#8 – Landmarking Leavitt & Pierce

 

For my historic building, I am focusing on 1316 Massachusetts Avenue, which contains the beloved Leavitt & Pierce tobacco and gift shop. The shop has been open since 1883, and it still sits in its original location. In fact, it is the oldest store in its original location in Harvard Square today. As many other historic local businesses, such as Dickson Bros, are closing, it is important to landmark those that remain. The shop sits just across the street from Harvard Yard, and as such, it has been a staple to Harvard students since its inception. The shop was a space for students to socialize, with a “smoky atmosphere” and a set of billiard tables in the back. The store was also ranked #8 in Forces list of the top independent retail experiences in the US for 2019. This is likely due to the fact that walking into the building feels like walking back in time. The retail space is covered in counters filled with tobacco products, classic games, and miscellaneous old fashioned products, such as shaving supplies. In addition, it is decorated with abundant paraphernalia, much of which comes from Harvard athletics. The black and white tiles that cover the ground, as well as the green glass pendant lights evoke great charm and character. On the exterior, hand painted signage, as well as a protruding figure, invite pedestrians in to explore the shop’s quirky contents. In addition, the windows historically have served as somewhat of a “Harvard bulletin board,” with athletic game scores, hours for team practices, and lost and found items on display. The Cambridge History site notes that “The Crimson regularly noted in its columns, “See Leavitt’s window for details.”” The tickets for Harvard’s games were even sold inside the story until the 1890s. There were also railroad and steamship tickets available inside, making the store a prominent feature of all Camrbdige residents’ lives, even the non-smokers. In more recent years, the culture of Harvard and the Square have shifted away from having a tobacco shop such a cornerstone of everyday life. Nevertheless, it deserves to be landmarked and protected for all to enjoy for years to come. 

Sources:

• https://www.leavittandpeirce.com/our-history

• https://historycambridge.org/articles/eighty-five-aromatic-years-in-harvard-square-by-catharine-k-wilder/

• https://www.thecrimson.com/article/2009/2/26/126-years-and-still-smoking-perched/

• https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/leavitt-peirce-inc/