In 1960, on a snowy day, looking up State Street towards Longfellow Square reveals a charming scene. Longfellow Square, named in honor of the famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, features a statue of him at its center. This statue, erected in 1888, depicts Longfellow seated and facing east down Congress Street.
The building to the left of the statue has an interesting history itself. Its origins trace back to the former William Hammond house. In 1918, during the Spanish Flu pandemic, it was repurposed and operated as Queen’s Hospital by the Sisters of Mercy to provide much-needed medical care. In 1943, Queen’s Hospital relocated to 144 State Street and adopted the name Mercy Hospital. Alongside this transformation, numerous houses along State Street were converted into residences for nurses, reflecting the community’s commitment to healthcare.
