Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

[p. 69] southerly half of the bridge. A portion of this way was in existence as late as the year 1879. It was entirely obliterated by the building of the stone bridge, which is twelve feet wider than the old drawbridge.

An old way, called Brickyard lane, extended from South street, southerly, to the brickyards. A portion of this way can still be seen to the south of Summer street. It is sometimes called Oak street. The brickyards were situated between Summer and George streets, on both sides of Brickyard lane.

South street was early known as the Fordway, or the Way to the ford. In later days it was called Fish House lane, taking its name from the fish-house that stood on the north side of the lane, near to the fishing-place. It was laid out two rods wide from Main street to the ford or landing-place. This lane was afterwards extended as far west as the third rangeway.

Union street (now Swan street), or that part of it leading east from Main street, was laid out about the year 1720. It was laid out two rods wide, and was called the ‘Way to the wharfs.’

Another way, one rod in width, was laid out about the same time. It is the way now leading from Main street to Mr. Bean's coal yard.

A part of Broadway was once situated within the limits of Medford.

That portion of Main street between South street and the Square was not in use until after the building of the bridge.

In March, 1695, the Hon. John Usher and Mr. David Jeffreys motioned the County Court to alter and remove the highway through their farms, late the farm of Governor Winthrop, and the Court appointed a committee to consider the same.

The following is the motion:

Sheweth that having searched the records of said County, as to the Highway laid out through said farms, we can find upon record, only one way laid out, which way is through sorrelly