tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66298589207572208562024-03-28T15:49:31.901-04:00The Backside of America
It’s Really Big, Sometimes Beautiful and Always Worth a Second LookDave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.comBlogger847125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-14408800074042721792024-03-23T08:20:00.000-04:002024-03-23T08:20:29.898-04:00A Sharp Old Factory in Collinsville, CT<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3a1tglDEaAR-9bLSaEjcLLk9jAjlbgJKgGNt73DDcfgZdFWsNC4lZ4sZN3kBcSN-TFGbxiKMx3phUc9cQ1q5D2DhAKdLM6hTenl_g2yTkPv2dMb88SMQlFui9INKW_x9aRQ8wbhQgkjDSDmj4WUBu8rRuhG9WPq_O8SvFXdLjWjR3tVNfa5r7YqCSF5u/s2048/Collins%20Co%20again.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3a1tglDEaAR-9bLSaEjcLLk9jAjlbgJKgGNt73DDcfgZdFWsNC4lZ4sZN3kBcSN-TFGbxiKMx3phUc9cQ1q5D2DhAKdLM6hTenl_g2yTkPv2dMb88SMQlFui9INKW_x9aRQ8wbhQgkjDSDmj4WUBu8rRuhG9WPq_O8SvFXdLjWjR3tVNfa5r7YqCSF5u/s400/Collins%20Co%20again.jpg"/></a>
<P>Before exploring Collinsville, CT, earlier this year, I think the last (and only) time I'd been there was in the early 1980s when my sister lived in an apartment in the village. Hard to believe, considering that I grew up a 15-minute drive east-northeast from this part of Canton, hard by the Farmington River.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-iBo74m5BwcQlVpAkOyFpucq9QwM9XRpIX7fOIPYjC99yaSH5_o5xGfunTNcuysm-kt95-EwmSE2918Ps1xj8R125cpUulvLdsh5NjkqAmFLvlBWzmU4DyHfRqTMKEd8tm2oyzO1FEWf4YCY5CsiLwQ2HOvuVPYSVhfRJ8rD4-s5aOY5od2K15lr2fGw/s2048/Collins%20Co%20pond%20and%20bldgs.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-iBo74m5BwcQlVpAkOyFpucq9QwM9XRpIX7fOIPYjC99yaSH5_o5xGfunTNcuysm-kt95-EwmSE2918Ps1xj8R125cpUulvLdsh5NjkqAmFLvlBWzmU4DyHfRqTMKEd8tm2oyzO1FEWf4YCY5CsiLwQ2HOvuVPYSVhfRJ8rD4-s5aOY5od2K15lr2fGw/s400/Collins%20Co%20pond%20and%20bldgs.jpg"/></a>
<P>As you can tell from these photos, each of the two times I swung through the 'Ville, it was gloomy. Raining the first time, cool and cloudy (with rain later in the day) the second. Nevertheless, I was quite charmed by the village, which I'd seen pictures of in various places online over the years, leading to my decision to finally get off my duff and check it out.</P>
<P>While there are many great buildings with local businesses along Main Street and the side streets, I focused on the former factory of The Collins Company, which for 140 years manufactured axes, hatchets, machetes and other sharp tools.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DPtMWzcTBePDNfsyh9uiOZkuFjvY7UkKHdQXhG5t5EoaSOdbc-9m0WgbppT2H6FVCHrHCdro-WjkbMb1G8b9F9dACt1I_8FrICf8V4TEov8h5b7czzF6j4OhbUOqwYtVJ0X4AemBpcwWj1haq45nWv4N6E3oNQ6Y9Mw2lzlkhjVisV8ew5ZvyYHX-uID/s2048/Collins%20Co%20ghost%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DPtMWzcTBePDNfsyh9uiOZkuFjvY7UkKHdQXhG5t5EoaSOdbc-9m0WgbppT2H6FVCHrHCdro-WjkbMb1G8b9F9dACt1I_8FrICf8V4TEov8h5b7czzF6j4OhbUOqwYtVJ0X4AemBpcwWj1haq45nWv4N6E3oNQ6Y9Mw2lzlkhjVisV8ew5ZvyYHX-uID/s400/Collins%20Co%20ghost%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>The company’s founders, brothers Samuel and David Collins, were born into a wealthy family, according to <a href="https://connecticuthistory.org/world-renowned-maker-of-axes-the-collins-company-of-canton/">this ConnecticutHistory.org article</a>. "Their father, Alexander Collins, was a lawyer in Middletown and their mother Elizabeth was from the well-to-do mercantile Watkinson family of Hartford. When Alexander died in 1815, his widow moved the family to Hartford. Samuel was 24 years old and David age 21 when they decided to open an axe factory with their cousin William Wells. The Collins & Company factory opened in 1826 with the purchase of an old gristmill and a few acres of land along the Farmington River in Canton."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0f-6GLWpUTm70mX0YDpny_s9OWj68Niv2bo7CJDtK9wyKI0rM9ImVEGFZjpLKnoBQ16JKhvVKjKLx_f0_Ky8c4OJ6CPDBU-XLKD3XVFvrkbK5ZVIE3x6UlKKUBRdcXxpZbpZWR0nGp1aiBWtL8m6G2yLfvCc-zDMWbS8W2rLynaPsVNEaYYTXeePXEyo/s2048/Collinsville%20building%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0f-6GLWpUTm70mX0YDpny_s9OWj68Niv2bo7CJDtK9wyKI0rM9ImVEGFZjpLKnoBQ16JKhvVKjKLx_f0_Ky8c4OJ6CPDBU-XLKD3XVFvrkbK5ZVIE3x6UlKKUBRdcXxpZbpZWR0nGp1aiBWtL8m6G2yLfvCc-zDMWbS8W2rLynaPsVNEaYYTXeePXEyo/s400/Collinsville%20building%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfQLR9NCxm8EL4Swa4jlpyIzCpbk8FNo3HiexQJIPNCDt6Hi4Euv7vzQKFq-Y9EYdsSpoFRS0pQdvnznrQ1snFiXFsD0_wOObXBk1AAVNZ42b7rCylf-YvtWkCc_wMrxZBPrCiNzzq00327wzuPVYMxBIZVHdUS2GQxV-jcVfyU44YynDCvm_hfFZCYuu/s2048/Collins%20Co%20red%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYfQLR9NCxm8EL4Swa4jlpyIzCpbk8FNo3HiexQJIPNCDt6Hi4Euv7vzQKFq-Y9EYdsSpoFRS0pQdvnznrQ1snFiXFsD0_wOObXBk1AAVNZ42b7rCylf-YvtWkCc_wMrxZBPrCiNzzq00327wzuPVYMxBIZVHdUS2GQxV-jcVfyU44YynDCvm_hfFZCYuu/s400/Collins%20Co%20red%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>The company thrived for decades, selling its products around the country and the world. The brothers built dams along the Farmington River, expanded the number of buildings in their manufacturing plant, constructed worker housing, a Congregational church, a bank and other buildings for the community. The company also "secured a rail line for Collinsville to transport [its] goods and material by offering the railroad company a right of way through company land, a depot, and $3,000," according to the ConnecticutHistory article.</P>
<P>As you can see, the former factory's buildings are quite photogenic. The company was in business until 1966, having suffered a tough business environment after the devastating 1955 flood that hit Connecticut.</P>
