A horseshoe-shaped path. That’s how it began. Linden Square in Brookline Massachusetts. Imagine it 1844. A newly laid out park. Part of a grand subdivision designed by Alexander Wadsworth. A small municipal park. Rectangular with a single curved side. It was part of Thomas Aspinwall Davis’s vision. He was subdividing his land creating Brookline’s first prestigious suburban development.
Linden Square wasn’t just a pretty place. It held a history. It wasn’t always a park. Initially it was 1.5 feet below the surrounding streets. They had to fill it. They set curbstones around the edges. Twenty-eight feet of diagonal walks crisscrossed the land. The rest was grass and shrubs.
The square had a connection to the Davis house. In 1895 the Town Meeting accepted a gift. They called it the ‘horseshoe lot’. It became Linden Square. It remained connected to the history of Linden Park. The land changed hands. Leonard and Mary Stone donated it to the Town. A stipulation came with the donation. It had to remain a public ornamental open space.
Linden Square is more than just grass and trees. It has benches. It has a wrought iron fence. Openings in the fence lead to the paths. These paths once formed a horseshoe shape. They later changed to an X. Mature trees provide shade. A circular seating area forms a focal point. This small but significant park sits in a residential neighborhood. It remains a peaceful spot. A place to rest and reflect on the past. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its small size belies its significance. It represents a pivotal moment in Brookline’s development. A charming little square. A testament to careful planning and foresight. This small park is a hidden gem. Discover its beauty and history. Enjoy the quiet charm of Linden Square.