USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > History of South Boston (its past and present) and prospects for the future, with sketches of prominent men > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60
158
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
tion, while it would be an ornament and advantage to the whole neighbor- hood.
We shall say little about opening the streets through the land which the city now keeps enclosed, because it is a case which speaks for itself.
Even if the institutions are to remain always where they are there is no necessity for the streets being stopped. There is no reason for holding sixty acres of land as a garden for paupers, when one acre of it would sell for enough to buy a whole farm in one of the neighboring towns.
The city would not allow a private individual to hold a single acre of land, and thereby interrupt even a small street, when the public good called for its being opened, and surely it should not itself hold sixty acres and block up six large streets, without a strong and obvious necessity for so doing.
Finally, we would respectfully and earnestly ask the city authorities who possess the power of exercising such an immense influence upon the future condition of this peninsula, to consider that the time is at hand when its now open fields will be covered with houses-that the generation is born that will make it a populous town - and to take such measures for promot- ing the prosperity, salubrity and beauty of the place as in their wisdom they may find most expedient. CRANSTON HOWE, S. G. HOWE, LARRA CRANE, D. NICKERSON, H. MONTGOMERY, SAMUEL S. PERKINS, C. J. F. ALLEN, ISAAC ADAMS, SETH ADAMS, JOSEPH SMITH.
Immediately after the memorial was presented to the City Coun- cil, that body took very favorable action. In 1848 $1,500 was appro- priated for a sewer in Dorchester and Second Streets, and the follow- ing year $ 1,400 was expended for a sewer, in Broadway and Fourth Street.
Within ten years great improvements have been made, in streets, sewers, parks and otherwise. The southerly fort, on what was called Dorchester Heights, was purchased by the city for $ 112,000 and laid out for the use of the public forever.
Before 1850, as a result of the memorial, Turnpike Street had been paved from Fourth Street to the North Free Bridge; Fourth Street was paved from B to C Streets and later was paved the remainder of the way from Turnpike to Dorchester Streets. Work was begun on Broadway, in 1850, and paved from B to D Streets and the year fol- lowing from E to Dorchester Streets, in 1852 from D to E Streets and also from Turnpike to B Streets and in 1853 from Dorchester to K Streets.
In 1849 Fourth Street was widened from Dorchester to G Streets at an expense, for land damages, of $ 4,089.20.
Plans were made for a new school, above Dorchester Street, and the Lincoln School was established in 1859.
Until 1849 the water used in South Boston was taken from wells and other similar sources. In 1849 water began to be taken from the Cochituate works. The water was brought across the south bridge in an iron pipe, laid on a foundation of earth supported at the sides by
I59
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
piles and planks, as far as the harbor line. Under the water it was supported in a wooden box resting on piles, until it reached the channel, when it was carried in an inverted syphon, twenty inches in diameter, with perpendicular ends, and embedded in the hard bottom of the channel. From the channel it was conducted to the reservoir on Dor- chester Heights hill, and then distributed to all parts of the district.
The reservoir was on the east side of Thomas park. The walls were of puddled embankment, lined inside with granite rubble, and the bottom paved with paving stones. It resembled in shape a seg- ment of an ellipse, measuring, at its widest part, 370 feet and 260 feet at the narrowest. It had a capacity of 7,508,246 gallons. The top of the dam was about 125.86 feet above tide marsh level and the bottom of the reservoir, 105.35 feet.
On the introduction of water, through this reservoir, Nov. 20, 1849, there was a public demonstration. Thousands gathered upon the hills, where a salute was fired by the Washington Guards, singing by the school children, and an address by Mayor Bigelow.
When the water made its first appearance there was one continu- ous shout of joy from the thousands who witnessed it, the cannon boomed and there was tremendous excitement.
The portion of the hill not occupied by the reservoir, was shortly afterward levelled and made into a park, called Thomas park after Gen. Thomas of Revolutionary fame.
It was soon beautified with grass plots, gravel walks, shade trees and enclosed with an iron fence. It has since been one of Boston's most delightful parks and commands a view that cannot be excelled in the entire country. The recent erection of a monument thereon has added to the enjoyment of the place and it is hoped has made secure from destruction this greatest of all Boston's historic landmarks.
CHAPTER XXII.
REMINISCENCES, 1830 TO 1850.
