Today in the CBO
Settlements Today
by Nat Wright-Kowalski
12 January 2304
Medford: The Mystic Meadow by the Ford
As I peered across the Mystic River, I thought about the research I did for this story. Usually, I spend a lot of my time in diners and cafes, looking at the settlement from the here and now. The people, the squalor of a devastated land converted into a thriving, emerging society. When visiting the library to research this story, I was compelled to follow a different path. One of history converted into the present, an old Boston suburb as an emerging landscape of a city expanding again.
Exploring the remnants of post-apocalyptic Medford, Massachusetts, unveils a town steeped in a rich tapestry of history, resilience, and adaptation. Long before the arrival of European settlers, the land was inhabited by Native American communities, including the Naumkeag people who thrived along the Mystic River. Their winter home in Medford witnessed both moments of cultural exchange and tragic loss due to the ravages of disease and conflict. Nanepashemet, a revered sachem, lost his life during a war in 1619, while the area became a focal point of native burials, including the sacred Sagamore Park in West Medford.
Following the devastating smallpox epidemic of 1633, the Squaw Sachem of Mistick, Nanepashemet's widow, assumed leadership and gradually deeded vast portions of Naumkeag territory to English settlers. In 1639, the Massachusetts General Court acquired the land that would eventually become Medford, residing within Charlestown's boundaries, through a purchase from the Squaw Sachem. These historical foundations would shape the town's identity for centuries to come.
In the aftermath of the Great War, Medford found itself transformed by the cataclysmic event and faced with the task of rebuilding and adapting to the new world. Once known as Spot Pond, the area now referred to as Dark Hollow Pond acquired its evocative name due to the eerie darkness that seemed to linger within its depths. Legend has it that a mysterious radioactive substance seeped into the waters, casting an ominous shadow over the pond and surrounding environs. Whether based in truth or urban myth, the name Dark Hollow Pond stands as a chilling reminder of the lingering consequences of the Great War.
In this post-apocalyptic landscape, the Medford Medical Center emerges as a beacon of hope and resilience. Serving as the major employer in the area, the center's dedicated staff tirelessly works to provide healthcare and support to the community. Their unwavering commitment to healing and well-being serves as a testament to the strength and adaptability of Medford's residents, who continue to persevere in the face of adversity.
In the midst of the post-apocalyptic landscape of Medford, companionship and recreation emerge in the form of the Medford Medics baseball team. Competing in the Greater Boston Rookie League, the Medics showcase the unwavering spirit and resilience of the town's residents. But their contribution to the community goes beyond the baseball diamond. During the offseason, several players from the Medics take on internships at the Medford Medical Center, blending their passion for the game with a commitment to healthcare. This offseason, five players—third baseman Ben Frith, relief pitcher Joe Phillips, starting pitcher Mee Deechi, shortstop Mirano Brieve, and right fielder Travis Kettle—donned scrubs and dedicated their time and talents to serving the community within the walls of the hospital. These remarkable athletes embody the true spirit of Medford, seamlessly transitioning from the intensity of the baseball season to the compassionate work of healing and care.
The Mystic River, a prominent feature in Medford's geography, has become a vital source of industry and sustenance for the community in caravan water trading. Once a lifeline for trade and transportation, the river now fuels the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the town's inhabitants. From fishing expeditions to the establishment of small-scale hydroelectric power stations, the Mystic River serves as a catalyst for economic rejuvenation, providing a sense of hope and stability in uncertain times.
A poignant reminder of the town's enduring history lies within the hallowed grounds of Wildwood Cemetery. Once a serene final resting place for Medford's residents, the cemetery has now taken on a new significance as the Commonwealth's major burial site. Rows of tombstones, weathered by time and the elements, bear witness to the stories and legacies of those who came before. Amidst the crumbling headstones, the cemetery stands as a poignant symbol of remembrance and an enduring connection to the past.
In the wake of the Great War, Medford has weathered the storm of destruction, drawing strength from its historical foundations and the resilient spirit of its people. As I ventured through this post-apocalyptic landscape, the echoes of the past mingled with the whispers of a community determined to forge a future amidst the remnants of the old world. Medford, a town of adaptation and perseverance, reveals itself as a place where history and hope intertwine, leaving an indelible mark on those who dare to explore its mysteries.