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Weld Boathouse
Harvard Rituals
Situated on the Cambridge side of the Charles River, Weld Boathouse is an iconic structure that rests at the midpoint of the Head of the Charles Regatta’s course. The building was completed in 1906, financed by George Walker Weld, a member of the Class of 1860. This boathouse replaced another that he had funded in 1889.
Adjacent to the Larz Anderson Bridge, the boathouse is a constant commotion of activity. Providing a home to Radcliffe rowing squads since the 1970s, it has served, according to Dan Boyne, coach of the recreational sculling program, as the hub of rowing at Harvard since its earliest days.
Winnie Parker, a graduate of Radcliffe and avid rower, has relied on the boathouse for the past decade. Parker, who rows up to four times a week, said, “I just think it’s the best. I love it, I love coming here, I love rowing, I love the river, I love the boathouse, I’m totally into it.”
Traditions and Rituals – Weld Boathouse Photos by Justin Ide, Harvard Staff Photographer
Champs
On June 17, 1897, a trophy from the Metropolitan Amateur Rowing Association was presented to the Weld Boat Club.
Paddle, oar …
A detail of the equipment that fills the Weld Boathouse. The boathouse was originally constructed in 1889, with a second, larger building completed in 1906.
On the right side
Situated on the Cambridge side of the Charles River, Weld Boathouse is an iconic structure that rests at the midpoint of the Head of the Charles course.
Parking it
Winnie Parker comes up from the river and heads to the boathouse after a day on the water.
River rower
Parker, a 1966 graduate of Radcliffe, rows up to four times a week, using the Weld Boathouse as her anchor.
Buck stops here
A sign warns people not to dump … anything dropped into the drain winds up in the Charles River, where it stays.
Knock on wood
Natural or painted, the details of rowing equipment add to the beauty of the boathouse.
Light load
A day on the water doesn’t have to entail a lot of heavy equipment, at least not for these rowers.
Picture perfect
The Weld Boathouse, financed by George Walker Weld, a member of the Class of 1860, is a beautiful landmark on the Charles River shoreline.
