This film was created by the Brookline Redevelopment Authority to promote the replacement of the neighborhood known as “The Farm”. The film shows both exterior and interior scenes intended as a counterpoint to the new housing units of the Brookline Housing Authority, notably the one on nearby High Street built in 1948-49, designed by Richmond & Goldberg.
[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

Most of the center of the photo was razed in the early 1960s as part of an urban renewal program. The core area was known as "The Farm".

Razed for the Brook House complex.

Lower Washington St. is to the left.
[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

Looking north from Juniper St. at the boarding houses of 14, 16, 18, 20 Morss Ave.
[Source: Digital Commonwealth]

From left to right:

• 33 Villa Lane, on the northwest corner with Morss Ave.
• Villa Lane
• Vacant lot on the northeast corner of Villa Lane and Morss Ave., formerly 46 Morss Ave
• 48 Morss Ave.
• 185 Pond Ave., partial view

[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

Villa Lane going north is on the left. On the right is the vacant lot on the northeast corner of Villa Lane and Morss Ave., formerly 46 Morss Ave, followed by 48 Morss Ave. and a partial view of the side of 185 Pond Ave.
[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

First dwelling south of Lower Washington St., address TBD.
[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

Looking west toward Allerton St. from the northwest corner with Pond Ave. On the right, the side of 58 Allerton St., later the house of famed singer Roland Hayes, is viewed. On the left is the rear of 4 Hawthorn Rd., both houses are still standing.

The gardens were part of a town-wide program to enhance the learning experience of students. As with the Lincoln and Sewall schools, the gardens were planted on land loaned by private landowners. In this case, the land was loaned by the Brookline Riverdale Land Association.
[Source: Digital Commonwealth]

Looking toward Pond Ave., Allerton St. is on the right. The gardens were part of a town-wide program to enhance the learning experience of students. As with the Lincoln and Sewall schools, the gardens were planted on land loaned by private landowners. In this case, the land was loaned by the Brookline Riverdale Land Association.

In a serendipitous coincidence, the photo includes the only known view of a street-sprinkling wagon being filled with water. The cart was operated by Chester W. Reed who had a contract with the town to water the dirt roads. The water-feeder pole can be viewed by the middle section of the wagon.
[Source: Digital Commonwealth]

The Thomas Parsons School garden project involved the third grade students who were supervised by the school principal, Minnie P. Massé. This is one of three experimental school garden projects initiated by the Brookline Education Society in 1903. The gardens were part of a town-wide program to enhance the learning experience of students. As with the Lincoln and Sewall schools, the gardens were planted on land loaned by private landowners. In this case, the land was loaned by the Brookline Riverdale Land Association.
[Source: Digital Commonwealth]

Brookline Village is in the distance in the right half. Morss Ave. is entering Pond Ave. on the left. The large round holding tank of the Brookline Gas Light Co. is visible center right.
[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

Left to right: 177, 173, 165
[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

Morss Ave. on the left going to Lower Washington St.
[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

25 Villa Lane is to the right and 28 Walter Ave. is in the rear. Villa Lane was a two-block street originating at Lower Washington St. and running parallel to Pond Ave., one block to the west. It was part of the area known as “The Farm” that was almost entirely populated by people of Irish descent. It was completely leveled for today’s Brook House apartment complex.
[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]

Looking from Walnut St.
[Source: Brookline Preservation Department]