The Dorchester Pottery Works what a legacy. Right here in Harrison Square. This unassuming brick building hummed with industry for nearly a century. Imagine the scent of clay the rhythmic clang of tools. George Henderson a visionary founded it in 1895. His innovative beehive kiln 28 feet across a marvel of engineering. It fired pottery foot warmers playfully nicknamed “Porcelain Pigs”. These kept feet toasty before central heating a common sight in homes.
Harrison Square itself has a rich history. The name honors President William Henry Harrison who visited Dorchester in 1840. Sadly he died soon after. The area’s original name slowly faded. It was replaced by “Clam Point” a more marketable moniker in the 1970s. The Old Colony Railroad depot once the heart of Harrison Square was demolished around 1970. But the stories live on.
The Dorchester Pottery Works wasn’t just about pots. It represents Dorchester’s industrial past. It thrived for years supplying stoneware. After World War II sales declined. The works closed in 1979. The building decayed. Local residents fought to save it. It’s now a City of Boston Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Bay Cove Human Services acquired the property in 2001. They renovated it preserving the kiln room. It now hosts community exhibitions a testament to preservation efforts.
Think of the families who lived near Harrison Square Station. Affluent families moved in after the railroad arrived in 1844. Architects like Luther Briggs and John A. Fox designed stunning homes. The Italianate and Mansard styles were popular. Imagine these grand houses surrounded by spacious yards a rarity in Boston. The area even became a summer resort with hotels like the Russell House.
Harrison Square Station itself is a more recent addition. However its presence connects the past and present. The station is linked to a historic district. This district showcases architectural styles. These reflect the prosperity and changing demographics of the neighborhood over time. This place is more than just a station. It’s a gateway to a captivating history. It’s a window into Boston’s past a tangible link to the stories of those who lived and worked here. Walk the streets of Harrison Square. Feel the echoes of the past. Discover the stories within the stones.