<P>These days, there are businesses in some of the old mill buildings, including Antiques on the Farmington, a multi-dealer shop; <a href="https://www.toowiwellness.com">TOOWi Wellness</a>; a hair salon called <a href="https://www.milkweedsct.com">Milkweeds</a>; <a href="https://www.almosthomestudio.com">Almost Home Studio</a>, which specializes in family and pet portraiture and landscape paintings; and <a href="https://www.downrightmusic.us">Downright Music</a>, a music school.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnth7ni2N5BqAG1SojqW9zdy8yGHkHk2F0Ul4Fm-8KkicCcSYyio8SPBsxHzO_KVA3bTCclNc2rHyG2Ioyk90cZefBBwB3jyP1CDQ8MWaQM-hN5kqFVvPzWMZ-k3vp0k9LQlZ8KJjIP1_fw8S6n-Y5HEq9YTo77PVs8eS7_Pv3yPh9kCq7qX78Fhgomfm/s2048/Collins%20Co%20doorway.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnth7ni2N5BqAG1SojqW9zdy8yGHkHk2F0Ul4Fm-8KkicCcSYyio8SPBsxHzO_KVA3bTCclNc2rHyG2Ioyk90cZefBBwB3jyP1CDQ8MWaQM-hN5kqFVvPzWMZ-k3vp0k9LQlZ8KJjIP1_fw8S6n-Y5HEq9YTo77PVs8eS7_Pv3yPh9kCq7qX78Fhgomfm/s400/Collins%20Co%20doorway.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPSAswDMmBT2ImknG9zdlBMxiF5wZL40xz9UhXdza15NJ2LKcApKUK0mUv5vHSERn0t7yiQPy8uVEM3cJ1lMMJwAshJfDUWfowGfR2yVpNwmimwN8xvm18cA1nUGLfiPPxBGTlcKpI0QViVrDjDuI40oM8NlMn8YXDdHMvfX-rXWsSZzy9s8OvdYQAf0s/s2048/Collins%20Co%20rear%20bldg%20and%20river.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPSAswDMmBT2ImknG9zdlBMxiF5wZL40xz9UhXdza15NJ2LKcApKUK0mUv5vHSERn0t7yiQPy8uVEM3cJ1lMMJwAshJfDUWfowGfR2yVpNwmimwN8xvm18cA1nUGLfiPPxBGTlcKpI0QViVrDjDuI40oM8NlMn8YXDdHMvfX-rXWsSZzy9s8OvdYQAf0s/s400/Collins%20Co%20rear%20bldg%20and%20river.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z7yeq37dcNgGNkyZqvLGM3xRyAv8dL9DQq24vzUNYh76nGk9ntQ4ZuzPuy8BtPTBy5lXlNaViZ_4Oexlgvmx4KjRaZk8QlMZ7RsrV5kxBnXzvtoGqOKm4rDzY0uya7037RO04KW1T1DB4L80bWD3WtCGA-rb9iIwPTSylhibPIXjhfHLBimiJulfbMMy/s2048/Collins%20Co%20complex.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Z7yeq37dcNgGNkyZqvLGM3xRyAv8dL9DQq24vzUNYh76nGk9ntQ4ZuzPuy8BtPTBy5lXlNaViZ_4Oexlgvmx4KjRaZk8QlMZ7RsrV5kxBnXzvtoGqOKm4rDzY0uya7037RO04KW1T1DB4L80bWD3WtCGA-rb9iIwPTSylhibPIXjhfHLBimiJulfbMMy/s400/Collins%20Co%20complex.jpg"/></a>
<P>The old factory complex spreads across multiple buildings along the Farmington River. You can get great views from the bike path that runs through part of the complex, located along the old railroad right-of-way.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQqNbOjuN60HTV-ERm4yg6rde6ybC0kCb07dcnJhpqO5DS6rGTsIMrLoYQpY4LuL75nL0LCNRSPQUyjZH2yYUvMN8eTLwaaf3whInQRtXxhw7w3KLfFdGYqnZhXKZYMqbcewgzNRnaEqmAH6oJC3epyy_K9SAnb_20qiKU0Zl03uY6_o09i_yq8ZFhxzU/s2048/Collinsville%20trestle.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQqNbOjuN60HTV-ERm4yg6rde6ybC0kCb07dcnJhpqO5DS6rGTsIMrLoYQpY4LuL75nL0LCNRSPQUyjZH2yYUvMN8eTLwaaf3whInQRtXxhw7w3KLfFdGYqnZhXKZYMqbcewgzNRnaEqmAH6oJC3epyy_K9SAnb_20qiKU0Zl03uY6_o09i_yq8ZFhxzU/s400/Collinsville%20trestle.jpg"/></a>
<P>There are opportunities aplenty for urbexers who want to trespass and risk life and limb. But you know me - that ain't my thing.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dAfCLe1203ywObSK_NCklo6qr1s_tqhDRpZQq_DXnpxJxpy5me4cHFvvH1rqTB2ifyRNZXcLo7xKEiIF0H4YDai041JG_hE4W21fuOL_aDoEPPn4CYsI9jMYSqDmYeaDqzBtHdpxjNfrLSSHx9eAyhNk_Nr0e_HWWZ-P2gIQVdxa25wgqb43f8JQMEHd/s2048/Collins%20Co%20outbuilding%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1606" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dAfCLe1203ywObSK_NCklo6qr1s_tqhDRpZQq_DXnpxJxpy5me4cHFvvH1rqTB2ifyRNZXcLo7xKEiIF0H4YDai041JG_hE4W21fuOL_aDoEPPn4CYsI9jMYSqDmYeaDqzBtHdpxjNfrLSSHx9eAyhNk_Nr0e_HWWZ-P2gIQVdxa25wgqb43f8JQMEHd/s400/Collins%20Co%20outbuilding%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuG294j-56EKhYBLlrYnUduXPHsTMLmZqEO65koMZtee5CLEna90nnCnd3DPh4yzXiSMbXa_wDfJ_20BjdbT6CBRxlW9eoFfDeO3IYbX33WnQ00wzpQ1L0pBbblHjhr5UXf_sl3Xts6HQ9d4beyxPtB7g-AWxNo0xhVoAtmqIp1-eLET90Ljk8kptjfH3/s2048/Collins%20Co%20Outbuilding.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1482" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDuG294j-56EKhYBLlrYnUduXPHsTMLmZqEO65koMZtee5CLEna90nnCnd3DPh4yzXiSMbXa_wDfJ_20BjdbT6CBRxlW9eoFfDeO3IYbX33WnQ00wzpQ1L0pBbblHjhr5UXf_sl3Xts6HQ9d4beyxPtB7g-AWxNo0xhVoAtmqIp1-eLET90Ljk8kptjfH3/s400/Collins%20Co%20Outbuilding.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJJOdgTX6jVmNzLbVbpZWOEkvxJU-JtlAgfqvYHN-au-YfgjsBnSxRsovif4PPdDoHFCFjvhNcifuveZbbSscXnWN61cwyprShzyh30UPyfQy2CqdrTjQsT3Ca4XcEdSteAVcRlFT191TueCatr0isl8VeJwtKYz3F-oTTdRWzyRs5CAIEpDISqUlALqB/s2048/Collins%20Co%20Red%20Tower.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJJOdgTX6jVmNzLbVbpZWOEkvxJU-JtlAgfqvYHN-au-YfgjsBnSxRsovif4PPdDoHFCFjvhNcifuveZbbSscXnWN61cwyprShzyh30UPyfQy2CqdrTjQsT3Ca4XcEdSteAVcRlFT191TueCatr0isl8VeJwtKYz3F-oTTdRWzyRs5CAIEpDISqUlALqB/s400/Collins%20Co%20Red%20Tower.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApOXvqyfbvUD41rLc8Xvs3rO83q_NJuUmETqkz7m0zeaxcLSG8t2zxqpX_OJftMl6YSZxKByPk8Ob6DJAemI0f9Q8SjCTHNI3AmxmEBAgHoSxWet7U0feEkikxT7VwKvVquEvCwN-iIfyzA6jHr85Qx3UNtbpOq1g5DhTIzuVtbB_pcnNdIkQFvUt6Wbc/s2048/Collins%20Co%20stone%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApOXvqyfbvUD41rLc8Xvs3rO83q_NJuUmETqkz7m0zeaxcLSG8t2zxqpX_OJftMl6YSZxKByPk8Ob6DJAemI0f9Q8SjCTHNI3AmxmEBAgHoSxWet7U0feEkikxT7VwKvVquEvCwN-iIfyzA6jHr85Qx3UNtbpOq1g5DhTIzuVtbB_pcnNdIkQFvUt6Wbc/s400/Collins%20Co%20stone%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Whenever I explore around an old mill complex, I wonder whether there's a redevelopment plan. A company called Ranger Properties indicates on its web site that it has <a href="https://www.rangerproperties.com/in-progress/collinsville-axe-factory-canton-ct">reached an agreement</a> to buy the old Collins factory. "The restoration plans for the historic site [call for] more than 200 apartments and a commercial hub that dominates the Collinsville section of Canton on a 20-acre river-front property," per the web site. "The plan is to refurbish 23 of the 25 decaying brick buildings, construct several new apartment buildings, add a partly underground parking garage, and create a public river walk and plaza along the Farmington River."</P>
