JLB

The Orange Line

In 1987, Boston’s oldest and busiest elevated train stopped running after 87 years – it had been replaced by a new subway. In 1985, sponsored by the MBTA, the Urbanarts Committee organized a photographic project to document the buildings, streets, and the people of the neighborhoods which were serviced by the elevated and would be the most affected by its removal. 

“Visually, the neighborhoods and the architecture along the orange line are very rich. Many things here – store fronts, streets and the elevated railway itself – are virtually unchanged since the turn of the century. My 8x10” view camera dates from around that same period. This large camera attracts a lot of attention and it often brings subjects to me. Most of my photographs are portraits and except where the overall needs of the project might be otherwise, they will continue to be portraits. I think that people are almost always the most interesting part of any place and of any time. Everything that there is to know can be found in their faces, their hands, their postures and their gestures.” -Jack Lueders-Booth

The Orange Line published by STANLEY/BARKER is now available. Please click here to order.