November 4, 2026 Submitted By Geri Duff
In the photo collection of the Hingham Historical Society are hundreds of 8-by-10 prints of the Bethlehem-Hingham Shipyard. Each is marked on the front with the date and location of the view.
This photograph is dated February 10, 1943, and was taken in front of Warehouse No. 3, one of several parking lots throughout the shipyard. Not only were the lots packed like this one, but signs were posted throughout the yard warning workers to use the designated parking areas or face a penalty.
Sound familiar? It was much like today’s parking situation for the commuter boat.
In 1943, Hingham had a population of about 8,000, while the shipyard employed 20,000 workers across three shifts. Needless to say, the shipyard needed plenty of parking!
Looking across the lot toward the far right, you can see one of the Naval Barracks on Beal Street, located approximately where Lincoln Plaza stands today.