<P>Stay tuned....</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-46962533132489372762024-03-16T07:57:00.000-04:002024-03-16T07:57:11.422-04:00Cape Cod Lobster Joint Can't Claw Its Way Back to Life<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c7EN8DzdvOWgnjCRAMB7VO2PMW5FmzAN4Lu40pH7Z9EOGHH6WLY6SMnVR5_h6gy8Y8trbHrDbMmb8B6d1PK4MnCBdWOwlhVrqf5CYSi9flPXxsglpGoLkvSeG_PNupyj9l2dmR-OYm_l6U4hVAVI8w80SlAznogqZYaN0pP9NsjApKeb7rwaY-q3pZu7/s2048/Bourne%20Lobsters%2011.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7c7EN8DzdvOWgnjCRAMB7VO2PMW5FmzAN4Lu40pH7Z9EOGHH6WLY6SMnVR5_h6gy8Y8trbHrDbMmb8B6d1PK4MnCBdWOwlhVrqf5CYSi9flPXxsglpGoLkvSeG_PNupyj9l2dmR-OYm_l6U4hVAVI8w80SlAznogqZYaN0pP9NsjApKeb7rwaY-q3pZu7/s400/Bourne%20Lobsters%2011.jpg"/></a>
<P>Lobster shacks and Cape Cod go together like Cape Cod and lobster shacks. But the unimaginatively named American Lobster Mart has slathered its last lobster roll with mayo and has gone to Restaurant Heaven.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhACfxI2LXn2YUvrYntu-5vDuWRwkkHMqu1zBxDxoBlh6XBBWLS7bD9hM_iQKSOX56OyYLuTnHFxGQ-2rBjN7BTKR9jIu8Ss2pgLi0lneED3uiUCjyoMPAu9OmlHHkbWzdGE93cXHiLSLxYQkX6xKXGLT3Y0b1mnfbARuXnQRbhBaH1y_HDuhwTcFIoDvP/s2048/Bourne%20Lobsters%206.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1876" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhACfxI2LXn2YUvrYntu-5vDuWRwkkHMqu1zBxDxoBlh6XBBWLS7bD9hM_iQKSOX56OyYLuTnHFxGQ-2rBjN7BTKR9jIu8Ss2pgLi0lneED3uiUCjyoMPAu9OmlHHkbWzdGE93cXHiLSLxYQkX6xKXGLT3Y0b1mnfbARuXnQRbhBaH1y_HDuhwTcFIoDvP/s400/Bourne%20Lobsters%206.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcAYS0O57BxPvIrXK4VAKVbY1ruEP_tgKbaOEh6AZxZ2m6jlB0HS3PPXyUdtP7lYILOW7LvrP4Iuw1T6H1pm_B499PQ0V6XLlQzrnB2MwaoZ37wxXAdu0Rgj7xpPwq9E6uihZVb4FLD7EcbRDuPsh9MxInC3TDUh-aQKRm0OStrKJ0k1527nLmYFqlRUa/s2048/Bourne%20Lobsters%2012.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1435" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVcAYS0O57BxPvIrXK4VAKVbY1ruEP_tgKbaOEh6AZxZ2m6jlB0HS3PPXyUdtP7lYILOW7LvrP4Iuw1T6H1pm_B499PQ0V6XLlQzrnB2MwaoZ37wxXAdu0Rgj7xpPwq9E6uihZVb4FLD7EcbRDuPsh9MxInC3TDUh-aQKRm0OStrKJ0k1527nLmYFqlRUa/s400/Bourne%20Lobsters%2012.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located at the Bourne traffic circle, the eatery was in business for a few decades, I believe, before closing in 2020. The 928-square-foot building was sold in 2021 for $575,000, according to the Internet.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0iYHtAb9ZX3x26n5JqbK2NmjlsWMAWHnRnFlxFK0jlT1NBeEnk2smgq5009sU0XoeHQw6N8_-Urzs1jf4XFyYLRQkV_hqRh5wMAvaCbjzY6sg7gqPXdxP28tpp_YXWs54JixmJWfBdbVmN2fO9neOx9QUc9HkTR5b3fX24S0E5K4NICQB_uzb8IiVXa7/s2048/Bourne%20Lobsters%2016.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0iYHtAb9ZX3x26n5JqbK2NmjlsWMAWHnRnFlxFK0jlT1NBeEnk2smgq5009sU0XoeHQw6N8_-Urzs1jf4XFyYLRQkV_hqRh5wMAvaCbjzY6sg7gqPXdxP28tpp_YXWs54JixmJWfBdbVmN2fO9neOx9QUc9HkTR5b3fX24S0E5K4NICQB_uzb8IiVXa7/s400/Bourne%20Lobsters%2016.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Nice little boat decoration outside the old lobster mart.)</b></P>
<P>On my visit last fall, I noticed that quite a bit of land behind the lobster mart, as well as the All Seasons Inn next door along Trowbridge Road, has been cleared. Changes are coming to the traffic circle. Earlier this month, the Town of Bourne <a href="https://www.capenews.net/bourne/news/visitor-information-booth-finally-moved/article_34c4cba7-4ef1-5251-8851-dd023d4464af.html#:~:text=The%20historic%20information%20booth%20that,5988%20on%20Shore%20Road%2C%20Wednesday">moved an old tourist information booth</a> to make way for a new Cumberland Farms convenience store/gas station complex.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-19354946928451702452024-03-09T07:43:00.000-05:002024-03-09T07:43:48.849-05:00I Finally Get Near the Middlesex Canal<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P><i><b>"There are bits and pieces of it scattered throughout the area like the aqueduct in the Shawsheen River on the Wilmington/Billerica line. There's also a nice section in the woods behind the Wilmington Town Park on Main street running back to Butters Row."</b></i></P>
<P>For years, those two sentences sat under the heading "MIDDLESEX CANAL" in one of the handful of places I keep notes about places to explore for the blog. I can't remember when I first learned about <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middlesex_Canal">the canal</a>, which stretched 27 miles, from Lowell to Boston's Charlestown neighborhood and operated from 1803 to 1851.</P>
<P>I grew up near a long-abandoned stretch of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmington_Canal">Farmington Canal</a>, in Weatogue, Connecticut. Boats began using the canal, which connected New Haven to Northampton, Mass., in 1828. The canal was eventually replaced by railroads. I used to explore the abandoned part near my house, and occasionally played hockey along it in the winter.</P>
<P>So when I heard about the Middlesex Canal, I decided I wanted to find some part, any part, of it, to explore. According to the <a href="http://www.middlesexcanal.org/index.html">Middlesex Canal Association</a>, "much of the Middlesex Canal is buried under roads and parking lots - even its southern end at Sullivan Square, formerly at the head of Prison Point Bay, is now close to a mile inland. Many traces of the old waterway remain only as dirt-filled paths through suburban backyards, and at the MDC's Sandy Beach Reservation in Winchester. Boston's Canal Street is where the route once extended from the Charles River to Boston Harbor."
