Milton Historical Businesses
Star Compass Company
by Gustave A. Salzgeber
Although we are indebted to the Chinese for the origination of the compass and to various other inventions for its improvement, it was not until the early eighteen hundreds that the liquid or spirit magnetic compass was invented, at Boston, Mass. It is only natural then that Boston should be known as the home of the magnetic compass. Compasses made at Boston, Mass. are known and used the world over and for this reason it is regarded as the compass center of the world.
The Star Compass Co. of Boston, Mass. had its origination in 1905 when it started the manufacture of mariners (spirit) compasses in a small way without the aid of power other than that which one could produce through his own efforts upon a foot treadle. However it was not long before the quality and practicability of the compass was recognized and accepted, which enabled the company to acquire better equipment, larger quarters and increase its line of compasses from one to eighteen sizes suitable for use on the smaller boat or the largest ocean going steamers.
It was while busily engaged in the manufacture of mariners compasses that the writer's attention was called to the possible use aviation might have for the magnetic compass. This was in 1907 and the thought was inspired by the activities of that great aviator Lincoln Beachy who with a cigar shaped dirigible of his own invention was making exhibition flights at Revere Beach, Mass.
Lincoln Beachy - Library of Congress
These flights of Beachy's if they did nothing else for aviation gave to the industry its first navigating instrument, for the writer set himself to the task of constructing an aviation compass. In due time the compass was complete and perfected as near as possible, but who was to try it out and test it while in flight. Here was a problem as great if not greater than the developing of the compass itself and being interested in aviation from the ground only it became quite obvious that my compass would have to wait for further development of the airplane. It was with much regret that the compass was laid aside but not forgotten.
Three years passed quickly but the development of aviation in this country was very slow as compared with that of European countries. Interest was renewed however with the first Harvard-Boston Aviation meet at Waltham, Mass. in 1910. This meet brought to the notice of the public a Boston young man who proved to be the sensation the most when he made a sensational flight to the White Mountains. This latest of aviators was no other than the dare-devil aviator Harry N. Atwood who astonished the world with what was considered a long distance flight.
Harry N. Atwood - Library of Congress
Here at last was a chance for our aviation compass. We lost no time in trying to place it with this latest of hero's, Aviator Atwood. To locate him was no easy task. However my opportunity arrived about five o'clock one morning, when I was awakened by the noise of what I was sure was an airplane. Hurriedly dressing I rushed out of doors as did several of my neighbors and sure enough there was an airplane slowly descending to a landing, as I thought on Franklin Field. Quickly grasping my compass I started on the run for the field but to my astonishment I found on my arrival that the plane was continuing on to the Franklin Park Golf Links, another mile and one half beyond.
I lost no time in getting to the golf links and was well rewarded for my efforts, for there the plane (which had run out of gas) had been safely landed by none other than the sensational aviator H. N. Atwood. Although a large number of persons were on hand asking questions and keeping the aviator busy I lost no time in offering him my compass which he at once gratefully accepted but which he found would not fit to the strut of his machine. It was agreed that after minor changes had been made the compass should be delivered to his hotel. Thus after three long years I had at last placed my compass with the greatest flyer of the day.
Atwood's activities were of short duration and he gradually stopped flying after the second Harvard-Boston Aviation Meet in 1911. This second Boston meet brought forth a number of well known aviators among them Lieut. Milling, Earl Ovington, Harry Atwood, Lincoln Beachy, Eugene Ely and Grahame-White.
At this meet Lieut. Milling and Earle Ovington distinguished themselves by winning prize money in the inter city flight. At this meet the first night landing was made by Lieut. Milling, U.S.A. This was accomplished by the aid of a bon-fire. It was at this meet that the writer presented to Lieut. Milling one of these early model airplane compasses and through his recommendation that the United States Army Signal Corps adopted our compass for exclusive use.
During the 1912 Mexican outbreak at Vera Cruse the U.S.A. Signal Corps performed invaluable service and it was during this campaign that the writer was convinced that the compass had found its place in the aviation world and was worthy of further development. By this time we had given to the industry the first vertical dial compass, the luminous treated dial and indirect electric lighting.
G. A. Salzgeber patent for magnetic compass
By continuous research we have been able to keep pace with the changing designs and requirements of an ever changing industry. The most recent of our original improvements is the built-in compensating unit. This is an integral part of the compass and provides a simple adjustment for deviation, correction and entirely eliminates loose magnets.
The spherical magnifying glass, another original feature, gives remarkable visibility and permits the use of a small dial, thus making available much needed panel space for installation of other instruments. Another welcome improvement was the Flush Mounting compass. Here was a great step forward for the benefit of the pilot who very often was badly cut or bruised about the head in making landings, by being thrown forward against the protruding compass.
It has not just been the aviators of the older school that Star compasses have been associated with, for it was this company's privilege to supply the magnetic compass equipment for the historical flight of Lieuts. Maitland and Hegenberger whose entire flight of 2400 miles was laid and steered on a magnetic course.
Lt. Commander Byrd - Library of Congress
Again on the Byrd Antarctic Expedition it was the product of this company that was personally chosen by Commander Byrd for this greatest of all exploring expeditions.
Capt. Wilkins that great English explorer not only carried Star compasses into the north and over the pole but he too personally chose Star compasses for his equally daring exploits into the Antarctic regions.
Star Compass made in Milton
NOTE: The above undated article was written by Gustave A. Salzgeber (1888-1979), founder of the Star Compass Co. Although Salzgeber began his company in Dorchester in 1905; he moved the company to Antwerp Street, East Milton by 1929. From 1929-1969 over 200,000 compasses were manufactured in his East Milton shop including the compass shown above which is in the collection of The Milton Historical Society.
