History

At the beginning of the 20th century, the present day Esplanade was a tidal estuary. Water levels fluctuated nearly 10 feet, and at low tide the area became a mudflat. Boston’s leaders, designers, and citizens, including banker James Storrow, began planning for a new park system, to include tree lined walks along the water and a variety of recreational opportunities for all Bostonians.

Members of the BMSC race on Storrow Lagoon in the 1930’s

In 1910, the construction of a dam at the present site of the Museum of Science turned the estuary into a freshwater basin. Along with the construction of the dam came the first iteration of the Esplanade, a 100 foot wide strip of land built up from materials dredged from the river bottom.

In the 1920’s the park was widened, recreational facilities were added, and Storrow Lagoon was built. The lagoon was a park centerpiece, designed for toy boats and small pleasure craft. These proved to be such popular activities that an elaborate boat house was built there in 1935.

In 1951 the boathouse was destroyed to make way for Storrow Drive, but the tradition of model boating was not lost. On a sunny, breezy day, the B.M.S.C. fills Storrow Lagoon with these miniature boats, and everyone has a chance to catch a little wind.

 

Photo ©2005 Header, Bill Jones. Other photos, Trinidad Rodriguez, unless otherwise noted

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The Esplanade Association
10 Derne Street
Boston, MA 02114
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