South Boston Aquarium

[1][2] In addition to "learned" (trained) Atlantic harbor seals, curious Bostonians could view wood and glass tanks containing marine life kept alive by the oxygenation provided by aquatic plants and James Cutting's patented aerators, although both the water and glass were certainly less clear than in modern aquariums.

[7] Inside, from behind brass railings, visitors could view 55 wooden tanks, lit by natural sunlight during the day and electricity after dark, through plate glass windows.

[7][4] A large pool for Atlantic harbor seals and California sea lions, with a chandelier hanging overhead, occupied the area under the dome, and the gallery of smaller tanks exhibited saltwater and freshwater fishes and turtles.

Behind the scenes, as had occurred between Cutting and Butler, there was tension between the curators, who wanted to be seen as a scientific institution, and management, who prioritized drawing crowds.

Ultimately, the Great Depression and World War II forced the City of Boston to reallocate most of the aquarium's funding, and Mayor John Hynes finally ordered the neglected facility closed on September 30, 1954, and the remaining animals sent to other institutions.