Pierce Family Photograph Collection
DAL.MSS.161

Pierce Family Photograph Collection
Dates: c. 1897-1905
Creator: Irving Pierce
Call Number: DAL.MSS.161
Quantity: 1 box
Access Restrictions: Open to researchers
Acquisition Information: Donated by Tony Kelso, DAL.2025.017

Scope and Content
Photographs and an album of the Pierce family of Abrams Hill, Duxbury, MA, c. 1897-1905. Photographs include summer scenes of Duxbury and those of the early marriage of Irving and Gertrude Pierce in their Abrams Hill cottage.

Biographical Note
Irving B. Pierce (1883-1961) lived in Lexington, MA, and was the son of Charles F. and Nellie J. Pierce. He owned a car dealership. Gertrude Smith Pierce (1884-1963) also lived in Lexington, MA, and was the daughter of William B. and Charlotte Smith.

Both the Pierce and Smith families summered in Duxbury. The Pierce family spent time at Mrs. Banister’s boarding house on Washington Street. Gertrude Smith purchased a cottage on Abrams Hill in Duxbury, MA, in 1916 before her marriage in 1919. The cottage was taken down in the late 20th century, but it was the site of the current 69 Abrams Hill. The Pierces spent their honeymoon in the cottage.

Irving and Gertrude Pierce had one child, Irving Jr. (1920-2011). There are many photographs of Irving Jr, also called “Sonny” in the collection.