Bi-Weekly Newsletter November 23, 2024

THE BOATHOUSE ​

When I was young children had more freedom. I mean physically, in terms of where we could be, unsupervised. We rode our bicycles to lots of places and sometimes parents didn’t know exactly where we were. They were very good parents- times were just different. I remember one time being on the edge of Langwater Pond and exploring the boathouse which even then was not in the finest shape. It was dark and damp and creepy as I recall it. Today the Langwater boathouse is completely gone.
I found an article in a “Homebuilder’s Supplement” from 1910. The magazine was called COUNTRY LIFE IN AMERICA and the author was George E. Walsh. The motorboat was increasing in popularity at the time so there was a need for boathouses to protect the engines from rain. The wealthier classes, especially, wanted a structure that was also attractive and fit in with the surroundings. The piece included a caption and a photo, “An attractive boathouse that fits unobtrusively into its environment. The property of Mr. F. L. Ames, North Easton, Mass.”

Boathouse. Property of F. L. Ames

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Something I don’t personally remember about Langwater is what was called the Ramble Walk. It followed the eastern shore of the pond past the house and continued along the pond’s edge toward Elm Street. Beautiful flowers, including narcissus, bloomed in profusion there and the “Ramble” was open for all to enjoy. I’m not sure when it disappeared. I know in the late seventies beautiful azaleas continued to bloom along the pond edge not far from the old boathouse.

Langwater boathouse

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I have kayaked and skated on Langwater- we called it Fred’s Pond, and the pond, along with our personal memories of it, are to be treasured.

POST CARDS OF BOATHOUSE

Anne Wooster Drury

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