I have said that I am not learned in the interesting genealogical
discussion of the subject, but I like to call attention to the fact
that the English Norwich was the birthplace and home of Fleet, and
that it is possible that in the annals of that city light may be
gained as to the history of the man in the Moon.
I have always thoughtt that the close connection of our maritime
people with London had something to do with the names of our streets.
The most striking instance is in the name of Cornhill, where this
very Thomas Fleet had his book store, and where book stores have
been an institution from that day to this. Our Cornhill in its
relations to our water front occupies the same conditions which
the London Cornhill had and has to the river front in London. The
young reader should remember that Washington Street so far as it had
one name was called the Main Street. Coming North from our Dover
Street, the traveler passed through Orange Street, then through
Newbury Street, next through Marlborough Street, which extended
from Winter Street to School Street, and then through Cornhill
northward to Dock Square. This is precisely as in passing east
through what was the Main Street of London of those days, the traveler
would have passed through the Cornhill of that thoroughfare. The
London Cornhill retains its name. Ours was changed in 1824 to the
all-conquering name of Washington, which is now applied to the whole
of the "Main Street" and "the Neck" of the Fathers, as indeed, it
is applied by local authorities many miles further.
But in familiar conversation, the old name Cornhill was retained
for a generation, and indeed, would be understood to-day, if you
were speaking to Boston people more than fifty years old. The name
Cornhill is now applied to the Market Street of an earlier period.
Young readers should remember that Orange Street, Newbury street,
and Marlborough Street were names given in honour of the Prince
of Orange of the Puritan victory at Newbury, and of the Duke
of Marlborough. All of them show what were the Whig and Puritan
feelings of the people who gave them. All three of the names in
our time have been transferred from the old localities.
We are all greatly obliged to Mrs. Harriet Blackstone C. Butler for
the pains she has taken to rescue for popular use this interesting
memorial of the education of the fathers and mothers of New England.
[signed]Edward E. Hale
The Only True
Mother Goose
MELODIES,
Without addition or abridgement.
Embracing, also, a reliable
LIFE OF THE GOOSE FAMILY,
Never before published.
Numerous illustrations.
HEAR WHAT MA'AM GOOSE SAYS!
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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