Washington Gardens (Boston)
Encyclopedia
Washington Gardens was a place of public entertainment and refreshment in early 19th-century Boston
, Massachusetts
. Also known as Vauxhall, it specialized in fireworks, circuses, musical and theatrical performances, pictorial exhibitions, and the occasional balloonist
and necromancer. John H. Schaffer oversaw the enterprise beginning in 1814.
, in an attempt to uplift to what was basically a party space. "Whatever bears the title of [Washington] must be dear, and indeed invaluable to the American bosom."
Schaffer advertised frequently in local newspapers. In August 1814, for instance, "J.H. Shaffer respectfully informs his friends and the public that the illumination of the Washington Gardens ... will take place this evening, with such additions and improvements as he flatters himself cannot fail to please the public -- 900 orange transparent lamps and transparencies will be so disposed as to produce the most pleasing effect; the Italian Band of music are engaged to perform for the evening, under the direction of Mr. Massi. Refreshment of every kind with the fruits of the season may be procured at the Gardens. ... Constables will be stationed on the different gates to preserve order."
In the summer of 1815, there were "fire works to be conducted by Monsr. David, celebrated in that art at the Runelagh in England, and the Tivoly Gardens
in Paris." A few weeks later appeared "the double French Mosaic, in 20 changes of natural colours, invented by the celebrated artist, Claude Ruggieri, Firework Maker to the ... Bourbons in Paris;" and a few weeks after that "the wings of the windmill of Don Quixote, in the centre of which will be seen a perpetual wheel, intermixed with innumerable colours." Every year July 4th
festivities took place in the Gardens—fireworks, concerts, and so on. In 1819 as part of the day-long, city-wide activities "the Boston Light Infantry, under Capt. Codman, will appear in uniform, and breakfast at Washington Gardens."
The business received good press. A European visiting Boston around 1820 noted: "Gardens are neither numerous nor noteworthy, but one to which people refer is Washington's Garden, where subscription parties and large regimental dinners are often held." Local press tended towards gushing enthusiasm. "The illuminated scenery, the variegated walks, the romantic arbours, the tasteful decoration of the garden -- the swelling music, the sweet, the gay and cheering song -- the luxuriant refreshment within the house - the order, decency, respectability ... the arrangements made to exclude improper visitants from the garden." Also praised were "the odorous perfumes, the soft thrilling music, and the dazzling brilliants" of "this beautiful retreat, this elysium in miniature."
Gottlieb Graupner
directed the house orchestra in 1816. His wife Catherine Graupner, who performed elsewhere in Boston, sometimes sang for the audience at the Gardens.
Customers of the Washington Gardens had access to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Schaffer himself lived on the premises. (Before the Gardens opened, the previous tenant of the site and its building was James Swan
). In March 1815 Schaffer installed a pavilion that had been part of Boston's celebration of the end of the War of 1812
. He added gas lighting
in 1817; and in 1819 upgraded the bars ("the different bar rooms are more commodious") and built an amphitheatre.
"In the yard back of Washington Gardens" were auctioned "a valuable flock of sheep" in 1814. There was attached a stable; in the spring of 1816 horses were available to rent or buy ("circus horses ... Venus, Holly, Monarch, Knickerbocker, Favorite and Tom Thumb.")
A fire in Beacon Hill across the Common
in 1824 caused "some of the buildings in the Washington Gardens [to take] fire from the burning flakes wafted thither by the wind." However the business survived. It continued on for several years thereafter, dissolving around 1829.
Boston
Boston is the capital of and largest city in Massachusetts, and is one of the oldest cities in the United States. The largest city in New England, Boston is regarded as the unofficial "Capital of New England" for its economic and cultural impact on the entire New England region. The city proper had...
, Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. Also known as Vauxhall, it specialized in fireworks, circuses, musical and theatrical performances, pictorial exhibitions, and the occasional balloonist
Balloon (aircraft)
A balloon is a type of aircraft that remains aloft due to its buoyancy. A balloon travels by moving with the wind. It is distinct from an airship, which is a buoyant aircraft that can be propelled through the air in a controlled manner....
and necromancer. John H. Schaffer oversaw the enterprise beginning in 1814.
History
The name of the business referred to George WashingtonGeorge Washington
George Washington was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of...
, in an attempt to uplift to what was basically a party space. "Whatever bears the title of [Washington] must be dear, and indeed invaluable to the American bosom."
