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Early history of the Harvard Forest as shown in J.W. Brooks' Correspondence

• HF-ID: HF1909-14
• Category: Research Files
• Creator: Brooks, J.W., Richards, J., Lyford, W.
• Associated Person: Fiske, J.
• Date: 1906 to 1972
• Location: Harvard Forest, Petersham MA
• Media: Paper
• Contents:
  • Correspondence between Jennifer Richards and Walter Lyford (1972).
  • Correspondence between Walter Lyford, Ernie Gould, Martin Zimmermann and John Fiske (1973).
  • Correspondence between James W. Brooks, Harvard University, Richard T. Fisher (1906 to 1909). 1 File Folder. 8.5 inches x 11 inches, and various other sizes..

• Keywords: land use, management, mapping, education and policy
• Abstract:
  • 1972 3 letters. 1. Jennifer Richards to Walter Lyford, April 24, 1972, 5 pages. Letter on research into early history of the Harvard Forest and Trustees of Public Reservation. Photocopies of annual meetings of the Public Reservation 1906 & 1907. Hand written (by J. Richards) account of the 1912 meeting.
  • 2. Walter Lyford to Jennifer Richards, May 2, 1972, 1 page. Note of thanks for background material on the Harvard Forest. Mention of talking with John Fiske whose grandfather had married a Brooks.
  • Ernie Gould and Martin Zimmermann did not know about the Trustees of Public Reservations and their role in Harvard Forest obtaining the Brooks land.
  • 3. Note from Walter Lyford, May 2, 1972 and May 4, 1972, 1 page.
  • Mention of Jennifer Richards research (Biology 298 Student - Fall 1971) and the references she sent and paper she wrote. May 4 - Mrs Danahar (Harvard Forest Secretary) made a copy and put in vault.
  • 1973 2 letters 1. Note from Walter Lyford, August 17, 1973 1 page.
  • Donation of letters by John Fiske to Harvard Forest Archives. The gift resulted from a casual mention by Ernie Gould and Walter Lyford that we (Harvard Forest) had little documentation and reasons behind the acquisition of property by Harvard.
  • 2. Martin Zimmermann to John Fiske, August 17, 1973, 1 page. A note of thanks for the correspondence he donated to Harvard Forest. Request to meet with him and record a private discussion with Ernie Gould about his knowledge of James W. Brooks land to Harvard Forest.
  • 1906 7 letters. 1. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, October 26, 1906, 1 page. The Corporation entering into an agreement with Brooks to purchase land in Petersham which would be "well fitted" for teaching Forestry. They felt it would be a "clear advantage" that Brooks would be keeper during his life. Want to know number of acres to be given to the University. How many acres propose for the University to buy and prices for different tracts of land. Request a sketch of the land showing boundaries of various woodlands, their relation to each other and the next town, town roads, streams and brooks, private wood roads and proposed reservations for house sites, etc.
  • 2. James W. Brooks to Charles W. Eliot, October 29, 1906, 4 pages.
  • Sent a map (not with this letter), in the letter he lists descriptions. Wants Prof. Fisher to go over his land with him.
  • 3. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, October 31, 1906, 1 page.
  • Meet with Brooks at the Union Club to talk about Brooks' woodlands.
  • 4. Richard T. Fisher to James W. Brooks, November 27, 1906, 2 pages. Reply to 2 day visit to Brooks woodlot, proposed college tracts (timber estimates) and offer in regard to property jointly owned by Brooks and Higginson. Suggested to bring students (senior class) to Petersham Thursday December 13 to Friday December 21, need accommodations either at Mrs W (?) or the other place Brooks referred to.
  • 5. Winthrop H. Wade to James W. Brooks, December 1906, 1 page.
  • Certificate that Brooks appointed by Board of Overseers as a member of the Committee in Forestry for year 1907.
  • 6. Richard T. Fisher to James W. Brooks, December 5, 1906, 1 page. Confirmation that students will stay at Mrs. Howe's quarters. Arriving December 13, 1906 by the 3:15p.m. train. Fisher will stay with Brooks - looking forward to discussing things with him.
  • 7. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, December 20, 1906, 1 page.
  • Eliot asking Brooks if he is getting on satisfactorily with your forestry project. Fisher thinks more and more highly of the tract for teaching purposes.
  • 1907 29 letters. 1. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, January 1, 1907, 1 page. Eliot has written to J. J. Higginson - not confident in getting a favorable answer. Eliot wants Professor of Forestry, Austin Cary to see the Brooks Tract. Eliot states that Cary is one of the most capable, simple, attractive Yankee he ever saw.
  • James J. Higginson to Charles W. Eliot, January 3, 1907, 1 page.
