Kids Honor Officer Joe

The Boston Globe archive from 1927-79 are now available at the Boston Public Library, so I've taken the opportunity to explore the years of my own childhood. When I did, I found this article about officer Joe Graham, who served as crossing guard at the corner of Centre and Burroughs streets for many years, and was a beloved fixture in the neighborhood. I remember my mother talking about Joe years ago, and as recent as a few weeks ago I saw him mentioned on Facebook. It may surprise some younger people that police served as crossing guards, but it was a different time.

Kids Honor Officer Joe

Boston Globe, May 25, 1963

Big Joe received a 30-foot long grammar school diploma yesterday. It was signed by 550 students at the Agassiz grammar school on Burroughs street, Jamaica Plain, and Joe's only regret is that it is too long to hang on the wall. Joe Graham is a retired Boston police officer. He was on the force for 43 years, and before retiring April 24, had served 38 years as a school crossing officer at Centre and Burroughs streets, opposite the Agassiz school.

Since he first took his post at the school crossing, he has been popular with the students. Each year he took time to train the youngsters is safety.

The students and teachers planned a surprise party for Joe, but he got wind of it about a week ago. They wrote a song for him, and put on a skit in his honor. They also dug up some 30 year old pictures of Joe at his post, with children crowding around him as happily as they did his last day at Centre and Burroughs streets.

Joe is 68 years old, and lives at 11 Weld Hill road(sic), Jamaica Plain.

Maybe Joe will have trouble remembering all of those hours he spent at the crossing, but he'll never forget what happened Friday.

There was cake there and the chef cleverly showed Big Joe in blue frosting against the white candles.

The school orchestra played and the glee club sang and Big Joe was given a mighty hand when he stood up to speak at the school assembly.

And wouldn't you know it... his final words of advice were the same thing he's been telling the kids for so many years: "Be careful crossing the streets, mind your father and mother, and don't misbehave in school."

So Near (Beer), But So Far Away

Boston Daily Globe May 2, 1924


JAMAICA PLAIN MADE REAL DRY

Near-Beer Saloons Shut for License Hearings


Yesterday was dry day in Jamaica Plain. Not one near-beer saloon was open, pending the issuing of licenses by the Licensing Board. Saloonkeepers, doctors, lawyers and others pleaded with Capt Harriman to allow the saloons to open, pending the hearings on the applications for renewal of licenses.

But it was Capt Harriman’s day. He and Sergt Michael Healy have long wished to see the day when they would not have to be troubled with complaints regarding saloons. So Capt Harriman stood pat and wouldn’t budge an inch.

Today only two places were allowed to open, one on Amory st and the other at Boylston Station, both being in the good graces of the Licensing Board. All others will have to remain shut until the results of the hearings have been disclosed.

Sergt Michael Healy has worked incessantly in the Jamaica Plain section and his efforts, also those of Sergt Fitzpatrick and liquor officer Gaw, have brought good results.

Patrolman Benjamin May

Jamaica Plain News.



Brewer Street (Bromley, 1905). The Benjamin May house is opposite the end of Thomas Street.



May Street, 1874. The house of Benjamin May is along May Street. Both sides of May Street were once part of May Farm.




John May, master of the vessel "The James", and a carpenter, was born in 1590. He sailed between London and New England in the 1630s, before coming to Massachusetts with his family as part of the Great Migration of the Puritans to New England, and settled in Roxbury near the Great Pond in about 1640. His first wife died in 1651, and he remarried. His first son, also named John, was born in England in 1631, and became a carpenter like his father. The second John married Sarah Brewer Bruce, widow, daughter of Daniel and Joanna Brewer, and had eight children. Offspring number four was another John, first surviving son, born in 1663. This John married Prudence Bridge in 1684, and went on to become a church deacon and a Selectman of the town of Roxbury, and is buried at the Eustis Street burial ground in Roxbury. Of his many children, Benjamin was number eleven, born in 1708. When his first wife, Mary Williams, died leaving him with five children, he remarried Abigail Gore, widow of John Gore. His first child, Lemuel, was born in 1738, and would live until 1805. Lemuel served as Lieutenant in Captain Child's company, the 3rd Roxbury, in Colonel William Heath's regiment. His 1st Suffolk Company commission was signed by George Washington, and he would later be known as Captain Lemuel May. Lemuel married Abigail Davis, and they had two daughters before she died. He remarried Katharine Williams, and had nine more children, of whom three survived to adulthood. The first surviving son was Benjamin, born 1781. Benjamin married Mary Starr, and farmed the old homestead. They had four children, including Lemuel, born 1814. Lemuel married Lucy Ann Kent and had two sons. Their first son - takes big breath - was Benjamin, born in 1848, who married Sarah J. Moffatt, and is the gentleman featured in today's entry.

In this one branch of the May family, we have a Bridge, a Williams, a Gore and a Starr - all names known in Jamaica Plain history. The Bridge family were early settlers of the land along Centre street at today's Moss Hill, adjacent to the May property. The Williams family was one of the biggest land holders in Roxbury. The Gores gave us Paul Gore street, and the name Starr Lane we owe to one branch of that family. The May name was still on property between the eponymous May street and the new Arborway in 1905, but by 1914 the last of the old homestead land was in non-May hands. Perhaps the building of the Arborway across the old farm land was too much for the family to take.

Patrolman Benjamin May lived in his grandmother's old house on May street until moving into a Gothic cottage house at 9 Brewer street. Which is two-three houses up away from the house I grew up in, the son of a Boston policeman. Which brings the entire story home for me. A tenuous connection to early Jamaica Plain, but a connection nonetheless.

The story below honors Patrolman May's service to the community, and is of special interest in that it informs us that Lemuel May ran the Omnibus service between Jamaica Plain and Boston. There's a neat little tidbit!

Addendum: When you read Roxbury history, you get a sense that it was a small world. Here are some of the connections that show up in the May genealogy. Eleazer May, grandson of the first John, sold his land to Benjamin Fanueil. That land would in time become the Samuel G. Goodrich (Peter Parley) estate, and the southern portion would be laid out as Green street. Abigail May, first daughter of Captain Lemuel May, would marry Moses Brewer and become the mother of Captain Charles Brewer. A cousin,also named Abigail May, would marry Joseph Brewer, and later donate land to the Eliot School. Susannah, daughter of Benjamin (b. 1781), married Alexander Dickson, whose house remains on Green street today.



Jamaica Plain News February 15, 1908


POLICEMAN MAY'S RETIREMENT.

His Many Years in the Police Department and Life-long Residence in Jamaica Plain Full of Interesting Incidents.



Patrolman Benjamin May, whose retirement from the police force of Boston at his own request and by virtue of the age limit was mentioned in the News at the time, was not only one of the oldest men, in point of service in the police department, but is one of the longest continuous residents of Jamaica Plain now living and in touch with the life of the present day, and his life and service are filled with interesting incidents of the changes that have occurred in Jamaica Plain during the past sixty years as well as in his personal career as a police officer. The announcement of his retirement two weeks ago being made only the night before the News went to press, only a brief mention of the event was made then. The News is pleased to present in this issue a fuller account of Patrolman May and his interesting life and service as a policeman and a life-long resident of Jamaica Plain.

