemerry Pond (So Called) Formerly Referved by Ebenezer Mills for a watering Place, As the Same is Specify'd in a Plan and Deed Given to Nathaniel Longley The Town Alfo Referving Liberty for Lieu* Robert Fuller his heirs and Afsigns (and Others Concern'd) to pafs and Repafs thro Gates and Barrs In Said Old way, as far as it Concerns them to Cart their wood and hay". The town accepted this road "Provided Said William Mills makes the New Road a Good and Pafsable Road". In the old times the "Rofemerry" meadows were flooded by reason of the sawmill dam on Wellesley Avenue, and the pond was much further north than the present Rosemary Pond, which was then insignificant, and has since been dugout.

In 1782 Isaac Mills was paid £2, 8s., "for Land of said Mills that a Road was laid Out upon, Between Said Millse's and y« Weft, Meeting Houfe".

On March 10, 1783, the town accepted a road laid out "Two Rods wide On the Southwefterly Side of John Tolman's House lot as the Same is Marked Out, In the Room of a Part of the Old Road Called Newell's Road as far as it joyns on Said Tolmans land, Provided there be no Coft to y^ Town for the Same". On May 27, 1783, the town rejected two proposed roads in the West part, but was favorable to one "as it is laid Out from the Corner of Nathaniel Tolman's field to the Stick Bridge (So Called) Provided it is no Coft and Charge to the Town". The record is as follows:

"We the Subfcribers being, Petitioned to: to lay out a way from the Stick Bridge (So Called) Near Lieu* Jonathan Gay's Nearly by the Dwelling Houfe of Doci Jonathan Davis, and So till it Comes to the Road by the Corner of Nathaniel Tolman's Land and we Having laid Out Said Road as Follows Viz: Beginning near Said Corner and So by Stakes on the North Side till it Comes to the Corner of Said Gay's Land Near the Stick Bridge above mentioned; Said Road to be one Rod and a half wide South of Said Stakes

Article 9 of the warrant for March 13, 1786, was to see if the town would "Difcontinue a Road Leading from Ml Timothy Newells, through the Land of M' Ebenezer Day to the Road Leading from John Tolman's to Lie* Samuel Townfends And Accept of Another in the room that Should be Prefented to them at this Meeting", Capt. Aaron Smith, John Slack and Jofeph Kingsbery, Jr., were the committee to view the proposed new road, and the article was dismissed May 11. Article 10 was to see if the town would lay out a leading way "from y« Land of Ml Elmun Tolmans to the road that leads from Lie* Jonathan Gay's to the Meeting Houfe", and this article was also dismissed.

On March 15, 1787, the town voted to "Open a Road from the Road Leading from Efq Newells to Mi Samuel Daggetts' to Cap" Caleb Kingsbery's Houfe which was Shut up as a Leading way Several years ago," and accepted a "Road from Said Kingsbery's to the Road Leading from Samuel Ware's to the Eaft Meeting Houfe, as it is now Traviled by said Kingsbery's: Field on the Southerly Side of a Hill in Lieu of the Road Laid Out over Said Hill to the aforesrd Road Leading from Wares to the Meeting Houfe". At the May meeting, 1788, the town reconsidered its vote of March, 1787, "to open a Leading Road over Cheftnut Hill (So Called)", and the selectmen were "to Stake out the wedth of the aforeSaid Road". The desired result does not appear to have been accomplished, as in 1796 the town chose William Fuller, Esq., Aaron Smith and Ad* Daniel Ware a committee on this road, and in May, 1796, the subject of the "Chefentree Road" was deferred to the next meeting.

At the May meeting in 1796 the town accepted a "Road from the North end of Ml Nath^^ Wilson's lane to the Paper Mill and from thence to the Roa"* leading from M? Nath^.' Fifhers to Fifuers Bridge (so Called) as it is now Traviled If the Same may be done free of expense to the Town excepting highway work"; the committee to lay out this road consisted of Ephraim Jackson, Lieut. Oliver Mills and Enoch FIsk. In 1796 the town put up twenty "Guide posts", some of which were painted and lettered by Edward Russell of West Needham.^

In 1797 Ensign Nathan Dewing, Enoch Fisk and Adj. Ware were chosen a committee in reference to a road from Capt. Josiah Newell's house. In 1799 the town refused to discontinue the road leading from Capt. John Tolman's house "to the Rode leading from Grate plain to Fishers Rode so Called from being an open rode and have It a Bridle way with Good Gates at each end". In 1800 the town voted not to "turn the way leading from the mark'd tree so called to the Road leading from the Meeting house to Dover on Land of Cap* Jofiah Newell as it is now fenced out"; Joseph Fisher had petitioned for this change.

