History

Video: City’s Archaeologist Talks About Boston’s Oldest Buildings

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Boston's Archaeologist Joe Bagley recently spoke at a Jamaica Plain Historical Society sponsored event about his new book Boston’s Oldest Houses and Where To Find Them. Bagley's talk included the two houses in Jamaica Plain that are featured in the book, as well as several others that have interesting connections to JP. Bagley also spoke about the need to landmark historic structures to preserve and protect them. This event was originally held on May 25, 2021.

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History

Photo: Check Out Gasoline Prices in JP in 1940s

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Peg Ryan moved to Jamaica Plain as a new bride in 1964 with her husband who grew up on Orchard Street. In the 1940s her husband worked at the local Esso gas station when he was a teen. The gas station was at the corner of Centre and Orchard streets. Ryan shared this historical photo with Jamaica Plain News and pointed out that gas was being sold for 22 and 24 cents at the time!  

 

The gas station was eventually torn down and became the parking lot for the Boy Scouts Headquarters next door, said Ryan.

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History

Jamaica Plain Historical Society Historic Walking Tours Start May 22

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The 26th season of the free Jamaica Plain Historical Society neighborhood tours are kicking off May 22. The tours are a great way to learn more about Monument Square, the Woodbourne neighborhood, Jamaica Pond, and more. "I like helping people discover more about the history of the places they visit each day. People pass by the colonial milestones in JP zillions of times without knowing they are there and what they are," said JPHS President Gretchen Grozier. "But once someone takes a tour they learn more, and hopefully, are curious to continue learning more about the rich and wonderful history of Jamaica Plain."

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History

Developer Wants to Demolish Historical Williams Street Dye House

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Currently, the dye house at 69 Williams Street and the landmark Doyle’s Café property next door are facing a proposed redevelopment into condos and a new restaurant building.  

April 26 is the last day to provide input to the Boston Landmarks Commission about this significant property. The commission could decide to delay the demolition of the property. Comments can be submitted by 5 pm by emailing blc@boston.gov.

Let's discuss the history of Isaac Cary’s historic property. Jamaica Plain's 69 Williams Street is a silk dye house that was built in 1880 by Isaac Harris Cary, a prominent merchant and real estate developer from JP.

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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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