<P>I've bumped up against the canal a bit here and there over the years -- a stone marker in Somerville, mentions of it in historical acounts about Medford -- but it was only recently that I actually saw honest-to-God remnants of it in Woburn (make sure to check out my other recent Woburn posts: February 24, 2024, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2024/02/woo-woo-its-woburn-time.html">"Woo Woo! It's Woburn Time,"</a> and March 2, 2024, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2024/03/woburns-lanna-thai-diner-is-adorable.html">"Woburn's Lanna Thai Diner is Adorable"</a>).</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j7yjjYNgUT1jJy-bVKjGhLfVpFICyTUMxrccrJsqj-cgCQb2M5xB-Bj8m95zmpAy80x1_silqOXDp_L634JPO0BS31iLHp3MTl_uz5H72OUfrHGKooR6KL4H1ynevQ9kKYMFsbN9FYVbLjvfbga-pkCruqQsNyyKbptRM0yEVhptS_7dmqsVl7R930zr/s2048/Woburn%20canal.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1j7yjjYNgUT1jJy-bVKjGhLfVpFICyTUMxrccrJsqj-cgCQb2M5xB-Bj8m95zmpAy80x1_silqOXDp_L634JPO0BS31iLHp3MTl_uz5H72OUfrHGKooR6KL4H1ynevQ9kKYMFsbN9FYVbLjvfbga-pkCruqQsNyyKbptRM0yEVhptS_7dmqsVl7R930zr/s400/Woburn%20canal.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvCiOa7WLsQXOHAtEqvfJm-xePFFJvoEiepFJPvlhK-AXi_5RlKBif4IgHKLWXFpD_j8wQX-q2Ht0XwBoZsXDz1jpBDz8spmx_eBvhVRGrXhX1EICEB04Dz-v042dHzj44AuS_U79V5lb-LRFxSQBrvFaJSA6mgNEIJwukuPU7V4PyiT-XIUlU_20gDSQ/s2048/RR%20looking%20at%20Canal%20trail%20and%20canal.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvCiOa7WLsQXOHAtEqvfJm-xePFFJvoEiepFJPvlhK-AXi_5RlKBif4IgHKLWXFpD_j8wQX-q2Ht0XwBoZsXDz1jpBDz8spmx_eBvhVRGrXhX1EICEB04Dz-v042dHzj44AuS_U79V5lb-LRFxSQBrvFaJSA6mgNEIJwukuPU7V4PyiT-XIUlU_20gDSQ/s400/RR%20looking%20at%20Canal%20trail%20and%20canal.jpg"/></a>
<P>I started my short walk at the intersection of School and Merrimac streets, just east of a CVS. Heading south, I followed the old canal towpath, which horses used to pull the canal boats; on my way back, I took the path running along an old rail bed. From MACRIS: "This section parallels the Boston & Maine Railroad Woburn Loop embankment, and was restored for horse-drawn canal boat rides in the late 1960s and is still watered year-round." I wish someone was still running those horse-drawn boat rides.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVNiY57Mn8YAXJBEOBuDTqIloUI4EHOSiqiaYNNVQV6gxlhNT7T6I5pg8StwYf-o0ds6OeRnXCwjqT9P8IxFLBxqkBq37HicDLUhu_ADGSmweUUr0D3sT0JubUIxYQwiTB9hDdIekZc0faISXGRA1PpbSbrwm33jEsJSB2a5Z9hR3x2PLyvlL1zOqs5LC/s2048/Woburn%20both%20trails.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVNiY57Mn8YAXJBEOBuDTqIloUI4EHOSiqiaYNNVQV6gxlhNT7T6I5pg8StwYf-o0ds6OeRnXCwjqT9P8IxFLBxqkBq37HicDLUhu_ADGSmweUUr0D3sT0JubUIxYQwiTB9hDdIekZc0faISXGRA1PpbSbrwm33jEsJSB2a5Z9hR3x2PLyvlL1zOqs5LC/s400/Woburn%20both%20trails.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Looking south - the rail bed is on the left, the towpath on the right.)</b></P>
<P>Near the northern end of the canal segment, I spied some quarried stones.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjwL3dH3froUlKcCUZK7wYd8d0beCORsJzduJYZZrz25VC-SNxLGmI_kv8Dnk97QFNy1PWWFOGbUw2h5m4CxlhGbX0ddPlPje6CH2hTZ56U3DvjY_ZNa0g42KTqXmfegtj7XJ3EeZUPk_dE1o4b40VXKI0lSgyrLFrADw3MIW2aOVDNtfEueOyAxYz89Y/s2048/Woburn%20RR%20trail%20path%20stones.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidjwL3dH3froUlKcCUZK7wYd8d0beCORsJzduJYZZrz25VC-SNxLGmI_kv8Dnk97QFNy1PWWFOGbUw2h5m4CxlhGbX0ddPlPje6CH2hTZ56U3DvjY_ZNa0g42KTqXmfegtj7XJ3EeZUPk_dE1o4b40VXKI0lSgyrLFrADw3MIW2aOVDNtfEueOyAxYz89Y/s400/Woburn%20RR%20trail%20path%20stones.jpg"/></a>
<P>According to MACRIS, "This segment of the canal...includes a significant historic archaeological site, the Baldwin's Farm/Carter's Bridge
Abutments (ca. 1803)....Located several hundred feet north of the Loammi Baldwin Mansion, this resource consists of partially-collapsed fieldstone abutments flanking the canal trench. Some stones show drill marks from blasting."</P>
<P>As for the Baldwin Mansion, it is located at the southern end of the canal segment, fronting Alfred Street.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjJdku1jwslTgC-YEQyO2211-8ILxhmv5UfVeZhNCekLRdzdQ2gSIzXunWJpeZodgSiDb4npUs3o1Yy3UdtiP0oIO6PtkhzpbuLV5VYkzt817ELOvZ1gaQodP6g-lDb-8CR83EwuXz3Euqjo-8uwcgLzHC9138BqQRPiTBkkAHlRsZUkbMoFko3-QRlTr/s2048/Woburn%20Baldwin%20House.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjJdku1jwslTgC-YEQyO2211-8ILxhmv5UfVeZhNCekLRdzdQ2gSIzXunWJpeZodgSiDb4npUs3o1Yy3UdtiP0oIO6PtkhzpbuLV5VYkzt817ELOvZ1gaQodP6g-lDb-8CR83EwuXz3Euqjo-8uwcgLzHC9138BqQRPiTBkkAHlRsZUkbMoFko3-QRlTr/s400/Woburn%20Baldwin%20House.jpg"/></a>
<P>Loammi Baldwin grew up in Woburn in the middle of the 18th century. A soldier in the Revolutionary War, he eventually turned to surveying and engineering (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loammi_Baldwin">Wikipedia</a> says he is considered the father of American civil engineering). In 1794, at age 50, he and his oldest sons began digging what would become the Middlesex Canal, which opened in 1803. <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldwin_House_%28Woburn,_Massachusetts%29">The house shown above</a> was built in 1661 by Henry Baldwin, Loammi's great-grandfather. Loammi enlarged the house in 1803.</P>
