Dorchester Illustration no. 2502 Building Roof Cave-In, 1978
In 1978, the Ashmont Creamery was a popular spot on Dorchester Avenue between Monsignor Lydon Way and Edwin Street. The building is now occupied by the Phu Thinh Market and Ann’s Coin Laundry.
In August of 1978, the building next door, at 1832 Dorchester Avenue, was being torn down, and the work on that building caused the roof of the Creamery building to cave in.
Today’s illustration was the photograph to accompany the following article.
Photo caption
Police investigate mishap that occurred with a building was being demolished on Dorchester Ave.
Heroic fireman leads five to safety in Hub
Boston Herald, August 18, 1978
An off-duty Boston firefighter assisted five persons to safety yesterday when the roof of a Dorchester variety store collapsed in a freak accident.
Firefighter James Soletti of Engine Company I was stopped at a traffic signal outside the Ashmont Creamery, 1826, Dorchester Avenue, when the store roof caved in.
Soletti had seen three small boys enter the store just before he heard the crashing of brick and timbers. He got out of his car and rushed into the store where he led the boys and the owners, Albert and Estelle Winn, of Cherry street, Malden, to safety.
Mrs. Winn, 47 was treated for shock at Carney Hospital. The others were uninjured.
According to police, the three-story building next door at 1832 Dorchester Avenue was being torn down by a construction company. Police said the wrecking ball swung by a crane inadvertently knocked bricks and timer onto the roof of the variety store, causing the collapse.