Quincy, Mass. Historical and Architectural Survey

9 Bicknell Street (Sailors' Snug Harbor)

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The brick building at 9 Bicknell Street and the Sailors' Snug Harbor Cemetery off Palmer Street are the only reminders of the Sailors' Snug Harbor. a place of retirement for men whose only home had been the sea. This notable nearly one hundred year old institution was founded in 1852 largely through the efforts and generosity of Captain Josiah Bacon of Boston. The men who lived at the home were retired merchant seamen. including many who had been masters of the finest sailing vessels in the world trades. Sailors' Snug Harbor served over 500 seamen until the last three left on May 4, 1950 and the land became the property of the Quincy Housing Authority.

Sailors' Snug Harbor was located on the eighty acres of the Germantown estate of General Joseph Palmer and the General's old home was used for over fifty years by the institution. The cornerstone of the new main building was laid on July 14. 1856 and it is unclear when this building later burned or was demolished. The only surviving building, 9 Bicknell Street. was connected to the main building with a covered passage, called the "subway". Midway in this "subway" was a bell which indicated the rising hour, mealtime, and "Divine Worship" on Sunday, in the chapel.

This last surviving structure of Sailors' Snug Harbor stands as a symbol of a history in which the residents of Germantown take justifiable pride. It also serves a useful present function as the Manet Community Health Center and as headquarters for the Harborview Residents' Committee. Every effort should be made to preserve this building and protect it from alterations which would further threaten its architectural integrity.

BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES
Assessors Records.
Building Permits.
H. Hobart Holly, Quincy Historical Society.
Quincy Patriot Ledger, 100th Anniversary, January 7, 1937, p. B-8.
Quincy Patriot Ledger, April 15, 1967.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
The present Community Health Center was once an annex to the well known Sailors' Snug Harbor retirement home of merchant sea men. Built at the onset of the 20th century, it is a plain Colonial Revival brick structure with a hip roof which projects slightly creating space for the small shaped brackets which enliven the facade. A small side extension is on the right elevation. The fenestration is regular, composed of rectangular sash windows topped with flared brick lintels and a contrasting keystone, A simple shed roof porch protects the entry. As with most of Qunicy's pre1910 buildings, the Community Health Center is set on a granite foundation. This is one of Germantown's most historic structures, a reminder of its past which Germantown citizens are anxious and eager to preserve.

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