Great activity after War of 1812 - Rapid growth - The Battery - First Catholic under- taker - City Institutions - Burning of SS. Peter and Paul's church - Recollections of Edward A. Perkins - William Cain's recollections of 1830 to 1850- Other facts concerning that period - Business men of 1850- Residences on Broadway - Ger- rish's brick yard-City Point hotel - Popular festivities - Reflections of James Burns - Benjamin B. Whittemore on "South Boston in 1840."
A CTIVE, indeed, were the residents of South Boston, particularly during the fifty years immediately following the war of 1812. All were interested in the new district, the opportunities for improvement were many, and these opportunities were evident to every one. The territory was large, yet compact, nearly surrounded by water, thus affording excellent advantages for boating and fishing, and its proximity to the city and the two bridges affording routes to reach either section of Boston, made it an ideal residential community.
The district grew rapidly, the population increased, dwelling houses and stores and business blocks were built, manufactories and foundries did a flourishing business, and South Boston could not wish for greater prosperity. All was contentment, there was a great future for South Boston, and each one, in some way or other, strove to make the district still more prosperous.
Able bodied men, in fact, all men until they were forty-five years of age, participated in military drills. Business was the first look-out, then the trainings, domestic happiness was not forgotten, and the social life was all that the people could wish for. Although the dancing parties, picnics and such like pleasures were not as numerous as they were a half a century later, yet the socials, spelling-bees, church enter- tainments and society meetings were sufficient to provide recreation and diversion for the young people.
There was but little of the " summer vacation " at that time ; ex- cursions in the harbor now and then and occasional trips into the country were all there was in the way of change of scene, and yet there was no grumbling. Work they enjoyed, and only the wealthy and mid- dle class indulged in the "two weeks" or more cessation from the daily routine.
The military drills and trainings were generally held at the Point, between Sixth and Seventh Streets, where also was the "proving ground" for the cannon made by Alger and the other founders. These proving grounds were later on G Street, and within the past few years
161
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
workmen in digging for foundations found several shot that were probably used on these occasions.
The Battery at the extreme Point was a place visited by hundreds of people, just as the Marine Park in later years, where the cool sca breezes could be enjoyed. The Battery was located between First and Third Streets and from P to Q Streets.
The neighborhood of Turnpike Street, Broadway, C and Fourth Streets, was still the most thickly settled, and there was much busi- ness carried on. There were many dwellings west of Dorchester Street, but east of that street there were not so many. At the extreme Point, until 1840, there were but five dwellings, the Blake house, Bent house and . Belzer house, already mentioned, and also the Phinney house, and between O and P Streets lived Thomas Mur- ray, a well known resident of the district, the first Catholic undertaker in South Boston, and who also enjoyed the distinction of having kept the first Catho- lic book store in Boston, that on Cornhill.
Thomas Murray was born in Ireland in 1774, and arrived in Boston in 1810. He became a citizen of the United States in 1814 and three years later was enrolled as a funeral director in the city and con- tinued the business until his death. When St. August- ine's cemetery was estab- MURRAY HOUSE. 1834 North side Fourth Street, between O and P lished in 1819, he was placed in charge, was sexton of St. Augustine's Chapel, and in 1834 moved to South Boston. The house on Fourth Street, where he lived, was on land that had been purchased by Rev. Francis A. Matignon. It was intended to erect a Catholic church there, but, as the Catholic popula- tion did not warrant such a step, the idea was given up. The land was purchased August 14, 1810, from James Blake and was on the edge of the Blake estate, directly adjoining the property of Jeremiah Gore.
In 1834, when the property was purchased by Mr. Murray, he erected the house which is still standing.
The beloved Bishop Cheverus was a particular friend of Mr. Murray, and frequently visited his home. In the house on Fourth Street, where now live the descendants of Mr. Murray, may be seen the
162
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
bishop's favorite chair, his walking cane, and also a cane that belonged to Rev. Father Matignon, a crib, a representation of the Nativity that was purchased by Bishop Cheverus when he was visiting France, and many other treasures are preserved there.
The family of Thomas S. Murray, who was the son of Thomas Murray, now lives in the Murray homestead and highly prize the old home and its precious contents. An old circular that has remained in the house, probably since it was published in 1829 by Mayor Otis, shows the peculiarity of some of the city ordinances of that time. It is a small piece of paper that was generally posted throughout the city and
HOUSE OF REFORMATION AND HOUSE OF CORRECTION IN 1840.