Schaffer advertised frequently in local newspapers. In August 1814, for instance, "J.H. Shaffer respectfully informs his friends and the public that the illumination of the Washington Gardens ... will take place this evening, with such additions and improvements as he flatters himself cannot fail to please the public -- 900 orange transparent lamps and transparencies will be so disposed as to produce the most pleasing effect; the Italian Band of music are engaged to perform for the evening, under the direction of Mr. Massi. Refreshment of every kind with the fruits of the season may be procured at the Gardens. ... Constables will be stationed on the different gates to preserve order."
In the summer of 1815, there were "fire works to be conducted by Monsr. David, celebrated in that art at the Runelagh in England, and the Tivoly Gardens
Jardin de Tivoli, Paris
The Tivoli gardens of Paris were located at what is the current site of the Saint-Lazare station. These were several similarly named gardens, named after the gardens of the Villa d'Este in Tivoli near Rome. None of these remain today....
in Paris." A few weeks later appeared "the double French Mosaic, in 20 changes of natural colours, invented by the celebrated artist, Claude Ruggieri, Firework Maker to the ... Bourbons in Paris;" and a few weeks after that "the wings of the windmill of Don Quixote, in the centre of which will be seen a perpetual wheel, intermixed with innumerable colours." Every year July 4th
Independence Day (United States)
Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain...
festivities took place in the Gardens—fireworks, concerts, and so on. In 1819 as part of the day-long, city-wide activities "the Boston Light Infantry, under Capt. Codman, will appear in uniform, and breakfast at Washington Gardens."
The business received good press. A European visiting Boston around 1820 noted: "Gardens are neither numerous nor noteworthy, but one to which people refer is Washington's Garden, where subscription parties and large regimental dinners are often held." Local press tended towards gushing enthusiasm. "The illuminated scenery, the variegated walks, the romantic arbours, the tasteful decoration of the garden -- the swelling music, the sweet, the gay and cheering song -- the luxuriant refreshment within the house - the order, decency, respectability ... the arrangements made to exclude improper visitants from the garden." Also praised were "the odorous perfumes, the soft thrilling music, and the dazzling brilliants" of "this beautiful retreat, this elysium in miniature."
Gottlieb Graupner
Gottlieb Graupner
Johann Christian Gottlieb Graupner was a musician, composer, educator and publisher. Born in Hanover, Germany, he played oboe in Joseph Haydn's orchestra in London...
directed the house orchestra in 1816. His wife Catherine Graupner, who performed elsewhere in Boston, sometimes sang for the audience at the Gardens.
Customers of the Washington Gardens had access to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Schaffer himself lived on the premises. (Before the Gardens opened, the previous tenant of the site and its building was James Swan
James Swan (financier)
James Swan was an early American patriot and financier. Born in Fifeshire, Scotland, he moved at a young age to Boston, Massachusetts. In the 1770s and 1780s he worked as a clerk, and became increasingly involved in the political, military and economic life of the city...
). In March 1815 Schaffer installed a pavilion that had been part of Boston's celebration of the end of the War of 1812
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was a military conflict fought between the forces of the United States of America and those of the British Empire. The Americans declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions because of Britain's ongoing war with France, impressment of American merchant...
. He added gas lighting
Gas lighting
Gas lighting is production of artificial light from combustion of a gaseous fuel, including hydrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, propane, butane, acetylene, ethylene, or natural gas. Before electricity became sufficiently widespread and economical to allow for general public use, gas was the most...
in 1817; and in 1819 upgraded the bars ("the different bar rooms are more commodious") and built an amphitheatre.
"The new amphitheatre is a neat brick building of one story, with numerous large venetian windows, the wide spaces of which admit a current of air ... so that as much coolness is secured within as even in summer can be desirable. [Inside], the ring for equestrian performances is about 45 feet in diameter - but is covered with a temporary floor on those occasions when riding forms no part of the performance. Twenty-two boxes, supported by ten columns surround the area. ... The house though plain is painted with great spirit and effect -- especially the roof, which is divided into compartments, and has a sky light in the centre, in order to exhibit panoramas, or other paintings during the day. The proscenium is well adapted to the voice - and the stage doors on both sides are neatly decorated by tasteful ornaments. The following motto, not very classical, but appropriate enough, 'Be Merry and Wise' - forms the centre of the frontispiece. The boxes are capable of containing 30 persons each. ... The house when there is no riding is capable of containing at least 1,800 or 2,000 persons."
"In the yard back of Washington Gardens" were auctioned "a valuable flock of sheep" in 1814. There was attached a stable; in the spring of 1816 horses were available to rent or buy ("circus horses ... Venus, Holly, Monarch, Knickerbocker, Favorite and Tom Thumb.")