^ The town has expended in the course of one hundred years a large sum for guide boards, but the record of them is chiefly interesting for the names of the painters. Many of the guide boards were renewed in 1829, at which time Luther Barrett painted and lettered twenty-four for $18. The town records in some instances call these signs "Direct boards".

Article 7 of the warrant for the March meeting in 1803 was to see if the town would accept a road "one Rod and half wide from the land of U- Lemuel Mills' on Land of Salmon Barney to the Road leading from Cooks Bridge to the East meeting house in the place where the Selectmen have staked out the same". The matter was postponed, and brought up under the May warrant and dismissed, with the result that Lieut. Mills, the petitioner, brought suit in the Court of General Sessions, and in October Benjamin Slack,^ David Smith, Jr., and Royal M'^Intosh were chosen to represent the town in this case. In October, 1803, the town accepted a "Road from Wilfons corner (so called) to the center of the Bridge" at the Dover line. Wilson's Corner was at the junction of South and Charles River Streets. In December, 1803, Lieut. Jonathan Gay and Benjamin Slack were appointed agents to answer the committee named by the Court of the General Sessions of the Peace "to View the Road from Will? Bogles in Weston to the widow Olive Parkers in Needham agreeable to the Petition of Richard Kimball and others".

In 1804 the town twice refused to accept the road laid out by the selectmen at the request of Jonathan Ellis, and a road laid out at the request of Lieut, Adam Jones had the same fate. Mr. Ellis appealed to the Court, and the town named Benjamin Slack, Enoch Fisk and James Smith to settle with him, and late in 1806 they reported favorably, but there was to be no expense for land taken "or abuttlements of the Bridge on the lower part of the s*? Bridge with the peers and Cappieces: and so long as the proprietors of the Mills of which the s^ lower part of S*? Bridge makes a

' The town was than engaged in troublesome and expensive litigation with Mr. Slack, who apparently sued the town for money expended by him, and others, in maintaining the school near the Lower Falls; the town finally settled the claim.

The History Of Needham 97

Dam supports the above which the sd town is Exempted from Doing; then said town to support the uper part of the Bridge with string pieces and plank".

In April, 1807, the town dismissed the article to discontinue the road from Jonathan Gay, Jr.'s, to the "mark tree so Called", and to make it merely a leading way with bars and gates. Thirty years ago this road was passable, but has grown up to woods. Arthur Whitaker partially cleared the western portion about 1903. In May the ninth article was to see if the town would "Straten the road from opposite Daniel Ware's barn as Strait as will best accomodate to the bridge north of the powder house".

In March, 18 14, the town accepted the road staked out by the selectmen "in the South part of the Town near the Slitting Mill" "two Rods wide: running from the old road south of M^ George Fisher's new house" "to the River between the blacksmith's shop and the new house on Cap* Josiah Newell's Lan'^ built by Jonathan Newell".

In April, 18 17, the town granted Major M'^Intosh a road as laid out by the selectmen, but he was to make a good road at his own expense "Except his own highway tax the present year which is to be worked out on Said Road and when Said Road is compleated he is to Discontinue the Road over the hill which is now traveled". In 1820 Benjamin Slack and Peter Lyon laid out a road through land of Daniel Hunting, and between the dwellings of William Eaton and Dea. Alden.

In 1822 the town voted not to oppose "the Road now pending before the Court of general Sessions". In 1823 the town accepted the road (Rosemary Street) between the houses of Warren Dewing and William A. Kingsbury, provided it was made at private expense, and voted to discontinue the old road from Mr. Dewing's to the Great Plain road when the new road was completed. Late the next year a committee reported in favor of extending the road from Lieut. Jonathan Gay's "to Natick", and the following

In 1825 the town accepted the favorable report of a committee as to a road from Dover to Newton, and voted "to discontinue the road from near Spencer Fullers to the road leading from the east meeting in Needham to Dover, in compensation for the one leading from said road to the Mills". This was also a part of Charles River Street. That year Major M'^Intosh, Elisha Lyon, Esq., and Capt. Reuel Ware were a committee to oppose the petition of William Bogle and others for a road (Blossom Street) from Weston to the Worcester Turnpike. In April, 1826, the town voted to discontinue "a peice of Shurburn road in Needham near Ware & Wilder's Store to M'- Seth Colburns".

