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(1804-1863) West Roxbury Post Office 1970 Centre Street |
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The
Richards family owned a tavern located at this site. Several decades before
Hannah was born, George Washington stopped by the tavern for food and
drink. Her grandfather built the first schoolhouse in West Roxbury, the
Baker Street School, a one-room K to 5 school, and Hannah taught there.
Hannah kept a diary which is now an important source of information about
West Roxbury in the early 19th century. |
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1961 Centre Street |
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The
West Roxbury Branch Library is one of the busiest libraries in Boston.
It is also the home of the West Roxbury Historical Society. The Society
has many artifacts and information about the history of West Roxbury.
The first schoolhouse was built on this site in 1767. It was the only
schoolhouse in West Roxbury for many years. Alice Hennessey and Pamela
Seigle energetically worked on the committee to build an addition to the
library, and Ellen McGill volunteers here. |
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Barbara
Henry Barbara
Henry grew up in West Roxbury and attended Girls’ Latin School. In high
school, she met students from diverse ethnic backgrounds. After she graduated
from college, Barbara taught the children of Air Force personnel for two
years in Europe. These life experiences prepared her for her role in an
historic event. In 1960, shortly after Barbara relocated with her husband
to New Orleans, she was asked to teach six-year-old Ruby Bridges. Ruby
was the first African American child to attend Frantz Elementary School.
Some people did not want Ruby at the school. However, Barbara saw Ruby’s
potential to learn, and decided to teach her. Barbara and Ruby are still
in contact with one another. Barbara’s message to young people is, “Live
your life truthfully and positively. Consciously think of living your
life the right way. A positive attitude makes it easier for you to do
something when crises come.” You can read more about Barbara and Ruby
in two books at the library: Ruby Bridges by Robert Cole and Through
My Eyes by Ruby Bridges. |
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Theodore Parker Church 1859 Centre Street |
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Helen
Arnold, wife of Rev. Harold G. Arnold, pastor of this church from 1913-1948,
resided in West Roxbury for over 60 years. She was a literary enthusiast
and a horticulturalist, especially noted for her work at the Arnold Arboretum.
Helen was the U. S. representative to the Bronte Society for 22 years
and editor of the Emily Dickinson Yearbook. She was active in the
Lend A Hand Society of Boston and a lifelong friend of Helen Keller. In
1952, she and her husband received a bronze medal from the Mass. Horticultural
Society for the restoration of their garden on Emmonsdale Road, current
site of St. George Orthodox Church. |
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