This is a unique early photo of the section of Lower Washington St. that became known as “Russell’s Block”. From left to right:

• [145-147 Washington St.] Brown Brothers, Fruits and Vegetables, Provisions
• To the right of the door for the upstairs rooms is an unattributed sign advertising “Drain Pipe, Nails, Powder, Soft Lead, …. Hardware”
• [137-139 Washington St.] Thomas T. Robinson, Fine Groceries. He had recently taken over the business of Marshall Russell whose sign still remains in the photo.

Courtesy, Brookline Public Library. From Photographs of Brookline: taken about 1876 / Richard Hills. Call No.: BROOKLINE/Special (CAGE B.R. 974 H6).