Swan Boats on Boston Commons Lagoon
by Carla Parris
Title
Swan Boats on Boston Commons Lagoon
Artist
Carla Parris
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photograph
Description
The swan boats on the pond in Boston's beautiful Public Gardens are an icon of this historic city, and a popular tourist attraction still operating today.
These pedal-powered pontoon style pleasure boats have been operating since 1877. They were introduced by Robert Paget, whose family still owns and operates the boats. The swans, said to be inspired by Wagner's opera Lohengrin, serve to conceal the mechanics of the boats, which operate much like bicycles.
A cruise on the lagoon is a leisurely affair. Passengers get to enjoy the scenic ride, as a crew member pedals and steers the boat in a figure eight pattern which passes under the 19th century suspension bridge also pictured here. The views include the Boston skyline, the various gardens within the Public Gardens complex, beautiful overhanging weeping willow trees, also pictured here, various waterfowl, and perhaps the pair of real swans which have made the lake their home.
Uploaded
November 14th, 2022
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