THE COMMON, PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
This city park has a long and interesting history.
During the War of 1812, it was the site of the largest prisoner-of-war camp in the United States. This camp was administered by Thomas Melvill, uncle of author Herman Melville.
From 1850 until 1870, it was a cemetery; the occupants were later moved to the new Pittsfield Cemetery.
In 1898, a high school was built on the adjacent property. The graduating class of 1901 included Charles Whittlesey, commander of the famous Lost Brigade of World War I. The building was later a junior high, then a community college. It is now an apartment building; residents often walk their dogs in the park.
The park remained a park. In the winter, it was flooded to create an ice rink. In warmer weather, old men enjoyed bocce.
The park has recently been remodeled. There is no longer a bocce court, but there is a band shell, a playground with colorful play equipment, and a picnic area. In the summer, there are auto shows, band concerts, and a farmers' market.
When I thought of this favorite place, my original intent was to improve the profile of Thomas Melvill (Melvill-84) by telling about his role as administrator of a prison camp, but I realized that his current profile is much too skimpy. I would like to investigate his life, and that of the Melvill/Melville family, in much greater detail. I intend to do this when the public library is again open for research. I will also look for information about Charles Whittlesey (Whittlesey-176). I would also like to research the Common itself. Was it ever used as a common grazing ground? And whatever happened to the bocce players?
