Dorchester Illustration 2574 John S. Davidson
Today’s illustration reminds us that contractors often used to work out of their homes. John S. Davidson is standing behind the fence at 8 Charles Street. The boy is probably John’s son Leonard.
On June 28, 1913, The Dorchester Beacon newspaper ran the following puff piece about John Davidson.
“John S. Davidson
An Expert Painter and Decorator – Does Much Work in Dorchester and Vicinity.—No. 8 Charles Street.
“Few painters and decorators of Dorchester are better prepared to undertake large contracts in their line than is John S. Davidson. He has been in the business here for a period of eight years but has really been established since 1894. He was formerly located at 459 Geneva Avenue. He is thoroughly skilled in both exterior and interior painting and enjoys a splendid reputation for his fine decorative work. His shop is located in the rear of this residence at 8 Charles Street. The entire property covers an area of over 5,000 square feet. The shop is of commodious size and two stories high. It has a loft with a storing capacity for 1,000 pairs of blinds. Mr. Davidson employs from ten to twenty-five men, according to the number of contracts in hand. All work is done under his own personal supervision. He can be reached on the telephone by calling Dorchester 247. A specialty is made of residential work.
Mr. Davidson is well known in Masonic circles, and is a member of the Eastern Star Lodge, and of the A. O. U. W. (Ancient Order of United Workmen).”
Note: The Ancient Order of United Workmen was the first of the fraternal beneft societies that offered insurance for their members.