The Jamaica Club

Courtesy Boston Public Library

The Jamaica Club purchased this clubhouse in 1889. Club members were predominantly men who gathered on Saturday evenings to dine and enjoy card and other indoor games. This clubhouse  was located on the northwest corner of Green Street and Rockview Street. The building was later purchased by the Knights of Columbus and used by that organization as a meeting hall.

In the 1950s and 1960s the Knights of Columbus sponsored a catholic girls social group, the Squirettes, that met in this building as well a group called the Squires for boys. These groups were considered the “Junior Members” of the Knights of Columbus and were run by Mr. Edward F. Barrett, a school teacher. Activities inluded dances, variety shows, an annual retreat,  and trips to West Point and Washington, DC. They also organized a Christmas party  at the Franciscan Children’s Home in Fort Hill, Roxbury, as well as performing other social services.

While the clubhouse is gone, the retaining wall shown in this photo can still be seen today. This postcard shows the Rockview side.

Editor's Note: we are always interested in getting more information on social organizations from Jamaica Plain.  If you have images or records from either the Jamaica Club or the Knights of Columbus please Contact Us.