ABOUT THE HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS
"These two photographs raise an interesting question about the real value of open space in cities.

Both are of Union Street, known to most Bostonians for the landmark Union Oyster House. The old photo dates from the 1950s md the new one from 1989.

You can’t make out the Oyster House very clearly, but it’s about halfway down the right-hand side of the street in both shots. It’s part of a tiny neighborhood of twisting lanes known as the Blacksto...