Please come to Boston for the Springtime

That’s the first line of a Dave Loggins song. I can’t help but think that its a fitting intro to today post. I want to tell you about Boston in the springtime. My visit to Boston last Saturday was to celebrate the opening day of the Swan Boats. We’ve had such horrible weather lately but Saturday shook it off and was a perfect spring day.

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Swan Boats in the Public Gardens

After taking my time wandering down from the Park St T station I arrived at the Public Garden Lagoon. The Swan Boats were doing a brisk business. I sat down near the loading dock to watch the activity and for the first time I noticed a sign that read Swan Boats since 1877. That’s a pretty extraordinary track record. But that wasn’t the only big achievement.

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It’s a Man’s World

One year after the Boston Swan Boats are founded by Robert Paget in 1877, he passes away. Robert was only 42 at the time of his death and he left his young widow, Julia, and four children. Julia must have been a very determined woman because business women were very rare in those days. So rare in fact that for many years she had to collect signatures from local business men attesting to her ability to run her business.

Two Swan Boats 2017

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In 1914 Julia’s youngest son John assumed the helm of the business.

The Paget Legacy

John introduced the larger boats that cruise the lagoon today. Each boat has 5 benches allowing more passengers than the smaller 3 bench boats. The current fleet consists of six boats, the oldest of which was built under John in 1910. In 1952 John passed the reins to his son Paul.

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Paul ran the company through the 50’s – 90’s. Today a 4th generation of Pagets preserve this beloved Boston Tradition.

Through the Years

There have been many events to mark the storied history of the Swan Boats.

1977 marked the 100th anniversary.
2002 First ever Swan Boat crew reunion hosted for employees from the 1950’s through 2002.
2008 Paul Paget drives a Swan Boat at age 86
2011 Designated Boston landmark

Today the future looks bright if the crowds lining up is any indication. Somehow I can’t imagine the Public Garden Lagoon without the Swan Boats circling duck island on a beautiful, spring day.