Mounting Blocks
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
A little bit of Melrose history is hiding in plain sight.
Vine and West Emerson Streets have multiple mounting blocks or carriage stones between the street and the sidewalks.
These were used to exit and enter horse drawn carriages or as an assistance for mounting or dismounting a horse. They helped women maintain their modesty during the 18th century.
In front of Mary Livermore’s old home there is also an old hitching post for securing a horse.
Every time I walk by these fascinating stones, I can envision what life must have been like in Melrose during the time when horses were the only form of transportation!
