History of Brookline, Massachusetts, USA

1638 - Brookline is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1705 - Brookline is incorporated.
It separated from Cambridge and Roxbury.
Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1838 - FIRE AT BROOKLINE.
On Sunday, between the hours of worship, the house owned and occupied by Capt. Benj. Bradlee, on the Worcester turnpike, in Brookline, with all the outbuildings, excepting the barn, were totally destroyed by fire, the furniture being practically saved. The fire took from one of the chimneys, and when first discovered, were wrapped in flames. This house was situated on one of the loftiest eminences in the vicinity of Boston, and to the difficulty of access to it, a deficiency in water, and the prevalence of considerable wind, and the rapidity of the destructive element very shortly on the spot, and with an alacrity which did the department great credit, those also from Roxbury and the Plains, and very soon after, two from the metropolis (Nos, 8 and 12) arrived.

Among the most active of the inhabitants in directing and using his exertions at the fire until the Roxbury Engineers arrived, was the well-known senior clergyman of that village, the Rev. Dr. Pierce.
The Farmers' Cabinet
Amherst, New Hampshire
September 7, 1838

1839 - Brookline
Brookline, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. This delightful town is connected with Boston by the mill-dam across Charles river bay; one of the most beautiful and expensive avenues leading to the city. It is distant from Boston about 5 miles S.W. and from Dedham 5 miles N.N.E. Incorporated, 1705. Population, 1837, 1,083. This town is remarkable for its varied surface, high state of cultivation, elegant country seats and gardens, excellent roads, and for its rich and picturesque scenery. Many gentlemen of taste and fortune make this their residence.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845 - BROOKLINE. [Pop. 1,365. Inc. 1705.]
Brookline so called, it is supposed, because separated from Cambridge and Roxbury by Brooks, was once a part of Boston, and called Muddy River.

In 1821, it was connected with Boston by the Mill Dam, or Western Avenue, on which is one of the best roads in the country.

Brookline is distinguished for its beautiful country-seats, and its high state of cultivation.

Dr. Zabdiel Boylston, an eminent Physician, who introduced
Inoculation for the Small Pox into America, was a native of Brookline, and his name was given to a town in Worcester County.

Distance from Dedham, 6 miles ; from Boston, 4.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Brookline
This town, before its incorporation in 1705, belonged to Boston, from which it was separated by a bay formed by Charles river. Wood, the author of "New England's Prospect," in describing &ston and other places in the vicinity, in 1633, says- "The inhabitants of this place, [Boston] for their enlargement, have taken to themselves farm houses in a place called Muddy River, [Brookline] two miles from the town, where there is good ground, large timber, and store of marsh land and meadow. In this place they keep their swine and other cattle in the summer, whilst the corn is in the ground at Boston, and bring them to town in the winter." As early as 1686, the inhabitants at Muddy River had obtained an order that said hamlet should thence forth be free from paying taxes to the town of Boston, and to have the privilege of annually choosing three men to manage their affairs. The conditions were, that they should bear their own expenses, erect a school-house, and maintain a reading and writing... Read MORE...

1854 - Brookline
Brookline, a post-township of Norfolk county, Massachusetts, 5 miles S. W. from Boston, with which it is connected by a mill dam across Charles River bay. Population, 2516.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1859
BROOKLINE, a township of Norfolk co., in the state of Massachusetts, 4 m. SW of Boston. It presents a diversified and richly cultivated surface, and is adorned with may fine villas. Pop. 1,365.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1888 - The wire works of Morse & Whyte at Brookline, Mass., burned on the 24th. Loss $50,000; covered by insurance.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
December 1, 1888

Brookline Massachusetts, 1890
Brookline is a wealthy and beautiful suburban town on he southwestern side of Boston, lying like a wedge between the Back Bay section and the Brighton district of that city. Its northeastern point almost reaches the Charles River, while its broad southwestern end abuts in equal extent against the West Roxbury district and the city of Newton; the latter also forming nearly half its boundary on the northwest. It is about four and one half miles long, and an average of two miles wide for the greater part of its length, and contains 3,750 acres, beside streets and water surfaces. The Boston and Albany Railroad and the Woonsocket Division of the New York and New England Railroad pass through the town; the stations and villages being Brookline, Chapel Station, Cottage Farm, Longwood, and Reservoir Station The post-office is Brookline, which is in the Boston postal district and has carrier delivery.

