Washington Gardens (Boston) facts for kids

Washington Gardens (1814 – around 1829) was a very popular place for fun and entertainment in Boston, Massachusetts, during the early 1800s. It was also known as Vauxhall. People went there to see exciting fireworks, amazing circus acts, and enjoy music and theater shows. Sometimes, they even had special displays like pictures or even a person going up in a hot air balloon! John H. Schaffer was the person who ran this exciting place starting in 1814.

What Was Washington Gardens?

A Fun Place in Old Boston

Washington Gardens was a lively spot where people could relax and have a good time. It was named after George Washington, a very important American leader. This name was chosen to make the place sound special and respected. People thought that anything named after Washington would be loved by Americans.

This map from 1814 shows where Washington Gardens was located on Common Street (now Tremont Street).

The owner, John H. Schaffer, often put advertisements in local newspapers. For example, in August 1814, he announced a special evening. He promised 900 glowing lamps and beautiful displays to create a wonderful effect. An Italian band played music, and visitors could buy all kinds of snacks and fresh fruits. Guards were even placed at the gates to make sure everyone behaved well.

Amazing Shows and Celebrations

Washington Gardens was famous for its incredible fireworks. In the summer of 1815, a famous fireworks artist from England and France, Monsr. David, put on a show. Later, another artist named Claude Ruggieri, who made fireworks for the royal family in Paris, created a "double French Mosaic" with 20 changing colors. They even had fireworks that looked like the windmill from the story of Don Quixote!

Every year, the Gardens hosted big parties for July 4th. These celebrations included fireworks and concerts. In 1819, a group called the Boston Light Infantry, led by Captain Codman, even had breakfast there as part of the city's holiday events.

What People Thought of Washington Gardens

The Gardens received great reviews from visitors and newspapers. A visitor from Europe around 1820 said that Washington's Garden was a place where many parties and large dinners were held. Local newspapers were very enthusiastic about it. They praised the bright lights, the pretty paths, and the cozy sitting areas. They also loved the music, the cheerful songs, and the tasty food. People felt it was a very orderly and respectable place. One writer even called it a "beautiful retreat" and a "paradise in miniature."

In 1816, a talented musician named Gottlieb Graupner led the orchestra at the Gardens. His wife, Catherine Graupner, who was also a singer, sometimes performed for the audience there.

Inside and Outside the Gardens

Washington Gardens had both indoor and outdoor areas for guests. John H. Schaffer, the owner, actually lived right on the property. Over time, he added new features to the Gardens. In 1815, he brought in a special building called a pavilion that had been used in Boston's celebration of the end of the War of 1812. In 1817, he added modern gas lighting. By 1819, he made the snack bars more comfortable and built a large amphitheater.

The Grand Amphitheater

The new amphitheater was a neat brick building. It had many large windows that allowed cool air to flow through, keeping it comfortable even in summer. Inside, there was a large circular area, about 45 feet wide, used for horse shows. When there were no horse performances, this area was covered with a temporary floor. Twenty-two special seating areas, called boxes, surrounded the main stage. Each box could hold about 30 people.

The building was painted in a lively way, especially the roof. The roof had different sections and a skylight in the middle. This skylight was used to show large paintings or panoramas during the day. The stage was designed so that voices carried well, and the stage doors were decorated nicely. A motto above the stage read, "Be Merry and Wise." When there were no horse shows, the amphitheater could hold between 1,800 and 2,000 people!

Other Features

Behind Washington Gardens, there was a stable. In 1816, you could even rent or buy horses there, including special "circus horses" with names like Venus and Tom Thumb.

In 1824, a fire on Beacon Hill, across the Common, caused some buildings at Washington Gardens to catch fire from burning pieces carried by the wind. However, the business survived this event. Washington Gardens continued to operate for several more years before closing down around 1829.

Exciting Events at Washington Gardens

Washington Gardens hosted a wide variety of performances and shows. Here are some examples of the fun events people enjoyed:

• 1816
  • Concerts featuring singer Mrs. Burke.
  • In September, Mrs. Day Francis, a dancer from London, performed a hornpipe dance dressed as a sailor.
  • On February 22nd, George Washington's birthday was celebrated with fireworks and special lights at the Gardens.

• 1819
  • In July, Mr. Bernard told funny stories.
  • A new ballet called 'Auld Robin Gray' was performed. After that, there was a concert with songs and a play called 'William Tell, or - the Swiss Patriot.'
  • A circus directed by Messrs. Pepin & Campbell featured 16 horses and many male and female riders. Miss Wealand performed graceful feats on one horse, and Mr. Mayhier walked on a slack rope.

• 1820
  • On July 17th, two plays, The Heir at Law and The Liar, were performed. Important guests like the Governor, John Brooks, and the selectmen of Boston were invited.
  • In August, a concert was given by Mr. Cristiani, a musician from the court of Spain.
  • Also in August, James Ellison's play The American Captive, or Siege of Tripoli was shown.

• 1821
  • In June, Mons. Godeau and Mademoiselle Adolphe performed amazing tightrope dancing. Sieur Breslaw showed off mathematical and balancing tricks.
  • In August, an elegant statue of a horse was displayed. The play 'The Stranger' and the funny show 'Who's the Dupe' were also performed.
  • In September, an aeronaut named Mr. Guille tried to go up in a balloon from the Gardens. People gathered to watch this exciting event. However, a light rain started, and he had to land quickly in Charlestown.

• 1823
  • In June, the plays The Honey Moon and Kenilworth were performed.

• 1824
  • In August, special fireworks were set off to celebrate the arrival of Lafayette, a French hero who helped America in the Revolutionary War.

• 1825
  • On July 4th, fireworks were prepared by Mr. Eliot, a famous artist from London.
  • In September, three live seals were exhibited.
  • In November, Eugene Robertson presented a phantasmagoria, which was a show with scary ghosts and specters. He was called the best necromancer (someone who claims to communicate with spirits) around.

• 1826
  • On July 4th, a big celebration marked 50 years of U.S. Independence. The Gardens were lit up in a new "Columbian style." There were also six large national displays showing the "temple of liberty" supported by pillars representing six U.S. presidents. A splendid hot air balloon, 25 feet tall, was launched with fireworks. A band played national songs.

• 1827
  • Sophie, Harry, and David Eberle performed at the Gardens.