History of Milton Pharmacies/Drug Stores
Quimby's Pharmacy Quimby’s Pharmacy (1894-1905)
Adams St., near depot
E. Milton (Rugby Bldg. built c.1900)
John Ernest Quimby, who lived at 12 Belcher Circle, had established the first pharmacy in East Milton Square by October 1894 when he purchased “apparatus from the Low Co.” for his Milton store. According to the Milton News the drugstore served hot chocolate and beef tea and was a favorite stopping place for sleighing parties during the winter months.
In 1904 druggist Quimby (pictured with assistant Paul Eaton) was one of the delegates to the Republican Congressional Convention, chosen to represent Milton. The following year Quimby decided to retire from the pharmacy business and sold the pharmacy to E. T. Q. Hodges and Willard A. Hodges.
Hodges Drug Co.Hodges Drug Co. (1905-1966)
“the prescription store since 1894”
Rugby Bldg., 537 Adams St., E. Milton
Brothers Edward Tisdale Quincy Hodges & Willard Allen Hodges operated the pharmacy they purchased from J. Ernest Quimby as Hodges Drug Co. from 1905 until 1946 when Willard Hodges died. Hodges Drug Co. was sold the following year to druggist Steward M. Ross, who had been employed by Hodges for 25 years; pharmacist Edward T. Q. Hodges continued on staff working mornings until about 1949. Ross operated Hodges from 1947 to 1965. Next J. Joseph Reynolds is seen listed as Manager. The drug store closed the following year.
Adams Pharmacy (1939-1952)
Johnson Pharmacy (1952-1961)
364 Adams Street, E. Milton
1948 photo shows Adams Pharmacy at 364 Adams Street on the corner of Church Street. From at least 1941-1945 Samuel Sachs was proprietor-pharmacist of Adams Pharmacy. Milton teens in the 1940s nicknamed the pharmacy ‘Sams’.
Lyman Canney Apothecary (1900-1902)
Charles E. Nutter Apothecary (1902-1904/5)
Milton Directories 1900-1902 list Lyman Canney Apothecary, Adams Street, corner Edge Hill. In 1902 Lyman Canney sold his business to Charles E. Nutter to go into farming. Charles E. Nutter Apothecary is listed in Milton Directories until 1904. He likely sold out to John J. Hammers who opened his pharmacy in 1905 in the Ellsworth Building on Adams Street at the corner of Edge Hill Road.
J. J. Hammers, Inc. (1905-1968)
”Milton’s Rexall Store”
511 Adams Street & 426 Adams Street
In 1905 John J. Hammers), a 1902 graduate of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, opened Hammers Drug Store in the Ellsworth Building in East Milton. In 1921 J. J. Hammers was granted a license to dispense liquor with a physician’s prescription in accordance with Federal prohibition laws! His son, John M. Hammers, joined him in the pharmacy business for a brief period.
By 1937 John H. Dorsey was listed as president and pharmacist at J. J. Hammers. John S. Austin was pharmacist and proprietor from the late 1940s until 1960 and oversaw the store’s move to 426 Adams Street in 1954, shortly before the construction of the Southeast Expressway through East Milton Square.
Eleanor "Snooky" Huban was a pharmacist’s assistant for many years at Hammers. Pharmacist Francis S. Roddy may have been owner of J. J. Hammers when it closed its doors in 1968. Hammers was known as “Pud’s” to Milton teens.
Sher Drug Co. (1939-1986)
East Milton Pharmacy (1986-1990)
380 Granite Avenue
Sher Drug Company in East Milton opened July 1, 1939, the same day as Oak Street Pharmacy on Blue Hills Parkway. Sher’s had a Quincy location at 33 Washington Street that was operated by pharmacist Ralph B. Sher.
From 1939 to 1973 Samuel Weiner was listed as pharmacist and owner of Sher’s Drug Co. at 30 Granite Avenue. According to state records by 1970 his son, pharmacist Donald H. Weiner, was taking over operation of the pharmacy. However, in 1986 Donald Weiner lost his license, was forced to sell the pharmacy and was sentenced to 3 to 5 years after being convicted of illegally selling the painkiller Percocet without a prescription. Judge James McHugh remarked that Weiner had made ‘sick people sicker’.
1987-1990 the East Milton Pharmacy at 380 Granite Avenue was operated by pharmacist Leanne Jasset. Jasset, the last owner-pharmacist at this location, said that drugstore chains were a main problem for her store -- the Rix Super Drug Store at nearby Milton Market Place represented a lot of competition.
Kerrigan’s Corner Pharmacy (1954-1965)
Palumbo’s Brookdale Pharmacy (1965-1981)
2 Reedsdale Road
In 1954 Leonard Mindel, possibly with support from his father, founded Kerrigan’s Corner Pharmacy. Five years later the business was sold to pharmacist Daniel Wine. In 1965 Wine and pharmacist Lynn Goren of Kerrigan’s were fined after pleading guilty of dispensing without a prescription between September 1963 and January 1964. The following year pharmacists Joseph and Olive Palumbo purchased the pharmacy, operating it as Palumbo’s Brookdale Pharmacy. The couple opened three pharmacies over 18 years: Wentworth Pharmacy in Dorchester; Palumbo's in Milton; and Rockland Pharmacy. By 1981 all had been sold.
