History

Jamaica Plain’s Connections to the History of Baseball

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The beginnings of baseball in Boston and its first connection to Jamaica Plain are found with Harry Wright and his brother George. Harry was born in England. George, 13 years his junior, was born in New York City. Their father, Samuel, was a professional cricket player in New York and both boys started with that sport before switching to baseball. Harry played and managed the Cincinnati Red Stockings, the first professional baseball team, to a run of 76 consecutive victories during the 1869 and 1870 seasons.

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From the Community

Check Out a Virtual Tour of the Curley House on March 23

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The Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s recently expanded offices at the former home of Boston Mayor James Michael Curley, one of Boston’s most notable (and notorious) mayors. And they're giving you the opportunity to check out it out -- virtually. Although the Conservancy’s staff have been working remotely for the past year, they can’t keep this historically rich landmark overlooking Jamaica Pond to themselves any longer. The Curley house, located at 350 Jamaicaway, is situated just across the street from Jamaica Pond, the largest standing body of water in the Emerald Necklace park system. The 21-room, neo-Georgian mansion is registered as a historical landmark in Boston, however, the conservancy has not made any notable changes.

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History
Loring-Greenough House

Mayor Recommends Five JP Projects to Receive $890K in Community Preservation Act Funds

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The city announced the recommendation of more than $25.5 million of Community Preservation Act funds to 67 projects across Boston, including five Jamaica Plain projects. The Community Preservation Committee held a public hearing and vote on Feb. 11 in support of Mayor Marty Walsh's recommendations. The proposed projects have been filed with the Boston City Council for a vote of approval. Projects supported with Community Preservation Act funds need to create or preserve affordable housing, historic sites, or open space and recreation.

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History

How to Find Out the History of Your House and Lot

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The following article was originally published on the Jamaica Plain Historical Society and being republished with permission from JPHS. A Guide to Boston Information Sources
Since records for your house and lot go by city and county respectively, any JP resident checking on these topics must be aware of our area’s history. Jamaica Plain has never been a separate political entity but rather a part of the Town of Roxbury from its founding in 1630 until 1851, when it became a part of the Town of West Roxbury during its existence from 1851 until 1874. When that town was annexed by Boston in 1874, all the municipal records of West Roxbury were taken over by the City of Boston, which had already annexed Roxbury in 1868. In the matter of counties also Jamaica Plain has gone back and forth—a rarity in Massachusetts cities and towns.

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History

The History of Jamaica Plain’s Breweries

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Jamaica Plain cures the thirst and desire for ice cream! In Jamaica Plain Through Time, I examined the history of Jamaica Plain's neighborhoods with photographer Peter Kingman. We explore the many aspects of the history and development of Jamaica Plain through chapters on Early Jamaica Plain, Along Centre Street, Places of Worship, Schools, Hospitals, Institutions & Clubs, Businesses, Residences and A Streetcar Suburb. One thing that was of great interest was the number of breweries in Jamaica Plain and Roxbury that provided beet and ale, the Moxie Plant that has a decidedly acquired taste that some New Englanders still cherish and a local Howard Johnson’s restaurant. The plethora of breweries in Jamaica Plain was one of the major employers during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

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