On Boroughed Time Upper Boston Post Road #9 (UBPR#9) Alternate Route Entry #4 “I receiv’d the Vote of the Town of Westborough in which I am call’d to the great and arduous Work of the Gospel Ministry among them.” From the Diary of Ebeneezer Parkman, Minister to the town of Westborough from 1724-1782, February 28,… (read more)
Lost Roads. Upper Boston Post Road #8 (UBPR#8) Alternate Route Entry #3. We then traveled through a very fine country, missed our way and went to Southborough; we were obliged to turn back a mile to get the right road. Ensign Henry DeBerniere in his report to General Thomas Gage, Saturday, February 25, 1775. Sometimes… (read more)
Everybody Comes To Buck’s. Upper Boston Post Road #7 (UPBR#7) Alternate Route Entry #2. “We then asked him for the inns that were on the road between the house and Worcester, he recommended us two, one about nine miles from his house, a Mr. Buckminster’s….” Ensign Henry DeBerniere, in his report to General Gage, February… (read more)
Framingham Diversion. Upper Boston Post Road #6 (UPBR #6) Alternate Route Entry #1. “About 10 Mr. Gerry called me, and we rode to Framingham, where we dined. Coll. Buckminster after Dinner shewed us, the Train of Artillery brought down from Ticonderoga, by Coll. Knox.” Diary of John Adams, Thursday, January 25, 1776 Immediately upon entering… (read more)
Waylaid in Wayland. Upper Boston Post Road #5 (UBPR #5). “We were resolved to go the Sudbury road, (which was the main road that led to Worcester ) and go as far as the the thirty-seven mile-stone, where we had left the main road and taken the Framingham road.” Ensign Henry DeBerniere, from his report… (read more)
An Essay On Post Roads, Turnpikes, And The Art Of Walking. For Cheryl, whose journey was cut short. ***** Why? This is the most frequent question I am asked about this project. What possible reason could I have for wandering along some old road on foot when I could much more easily and comfortably drive… (read more)
The Myth Of The Wild Weston. Upper Boston Post Road Entry #4 (UBPR #4). “It was my dream that screwed up, the stupid hearthside idea that it would be wonderful to follow one great red line across America…” Jack Kerouac, On The Road, p. 13. ***** There’s no @*&# sidewalk! Standing on the busy edge… (read more)
Mile 14. Shunpiking Ye Waye Through Ye Swamp Walking The Post Road Entry #15 (WTPR #15) “Great commotion about the course of the turnpike thro’ Dedham. Many dread it as bad as a standing army, to spunge them of money.” Fisher Ames Diary, May 19, 1802. “plus ca change, plus c’est la meme chose” Jean-Baptiste… (read more)
Across The Plains. Upper Boston Post Road Entry #3 (UBPR#3) “Sudbury Road, now Main Street, early laid out as a principal thoroughfare to the western settlements, extended through the comparatively uninhabited plain, important only as a means of communication to distant regions. The fact that the territory was unsettled doubtless accounts for its generous width… (read more)
Mile 10. Trials And Tribulations. Walking The Post Road Entry #12 (WTPR #12). “He told me that this place was the most sharping country ever I was in and that this little piddling trick was only the beginning of it and nothing to what I should experience if I stayed there but some weeks.”1Dr. Alexander… (read more)
