Donated by Wayne G. Miller, this collection comprises over 270 postcards dating from 1896 to 1980. The postcards are related to the Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts and depict a wide variety of Quincy-built ships, many of which were commissioned by the United States Navy. Other subjects include the Fore River Bridge, the Fore River Railroad, christening of the vessels, scenes of workers and crew members, and the “Great White Fleet.”
This collection comprises over 180 postcards which include views of landmarks relating to the Adams and Quincy families. Among the many churches portrayed in the collection, the “Church of the Presidents”, the interment place of two U.S. Presidents and their wives, is prominently featured. Quincy neighborhoods, schools, industries, and businesses are also represented. Also included are depictions of the Thomas Crane Public Library, highlighting architect H.H. Richardson’s original 1882 library building.
Warren S. Parker (1861-1944) built houses for a living before he was appointed Building Inspector for the City of Quincy in 1907. He served in this position for twenty-five years, becoming interested in old Quincy houses and residents. At the core of the collection are over 2,000 lantern slides (circa 1890-1930) which Parker used while giving his illustrated lectures. Acquired by the Library in 1945, the collection includes copies of deeds, maps, scrapbooks, biographical notes, and newspaper clippings.
1868 – 1967 Quincy (Mass.)–Directories
1868 – 1869 Dorchester (Boston, Mass.) Directories
1870 -1879 Weymouth (Mass.)–Directories; Braintree (Mass.)–Directories