In 1829 some pieces of road north of the poor-house were accepted, and others discontinued. In 183 1 a new road was built near Major M'=Intosh's tavern, presumably that part of Central Avenue that is between Great Plain Avenue and the north end of Noyes Street. In 1832 the selectmen were instructed to oppose the Corporation of the Worcester & Central turnpike road from their relinquishing them and become a town expence". This involved also the care of fifty feet of the bridge at the Upper Falls. The Worcester Turnpike was chartered March 7, 1806, built in 1808, and for many years its proprietors collected toll at different points. Daniel Dadmun had charge of the toll-gate just north of Blossom Street. In 1832 the proprietors were desirous of turning over to the towns their rights and obligations. Two years later William B. Parker, Benjamin Slack and William Flagg were a committee "to see if the toll gate might be moved for the Interest and convenience of the Inhabitants of the town of Needham". Late in 1833 the road over Chestnut Hill was discontinued, and a new one, now Wellesley Avenue, accepted. Chestnut Hill is the long hill west of Forest Street.

The History Of Needham 99

bury, Benjamin Slack, and Moses Garfield to report as to the repairs needed on the turnpike, which had been "put on the town". That year the western portion of what is now Cartwright Street was laid out as an "open road" by the selectmen, having been only a "Bridle Way", and Brook Street was changed for about fifty rods, so that Reuel Ware's house was no longer on the south side of the road, but on the north, as at the present time.

In 1837 a committee was directed to oppose a road which the County Commissioners were asked to lay out "from Widow Abigail Cheneys to the Upper Falls", and in 1838 a new road from Charles River to the North school was made, and there were minor changes in that section that year, and in the years directly following. The familiar name "Mark Tree Road" occurs in 1838.^

In 1840 the selectmen were to protect the interests of the town "where fences are set in too narrow", encroaching upon town roads, and the highway surveyors were made a committee to change district lines. The town accepted a short piece of road near "Flag House Hill", running south to Great Plain road, and discontinued the old road from that hill to the said Great Plain road. In 1841 there were four small bridges in the West Centre highway district.

In 1848 the town paid Lewis Beals and Stephen Hays the large sum of $900 for building a road from West Needham "Depot" to William D. Kingsbury's. This road had been laid out by the County Commissioners, and the year before the town had sought of the General Court relief from an order of the Commissioners in reference to it, or a part of it. The two following years considerable work was done in the Lower Falls section, and Central Avenue was straightened south of Charles River Street, and the latter street near Spencer Fuller's was also improved to the South Mills.

* This is the name in general use, although the selectmen reported it as Marked Tree Road when a list of approved, or suggested, street names was prepared by them in 1876, and the latter name was confirmed by vote of the town.

In 1849 the old road from the Lower Falls to Weston was discontinued, as a new one had been built which ran by the house of Amos Allen, Esq., who was a justice of the peace, and for some years rather prominent in town. The same year Dexter Ware, George K. Daniell and Dea. Asa Kingsbury were a committee to consider discontinuing the old road from Grantville "depot" to Grantville Hotel.

In 1850 the road was straightened between the houses of Dea. Jonathan Newell and George Revere, although it curves at the present time (191 1).

In 185 1 the town directed the selectmen "to fill up or otherwise make safe the dangerous watering places", which led to the disappearance of those wayside pools, a few of which may still (191 1) be seen in Dover and in other towns.

In 1852 the selectmen were authorized to discontinue the old road from Parker Plain to the Methodist meeting-house, and to lay out a road from land of Ephraim Loker and James Reynolds to "Pine Plain so called". At this period many of the roads were straightened, and new ones proposed, which in several instances were not constructed for some years. The "McCracken road" from "near the Noyes Place, to the Worcester Turnpike" appears to be the road that Thomas Kingsbury built by contract in 1858 for about $400. Among the roads straightened was that part of Nehoiden Street between the blacksmith's shop and Garden Street, which until 1855 ran by the front door of the home of Artemas Newell, Esq., who laid out and graded the new road, the town discontinuing the old one.