John W. Schuver/Clover Drug Co. (1932-1994)
24 Central Ave.
From at least 1932-1953 John W. Schuver was pharmacist and proprietor of Schuver’s Drug Store at 24 Central Ave. By 1955 the pharmacy had been sold and renamed Clover Drug by pharmacist Saul Cohen who owned the pharmacy for 40 years. For 25 years pharmacist Frances M. Tobin worked at Clover. Alfred G. Brewer worked as a pharmacist here as well. Clover Drug, which closed in 1994, was the last independent drug store in Milton.
William H. Puffer pharmacy (1883-1912)
50 Adams St.
1883 William H. Puffer established a pharmacy in the Associates Bldg. on 50 Adams Street. In 1912 he sold the pharmacy to W. C. Welsh. In 1921 it was purchased by Harry B. McCormick, becoming the Milton Hill Pharmacy.
William H. Puffer, an Athol native, came to Milton where he opened a store in the Village about 1883. Briefly, around 1894, Puffer had a branch in the Ellsworth Bldg. in East Milton, possibly operated by J. H. Blanchard. In 1912 Puffer sold his pharmacy at 50 Adams Street to W. C. Welsh.
W. C. WELSH pharmacy (1912-1921)
50 Adams St.
The summer before his graduation from pharmacy school, William C. Welsh worked for pharmacist Fred W. Archer in Pierce Square. Following graduation from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, W. C. Welsh became a clerk in the pharmacy owned by William H. Puffer and in 1912 became owner of the business. After selling the pharmacy to H. B. McCormick in 1921, Welsh opened a store in Dorchester.
The Milton Hill Pharmacy (1921- 1967)
50 Adams St.
1921-1936 H. B. McCormick, proprietor
In 1912 Harry B. McCormick, a graduate of the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy, came to Milton to assist W. C. Welsh who then owned the pharmacy in the village. From 1919-1921 McCormick operated a drug store in Concord, then returned to Milton in March 1921, buying out the business of Mr. Welch, which he then conducted as The Milton Hill Pharmacy. 1938-1942 Edward J. Kivlin is listed as pharmacist-manager. By 1945 Wesley W. Colby was listed as pharmacist. 1953 and 1954 listings show D. J. Byrne as Manager. The last listing for the pharmacy was in 1967.
NOTE: ad says established 1853; however, no evidence found the pharmacy was established prior to 1883.
Hanley-Fitzpatrick Pharmacy, Inc. (1950 -1970)
Hanley Pharmacy (1971-1988)
588 Randolph Ave.
In 1955 Charles F. Hanley was listed as pharmacist at Hanley-Fitzpatrick Pharmacy By 1962 Nathan Fleishman was listed as pharmacist at Hanley-Fitzpatrick Pharmacy. During his time, the name of the pharmacy was changed to Hanley Pharmacy. In 1981 Fleishman was replaced by Alfred G. Battaglini who was pharmacist when Hanley Pharmacy closed in 1988.
Oak Street Pharmacy (1939)
Tucker Pharmacy (1940-1980)
191 Blue Hills Parkway
July 1, 1939 Oak Street Pharmacy opened at 191 Blue Hills Parkway in a building owned by Mrs. Mary C. Turner. The pharmacy, which had been opposed by the Town, was over-turned by the Court. The following year it was known as the Tucker Pharmacy and was operated under the management of Harry W. Goldman. From 1944 until 1980, under pharmacist Myron J. Levine, it was known as Myron’s Tucker Pharmacy. Tucker Pharmacy closed its doors when Levine retired in 1980.
Parkway Pharmacy (1937-1975)
65 & 69 Blue Hills Parkway
The Parkway Pharmacy at 65 Blue Hills Parkway in the Parkway Building, opened in 1937 under pharmacist Joseph M. Mindel. His son Leonard Mindel, who was then a clerk, became a pharmacist in 1941. Leonard left Parkway in 1954 to open Kerrigan’s Corner Pharmacy. By 1971 William A. Clark was listed as pharmacist.
The Parkway Building was demolished in 1976 following extensive fire damage. From 1976 to 1978 Parkway Pharmacy was listed at 2 Reedsdale Road where prescriptions could be filled at Palumbo’s Brookdale Pharmacy.
The marble soda fountain from Parkway Pharmacy is now in the Sundae School Ice Cream store in Dennisport.
In 1958 ten Milton drug stores were operating: Kerrigan’s Corner Pharmacy, Milton Hill Pharmacy, Johnson’s Drug, J. J. Hammers, Inc., Hodges Drug, Hanley & Fitz Patrick Pharmacy, Parkway Pharmacy, Tucker Pharmacy, Sher Drug, and Clover Pharmacy! During the 1980s there was a sharp decline in the number of independent drug stores in Milton. By 1986 the Rix Superdrug Store (later acquired by CVS) had opened at 10 Bassett Street…less than 10 years later, it was the only drug store in Milton.
The Ice Harvesting Business in Milton
Blue Hill Ice Co. Sign
Ice Spade
Three place names in town are associated with the thriving ice business which flourished in Milton in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries—Myers Lane (off Canton Avenue), Pope’s Pond, and Turner’s Pond.
The “Number 1” license plate is owned by Dr. Frederick Tudor of Milton whose ancestor, Frederick Tudor, was the “ice king” of the world in the nineteenth century. Frederick Tudor’s wonderful story of Yankee enterprise is told well by Samuel Eliot Morison in one of my favorite books, “The Maritime History of Massachusetts 1783-1860.”
My own recollection of the delivery of ice in the days before electric refrigerators focuses on a heavy horse-drawn wagon, water dripping from it, with heavy scales on the right rear of the wagon. An enormous Swede named Bostrom, using ice tongs similar to those shown here, swings a hundred pound chunk onto the scales to weigh it, then onto a leather pad on his shoulder. Then into the house he goes to put the ice in the ice box. How I admired his strength! I prefer to forget, however, the pans set to catch water under the ice box, which it was my duty to empty from time to time.