Patrolman May's service in the police department covered thirty-nine years, at his retirement at the age of sixty, two weeks ago, thirty-four being spent as a member of the police force of the city of Boston, and five years as a special officer of the town of West Roxbury. During these thirty-nine years, Patrolman May rendered the most faithful and efficient service and when his retirement was announced he received the highest commendation from the head of the police department and left active service with the warmest regard of his fellow officers. Through all the changes in the department he was uniformly efficient and devoted to his duty and his retirement now with a pension will enable him to enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Officer May was born in Jamaica Plain a little over sixty years ago and practically all his life has been passed in his home town. His public service began in 1866 when he became a member of the old hand fire engine company known as "Fountain No.1." During his service as fireman was thrown from the engine while making a run and was considerably cut and bruised and laid up for some time, and this mishap led to his resignation from the fire service. He was a member of the fire department until 1869 however, when he was appointed a special police officer in the old town of West Roxbury. After the annexation of West Roxbury to Boston he became a member of the police force of that city, his appointment dating from May, 1874. He was assigned to Div. 13, the Jamaica Plain station, and remained here until 1890, when he was transferred to the Back Bay station. He remained there until about a year ago, when he was again transferred to Div. 13, from which station he was retired.

Not alone as a fireman and police officer has Mr. May served with credit and efficiency. He also won some distinction in the early days as a bell ringer in Jamaica Plain, he having tolled the bell on the Unitarian church at the corner of Centre and Eliot streets upon the occasion of Governor Andrews' death, and by the request of the late Stephen Weld, having rung the bell on the old engine house (which stood where Seaver's block now stands) to announce the glad tidings of Lee's surrender. On this occasion he rang so long and vigorously that people became alarmed and came rushing to the engine house to find out where the fire was. There fear however, was soon changed to rejoicing when they learned the cause of the ringing of the bell.

Mr May was the son of Lemuel May who ran the first omnibus line from Jamaica Plain to Boston before the days of horse cars. The stable and starting place of this line was on Thomas street and hourly trips were made, the fare being 25 cents each way, and Mr May assured his friends that women did not go to Boston bargain hunting every day those times. As a lad Mr. May used to ride on the seat of the omnibus with his father or the driver and there learned, by holding the reins of the six horse team, to become the excellent horseman and driver he has always been. Before the time Mr. May's father started the omnibus line from here to Boston he says many people used to walk the distance, and others wait for the weekly trip of the Boston-Providence stage, which ran through Jamaica Plain and which was the only public conveyance from here to Boston at the time. The Providence stage, he says, never lacked a full load both ways between Jamaica Plain and Boston.

Mr. May has been a member of the Roxbury Historical Society, and has a deep interest in as well as a full knowledge of local history. His retirement after these thirty-nine years of active and arduous service will bring him the leisure and rest in his Brewer street home which he has so well earned.

Source of the May genealogy: A Genealogy of the Descendants of John May, Who Came From England to Roxbury in America.

End Of An Era

I made an effort to find the last Jamaica Plain Civil War veteran, and came up more or less empty-handed. I did find obituaries for Jamaica Plain veterans, but all were for men who had settled in Jamaica Plain after their service - usually long after. In this case, Lieutenant George Haines of the West Roxbury and later Boston police departments may not have been born in Jamaica Plain, but he did spend most of his adult life there. The city street directories have him first as a boarder (renter?) on Chestnut avenue, and then on Lamartine street. It sounds like he was a fixture in the department and the community.


Boston Daily Globe April 6, 1900


Lieut Haines To Retire.

Sickness Compelled Him to Take the Step.

Tuesday Was the 35th Anniversary of His Appointment to the Force.

Has Been Lieutenant at Jamaica Plain Station Since 1877.


Lieut George E. Haines of the Jamaica Plain station is to be retired shortly on a pension. The question of his retirement has been before the police commissioners for some time. He has been sick at his home, 300 Lamartine st, Jamaica Plain, more than five months. He is a sufferer fro rheumatism, and for the last 10 years has been confined to his home for from one to three months each winter. He is now at home and quite ill.

Tuesday was the 35th anniversary of his appointment to the police force. There are not than half a dozen men in the department that have seen a longer term of service on the force then he. It is with regret both to himself and his superiors that his physical condition compels his retirement.

Absence from duty has made it necessary for himself to ask for retirement. His papers are not yet on file with the commissioners, but it is understood they will be forwarded within a few days,

Lieut Haines is in his 61st year. He is a veteran of the civil war. In Co D, 1st Massachusetts infantry, he served three years as a volunteer. In 1865, shortly after his return from the war, he joined the police force. At that time his parents were living in West Roxbury, then a town. The "lockup," now known as police station 13, was located on Center st, now called Thomas st. The fire department was in the same building. Mr Haines served in the capacity of policeman and fireman under the old town government.

Old members of the department tell of his bravery, both as policeman and fireman in those days.

Mr Haines was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1874, when the town was annexed to Boston. Three years later he was made lieutenant, and as such has since served at the Jamaica Plain station. He has been a careful, painstaking official, and one in whom his captain and headquarters officials had the utmost confidence.

His retirement will cause regret throughout the department. He is a member of the police relief association and of several social and fraternal orders in Jamaica Plain.

Kids And Guns

Here are two stories from early in the last century, both involving children and guns. The first has an element of humor, while the second is pure tragedy.



Boston Daily Globe March 19, 1913


Asks To Be Kept In Cell.

Jamaica Plain Boy, Held in Shooting Case, Escapes From Juvenile Home but Police Send Him Back.


Preferring a cell in the Jamaica Plain police station to the comparative liberty of a juvenile home in Wellesley, Charles A. Burrows, 14 years old, of 37 School st, Jamaica Plain, who was held in $3000 bonds on a charge of assault with a loaded revolver on Carl G.A. Danielson of 41 School st, Jamaica Plain, made his escape from the institution yesterday afternoon.

The boy was arrested Saturday evening and spent Sunday in the Jamaica Plain Police Station, where he became friendly with the patrolmen. He was given in charge of the State Board of Charity Monday and was sent to the Wellesley institution.

After dinner yesterday he was allowed with the other children to play on the grounds of the home, and eluding an attendant he walked in upon his astonished parents just as they had finished the evening meal. He said he had no intention of escaping the authorities, but told them he did not like Wellesley and was perfectly willing to return to a cell in the Jamaica Plain Station.

Accompanied by his mother, he walked to the station house, where he greeted the patrolmen like old friends and went to a cell with a smile of satisfaction.

Hardly had he reached the cell when a telephone message from Headquarters was received ordering that the boy be sent at once to meet a representative of the Wellesley institution. He was accordingly taken back.

While Burrows and the other boys were playing "Wild West" at Franklin Park, Danielson was shot in the abdomen and is now lying at the City Hospital in serious condition. Burrows admitted he shot the lad with a 22-caliber revolver which he had bought that morning, but insisted it was accidental.



