Deeds for properties in Boston [and Cambridge?], 1798-approximately 1945 (inclusive); approximately 1880-1920 (bulk)

This group of records contains deeds and related documents for a selection of properties owned by Harvard University in Boston and possibly Cambridge and other nearby communities through the mid 1940s. Documents include deeds, assignments of mortgages, receipts, correspondence, and other legal documents. Many of the documents record property transfers prior to Harvard's acquisition of the property, and often the documents do not fully identify Harvard's involvement with the property. The bulk of the documents date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

There is one 18th century deed documenting the transfer of property on the corner of Sumner and Arch Street in Boston (later the site of 93-101 Arch Street) between the grantor, Harvard Medical School Professor Aaron Dexter (1750-1829) of Boston, and the grantee, Boston merchant Benjamin Bussey Jr. (1757-1842). The deed is signed by Aaron and Rebecca Dexter and dated July 9, 1798.

Arch Street, 1798 (Box 7) -- Arch-Common (Box 1) -- Cumins Highway-Hawkins Street (Box 2) -- Gainsborough-Park (Box 3) -- Chestnut-Washington (Box 4) -- Washington Street (Boxes 5-6)

Title devised by archivist. Description based on a variety of information sources, 19th and 20th century material not examined.

These records were received in the Harvard University Archves in 1948 from the Harvard Treasurer's Office.