Notes from the Archives: The Boston Almanac

This morning, we’re highlighting our collection of Boston Almanacs. This 1836 Almanac was published by S.N. Dickinson, who ran a publishing business located at 52 Washington Street.

Almanacs published weather predictions for each month, including the phases of the moon, and the times of sunrise and sunset. As well, the almanacs gave information about both weather and events from the previous year. This 1836 almanac gives the mean temperature for July of 1835. It also lists several notable events that occurred in July 1835. This includes a riot on Broad Street, a spirit gas explosion, a balloon ascension, and the sale price of the first peaches of the summer season.

The Boston Almanac also included information about the City’s various institutions and municipal government bodies. The page above lists some of Boston's Fire Companies.  In 1836, the companies had names, such as "The Lion," or the "The Eagle."

In addition to listing information about the Fire Companies, the Boston Almanac published a log of every Boston fire from the previous year. The page above shows a list of fires from May to September of 1835.

In the months to come, we'll be sharing more content from our Boston Almanacs. Stay tuned!