Hillside Avenue from Webster Street to Hunnewell Street was accepted in 1857. The next year William Flagg built Lovewell Road at a cost to the town of upward of $400, and Seaver Street was built at this time. Aleeting-house Hill, Nehoiden Street, was reduced in 1854, and important changes made in that road, and again in 1859-60, when the elaborate stone wall was built by William Gilbert Jones, a skilful mason, samples of whose work are familiar objects, although the builder is unknown to the present generation. John Kingsbury, 2d, cut down Meeting-house Hill in 1859, dumping the material on the green to the westward, much to the disgust of Davis C. Mills, who had carefully graded and seeded the place. In the course of years John F. Mills, a son of Davis C. Mills, in a large measure repaired the damage.

It is difficult to trace the changes made in the roads during 1840-59, partly because in many instances there was no special appropriation, and particularly as the result of losing the road book, or books. Sixty-five years ago Great Plain Avenue was crooked and the portion opposite Garden Street was farther south, and there was a curve by Mark Tree Road which made the road southwest of the Munson house. It came out onto the present course just east of the M'=Intosh ledge. At the time this road was straightened a rattlesnake was shot on the ledge south of the present Marsh house.

The Honorable Enos H. Tucker stated that in his youth there was no such road as the westerly part of Grove Street, which now runs by Dana Hall.

The year 1859 was one of activity in road building, and John Fuller constructed the LIbby Road, and bridge, at an expense exceeding $1100, while John J. Perry made a new road near the railroad station In Wellesley for $400. The fine trees on Washington Street In Wellesley Hills were set out by John Curtis and John W. Shaw during the Civil War, or shortly before. South Street was laid out by the County Commissioners In 1861.

During the Civil War road building was at a stand-still, but In 1865 Hunnewell Road, now Hunnewell Street, was made, an appropriation of $300 having been granted for that purpose. The name of this street Is derived from Samuel Hunnewell, an early inhabitant, and it has been said that the present street Includes a cart path that anciently led to his house. In 1866 "Highlandville Road", which Is

I02 The History Of Needham

Highland Avenue from Great Plain Avenue to Hunnewell Street, was constructed by J. B. & C. Dacey for $1950, according to plans drawn by Robert Mansfield.

At the annual meeting in 1867 the town declined to accept a road laid out by the Honorable E. K. Whitaker from Great Plain Avenue to the new County road near the Oakland Institute, but voted "that the County Commissioners should terminate the new County Road by taking East Street as the rout to Great Plain Avenue". During the year ending January 31, 1868, there were heavy falls of snow, and it cost the town over $1600 to break out the roads. In 1868 the selectmen were authorized to spend $1000 on what is now Greendale Avenue between Kendrick Street and the "Dedham Road".

In 1 87 1 and 1872 the town expended about $9500 rebuilding and widening the bridge at Lake Crossing, and constructing the arch under the road, according to plans of J. Franklin Fuller. Johnson & Richmond were the contractors. This arch is not to be confused with the passage way under the Boston & Albany Railroad track.

In 1871 $1500 were voted to enable the selectmen to purchase gravel banks. Another costly improvement of the highways in 1871 and 1872 was the widening of Washington Street at the Lower Falls, which contributed largely toward necessitating a loan of $20,000. Maple Street was accepted in 1871, but not built until 1873, in which latter year $1000 was spent on Mark Tree Road. Central Street was also rebuilt in 1873.

In 1874 the town spent $18,000 on its roads, and Reservoir Street was built, Hillside Avenue north of West Street opened for travel, and Chestnut Street was widened from South Street to Day's Bridge according to an order of the County Commissioners issued the preceding year. The last piece of work cost only $500. Wellesley Avenue was relocated in 1875 in consequence of the construction of the Sudbury River conduit, but the City of Boston bore the expense, and paid the land damages. Brook Street was remade in 1878, and the Ireland gravel land was purchased for $500. In 1879 the selectmen advised an appropriation for sidewalks, the abutters to pay one half of the expense, and in 1880 $300 were voted for this object, and thus began the construction of sidewalks in Needham, to result in fine concrete walks, some of them extending long distances. In 1884 a special appropriation of $300 was again made for sidewalks, and the next year the same amount was voted as one of the annual grants. The first concrete sidewalk in Needham was built in 1890 or 1891.

The question of drainage occupied the attention of the town both before and after the division, and was a road matter. Great difficulty has been experienced in draining the vicinity of the Needham station, and in 1880 $1100 were appropriated for that purpose.