June 24, 1916


Absolve Hickox Of Myers' Death

Acquitted of Charge of Manslaughter

Accidentally Fired Revolver in Jamaica Plain Store

Officer Pulsifer, Its Owner, Breaks Down in Court



George HIckox, who fired the shot from a policeman's revolver which killed 14-year-old Kenneth T. Myers in a store at 95 Boylston st, Jamaica Plain, on the evening of June 16, was freed of the charge of manslaughter by Judge Perrins in the West Roxbury court yesterday.

Patrolman Pulsifer of the Jamaica Plain station, who owned the weapon, broke down and wept during his testimony. Especially was he affected when the revolver was handed to him for a demonstration of how he handed it to Hickox before the accidental shooting.

Pulsifer had been telling of the incidents leading to the accident when his gaze rested on his revolver. Then he put out his hand and, taking the weapon, lowered his head, unable to continue his testimony for two minutes.

Patrolman Pulsifer told of going into the store where Hickox was clerk, and the conversation in which he was asked his opinion about a new revolver the clerk had in the rear of the store. Hickox expressed surprise when told that it was worth about $1.50, and to explain the small value Pulsifer brought out his own revolver to show the greater grip.

A few seconds after Hickox received the officer's weapon there was an explosion from the revolver. Pulsifer testified that Hickox was startled by the shot and asked him (Pulsifer) if he was hit, and receiving a negative reply, asked young Myers the same question.

The lad also said no and started for the door of the store, but grew faint. The officer caught him before he fell, carried him to a table in the rear of the store and gave him a drink of water. The boy asked what the matter was and Pulsifer said he told him he had been frightened and fainted. He said Hickox was much upset and exclaimed "Why did I take that into my hand?"

Capt. Joseph Harriman of Station 13 told of first hearing of the shooting when informed by Medical Examiner McGrath, on the morning of June 17, of the bullet hole in the boy's body. Then Pulsifer and Hickox were sent for, and the officer's story was substantially that of his testimony on the stand.

Charl Schleich, aged 10, of 1 Jess st, who was in the store at the time of the shooting and was sent after a doctor, also testified, corroborating the facts as told by the principal witnesses.

Then Hickox went to the stand, and his story agreed with that of Pulsifer, that the shot was purely accidental.

Hickox was represented by Sewell C. Brackett, who argued that as his client had never fired a shot before in his life and was unfamiliar with firearms, his finger naturally went to the trigger, and in turning it over the shot was accidentally fired. Capt Harriman, who, with Inspector Greavey of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, conducted the prosecution, made no arguments.

Judge Perrins, in summing up, said that the case was one of the "didn't know it was loaded" variety, and that the whole affair was simply a regrettable incident. As far as had been shown, he stated, there was absolutely no malice or evil intent in the affair and he ordered HIckox freed.

The Gangs Of Jamaica Plain

I've tried to balance entries describing church meetings and honored veterans with articles featuring crime and poverty. At the same time that Catholic church parishes could host thousands for annual celebrations, those same neighborhoods could also produce young men ready to kick a policeman in the head. If we want to remember the good old days in J.P., we need to keep in mind the less savory element of the community. Life in turn of the century Jamaica Plain was not all Footlight Club plays and Tuesday Club teas. In an earlier entry, a newspaper article refers to residents Jamaica Plain during these same years hiring watchmen to protect their property from break-ins.

I try to copy the newspaper articles as accurately as possible, so if the spelling of a name changes, I'm following what I find. Sometimes, deciphering the type is difficult, so I have to guess at the words and spelling. Did you get the cinematic referece in the title above?


Boston Daily Globe April 21, 1907


Gang Took His Club And Gun

Patrolman McKinnon Badly Used Up.

Unknown Man Had Been Robbed in Jamaica Plain.

Officer Then Came on scene -- Two Arrests.


Patrolman McKinnon of division 13 was assaulted by a crowd of men on Keyes st, Jamaica Plain, last night, and John J. Dolan, 20 years old, of 53 Call st and Edward J. Dolan, 23, of 40 Orchard st, were arrested shortly afterward, charged with the assault.

An unknown man was held up by a gang of young men about 12:30, near the corner of Washington and Keyes sts, and was beaten and robbed. McKinnon came upon the scene and the gang fled. The officer overhauled them on Keyes st, near the railroad bridge where they turned upon him.

There were six in the crowd and they speedily overpowered the officer. He was thrown to the ground and his assailantw took his club and revolver from him and used the club on him.

In the meantime somebody had telephoned police station 13 of the troubles, and a number of officers were sent to the place.

The gang ran away with McKinnon, who was bleeding from a gash on the head, in persuit. The beating he had received had weakened him, however, and he fell in the street where he lay until the other patrolmen came to his aid. He was sent to the station house, where his wounds, a number of cuts on the head, were dressed by Dr Woodruff.

From the description they obtained the officers arrested the two Dolans on the charge of assault and battery. They will be arraigned in court tomorrow where they will probably answer to a more serious charge.



January 22, 1908


Thugs Strike From Behind

Patrolman Attacked in Jamaica Plain.

Hayes Was Walking on Centre St in Plain Clothes.

Question Whether Robbery or Revenge Was Motive.


Patrolman Jeremiah Hayes of division 13, Jamaica Plain, was murderously attacked about 8:30 last night by two young men, who stole up behind him as he was walking along Centre st on his way to the station house on Seaverns av. One of the pair struck him on the back of the head with a blunt weapon and felled him to the ground.

The officer was in citizen's clothes and it is an open question whether his assailants, not knowing he was a patrolman, attacked him with intent to rob him or whether they were taking revenge because of police activity in that section of late.

Patrolman Hayes noticed two young fellows behind him when he was near Lakeville pl, but they did not arouse his suspicions. After the assault they ran down Centre sts and disappeared through Lockstead av. in the direction of Jamaica pond.

Though dazed by the blow, patrolman Hayes recovered sufficiently to get a glimpse of one of the fellows, who is about 5 feet 5 inches in height, stout built, and wore a light-colored overcoat, dark-colored trousers and a golf cap.

With head and face covered with the blood from his wounds on the head and face, caused by the violence of his fall to the ground, Hayes managed to make his way to the station house a considerable distance away, and reported to Lieut Bodenschatz. Dr Arthur N.Broughton dressed his wounds and found he had sustained a severe scalp wound on the back of his head, about two inches long, and abrasions on his face, right hand, knees and shins.

Patrolman Hayes could not explain the assault on him. It occurred in an aristocratic section of Jamaica Plain, and so far as Hayes knows, he has not an enemy in the district, where he has been a patrolman since 1894.

Recently, however, the police of division 13 have been active in the arrest of local characters, some of them for assault on patrolman McKinnon of division 13 about a year ago, who was beaten so terribly that he has not been able to perform police duty since. Three of the defendants in the case were sent away for a time and have recently been released. Others have been arrested for alleged attempt to break and enter a store.

Patrolman Hayes was born in Ireland, Jan 3, 1850. He was appointed a patrolman Oct 31, 1881, and was assigned to division 4; he was transferred to division 13 Aug 29, 1894, and has remained on duty at that station since that time.



January 23, 1908


Youths Arrested.

Charged With Assault on Patrolman Hayes.

Officer Positively Identifies Lad of 14 as One Assailant.