1974 article by Charles R. Morris, then president of the Historical Society
Perhaps with most of us preparing for another New England winter, it is not the time for Milton citizens to grow nostalgic about ice, but the thoughtfulness of Joseph J. Donovan, a postal employee, in rescuing the Blue Hill Ice Co. sign and the ice spade shown here when they were about to be disposed of, and then presenting them to The Milton Historical Society deserves recognition. Alertness on the part of good citizens preserves a number of interesting local articles which otherwise would disappear.
Ice Tongs
But let me insert here a brief history of the Milton Ice Industry, and in doing so, as usual, I am indebted to that indispensable attic of local history, Teele’s History of Milton.
The business was started by John Meyers about 1853 (hence Myers Lane). Drawing his ice from the vicinity of Myers Lane, Mr. Myers ran his business until his death in 1878. Subsequently, following his death, the business was acquired by J. Frank Pope (hence Pope’s Pond) who eventually merged with Jacob Turner (hence Turner’s Pond) to create a joint operation. In 1884 they cut 6500 tons of ice from Pope’s Pond and 4500 tons from Turner’s Pond, making a total of 11,000 tons of ice cut and stored presumably in white pine sawdust, which was considered the best for packing ice. Turner and Pope employed twelve men for six months of the year and fifteen horses. In housing the ice they used steam and required the services of 100 men in both places, securing about 1000 tons each day when the weather was right for cutting and storing.
Turner’s Pond
It was located at Central Avenue entrance to Turner’s Pond. Since the storing of ice was powered by steam, I believe that the granite stone unearthed by Norman Marsolino and the Milton Park Department supported a shaft equipped with block and tackle powered by a steam engine which hoisted the blocks of ice into place in the store house. As I write, I can picture the cheerful spurts of steam sent forth as each block was swung into the air and guided to its place in the ice house.
NOTE:
Early in the 1880’s Jacob A. Turner made provision for his own ice supply by using a dam of ‘Aunt Srarah’s Brook’ near the junction of Canton Avenue and Brook Road to build a pond. The old dam, a landmark for many years, was the site of the former wool works used by William Davis and others. As late as the mid 1920’s ice was still being removed and stored in sheds on the Central Avenue end of the pond.
In the 1950s and 1960s the Town acquired the two ponds which are now part of the Town of Milton park system.
Roger F. Turner
The Turner name was made famous by Jacob Turner’s son, American figure skater Roger F. Turner (1901-1993), who began his career on the ponds around Milton. His first big win was the 1926 US Junior Men’s championship. For seven consecutive years 1928-1934 Turner was US Senior Men’s champion; a record later tied by skater Dick Button.
Milton Tavern Days
Milton Tavern Days
by Linda Mason Pirie
"There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern or inn." — Samuel Johnson
Shortly after the establishment of Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630 the court required that every town have a public house or 'ordinary' to entertain strangers. A citizen of Milton, or any town, was prohibited from entertaining a stranger in his home unless he gave a bond or surety for his guest's good behavior, thus making the local tavern a necessity.
These early public houses were required by law to be located near the church; thus allowing church leaders to keep a watchful eye on its activities and making sure no one kept tavern during church meetings!
In addition to food and lodging the innkeeper "often led the singing in the meeting house on Sunday; acted as the school master for children of those who frequented his house; served in the legislature or held town office; ruled over the local courts; and often ran the local ferry! His role was not easy -- he could be fined if he sold a person too much liquor OR if he refused to sell the amount allowed by law.
For a number of years taxes were collected at the local tavern. A Milton resident could enjoy a drink at the public house of Minot Thayer, Daniel Vose, Capt. Lemuel Bent, Josiah Brown or at the Tavern of Mrs. Atherton (at left) and pay taxes at the same time!
Colonial drinking habits favored 'wholesome drinks' such as hard cider, beer and wine over more costly tea or coffee. Even infants were given mulled cider at bedtime. Milton once had "numerous orchards which furnished the inhabitants with large quantities of cider." However temperance reform zealots caused many of these orchards to be cut down, not imagining any other use for the apple.
Surprisingly Milton cider is credited for an act of environmental preservation! Thanks to Polly Vose and her cider, the Gulliver Elm, which once stood at the corner of Elm Street & Canton Avenue, was saved from the axe shortly after the Revolutionary War. Hearing the blows of the axe, Polly offered the workmen a glass of cider, asking them to not cut the tree down until she could see the Selectmen. Scars of that fateful encounter were still visible in 1941 when the diseased elm had to be removed.
After the American Revolution the number of taverns nearly doubled with the coming of turnpike toll roads. The Blue Hill Turnpike (today's Rte. 28) was laid out as an 8 mile stretch through the Blue Hills "from Randolph meetinghouse...to Joseph Babcock's, in Milton." The seldom used road was plagued with financial difficulties made worse by travelers who frequently used only one end of the road to avoid the toll. Even with the placement of two half toll gates, one of which was placed by the Blue Hill Hotel/Clark's Tavern , the turnpike still failed. Today the former turnpike is known as Randolph Avenue.
At the time the Blue Hill Turnpike was being built, Brush Hill innkeeper Joseph Billings petitioned to have a turnpike established near his inn. Known as the Brush Hill Turnpike, this road also had difficulty collecting revenue with "anyone on military duty, religious duty, coming to or from any grist mill, or on... ordinary business of family concerns" exempt from paying a toll. The former Brush Hill Turnpike is now Blue Hill Avenue.
