Thomas Crane Public Library
Parker Collection

Detail from:
City Hall
Warren S. Parker (1861-1944) built houses for a living before he was appointed Building Inspector for the City of Quincy, Massachusetts, in 1907. He served in this position for twenty-five years, becoming interested in old Quincy houses and residents.
At the core of the Parker Collection are over 2,000 lantern slides (circa 1890s-1930s) that he used while giving his illustrated lectures. Acquired by the library in 1945 for $2,500, the invaluable collection also contains copies of deeds, maps, scrapbooks, biographical notes, and newspaper clippings on Quincy subjects.
At the core of the Parker Collection are over 2,000 lantern slides (circa 1890s-1930s) that he used while giving his illustrated lectures. Acquired by the library in 1945 for $2,500, the invaluable collection also contains copies of deeds, maps, scrapbooks, biographical notes, and newspaper clippings on Quincy subjects.