Public Artwork
After 5 years research and work with Dorchester community groups, Somerville artist Laura Baring-Gould has designed 11 artworks to commemorate Dorchester’s unique community history and enduring values. 
The largest statue will honor Dorchester’s Clapp pear, a humble fruit that was first cultivated blocks north of Edward Everett Square in the 1840’s at the Clapp Orchards. 
An easily recognized symbol of sweetness, the 11′ tall pear statue will become an unforgettable focal point for those who pass through Edward Everett Square. Six historical quotes will encircle the base of the pear, including an 1839 observation from Hayward’s Gazetteer “The soil of Dorchester is rocky but fertile, and exceedingly productive” and a 2003 description of the Clapp pear “An exceptionally sweet and early pear with good flavor and tough skin”.
Ten smaller bronze artworks with quotes collected from Dorchester residents from 1630 – 2007 will adorn bollards within the main pedestrian area of the square to celebrate Dorchester’s human history. 
These pieces will include a sculpture of a Three Decker house (”I was born in the apartment downstairs.” Resident, 1959), a pile of dog tags (”I don’t know as we shall ever go home again.” Dorchester civil war solider, 1863) and pair of worn shoes with a quote from Henry Knox, who brought the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga through Edward Everett Square in December 1775 (”In the morning we set out…I almost perish’d with the cold.”). In all 33 quotes will be included with the ten artworks, so that the words of Dorchester residents echo and cross time.