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Few remember that back in 1934 then Somerville Mayor John J. Murphy proposed the construction of what he called a “Toleration” monument, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the burning of the Ursuline Convent in East Somerville. Murphy envisioned the tower as housing multi-denominational religious groups at its base, while the rest of the structure would serve as a “World Broadcasting Station and Aviation Beacon” spreading the idea of “Toleration” across the globe.

Murphy proposed funding the monument’s construction by means of an early form of crowdfunding, soliciting donations from around the world. Needless to say, the structure was never built. But what a mighty sight it would have been then and now, if only the mayor’s hopes were realized.