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Who was G.E. Osgood? And did he know W.B. Mason?
By adamg on Mon, 06/23/2014 - 10:57am
The where of this photo might be easy, but when was it taken? From the Boston City Archives.
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The where of this photo might be easy, but when was it taken? From the Boston City Archives.
Comments
A hint
It may not be AS obvious as it seems. Take a second look.
295 West Broadway, South
295 West Broadway, South Boston 1918-1919
Not entirely sure about the dates, but before Prohibition.
Corner of school and
Corner of school and Washington? The chipotle?
Psh. A shameful citizen who
Psh. A shameful citizen who doesn't remember the corner bookstore.
i knew this was you before
i knew this was you before even reading the author
Who? Who but G.E. OSGOOD!
Who? Who but G.E. OSGOOD!
I'm going to guess
16-20 Charles River Ave, Charlestown. Roughly where the Marriott is now, apparently.
No idea but
The Twitter link is busted. Here's what it should be, I guess: https://twitter.com/ArchivesBoston
The Answer!
Thanks for playing folks! This photo is tricky because there is an advertisement for a business on Washington Street pasted to the building. However, the location is not Washington Street, but is actually #16 Warren Avenue at Water Street in Charlestown. The date is February 24 1896
Warren Ave?
Is it Warren Street at Water St? Did that street used to be called Warren Ave? Are you sure it's not Charles River Ave (1 block over)? I got that by poking around in some historical city directories.
We're pretty sure. If you
We're pretty sure. If you look at the original photo, you can see that the photographer etched the location and date on the negative. https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofbostonarchives/14466438304/
Judging by hats...
... I'd guess 1890s.
Just for the record
It's C. E. Osgood. Charles Osgood. I know this because I own an Osgood bureau.
"The Small Profit House Furnishers"
Charles Osgood, the IKEA of 1896
I'm now going to look for their label on old furniture around here...
Van Nortrad's P.B. Ale
That ad on the building makes me drool, that beer sounds tasty. 1890's craft beers anyone?
C. E. Osgood Furniture Store
My mother worked at Osgood's around 1927-1930. From my memory of her stories, she commuted from Lynn on the narrow gauge railroad, and walked through China Town to and from work. It is a happy find to see a photo of the old store.