=
HOUSE OF INDUSTRY, Now used for storage purposes.
reads as follows: "Any person smoking cigars in the streets is liable to a penalty of two dollars. These regulations will be rigidly enforced. Boston, October 15, 1829. Signed, H. G. Otis, Mayor."
Writing home to a friend in Ireland, in 1838, a South Boston girl thus referred to the Hawes' school : "The Hawes' school now is No. I. It is above all the city schools. They have privileges granted to them which no other school has, that is learning to sing - a singing master by the name of Mr. Lowell Mason, who keeps the juvenile singing school in Boston. We have two piano-fortes to the school and we all have singing books."
163
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
The City Lands having been set off, and a high stockade fence built around it, the House of Correction was built and occupied for the first time, July 1, 1833. The House of Reformation, near the House of Correction, was occupied in January, 1837, although a smaller build- ing was previously used. The House of Industry, the third of the city's buildings, completed the group near the shore. A few years afterward the House for Juvenile Offenders was built on the lands at a point where now is East Broadway and about between M and N Streets.
In the summer of 1834 a Methodist Episcopal church was estab- lished in South Boston. The society was organized through the efforts of Rev. Abel Stevens, who was pastor of the Methodist congregation on Church Street. At first meetings were held in a private room, but the attendance increased so as to make it necessary to secure larger quarters. Harding's hall was occupied by the Society, October 31, 1834, and in May, 1836, they moved to Franklin Hall. Here the meetings were held until 1840.
A house of worship, corner of D Street and Silver Street, was consecrated for divine service June 17, 1840. The seating capacity was 550, but this being inadequate, the chapel was enlarged in 1851 and the basement raised six feet.
Meetings were held in this chapel but a few years, the number of members slowly decreasing. The building is now known as Clan-na-Gael hall.
The Fourth Universalist Society was gathered together in April, 1830, by Rev. Benja- min Whittemore, and he was installed pastor of the first house of worship for that Society, located corner of Broadway and B Street, April 10, 1833. Rev. Thomas D. Cook was installed as pastor in 1844. This Society was organized May 30, 1831, and incorporated April 19, 1837.
The Payson church was FOURTH UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. (1830.) Broadway and B Street. organized in July, 1845. The meeting-place was Broadway hall, corner Broadway and B Street. Rev. Joy H. Fairchild was pastor during its twelve years' existence.
The Free-Will Baptist Church was formed by several members of the South Baptist church. These members were favorable to the choice of Rev. Mr. Jackson as pastor of the South Baptist church in
164
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
1838. The pew-holders rejected him and thus occasioned the seces- sion. Meetings were first held in Harding's hall, but soon a meeting- house was erected, corner of C and Fourth Streets, and was familiarly known as the "White Pines."
In a few months Mr. Jackson gave up his Calvinistic Baptist principles, and became a Universalist.
A portion of the church members then returned to the South Baptist congregation, while the remainder formed the first Free-Will Baptist church in South Boston.
Rev. S. Robbins, of Charlestown, organized the new church, and Rev. R. W. Reed was settled as pastor.
Services were held in the chapel, corner of C and Fourth Streets, for a while. The Society became reduced in numbers, and was extinct before 1850.
1
One of the most unfortu- nate events, during the period of 1830 to 1850, was the burning of the SS. Peter and Paul's Catholic church on Broadway. The second Cath- olic church established in the district, for the convenience of the many Catholics who lived between the Turnpike Street and C Street, it was a large and handsome build- ing. In the month of Sep- tember, 1848, in the evening, fire was seen in the belfry of the church, and soon the en- tire building was in flames. The fire department of the city at the time was at a fire on Marsh's wharf, on SS. PETER AND PAUL'S CHURCH, BROADWAY. Destroyed by fire, September, 1848. Federal Street near Knee- land Street. As soon as possible engines arrived in South Boston. They reached the church fire about midnight. While the firemen were working on the Marsh's wharf fire they could see the flames in the steeple of the SS. Peter and Paul's church.
Edward A. Perkins, now one of South Boston's most respected citizens, was a member of Mazeppa 17, formerly Mazeppa I, and was on duty at Marsh's wharf fire, and hastened, with his company, to the fire in South Boston. He remembers distinctly the scenes of that eventful night, and thus recalls the memorable fire fight :
" Bangor 6 and Roxbury 7 were at the corner of Turnpike Street and Broadway, about where is now the transfer station ;
165
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Suffolk I was on A Street, between Broadway and Silver Street ; Mazeppa 17 was on A Street, between Broadway and Athens Street, and Perkins 16 was on Broadway, near A Street.
