Posted in Massachusetts January 20, 2016 by

This Is What Massachusetts Looked Like 100 Years Ago… It May Surprise You

As we head off into 2016, it’s incredible to see what life was like 100 years ago in this amazing state of ours. You can spot some familiar landmarks as well as some places that have been swallowed up by time in these Massachusetts shots from 1916. Check them out below!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Massachusetts infantry soldiers up to turn in their clothing for replacement and disinfection, 1918.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
2. YMCA building in Springfield, 1910
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
3. Copley Square looking east, Boston 1905
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
4. Street gangs at the corner of Margaret & Water streets in Springfield around 4:30 P.M.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
5. Margaret Reddington, 14 years old, powdering roses with blow pipe at Boston Floral Supply Co. on Cambridge Street. It was the only flower factory in Massachusetts.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
6. The Common from Beacon Hill, Boston, 1905.
Libraary of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
7. Young boys studying math at a printing vocational school in Fall River, 1916.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
8. Two 15-year-old boys working for Westinghouse Electric Co. going home at 5 P.M. Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. June 29, 1916.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
9. Crossing the trestle bridge in Westfield.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
10. The town of Enfield was drowned by the construction of the Quabbin Reservoir by 1936.
Wikimedia Commons/Simtropolitan
11. Candy workers at Kibbe's factory in Springfield, 1910
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
12. Folk dancing in Plymouth.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
13. Child workers at a Fall River cotton mill.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
14. Eight-year old Jack on a Western Massachusetts farm. Child workers were common in many rural districts.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
15. A beautiful shot of a 14-year-old weaver in Fall River.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
16. Young children playing in the streets of Fall River.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
17. Fourteen year-old cotton mill worker in Lowell, 1911
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

See any places you recognize? Do your parents or grandparents have any fascinating stories about how things used to be in Massachusetts? Share and let us know in the comments!