Lucius R. Paige, History of Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1630-1877, with a genealogical register

“ [236] intents and purposes, as if the same had never been made.” At a town meeting, March 3, 1828, the Selectmen reported that they had purchased for the town all the remaining rights of the Proprietors in the common lands, and had taken “a good and sufficient deed thereof, and caused the same to be recorded.”

Before the Common was fully released to the town, a desire was manifested to embellish it and convert it into a pleasant park. At a town meeting, April 7, 1823, a petition was presented by William Hilliard and others for liberty, at their own expense, “to make certain improvements on the Common in said town, by setting out trees, fencing in certain parts, etc., not incompatible with the original grant to said town.” The petition was referred to a Committee, who having “matured nothing” were discharged at the next meeting. The matter seems then to have rested until June 5, 1830, when it was enacted by the General Court, “that Israel Porter, Stephen Higginson, Asahel Stearns, Joseph Holmes, and Francis Dana, with their associates, be and they are hereby authorized and empowered, at their own expense, and under the direction of two commissioners, to be appointed by the governor, with the advice of the council, to enclose such part or parts of the Common in Cambridge, in the County of Middlesex, as the said commissioners shall determine, due regard being had to the public convenience and necessity. And the said commissioners, after giving due notice to all persons interested, shall have power to make such alterations with respect to the direction of the roads by which the said common is traversed, as they shall see fit, and shall designate the portion or portions of the said common to be enclosed, by metes and bounds, and shall make report of their doings, under their hands and seals, and file the same in the Secretary's office as soon as may be convenient after the said service shall have been performed. And they are further authorized and empowered to level the surface of the ground, to plant trees, and lay out and make walks within said enclosure, in such manner as, with the approbation of the selectmen of the said town, they may think proper, leaving suitable and convenient avenues for the accommodation of persons who may have occasion to enter or pass over any part of said enclosure on foot. Be it further enacted, that the said enclosure shall be forever kept and appropriated to public use only, as a public park, promenade, and place for military parade; and no part thereof shall, on any pretence, be appropriated to any purpose of private use or emolument.” ¹ The work was accomplished in due time,