Two Roxbury youths, Richard J. Connolly, aged 16, of 963 Parker st, and Henry W. Hildreth, 14, of 4 Highland pl, are under arrest charged with breaking and entering the grocery store of M.S. Morton at Hyde Park last Tuesday morning and also with assaulting patrolman Jeremiah Hayes of division 13 with a blackjack Tuesday night in Jamaica Plain.

Neither of the youths has enjoyed an enviable reputation with the police for some time, and Hildreth is said to have been arrested for larceny before. The pair were arrested yesterday morning, at Boylston and Amory sts, by patrolmen Eagan and Morse of division 13 after quite a struggle, in which the young fellows are said to have tried to use blackjacks on the patrolmen.

At noon patrolman Hayes, who is laid up at his home with the injuries due to the assault on Tuesday, was brought to the station house, where he identified Hildreth positively and Connolly partially, as his assailants.




April 7, 1908


Scuffle Has Fatal Sequel.

Patrolman Fitzgerald Dies at His Home -- Paralysis Follows His Fight With a Prisoner.


Patrolman John J. Fitzgerald of division 13, who was injured in a scuffle with three young men whom he attempted to arrest Friday afternoon, died at his home, 11 North av, Roxbury, at 10:10 last night, from paralysis of the right side, caused by the bursting of a blood vessel in his head.

Friday afternoon patrolman Fitzgerald, who was in charge of the substation in Franklin park, was called by patrolman McAdams to assist in the arrest of three men who were charged with the larceny of brass pipe valued at $5. David A. Shugrue, who is alleded to have been one of them, is said to have fought Patrolman Fitzgerald off and to have escaped. The other men, Louis Selby and Stephen Shugrue, a brother of David, were arrested.

Patrolman Fitzgerald remained on duty at the station Friday night until 10 o'clock, when he was taken home and two physicians were called to attend him. He had become uncouscious, and the doctors said that his condition was serious.

David A. Shugrue, 26 years old, of 3409 Washington st, was arrested by patrolman O'Neil of division 13 Saturday night, charged with drunkenness, but when he appeared in the dock in the Jamaica Plain court yesterday morning patrolman McAdams said he recognized him as the man who had struggled with patrolman Fitzgerald, and McAdams brought two complaints against him. Shugrue is charged with assault on patrolman Fitzgerald and assault of Louis Selby, one of the men arrested Friday afternoon. He was held in bail aggregating $1200 on the assault cases and the charge of drunkenness for a hearing next Tuesday.

Patrolman John J. Fitzgerald was born in Boston Dec 25, 1858, and was educated in the public schools. He was appointed a patrolman Oct 11, 1881, and assigned to division 15. May 2, 1882, he was transferred to division 2, and afterward shifted to division 13, Jamaica Plain, where he had command of the substation. He was a member of the Police relief association.




June 24, 1910


Policeman Is Beaten by Gang

Katon's Face Cut and Body Bruised at Jamaica Plain.

Draws Revolver and John J. Dolan Is Shot in Struggle.


In a fight with a gang of seven or eight men who attempted to rescue a prisoner from him on Washington and Williams sts, Jamaica Plain, last evening, patrolman Owen A. Katon of division 13 was severely pounded on the head with his short club and kicked in the face and body. During the fight Katon fired one shot from his revolver, the bullet entering the right side of John J. Dolan, alias Trapper Dolan, penetrating the right lung and making its exit at the right side of Dolan's back.

Dolan was hurried to the City hospital in the police ambulance and his name is on the dangerous list. Patrolman Katon was taken to the station house on Seaverns av, Jamaica Plain, where his wounds were dressed by Dr Arthur A. Perry. It took seven stitches to close the wound over Katon's right eye and his body is covered with bruises.

The affair took place in the locality not far from the place where about four years ago the so-called "Keyes-st gang" clubbed patrolman Edward McKinnon of division so severely that he was never able to do a day's police duty since. Dolan, the man shot last night by patrolman Katon, was one of the six men found guilty in the McKinnon case, and was sentenced to six months in the house of correction. He has a long police record.

Patrolman Katon left the station at 5:45 last evening to patrol his route in the vicinity of Washington and Williams sts. He had just reached that point when he made the arrest of an unknown man for drunkenness.

While taking his prisoner to the box, he was set upon by Dolan, 22, who lives at 58 Call st, Jamaica Plain, nad several of Dolan's friends.

Kanton held his prisoner and fought the crowd to the signal box. He got out his short club to use if necessary. When Dolan and his gang saw the club, they pounced on Katon and wrestled it from him, and while Dolan, it is said, fought desperately with the police officer, some one of the number struck Katon over the right eye with the club, opening a wound that bled freely. Katon lost his prisoner, but tackled Dolan, and the two men fought in the mud. While struggling with Dolan on the ground, the gang kicked Katon in the head, face and body. The policeman got his revolver from his pocket. Dolan wrested the revolver from the officer. It fell in the street and was quickly picked up by a boy who managed to give it to Katon. Then the struggle was on again between Katon and Dolan. The revolver was discharged, the bullet penetrating the right side of Dolan's body.

At the sound of the shot the crowd scattered. Patrolman Katon, his face covered with blood and suffering severely from the clubbing and kicking he had received, managed to reach the police signal box and telephone Lieut Bodenschatz, in charge at the station. The ambulance and patrol wagon were hurried to the scene. Dolan lay on the sidewalk until the arrival of the ambulance, when he was hurried to the City hospital. There it was found the 38 calibre bullet had passed through the right side of his body and had penetrated the right lung.

Patrolman Katon was hurried to the station. Dr Arthur Perry took seven stitches to close the wound over Katon's right eye. He was put to bed in the station house.

Sergt Fettredge with patrolman Lordan, Enlis, McLaughlin, Snow, Holleran and O'Neil, went to work immediately to round up the gang concerned in the assault. Before 10 six suspects had been brought into the station house and booked on suspicion and two suspects were picked up by patrolman of division 2.

It is the worst affair of its kind in Jamaica Plain since the assault on patrolman Edward McKinnon in April four years ago, and is similar to the assaults on patrolman Cleveland with a bottle and the slugging of patrolman Hayes with a blackjack two years ago.

Lieut Bodenschatz detailed reserve officer Chaflin to watch Dolan at the Cit hospital, and an officer will be stationed at his bedside until he recovers sufficiently to be brought into a court.

Patrolman Katon is a Roxbury boy. He is 28 years old and resides with his mother and sisters at 16 Warren pl, Roxbury. His mother is ill and Katon requested that she be kept in ignorance of his condition until today. He was appointed to the police force Nov 16, 1900, as a reserve officer and was made a regular April 21, this year. He is athletic and the pitcher of the baseball team of division 13.


July 1, 1910


Was Beaten By A Crowd

Is the Testimony of Patrolman Katen.

Fell Senseless After He Had Shot John J. Dolan.

Men Accused of Assaulting Officer in Court.


The four defendants charged with assault and battery on patrolman Owen A. Katen of division 13, Jamaica Plain, Thursday evening, June 23, at Washington and Williams sts, when Katen was beaten and kicked and John J Dolan was shot in the right lung, appeared in the West Roxbury municipal court this morning.

