Street widening
Quincy Market showing Commercial Street
The problem
By the turn of the 19th century, the North End had developed into a commercial hub within the city of Boston. Nearby ports like the Commercial Wharf and Boston Harbor were filled with ships carrying products, while streets were densely packed with people, markets, and most importantly, automobiles (as displayed in the image to the left). Due to this rapid development, Commercial and Fulton Street became overwhelmed, and traffic became a significant issue. There had been a number of project proposals to widen the most densely used streets in Boston. Among these included Cross, Fulton, Clinton and Commercial Street. According to the 1892 Report to the Massachusetts Legislature, street widening projects would allow for more effective freight transfer and further accommodate the increasing flow of traffic. While there had been extensive discussion regarding the Commercial Street project prior to this report, its publication led to a greater number of proposals being made, many of which were underway by the 1920's.
the project proposal
As described in the excerpt to the right, the proposal called for the extension of Cross Street to Haymarket square. This would allow for the development of an elevated road while also alleviating some of the pressure of traffic. In order for the project at Cross Street to be effective, however, Fulton, Commercial, and Clinton Street also required altering. This project focused specifically on the development of Cross Street.
1892, Report to the Massachusetts Legislature
commercial street
1933, Cross St. widening from North St. to Commercial St.
The widening of Commercial Street, which was proposed in 1877, was among the most costly projects that the city of Boston had ever seen. It would require the funds of nearly $1,000,000 to be completed. Proponents of the proposal argued that while expensive, the project was necessary in order to compete with other seaport cities. Its completion would also raise property values for businesses in the surrounding area whose costs had depreciated given the cluttered roads and traffic. According to an 1877 article from the Boston Globe, the only individual in opposition to the project was Alderman Fitzgerald. He argued that the city simply did not have the financial means to complete the project, and that there were no guarantees to the suggestion that the project would lead to an increase in productivity and profit. However, among individuals on the board, Fitzgerald was the only person who held this sentiment. The order was passed in the same year it had been proposed in a 10 to 1 vote (Fitzgerald being the lone opponent).
Boston's Annual report
The image attached can be found under "Engineering Department" on page 223 of the Annual Report of the Executive Department of the City of Boston. The report catalogs the city's expenditures between June 1, 1822 (the first year of City Government), up until January 31, 1896. Click here to explore the annual report directly!
Annual Report of the Executive Department of the City of Boston between 1822 and 1896
Whitney Building at Clinton and Commercial Street in 1920, further informing us about the congestion and heavy traffic which occurred even after street widening projects.
Image taken by Arthur Griffin of the Commercial Wharf in 1903, showcasing the chaotic nature of not only streets but also the surrounding ports.
References
Abdalian, Leon H. "Whitney Building, Clinton Street and Commercial Street." Photograph. June 1920. Digital Commonwealth, https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/gt54kz262 (accessed May 08, 2021).
"Aldermanic Wisdom: Order Passed to Widen Commercial Street-East Boston Enterprise receives a slight check. Appointments Confirmed. Commercial Street Widening. Miscellaneous Matters." Boston Daily Globe (1872-1922), Oct 02, 1877, https://holycross.idm.oclc.org/login?auth=cas&url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/aldermanic-wisdom/docview/492164788/se-2?accountid=11456 (accessed May 8, 2021).
Boston (Mass.). “Cross Street widening from North Street to Commercial Street.” Photograph. November 30, 1933. Boston Archives, https://cityofboston.access.preservica.com/uncategorized/IO_09820546-7345-4893-a958-1a75fc67cf04/ (accessed May 8, 2021).
Boston (Mass.). “Quincy Market showing Commercial Street.” Photograph. July 2, 1928. Digital Commonwealth, https://www.digitalcommonwealth.org/search/commonwealth:5h73rb70w
Executive Department. Annual Report of the Executive Department of the City of Boston. Boston: Rockwell and Churchill, City Printers, 1896. https://books.google.com/books?id=HhFAAAAAYAAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
Griffin, Arthur. "Commercial Wharf." Photograph. 1935. Digital Commonwealth, https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/k930cx34t (accessed May 08, 2021).
Massachusetts Commission. Report, to the Massachusetts Legislature. Boston, 1892. https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=besqAAAAYAAJ&hl=en&pg=GBS.PA55
"The Alderman: Action Taken on street-car regulation. The widening of Commercial Street. The City Election. Miscellaneous Business .The Street-Car !uestion." Boston Daily Globe (1872-1922), Nov 19, 1878, https://holycross.idm.oclc.org/login?auth=cas&url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/aldermen/docview/492241884/se-2?accountid=11456 (accessed May 8, 2021).