Exploring Old South Boston by Roy Rider

Chapter One – The Meeting

I grew up on N Street, a block from the beach, but as a little boy one of my favorite places to play was Castle Island.  At a young age I never questioned my not needing a boat to get there. When I was older I learned that Castle Island actually was once an island that sat almost a mile offshore at the entrance to Boston Harbor.
?
In 1892 a wooden footbridge was constructed connecting Castle Island to the mainland.  The footbridge was replaced by an earthen causeway in 1925, and later in 1932 the causeway was replaced by an automobile road.  Sullivan’s, which didn’t open until almost twenty years after the road was built, sits on filled land and is not actually on the island.

?In 1916 a young nineteen year old man who had joined the Navy in anticipation of serving in World War I was enjoying a beautiful late summer afternoon relaxing on the foot bridge when he noticed an attractive young woman nearby.  He approached her and apparently things went well and they continued to see each other.  Merle and Lillian soon fell in love and were married months later in 1917, then Merle went off to war. He returned safely, and upon being discharged from the Navy became a Boston Police Officer.

It is here, following that chance meeting of my grandparents, Merle and Lillian Rider that we begin our journey ~ Exploring Old South Boston.

to be continued…

?
Roy Rider is a Southie native.  He is a member of the Castle Island Association and serves as a docent at Fort Independence.  Roy is also a member of The Friends of Boston Harbor Islands, The Boston Harbor Alliance, and the American Lighthouse Foundation.