Sketches of Sawin's Grove

Map showing Ben Sawin's Ice House and Picnic
Grove on Charles River at Claybrook Road

The Dance Pavilion was one of the main attractions at Ben
Sawin's Grove on Charles River. It was a rustic wooden
building open on all sides so people could enjoy the summer
breezes. Local orchestras provided music and entertainment.

THE "DUTCHMAN" from South Natick took patrons for
rides up and down the river in his steamboat, and Ben
hired out his own boats at hourly and daily rates.

BEN DID MOST of the cooking for his catered picnic
parties. His cookhouse was fitted out with a big black
cookstove, pots, pans and hundreds of sets of
knives and forks.

A SWING HIGH in a tree gave kids a
thrilling ride at the edge of the river.
The seat was wide enough for two and was
hung on iron links instead of rope.

BEN'S ICE HOUSE was close to Claybrook Road.
A steam boiler provided power to move big blocks
of ice up iron runs into the building.