Lost Lawrence

As we look forward to all the exciting opportunities that are proposed for our city of Lawrence, we might take a moment to reflect on what has been lost to us here in the City.

In this column we will be posting images of lost structures due to a number of reasons: economic conditions, Urban Renewal, fires, new development. If you have thoughts, comments,stories or images, please email them to us here at the History Center.

One of the most important historical aspects of this community has been its ability to adapt, to transform to the ever changing populations and economies that buffet the city.

The city was created to harness the water power in the mid 19th century - to transform a rural, agrarian community into an industrial city. Unlike other industrial communities, Lawrence was designed, built and developed by engineers - they had a different focus on infrastructure, design, layout, materials - they thought like engineers and not strictly builders.

Yes, the city was funded by venture capitalists of the day, the Boston Associates. Yet because of their interest in making money from water power~ the engineering and design aspects were vital to their vision. They looked for infrastructures that would withstand water, time, people and manufacturing. As Kathy Flynn says, "The city was their machine and every aspect of it was a cog in the functioning of that machine. They thought as engineers. They viewed the city's schools, Common, Bridges, railroads, building restrictions as the gears in that would make that machine work. This paternalistic engineering was a entrepreneurial invention - they invented Lawrence as a machine to produce power - with all the necessary pieces in place to achieve that result. "

So, as we anticipate the city' s future let's reflect on some of the structures that we have lost to the wrecking ball. These are the stories and images we will be posting on this site.

If we think about what has been lost, we can keep in mind what we, as a community, believe should be saved.
*Structures that reflect the engineering designs of first class intellects;
*Architectural designs of world class architects;
*Housing and commercial sites that reflect a city that has been able to transform with the passage of time and differing cultures;
*Those aspects that are indicative of an urban mill city community ~ more importantly, those aspects that are indicative of Lawrence, the Immigrant City.

Every old structure may not be deemed worthy of salvaging - we juggle the need to preserve the integrity of the City's history,texture and style with the need to provide for jobs and affordable housing.

If we remember what has been lost, we may be better stewards of deciding what to save!

You can contact us at:
Email; research@lawrencehistory.org;
Phone: 978 686 9230 or
Mail: Lawrence History Center 6 Essex Street, Lawrence, Ma 01840