1843-09-17 Founding Document: Letter from Dr. Jacob Bigelow to Joseph Story, 1831.014.002

Boston Sept 17 1843

My dear sir

After the meeting of the Trustees of M^t Auburn yesterday, it occurred to me that the business of the committee of five would be facilitated, if you as chairman would draw up an outline of a report, before the committee meet. -- A very good and unanimous opinion appeared to prevail, in regard to the improvements to be undertaken, and now, what is principally want, is an estimate of the proper division of our funds among the various objects.

Mr Bond, treasurer, says we should have at the end of this year, after paying for the Gate, a surplus of about $26.000. Suppose we apply the surplus somewhat in the following manner

main road all the way to the gate, and several rods beyond it, thus finishing all that part which is usually seen by visitors who ride out from Boston or Cambridge. The estimate for the whole front fence is about $18.700 of which it will be sure that 10.000 is more than half. The remaining lesser half we should be able to finish in a year or two --

2. For obtaining pure water we should begin a ditch or drain, at the salt marsh as low as the tide water, and continue it into Meadow Pond, thence by a channel, or culvert, into Forest, and Garden Pond, and from the latter into the meadow west of the Gate. This would enable us to drain our low grounds, & drain & clean out the ponds, and if, as Mr Howe thinks, we should strike springs, we might have running water, without going to Fresh Pond. But if not, this enterprise may be extended hereafter. I should think $4000. sufficient for the above purpose. Mr Coolidges consent must be obtained to a ditch through his low land near Charles River.

3. A Hedge is wanted on the three back sides. The principal expense would be for digging a trench & filling it with soil from the ponds. Mr Howe can raise the plants at a trifling cost.

4. A Chapel such as you propose might be erected of rough stone on some Gothic model, for less than $5000. I think. We must select some spot with sufficient unoccupied ground to be kept

for its prospective enlargement. In the

[small sketch of plan]

opposite figure, the building is in black lines & the prospective addition is dotted -- of the shape which I understand to meet your views. Where shall it stand? -- Unfortunately some of our best sites are occupied with lots. -- In looking at the map, the most eligible spots appear to me to be. 1. Near the gate a little to the east. 2. Somewhere opposite Spurzheim monument if the ground is level enough

5. A Tower. I have put down 3000. for this, in case we should want to go a little higher.

6. Trees are to be set out on all our vacant ground, where paths are to go. Cost I think less than estimate.

7. Reserve $2000. This is to carry out any item which may have been underestimated. As many of our improvements need not be paid for in less than a year, we shall have another years income, say $4000. to add to this reserve.

Should any other improvement suggest itself as a desideration in Mount Auburn, you will be kind enough to suggest add it & believe me

Dear sir, your friend &c, sev^t

Jacob Bigelow

For Joseph Story

Hon Joseph Story Cambridge Mass.