Grove Street: South to Bridge |
 Louis L. McAllister October 19, 1938 |
 Sarah L. Graulty October 29, 2006 |
This photograph, dated October 19, 1938, shows the finished W. P. A. Grove Street Bridge. The project, which had begun in June 1938, was completed in September 1938.[1] Between 1938 and 1940, several public works projects took place on Grove Street and although the bridge is completed in this photograph, it appears likely from this image that a new project was already underway. The building the background, at 99 Grove Street, is the residence of Charles A. Kirby, a market gardener. Kirby's residence first appears in the Burlington directory in 1920. In 1938, the year this photo was taken, the Burlington directory reports that Kirby lived in the house with several of his relatives, including Ernest R. Kirby. To view the completed bridge, please click here. To view the bridge from a similar viewpoint in 1940, please click here.
[1] Burlington City Annual Report,1939, p. 175. |
This contemporary photograph reveals the primary changes that have taken place since 1940. Perhaps most noticeable is the significantly altered Grove Street Bridge, which is barely noticeable because of the missing parapet walls and other significant structures. In addition, one sees the development of the former Wilfred C. Kirby plant at 100 Grove Street, on the left. The Burlington Directory last lists the W. C. Kirby Company at this address in the early 1970s. By 1975-76, Ireland Concrete Construction Corp. in this location, where they still operate today. Although it is difficult to discern through the thick vegetation, the Charles A. Kirby homestead, formerly at 99 Grove Street, had been removed. The Burlington directory suggests that C. A. Kirby died between 1949 and 1951. It appears that following his death, Kirby's widow, Myrtle B. Kirby, and son Leroy moved to 510 Patchen Road, just over the city line in South Burlington. Son Ernest remained at 99 Grove for several years but by 1956, 99 Grove Street is no longer listed in the Burlington directory. [1][1] Burlington City Directory, 1956 (Burlington: H. A. Manning Co., 1916-1986) |
Historic Burlington Project Depression Era Streetscapes: Old North End | Burlington 1890 | Burlington 1877 | Burlington 1869 | Burlington 1853 | Burlington 1830 Produced by University of Vermont Historic Preservation Program graduate students in HP 206 Researching Historic Structures and Sites - Prof. Thomas Visser - in collaboration with UVM Landscape Change Program Historic images courtesy of University of Vermont Library Special Collections, Louis L. McAllister Photograph Collection |