<P>From Wikipedia: "All told, six generations of Baldwins lived in the house....After leaving the family's ownership it became a boarding house, within which resided Baldwin family members until the 1930s." Eventually the place was converted to a restaurant. Today it is home to the <a href="http://www.thebaldwinbar.com/evaypzmvdflar64vmy3ojjtzgpqrlr">Baldwin Bar</a>, which is located within Sichuan Garden, a Chinese restaurant.</P>
<P>The canal was used to transport all types of goods. One of the products that made its way to Woburn was tree bark, which was used in the leather-tanning process, according to <a href="http://www.middlesexcanal.org/globecanal.html">this article</a> at the Middlesex Canal Association web site. "It changed life in Woburn," said Thomas Smith, one of that city's members on the Middlesex Canal Commission, in the article. "Having access to the bark made it possible for the leather industry to grow" in what had been a rural agricultural community.</P>
<P>There is another historic house located along the canal segment here. I didn't get a shot of it, but Google Street View has the goods.</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1698699467784!6m8!1m7!1sk4FljlDb-9kdQlnGqU65JA!2m2!1d42.50244969939517!2d-71.15881680301553!3f56.03329776224437!4f1.2176570273788059!5f3.325193203789971" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P>This is what's known as the 1790 House, and, as you might expect of a 234-year-old house, it has an interesting history. The Federal style home was built for Woburn lawyer Joseph Bartlett, but Loammi Baldwin purchased the place before construction was completed. According to MACRIS, this was "one of several stately homes on Baldwin's 212 acres (sic) estate." The engineer used this place for entertaining, evidently, as MACRIS indicates Baldwin held a Centennial Ball here on January 1, 1880; a ball to celebrate the opening of the canal in 1803; and "many others" over the years.</P>
<P>MACRIS also indicates the house was allegedly part of the Underground Railroad for escaped slaves prior to the Civil War. The 1790 House was also used as a private school for boys in 1815, according to Wikipedia. As well, the North Congregational Church of Woburn used the house for Sunday school.</P>
<P>The house was originally closer to Main Street, but it was moved toward the canal to make room for a hotel. From 1981 to 2014, the 1790 House was owned by the <i>Woburn Daily Times</i>. It is currently being used for office space.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDwtizGRpH7nVvpUpM9OZjHSApgeB7g15uFvxZhzJ-q1JY54QsFyh3Qvz-WyrRtCZw1-DbvSIY1eaDbO4MFzpun3_1nttW6QVH4ncyeulPOvz024YUcLJLv9kUJxN1sLobrHjSqwYlYOZP4rZmUmnV22uHrzThVdQGPVb7rBXX1mfPEPuwpyx3DOJ3ALa/s2048/Woburn%20RR%20trail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwDwtizGRpH7nVvpUpM9OZjHSApgeB7g15uFvxZhzJ-q1JY54QsFyh3Qvz-WyrRtCZw1-DbvSIY1eaDbO4MFzpun3_1nttW6QVH4ncyeulPOvz024YUcLJLv9kUJxN1sLobrHjSqwYlYOZP4rZmUmnV22uHrzThVdQGPVb7rBXX1mfPEPuwpyx3DOJ3ALa/s400/Woburn%20RR%20trail.jpg"/></a>
<P>So, there you have my first official visit to part of the Middlesex Canal. I hope to explore others in the near future.</P>
<P>For other mentions of the Middlesex Canal on the blog, see:</P>
<P>November 4, 2023, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/11/cisterns-are-doing-it-for-themselves.html">"Cisterns Are Doing It for Themselves"</a></P>
<P>October 28, 2023, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/10/why-does-medford-square-have-shipyard.html">"Why Does Medford Square Have a Shipyard? And Other Questions"</a></P>
<P>April 8, 2023, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/04/east-somerville-part-i-main-drag.html">"East Somerville, Part I: The Main Drag"</a></P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-75729449841354203822024-03-02T08:22:00.000-05:002024-03-02T08:22:11.016-05:00Woburn's Lanna Thai Diner is Adorable<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>When doing research ahead of my trek through downtown Woburn, Mass. (see February 24, 2024, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2024/02/woo-woo-its-woburn-time.html">"Woo! Woo! It's Woburn Time!"</a>), I followed what has become a regular practice: I poked around to see if there was a diner or old theater in town. Yes to the former, no to the latter. So after checking out the area around Woburn Common, I headed due north under I-95 to <a href="http://www.lannathaidiner.com">Lanna Thai Diner</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xcw38JXqyBU3DpwouV6ruYH81oXuggtWVlLaU7hjWvNugJwiusWmF0yBEkjmAT5NMHpLj1wZ3rqbBX0NrLbUczm9_EYp2S2WU2cYdaZY8QKM1a7tfXBzhkLFNv6mAXYbHcu2b1BlUCEwYf18eGSqiKiFa97VbIyv_qz8Y8PCHa4L0hmhYoTXoJ73UvKP/s2048/Lanna%20Thai%20Diner.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2xcw38JXqyBU3DpwouV6ruYH81oXuggtWVlLaU7hjWvNugJwiusWmF0yBEkjmAT5NMHpLj1wZ3rqbBX0NrLbUczm9_EYp2S2WU2cYdaZY8QKM1a7tfXBzhkLFNv6mAXYbHcu2b1BlUCEwYf18eGSqiKiFa97VbIyv_qz8Y8PCHa4L0hmhYoTXoJ73UvKP/s400/Lanna%20Thai%20Diner.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ENDYDRz9uD7sqE5W_nvLyULjNv3zXtz4ZhpIn-1B-HV_xV1gsHrzfzWRu76MTsKh_vMzbsXFJYoi5RKQA-yIVUGLcopkZ7RtLG6P3gib0eE96m4Xj60CuuSVFjEO1lpZaFcXndg2ZuuDcpafrAzD_8V9EFrpTGw_B3TQRs4VWtJg5VTPnzA0s1TrCKTR/s2048/Lanna%20Diner%20closeup.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ENDYDRz9uD7sqE5W_nvLyULjNv3zXtz4ZhpIn-1B-HV_xV1gsHrzfzWRu76MTsKh_vMzbsXFJYoi5RKQA-yIVUGLcopkZ7RtLG6P3gib0eE96m4Xj60CuuSVFjEO1lpZaFcXndg2ZuuDcpafrAzD_8V9EFrpTGw_B3TQRs4VWtJg5VTPnzA0s1TrCKTR/s400/Lanna%20Diner%20closeup.jpg"/></a>
