Douglas Street

From Worcester Activist wiki

Also WILLIAM G. MAYNARD

Douglas street is the product of diplomacy.

In 1871, Worcester commissioned William G. Maynard to renumber streets which were causing increasing confusion due to irregularities.

Mr. Maynard also took it upon himself to name a few streets. One of these was Douglas street.

At the time, Douglas street was inhabited by Irish and Negro residents. As rapidly as one group would suggest a name, it would be opposed by the other.

Mr. Maynard thought deeply then had an inspiration. The Street, he announced, would be Douglas street.

When the Irish inquired who Douglas was, Mr. Maynard told them it was Stephen A. Douglas, of course, then a Democratic presidential candidate. When the Negroes inquired, Mr. Maynard said Douglas was Frederic Douglas, of course, the famed Negro of that day.

This satisfied everyone and Douglas kept its name.

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The core of this article comes from A History of Your City Streets.