Physical Landscape
Julia C.
This parcel of land has undergone many changes throughout its history. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the land hosted large brick buildings and many local businesses. Surrounded by the bustling energy of the North End, these businesses helped support local residents and the broader New England area.
In the years following, the buildings were removed to make way for the John F. Fitzgerald Elevated Highway also known as The Central Artery. Today, this parcel of land is part of The Greenway, a string of public parks in the city.
MAPPING CHANGE
Sanborn Insurance Map, 1882
Bromley & Co. Map, 1890
Bromley & Co. Map, 1908
Bromley & Co. Map, 1922
The series of historical atlases above depict 80-102 North Street & 87-113 Cross Street between 1882 and 1922. These atlases, commissioned by fire insurance companies, offer information about the physical attributes of the buildings as they once stood.
The pinkish-red color of the buildings signifies that the main building material was brick. The yellow shade signifies a framed building that is made from fire-resistant materials. Lastly, the blue shade represents stone buildings. Many of the buildings in this parcel of land, as seen above, were made out of brick, but there were some framed and stone buildings as well: all materials were deemed fire-safe.
The number of stories of a building can be found in the small sketched numbers lining the sidewalk areas of each block. On average, the buildings in this parcel stood between 4 & 6 stories tall.
By looking at the atlases in conversation with one another, it becomes clear that new buildings filled in the available space as the area continued to develop. Many of the buildings mirror each other in materials and number of stories, and in these years much of the parcel looked cohesive together.
cross street on fire (1896)
This historical newspaper article describes a fire at 93-103 Cross Street in 1896 which threatened the lives of three workers caught in the building. Though the buildings in this parcel were made from fire-resistant materials, the materials inside were not, and a wooden chair manufacturer, P. Derby & Co (more information found here), lost much of its materials and supplies due to the accident. As a result of the fire, severe water damage destroyed entire sections of the building.
Boston Daily Globe (1872-1922), Mar 03, 1896. ProQuest.
change over time
The images below show what currently stands on this parcel of land. Long gone are the brick buildings and all that held them. Today, this plot of land offers visitors and locals alike the opportunity to find green space in an otherwise urban environment. Visit The Greenway today, and bring along with you a deeper understanding of the historical legacies resting below your feet!
Parcel Center, 2022
Intersection, 2022
Across the Street, 2022
Modern Map, 2022
explore the Greenway website
Web Link: https://www.rosekennedygreenway.org/
Bibliography
Sanborn. Insurance Maps of Boston. New York: Sanborn Map & Publishing Co, 1882. Via Atlascope.
About this Collection: Sanborn maps. Library Of Congress. https://www.loc.gov/collections/sanborn-maps/about-this-collection/
Bromley, George Washington. Atlas of the City of Boston. Philadelphia: G.W. Bromley & Co., 1890, 1908, 1922. Boston Public Library, via Atlascope.
"USED A ROPE.: THREE MEN ESCAPE FROM A BURNING BUILDING. HAD BEEN LOCKED IN BY A MAN GONE TO SUPPER. LIVELY BLAZE IN CROSS ST CHAIR FACTORY. FIREMEN THOUGHT THEY HAD A HARD JOB. LOSS, HOWEVER, WILL NOT EXCEED ABOUT $8000. MRS DURANT REELECTED. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MANAGERS OF THE YOUNG WOMEN'S C. A." Boston Daily Globe (1872-1922), Mar 03, 1896.https://holycross.idm.oclc.org/login?auth=cas&url=https://www.proquest.com/historical-newspapers/used-rope/docview/498378438/se-2.
Author's Images.
Google Maps. 2022.