The defendants are John H. Crowley, 28 years old, of 21 Plainville st, Edward Moore, 22 years old, of 25 Boynton st, James F. Galvin, 22 years old, of 18 Boynton st, and Andrew McCarron, 28, years old, of 336 Amory st. McCarron, Galvin and Crowley were represented by John F. McDonald. The government's case was prosecuted by patrolman Ralph Inglis, assisted by Capt Harriman and Sergt Fettridge.

Patrolman Katen testified that on June 23, about 6:05, saw a crowd in front of Silver's saloon on the corner of Keyes and Washington sts and ordered the men to move along. They went in different directions. Joseph O. Gorman he arrested for drunkenness and started with him to the police signal box at the corner of Williams and Washington sts.

When at the signal box John J. Dolan approached him and asked if he had placed the man under arrest. Katen said "Yes, and if you don't go along I'll place you under arrest."

He said he placed Dolan under arrest and received a blow in the face from him. At the same time he received blows from behind. He testified that he saw in the crowd Crowley, Moore, Gorman, James F. Galvin, Thomas Dolan and McCarron.

When he received the blow he reached for his short stick, which John J. Dolan got from him and struck him on the head with it, and he fell to the ground. He was kicked about the head and body, and his watch was broken. He managed to get to his feet and felt someboey attempting to get his revolver from his pocket. He received a second blow on the head, causing him to stagger.

John and Thomas Dolan were in front of him. Gorman was on his left side. On receiving the second blow on the head he was dazed and fell to the ground. John L. Dolan was over him with the policeman's short stick, ready to strike him. Dolan said, "Now, you ---, I have got you."

Katen drew his revolver, believing he was in danger of his life, and he pulled the trigger once. The revolver was not discharged on the first pull. The crowd ran in different directions.

"I pulled the trigger a second time," he said, "and the last man to leave me was John J. Dolan. After firing the revolver I became unconscious. Don't remember anything more. When I revived some women were bathing my face. With the assistance of some men I got to the signal box and telephoned the station house to send an ambulance to box 29, and then I fainted.

"I was taken to the station house in the patrol wagon. My head was cut in several places, my eyes were blackened and my body was black and blue from the kicks I had received. Dr Perry dressed my wounds. I was put to bed in the station house.

I did not know the names of the defendants, but had seen then about the streets at night around the locality. I would not say that Crowley asssaulted me, but about the other defendants I am positive."

Alfred Marshall, a conductor for the Boston elevated road living at 3582 Washington st, testified that he saw Katon struck on the head while he, Marshall, was standing on his car. He testified that he left his car, went across the street, near where Katon and the prisoners were, and saw the two Dolan boys strike Katon and also saw Gorman strike Katon on the head with a police billy. McCarron, he testified, had his arms around Katon's neck while the officer was struck.

Recess was taken until 2 o'clock and at that time John J. Dolan was brought from the city hospital in the police auto.



August 11, 1910


Dolan Given Two Years.

Pleads Guilty to Charge of Assault on Policeman Katon in Jamaica plain on June 23.


Charged with assault on policeman Owen Katon of division 13 on June 23, John J. Dolan of Jamaica Plain was sentenced to the house of correction yesterday for two years by Judge Sanderson in the superior criminal court. Dolan, with Andrew McCarron, James F. Galvin and Edward Moore, pleaded guilty. McCarron, Galvin and Moore were placed on probation.

Dolan has recovered from a shot through the lung received at the time of the assault. Early in the evening of June 23 several women told policeman Katon that a man had insulted them. Katon arrested a man named Gorman and as he was taking Gorman to the box at Williams and Washington sts in Jamaica Plain Dolan ordered him to release Gorman. Upon Katon's refusal there was some talk, when the policeman hit Dolan with his club. Dolan then got the club and struck Katon on the head with it.

The policeman said that at the same time someone was trying to get his revolver. He reached first, however, and as Dolan stood before him wiht the club raised and ready to strike he pulled the trigger. The revolver did not go off, but on the second trial he sent a bullet through Dolan's body. Dolan said he was shot as he was running away.




Boston Daily Globe August 8, 1911


Policeman Attacked.

Gang Supposed to Be of the "Forty Thieves" of Jamaica Plain Attempt Rescue of a Prisoner.


Patrolman John W. Shone of Jamaica Plain was attacked and beaten by a gang of boys and young men near the Boylston-st railroad station late last evening while making the arrest of Edward Morgan of 1392 Collumbus av, Roxbury.

Morgan, told to move along, had behaved in a surly manner and the officer started to arrest him. Some of Morgan's frields then attacked Shone. The gang then retreated to the railroad tracks, about 20 feet above the street level, and threw rocks at Shone, who continued to hold his prisoner, protecting himself by placing the prisoner in front of himself as the target for the missles. Morgan was hurt some, but the patrolman escaped injury.

Some one had meanwhile telephoned to Sergt Hennessey at the station. The sergeant sent out a patrol wagon wiht 11 officers to Shone's rescue, and at the sound of the wagon gong the gang scattered. Shone knows the names of several in the gang and will ask for warrants today.

A Tangled Web - Or Fogg's Folly

Estate of A. G. Bigelow, scene of the crime.



Does the name Amy Fisher ring a bell? How about Buttafucco? Seems like the more things change, the more they stay the same. I would love to know what happened to the unwise Patrolman Fogg.



Boston Daily Globe December 29, 1885


With A Monkey-Wrench.

The Wife of a Police Officer Nearly Murdered by a Woman -- Robbery Evidently the Motive.


A curious case of assault, in which the motive was evidently robbery, took place at Jamaica Plain last evening. Luckiny the victim was not seriously injured, and the plans of the assailant were frustrated.

Mr. Alanson Bigelow, Jr., owns on Pond street, near Myrtle, Jamaica Plain, an elegant mansion. He lives at Magnolia, and during his absence Mr. Charles W. Fogg and his wife have been intrusted with their care and protection. Mr. Fogg is a police officer attached to Division 13.

Between 9 and 9:30 last evening, the door bell rang, and Mrs. Fogg, who was alone in the house at the time, went to the door, where she found a woman whom she describes as about the medium size, dark complexion, dressed in black clothes and hat, and who wore her hair crimped over her forehead. She asked if Mr. Fogg was at home, and upon receiving a negative reply, said that she came to see him in regard to some person whom Mr. Fogg had helped to move, and she wanted to secure his help again. She then asked permission to go to the water closet. By this means she got access to the hallway, and no sooner was she inside the house than she drew from beneath her shawl a large sized monkey-wrench, and struck Mrs. Fogg a terrible blow over the head. A scuffle followed, during which Mrs. Fogg got the wrench away from the woman, who finally got it back again, striking Mrs. Fogg three more blows and inflicting four severe scalp wounds. The woman then made her escape, leaving her shawl and the wrench behind her, both of which are now in the hands of the police.

Neighbors who hears Mrs. Fogg's cries for assistance raised an alarm, and soon Sergeant McBryan and Patrolmen McMorrow and Watts were at the scene, and began an investigation. Dr. Broughton was called to attend the injured lady,and sewed up the wounds in her head. At a late hour she was comfortable, and will undoubtedly speedily recover from the effects of the assault. Robbery is the only motive that the police can suggest.





