Wellesley Park ~ A Hidden Gem in Dorchester

"Bob, do you remember Wellesley Park when we were little?  Aunt Betty used to take us over there to play in the large oval green in the middle of the park.  I think you could get some really good pictures of the Queen Anne style of architecture.  Wellesley Park, for some reason, didn't go through the considerable socio-economic changes of the early 1980's.  Most familes held on to their homes and didn't make the exodus to the suburbs."

"Fran, isn't Wellesley Park one of the first subdivisions in the United States?"

"I don't know whether or not it was one of the first...but definitely it was a subdivision.  It was created in the late 1880's by an architectural firm that specialized in Queen Anne style of housing.  Most of these homes are constructed out of wood and have fantastic gables and huge porches.  I love the corner towers and the vibrant Victorian colors the owners have chosen.  I can't believe you don't remember Wellesley Park.  Since we are in the neighborhood, let's take a peek.  I'm sure you can get some really good images."

Wellesley Park is a hidden enclave off Melville Avenue.  Huge enormous copper beech trees line the street.  The Park, originally part of the Vinson farm, was developed in 1897-98 by the firm of Haddock & Allan.  It is characterized by a broad oval green surrounded by two dozen houses.  As we strolled the Park, I couldn't help but notice all the small details on the houses that make Wellesley Park so unique.

As you enter Wellesley Park the first thing that you see is the large oval Green in the middle.

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Starting on the south side of the park, the porch on this Victorian attracted our attention.

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Nestled in the corner was Fran's favorite home. She liked the corner tower, the vibrant colors of red and green, and the large wrap-around porch.

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On the East side, #24, #26, #30 and #32 are most representative of the rectangulat 2.5 story late 1890's homes.  The porches, the polygonal three story corner towers, and the projecting gables of these houses all constitute a pleasing, rhythmic repetition of forms.

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I liked #32 Wellesley Park East because of its second story porch and its extraordinary beautiful painted surfaces with the raised, well crfted diamond shapes.  I can just picture my bedroom on the third floor and greeting the morning on that small porch.

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The day Fran and I were taking this stroll through Wellesley Park, the heat was unbearable.  The temperature was in the low 90's.  As we turned the corner around the oval to head up Wellesley Park West, Fran mentioned that once she had gone to a yard sale in one of these backyards several years ago.  "I think it was this one, Bob, #54.  The yard sale was in the garden...the gardens were just beautiful."  As Fran was talking, a voice came from the porch of #56.

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"If you want to see a real Wellesley Park garden, you can see mine," said an older man with a beard.  "My garden has been featured in the Boston Globe's Living pages."  And so that is how we got to tour the backyard of one of these "Graceful Ladies".  Come through the garden gate with Fran.

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As I clicked away, Mr. Robertson and Fran found a nice shady spot and sat down.  I joined them and then Mr. Robertson filled me in on the history of Wellesley Park.


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After having a refreshing cool drink, it was time for Fran and I to leave.  We had learned much from Mr. Robertson...I took copius notes.  One never knows who one might meet when out strolling in a neighborhood.  As we headed towards the garden gate, a kitty bid us good-bye.

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Come back another day when we go exploring Ashmont Hill, another Dorchester neighborhood.