Around 1917, life in Boston was both vastly different and yet eerily similar. Studying these photos that were taken more than a century ago reveals a city living under the shadow of World War I. Our colleges were focused on expansion, while the cars look charmingly retro to the modern eye. At the same time, Bostonians enjoyed an extensive public transit system and were devoted baseball fans – observations that are still accurate today!
So travel back one hundred years into the past and see if you can spot traces of the city you know and love in these 10 images.
1. Maybe you’ve been aboard the U.S.S. Constitution in Boston Historical Park, but this is what the Boston Navy Yard looked like in 1917.
The body of water in front of them is the Lawrence Basin. Once the creation of Quabbin Reservoir made Lawrence Basin redundant, it was sold to Boston College. The college filled it in, building a stadium in its place.
7. Today, this spot is called Nickerson Field and it is part of Boston University. However, when this shot was taken on opening day in 1915, this was Braves Field.
Until 1952, Boston had two baseball teams: the Red Sox and the Braves. That all changed when the owner of the Braves relocated the team to Milwaukee and Braves Field was sold to BU.
8. Can you spot Babe Ruth in this photo of the Red Sox during their 1915 season?
Which of these photos did you find most interesting? Personally, I’m surprised by how little Louisburg Square has altered with the passage of time!
To compare just how much Boston has changed over the years, check out these “then” and “now” shots taken in virtually the same spot decades – or even centuries – apart.
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