The toll house for the Brush Hill Turnpike (at left) was originally occupied by Mr. McKendry who would turn a gate mounted on a 'pike' allowing travelers to pass after paying a toll. After toll collections ceased, the toll house became a dwelling, which for many years was home to the Sumner family. Katherine Sumner Gould was the last of the family to occupy the house before it was demolished in 1965.
During a period of unbridled drinking known as the 'Roaring Forties,' concerned Milton citizens formed local temperance groups. In 1847 at Babcock's Hall more than 300 members of the Milton & Quincy Railway Temperance Union pledged "total abstinence for themselves, declaring war on the manufacturer and dealer and seeking to rescue the down and out."
By the close of the 19th century, citizens voted to ban 'the sale of intoxicating liquors in the town,' thus bringing to a close the days of Milton taverns. The Blue Bell (Granite House) in East Milton and Clark's Tavern on Randolph Avenue were the last of the Milton taverns to close their doors.
"The tavern will compare favorably with the church. The church is the place where prayers and sermons are delivered, but the tavern is where they are to take effect, and if the former are good, the latter cannot be bad." — Thoreau
Babcock Tavern c.1731
About 1731 shipwright William Badcock (later Babcock) built a comfortable home for his family 88 Adams Street, not far from the Public Landing, which soon was operated as a public house. Various members of the Babcock family conducted the inn until the property was sold around 1801.
Under Dr. Samuel K. Glover (husband of Eunice Babcock and one of its last innkeepers), the first Milton Post Office was conducted in the tavern, with the mail being brought weekly by a carrier on horseback.
The tavern which once stood at the corner of Wharf Street was demolished about 1910. Stone steps now mark the site of this once popular public house.
Rachel Smith, daughter of Jeremiah Smith and wife of Daniel Vose, provided the following anecdote involving her father (innkeeper Jeremiah Smith) and innkeeper William Babcock.
"Early in the Spring (of 1737 or 1738) after Mr. Jeremiah Smith removed to Milton he found an emigrant ship had arrived from Ireland, and as his neighbor, Mr. William Badcock, wanted a domestic, they went to Boston together. Mr. Badcock got his domestic, and Mr. Smith got a bushel of potatoes from the same vessel. Mr. Badcock never having seen a potato was surprised to see Mr. Smith procure so many. When the time for planting came, Mr. Badcock took a few with directions for planting. Mr. Badcock complained to Smith of the ignorance of the Irish help, for he sent her to the field to get some green corn to boil, and she came back and reported that she had dug up a dozen hills, and there was no corn to be found in one of them. Mr. Smith told him the ignorance of the Irish about corn was no more laughable than the ignorance of the Americans about potatoes!"
Blue Hill Hotel/Clark's Tavern - 1183 Randolph Avenue
(restoration in 2005)
The Blue Hill Hotel, as it was originally known, was built in 1809 along the new Blue Hill turnpike by Samuel Tucker for his son Joshua Tucker. Minot Thayer purchased the tavern in 1832 which he rented out until his son-in-law William H. Clark eventually took over ownership in 1877. Clark, the last landlord, kept open house until 1888 when the tavern became a private home.
In 1907 Harriet (Belcher) Caswell recalled her childhood days at the tavern:
"The old tavern was my home during the best part of my girlhood," recalled Mrs. Caswell in her 85th year, "and it was a place with a great deal of business at that time. Being nine miles from Boston the drovers from Taunton and New Bedford way could stop at the house over night, go on to Boston for their day's business and get back for another night's rest before completing their long journey homeward. My father (Cephas Belcher, son-in- law of owner Minot Thayer), accommodated as many as 30 people at one time. Then it was a favorite tavern for dancing parties from the Lower Mills and from Randolph and even North Bridgewater."
The most exciting event in the history of the tavern occurred during the war of 1812. One Saturday a British ship appeared off Boston harbor with the supposed purpose of landing marauding parties. Landlord Major Joshua Tucker received orders to collect his men and be ready to march. Tucker's forces were summoned to the 'tavern in Scott's woods,' to sharpen their swords and to mold bullets; however, the British sailed away without a fight. Today the former tavern is the headquarters of the Copeland Family Foundation.
Miller Tavern c.1700
The home and tavern of Samuel Miller — described as "three stories high, stately, and aristocratic" — stood along the King's Highway near Dudley Lane. Mr. Samuel Miller first appeared in Milton about 1688, possibly led here by the attractions of Miss Rebecca Belcher and sixty acres of land on Milton Hill, all of which became his at the time of their marriage. Innkeeper Miller's hospitality was enjoyed by Judge Sewall who recorded in his diary that he "baited at the half moon at Miller's".
Innkeeper Miller later built a new home for himself on his Blue Hills land in the Scott's Woods section of Milton; and may have given his tavern on the King's Highway to his son Joseph who is listed as a Milton inn-holder in 1738. The Scott's Woods property, which remained in the Miller family until 1776 when Loyalist Stephen Miller moved to New Brunswick, may also have been home to a tavern.
By 1830 when Benjamin Dudley built his home on Adams Street, no trace remained of the 'stately and aristocratic' Miller Tavern.
1770 Stephen Miller House, 11 Hillside Street
(replaced Samuel Miller House which burned 1770)
JEREMIAH SMITH TAVERN
Jeremiah Smith, a native of Northern Ireland, moved to Milton in 1737 to take charge of the paper mill on the Neponset River at Milton Lower Mills. A few years later Smith purchased the property, which contained a dwelling and 7 acres of land, from the Belcher heirs. His home was conveniently situated just south of the Neponset River bridge, where Extra Space Storage Co. is now located. In 1759 Smith received a license to operate his home as a public house after nearby innkeeper “…William Badcock was unable to entertain all the travel.”
