City - Boston, MA - Honest day work 1910 - Side by Side

by Mike Savad

Title

City - Boston, MA - Honest day work 1910 - Side by Side

Artist

Mike Savad

Medium

Photograph - Hand Colored Photo

Description

Hand colored by me
Scene in color 1910
Photographer: Unknown
Location: 52 Merchants row

Merchant's Row in Boston was more than just a street; it was a bustling hub of trade, a place where the city's industrious spirit shone as merchants, artisans, and workers went about their daily grind. Located in the heart of Boston's marketplace, the thoroughfare was a vital artery for the city's commerce, flanked by shops and trading posts that catered to every imaginable need. Among these was the venerable F.E. Hathaway & Son, Boston's oldest shoe store until it closed in the 1930s, and a fixture of Merchant's Row.

Founded by Francis E. Hathaway, this shop was much more than just a place to buy shoes; it became a pioneering establishment in footwear innovation. Hathaway shoes weren't just ordinary footwear - they were crafted with an eye toward quality and comfort. In fact, the Hathaways created the very first arch-preserver shoe, a design that revolutionized foot health, offering enhanced support for the wearer. This innovation proved especially valuable to workers who spent long hours on their feet, including the Boston Police Department, who relied on Hathaway's shoes as part of their uniform.

Hathaway's story is one of commitment to hard work, quality, and serving the community, values that mirrored the relentless pace of life on Merchant's Row.


Colors notes:
Today, none of these buildings remain at this location. The structure on the right could be the South Market, but the others have vanished over time. I wasn't certain what the wagon was carrying, but it looked like apples and peppers, so I chose those colors to add more texture and vibrancy.

Uploaded

October 27th, 2024

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