<P>From MACRIS: "The only diner in Woburn, Main Street Diner is important architecturally in Massachusetts as one of the first diners the Worcester Lunch Car Company produced with a stainless steel exterior. Custom-built in 1952 for this site, Main Street Diner (formerly known as Stella's Diner and originally known as Jack's Diner) is quite small given its period of construction and the fact that it was built to seat thirty to thirty-two people. The diner is also distinctive for combining a largely stainless steel exterior with largely wood
finishes on the interior."</P>
<P>This place has been Lanna since 2011, according to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack%27s_Diner">Wikipedia</a>. The MACRIS report dates to 1999.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmncOVBglrYXNlmKeI8DTunme95ZmCRveuu4dXen0kRrWHvZX0rox6UZnKpva0S3JU23c3tDtq7WYtJA8nv0Fcm_kujl-zJVug_Do2jtiXMrqv6WxszNupaMRXYrD7dC9MWj1cb9rE6jirgY7zbQRQm5b390KvQkrvcGV53qwy90bwz_HiiAnmTdR8QVgC/s2048/Lanna%20Diner%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmncOVBglrYXNlmKeI8DTunme95ZmCRveuu4dXen0kRrWHvZX0rox6UZnKpva0S3JU23c3tDtq7WYtJA8nv0Fcm_kujl-zJVug_Do2jtiXMrqv6WxszNupaMRXYrD7dC9MWj1cb9rE6jirgY7zbQRQm5b390KvQkrvcGV53qwy90bwz_HiiAnmTdR8QVgC/s400/Lanna%20Diner%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W1mf65jIBiR19M6UL9zlogWg8WdoVXTLVytPx0HG8goB7bL4U2s9Rf-DP5mgYmTQQrBCRacRRrtOqJCZ97K6KJxaOvAiRr93IAG9GyFwXmClnA-4LxrfRq4MClo5qoAnp1KCKg-623sxqYmFxO5By4Pa9vL4zuUqbmyoIruGniqvOa1wD753S1ijjbj5/s2048/Lanna%20Diner%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8W1mf65jIBiR19M6UL9zlogWg8WdoVXTLVytPx0HG8goB7bL4U2s9Rf-DP5mgYmTQQrBCRacRRrtOqJCZ97K6KJxaOvAiRr93IAG9GyFwXmClnA-4LxrfRq4MClo5qoAnp1KCKg-623sxqYmFxO5By4Pa9vL4zuUqbmyoIruGniqvOa1wD753S1ijjbj5/s400/Lanna%20Diner%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>Isn't Lanna just adorable? I hope it lasts a long time.</P>Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-87545479867233696602024-02-24T08:28:00.000-05:002024-02-24T08:28:09.290-05:00Woo Woo! It's Woburn Time<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>Let's get this out of the way: Woburn is pronounded "Woo-burn," not "Whoa-burn."</P>
<P>Located about nine miles north of Boston, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woburn,_Massachusetts">Woburn</a> was settled by white folks in 1640, and originally included the present-day towns of Burlington and Winchester, and parts of Stoneham and Wilmington. At least some of the land was already populated by the Abenaki tribe, according to the Woburn Historical Society.</P>
<P>Near the end of last summer, I explored the small city's downtown, for no other reason than I wanted to write the headline you see above. Seriously, though, I knew next to nothing about Woburn, so off I went.</P>
<P>The first building of interest I spied was the imposing First Congregational church, which is badly in need of a paint job. I was fighting the sun, so my photos are a bit oddly angled and artsy.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5H-wS0Pp6ZcY91J_EQlquvYJx8qgMu1VaWzB6nfO-hLyTJAYDJREhq4RrlBXLTYrgNPW4OEH1LJFjG4Xy-FyFiy3q2zAiZC-2M0VGGyBZ-GgHCnm1en8_8PNmhL4hb2blbnjWNPM1Tel1lzhZc_KgF7xIRdbsueiKhDlY6rDoi6GWJ0w1XvSxFh491K1/s2048/First%20Congregational.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5H-wS0Pp6ZcY91J_EQlquvYJx8qgMu1VaWzB6nfO-hLyTJAYDJREhq4RrlBXLTYrgNPW4OEH1LJFjG4Xy-FyFiy3q2zAiZC-2M0VGGyBZ-GgHCnm1en8_8PNmhL4hb2blbnjWNPM1Tel1lzhZc_KgF7xIRdbsueiKhDlY6rDoi6GWJ0w1XvSxFh491K1/s400/First%20Congregational.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1860, the Italianate-Romanesque building has, as is the case with just about any old building, some interesting quirks in its history. According to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Church_of_Woburn#:~:text=The%20Italianate%2Dstyle%20church%20was,time%20of%20the%20church%27s%20construction.&text=NRHP%20reference%20No.">Wikipedia</a>, the 196-foot steeple is the tallest wooden steeple in North America. And, according to MACRIS, "The...Church in order to accommodate the City built a side door leading to the City Common so that the City Council could meet in what is now called the Anne Murray Room (named after <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6nfpxZ2Nz4">this lady</a>, perhaps). An engine company of the Fire Department was housed temporarily in the sub-basement of the Church" at one time.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHThzHIw8OgRrAB6BEdStK1_TqVChyE4wz93bZJ-FL8VkUQhMuYPMuLSIQXgQ7FfHGaprvxbAyq6nBpS5VRXzJKiuO8WpLlPxokBLhjUWSe3n2E9qT4C1VN0ttUbOpTH5hLz-3qszuxbTgrSQSJWJJ18KNFCj9EAHsB7caG5K8YomXmF11wyIK0iTHMQS/s2048/First%20Congreg%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1489" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHThzHIw8OgRrAB6BEdStK1_TqVChyE4wz93bZJ-FL8VkUQhMuYPMuLSIQXgQ7FfHGaprvxbAyq6nBpS5VRXzJKiuO8WpLlPxokBLhjUWSe3n2E9qT4C1VN0ttUbOpTH5hLz-3qszuxbTgrSQSJWJJ18KNFCj9EAHsB7caG5K8YomXmF11wyIK0iTHMQS/s400/First%20Congreg%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>Additionally, the organ in the church (which may not still be there) dated to 1860 and was built by E.G. & G. Hook. That company, originally based in Boston, eventually built a factory in Weston, Mass., which I wrote about in my profile of that town's Kendal Green neighborhood (see June 23, 2017, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-walk-through-westons-history.html">"A Walk Through Weston's History"</a>).</P>
