Round Point Pinnacle at Appleton Farms
Posted by: 
bctrail
N 42° 38.417 W 070° 51.824
19T E 347204 N 4722553
A pinnacle removed from Gore Hall at Harvard University prior to demolition ca 1912, now located on Appleton Farms in Ipswich, Massachusetts, and dedicated to Charles L Appleton (1886-1921).
Waymark Code: WM6FBY
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 05/25/2009
Views: 8
This pinnacle was removed from Gore Hall (the library) at Harvard University about 1912. Gore Hall was to be demolished to make room for the new Widener Library [Sound familiar? some things never change]. Four pinnacles were given to Francis R Appleton, Sr, the library chairman at that time. They are nine feet tall (not including the base), and are made of Quincy (MA) granite. See the gallery for a photo of Gore Hall.
These pinnacles have been erected around the former Appleton family estate in Hamilton and Ipswich, Massachusetts. Each pinnacle is dedicated to the memory of a family member. The property, now owned by The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR), consists of
Appleton Farms (658 acres) and the
Appleton Farms Grass Rides (259 acres).
This pinnacle, the first of the four to be erected, is located at Round Point in the Grass Rides. Round Point is a circular clearing in the forest with six trails approaching it like spokes of a wheel. As you arrive, take careful note of which trail you are on. When you leave, they all look alike. The pinnacle is erected in the center. It is dedicated to Charles L Appleton (1886-1921), who died shortly after he returned from service in World War I. Poetry reflecting on Charles' early death (age 35), as well as the demise of the 65+ year old Gore Hall are inscribed at the base and shown close up in the photo gallery.
The second pinnacle to be erected is located in
Long Meadow, and is dedicated to Francis R Appleton, Sr (1854-1929), the father of Charles L Appleton.
The third pinnacle to be erected is waymarked as
Fourth Pinnacle.
It is dedicated to Fanny L Appleton (1864-1958), the mother of Charles L Appleton.
The last pinnacle to be erected is located on
Pigeon Hill, and is dedicated to Francis R. Appleton, Jr (1885-1974), the brother of Charles L Appleton.
All the pinnacles can be reached by well maintained trails from either of the two visitor parking areas: one on
Highland Street just north of the Cutler Road intersection, and one at
the corner of Waldingfield Road and Route 1A. Be sure to get a trail map, either from the web sites above, or at the parking area. There are many more waymarks on the Farms property. See the "Nearest Waymarks" link near the bottom of this page. There are also at least four geocaches. Enjoy the Farms. Its a great place to visit.