Bartlett Playground

Whipple St., Bartlett St., between Throop Ave. and Flushing Ave.

Brooklyn

This text is part of Parks’ Historical Signs Project and can be found posted within the park.

Both this playground and the adjacent Bartlett Street are named in honor of Josiah Bartlett (1729-1795), signer of the Declaration of Independence and the first Governor of New Hampshire. Dr. Josiah Bartlett was in many ways an ordinary man who achieved greatness by acting with distinction in extraordinary times. Unlike many other prominent men of his day, he had no family, wealth, or party connections to elevate him in society. Born the son of a shoemaker in Amesbury, Massachusetts, Bartlett began studying medicine at age 16. Five years later, he finished his studies and traveled to New Hampshire, where he established his medical practice in Kingston. There, Bartlett gained a reputation not only as a trustworthy physician, but also as a gentleman whose duties, whatever they may be, were always discharged with promptness and fidelity.