Then & Now: Frostholm Square, at W. Boylston St. and W. Boylston Drive

Brothers J. Henry and Neils Frostholm, raised in Worcester, were killed in action during World War I.

Their memory is preserved at Frostholm Square, a traffic island at the convergence of West Boylston Street and West Boylston Drive, across from Strand's Ski Shop and Worcester Sound & Lights. The thousands of passing motorists each day are unlikely aware of the memorial; the busy boundaries limit foot traffic.

Lt. J. Henry Frostholm, 24, 14th Machine Gun Battalion, died Oct, 19, 1918, at Meuse-Argonne, France. Sgt. Neils E. Frostholm, 25, Battery E 102nd Field Artillery, died July 28, 1918, at Chateau Thierry, France.

Leading up to Memorial Day 1944, the Greendale American Legion Post held a ceremony at the square — as seen in this week's Then photo, from May 21, 1944.

Memorial squares can be seen at intersections throughout Worcester. They have added importance on Memorial Day each year.

Besides a stone marker and a plaque with the names of the Frostholm brothers, Frostholm Square includes a memorial wall with an honor roll of veterans names in a glass-covered panel.

Originally, the square recognizing the Frostholm brothers was located nearby, at the intersection of Boardman Street, Loring Street and Hastings Avenue. In 1937, the Ward 1 city councilor, Harold R. Lundgren, successfully lobbied to move it to its current spot. At one point, a predecessor in the district seat, George H. Nelson, was pushing to recognize the brothers with a plaque at Chadwick Square.

The square did not always have a memorial wall. In 1946, grocers Dave and Sam Salloway, wanting to honor the many residents of the neighborhood who served in World War II, spearheaded the construction of a monument. It listed dozens of names.

The monument was neglected for many years, and in 1996, the Indian Lake Watershed Association took the lead in a restoration effort. The group's interests extend beyond the lake.

The monument was eventually overhauled, with the names of those who served in all conflicts added to the roster.

Over the years, the Indian Lake Watershed Association has helped with upkeep of the square. A bench in the square honors neighbor Herb Adams, a World War II veteran who enjoyed sprucing up the grounds.

Last week Then & Now: 36 Butler St., Worcester

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Then & Now: Frostholm Square, at W. Boylston St. and W. Boylston Drive