Fruit, Fruit, Wonderful Fruit

A couple of thoughts on this real estate advertisment. First, Mr Gray's Meeting House refers to the church at Centre and Eliot street, which is directly opposite the 5 mile marker placed there by Paul Dudley. That would put the property at about Lakeville road, on one side of Centre street or the other. Also, regarding this and other such real estate ads I've seen - I now know that these people did love their fruit. Every improved agricultural plot seems to have been covered with fruit trees, bushes and vines.

One more thing: in the early-mid 19th century, it was 'on' Jamaica Plain, not 'in' Jamaica Plain, when referring to the village between Boylston street and current day Moss Hill.



Independent Chronicle and Boston Patriot April 9, 1823


House on Jamaica Plain.

To SELL or LET, an acre and 3-4ths of land, chiefly improved as a garden, situated on Jamaica Plain, half a mile from Rev. Mr. Gray's Meeting House, and 4 1/2 miles from the city, with a good two story wooden dwelling House, barn, shed and wash-house and granary, standing thereon, and supplied with a well of excellent water, under cover. The house contains two parlors, two kitchens and five chambers; and there is a contiguous building suitable for the occupation of a gardener containing two lower rooms and two chambers. The garden furnishes a great variety of summer, fall and winter fruit, and the trees are generally large and in full bearing; it also produces a full supply of cherries, currants, strawberries, gooseberries and grapes. If the dweling house be let, the owner will reserve to his use the small tenemnent, and half the garden. For terms, or to view the same, apply on the premises to

Sears Hersey

Jamaica Plain, April 8th.