Ever wondered what life was like for shoe factory workers in the 1880s? Here at the Baxter Street Historic District, we can step back in time. This residential area gives us a glimpse into the lives of those who labored in Quincy’s shoe industry.
The Baxter Street Historic District is a small area. It is located roughly between 19 and 34 Baxter Street. This district is not large. It is less than one acre.
In 1989, the Baxter Street Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
These buildings are examples of “Quincy Cottages”. Quincy Cottages were once common in the city. The four duplexes here were built in the 1880s. John E. Drake built them for his shoe factory workers. His shoe factory was near Parmenter Place. By the 1880s, Drake employed 250 workers.
The “Quincy Cottage” style has defining characteristics. They are 1.5 stories high. These wood-frame structures feature a rectangular shape. Each has a projecting entrance. Gabled dormers sit in the roof.
The Baxter Street Historic District includes four addresses. They are 19-21 Baxter Street. Also included are 25-27 Baxter Street. Numbers 26-28 and 32-24 Baxter Street are also included.
Stylistically the duplexes vary. Some have clapboard finishes. Others display stucco. Porches differ in presence and design. Eaves show varying degrees of bracketing. Dormer shapes and sizes also differ. Carved brackets frame all gabled dormers.
Baxter Street itself has an interesting story. It sits in a densely built area. This area is east of Quincy Center. It is south of Washington Street and east of Revere Street. Before development, Josiah Baxter owned a farm here.
The Baxter Street Historic District offers a tangible link to Quincy’s industrial past. It reminds us of the working class. These workers helped shape the city. This district is more than just buildings. It embodies the spirit of a community. The community supported itself through hard work and determination. As you leave Baxter Street Historic District, consider the legacy of these homes. Remember the people who lived and toiled within them. Their contributions helped build Quincy.