Engraved on a granite platform lies a map of Boston, part of the James J. and Helen Storrow Memorial. This memorial commemorates James J. Storrow and Helen Storrow. It sits here along Boston’s Charles River Esplanade. Installed in 1948, the memorial features a bronze sculpture.
James Jackson Storrow II was born in Boston in 1864. He was the son of a prominent lawyer. Storrow graduated from Harvard College in 1885. While hiking in Switzerland, he met his future wife, Helen Osborne. She was the daughter of a New York social activist. After graduating from Harvard Law School in 1888, Storrow became a corporate lawyer.
Storrow left the law firm after his father’s death to join Lee, Higginson & Co. He quickly rose to senior partner. He became involved with General Motors and served on the board until 1916. Storrow was also deeply involved in the Boston community. He fought against prejudices towards immigrants, Jews, and Catholics.
Storrow is best known for his work on the Charles River Dam. He shared Charles Eliot’s vision of open spaces for the people of Boston. Storrow began gaining public support for constructing the dam. He organized a letter-writing campaign. After his first bill was rejected, he proposed an alternative. It created a committee to determine the project’s feasibility. His plan was approved in 1903. Funding was provided and the project finished in 1910. The dam created a freshwater basin. This led to the Esplanade.
Despite the dam’s completion, Eliot and Storrow’s vision was not immediately realized. Few people visited the Esplanade. To attract more visitors, solutions were proposed. These included shade, boathouses, and public events. Sadly Storrow died in 1926 before seeing his vision fully realized.
His devoted wife, Helen, helped him through the process. She shared his dream for the Esplanade. Helen inherited a fortune from her husband. To honor James Storrow, Helen donated one million dollars. This was for the improvement of the Esplanade. Her generosity inspired others to donate. The renovations focused on providing more shade. It made boating easier. These renovations were led by Charles Eliot’s protégé, Arthur Asahel Shurcliff.
With Shurcliff’s plans completed, Storrow’s dream was realized. The Esplanade became a recreational space. Many citizens enjoyed the scenery. They participated in activities on land and water. To commemorate James and Helen Storrow, the Storrow Memorial Embankment was erected. It was formally dedicated to them in 1948. The couple’s only son, James Jackson Storrow III, attended the unveiling ceremony.
So here at the James J. and Helen Storrow Memorial, we remember their vision. Their energy helped make the Charles River Basin a place of beauty for all.