In 1878 the County Commissioners had ordered the widening of Highland Avenue, and in 1879 it was made fifty feet wide between Great Plain Avenue and Webster Street, the change being almost entirely on the east side, where the damages were considerable.

In 1880 the road which ran close to the house of Henry F. Durant, Esq., was straightened, largely at his expense, improving the street, but it was not until after the division of the town that a much greater change was made in the street, giving Mrs. Durant a fine lawn.

In 1884 Causeway Street was included as a part of Great Plain Avenue, making the avenue extend from Wellesley to the Dedham line. Hillside Avenue was continued from West Street to Rosemary Street by Maney Brothers, contractors. Their price was to be $1750, but they obtained $2457.62 in a suit, and the town also paid Mrs. Morton about $600 for land and damages.

I04 The History Of Needham

M'^Intosh's house was straightened and widened by order of the County Commissioners at an expense of over $4000. Opposite the old Mills house the road is said to have been anciently in the meadow, and west of the big elms. Lieut. Fisher Mills took some young elms to Boston to sell, but a few were rejected by an official as imperfect, and when he got home he set them on the east side of the road.

In 1888 the town had purchased a large stone crusher, which, with an Atlas engine and the freight charges, cost about $2100. The first steam roller dates from 1901, and was made by the Buffalo Pitts Company. It is a twelve ton machine, and cost $2800. The first watering cart owned by the town was bought in 1899 and cost $325. These additions to the facilities of the street department have made improved methods of road building possible. The first efficient use of the stone crusher in Needham, resulting in a "stone road", was when Nathaniel Wales was superintendent of streets in 1896. Mr. Wales also served in 1887 and 1888.

In 1897 Webster Street between Central and Greendale Avenues was widened, and Great Plain Avenue from Curtis Mcintosh's to the Wellesley line; the expense of the firstmentioned work was nearly $8000, and of the second about $2800.

In March, 1902, the town restored the old name of the Broad Meadow Road, and during that year South Street was again reconstructed. In 1902 Great Plain Avenue from Highland Avenue to Garden Street was widened by order of the County Commissioners, which resulted in the removal, May 2, 1904, of some fine elms south of the common. The elms extending from Nehoiden Street to the Baptist Church were set out by Edgar K. Whitaker and sons on the day that the Cochituate water was introduced into Boston, which was October 25, 1848. A sidewalk was also made by Mr. Whitaker, or land for one given, and there were banks of shrubs placed by the roadside. The Kingsbury-Whitaker-

The History Of Needham 105

The Whitakers are said by Mr. James Mackintosh, and others, to have set out trees on both sides of the road from Marked Tree Road to Pickering Street.

The first State road built in Needham was a mile of Highland Avenue, beginning at the bridge, and the work was done in 1902 by the local street department under supervision. The cost was about $6100, of which $5340 was paid by the Commonwealth. In 1905 the town took the contract for a second mile of State road to begin at Day's Bridge and to extend north over Chestnut Street, and completed it the following year at a cost of about $6500, practically the whole expense being paid by the Commonwealth and the Newton and Boston Street Railway Company.

In 1905 Grove Street was out of repair, and was remade after the manner of a State road at a cost of about $2250, and reflected credit upon the street department. South Street has been an expensive highway, and in 1906 $1500 were spent to make it equal to a State road.

Elaborate improvements were made on Hillside Avenue and Rosemary Street in the years 1907-9, including walls, iron fences and sidewalks. The wall by the pond was built in 1908 and 1909 and is two hundred feet long and in some places ten feet high. The large willows on the shore were removed in 1907.

In 1909 means were adopted to permanently lay the dust on some principal streets, and Tarvia B. was used successfully on two and one half miles of road, and the more temporary Terracolio on six miles.

In 1910 "Dust suppression" became an important item in the highway expenditures, five and one half miles being covered with Tarvia B., and about six miles sprinkled with an asphalt oil emulsion.

Needham has grown rapidly within a few years, and much land has been put upon the market by men who are not otherwise identified with the town. In too many instances names without significance have been given to new streets, often as a compliment to some friend or relative, or perhaps selected at random by a surveyor. When the citizens are asked to accept a street and to vote money for its construction, it would seem proper that the name should then be subject to change, or the question of its appropriateness referred to a committee.

