Peters Park, Boston

Peters Park is named after George and Sadie Peters, two prominent members of the Syrian-Lebanese community that resided here from 1880 until 1966 when the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) took possession of the property as part of its South End Renewal Plan.   A few years later a large fire lasting several days destroyed many of the remaining homes, including the Peters's.  Sadie Peters was President of the Bradford Street Neighborhood Association at the time, and she led a long and finally successful campaign against the BRA and its plans for rebuilding.  It was her wish that this area become a park that would benefit all nearby residents in the South End forever.  

The Memorial Stone at the park's Bradford Street entrance marks the location of the Peters' home that burned down.  It faces 42 Bradford Street where Sadie Peters lived after the fire until her death in October 1975.   

Peters Memorial Park was dedicated to George and Sadie Peters on July 10, 1976.  The Boston City Council issued the following declaration: 

"This tribute is but small recognition for the contributions they made for more than four decades to their adopted country and chosen neighborhood in Boston.  The Peters who came to America in 1908 from Kera-Hilda, Lebanon, and settled in the South End with five children, set an example in the community which valued hard work, civic spirit, patriotism and brotherhood among various ethnic groups.  

"Both were active communicants at Saint George's Syrian Church in the South End with Mr. Peters serving as canter for thirty-five years.   He was a conscientious worker in the  shoemaking industry for years, retiring for illness four years before his death in 1954.  Mrs. Peters was honored guest at the April 1975 groundbreaking for the park on Bradford Street just six months before her death.  The park recreation facility in the neighborhood they helped enrich will be formally dedicated on Mr. Peter's birthday in presence of many admirers of the couple.

"The Boston City Council joins in adding its respect and tribute to these loyal, law-abiding citizens who helped make the South End a healthy and viable community, and be it further this Council officially registers its approval that a fitting living memorial in the form of a public park will help keep green the memories of George and Sadie Peters and many others like them for their quiet service to their neighborhood." - Boston City Council, Minutes of Meeting July 3, 1976