Weld Boathouse facts for kids
Weld Boathouse is a building owned by Harvard University. It sits right on the bank of the Charles River in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The boathouse is named after George Walker Weld. He left money in his will to pay for the building to be built.
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History of Weld Boathouse
Weld Boathouse is actually the second boathouse built in this spot by the Charles River. Both were made possible by George Walker Weld. The first boathouse was built in 1889. The second, much grander building, was finished in 1906. This is the famous building you see today. Many people think it looks best when viewed from across the Charles River in Boston. In 2006, the boathouse celebrated its 100th birthday!
Location and Importance
The Weld Boathouse is located right in the middle of the famous Head of the Charles rowing race course. It's also just a short walk from Harvard Yard, which is the main part of Harvard University. This makes it a very important part of Harvard's sports activities. The boathouse is also a favorite spot for artists and photographers to capture its beauty.
Who Uses the Boathouse?
In the past, Weld Boathouse was used by Harvard's men's freshman crew team. Today, it is home to Harvard's varsity women's rowing teams. This includes both the heavyweight and lightweight crews. These teams are still called "Radcliffe Women's Crew." This name reminds everyone of when Radcliffe College joined with Harvard University.
Weld Boathouse is also used for other rowing programs. Harvard's recreational sculling program uses it. The "House Crews" from Harvard College's twelve student dorms also row from here. Even graduate students who love to row use the boathouse. Harvard's men's rowing teams use a different building called Newell Boathouse. It is located on the Boston side of the river.
Traditional Boat Building
For many years, rowing and sculling used boats made from finely crafted wood. Following this tradition, Weld Boathouse was once home to a special project. A traditional baidarka was hand-carved there. This type of boat was originally used by Aleutian hunters.
Anderson Memorial Bridge
Right next to the boathouse is the Anderson Memorial Bridge. This bridge was built in 1913. It was funded by Weld's niece, Isabel Weld Perkins, and her husband, Larz Anderson. The bridge was designed with a very high arch. This high arch allows all kinds of pleasure boats to pass underneath easily. Both the Weld Boathouse and the Anderson Memorial Bridge were paid for by family members of a rich businessman from the 1800s, William Fletcher Weld.