By a law enacted on December 6, 1693, each town was required to choose annually two or more Surveyors of Highways, who were to be sworn to the faithful performance of their duties. Refusal to serve as a highway surveyor involved a fine of twenty shillings, and for neglect of duty when in office it was £5. Every male inhabitant over sixteen years old was liable to be called upon for work on the roads, and there was a fine of 2s., 6d. per day for absence when summoned, unless represented by a substitute. The failure to send a cart and team was punished with a fine of six shillings per day. The selectmen had power to lay out particular and private ways, and the Court of Quarter Sessions received applications for public roads. The appropriations for the highways during the Provincial period averaged about £50 per year in Needham, although only £26, i6s., 4d. "Lawful Money" in the years 1750 and 1751. When in "Land Bank Bills", or other depreciated currency, the sum voted was nominally large, and was £450 in 1748. The grant was usually £90 each year from the close of the War of the Revolution to 1795, inclusive, but was raised to £135 in 1796 and 1797. The next year the appropriation was for the first time reckoned in dollars, and was of $500. This was the amount annually voted by the town until 1803, when it was Increased to $600, and so continued for many years. During the thirties the average amount of the grant was $775, in the forties It was $1000, and In the fifties

$1694.80. The appropriations for the highways were small during the Civil War, but before the close of the decade had risen to $10,000 per year. For ten years after the division of the town, 1881-90, the average cost of the roads was under $7000 a year, but has since greatly increased. Eighty years ago the expense of breaking out the roads in winter did not exceed $25, although the falls of snow are said to have been heavier than at the present time. Beginning with 1846 the town annually authorized the selectmen to have the roads broken out, but there was no special appropriation for this purpose until 1873, when $1200 were granted.

In 1721 the town voted to do "ouer Hyway Work by a Rate", and for more than a century this was substantially the annual vote in Needham, and accorded with the general custom in New England. The rate was necessarily based upon "Last years bills", as most of the tax was worked out by the men and boys in the spring. As late as 183 1 at least one half of the road work was done in May, and only one seventh of the money was reserved for the winter. There were years when a portion of the highway tax was required to be paid In money.

It was not unusual to permit men to work out their taxes on what were practically private ways. For example: On May 22, 1755, the town voted "to allow ten of Dea"^ John Fifhers Neareft Nabours to work out there Proportion of the High way Rate in the Road Leading to his Mill". In 1784 Dea. John and Nathaniel Fisher, and Josiah Newell, Jr., were to "work Out their Highway Rate in y Highway Near their Mills." The mills referred to were the gristmill and the sawmill in the South part of the town. In 1789 a similar vote was passed, and Simeon Colburn, Jonathan and George Fisher were permitted to work out their taxes on the road previously mentioned, and were in addition to Nathaniel Fisher and Josiah Newell, Jr.

The History Of Needham 109

Leads into Said Medows over Poles Island to work one Day Each on Said Causway and to be allowed for Said work as done in the Highways". In 1802 Capt. Josiah Newell was allowed $8.66 for work which he did on the highways for seven men who failed to do their part. In "working" out these taxes there was too much "soldiering", and in 1836 the town directed the surveyors to "cut down" the pay "if any person is not faithful at his work".

On June 5, 1743, the town voted to allow for road work "one Shilling old tenour per Hour for a fingle man", and two shillings was considered fair pay "for a man and Teame". This was nominally high compensation, and the amount was doubled in 1748, but was probably no better than 3d. per hour in good money, which was the value placed upon the road work in 1753, either for a man or for a "Teame". The latter expression referred to oxen well into the nineteenth century. There was no change in the highway wages till 1778, when the pay was six pence per hour; in 1780 it was six shillings, and in 1781 "Six Dollers" in sadly depreciated currency. In 1782 it was again in hard money, and was four pence per hour for each man; this was increased to six pence in 1796. Nine cents was the value placed upon an hour's work on the roads in 1798, and for fifty-four years, 1799-1853, there was no advance from ten cents per hour, which was the amount established in 1799, either for one man or for a team, with the exception of two years. In 1828 eleven cents were allowed per hour, and in 1829 twelve and one half cents. In 1854 the pay was twelve and one half cents for an hour's work, and continued unchanged to the time of the Civil War, when it varied from ten to fifteen cents. One horse was reckoned the same as one man, but in "War time" a yoke of oxen were estimated as earning a shilling an hour. In i860 the inhabitants of Needham worked out $1500 of the highway grant for that year.

highway district with "a good Plow for the use of highway work of Sufficient size to accommodate them: And Choose a committee to Build the Same". The committee consisted of Daniel Felton, Maj. M-'Intosh, Lieut. Lemuel Mills, Enoch Fisk, David Smith, Jr., and Jacob Pierce. Mr. Smith had much to do with the roads. In 1809 the town paid $5 for a plough, but one for the West District cost $9.17 in 1811.