  • Land jointly owned by Higginson 1/3 and Brooks 2/3 on the Barry Road. He says the college is heartily welcome to his portion of the land.
  • 3. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, January 4, 1907, 1 page. Sent Brooks a copy of J.J. Higginson's letter. Fisher reported to Eliot about Brooks getting survey and valuation. Fisher continuing with his estimating the value of timber hoping to finish by March 1. Petersham people discussing Brooks intentions with some vivacity. Do the Townspeople assault him about the matter?
  • 4. Richard T. Fisher to James W. Brooks, January 5, 1907, 1 page. Fisher stating good news that J.J. Higginson has acquiesced land jointly owned by him and Brooks. Talked about water power in Brooks pond - has a hydraulic engineer friend who will give a rough estimate of water power is good for. Planning on coming out to do more work on timber estimates.
  • 5. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, January 7, 1907, 1 page. Agrees with J.W. Brooks that J.J. Higginson "Generous traits, his altruism is unique". Present instance his conclusions are entirely judicious and pleasant.
  • 6. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, January 7, 1907, 1 page. Eliot received a letter from J.J. Higginson with postscript You may not know this - that in the neighborhood of the Brooks-Higginson land and (I think) adjoining it, is a small tract of land which I own alone. This also the college is welcome to take. The wood on it was cut about 1892."
  • 7 James W. Brooks to Charles W. Eliot, January 7, 1907, 1 page. Note about J.J. Higginson land jointly owned with Brooks and additional tract that Higginson owns. Joint tract~55 acres - Higginson tract ~32 acres. Brooks is keeping up with Fisher with the survey and valuation. Petersham folks curious but Brooks states "Nothing we have under consideration does not directly concern the town."
  • 8. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, January 8, 1907, 1 page. Return note from J.J. Higginson that he wrote to his brother (Henry L. Higginson) about Forestry. Note that the Petersham residents would profit by the use of Brooks holdings for teaching forestry.
  • 9. Philip W. Davis (from Charles K. Stearns Mechanical and Electrical Engineer) to Richard T. Fisher, February 7, 1907, 3 pages. Estimate of power and suggestions for the pond on the Brooks property.
  • 10. Richard T. Fisher to James W. Brooks, February 14, 1907, 2 pages. Summarized statement of valuation of the forest land included in the proposed college trust. President Eliot suggests that R.T. Fisher and J.W. Brooks draw up a statement of advantages derivable from Harvard ownership of the tract so they (University) have a basis upon which to raise money. Attached preliminary valuation sheet.
  • 11. James W. Brooks to Charles W. Eliot, February 20, 1907, 1 page. Going over the valuation that R.T. Fisher did and Brooks reducing the amount to $55,000. Looking to have the terms confirmed.
  • 12. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, February 25, 1907, 1 page. Asking Brooks to meet with the Visiting Committee on Forestry of Harvard University, Professor Fisher and A. Cary at the Exchange Club in Boston, Friday next, the 1st proximo, at 1:15 o'clock.
  • 13. Richard T. Fisher to James W. Brooks, March 1, 1907, 1 page. Questions about the Petersham property - taxation and number of acres for California and Maynard lots, assessors valuation of the lots, acres in proposed gifts, the assessed value of these, what is the assessed valuation of the lands enumerated in my estimate (1688 acres) included in the sale, except for the Brooks-Higginson lots the lands to be given have little or no timber on them.
  • 14. James W. Brooks to Richard T. Fisher, March 4, 1907, 4 pages. Reply to Fisher's letter of March1, 1907. Also, wants to get moving on the sale because of others whose cooperation is needed. Lists Mr. Smith, Mr. Waldo, Mr. Simes.
  • 15. Jerome D. Green (Secretary of the Corporation) to James W. Brooks, March 21, 1907, 1 page. Regrets that Brooks' letter of February 20, 1907 remains unanswered. Corporation needed to better inform themselves of the property. Fisher's careful study of the land has convinced the Corporation that no undue risk is involved. The accept his offer. New funds ($55,000) will need to be raised.
  • 16. (?) M. Bennett (Miss Spence's School) to James W. Brooks, April 23, 1907, 1 page. Acknowledge the generous gift to Harvard College - his signature on the enclosed deed. "Every true friend of Petersham grateful for you preserving beautiful forests."
  • 17. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, May 15, 1907, 1 page. Invitation to attend dedication to Brooks' new school house - Eliot unable to attend. Notes that they (University) is having a hard time raising money for the Brooks land.
  • 18. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, August 10, 1907, 1 page. Time limit on raising the money for the Brooks land put out by Brooks. Opinions of Mr. J.J. Higginson have some weight with Mr. Henry L. Higginson and are an obstacle.....
