Imagine red-roofed houses lining this island. That’s Middle Brewster Island in the 1840s. It was a vibrant fishing community then. Now, it is a haven for gulls and cormorants.
Middle Brewster Island is one of the outer Boston Harbor Islands. It sits nine miles offshore from downtown Boston. This rugged island covers about 13 acres. It rises to 52 feet above sea level. Sharp cliffs and sunken crags surround it.
Middle Brewster got its name from William Brewster. He was a preacher for the Plymouth Colony. Like Great Brewster and Outer Brewster, it shares his name.
In the mid-1800s, fishermen built huts here. Later, affluent Bostonians used Middle Brewster as a retreat. This was during the Gilded Age. World Wars in the early 1900s ended recreational use.
Access to Middle Brewster Island is not easy. There are no docks. Boaters must anchor offshore. The island serves as a nesting site for birds today. They can be aggressive during nesting season. Access is discouraged then.
Vestiges of summer homes remain. Look closely. You can spot fireplaces and stone walls. A stone arch once supported a bell. It is still visible.
The island has sparse vegetation. You’ll see small trees, sumac, and grasses. Researchers are studying if cultivated plants remain. These would be from the 1800s.
The channel between Middle and Outer Brewster has a name. It is called the “Flying Place”. This is because of intense wave action during northeast storms. From here, there are excellent views. You can see the outer harbor islands. The Graves and Hull are also visible. You might even catch a partial glimpse of the Boston skyline.
The town of Hull acquired Middle Brewster Island in 1641. This was after Elder Brewster died. In 1700, the town sold it to private owners. The Lorings of Hull bought it in 1719. They called it “Bridges Island”. This was because it appeared to span between Great and Outer Brewster Islands. In 1759, John Gould owned it. He called it “Gould Island”.
In the 1870s, August Russ bought Middle Brewster from the fishermen. He built a summer villa on the southern cliff. He leased the rest of the land. He fostered a summer community. Actress Julia Arthur had a summer home here. Marine painter William Halsall frequented the island. Photographer Notman also spent time here.
Melvin O. Adams purchased the island in 1892. He built a small villa with an arch and a bell. Richard S. Whitney bought it in 1900. He built a home on the western part.
Middle Brewster Island became part of the Boston Harbor Islands State Park in the 1970s. Now, the island provides a refuge. It is a place for shorebirds to nest. Gulls and cormorants thrive here. Though access is difficult, the island’s history and natural beauty endure.