New York Times January 1, 1886


Pleasant For Patrolman Fogg.


Boston, Mass., Dec. 31. -- Annie H. McGregor, who was arrested last night on suspicion of having committed the murderous assault upon Mrs. Angeline Fogg, wife of Patrolman Fogg, of Jamaica Plain Station, made a full confession this morning. The cause of the attempted murder was jealousy, the McGregor woman station that Fogg had kept company with her for the past two years. Mrs. Fogg was assaulted by the McGregor woman with a monkey-wrench in her house on Monday night last, and the attack was a most vicious one.

Tiger Cat Killed At Glen Road

This story doesn't tell us of the great historical events of the day, but it's just too good to pass up. As for historical interest, it does tell us in passing that two households in the area of Sigourney street had servants in them - an interesting fact in itself. I can only assume that the two officers involved in the great cat-hunt spent the rest of their careers trying, unsuccessfully, to live down the shame of it. Two men, two guns, one kitty. The jokes must have followed them for years.

Mr Nathan Haskell Dole gets a mention here. His name is new to me, but apparently he was a well known author and editor, and friend to the famous. The Tileston family lived at the corner of Glen road and Sigourney street, next to a house my father's youngest brother owned in the early 1960s, so I know the area, and can well imagine the battle with the great beast.




Boston Daily Globe January 10,1907


Killed By 15 Shots

Brick Helps Some Too.

Rabid Tiger Cat Attacks People.

It Frightens a Jamaica Plain Neighborhood.

Done to Death by a Big and a Little Policeman.


A big tiger can, believed to have been affected by rabies, that had recently terrorized the aristocratic neighborhood of Sigourney st and Glen road, Jamaica Plain, was sent to its long sleep yesterday afternoon by revolver shots fired by patrolmen McAdams and Riley.

When Dr Austin Peters, chief of the cattle bureau of the state board of health, who lives in the vicinity, learned of the rabid cat, he had the body taken to his residence, and tomorrow will have an examination of the head made to determine if the cat had rabies.

For the past two days the tiger cat, said to weigh more than 20 pounds, has been prowling about the neighborhood and acting like a wild cat. It had no fear of attacking man, woman or child, and it is said a number of children have been bitten and scratched by it. Monday night it got into the residence of Cheever Newhall, corner of Walnut av and Montebello road, frightened the servents by its vicious attacks on them and was with difficulty driven out of the house.

Yesterday morning it made its way to the premises of Roger E. Tileston, 82 Glen road, and when Mr Tileston's little boy and girl began to pet it the cat sprang at them. The children's screams attracted a servant in the house, who ran to drive away the cat, but she was glad to beat a retreat, taking the children with her into the house.

Mr Tileston, too, was attacked by the cat when he attempted to drive it out of the yard in front of his residence. Later the cat sprang at a woman who was walking on Glen road.

Two Policemen Detailed.

The police were told about the cat and patrolman McAdams, one of the biggest men in the department, and patrolman Riley, who is not more than 5 feet 4 1/2 inches in height, were sent out to find the cat and secure it if possible. After skillful gum-shoe work they discovered the cat on Glen road, and when the tiger saw the officers of the law it promptly ran to cover under the steps of the porch of the Tileston residence.

There was only one exit from its hiding place and that was the hole by which it entered. So big Jack McAdams and little George Riley proceeded to lay in wait. The wait was a long and tiresome one, for the cat refused to leave its place of security.

Some hot water was poured through the cracks of the planks of the piazza, and out through the hole of its place of concealment sprang the big tiger cat. A shot from McAdams' revolver made the cat crouch on the lawn as if about to spring upon the policemen.

Again and again did McAdams' revolver fire at the cat until all the seven shots of his revolver had punched holes in the air without hurting the cat, which crouched and blinked at the smoke from the muzzle of the revolver.

Little George to the Fore.

Then little George Riley pushed big Jack McAdams aside with a knowing wink. Five shots in rapid succession were fired at the cat by Riley, and when the smoke of battle had cleared away kitty was still there glaring at the marksmen.

Then reinforcements were brought into play.

The policemen had used all of their ammunition, and a revolver was borrowed from Nathan Haskell Dole, the author. Before the policemen got back to the battlefield a citizen had tapped the crouching cat with a brick. It rolled over on its back, and received the contents of the third revolver before it gave up its life.

In all 15 shots were fired, not counting the brick.

Dr Austin Peters said last night it was unusual that a cat was affected with rabies, for the reason that they would usually manage to get out of the way of a dog, but occasionally a case of rabies in a cat has been discovered. Whether the dead cat was affected with rabies he could not tell until proper examination of it is made. He was interested to know the cause of the vicious attacks of the cat on human beings, and if rabies was the cause of its unusual actions, and that would be determined today at the laboratory of the board of health.

Police Commissioner - Hanged In Effigy

History is a story of context. Each particular subject invites the elaboration of many related topics, and each in turn raise new topics to be explored. The articles below are no exception. In July 1904, the boys of Jamaica Plain saw fit to hang the Boston police commissioner in effigy - twice. To know why, we need at least a passing knowledge of the man, and the traditions of Fourth of July celebrations in Boston.

Taking the last first, Boston had a long history of bonfires and related mischief on the Fourth of July. Each year, police and fire departments would rush from place to place, putting out fires and dealing with excited mobs of revelers. Fireworks were manufactured in many places in the city - including Jamaica Plain - and firecrackers and rockets were a major hazard to body and property. By the early 20th Century, these lawbreaking revels seem to have lessened, but the tradition remained.

The police commissioner was a Judge Emmons. At the time, the Boston police commissioner was named by the Governor of Massachusetts. This is often described as an effort by the Yankee power structure to control the newly empowered immigrant population of their capital city. Judge Emmons was named commissioner by Governor Bates in 1903. Emmons was seen as a likely pick for a superior court appointment, but Bates chose him for the job as a political stroke, replacing the disliked incumbant, while not giving in to pressure to name a political favorite.

As it happens, Emmons was a temperance man, and saw no reason why a man would ever take a drink. As such, he was a stickler for the law when it came to drink. Illegal drinking establishments were shut down, and public drunkenness was rewarded with time in a cell.

Emmons the Killjoy also cracked down on the long-favored unofficial Fourth of July celebrations, which finally brings us to Jamaica Plain and our articles.





Boston Daily Globe July 1, 1904


In Effigy. Emmons "Hanged" at West Roxbury. Excitement in Neighborhood of Boylston Station. Figure Kicked and Stoned and Finally Burned.


To express their opinion of the edict issued by Judge Emmons with regard to the celebration of the Fourth, a crowd of boys and young men of West Roxbury hanged the chairman of the police commissioners in effigy at Boylston station last evening.

That part of the city is usually deserted after 9 p.m., but last night the square was alive with excitement, and the crowd paraded up and down the streets for some time making merry at the judge's expense.

How and where the movement originated nobody seems to know, and the greatest secrecy was observed by all those who participated.

