While the federal holiday celebrated this weekend is called “Presidents’ Day,” in Massachusetts it’s officially “Washington’s Birthday” in recognition of the man who played a large role in local history. The holiday began here in 1856 out of Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis’ determination to honor Washington. “From morn till midnight on February 22, the...
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BPL Behind the Scenes: The Conservation Lab
In 1982, the National Endowment for the Humanities gave the Boston Public Library (BPL) a grant for in-house restoration of specific collections. Stuart T. Walker, Book Conservator, explained that the initial work included the John Adams Library, a large collection of manuscripts of the American Revolution, and the important anti-slavery collection that documents Boston’s...
BosTix Budget Entertainment
This little booth in Copley Square can stretch your entertainment budget. The nonprofit champion of the local arts community, Arts Boston runs the BosTix program. It lets you walk up and buy half price day-of-the-show tickets to performances around town.
Mrs. Gardner & Mr. Sears
The reopening of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum shined a spotlight on the home Mrs. Gardner built in the Fenway with the assistance of architect Willard Thomas Sears. It’s a good time to remember that for 40 years Mrs. Gardner’s principal residence was on Beacon Street in the Back Bay. And, that Mr. Sears’...
Attention to Detail
LAST WEEK’S ANSWER The carved, stone panel in last week’s clue is on 393 Commonwealth Avenue. Built in 1899, it was designed by architect, Arthur Little. Over the years, the building has been a single family home, professional offices, and an advertising agency. Today, it contains six condominiums. Do you have a favorite building...
The Algonquin Club
In the heart of the Back Bay, stands the Italian Renaissance Revival clubhouse that architects McKim, Mead & White designed for the Algonquin Club. Author Donlyn Lyndon, in his book Boston Observed, said, “There are few buildings in Boston of comparable opulence and scope.” The Beginning In the late 1800s, the popular Boston social...
Attention to Detail
LAST WEEK’S ANSWER The dated cornerstone in last week’s clue is on Old South Church designed by Cummings and Sears. This has also been called “New Old South Church” or “Third Church” in keeping with the dates carved into that stone. The congregation was gathered in 1670 at the Cedar Meeting House, moved to...
Boston’s Other Club Scene
In 1892, author and editor Edwin Monroe Bacon declared that Boston was a “club town.” In his book “Boston of To-day” he wrote, “It has clubs of every sort known in modern club life. There are the great social clubs the hospitalities of which are enjoyed by men of distinction in various walks; professional...
Attention to Detail
LAST WEEK’S ANSWER The clock in last week’s clue was seen by thousands over the weekend, because it is on the Arlington Street Church in a key location for First Night. The first week of the year features the first building constructed in the Back Bay. It was built between 1859-1861 under the direction...
Smoke-free Homes for 2012
New years bring resolutions to live a healthier life. Changes in social attitudes create new ways to improve your health. By converting your building to a smoke-free zone, you can improve both your physical and fiscal health in 2012. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has made access to smoke-free housing a priority. A...