Historic Maps of Winthrop Available to Residents

In a 1624 map of the east coast, drawn by Captain John Smith, the Winthrop area is included in what was marked as the River Charles. It is the first diagram in Dave Hubbard’s collection of 225 maps that reference or depict the developments of Winthrop.

“I think of maps as a skeletal framework on which history is based,” said Hubbard, one of the premiere historians of the town.

Hubbard and John Munson, Owner of Beacon Photography, are collaborating to create restored reproductions of the maps for residents to hang in their homes and offices.

“Dave is sharing the love of his town through history, and I am sharing it through visuals,” said Munson. “Dave has a wonderful collection of images from the past, including the best collection of maps that I know of.”

Some of the maps are very technical and were sketched by engineers, planning and zooming boards, and even resident cartographers who admired the topography of the town.

A map from 1711 indicates the four houses built in town, and the 1000 ft. wide body of water between Deer Island and the mainland. An 1844 map shows 25 houses, who owned them, the location where they were build, and where they have been relocated to today.

“It’s a great thing to share with the Town of Winthrop because some of these maps are really intricate,” said John, who thinks people will enjoy discovering different elements and characteristics.

A portion of the proceeds from each framed map sold will benefit the Winthrop Improvement Historical Association. For more information, visit Beacon Photograph at 185 Winthrop Street, contact John Munson at (617) 848-8299 or email him at info@BeaconPhotography.com.