Thanks so much to those who have already signed up for our historical walk on 11-02-2013! If you have not, there is still some space left. Please sign up right away if you plan to come. If you know of people who might be interested in the walk, please invite them to sign up. We welcome newcomers and old walk hands alike. If you are available to volunteer on the day of the walk, please contact us.

Walking in Arlington and the Old Schwamb Mill present our Fall 2013 Walking Tour: From Foot of the Rocks to the Alms House Site: Exploring Arlington’s Late 19th and Early 20th Century Streetcar Suburban Developments North of the Minute Man Bike Path. The date is Saturday, November 2nd, meeting for a light breakfast at 8:45am and setting out walking at 9:15am. Meeting place will be sent when you register.

The purpose of this tour is to consider the transformation of the north side of the Mill Brook Valley during the period of 1890-1930. Land once deemed too steep and rocky for residential construction began to be tamed by dynamite and steam rollers at the dawn of the Automobile Age. We’ll view parts of the Forestdale, Homestead Park and Brattle Park streetcar suburban enclaves with an eye towards admiring the siting and landscape features as well as Queen Anne, Craftsman/Bungalow and Colonial Revival residences. Along the way we’ll look at the sometimes artful ways local ledge stone has been used in the construction of foundations, porches and retaining walls and seek out interesting, residences that are decidedly more urban than suburban in appearance.

The walk will last about 2 hours, and will be held rain or shine. Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes. The route will include hills, and some may be steep. The tour is not suitable for dogs. Children are welcome if they are sturdy walkers, or will be in carriers or strollers. The group is limited to 40 people. The meeting point will be sent to pre-registered participants only.

The cost of the tour is $15 per person, and reservations are required. Make checks payable to Walking In Arlington. Proceeds go to the pedestrian advocacy work of Walking in Arlington, and the historic preservation work of the Old Schwamb Mill. Special discount price for current Old Schwamb Mill members of $10.

Postal mail your registration by October 26th to Walking In Arlington, 65 Randolph Street, Arlington, MA, 02474. Please include your e-mail address and telephone number with your registration. Thank you.

For more information on the walk, or on the pedestrian advocacy and walking safety work of Walking In Arlington email refdesk@world.std.com or visit www.walkinginarlington.com

For more information on the Old Schwamb Mill, call 781-643-0554, or visit www.oldschwambmill.org