Purchase Street Within Boston
This article on the right was by local intelligence after an election in 1872, and it highlights what questions were voted on in the ballot in Boston. One of the questions that was voted on was whether or not Purchase Street should be widened which would include the building of 197-273 Purchase. There was a clear demand for widening the street and people such as M. A. Ring, E.B. Phillips, and John J. May had to present their cases to commissioners. Previously the street was very narrow and made of brick as seen in some of the pictures, but this widening would cause significant damage to the buildings. This was said to be paid for by government grants. This example continues to show the impact of displacement by the government.
Looking at the two maps before and after 1872, there is a slight visible difference in the thickness of the street, but there are some changes and development to the building across the street from 197 Purchase.
As shown, there is much more development and a defined sidewalk side of the building, but the street does look a bit wider and much more accustomed for commuting as well as other resources for the companies in the building such as shipping. These buildings were all in the leather district and were commercial, this wider street could now accommodate for transportation of products and materials.
A disaster for some, but a close call for the rest of Purchase Street. In an early morning fire on May 9, 1883, ended with four floors of destruction at 30 Purchase Street. Although this was just down the street from 197, it could have ended in disaster for Purchase Street as a whole and other streets nearby.
1867
1883
Purchase Street dodged a bullet in one of the two fires in downtown Boston. Although Purchase Street was not directly burned down, it was a very close call on some corners of Purchase Street. People and businesses were preparing for the worst as they removed furniture and valuables from the buildings and piled them up away from the fires. This was close to disaster for Purchase Street, but other streets right next to Purchase were devastated causing well over $250,000 in damage and ruining hundreds of businesses and residences.