In the early years the Town of Needham chose four or five Surveyors of Highways each spring, but there were no definite districts. For some reason only two surveyors were elected in 1722, and again In 1730, and but three In 1724. The first record of Highway districts in Needham is found in the vote of May 17, 1736, which named Captain Cook, Jeremiah Woodcock, Henry Dewing and Peter Edes, together with the selectmen, a committee "to Devide the Highways of the Town for Five years". At the annual meeting in 1767 Capt. Ephraim Jackson, Lieut. Day, Jonathan Deming, Isaac Underwood and Ensign Cook were instructed "to divide the Roads into Diftrlcts that shall Continue from year to year Dureing the Towns Pleafure". Later divisions were based upon that of 1767, although the lines of highway and school districts were from time to time changed, either on the recommendations of special committees, or by vote of the town under articles in warrants; if only one or two estates were concerned the latter method was often availed of.

After the creation of districts the number of surveyors was seven until reduced to six by the annexation of the West End District to Natick In 1797. From 1822 to 1851 the number of districts was nine, and there was a surveyor for each of them. In 1851 there was a new division into ten districts, which number was reduced to four in 1867. A fifth district was formed from the others in 1874, and was known as the Centre District, but the next year there were but four, which remained the number to April 10, 1876, when Augustus Stevens was made sole superintendent of streets. In 1878 Charles Hiram Dewing, who had been a surveyor of highways under the old system, as had Mr. Stevens, was chosen colleague of the latter, and had charge of the East portion of the town. In 1881 the town was divided, and Mr. Stevens became superintendent of the streets of Wellesley, and Mr. Dewing of those of Needham. With the exception of two years Mr. Dewing served until his death in 1895, and was thoroughly competent, and highly respected.

Since 1901 David Hugh Livingston, a popular, genial citizen, has been the superintendent, and has met the increasing demands of his position with progressive efficiency. His resignation took effect on June i, 191 1, when he became superintendent of streets in Dedham.

In 1874 the selectmen urged the election of road commissioners, and the question of choosing such officials has been repeatedly before the town, particularly in 1890. Since 1876 the selectmen have been annually elected surveyors of highways by hand votes.

Of the old-time surveyors of highways entitled to mention in the town history, either on account of length of service or because of their ability in office, are the following:

The highway surveyors were collectors of the highway taxes, and by a vote of 178 1 the town directed them to pay unexpended balances to the town treasurer. At the annual meeting in 1838 the town voted "that the highway surveyors be Chosen by the districts and Sanctioned and approved by the Select-men", "Districts to meet for Choice of

Highway Surveyors Monday next". This arrangement was in force for years, the town directing when the meetings should be held, often designating the same evening for the choice of district, or prudential, school committees, but at a different hour. In 1838 the highway surveyors were chosen between 4 and 6 P.M., and the meetings were notified by the surveyors. The moderators on these occasions were required to make returns to the selectmen.

As collectors of a portion of the taxes the surveyors were subject to rules, and in 1838 were directed to bring in their books to the selectmen "before their year expires". In 1839 they were to make their returns to the town treasurer "on polls & personal property before July, on Real Estate before November next". The last vestige of the separation of the highway taxes from other town assessments was eliminated in 1874. The highway system was a favorite subject for discussion, and for the consideration of special committees, during the nineteenth century, and subsequent to 1881 there were attempts to return to old methods.

In 1858 the surveyors were instructed to remove loose stones from the roads as often as once a month, and this vote was repeated in later years. In 1859 the selectmen and the surveyors, acting together, were authorized to buy gravel. For some years prior to the abolition of highway surveyors, as distinct from the selectmen, the latter directed the expenditure of the greater part of the highway grant. In 1869 the compensation allowed a surveyor of highways in Needham was $3 per day.

The record of the laying out of roads in Needham is contained in special books, the volume beginning in November, 1859, continuing in use to 1901. The earlier book, or books, is said to have been burned in the great fire in Boston in November, 1872.

