Postcards Of Progress

Postcards Of Progress

Over the years, The Lenox has undergone many modernization and renovation projects, most of them documented thanks to the popularity of postcards, which blossomed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Postcards were popular because they were a quick and easy way for individuals to communicate with each other and of course less expensive!

Through all the years, one thing hasn’t changed – that is the iconic Lenox Hotel rooftop sign. In the early 1900s, with the advancing development of electricity and the automobile, thousands of rooftop signs were erected on rooftops around the country. At the time, they were called “sky signs” and come to be known as scaffold signs because of their prominent steel supports. These same signs are now giving way to either LED bulbs (like ours!) or backlit plastic letters.

You’ll notice in the chronological order of postcards and a couple of exterior photos; the hotel has undergone many renovations – particularly the addition of the entrance and marquee on Boylston Street (in 1920). From the facade, balconies, windows, awnings, first floor businesses and an extensive repointing of the building during our 100th anniversary back in 2000, our stunning hotel proudly stands with regal elegance, overlooking the Back Bay neighborhood.