Throwback Thursday: Five Photos of Beacon Hill in the 1970s
Beacon Hill’s charm is undeniably timeless—its buildings look almost exactly the same way they did when they were built two centuries ago.
They’re free of major structural changes and modern updates, and most importantly, there’s not a single slab of vinyl siding in sight. Even so, small changes have been made over the years: businesses have come and gone—along with their signs—windows have been replaced, and cars lining the narrow streets have grown smaller.
Still, the bricks and gas lamps remain untouched. For proof, feast your eyes on these photos of Beacon Hill in the 1970s, where the trees are slightly smaller, the feel is slightly grittier, but overall, you’ll notice not a whole lot has changed.
1. 109-107A Charles Street
July 25, 1971
2. Louisburg Square
November 1975
Photo by Peter H. Dreyer via City of Boston Archives
3. 153-159 Charles Street
January 14, 1973
4. South Russell Street
November 1975
Photo by Peter H. Dreyer via City of Boston Archives
5. 139-137 Charles Street
July 25, 1971
