Our History: G. Fred Robinson — Beautified Charles River Bank, Erected Monuments

George Fred Robinson – President of the Historical Society of Watertown from 1930 – 1949
(Photo courtesy of the Watertown Free Public Library)

The following story is part of a series on local history provided by the Historical Society of Watertown. was written by former Historical Society President Karl Neugebauer for the January 2006 Historical Society newsletter, “The Town Crier.”

MOUNT AUBURN NOTABLES

In celebration of the 375th anniversary of the founding of Watertown, the Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery and the Historical Society of Watertown joined together on Oct. 9 to give a guided tour of the gravesites of several notable people who once resided in Watertown. The lives of our Watertown notables were recalled by members of the Historical Society Council and Historical Society volunteers. The following information was presented by Historical Society President Karl Neugebauer.

Watertown High School Adding Courses, Changing Grad Requirements to Meet State Standards

Watertown High School will be offering some new courses next year, and the graduation requirements will be changing for incoming freshmen. Also, the school is trying to prevent plagiarism by high-tech methods. On Monday, the School Committee heard about the changes to the Watertown High School Course of Studies from WHS Principal Joel Giacobozzi. Some changes were made to get the high school in line with the state’s recommended graduation requirements, and one came out of a student initiative. “Fine, applied and performing arts added Dance and Choreography Workshop,” Giacobozzi said.

Last Second Goal Lifts Watertown into Hockey State Semifinal

Charlie BreitroseWatertown junior Mauricio Souza scored the gamer winner with seconds remaining in the Elite Eight Game against Nauset. Here he celebrates a goal against Southeastern Regional in the First Round. A breakaway goal with five seconds left in the MIAA Div. 3 Boys Hockey Elite Eight vaulted Watertown/Wayland past host Nauset, 3-2, and into the Final Four for the second straight season. Just as it appeared the game played at Charles Moore Arena in Orleans would head into overtime and the puck in the Nauset offensive zone, junior Mauricio Souza grabbed the puck, skated down ice and buried the puck in the Warriors’ net to clinch the win for the fifth-seeded Raiders.

Watertown Teachers Contact Approved by School Committee

Following lengthy negotiations, teachers in the Watertown Public Schools have a new contract after the School Committee approved the deal on Monday night. The deal includes increases in each of the three years of the deal, plus bumps in the first and third years. Another addition is increased parental leave, said School Committee member Lindsay Mosca, who was on the district’s negotiating team. Jessica Middlebrook also represented the School Committee on the negotiating team. “I think that the Watertown Public Schools have a lot to be proud of in the contract,” Mosca said.

Watertown Man Arrested for Bank Robbery in Boston

Boston Police arrested a 60-year-old Watertown man for allegedly robbing a bank in Dorchester on Monday. Police received a repot of a robbery in progress at the Santander Bank at 535 Columbia Road at 1:15 p.m., on March 6. “The suspect walked into the bank, approached the counter and handed the teller a note demanding money. No weapons were shown,” according to the report on BPDNews.com. The suspect, later identified as David Laffey, 60, of Watertown, fled the bank on foot with an unknown amount of money.”

WHS Spring Musical ‘Anastasia’ This Week, Bandarama Next Week

Fans of drama and music have two opportunities to see Watertown’s young performers in action at the Watertown High School spring musical and the districtwide Bandarama. This year’s spring musical is a production of Anastasia, and along with the students on stage and behind the scenes, WHS Principal Joel Giacobozzi will be lending a hand, or a trumpet, to the orchestra for the three performances. Performances will be at the WHS Auditorium, 50 Columbia St., on Friday and Saturday, March 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, March 12 and 2 p.m.. Tickets are $10. WPS Students and Teachers can attend for free.

Come Tell the City What You Would Like Future Development in Watertown to Look Like

Thursday night, residents, business owners, and others have the chance to let City officials know what they would like Watertown look like in the future. The new draft of the Comprehensive Plan, along with plans for the City’a open space and recreation assets, will be discussed at an open house where people can leave their input. The open house will be held on Thursday, March 9 from 6:30-8 p.m. in the Watertown Savings Bank in the Watertown Library, 123 Main St. To RSVP click here. See the plans and more information about the Comprehensive Plan and Open Space & Recreation Plan at the website: https://engagestantec.mysocialpinpoint.com/watertown-plan

Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan was adopted by the City Council in 2015.