<P>Presenting a nice architectural contrast to the mega-spire is <a href="https://www.woburnbowl.com">Woburn Bowladrome</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0Scr0tiX9WAhUIjPb4bcNy-r7sngy-J96uXrKcs_WWbl74pVZYeLhgX30dHqUnKfGa0OHf1b3tQR30p1IHbB9qbIfe56PfDwWXdJx5GWezkDorTVavWZZE5HxzQCTH6DGsVsQyLLuwgP1Bqz8kySJKIychUZtwC-hp9ZN5qmV2LLVCmNOPTVY0Z7qve-/s2048/Woburn%20Bowladrome.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0Scr0tiX9WAhUIjPb4bcNy-r7sngy-J96uXrKcs_WWbl74pVZYeLhgX30dHqUnKfGa0OHf1b3tQR30p1IHbB9qbIfe56PfDwWXdJx5GWezkDorTVavWZZE5HxzQCTH6DGsVsQyLLuwgP1Bqz8kySJKIychUZtwC-hp9ZN5qmV2LLVCmNOPTVY0Z7qve-/s400/Woburn%20Bowladrome.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJTja0rK-O3Szs0IWOD9LFkFtKmmhLlUjRnxrkfrUEmc-xDwHDijHobf_lWUgJShljLlTcnULgpPsy21ypyH9lo3OkJFBxUpZULRmZpPqgxpBaiK5A8uwBZqRrIW-Cqcv0CfW-Ae67lt2UOwlHnHDifXqZhn4TipTxFasIdgPujsHJC0jmefBn1R1tO-a/s2048/Bowladrome.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJTja0rK-O3Szs0IWOD9LFkFtKmmhLlUjRnxrkfrUEmc-xDwHDijHobf_lWUgJShljLlTcnULgpPsy21ypyH9lo3OkJFBxUpZULRmZpPqgxpBaiK5A8uwBZqRrIW-Cqcv0CfW-Ae67lt2UOwlHnHDifXqZhn4TipTxFasIdgPujsHJC0jmefBn1R1tO-a/s400/Bowladrome.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located on Montvale Avenue within sight of the church, the bowling complex was established in 1940. Since its beginning in what was an old garage with eight candlepin lanes (with pin boys setting up the racks), the alley has grown to feature 40 candlepin lanes with automatic scoring, per its web site. I'm always happy to see places like this survive, because I've certainly come across plenty that have gone under.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qME26A9SbaFkoQNwXHElYhnUjF-ZZ_QZhoSDZbO4nsEPjymcaaku85yj07qD7H5jdhLdb6gWTfX2NsOgw5uZ_QUtdKR4eoD8WvwMvLAkFS3EXM1qOrL34p7HT90oQZ3WxgOMi799Cf4nZecFg1dKtn_yjC5A_1RgPm9Iw-fZBVRw2CRARs3CHewHrMKz/s2048/Bowladrome%20rear.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qME26A9SbaFkoQNwXHElYhnUjF-ZZ_QZhoSDZbO4nsEPjymcaaku85yj07qD7H5jdhLdb6gWTfX2NsOgw5uZ_QUtdKR4eoD8WvwMvLAkFS3EXM1qOrL34p7HT90oQZ3WxgOMi799Cf4nZecFg1dKtn_yjC5A_1RgPm9Iw-fZBVRw2CRARs3CHewHrMKz/s400/Bowladrome%20rear.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Rear of Woburn Bowladrome.)</b></P>
<P>From the bowling joint I curled back around to Winn Street and then to Main Street, where I saw two buildings that I can only describe as adorable.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbccXM2HmzsrnOkwEu_mWrNcfg_10ay0gG2VBSegd_L9rscF37pfbxqlg-N5m2UTbCUm8keUpS3JUx7pGsvFa7XEm-MHI-FnV5CzypJQlLUfy-HFxGloHHi9Tjhg1BWf00TtCISPaYFMKQ7aJVzc19Z9sXgze6H-5W5zy7G7dBiGMo1MZH6lyoZqAo4FsR/s2048/406%20Main%20St.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1454" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbccXM2HmzsrnOkwEu_mWrNcfg_10ay0gG2VBSegd_L9rscF37pfbxqlg-N5m2UTbCUm8keUpS3JUx7pGsvFa7XEm-MHI-FnV5CzypJQlLUfy-HFxGloHHi9Tjhg1BWf00TtCISPaYFMKQ7aJVzc19Z9sXgze6H-5W5zy7G7dBiGMo1MZH6lyoZqAo4FsR/s400/406%20Main%20St.jpg"/></a>
<P>On the left, at #400, is Mahoney's Barber Shop, which is listed on Google as being temporarily closed. The Woburn assessor's database lists this property's built date as 1979, but that's obviously incorrect. Nobody was erecting buildings with those types of windows and roofline details in the Me Decade. I'm guessing it dates to the late 19th century.</P>
<P>Next door is #406, which the database also indicates rose in 1979. Sigh...I'll never understand how assessor databases work. Where does that bad information come from? This is why I rely on MACRIS so much. That database tells me that #406 -- known alternately as the Col. John Wade Block and the College Block -- was built in 1810 (!).</P>
<P>Ah, so what's 169 years? Anyway, in this instance, MACRIS is only somewhat more useful to my purposes. Whoever wrote the report about this Federal-style building indicates it was built before 1848, and then wrote (c. 1810?), citing a 1904 article in the <i>Woburn News</i>. At least MACRIS got the correct century.</P>
<P>Directly north of #406 is another great old building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq4yvdnJXMIQvrLRNRAWki9cn3RnehkfJD0Un-Frsk43BLfirVffs17bEtog4M1oF0gpkcAo5W4Y0krwXgSQUnEvI6Y1dwQ-GxmNWdT_pZFx_YqytrKIX9elakVIdQEz82vaMOLZZv18IISpsfm1TVwVyVq7HBhr17foN4O3S295whlyjZSTOovZjM631/s2048/414%20Main%20St.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1254" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnq4yvdnJXMIQvrLRNRAWki9cn3RnehkfJD0Un-Frsk43BLfirVffs17bEtog4M1oF0gpkcAo5W4Y0krwXgSQUnEvI6Y1dwQ-GxmNWdT_pZFx_YqytrKIX9elakVIdQEz82vaMOLZZv18IISpsfm1TVwVyVq7HBhr17foN4O3S295whlyjZSTOovZjM631/s400/414%20Main%20St.jpg"/></a>
<P>Things only get more frustrating here. The database doesn't list this place at all, and a Zillow listing refers to what is evidently the favorite year of the Woburn assessor: 1979.<P>
