There is a new display at the Lawrence History Center. The Lawrence Businesses Through the Years exhibit case displays objects, advertisements, and photographs of six different Lawrence businesses. While Lawrence is mostly known for its numerous mills, such as the Wood Mill (included in the exhibit - see the above photograph), which was constructed in 1905 by William Wood, there were also many other businesses that were owned and operated by Lawrence residents. These local businesses not only helped stimulate the Lawrence economy, but also provided Lawrence with a rich social and cultural life.
For example, Boehm’s Cafe, once located at 78-84 Essex St, was founded in 1884 by Adolph (A.G.) Boehm, a German immigrant. Boehm was an importer and a bottler. He sold Rhine wines, liquor, ale, porter, lager, and beer. He was also an agent for Anheuser Hinckel and Cold Spring Lager. More recently there was the Cedar Crest Diner, which was once located at 187 Broadway. The diner was a popular fixture in Lawrence for 73 years until it moved to North Andover in 2010. When the restaurant moved, its current owner, Mary Claire Kennedy, said, “There was a lot of sadness on everybody’s part when we closed in Lawrence. I knew it would be hard for me to leave this place.” Cedar Crest closed one year after opening at its new location.
This exhibit is just a small sampling of what the History Center has amongst its vast collections. The History Center has documents, photographs, advertisements, news clippings, and objects, such as ashtrays, coasters, and glass bottles, that help provide a rich and in depth history of the many businesses that once called Lawrence their home. We invite you to come to the LHC in order to see the whole exhibit case!