"...went for a walk to Prospect Hill."

The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome. The hilltop hour would not be half so wonderful if there were no dark valleys to traverse.

Helen Keller


The Nora Diary, Day 15

Went to Chunks. Lully
and I. In after-
noon went to May's.
The three of us went
for a walk to
Prospect Hill. Took
Some snaps. Took
Ella home and on
my way out called
to see Moses.

In Waltham, to the north-westward of the centre of the city's population, lies the noble eminence of
Prospect Hill?"
-Mr. Sylvester Baxter, Secretary to the Metropolitan Park Commission, Boston Metropolitan Park
Report 1893.

Created in 1893, Prospect Hill Park covers 250 acres, entirely within the City of
Waltham. At this size, it is a significant open space, and perhaps the largest municipally-owned
park inside the loop of Route 128. The park covers a ridge which features two significant
peaks. At 485 feet above sea level, the higher of the two is the second highest point in the
vicinity of Boston, only the Great Blue Hill stands taller. This peak has been called Great
Prospect, but is more often referred to as Big Prospect, while its smaller associate, which stands
at 435 feet, is known as Little Prospect. Both peaks provide excellent views of the Boston basin

The City of Waltham includes portions of two distinct geological regions, the Boston
Basin, and the Fells Upland. The Boston Basin is relatively flat, with the exception of some
glacially shaped hills, known to geologists as drumlins. On the other hand, the Fells Upland is
quite hilly and is edged on the southeast by a steep escarpment that ranges from 100 to 300 feet
in height. Much of the Fells Upland has also been modified by glaciers, resulting in deposits of
glacial drift.
Big Prospect is the highest point within the Fells Upland. It is part of a large diorite
batholith. A batholith is formed when a large body of magma cools underground. This means
that the bedrock of Prospect Hill was formed during a period of volcanic activity.