Glenn Seberg, a longtime member of the Friends, came to Boston to attend graduate school in 1966 and immediately fell in love with the unique character of the city. The architecture, music, theatre and, of course, the parks were all part of the identity of this wonderful, quirky city he so appreciates. Early on as a student, Glenn found the Common, the Garden and the Mall and enjoyed doing required graduate school reading under the trees in the summer or walking along the Mall to enjoy the beautiful fall leaves. “These parks are true treasures, and I love all three. They are what makes Boston unique and special.” Glenn says enthusiastically. “In fact, I think that the Commonwealth Avenue Mall is the most beautiful street in America.”
Glenn joined the Friends 38 years ago motivated by a fear of what he describes as the “Manhattanization” of Boston, and he wanted to make sure the trees, sculpture, and lawns he enjoyed so much got the care they deserved. A resident of Dorchester, where he maintains his own large garden, he always made walking through the parks a priority, and in every season.
The Samuel Eliot Morison statue on the Exeter-Fairfield block of the Mall has special meaning for Glenn. Though he did not know Admiral Morison personally, Glenn frequently served communion to the Admiral in his role as acolyte at Church of the Advent where they both worshiped. Glenn feels, “The tilt of his cap, his posture, and all of the nautical details in the statue capture the vigor of Admiral Morison earlier in life.”
Despite his acknowledged affection for the Mall, Glenn can’t resist the Garden in spring. “What a beautiful season, the tulips are so cheerful after a long New England winter. I will go out of my way to walk in the Public Garden and take in the well cared for floral displays. I can’t say it enough, these parks are a treasure.” These days, now that he is retired, and not downtown as much as he used to be, Glenn still always makes a point to take a leisurely stroll down the Mall.