Photo Safari- Schoolmaster Hill

Job #918, 00918-01-ph051 400 dpi, Franklin Park, Boston, MA

Olmsted Archives

Schoolmaster Hill was designed by Franklin Park's designer, Frederick Law Olmsted. It is made up of a terrace, and a connected shelter, leading out towards the Ninty Nine steps and the edge of the park. Originally "covered by vines on trellises and furnished with tables and seats," the building also provided complimentary hot water for visitors to make tea. A multi-use building, it at one time housed the superintendent's office and served as the golf course club house.

Schoolmaster Hill overlooked a meadow known as County Park until 1896 when the golf course was constructed. It was the second public golf course in the country, and golfer Willie Campbell ran the operations and provided lessons for a fee. When his wife Georgianna took over this role after his untimely death, one could argue she became the first professional woman golfer in the United States.

Unlike the building on Schoolmaster Hill, the terrace's scenic view is still fully intact, and the golf course, viewed disapprovingly by Olmsted's son John Charles, has replaced County Park.

How have Schoolmaster Hill's changing functions affected its value to the public?

Do you think that Schoolmaster Hill's initial appeal as a calm place to sit and enjoy a cup of tea is still relevant today?

Job #918, 00918-02-ph138 400 dpi, Franklin Park, Boston, MA

Olmsted Archives

To participate in this program, take a picture of this place as you see it today, respond to our questions in the text above, and then post your photos with your reflections in the caption online using #ENSafari and #FindYourPark.