Chinatown in Boston in Suffolk County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
Mary Soo Hoo Park on the Greenway
The Green Way
Welcome to Mary Soo Hoo Park on The Greenway, designated in 2005 to honor her lifelong commitment to Boston's Chinatown.
Mary Soo Hoo was born in Cambridge and came to Chinatown in 1961 where she opened the first hair salon in Boston's Chinatown. Disheartened by all the injustices she heard about at her salon, Mary became a lifetime community activist devoted to improving the safety and quality of life for those in her neighborhood and city. Mary's leadership and commitment for change led her to become a member of many committees and organizations in Chinatown, including a coalition to transform the area then known as the "Combat Zone".
Located at the southern end of The Greenway, Mary Soo Hoo Park occupies a small but heavily used area in Chinatown and has a tremendous impact on the surrounding neighborhood. The park is well used by the community, serving as a gathering place for residents of all ages, and a gateway for visitors to Chinatown and The Greenway.
Please remember Mary Soo Hoo as you enjoy the park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Asian Americans • Civil Rights • Industry & Commerce • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1961.
Location. 42° 21.075′ N, 71° 3.583′ W. Marker
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Chinatown Gateway (here, next to this marker); Auntie Kay and Uncle Frank Chin Park on the Greenway (a few steps from this marker); Tiananmen Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Ping On Alley (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Liberty Tree Block (approx. 0.2 miles away); Abraham Shapiro (approx. 0.2 miles away); Josiah Quincy School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Boston Young Men's Christian Union (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Boston.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
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