"The fire raged all night, notwithstanding the efforts made to prevent the entire destruction of the building, and in the morning there was not a stick of timber to be seen.
"Good old Father Fitzsimmons appreciated the work of the firemen and passed around refreshments.
" It was unfortunate that there was a fire in the city at the time. If Perkins 16, with headquarters not far from the church, had been in the house, a stream would quickly have been on the fire and the edifice would probably have been saved. Spontaneous combustion was gener- ally accepted as the cause of the fire, which was the worst South Boston had had up to that time."
Mr. William Cains has distinct recollections of South Boston as it was previous to 1850.
" As I have said before, about South Boston," said Mr. Cains, "there was a great industrial activity between the War of IS12 and the Civil War and no section of the entire country could compete with us in the variety and amount of our products.
" As a consequence of this, also, the people removed to here in large numbers. In those days they came principally from neighboring states, from the Provinces, and there were many Germans, all good citizens and devoted to their district.
"The prominent men of South Boston before 1850? Well, it would be difficult to enumerate them all, but one can never forget the Algers, Cyrus, Francis and Howard, nor the Dunhams, Josiah and his son Josiah. There was Adam Bent at the extreme Point-lived in a house on Fourth Street that is now standing ; and then there were the Blakes at the Point. John Souther was one of our most highly esteemed and respected citizens, -public spirited, kind, and loved by his employees. There was the family of William Wright and another of James Wright. Dr. Stebbins was well known and to this day one hears of old Romanus Emerson who lived on Emerson Street. Col. Amy is well remembered by the people who lived at that time and are now living, as also the Whittemores, the Kenneys, Dr. Fogg, the Clinchs, James Keating who occupied a prominent position in the Pulaski Guards, Jeffrey Pierce, Col. Amasa Smith of the militia, who was a brother-in-law of Josiah Dunham, Alexander Pope, Squire Woodward, Hall J. How, who lived where the Carney Hospital is now, and who was a prominent merchant and connected with the bank, and the old cashier, Alvin Simonds. Simonds also kept a dry goods store on the Turnpike, near Fourth Street, next to ' P'a ' Holmes.
" Where there is now a restaurant at the corner of Broadway and Dorchester Street lived a man named Rice, well known. He died
166
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
there about 1837. The same house is there now, only it is raised a story higher and stores built underneath.
" Jeremy Drake lived next to the Orthodox church which was at
CAPT. NICKERSON'S RESIDENCE. Broadway, near F Street.
the corner of A Street, and the building is still standing. Next to his residence was a double house occupied by Eben Jackson and Mr. Por- ter. Opposite to Mr. Drakes, where there is now a hotel, was the house of Mr. Collins. These were the only houses between A and B Streets on Broadway.
"Corner of B Street and Broadway, where there is now a furniture store, was the Universalist church, and next to it a double house owned and occupied by Joseph Haines and Solon Jenkins. Still further beyond was a double house in one part of
which lived Col. Vincent, and Gen. Amy in the other part. Col. Vincent had been an officer in the battle of Platts- burg in 1812, later was em- ployed in the custom house, and was an influential man in South Boston. He was head of the militia in South Boston and drilled the re- cruits who had to train be- tween the ages of 18 and 45. " Opposite to Col. Vin- cent's, and where Station 6 is now, was the brick-making establishment of Thomas Gerrish, and it extended nearly to C Street.
Broadway, cor. of & Street
OSBORN HOUSE, Broadway and G Street.
" Side of Gen. Amy's house was vacant land and then three houses extending to C Street, occupied by a Harris family, Capt. Cowden and Col. Smith. Harris lived on the corner, about 1830, but a few years later the building was used for the first Baptist meeting-house. In the basement of the old
167
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Baptist church N. P. Mann kept a grocery store. He was also a large wholesale fish dealer in Boston.
" Gerrish's house was on the corner of C Street, but later a por- tion of a church was brought 1 from the city to that corner, and the Baptists occupied it as their second church. The building is still there.
" Haskell's block was at the corner of D Street and Broadway, afterwards pur- chased by Mr. Brennan. At one time there was a school in the basement. What is now the first floor of that block was then the second floor. The street has been filled in.
