Moseley’s on the Charles @ 50 Bridge Street

Early Moseley’s Ballroom

Moseley’s, an historic Riverdale business, has been in operation for over 100 years and thought to be the oldest ballroom in the country still operating. When Elisha Moseley opened his ballroom in 1905, he also included canoe rentals, most likely to take advantage of the rising popularity canoes with young people and to benefit from a problem that was happening downstream in Newton. 

Canoes had become very popular with couples for courting. Couples would find a private spot and anchor their canoe with a paddle. “Canoodling” became such a scandal at the turn of the century in Newton that it even made national headlines. The police had banned kissing in canoes and started fining couples $20 if caught. The couples protested and took their business to Dedham, which did not yet have police patrolling the river. 

The Spring Street Bridge trolleys ran from Boston out to Natick and brought hundreds of people to Dedham to enjoy the Moseley’s dances, the park and canoeing. Imagine the river lit with lights from the ballroom dances as boaters lined their canoes nearby to listen to the live music. 

Moseley’s ballroom “has hosted a legendary roster of top entertainers including musicians Guy Lombardo, Harry James, Leslie Brown, Buddy Rich, Keister Lannon; rock n’ rollers such as The Platters, The Marvelettes, The Grassroots, and the Manhattans; as well as comedians, Pat Cooper, Lenny Clark, and Steve Sweeney.” 

Moseley’s on the Charles::

Moseley’s has offered many types of entertainment over the years from canoe rentals to beano and roller-skating, but its ballroom dancing has been consistent. 

Moseley’s has also hosted The Society in Dedham for Apprehending Horse Thieves annual banquet meetings for almost 50 years. Dancing with the Dedham Stars, a fundraiser for the Dedham Education Partnership also used the ballroom for many years. 

 Johnny McAteer, a popular local musician in the 40’s, wrote a song called “Mosey out to Moseley’s (and have yourself a wonderful time).” The song is still true and has been true for over 100 years. 

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