The surface of the town is beautifully, varied by hill and valley; and the aspect it... Read MORE...

1895 - Brookline
Brookline, brook'lin, a post-township and village of Norfolk co., Mass., is about 4 miles S.W. of Boston, and is bounded on the N.E. by the estuary of Charles River. It is the terminus of the Brookline Branch of the Boston & Albany Railroad, is intersected by the Boston, Hartford & Erie Railroad, and is connected to Boston by a street rail. way. It has 6 churches, a bank, and a fine town hall. Here are numerous elegant villas and country-seats, surrounded by beautiful gardens, parks, and shrubberies. It has a manufactory of philosophical instruments, and a weekly newspaper. Pop. in 1880, 8057; in 1890, 12,103.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1900 - MOTORMAN BLAMED.
Justice Drew of Brookline filed with the Clerk of Courts in Dedham yesterday his report of an inquest into the cause of the death of Frank Knox of Brookline, who was struck by an outward-bound car of the Boston Elevated Railroad Company in Brookline, March 16, and died the next day.

In his report Justice Drew says: "I am of the opinion that the accident was the result of the high rate of speed at which the car was run by the motorman, and of his not sooner endeavoring to stop the car."

Boston Morning Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
April 27, 1900

1901 - WORKMAN KILLED. Pasquale Paccillo Fell Down an Elevator Well in an Unfinished House on Beaconsfield Terrace.
While working on the third floor of the unfinished Beaconsfield Terraces, in the rear of Marguerite Circle, near Beacon Street, Brookline, early yesterday, Pasquale Paccillo, a laborer, fell down the elevator well and was instantly killed. Paccillo lived at 29 North Square, this city, with his wife and four children.

A number of men were working on the same floor with the victim, but no one saw the fatal accident. It is thought that Paccillo was carrying some material and did not see the well. Several of the employes saw the man strike the ground and ran to his assistance. Dr. Joseph H. Woods was called, but the man had been dead some time. The body was taken to his home in North Square by the Brookline police.
Boston Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
August 11, 1901

1915 - BROOKLINE WOMAN RUN OVER BY CAR Quick Work of Motorman Saves Life of Mrs. D. P. Lovejoy.
Mrs. D. P. Lovejoy, an elderly woman residing at 1589 Beacon street, Brookline, is suffering from severe injuries sustained yesterday when she was struck by an inward bound car on Beacon street, opposite Jordan Steps, shortly after noon. It was the quick work of the motorman that saved her from being instantly killed as she was under the fender when he brought the car to an abrupt stop.

According to the witnesses the woman attempted to cross the tracks, which at this point are on the reservation on the south side of the street. She had passer[sic] the outward bound car safely, but failed to notice the car bound the opposite direction. The fender was raised and the car backed, while passengers assisted the woman from the tracks. She was removed to her home.
Boston Morning Journal
Boston, Massachusetts
March 2, 1915

1916
Brookline, a banking post-township (town) and village of Norfolk co., Mass., is about 3 miles SW, of Boston, and is bounded on the NE. by the estuary of the Charles River. It is on the Boston and Albany R. and connected with Boston by electric tramway. Here are numerous elegant villas and country-seats, surrounded by beautiful gardens, parks, and shrubberies. Its chief industry is the manufacture of electrical appliances. Near by is the Chestnut Hill reservoir. Pop. in 1890, 12,103; in 1900, 19,935.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1920 - December 19 - 1st US indoor curling rink opens (Brookline, Mass)

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2023 - Whether you're a resident looking for something new to do or a visitor planning a trip, here's a list of the best places to go and things to do in Brookline:
The Larz Anderson Auto Museum: If you're a car enthusiast, don't miss this museum. It features a fascinating collection of vintage automobiles, including classics, sports cars, and early 20th-century vehicles. The museum's beautiful grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll as well.

Coolidge Corner: This lively neighborhood in Brookline is a hub of activity. It boasts a wide range of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. You can spend hours exploring the unique shops, grabbing a coffee, or enjoying a meal at one of the many eateries.

The Puppet Showplace Theater: Located in Brookline Village, this theater is a hidden gem. It offers puppetry performances for both children and adults. It's a wonderful place to introduce kids to the magic of live theater.

Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site: This site is dedicated to the famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park in New York City. You can take guided tours to learn about his work and ... Read MORE...