Really Old School Southie – 1898 South Boston
Boy, have times changed. The entire landscape of South Boston transformed from a more rural feel in 1898 to the bustling and vibrant urban neighborhood of 2023!
Here are some photos taken back in August 1898 posted on Boston City Archives on Instagram early this week!
Image 1 (above): D. H. Geer & Son, 448 Swett Street, with a sign reading “Honey, Maple Syrup, and Bees Wax”
Image 2: 23-25 Boston Street showing wood frame houses, trees, and a woman in a doorway
Image 3: Wood frame house and possible barn on Ellery Street
Note from Boston City Archives: The date on the photographs is reversed and should read “98” and not “89”
Editor’s note – My grandparents, JamesDahill and Julia Kenneally, came to South Boston around this time from Ireland. My grandfather, also James “Jim” Dahill, was born here in 1905. There is a park named in his honor at Castle Island. The James F. Dahill Harborview Park leads out to the fish pier at the end of the green space behind Sullivan’s.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
With a humble heart, I retract my earlier critique of your Southie girl status.
You seem to be a root of our great home town that can’t be denied.
Good for you and your family!
Get more historic pictures out there @ “digital commonwealth”
Good work, and good luck.
Where was Swett Street?
It was near where the South Bay Mall currently is. That neck of the woods.
Thank you for your work keeping up Southie history and current events.
My second grade teacher at the OH Perry was Miss Julie Dahill.
“Empty barrels make the most noice “ was a frequent reminder to some of us!
When anyone asks where I’m from it’s always “originally from Southie “!
Wow! What a small world! Thanks for reaching out!
would love to see 546 east Broadway. where I was born.
Maureen I attended many meetings with Jim Dahill and his heart was always for Southie☘️
Love your paper❤️
I’m Kenny D and i’m wondering why you never post my comments.
Are they to conservative for you ? I didn’t know you were a liberal !,!!