When I was kid, going to Bailey’s Ice Cream Shop was always a special treat. I remember going after visiting the Enchanted Village at Jordan Marsh at Christmastime. My mother always made sure my brother and I were dressed up – usually matching Rothschild coats. We would walk a few blocks in the cold from Winter Street to 45 West Street. Inside the shop were small marble topped tables with wrought iron legs and chairs. You ordered your ice cream sundae from a counter and it was served in silver pedestal ice cream bowls on top of silver plates with long spoons.
After your sundae, you would look at the candy in glass display cases. Sometimes my mother would get a pound of fudge for my grandfather. For many, it was part of growing up in Boston. It was a tradition that was passed down for generations. Sadly, the legendary ice cream shop closed its doors in the late 80’s.
What’s your Bailey’s memory?
History Lesson
Opening in 1873 at 45 West Street, Bailey’s sold candy and ice cream. The owners were John B. Bailey and D.H. Page. When Bailey’s first opened, the shop focused on candy but later added ice cream. Eventually, Bailey’s opened up 11 ice cream shops.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
