TBT: The Early Days of Quincy Market
It wasn't always a place for tourists to grab some ice cream after walking the Freedom Trail or seeing Paul Revere's house.
North Market Street in 1940. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
In 1823, Josiah Quincy didn’t like his view. Faneuil Hall, built in 1742, was beset with chaos, and the then-mayor was disenchanted with the site from his perch.
So he did something about it.
Quincy enlisted the architect and engineer Alexander Parris for help, and eventually, the classic Greek revival structure emblazoned today with the words “Quincy Market” came to be.
Thanks to Mayor Quincy’s exacting eye, the market turned into a thriving hub for businesses and consumers. Take a look below at some throwback photos of what the market used to look like before selfies, tour groups, and Starbucks cups were everywhere, courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.
Green beans for sale at Quincy Market in 1937. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
A woman carrying her Thanksgiving turkey at Quincy Market in 1952. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
A meat stand at Quincy Market. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
Nurses at Thresher & Kelly’s Meat Shop at Quincy Market in 1954 / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
Christmas trees being unloaded at Quincy Market in 1950. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
A vendor and his cart at Quincy Cart in 1937. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
A celery cart at Quincy Market in 1937. / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
Produce for sale at Quincy Market / Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection
