Arlington Community Education

The beautiful farm facing Mass. Ave. opposite the high school, originally owned by Henry J. Locke, became a key element in Arlington’s 1920s building boom. William A. Muller (b. 1867), a local insurance executive, and his close business friends purchased the farm property in 1922 for development. The local newspaper emphasized that “there will be no duplicating of houses.” Mr. Muller envisioned a neighborhood that would attract men and women who wanted to build community. This unstoppable entrepreneur also served as town treasurer and as a dedicated trustee of the Robbins Library and the Symmes Arlington Hospital. Exploring sections of Lockeland Avenue and neighboring streets, our walk will feature stories about William Muller, the early residents, and their interesting homes.

Forest Hills, established in 1848, is one of the jewels of Greater Boston. Victorians created this eternal resting place for their loved ones, while at the same time designing a landscape where the living could enjoy nature. We’ll walk along the winding paths to sites including Daniel Chester French’s masterpiece, Death Stays the Hand of the Sculptor, as well as the resting places of social reformer Abby May, Revolutionary War Hero General Joseph Warren, and Dr. Susan Dimock, a pioneer surgeon. In this tree-filled sanctuary, we will explore the stories of our civic ancestors, both the famous and the lesser-known.