A View To The North And East: Thompson Park Pinnacle

By 1900, clearing had already begun on what would become Thompson Park Pinnacle, only a year after the property was purchased from Otis S. Graves under the authority of Henry D. Goodale and Charles H. Sprague. Located on the northernmost part of the park, not too far from its Park Circle entrance, the pinnacle overlooks the city’s most northeastern portion, including Eastern Blvd and the outer portion of State Street.

Shortly after the purchase, Goodale received a telegram from John C. Olmstead, directing Goodale to meet him at the train station at 9:20 am the following morning. The Watertown Daily Times reported on July 20, 1899, of the meeting—

The park will extend from State to Franklin Streets, embracing the summit of the Pinnacle and its wooded slopes. All groves will be left untouched and through the whole extent there will be smooth roadways and winding paths, smooth green sward with sparkling fountains and deep, cool woodlands.

Goodale also received a letter from the New York City agent representing John C. Thompson stating, “You people had better leave off styling the new possession as ‘Pinnacle Park.’ I can assure you positively that that will not be its name.” For reference, Pinnacle Hill encompassed the land beyond what is commonly referred to as the Pinnacle itself, including the wading pool. 

Olmstead’s first trip to Watertown was to survey the land he would be charged with turning into a sprawling park. The Times reported that he was delighted with the possibilities, stating, “The natural advantages are unsurpassed. A park second to none can be made there.” 

By May 1900, the design for the road to Pinnacle Hill was completed, and the first mention of “an outlook” would be constructed to which carriages could be driven. The plans that Olmstead had yet to forward included the bandstand, water tower, and wading pool. Within a month, a gang of men were going about clearing the underbrush and overgrowth on Pinnacle Hill.

An update provided in the September 22, 1900 Watertown Herald (and also the Daily Times) noted:

Work is progressing rapidly at the new city park on Pinnacle Hill. The contractors now have enough men, but are still short of teams. The roadway from State Street to the circle has been nearly completed and the work is being rushed.

At this time, nearly 200 people worked on the park, and improvements made to the Pinnacle could be “plainly seen at East Watertown.” Work continued on the “grubbing” of Pinnacle Hill into October in preparation for planting many plants, shrubs, etc.

The Herald also noted that, on February 16, 1901

The work on the new city park on the Pinnacle has been suspended for the remainder of the winter and will not be resumed until April 1. The general superintendent of the work, John W. Thompson, has just returned from a tour of New England cities, where he has been observing and noting the best features of the parks in these cities. As soon as warm weather begins work will be commenced on the boulevard from Washington to State Streets.

On July 1, 1901, The Times first mentioned that the stone outlook atop the Pinnacle was under construction. By September, the “Observatory” was all but complete, with the tiled roof still to be finished. The walks and drives around its premises were also just about done.

Over the years, the Thompson Park Pinnacle has been one of the little gems despite perhaps not having as glorious a view as the areas further to the west. It’s seen its fair share of picnics, gatherings, weddings, and photographs, many taken as the sun goes down.

Of course, that’s also when many parties occurred there in the 1970s and 80s. It was also the site of a Halloween prank in 1952 when a group of boys set a colossal bonfire made from leaves ablaze. According to The Times, the flames reached more than 100 feet skyward, alarming officers and firemen alike.

Over the last few decades, the small road providing direct entry to the Thompson Park Pinnacle has been cordoned off due to safety concerns.

To view other Thompson Park-related listings, click here.

INTERESTING TIDBIT

In the April 6, 1901, edition of the Watertown Daily Times, it was reported that a lodge would be constructed at the entrance on Franklin Street in addition to the Superintendent’s quarters inside the park–

There will be two residences on the park grounds, conveniently located. A lodge will be built at the Franklin Street entrance which will be a beautiful specimen of architecture in stone. Massive gate posts with a gate of ornamental iron are to be provided for the entrance.