  • 19. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, August 13, 1907, 1 page. Responding to the time limit on the purchase of the Brooks land - vacation season at the College.
  • 20. Henry James, Jr. to James W. Brooks, August 14, 1907, 2 pages. Having a difficult time raising money for the Brooks land. Committee members reaching out to other parties - not successful. Talking about partial subscriptions to raise the money.
  • 21. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, August 16, 1907, 2 pages. Issues with raising necessary money for the Brooks land. Brooks letter to Charles F. Adams sent to C.W. Eliot - talking about using the Mackay Bequest to secure the Brooks land.
  • 22. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, September 9, 1907, 1 page. Apology for not replying to Brooks letter of August 14. Still working on finding the funds for the land. Planning on motoring out to Petersham for 2 days.
  • 23. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, September 14, 1907, 1 page. Reply to September 10th letter from Brooks. Planning on going to Petersham September 26 and 27 with friends (potential investors) - hoping Brooks will be present. R.T. Fisher also to come.
  • 24. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, September 17, 1907, 1 page. Visit to Petersham with Miss Ames and her brother, John S. Ames. Arriving the 26th leaving the 28th. Ask Brooks to set up accommodations. Fisher arriving on the 27th.
  • 25. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, September 30, 1907, 2 pages. Thank you to Brooks for his courtesy and consideration for the visit September 26 to 28.
  • Read the 150th Anniversary address - wants Brooks to send copies to Miss Ames and Mr. Ames so they will realize why you are anxious to have this arrangement with Harvard and the preservation of you holdings in Petersham.
  • 26. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, October 14, 1907, 1 page. "Mr. John S. Ames' gift brings to a happy issue your project for the benefit of Harvard Forestry teaching and the town of Petersham." 1,788 acres to be conveyed to the President and Fellows. Break down of payments. Wants ta list of other gifts which Brooks secured including J.J. Higginson's promised gift. These needed for an announcement to be made. Thank you to Charles Francis Adams for his negotiations.
  • 27. John S. Ames to James W. Brooks, October 24, 1907, 1 page. Note of thanks for Brooks' foresight and generosity for preserving his woodlands. Also, for the pamphlets on the Petersham past history.
  • 28. Charles W. Eliot to James W. Brooks, November 4, 1907, 1 page. Thank you to all the contributors of land to your Forestry project in Petersham. Wants a list of other contributors.
  • 29. Winthrop H. Wade (Secretary) to James W. Brooks, December 1907, 1 page.
  • Certificate - Brooks appointed by the Board of Overseers as a member of the Committee on Forestry for the year 1908.
  • 1908 4 letters 1. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, June 15, 1908, 2 pages, Received letter of June 11 - in reply the matter was already under consideration by Fisher, Ames, Russell, and Adams. It was decided with Fisher's suggestion that the committee meet in Petersham in the autumn. Asking Brooks to extend the invitation in the later part of September and then see the progress that is being made by the school.
  • 2. Howard L. Blackwell (Comptroller) to James W. Brooks, June 23, 1908, 1 page. Treasurer reported the receipt from J.W. Brooks of his deed of all lands in Petersham and Phillipston which he had offered to University - Division of Forestry. Thanks from the President and Fellows.
  • 3. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, September 25, 1908, 1 page. Ames to go to Petersham October 1, 1908. No formal meeting of the Committee before September 30. Adams to go to Petersham in October - wanting to know of a comfortable place to stay overnight - since the inn will be closed.
  • 4. Harvard University Gazette, October 26, 1908. Resignation of Presiden Charles William Eliot.
  • 1909 3 letters. 1. Howard L. Blackwell (Comptroller) to James W. Brooks, January 13, 1909, 1 page. Certificate. January 11, 1909 Brooks was elected as Honorary Keeper of the Harvard Forest by the Board of Overseers.
  • 2. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, June 18, 1909, 1 page. Adams leaving from Lincoln June 19 on horseback to Petersham. Arriving on June 20 or the 21st before noon. Looking for Brooks to wire him if he will be in Petersham otherwise he won't make the trip.
  • 3. Charles F. Adams to James W. Brooks, June 19, 1909, 1 page. Having trouble with communications with Petersham. Looking for information on communication to have some baggage sent to Petersham for when he takes his horseback ride to Petersham.

• Related Items:
  • HF history file: HF 1972-01 Early history of the Harvard Forest
  • Letters from 1972
  • Letters from 1973
  • Letters from 1906
  • Letters from 1907
  • Letters from 1908
  • Letters from 1909

• Archives Location: Middle Room, stack 1, drawer 3, HF History file
• Access: Active