History of Jamaica Plain (part II)

Posted by: Robert Holley
Posted on: Sunday, July 1, 2007 at 11:28 am
Categories: Lifestyle, History Of..., Neighborhood News, Jamaica Plain

haffenreffer-brew.jpg

In 1851, West Roxbury, including Roslindale and Jamaica Plain, seceded from the Town of Roxbury.  West Roxbury was divided into five precincts: Jamaica Plain, Roslindale, Claredon Hills, West Roxbury Village, and Germantown.  The most rural precincts were West Roxbury Village and Germantown (Bacon, Walks and Rides About Boston, 1896).  The Town of West Roxbury was at this time developing Forest Hills, a garden cemetery intended for widespread public use.  Cemeteries such as these served not only as a place to honor the dead, but also as an arboretum, a place for recreation, an antidote to the environmental ills of the city and a showcase for art.  They also paved the way for the establishment of urban parks of the late 19th century.

At this time, the population of Jamaica Plain was growing rapidly and becoming increasingly foreign-born.  Between 1865 and 1880, the population grew from 5,450 to 32,750.  By 1880, 25% of all households in the area were Irish.  Jamaica Plain also became home to a large number of German Americans, Progressive reformers, and mainstream politicians.  The remaining upper-middle-class Protestants were the local social elite and included farmers, the wealthy elite, and business commuters.  Jamaica Plain finally became annexed to the City of Boston in 1874, after first being part of the Town of Roxbury, and then being a part of the Town of West Roxbury. 

Although Jamaica Plain retained some of its identity as a rural retreat, the centrality of industry to the life of the neighborhood increased, and Jamaica Plain became associated with industries such as the Haffenreffer Brewery.  Residents of all social levels developed deep attachments to the neighborhood through real estate deals, their proximity to work, and strong local Catholic parishes.  Social ties were also fostered through practices such as spigots outside the brewery that allowed workers to fill their containers with free beer.

JP History Part I

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2 Responses to “History of Jamaica Plain (part II)”

  1. Tim on July 1st, 2007 11:35 am

    I love the story of Boston’s neighborhood unfolding here. Thanks RObert…kepp up the good work!

  2. lisa sullivan on July 1st, 2007 7:14 pm

    Thanks Robert, I grew up in J.P. and can appreciate the history and facts about where I was raised and my parents have lived there for over 50 years. I will share this with them. Thanks!!

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