Historian Edward Hamilton believed that the Smith house, renovated by Dr. Ware in the early 1800s, survived until demolished by Walter Baker & Co. in 1901.
Smith House renovated by Dr. Ware
DANIEL VOSE INN
According to genealogist Ellen Vose, Daniel Vose and his cousin Joseph Fenno bought land together, where they lived and erected buildings, where they carried on varied trade for a number of years, and conducted their house as an inn.
Following the death of Joseph Fenno, Daniel Vose bought out his cousin’s interest. In addition to being a successful merchant, Vose owned the only distillery of record in Milton and was licensed to sell liquor and operate a store on the first floor of his home. Being a savvy businessman, Vose used his distillery as a link between his tavern and his ships laden with goods which he sold in his store.
The home of Daniel Vose was enlarged by son-in-law Dr. Amos Holbrook, who moved the house from its original location at the corner of Adams & Wharf Streets to 40 Adams Street, where Citizens Bank is now located.
In 1950 the house, which was in poor condition, was moved to 1370 Canton Avenue courtesy of Dr. & Mrs. James B. Ayer who restored the house with architect-engineer William Morris Hunt. The house, now the headquarters of the Milton Historical Society, takes a prominent place in American history as the site where the Suffolk Resolves were signed on September 9, 1774.
Milton historian (and Vose descendant) Col. Edward P. Hamilton humorously noted that when the savings bank was constructed on the former site of the Suffolk Resolves house “almost immediately tremors and cracks were noted in the vicinity of Daniel Vose’s tomb.”
Mrs. Ayer bequeathed this historic house to the Milton Historical Society in 1963. Ten years later the Suffolk Resolves House was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Tax collectors meet at house of Daniel Vose
Daniel Vose house at 40 Adams Street
VOSE INN (AKA GREEN DRAGON TAVERN & RISING SUN TAVERN)
In 1767 Samuel Vose bought a small corner lot at Adams Street and Canton Avenue where he built an inn which he operated with his brother-in-law Joseph Cummings, who briefly held half interest in the property.
Vose later sold the property to Dr. Samuel Glover who rented it to Henry Vose. For several years Vose operated it as the “Green Dragon Tavern.” He had previously welcomed guests at his wife’s family home, the popular Billings Tavern before opening a tavern at Milton Lower Mills. Following his success with the ‘Green Dragon,’ Henry moved his tavern operations to Boston.
When the inn was purchased by Moses Whitney it became known as the “Rising Sun.” After remodeling the property in 1840, Whitney gave the old tavern sign to carpenter William Billings of Canton, who gave it to Elijah Morse who adopted “Rising Sun” as the trademark for his world famous stove polish.
Vose Inn/Rising Sun Tavern
Reproduction of Rising Sun tavern sign
By 1900 the former tavern had been remodeled by the Gordon family for business use with rooms for rent above. Apartments were still being occupied until shortly before the structure was demolished in 1954.
Rising Sun being demolished
Today Dolan Chapman Funeral Home stands on the site of the former tavern at 5 Canton Avenue.
GLOVER TAVERN
Around 1800 Dr. Samuel Glover built a tavern on Badcock land inherited by his wife. It was stated that innkeeper Glover had only one failing, he would ‘partake overmuch’…perhaps an occupational hazard! After nearly 20 years of successful stagecoach inn operations, Glover decided to give up his tavern license when the stage was sold.
Following the deaths of Dr. Glover and his son, the estate was purchased by China Trade Captain Edward H. Faucon who remodeled the former tavern in 1865 as a private home. Author Richard Dana in Two years before the Mast chronicles a voyage he made under the command of Captain Faucon.
In 1936 the tavern structure was demolished when the current 144 Adams Street residence was built.
Glover Tavern
BROWN TAVERN
Not long after his marriage to Molly Gooch, Josiah Brown purchased land on the opposite corner of Adams Street and Churchill’s Lane from his father-in-law on the bustling King’s Highway where he built his tavern in 1768. Often called a ‘favorite rendezvous in the Revolution,’ the tavern stood atop Milton Hill where it offered commanding views of both the Neponset River and the Blue Hills.
Assessors to meet at House of Josiah Brown
Unfortunately Mr. Brown, an impassioned Revolutionary orator, died at the age of 35 leaving his grieving widow “5 beds & bedding to keep tavern with.” After a suitable period of mourning his widow Molly married Capt. Levi Rounseville, who became the next landlord, a position he held until the couple left Milton.
It is believed that the tavern was later rented to Samuel Robinson who hosted a celebration of General Washington’s Birthday at his Milton inn in 1782. According to tradition a banquet of roast turkey, followed by 13 toasts, was enjoyed by all and that a celebration of Washington’s Birthday was continued in Milton before it was commonly practiced.
By the time the five-acre Brown property at the corner of Churchill’s Lane and Adams Street was purchased by Captain R. B. Forbes about 1824, the tavern was no longer standing. Today the Forbes House Museum grounds mark the site of the former tavern.
GOOCH TAVERN
About 1743 Colonel Joseph Gooch constructed a Colonial home for his family on the King’s Highway, which may have operated as a tavern according to this July 20, 1765 entry from The Diary of John Rowe which states that Rowe “…went to fish with friends at a pond ‘beyond the Blue Hill’ and put up at Mr. Joseph Gooch…”
However according to an entry penned by President John Adams in his Diary, Col. Gooch, it seems, was not universally liked:
“He [Gooch] had been educated at the Temple, in England, and returned to Boston to practise law, but had very little success. He had been a man of pleasure, and bore the indelible marks of it on his face to the grave.”
