Around Town

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

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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.

Around Town

Watertown’s Winter Parking Ban Will End Early

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The City of Watertown sent out the following announcement:

Winter Parking Ban ends effective Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 12:00 pm. The City of Watertown will lift enforcement of the all night parking ban effective Wednesday March 15, 2023 at 12:00 pm subject to weather and future emergency conditions. The Department of Public Works, Police Department and Fire Department would like to remind motorists that keeping the streets clear allows for road repairs, street cleaning and easy access for public safety vehicles. To that end, all Departments encourage residents to make full use of off-street parking when it is available.

Around Town

Watertown Group Hosting Discussion on What’s Happening With Housing in Watertown

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The following announcement was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace Justice & the Environment:

Finding affordable housing has long been an issue for everyone in Watertown. We invite you to join us on Wednesday, March 15 online from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a presentation of current efforts to address it. Louise Enoch will speak about the goals of the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) including support of Boston Public Housing. Mary Skinner will sketch the discussions of the Refugee Support Group subcommittee on Affordable Housing. 

Tony Palomba will update us on affordable housing legislation before the Watertown CityCouncil. 

Josh Rosmarin will present a new organization that he, Dan Pritchard and Amy Plovnick arehoping to establish in Watertown. This would undertake affordable housing advocacy as isbeing done in nearby communities. 

There will also be breaks for questions and answers.

Around Town

OBIT: Pastorah O’Connor, Worked at Perkins School for the Blind

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Pastorah O’Connor

Pastorah Ina O’Connor died peacefully on February 26, 2023. Pat was born on July 13, 1931 inLeominster, the daughter of Francis “Ben” Bates and Evelyn (MacMillian) Bates. She graduated from Leominster High School in 1949 and attended Worcester School of Business Science where she graduated in 1951. She worked for General Electric in Fitchburg, St. Williams Church in Wilmington, Vermont, Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and the Catholic Diocese in Burlington, Vermont.

Around Town

OP-ED: Let the Charles River Run Free

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Charlie BreitroseThe Watertown Dam near Watertown Square slows the flow of the Charles River. A group is advocating removing the dam. Submitted by the Charles River Watershed Association

A case for reimagining our relationship with the Charles River. For over 400 years, the Charles River has been altered, controlled, and dammed to bend to the will of industry and profit. The river we know today is not free – but instead, a river radically changed by the long history of human intervention.

Around Town

Tour a Watertown Home that Dates Back to 1772 with the Historical Society

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Charlie BreitroseThe Edmund Fowle House during the re-enactment of the reading of the Declaration of Independence which took place in 1776. Tour one of Watertown’s oldest homes during the March Historical Society of Watertown event. The Historical Society of Watertown will be giving its March Sunday tours at the Edmund Fowle House, 28 Marshall Street, Watertown, MA  02472, on the last Sunday of the month  which is March 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. with the last tour at 3:15 p.m.  Admission:  $5 for adults; $2 for students and seniors

Dating back to 1772, the Fowle House was the locations for some historic events. In 1775 it became the seat of government for the Provincial Congress, and was the location of the first treaty signing after the United States gained Independence. Now the Fowle House is the headquarters of the Historical society.

Around Town

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

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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.