Back in 1913, Rutherford Avenue in Charlestown between the Prison Point Bridge (today's Gilmore Bridge) and Sullivan Square was lined with shops catering to horse owners - from "horse shoers" to harness makers, as seen in this photo by Curtis Wolcott of several shops near where Tibbetts Town Way used to intersect with the avenue.
The view of the same area today.
Frank McCall, owner of McCall the Harness Man, sold a variety of harnesses and other leather implements for riding and managing herses.
On Feb. 28, 1918, a fire broke out in his shop, extending to a stable out back. "Nine horse owned by Louder Brothers were rescued and removed to a nearby stable," the Globe reported.
Despite a passerby tarrying before reporting the fire, Boston firefighters, including the crew of Ladder 9, were able to keep the fire from spreading beyond the stable, the Globe reported, adding damage was estimated at $2,000 - or about $42,000 today.
Sometime between the fire and 1944, McCall closed his shop - by 1944, the address was being used by the United Ice Supply Co.
Photo from the BPL's Charlestown Lantern Slides collection. Posted under this Creative Commons license.
Like the job UHub is doing? Consider a contribution. Thanks!
Ad:
Comments
Was the term Farrier not in vogue?
By CAP
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 3:42pm
Never knew shoer was a word.
There is a difference
By SwirlyGrrl
Mon, 02/17/2025 - 4:37pm
Farriers specialize in hoof care and usually do shoes as part of that, including the blacksmithing part. Traditionally, they were in charge of horse care generally, but that was taken over when veterinarians became more common.
A shoer just removes and replaces the shoes when they come loose or wear down.
Useful info here.
Add comment