A fire in Beacon Hill across the Common
Boston Common
Boston Common is a central public park in Boston, Massachusetts. It is sometimes erroneously referred to as the "Boston Commons". Dating from 1634, it is the oldest city park in the United States. The Boston Common consists of of land bounded by Tremont Street, Park Street, Beacon Street,...
in 1824 caused "some of the buildings in the Washington Gardens [to take] fire from the burning flakes wafted thither by the wind." However the business survived. It continued on for several years thereafter, dissolving around 1829.
Events
- 1816 - Concerts by vocalist Mrs. Burke, "to conclude with a passuel by Mr. Jones, in which he will introduce 3 different styles of dancing."
- 1816, Sept. - "Mrs. Day Francis, from the Theatres Royal, Ashley's and Saddlers' Wells, London ... will dance a hornpipeHornpipeThe term hornpipe refers to any of several dance forms played and danced in Britain and elsewhere from the late 17th century until the present day. It is said that hornpipe as a dance began around the 16th century on English sailing vessels...
in the character of a sailor." - 1819, Feb. 22 - "The anniversary birth-day of the sainted WashingtonWashington's BirthdayWashington's Birthday is a United States federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday of February in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. It is also commonly known as Presidents Day...
was honored in this place by various demonstrations of public rejoicing. The South-End, and Washington artillery fired the usual salutes, during the day; similar salutes were also given from Fort IndependenceFort Independence (Massachusetts)Fort Independence is a granite star fort that provided harbor defenses for Boston, Massachusetts. Located on Castle Island, Fort Independence is the oldest continuously fortified site of English origin in the United States. The first primitive fortification was placed on the site in 1634 and...
. In the evening, the Washington Gardens, and other public places of resort, were handsomely illuminated, and from the Gardens, a rich display of fire-works was exhibited." - 1819, July - Comic tales by Mr. Bernard "delivered with great force and propriety."
- 1819, July - "Entire new ballet, got up under the direction of Mr. Parker, called 'Auld Robin Gray.' Part 2 - a concert, consisting of a number of songs, by Messrs. Brenan and Jones, and Mrs. Wheatley. ... After which ... the popular melo dramatic spectacle of 'William Tell, or - the Swiss Patriot.'"
- 1819 - Circus, directed by Messrs. PepinVictor PépinVictor Pépin was an American circus performer and circus owner most famous for being a partner in the Circus of Pépin and Breschard. Victor Adolphus Pépin, the eldest son of André Pepin, a Canadian who fought for the Americans in their Revolution against the British, was born in Albany, New York...
& Campbell. "They have a stud of 16 fine horses, and a full company of male and female riders." "Miss Wealand, on one horse, will perform many graceful feats and attitudes and conclude with the broad sword exercise. -- Slack ropeTightrope walkingTightrope walking is the art of walking along a thin wire or rope, usually at a great height. One or more artists performs in front of an audience or as a publicity stunt...
by Mr. Mayhier. -- Metamorphose of the Sack, by Mr. Bogardas, to conclude with the Friccasee Dance." - 1820, July 17 - George ColmanGeorge Colman the YoungerGeorge Colman , known as "the Younger", English dramatist and miscellaneous writer, was the son of George Colman "the Elder".-Life:...
's The Heir at Law and Samuel FooteSamuel FooteSamuel Foote was a British dramatist, actor and theatre manager from Cornwall.-Early life:Born into a well-to-do family, Foote was baptized in Truro, Cornwall on 27 January 1720. His father, John Foote, held several public positions, including mayor of Truro, Member of Parliament representing...
's The Liar. "Between the play and afterpiece, a recitation by Mrs. Legg; and a comic song by Mr. Simonds." "The Trustees give notice that the settees in front of the circle are reserved for the accommodation of His Excellency the Governor [i.e. John BrooksJohn BrooksJohn Brooks was the 11th Governor of Massachusetts from 1816 to 1823; he was the last significant Federalist elected official in office in the United States....
] - the officers composing his staff - the selectmen of Boston, and other invited guests who will honor the performances with their presence." - 1820, August - Concert by "Mr. Cristiani, musician to his Catholic majesty of Spain [i.e. Ferdinand VII], compositor of music to the theatres of the courts of Spain, and member of the Philo-Harmonic Academy of Bologna."
- 1820, August - James Ellison's The American Captive, or Siege of Tripoli."
- 1821, June - "Tight rope dancing by the wonders of the world, Mons. Godeau and Mademoiselle Adolphe -- Mathematical and philosophical recreations, balancing imitations, &c by Sieur Breslaw."
