Mr. Ralph H. White
483 - 489 Atlantic Ave.
Embedded Files
Prominent Boston Department Store Owner Known as a Distinctively Self-Made Man
This 1904 photo, provided by Historic New England, shows buildings on the East side of Washington Street, including part of White's department store there.
Ralph H. White specialized in retailing of dry goods, including textiles and ready-to-wear clothing. He owned a large chain of department stores which were, during their height, rivaled by Jordan, Marsh & Company.
In 1863, at the age of 22, Mr. White used the funds he had saved since boyhood to start a small firm on Hanover St., which was then the center for retail trading in the city.
White's firm continued to grow, along with its reputation for fair and honest dealing. By 24, he was able to buy out the interests of his partners - reorganizing under the name "R. H. White Company"
1865 - 1875: From its location at 52 Hanover, White moved his newly consolidated firm to a larger location at 44-46 Winter St., where it remained, growing.
In 1876, White realized that his business had outgrown the space at Winter Street and so made the highly debated decision to erect the building seen above on Washington Street. People doubted whether the location could be a good one from which to conduct business, but Mr. White's fair practice and keen knowledge of his customers encouraged them to follow him to the new location.
The location was so successful that within five years, the floorplan had to be doubled and the exterior of the newly included space adapted to the same architectural style as the original portion.
February 17th, 1901:
Mr. White is posted to the jury list of Boston for the year 1901. He is listed as a prominent Back Bay citizen working in “dry goods,” living at 290 Commonwealth Ave.
At the time of his death, he lived at his residence on Essex Road and Chestnut Hill Road.
Mr. White made his final purchase of Boston Real estate in 1912.
At the time of his death in 1917, White's estate was valued at nearly two million dollars.
The Boston Globe broke this number down to be comprised of nearly $400,000 in real estate and $1.6 million in personal wealth.
In addition to the plot he owned at Atlantic Ave. and Purchase St., Mr White had property on Hanover, Hemenway, & Essex & Chestnut Hill Roads
Resting in Style
Mr. White was laid to rest among the gently curving landscape of Mount Auburn Cemetery. His mausoleum, located in the "Stone Farm" section of the cemetery, was designed by the esteemed American architect Willard T. Sears. White was remembered fondly by many after his death.
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