Grafton State Hospital, Grafton

Grafton State Hospital was established in 1901 as a farm colony of Worcester State Hospital.  Worcester was the oldest state hospital opened in 1830, and their expansion reflected  a mandate passed in 1900 that state has the responsibility to take care of its indigent insane. A massive influx of patients from town and city level institutions was expected; prior to the mandate, a local poorhouse was the destination for the those who were less fortunate.

Crane Beach, Ipswich

Newton Almshouse, Newton

Toolhouse est.1938

When I published a post about Working Boys Home in Newton about a year ago, I was also fascinated by the "infirmary" just northwest of the Home. Was there any connection between the infirmary and the Home? Were they operated by the same organization? If so, did the parents (most likely unwed mothers) at the infirmary have to be separated from their children to Working Boys Home (and Working Girls Home) ?

An impression sand makes III

Wingaersheek beach, Gloucester

It's not snow! The finest sand I've ever seen!

And of course, that mansion:

Early spring is the best time to spend a sunny weekend with your dog, friend, family, or even by yourself...sans fee and crowd!

Old Burial Hill, Marblehead 1-2

A graveyard is an excellent place to learn symbolism. You can learn how the culture surrounding you perceives the concept of death and afterlife as well as how the historic transition of those concepts affects the design of gravestone.

If you are an alien, a gravestone is sort of the Arecibo Message on the earth...Well, at least for a foreigner like me. 

Prospect Hill Tower, Somerville

Prospect Hill Tower (1903)

I don't know why, I've been to this tower and taken pictures thinking about posting it here...at least 3 times. My attempts were never fulfilled. I am not even sure why I have been so mentally blocked  about doing it. Along with Powderhouse, Prospect Hill Tower is easily one of the structures that represents the city of Somerville.