Newton Forestry Department Photographs, 1908-1918 - Newton Highlands Playground - Construction

A Massachusetts state statute promulgated in 1905 entitled "An Act to Provide for Suppressing the Gypsy and Brown Tail Moths" led to the creation of the Newton municipal Forestry Department in 1908. Newton's tree warden had had the "care and control of all public shade trees, and the planting, trimming and cutting thereof..." as well as the eradication of the gypsy and brown tail moth. In addition, the maintenance, care and management of public parks, squares, playgrounds and burial grounds were transferred from the Street Department to the new Forestry Department. These Department photographs, taken between 1908 and 1918, document the Department's role in caring for city trees, parks and playgrounds. Many of the images chosen for this collection highlight the activities of the Forestry Department, in particular the workmen creating new playgrounds, and the public engaged in recreational activities. - Black and white photographs - View of workmen and horse-drawn wagons, houses in background - 252 -