1897 Union Street Looking West
Before the Widening - New Bedford

Photo from 1897
The view is a perfect example of how Union Street was narrower above Purchase Street.
In 1913 it was widened along with Purchase street at great expense.
Notice the stores and businesses on the left (south) side of the street west of Purchase Street going uphill.
They protruded and the narrower street was a choke point for traffic.

During the street reconstruction they were either demolished or renovated to accomodate the new 60 foot width requirement

In this picture we can see the New Bedford Institute for Savings Bank on the left.
Above Purchase street on the right were several business that had been long established and remained untouched by the widening.
Moynan's had a blaring billboard type ad for it's store. See the ad below:

Click the pic for an enlarged view for more details.