West Medford, December 2, 1912.
Editor of the Register:—
Some six years ago, while searching among the ancient files in Harvard College Library for other information, I came across a map or plan of land near Medford Square that interested me. Procuring a sheet of tracing paper I made a copy of the same.
I learned that it was the graduation thesis of a Medford boy, who afterward studied medicine with
Dr. Brooks, and who succeeded to the latter's practice when he was elected governor.
A little later a friend,
Frank V. Smith, artist and book illustrator, reproduced the same for me on
Bristol board, and his work is practically a fac-similie of the original.
I am turning it over to the Historical Society, as being of interest and a record of the locality of over a century ago.
The quaint letters of the long S script made by the young collegian are as accurate as I could trace them.
The modern lettering of the title is the hand of the artist, who followed its text.
The razing of the house next the First Parish Church last season, in which
Dr. Swan's brother resided, brings this to mind.
I trust it may be possible to reproduce the plan in the Register as a memoir of the good physician whom
Medford people dearly loved, and whose memory still lingers with the older residents of the
Mystic city.
Very truly yours,
