Business Activists

The Haverhill Street Businessmen's association was created to address the needs of the parcel. The businesses and lodgers living on the parcel began to suffer from a lack of upkeep on public infrastructure in 1910. The people of the parcel took it upon themselves as a representative from each apartment and business marched towards town hall to express their disapproval. The association was founded by members of the parcel to improve the physical and sanitary condition of the street and increase foot traffic and pedestrian safety.

The group's first objective after their inception was to address the degrading condition of the street. The group would meet regularly during the month to discuss topics of concern. After their meetings the executives of the group would communicate with city officials. The men hoped that cleaning up the street would allow the businesses on the parcel to flourish. Local businessmen and proprietors such as O.M. Wentworth, H. P. Smith, A. Toppan, and Albert Cann served as executives of the HSBA. The commission functioned as a medium to further the advancement of the parcel. The main issue the men had was the installation of railway tracks down Haverhill Street. The group viewed the tracks as unsightly and a hazard for pedestrian shoppers who had less of a pedestrian way. The removal of the tracks became the main objective for the group, who felt that the tracks threatened the livelihood and safety of their businesses and homes. 

Only two years after the group's inception, they reached a major victory. After petitioning the Boston Elevated Railway Company to remove their tracks from the current location and move them 10 feet to the west, the railroad agreed. Business owners and lodgers hoped this action would open pedestrian walkways and help de-clutter the street. This major victory for the group came with increased funding and maintenance of the street. This is an example of locals advocating for their local government to maintain public infrastructure. The Association showed that citizens interacting with local government can lead to beneficial outcomes for the city. These individuals were able to utilize their economic leverage as well as public opinion to make the city act. This does not mean the opinions held by the group were the most popular, but that their economic platform gave them more agency.