Dorchester Illustration of the Day no. 1950
Commercial Point has been related to shipping since the beginning of the 19th century. It was the location of a small fishing operation and later the Preston Chocolate factory. Then it became the place where fuel came to Dorchester. Wood, coal and coal gas were the primary imports in the later 19th century. And in the 20th-21st centuries we have the gas tank.
This picture shows a ship for coal and the gasometer in the background. Within the structure the balloon would inflate when coal gas was stored inside and deflate as it was distributed for use. The point from which the photo was taken is probably Tenean Beach.
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