"This house is situated on Tremont Street, near the Brookline line, and is one of the oldest in Boston. It was built in 1703, by Jno. Ruggles. Back of the house is the orchard where all the celebrated Roxbury russets originated. Some of the apple trees measure now more than twelve feet in circumference. "An examination of the title to this house and the four-acre orchard in which it stands, shows that until very recently it had never been conveyed by deed. "In 1639 it was granted by the town of Boston to Thos. Ruggles, who, five years later, 'knowynge all men must dye,' left it by will to his son John. In October, 1658, 'John Ruggles, being by God's hand weak in body yet light in memory, blessed be God,' made his will, which was approved at a 'Meetinge of the Magistrates, giving this home lott to his sonne John,' who owned it until 1705, when it passed, by agreement, to his relative Eben Crafts." From "Homes of Our Forefathers in Boston, Old England and Boston, New England" by Edwin Whitefield, 1889.
