Long and Winding Roads
If all roads lead to Needham… what about the roads that are already IN Needham? They had to start somewhere, right? A child’s intriguing questions start us on the long […]
Ridge Hill Farms
To the Departed Spirits
Such a bleak title for a fine summer’s day! Don’t worry – it’s not what you think. We have covered enough serious history in the last few weeks. So
“Earnest, zealous, and with his whole heart engaged…”
Although William Baker was the inspired genius behind the creation of his estate, someone needed to do the actual work. That someone was Richard Greaves, his long-time sidekick, landscape
“Earnest, zealous, and with his whole heart engaged…” Read More »
Good Times (and Bad) at the Baker Estate
William Emerson Baker’s Ridge Hill Farms is widely described as the first amusement park. It was much more than that – a working farm, a science museum, a botanical garden,
Billy Bruin – and Other Bears on the Lam
Among the many attractions on the Baker Estate were the animals – some commonplace, others exotic. Among these were his bears, Adam, Eve, and Billy – until Billy went on