Shortly after 9 o'clock, the crowd began to gather, and before long it had assumed large proportions. From some hidden corner a sorry figure of a man was dragged out amid cheers. A rope was fastened about the neck, and struggling to get a hold of the effigy, the crowd ran up and down the street shouting their disapproval of the chairman of the police board. Not content with dragging it through the mud, the crowd kicked and stoned it to their heart's content.

The episode created the greatest excitement in the neighborhood of the station and the word the "the gang was having some fun with Judge Emmons" spread rapidly. Finally the figure was strung from a pole and a card announced that it was "Judge Emmons."

Later in the evening somebody set it afire, but an officer of division 13 came along and extinguished the fire and took down the effigy. Altogether it was a great night at Boylston station.


Boston Daily Globe July 5, 1904


Emmons In Effigy. Hanged in Jamaica Plain About 2 O'Clock, and Again Four Hours Later in the Same District.


About 2 o'clock yesterday morning Judge Emmons was hanged in effigy in Jamaica Plain at the corner of Chestnut ave and Green st. The figure was strung on a wire across the street and bore a sign marked "A Poor Dub - Judge Emmons."

The cries of derision of those gathered around attracted the attention of patrolman Franks, who removed it and conveyed it to the station house.

About 6 o'clock a second effigy was but up on Eliot st and remained until 8 o'clock, when an officer removed it.

More Police Please

Once again, it seems as if the Good Old Days weren't necessarily so good. It was 1900, and people were hiring watchmen to protect their homes. At this time, station 13 was still responsible for all of the West Roxbury district.


Boston Daily Globe September 25, 1900


Want Better Protection.

Wishes of West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain Residents Will be Granted.


West Roxbury and Jamaica Plain residents have been complaining for six months or more about poor police protection. Burglars have worked openly all summer so extensively that it became necessary for many residents to employ private watchmen. Letters have been written the commissioners and complaints have been made in person by residents.

The morning chairman Clark of the police board announced that the residents would have no cause to complain in the future. He admitted that the department had been short of men, and everything that was wanted in those districts could not be given them, but recently two batches of men passed the civil service examination, and have been added to the force. Now that the department has 30 or more men, the districts mentioned will be better protected.

The chairman said that he thought Boston makes a pretty good showing with cities of her size, when crime is concerned. He says there is no epidemic of burglaries in the city, and stories of that nature are much exaggerated.

When new men are sent to station 13 it is rumored that there will be changes. It is known that 50 or more men will be shifted on the police checker board soon, but they are all patrolmen. Just now there is talk of changing some of the superior officers. It is, in fact probable that when these changes are made, the station mentioned will see new faces.

What's That Smell?

Former West Roxbury Municipal Court (copyright 2007)


So who thought it would be a good idea to put the municipal court directly above the stable?


Boston Daily Globe December 11, 1892


The new annex to police station 13 at Jamaica Plain will make that station of of the very best and most convenient in the city. It gives excellent quarters for the Police Court also and for the patrol wagon and ambulance.

The annex will be situated at the corner of Starr lane and Maple place, directly in the rear of the police station on Seaverns avenue,and will be connected with the police station by a corridor about 12 feet wide.

The building will be of red brick, laid in Flemish bond with terra cotta trimmings matching the brick. It will have a projecting roof with rafter ends showing.

The architectural style is Italian renaissance and is a characteristic piece of Architect Wheelright's handsome work.

The purpose of the annex are on the ground floor for the patrol wagon and ambulance house. This room is 30x40 feet, and will have an asphalt quadrilled floor.

There are to be four quick hitch-up stalls in the rear,and two spare ones.

The main entrance to the stable is through a deep revealed arch from Maple place. There is another entrance from Starr lane, which is to be used for the captain's buggy, etc.

There will be three staircases going to the court room on the second floor. Two will be from Maple place, which will be used by the public, and the other from Starr lane, which will be used by the judge. A separate stairway is also provided to the dock in the court room for the prisoners.

The court room is to be 30x40 feet. Along the Maple place front will be the room of the judge and clerk, with toilet rooms. In the rear of the building will be a dormitory and bath rooms for the officers who run on the patrol wagon and ambulance. The dormitory is connected with the lower floor by stairs and a sliding pole. Over the dormitory in an entresol story is to be the hay loft and grain room, which will be connected with the stable on the ground floor by chutes.




Boston Daily Globe March 24, 1915


Mayor Favors Site At Forest Hills Sq

West Roxbury courthouse Petition Received.

Present Building Inadequate and Unsanitary, It Is Claimed.


Mayor Curley yesterday receive a petition signed by a large number of the residents of West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain and Hyde Park asking for a new West Roxbury Courthouse, the one now being in use being inadequate for the business as well as unsanitary by reason of the maintenance of a stable in the basement.

As the city has the right of way and ownership of certain land in Forest Hills sq the Mayor believes that here would be a most desirable location for the Courthouse. It will be central for the sections affected.

The Mayor favors the proposition.

No Baseball For You!

In September of 1910, the All-Church baseball league of Massachusetts sought a permit from the Mayor of Boston to play a fund-raising benefit game for the House of the Angel Guardian (an orphanage and school). A permit was needed because Sabbath laws prevented the playing of games on Sunday. Apparently, the mayor did not see fit to grant the permit. The field mentioned below was at the corner of Washington and Williams street, diagonally across from Doyle's pub. Across Williams street, boys now play Pop Warner football every autumn Sunday.



Boston Daily Globe September 19, 1910


Sunday Ball Game Stopped

Eugene J. O'Connor Jr Arrested.

Had Been Scheduled to Be on Foss Field, Jamaica Plain.

Defended as Being a Work of Charity.


The first attempt to play an advertised game of baseball in this city on Sunday was nipped in the bud by Capt Joseph Harriman of Jamaica Plain police division yesterday, when Eugene J. O'Connor Jr, 38 years old, of 23 Homestead st, Roxbury, was arrested at Foss athletic park. The arrest was witnessed by 3000, who cheered O'Connor when he was taken to the station house in the patrol wagon.


Announcement had been made that a game would be played between the fort Banks team and the All-Church team of the All-Church league for the benefit of a church institution and that the Mission church band would play. The band was not present.


Mr O'Connor holds a lease of a portion of the grounds included in Foss athletic park, which is part owned by Congressman Eugene N. Foss. A portion of the field is owned by the gas company and a fence is being erected by that company that divides the field which is inclosed with a high board fence.

When announcement of the game was made Capt Harriman received a number of protests from citizens and from a representative of the Sabbath protective league. He got in communication with Mr O'Connor and his attorney, telling them Saturday that he would not allow the game to be played without a permit from Mayor Fitzgerald and Chief Whitney of the district police. Mr O'Connor proceeded to carry out his play of playing the game yesterday on the advice of his attorney.

Mr O'Connor arrived at the park at about 1:55 with a crowd of 30 or more boys, with bags and bundles containing uniforms. They belonged to a 15 year old boys league. Mr O'Connor opened the small gate to the park, but Sergt Hennessey and patrolman O'Brien prevented the crowd from entering. There was perhaps 200 in the crowd, who offered no resistance to the police and silently awaited developments.