" Harris' block was at the corner of E Street and Broadway, opposite and on SPINNEY RESIDENCE, K Street the same side with the Glynn building. Next to where the Monks building is now was a large brick block in which lived Rev. Mr. Blake, the Episcopal minister.
DR. HOWE RESIDENCE Near Bird Lane.
"Capt. Fred Nickerson's house was on Broadway, near F Street, and that was re- moved only a few years ago to make way for the Bethesda building. It was built about 1833 or 1834. He was a sea captain and a prominent man. His house was one of the finest over here.
"The John Osborn house, corner of G Street and Broadway, was built by Theophilus Stover, about 1839. Henry Souther lived in one portion of it and after- ward Mr. Osborn.
" The Spinney house, corner of Eighth and K
Streets, was built in the 50's.
" Dr. Samuel Howes' house stood between the Twin Hills. To reach it one had to go up G Street and then turn into Bird Lane. It
4
168
HISTORY OF SOUTHI BOSTON.
was built by Macajah Pope, who had a large farm back of these hills. " The old house which stood at the corner of F Street and Broad- way until recently, demolished to make way for the large furniture store, was one of the oldest in the district. It was an old landmark, built by Mr. Kent and afterward occupied by Mr. Thompson.
"In 1840 there was about twenty-five houses on each side of West Broadway. There were a great many on Fourth Street, from the Turn- pike Street to Dorchester Street, mostly on the western side.
" John Storey carried on a glass-cutting business corner Bolton and B Streets, and owned many houses in that vicinity.
" In those days there THOMPSON HOUSE, F STREET AND BROADWAY Erected 1840. Demolished 1900. were no meat or provision stores as there are now. Everybody bought such goods at the Boylston or Faneuil Hall markets, and then provision dealers called around at the houses once or
RECEPTION AT THE SOUTH BOSTON HOTEL.
twice a week. Meats were a great deal cheaper then than they are now. Poultry was very cheap and dairy produce also.
" The people had their little socials, sometimes receptions, and whist parties were quite popular. There were many very nice dancing
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
169
parties in the South Boston hotel that were attended by the leading people of South Boston. It was the largest hall in the district. In winter sleighing parties were quite popular. The neighbors would club together, get any kind of a sleigh, and, piling in any way, would drive out on the Dedham turnpike. In summer there were driving parties to the Cherry tavern, in Canton, and others went to Taft's, in Dedham.
" Alpheus Stetson and his son Alpheus M. Stetson, were among South Boston's most respected citizens, and were engaged in the coal and lumber business."
JACC
CITY POINT HOTEL. (1833.) East Fourth, near P Street. Razed 1897.
In 1850, with its more than 13,000 people, South Boston had become an important section. Almost every kind of a store could be found, the citizens were of the go-ahead stamp, and all desired to par- ticipate in the advancement of their community.
The district could boast of six flourishing hotels, more than it con- tained fifty years later. There was the South Boston hotel on Fourth Street, near the Turnpike, first kept by Gen. Davis, then by Col. Amee, and in 1850 by E. Buckham. It was probably the leading hotel in the district, well finished and handsomely furnished, and the scene of many a festive occasion.
On the Turnpike was the Railroad house, kept by Thomas
170
HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Leavitt. A portion of the building is still standing, near Broadway. Almost opposite, at the corner of Fourth Street, was the Twelfth Ward hotel, " Pa" Holmes' place, and this was a famous resort, particularly for the workingmen.
Then there was the Fire Department hotel kept by T. Hutchinson, father-in-law of young Alger, and at the Point the City Point hotel, first kept by Tafts and afterward by H. Walker. This was near P Street and had been removed from the city, corner of West and Tremont Streets, where it was known as the Washington Gardens. It was taken down in sections by Mr. Taft, father of the famous hotel keeper of Point Shirley. It was removed to City Point about 1833, and was a famous resort for many years.
The Golden Queen was on First Street, near K Street.
Nine physicians looked after the health of the people, and were more or less prominent. Dr. C. B. O'Donnell was probably best known, and was a fine old gentleman. His office was corner of B and Fourth Streets, and at one time he lived at 16 Broadway. He was. an excellent physician and surgeon.
Dr. W. T. Parker lived on East Broadway, near G Street, where is now the residence of Dr. Ruddick. He built that house. Previous to coming to South Boston he was a surgeon in the British army.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.