Washington Gardens (Boston)

Washington Gardens (1814 – ca.1829) was a place of public entertainment and refreshment in early 19th-century Boston, Massachusetts. Also known as Vauxhall, it specialized in fireworks, circuses, musical and theatrical performances, pictorial exhibitions, and the occasional balloonist and necromancer. John H. Schaffer oversaw the enterprise beginning in 1814.

The name of the business referred to George Washington, in an attempt to uplift to what was basically a party space. "Whatever bears the title of [Washington] must be dear, and indeed invaluable to the American bosom."

Schaffer advertised frequently in local newspapers. In August 1814, for instance, "J.H. Shaffer respectfully informs his friends and the public that the illumination of the Washington Gardens ... will take place this evening, with such additions and improvements as he flatters himself cannot fail to please the public -- 900 orange transparent lamps and transparencies will be so disposed as to produce the most pleasing effect; the Italian Band of music are engaged to perform for the evening, under the direction of Mr. Massi. Refreshment of every kind with the fruits of the season may be procured at the Gardens. ... Constables will be stationed on the different gates to preserve order."

In the summer of 1815, there were "fire works to be conducted by Monsr. David, celebrated in that art at the Runelagh in England, and the Tivoly Gardens in Paris." A few weeks later appeared "the double French Mosaic, in 20 changes of natural colours, invented by the celebrated artist, Claude Ruggieri, Firework Maker to the ... Bourbons in Paris;" and a few weeks after that "the wings of the windmill of Don Quixote, in the centre of which will be seen a perpetual wheel, intermixed with innumerable colours." Every year July 4th festivities took place in the Gardens—fireworks, concerts, and so on. In 1819 as part of the day-long, citywide activities "the Boston Light Infantry, under Capt. Codman, will appear in uniform, and breakfast at Washington Gardens."

The business received good press. A European visiting Boston around 1820 noted: "Gardens are neither numerous nor noteworthy, but one to which people refer is Washington's Garden, where subscription parties and large regimental dinners are often held." Local press tended towards gushing enthusiasm. "The illuminated scenery, the variegated walks, the romantic arbours, the tasteful decoration of the garden -- the swelling music, the sweet, the gay and cheering song -- the luxuriant refreshment within the house - the order, decency, respectability ... the arrangements made to exclude improper visitants from the garden." Also praised were "the odorous perfumes, the soft thrilling music, and the dazzling brilliants" of "this beautiful retreat, this elysium in miniature."

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