On February 15, 1713/14, "Thes Town being sencabell of their need of a County breig ouer Charlls River and the town being not all of a mind in which place this breig Shold be Stated voted in the aflParmitive that thay would Stand too whatt the Honered Comunitty Shold doe in Statting a place for a breig ofer Charls River bitween the uper falls & broad Medows". On January 27, 1730/1, the town chose Andrew Dewing, John Fisher and Robert Fuller a committee to petition the General Court "that Cambridg Great Cart Bridg ouer Charls River Might be taken Down". On April I, 1752, John Fisher, Esq., was chosen agent to urge the General Court to free the town of Needham from all expense on account of a bridge over Neponset River because they "have eight Bridges over Charles River that they help Maintain".

Cook'S Bridge

Cook's Bridge is the only ancient bridge in Needham that has lost its old name, as far as popular usage is concerned. It took its designation from Capt. Robert Cook, who was, with the exception of the minister, the most prominent citizen of Needham from 171 1 to 1756. Early in the last century the Cook family removed from this locality, and gradually the old name, Cook's Bridge, faded away, and ceased to appear in the records of Needham and Newton, but on March 16, 1903, the town by vote declared the names of the bridges, designating this one as Cook's Bridge. On October 18, 1742, the town appointed Captain Cook,

Robert Fuller, Eleazer Kingsbery, James Kingsbery and Jeremiah Eaton "to finifh the Rebuilding one Halfe part of the Cart Bridge Ouer Charles River Near Eliakim Cook's". John Alden repaired this bridge in 1750; Eleazer Kingsbery replanked it in October, 1752, and in 1753; he also made repairs in 1756, '60, '64 and '69. John Mills repaired this bridge in 1755, as did Ensign Eliakim Cook in 1761. On May 22, 1766, the town chose Capt. Ephraim Jackson, Capt. Eleazer Kingsbery and Dea. John Fisher to join with Newton in "Rebuilding" this bridge, although three years later the town refused to repair its half. Daniel Wight worked on it the next year, and John Marean built, at the expense of Needham, one half of the "Stone Buttlement" in the river at the Upper Falls.

In 1778, and from time to time for many years, the town repaired "Cook's Bridge", "Kendrick's Bridge", "Fisher's Bridge", "Day's Bridge", "Pratt's .Bridge" and "new Bridge", and these items are of interest chiefly as illustrating the use of the old names. ^

Considerable repairs were made on "Cooks Bridge (so Called)" in 1796. Lieut. Moses Garfield repaired this bridge in November, 18 17, when he employed for the work David Ayers and Samuel Floyd.

In 1873 the bridge at Ellis's Mills, Upper Falls, was rebuilt at a cost to Needham of $400, and about as much was expended on Cook's Bridge; the next year the town rebuilt the stone foot-bridge.

^ The "White Oak Plank" used on these bridges was often purchased from Lieutenant, later Colonel, Jonathan Kingsbery, who had a sawmill on Rosemary Brook, on the westerly side of what is now Wellesley Avenue, and who was for years the principal lumber dealer in town. It may seem unnecessary to give details of these repairs, but there is so little about the early bridges on record that everything relating to them is of some interest. In 1771 there was a ford way about half a mile north of Cook's Bridge.

The History Of Needham 115

City of Newton in 1897 on account of the proposed use of it by the Newton and Boston Street Railway Company, which paid $1250, reducing Needham's share of the expense to $960, or about one fourth of the total cost. This bridge has three stone arches, and there is a wooden walk on the west side, which is supported by timbers.

Bridge Near Ellis'S Mill, Upper Falls

Repairing the bridge "near the Cotton Factories" in August, 1846, resulted in the town having to pay to Barney L. White $900 for obstructing the water, interfering with the dam, etc., although the cost of the labor and material for the repairs of the bridge was less than $200. This bridge, which is on the Turnpike, and west of Cook's Bridge, was at the time of the division of the town a wooden structure, resting on wooden piers, and remained unchanged until 1905. The contractor who tore it away states that he thinks that a portion of the timbers had been in this bridge for a century and a half. The dam near it was also of wood.

Kendrick'S Bridge

Kendrick's Bridge is near the "Landing place", which is referred to in the early records, and where apparently there was some sort of bridge in 1716. As the bridges were then usually neighborhood affairs, the town records prior to 1740 are silent as to several of the older ones.