Annals and Reminiscences of Jamaica Plain

A warm and thoughtful portrait of a Boston neighborhood, this work invites listeners to wander through the gently rolling hills and leafy lanes of Jamaica Plain. The author paints vivid scenes of the sparkling lake that once supplied the city, the quiet Stony River that powered early mills, and the verdant springs that earned the area its “Isle of Springs” nickname. The narrative captures the charm of old stone houses, ivy‑clad walls, and the timeless feel of a place where nature and community have long intertwined.

Delving into the village’s roots, the book traces the evolution of its name—from “Pond Plain” to the more evocative Jamaica Plain—exploring theories that link it to colonial rum trade or historic events in the Caribbean. It also recounts the early agricultural life that fed Boston, the distinguished residents who settled there, and the story of the venerable Curtis Homestead, reputed to be one of the oldest surviving structures in the region. Listeners will come away with a richer appreciation of the area’s heritage and the people who shaped it.