Following the death of Col. Gooch his home was rented out by daughter Molly’s husband and tax records suggest that it continued to be operated as a tavern for several years. The home of Col. Gooch still stands at 233 Adams Street.
Home of Col. Joseph Gooch
DANIEL TAVERN
The first tavern in Milton was established by William Daniel, shortly after leaving Dorchester in 1646, on a 13 acre lot on the north side of Milton Hill (halfway between Dudley Lane and Algerine Corner). Here he built his home which he also operated as the first public house in Milton.
Town records show that the Selectmen and militia officers frequently dined and wined at his ordinary; and that in 1678 he was licensed to sell beer, cider and wine, but not ‘strong water’. However an unfortunate incident which took place in 1685 between two men traveling to Boston who stopped at the Milton ordinary to quench their thirst is related in Early Court Files. After refreshing themselves John Baxter and Thomas Saffin, Jr. got into a drunken brawl 250 yards from the house which resulted in a terrible mauling, beating and kicking of horse and rider graphically described in the court record.
In 1733 Provincial Treasurer William Foye bought the Daniel estate, removing the old tavern to erect a stately mansion, which has since been demolished, at 320 Adams Street.
Foye Mansion
PIERCE TAVERN
Revolutionary War Capt. Rufus Pierce built his gambrel-roofed cottage on the King’s Highway in East Milton. Completed after the war, it was conducted as a tavern for many years by Capt. Pierce, who was the grandson of Milton innkeeper Joseph Bent. After the death of Capt. Pierce the cottage was passed down in the family, and eventually inherited by Henry Sheldon
In 1893 a Library Reading Room was briefly kept here after a fire destroyed the one in East Milton. Several years later the former tavern was removed and two large homes (478 & 486 Adams Street) were built by the Sheldon family on the property.
One of the Sheldon homes was removed for the construction of the Southeast Expressway; and the other was demolished when the Sheldon Building (now Jesson Building) was built. The building’s parking lot marks the site of the tavern.
Pierce Tavern
RAILWAY HOUSE
BLUE BELL INN or GRANITE HOUSE
Railway House/Blue Bell Inn
The “Railway House” was built about 1826 as a lodging house with stables for the Granite Railway Company. It was often filled with visitors from the city who came to see the country’s first railway. A large hall for dancing, excellent meals, and first class accommodations offered guests a comfortable stay.
It was often a popular site for a dance, such as this Thanksgiving Ball given in 1841.
While attending Harvard author Owen Wister often frequented the Railway House, which he called the “Bird-in-Hand” in his novel Philosophy 4.” Describing the tavern as “…to the undergraduate of that day, ... was what the Golden Fleece used to be to the Greeks… It was reported to be somewhere in the direction of Quincy, but for the successful explorer, a dinner and wines were waiting… more delicious than anything outside of Paradise…”
1880s Blue Bell trade card
Mary Phillips Webster, granddaughter of Col. Thomas Hollis, President of The Granite Railway, shared her childhood memories of the Granite House:
“I remember the plan of the old granite house, the anterooms at each side of the front door, the long parlor in the west wing, which had been the hotel dining-room, the sitting room in the east wing, the great hall over the long ell, the wonderful Diana grapevine which filled the sunny southeast corner between the house and the ell. Two of the old bowling alleys of the hotel still remained at the rear of the house and a little distant from it. One of these Grandfather had fitted up as a grapery… Grandfather had a pear orchard too, at the east side of the house where Edge Hill Road now is.”
By the late 1800s the tavern was operated as the Granite House, a successful boardinghouse and tea room. Unfortunately, hard times followed and the property was put up for sale. In 1923 the struggling Granite House advertised its furnished rooms and restaurant featuring Italian & American cuisine; however, following year the stone structure was demolished.
In 1929 the south half of the property was offered to the Town by Nathaniel Kidder as a site for an East Milton Library and several years later the East Milton Post Office was built on the north portion. Surprisingly the last dance held on the property was in 1937 when the Post Office was dedicated.
BENT & BRADLEE TAVERN
The Bent Tavern, which stood beneath a large elm on the old Taunton road (Canton Avenue today), was built around 1725 by Joseph Bent who began to keep inn after his marriage to Martha Houghton. After more than thirty years of keeping tavern, military duty called Captain Bent to New York where he died. His hostelry duties were then assumed by his son.
After more than 70 years of Bent proprietorship the tavern was sold to Stephen Bradlee, who conducted it as the Bradlee Tavern for 7 years. After his untimely death his young widow Sarah was forced to sell the property at public auction, which offered this description of the property “…20 acres & a dwelling house, barn & other buildings and a fine lot of fruit trees. The house had been improved for a public house for more than 80 years.”
Meeting at house of Capt. Lemuel Bent
Meeting at house of Stephen Bradlee
ATHERTON INN
After the Bradlee tavern was sold widow Sarah Bradlee married the new owner of the property, Major Jedidiah Atherton. Several years later the Major decided to tear down the old tavern, replacing it with a new four-square one known as the Atherton Inn.
Located at the junction of Atherton Street and Canton Avenue the inn was a popular stop for the bustling stagecoach traffic on the old Taunton Road. The Atherton, which offered a large second-story dancing room as well as space to accommodate overnight guests and regulars, often boarded long term guests including Jesse Pierce, during his teaching days at the “Old Brick” school.
The former inn, significantly altered by additions and renovations, still stands at 1253 Canton Avenue.
Original four-square Atherton Inn
BILLINGS TAVERN
By the early 1700s Joseph Billings and his wife were conducting a public house on the old Taunton Road not far from Great Blue Hill. Several generations of the family operated the popular inn known for its fancy dinners, parties, dances, and summer boarders. The Billings tavern was also the birthplace of Patience Billings, the mother of Daniel Vose.
