1871 Robinson View of Swampscott, Massachusetts

This is a rare 1871 locally produced view of Swampscott, Essex County, Massachusetts. The view was issued by John L. Robinson, likely to promote his Swampscott real estate interests. It is composed of two-color chromolithographs of photographs taken by Frederick M. Smith of Boston.

A Closer Look

The piece consists of four views on a single sheet:

• View from Inner Ledge of Phillips Point
• View from Lincoln House towards Lynn
• View from the Heights at the head of Burrill St.
• View from Red Rock, Lynn

At the base of the map there are real estate statistics illustrating the growth of Swampscott since its incorporation in 1852. A secondary note emphasizes that Swampscott is only 11 miles from Boston. The railroad station, seen in the Burrill Street view, is prominently illustrated, doubtless intended to emphasize Swampscott as a well-connected alternative to Boston.

Unusual Local Production

This view, unlike most 18th-century views, appears to be a highly localized production and lacks the sophistication of most commercial views of this era. For example, here Swampscott is illustrated by a low-angle elevation rather than a high bird's-eye perspective, as was more common. The photographer Frederick M. Smith is little known, but existing photographs bearing his imprint seem to suggest that he was a landscape photographer based in Lynn, Massachusetts (8 Market Street). The publisher, John L. Robinson, is similarly little known, but evidence suggests he was a local real estate investor. Robinson issued only three views, all in 1871, two of Swampscott and one of Lynn. All three feature real estate statistics in the lower margins. The lithographer, J. H. Bufford, is more prolific and managed a large Boston printing house.

Swampscott

Swampscott was first settled in 1629 when Francis Ingalls built the first Massachusetts Bay Colony tannery on Humphrey’s Brook. It was not formally incorporated until 1852, at which point it was beginning to see wealthy tourists from Boston in the summer months. Abutting Salem, Marblehead, and Lynn, Swampscott, with its beautiful beaches, quickly became a haven for Boston's elite. It is considered by some to be America's first resort town. Enormous luxurious hotels, such as Ocean House, identified here at the left side of the top view, were constructed. Many who enjoyed Swampscott during the summer went on to build stately homes, among them General Electric founder Elihu Thomson’s Georgian revival mansion, now the town administration building.

Publication History

This view is today rare. Examples are known at the Library of Congress and at the Boston Athenaeum.