SeacoastNH.com Presents
Historic Portsmouth #248

This timely image of St. Patrick’s School comes from the McEachern family album circa 1915-1920. The annual Palm Sunday procession moved from Austin St. to Summer St. to services at the Catholic church. (Continued below)

Marcella McEachern is reportedly the last girl on the right in white, next to the dark blurred impish figure. Marcella was among six surviving children who lived in a large house on the West End of Islington Street (the site of Sherwin-Williams store today). The family came to Portsmouth from Cape Breton around 1890 and took in boarders. Marcella’s brother Archie (not shown) left school in fourth grade to work in the brewery next door. He later worked at the Morley Button Factory and as a night watchman for the city. His son Paul McEachern is a Portsmouth attorney and NH state representative. (Photo courtesy Alec McEachern)

BONUS CLOSE-ups
Photo Courtesy Alec McEachern