In 1798 the Billings family decided to build a scenic observatory on nearby Great Blue Hill for the enjoyment of its guests. A 3 story wood structure with plank seats and railings on the outside and stairs on the inside was built by neighbors while tavern patrons contributed to its cost. Nearly a century later the ruins of the lookout were removed when Abbott Lawrence Rotch built his Blue Hill weather observatory.
“The Tavern, boardinghouse and fruit gardens of Mr. Billings, is one of the most delightful summer retreats in the neighborhood of Boston” boasted the 1828 Massachusetts Gazetteer.
After more than 100 years of family operation the tavern was sold to Moses Gragg who ran it as the Blue Hill Tavern for 20 years. Gragg, it was said, kept his stable cleaner than most women kept their kitchens. The Blue Hill tavern sign of innkeeper Gragg is in the collection of the Dedham Historical Society
When the tavern was sold in 1849, the hotel probably reverted to its original name as social assemblies were advertised in ‘Billings Hall,’ a later addition to the structure.
In 1885 when the former tavern was demolished, it was said to be one of the oldest buildings in Milton. Today the large summer house subsequently built by the Wainwright family still stands at 1661 Canton Avenue.
Moses Gragg Blue Hill Tavern sign (reproduction)
1854 Billings Hall Social
LEMUEL DAVIS INN & WILD OR WHITE TAVERN
Wild or White Tavern - 58 Hillside Street
Around 1775 Lemuel Davis built a tavern on Hillside Street in Scots Wood on land acquired from Samuel Tucker. Although historian A. K. Teele states that the tavern was owned earlier by a man named White. A search of records has not been able to confirm that anyone named White owned the property; however, it is possible that the property was rented to White.
Fifteen years later Lemuel Davis decided to build a new home for himself at 386 Highland Street, which may also have been used as a tavern. The structure was partially demolished in 2011 when a 2 large story addition was added.
Following the death of Lemuel Davis his son-in-law Elijah Wild came into possession of the Hillside Street property, which was sold in 1832 to Lewis Copeland who used it as a residence. In 1876 Charles Copeland moved the former tavern to the west side of Randolph Avenue; however, the structure was ultimately demolished around 1899 when the street was widened to accommodate a short-lived street railway.
Lemuel Davis Inn – 386 Highland Street
WHITE TAVERN
In 1686 Peter White received a license to conduct a public house in Milton which he operated for the next 50 years. Records indicate that it was located on the “northwest corner of White Street (Reedsdale Road today) and the extension of Central Avenue from Brook Road to Thacher Street.” A 1762 deed reveals that the property contained 38 acres, a house and buildings.
KENNEDY TAVERN
Little is known of the tavern kept by Andrew Kennedy in Scott’s Woods during the American Revolution, save that it stood on the land of John Pitcher. The tavern was described in a deed as ‘the old house on the NW side of the road’ (Hillside Street today) and was likely located near Harland Street.
PITCHER TAVERN
The only reference found to the tavern of Samuel Pitcher comes from Canton historian D. T. V. Huntoon, who wrote that Samuel Pitcher was lame and kept a tavern in Milton in 1712. By 1717 Pitcher had obtained dismissal from the Milton church and had applied for admission to the church at Stoughton. His descendants believe that the tavern would have stood near his tanning operation which was in the valley opposite the First Parish Church in Milton on Canton Avenue.
WILLIAM PIERCE TAVERN
William Pierce Tavern – 631 Adams Street
Capt. William Pierce was keeping an inn in Milton by at least 1736 according to Early Court Files. Home of Capt. William Pierce in Milton was described as “near bounds of the town extending that way from road about Ben Beals in Braintree (Quincy) to the road about Mores Bridge.”
Historian Bill Loughran, who did extensive research on the Launcelot Pierce house, felt that it was probably built by Launcelot’s father Capt. William Pierce who operated it as an inn.
KINSLEY TAVERN
According to 1744 and 1747 Early Massachusetts Court Files Samuel Kinsley was a licensed Milton innholder. It is believed that his tavern was probably on the King’s Highway (Adams Street), not far from the Daniels Tavern. No additional information on his tavern has been found.
BLAKE TAVERN
Boston Records show that William Blake (1620-1703) was licensed in 1670 “to keep hous of publique entertainment.” In 1660 William Blake become the proprietor of a lot of land (then territory belonging to Dorchester) which reached from Canton Avenue over Brush Hill to the Neponset river. In 1662 his land became part of Milton following its incorporation.
According to Early Suffolk County Court Files, in 1682 William Blake of Brush Hill in Milton was licensed to keep a house of entertainment for travelers on the new road from Taunton over Brush Hill. Blake, a farmer by occupation, was also a Selectman and Deputy to the General Court. The last reference to his innkeeping was May 12, 1691 when the County Court granted Blake permission to keep ‘an house of Entertainment’ at Brush Hill for the upcoming year.
In 1789 the western part of the Blake house was damaged by lightning and by 1887 the house was no longer standing. According to historian A. K. Teele the tavern stood ‘near the house of Mr. White’ located at 685 Brush Hill Road.
WILLIAM DAVENPORT TAVERN C.1787
"On the corner between Canton Av. and Green St. stood the ‘Davenport Store’, famed of old as a halting place for all teams. The thirsty were also refreshed; and as all were thirsty in those days, it so happened that the weary traveler seldom passed this store without a friendly call." (Teele)
The c1780 William Davenport house, which was operated by Davenport as a tavern in 1787, still stands at 1 Green Street.