Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

‘[p. 63] was agreed that one-third of the bank next to Mistick bridge should be the sole property of the said Wade, and the remaining two-thirds, with a convenient highway thereto, should be held in common by the said Wade and the inhabitants of Charlestown; . . . and the said Wade further gives and grants unto the inhabitants of Charlestown one only highway from the said bank up to the rocks in Charlestown commons, the way to be maintained by the proprietors of the commons, and the town of Charlestown quitclaims to said Wade any claims it may have to the lower landing, called Hall's landing’ (dated Sept. 2, 1695).

May 13, 1698. A committee was chosen by the town of Charlestown to agree with Mr. Nathaniel Wade for a highway from ‘No Man's Friend’ bank to the woodlots. ‘It was agreed that the town of Charlestown should have a highway from said bank through said Wade's land unto the foot of the hill, that was formerly called Rock gate, two poles broad, and from thence two ways to the woodlots, one leading to Jacob Green senior's lot, the other leading to John Trumble's lot. Each way is also two poles broad as they are now laid out, being marked on the east side, and the said Wade shall have liberty to hang gates in any of said ways for the security of his pasture or pastures.’

The Rock gate was located near the juncture of Fulton street and Love lane. This lane as originally laid out is still open as far as the Trumble lot.

In the year 1710 Mrs. Mercy Wade, widow of Nathaniel Wade, petitioned the town of Charlestown for a change in the highway from ‘No Man's Friend’ landing to the woodlots. A committee appointed by the town to consider the matter, recommended ‘that the way be changed to meet the wishes of Mrs. Wade, as it is only in a little way that she desires the change.’

In the year 1735 the location of the way from Salem street to the woodlots was definitely settled by its becoming a part of the highway from Stoneham to Medford.