Civil War Monument

Jamaica Plain's most familiar landmark may be the Monument at the intersection of South and Centre Streets. Officially it is the Soldier's Monument in West Roxbury, since our area was part of Norfolk County.

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyMay 14, 2004Monuments, Walter H. Marx, Civil War

First Newspaper in Jamaica Plain

The Jamaica Plain News, Jamaica Plain’s only previous one-hundred percent local newspaper, was printed by the Jamaica Printing Co. from 1872 — with roots from 1855 — until 1932 during the Great Depression.

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyMay 1, 2004Walter H. Marx, Newspapers

Firemen’s Memorial at Forest Hills

One of the most striking monuments in Forest Hills Cemetery is the Firemen’s Memorial across from the City of Roxbury’s Civil War Memorial near the Walk Hill gate.

History of Beer Making in Jamaica Plain

As the 20th century dawned, it was said that within a mile of Roxbury Crossing there were twenty-five breweries. Now, as this 100-year era begins to bow out, none are still running, though a new one is about to start up. [Written as Boston Beer was new]

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyApril 13, 2004Brewery, Beer

Hospital Founded by Women for Women

The New England Hospital for Women and Children was founded in 1862 as an "all-women's hospital". Now called Dimock Community Health Center, women doctors started the institution at 55 Dimock Street in Egleston Square for the exclusive use of women and children patients.

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyApril 1, 2004Women's History, Medical

Hotel Boylston Materials Used in Jamaica Plain

Materials from a downtown Boston building re-used here in Jamaica Plain.

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyMarch 20, 2004Buildings

Is an 1880 fountain buried in Franklin Park?

In the black-and-white photograph dated 1893, a young girl stands near a cavernous drinking fountain in Franklin Park, leaves and branches spilling around it as she reaches for a cup of water. What happened to that fountain?

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyMarch 17, 2004Franklin Park, Fountain

Jamaica Plain Men Who Died in the Civil War

So, too, Forest Hills Cemetery, starting as the municipal cemetery for the former City of Roxbury contains many soldiers who died or survived the Civil War. Foremost is Roxbury’s Civil War Monument.

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyMarch 15, 2004Walter H. Marx, Civil War

Jamaica Plain Police Report, 1872

The Police Report from 1872 when the Police Station was on Seaverns Street and Jamaica Plain was part of West Roxbury.

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyMarch 15, 2004Police, Walter H. Marx

Jamaica Plain's Role in the 19th Century Back Bay Fill

From 1858 to 1898 the cities of Roxbury and Boston, the Commonwealth and a power company participated in the well-known filling in of the Back Bay from Massachusetts Avenue to Charles Street. The project was made possible thanks to a Jamaica Plain man.

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyMarch 1, 2004Landfill, Industrialization

Jingle Bells and Jamaica Plain

A name that emerged in research of the history of JP was that of Pierpont (or Pierrepont), a family that settled in Roxbury in 1648. A descendant provided a ubiquitous Christmas medley.

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyMarch 1, 2004Songwriter

Lewis Farmhouse at Arboretum

The vacant farmhouse at 1090 Centre St. in Arnold Arboretum, once threatened with demolition, may become a landmark for its 180-year-old origins. But the house also has a more recent, but little-known, history as the home of notable plant collector Ernest Jesse Palmer (1875-1962), who moved in 75 years ago.

VictorianJamaica Plain Historical SocietyFebruary 15, 2004Farmhouse, Arboretum

Victorian Era