- 1821, August - Exhibition of "an elegant equestrian statue, painted by Curtis." Performance of "KotzebueAugust von KotzebueAugust Friedrich Ferdinand von Kotzebue was a German dramatist.One of Kotzebue's books was burned during the Wartburg festival in 1817. He was murdered in 1819 by Karl Ludwig Sand, a militant member of the Burschenschaften...
's celebrated play, in 5 acts, called 'The Stranger.' The evening's entertainment will conclude with the humorous and highly popular farce of 'Who's the Dupe'" by Hannah CowleyHannah CowleyHannah Cowley was an English dramatist and poet. Although Cowley’s plays and poetry did not enjoy wide popularity after the nineteenth century, critic Melinda Finberg rates Cowley as “one of the foremost playwrights of the late eighteenth century” whose “skill in writing fluid, sparkling dialogue...
. - 1821, September - Ascension from the Garden of aeronautAeronauticsAeronautics is the science involved with the study, design, and manufacturing of airflight-capable machines, or the techniques of operating aircraft and rocketry within the atmosphere...
Mr. Guille in a balloon. "A platform ... has been constructed in the Washington Gardens, so that the public may enjoy in tranquility this beautiful spectacle. The ascension of the balloon will take place at 4 o'clock in the afternoon. Mr. Guille will himself ascend in his balloon, in presence of the spectators, and rise with it into the higher regions of the air." However "soon after Mr. Guille's ascent, a slight shower of rain came on, which induced him to shorten his excursion. While the balloon was still in sight of many of the spectators, it was observed to descend rapidly, and to land in the western part of Charlestown." - 1823, June—Theatrical performance of John TobinJohn Tobin (dramatist)John Tobin was a British playwright, who was for most of his life unsuccessful, but in the year of his death made a hit with The Honey Moon...
's The Honey Moon and Thomas Didbin's Kenilworth. - 1824, August - Fireworks "in honor of the arrival of Lafayette."
- 1825, July 4 - Fireworks "got up and prepared by Mr. Eliot, a celebrated artist from the city of London."
- 1825, September - "3 amphibious quadrupeds, alive, of the sealPinnipedPinnipeds or fin-footed mammals are a widely distributed and diverse group of semiaquatic marine mammals comprising the families Odobenidae , Otariidae , and Phocidae .-Overview: Pinnipeds are typically sleek-bodied and barrel-shaped...
tribe." - 1825, November - Eugene Robertson's phantasmagoriaPhantasmagoriaPhantasmagoria can refer to:* Phantasmagoria, a type of show using an optical device to display moving images* Phantasmagoria, a video game* Phantasmagoria: A Puzzle of Flesh, a video game sequel to Phantasmagoria...
. "Mr. Robertson's dreadful collection of ghosts and spectres. ... Mr. Robertson is the best necromancerNecromancyNecromancy is a claimed form of magic that involves communication with the deceased, either by summoning their spirit in the form of an apparition or raising them bodily, for the purpose of divination, imparting the ability to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge...
that has ever appeared in our country." - 1826, July 4 - Jubilee in honor of the 50th anniversary of U.S. Independence. "Gardens will be most brilliantly illuminated in a new Columbian style." Also "six new and grand national transparencies executed by Messrs. John R. PennimanJohn Ritto PennimanJohn Ritto Penniman was a painter in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. He created portraits, landscapes, and allegorical paintings, as well as designs for engravings, such as the official seal of the city of Boston in 1822. He also worked as an assistant to Gilbert Stuart. Penniman died in 1841 in...
, Swett & Co. which represent the temple of liberty, supported by pillars of wisdom, and constitutes the six renowned statesmen, who became presidents of the United States." Also "there will be raised from the Gardens a splendid transparent air balloon illuminated with fireworks. This balloon is 25 feet in height and 15 feet in diameter." Also the Brigade Band will "perform select national airs." - 1827 - Sophie, Harry and David Eberle.
Further reading
- William Warland Clapp. "A Record of the Boston Stage". Boston: J. Munroe and Company, 1853.
- Harold Donaldson Eberlein and Cortlandt Van Dyke Hubbard. "The American "Vauxhall" of the Federal Era," Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, Vol. 68, No. 2 (Apr., 1944), pp. 150–174.
- H. Earle Johnson, Musical Interludes in Boston 1795-1830 New York: Columbia University Press, 1943.
- William Sidney Rossiter, ed. Days and Ways in Old Boston, 3rd ed. Boston: R.H. Stearns and Company, 1915.