Sergt Hennessey learned of Mr O'Connor what he proposed to do and told him he would not allow it. Mr O'Connor then read from the report of Police Commissioner O'Meara quoting the following paragraph: "That works of necessity and charity may be performed on the Lord's day, but the individual policeman is not allowed to decide whether or not a particular work is not covered by chapter (?) is one of necessity or charity. That is a question for the courts."

Mr O'Connor contended that the game to be played was a work of charity, for the benefit of a church institution and that if the game was interrupted by the police he would sue for damages. He showed Sergt Hennessey a blank "for necessary work on the Lord's day," signed by Duputy Supt Warren. Sergt Hennessey told Mr O'Connor that the permit was of no use in the matter of a Sunday game of ball.


Crowd in the Grounds.


All the time the argument was going so the crowd was collecting fast outside of the grounds. Seeing the large number of people who could not gain entrance through the gate guarded by patrolman O'Brien. Mr O'Connor opened the large double gates on Wiliams st and 500 people poured inside the inclosure. There was no boisterousness on their part.

Capt Harriman arrived at the park about 2:20 and had a talk with Mr O'Connor regarding the game, and with him were 10 patrolmen. Capt Harriman told O'Connor "You can't do this thing legally, and the first man who throws a ball will be arrested. If you think you can upset our rules and regulations you are mistaken."

O'Connor argued that golf was played at the country Club on Sunday and at Newton golf clubs, and games of baseball are being played now in this city. He contended that his park was a private grounds and that he had a right to play the game on those grounds as no admission fee was charged.

"They may do those things elsewhere," said Capt Harriman, "but you will not play baseball here today."

"But," said O'Connor "Deputy Warren and Supt Pierce said we would not be disturbed if we played the game," and he then showed capt Harriman the permit he had "to perform necessary work" signed by Deputy Supt Warren. Capt Harriman looked at the "necessary work permit" and told O'Connor that it was of no use in this case, and he explained to O'Connor the nature of the permit he held.


Threatens a Summons.


O'Connor said that he would play the game and Capt Harriman then said:"I forbid you or anyone else to play a gme of ball here this afternoon. The superintendent and the deputy are in no way authorized to give a permit to violate the Lord's day. That permit you hould is for necessary work. This is not work. You can't play your band, you can't even toss a ball and all present here are liable to be summoned to court."

O'Connor took counsel of friends and seemed more deterimined than ever to play the game. He said he was waiting for his attorney before he called the game, but Mr Scharton did not appear. Just before 2 o'clock the forst Hanks team arrived and was cheered.

The crowd surged toward the gates when it saw Capt Harriman going in that direction, while a larger portion of the crowd followed O'Connor about the field. Capt Harriman approached the fort Banks team and told capt John Fisher that a game could not be played. Capt Fisher then declined to go on the field in uniform and start the game.

The Hubbard A.A., a 15-year-old team, was present with uniforms and it was said they were ready to play the game if O'Connor wanted them to.

About this time Sergt Hennessey arrested Edward Goodman, 25 years old, of 228 Blue Hill av, on the charge of attempting to pick the pocket of Edwin J. McGuire. he was hustled off to the station house.


Asks the Captain to Leave.


O'Connor at last approached Capt Harriman and said to him: "Captain, I am going to ask you to leave the grounds and take your officers with you. This is private property and I want you to leave."

"Well, I guess not," said Capt Harriman. "I shall stay here and see this thing through. Now, Gene, if you would only take my advice and not try to play this game you would save yourself a lot of trouble, for just as sure as you attemtp to play ball here this afternoon I will arrest you."

"This is fair notice," said O'Connor, "and I guess we will make a test case of it. I am going to play ball, and I ask you and your officers to clear the field so we can begin." Capt Harriman laughed and the crowd cheered.

O'Connor went to the dressing room and donned a white baseball suit, and when he appeared on the field with a bat and ball, the 3000 men and boys followed him to the extreme right field corner. There O'Connor batted the ball and it went over the fence into Williams st. His act was not seen by the police because of the density of the crowd around him.

O'Connor went back to the dressing room and again appeared with another ball. This time he was watched by Sergt Hennessey and patrolman McAdams. He had no sooner batted the ball than Sergt Hennessey and patrolman McAdams and Capt Harriman placed him under arrest.

Police Diplomacy

Capt Harriman's diplomacy prevented friction with the crowd that might have resulted in serious trouble. Capt Harriman was patient with O'Connor and the crowd soon disappeared after O'Connor was taken to the station house.

William R. Scharton, attorney for O'Connor, appeared at the station house and notified Capt Harriman that bail would be furnished. Bail Commissioner John. R. McVey was soon at the station house and accepted sureties in $100 for O'Connor's release. His case will be called at Jamaica Plain this morning.


*********************************************************************************


Atty. William R. Scharton defended the case in front of Judge Perrins of the Jamaica Plain municipal court. Scharton argued that since no game had actually been played, O'Connor could not be charged with playing baseball. Where the lawyer saw no game at all, the judge saw a flagrant violation of law. O'Connor provided bail, and the case was continued until the next day.

This case drops out of the news here, but O'Connor returns with another arrest in Mattapan and the title "The Father of Sunday Baseball" for his efforts.

No Radar Gun Here!

The date of this story makes it interesting. When did they change from "autoist" to "motorist"?



Boston Daily Globe October 5, 1908

Many Caught In Auto Trap

Police Keep Watch on Arborway Course.

Threaten With Arrest Persons Who Warned Autoists.

Fourteen to Face Court on Speeding Charges.

The automobile trap in the Arborway at Forest Hills was in excellent working order yesterday, and during its operation by Sergts Gilman and hennessey of division 13, Jamaica Plain, assisted by patrolmen Forbes and Egan, 14 alleged violators of the speed rules in parks were gathered in.

The one-eighth mile trap is located in a particularly dangerous part of the parkway. It is down grade across South St, dips under the bridge of the NY,NH & H railroad, and then the autoist is compelled to cross the tracks of the elevated railroad in Washington St under the elevated structure.

The trap was set at 9:30 and was worked until 11:15. For a time the officers had no difficulty in catching violators. A crowd of spectators took positions of vantage to watch the officers.
After a while the police noticed that, although there were just as many autos on the Arborway, the operators had a wise look in their eyes and all of them were moving at a speed less than 10 miles an hour.

Sergt Hennessey sent for the police auto and with patrolman Fred Brauer as chauffeur rode through the Arborway to Centre St, where he discovered a crowd of young fellows who were warning autoists of the trap.

It took Sergt Hennessey and patrolman Brauer but a short time to break up the crowd of informers, with the threat that if they caught them doing the same thing again they would arrest them.

Later Sergt Gilman got into the police auto and by a roundabout route reached the arborway near Centre St. On his way through the parkway road a man came out of the bushes, waved his hand to Sergt Gilman, who was in citizen's dress, and warned him "Look out, the police are working a trap at the top of the hill."

The informer was told to go on his way or he would be arrested for interfering with the duty of a police officer. He ran as fast as he could till out of sight. But those autoists who had been caught in the Arborway trap had many of them gone back over the parkway roads and informed other autoists of the operating of the trap, and business was soon after suspended for the day by the officers.

The autoists who were held up will probably appear in the municipal court at Jamaica Plain some time this week. All were residents of the state, so no arrests were made.