<P>I give up.</P>
<P>Next in line is <a href="http://www.andreaswoburn.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwvfmoBhAwEiwAG2tqzKDabHXviz4ED9FW57pLmmbU9DlfcDOJ-d4e_qP-2M8VSXk6kQixehoCrNcQAvD_BwE">Andrea's Pizza</a>, which has been slinging pies since 1977.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUJrJninOeJC3if8jXoR1gPVPamyPlh0Ofi3rYjkVIihh438j4dvWI6Nc2T9mC1_4QxeZ9Kk2Ecbjha59oJbBLSF8Jg4ssl5lsNrGS9KbBr1UK2uXaIecT8sqkvpllDMW79Peiq54X-Ulha6mq_nJbUzsME5L0hY7yQTzDYVUrTXE0NloHcxoUHX1wy11/s2048/Andreas%20Pizza.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGUJrJninOeJC3if8jXoR1gPVPamyPlh0Ofi3rYjkVIihh438j4dvWI6Nc2T9mC1_4QxeZ9Kk2Ecbjha59oJbBLSF8Jg4ssl5lsNrGS9KbBr1UK2uXaIecT8sqkvpllDMW79Peiq54X-Ulha6mq_nJbUzsME5L0hY7yQTzDYVUrTXE0NloHcxoUHX1wy11/s400/Andreas%20Pizza.jpg"/></a>
<P>Along Campbell Street, I made a photo of Doughty & Sons, a family-owned heating/cooling/plumbing operation founded in 1980.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKV5uWl9htOqs1DN15dnkvVBzMN60GPKUxaw28EBOyszYtgPejCXDZIxwpYlCIjj9YNTGxvt55BR_3k7V4u4QNh-SBAfLU2jCbx9H9bMecw1e4dzbAIWGwWb4gGuZkEd7eZXOK0_4kyQIcCu7yyak8AvwyQXwrJKJQl474WV5cM0fesXzF1uuz2EzMT3e/s2048/Doughty%20&%20Sons.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKV5uWl9htOqs1DN15dnkvVBzMN60GPKUxaw28EBOyszYtgPejCXDZIxwpYlCIjj9YNTGxvt55BR_3k7V4u4QNh-SBAfLU2jCbx9H9bMecw1e4dzbAIWGwWb4gGuZkEd7eZXOK0_4kyQIcCu7yyak8AvwyQXwrJKJQl474WV5cM0fesXzF1uuz2EzMT3e/s400/Doughty%20&%20Sons.jpg"/></a>
<P>Did I make this photo because it made me think of Mike Doughty, one-time lead singer of Soul Coughing? Yes, I did. While I have only a mild interest in that band, I feel a connection to Mr. Doughty, because an acquaintance who is a massive fans of Doughty told me years ago that he couldn't get over how much I look like the singer. While my beard is nowhere near as impressive as Doughty's (check his <a href="https://www.mikedoughty.com/ghost-of-vroom-3-home">web site</a>; he's the one on the right on the main page), we share a similar glasses style and we're both bald. Anyway, below is Soul Coughing's big hit from many years ago.</P>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRqP52c0OLU?si=NgugafswYuriDD1Q" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>Make sure you listen to music at Doughty's web site. Sounds pretty good to me.</P>
<P>I was excited to see the old Colonial Beacon Filling Station. I'd done a quick search on Flickr for old photos of Woburn, and this was the one thing I was hoping I'd run across.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZfsnMSgWGKkyFuwv8ehtvvvggbf8iypttC50sEmtXlYBI1Apau5l7V1rK-iYyZap3ohi2U1u43pCk9MB2sEd_RwAzJsYaev_e-6O7ghCXVRZT45rZw9a54z2F4VVGzQvHyyvsnnSgW1LRq7g9LDgMUz7CGvhbpI1H_wxg6OnApv_HUQGPEh9GYsYEJjp/s2048/Colonial%20Beacon.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVZfsnMSgWGKkyFuwv8ehtvvvggbf8iypttC50sEmtXlYBI1Apau5l7V1rK-iYyZap3ohi2U1u43pCk9MB2sEd_RwAzJsYaev_e-6O7ghCXVRZT45rZw9a54z2F4VVGzQvHyyvsnnSgW1LRq7g9LDgMUz7CGvhbpI1H_wxg6OnApv_HUQGPEh9GYsYEJjp/s400/Colonial%20Beacon.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA4CMugLNXNpH4FQwiaZ164tXU-MPauh0J56zFvSp4lKZNLABYmKBqbfCMUmMj4zCTBNIDu8WC3V2-z1T54D0AnY3RpxwjAY70YXj0rTUP8Ws7xOjjZGl2-434ddu8mgOop2_Ts71Sg0AQRYPlycWRAIwLoWkz9McP72C1KJ9ZGJKre3O562cyUbFxDMU/s2048/Colonial%20Beacon%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA4CMugLNXNpH4FQwiaZ164tXU-MPauh0J56zFvSp4lKZNLABYmKBqbfCMUmMj4zCTBNIDu8WC3V2-z1T54D0AnY3RpxwjAY70YXj0rTUP8Ws7xOjjZGl2-434ddu8mgOop2_Ts71Sg0AQRYPlycWRAIwLoWkz9McP72C1KJ9ZGJKre3O562cyUbFxDMU/s400/Colonial%20Beacon%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>My interest was piqued because of the unique golden dome on this place, but once I learned the back story via MACRIS, I became truly enamored with it. Built in the 1920s (MACRIS says 1925), the station, with its "[p]rominent columns, balustrade dome and lantern," was patterned after Boston's Massachusetts State House, according to MACRIS. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massachusetts_State_House">state house</a> was designed by well-known architect <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bulfinch">Charles Bulfinch</a>, who over the course of a career spanning the late 18th century into the early 19th designed dozens of buildings in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., and elsewhere.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GaOVWexpfo72hHVGTw9KUtZ3YcVaECSYQbLNodZxUjqCbhXASJD6_iBL9fzZ2q036wkILlhqG0c7z61evj12jmRHzY2szmg5agJyHM-g2HFjTrDnwLU0tEeTUchb80Wiys568g59U3gR13atwIFk1Bv36QovLbYj7QYINsLKASSYuApxLqZ3igEkFnyu/s2048/Colonial%20Beacon%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6GaOVWexpfo72hHVGTw9KUtZ3YcVaECSYQbLNodZxUjqCbhXASJD6_iBL9fzZ2q036wkILlhqG0c7z61evj12jmRHzY2szmg5agJyHM-g2HFjTrDnwLU0tEeTUchb80Wiys568g59U3gR13atwIFk1Bv36QovLbYj7QYINsLKASSYuApxLqZ3igEkFnyu/s400/Colonial%20Beacon%203.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg-RdPfbZUu7HOw59NnW1BkCQzximjpcWQZMIwaUDUXY8pNvc56OmYfozNdLoVz8mOLdyxgyUhBeJ0hLkPOsbvwofrmtDwBLVIst3hc9g4X0ZI3jfmBWEwVwGLkJ0h63GvwF5LNWcFKgFnCDkU67f7rdU_WzWkfsDbhZ8VzQkk7BwCCujJkgpEFiq4wgG/s2048/Colonial%20Beacon%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg-RdPfbZUu7HOw59NnW1BkCQzximjpcWQZMIwaUDUXY8pNvc56OmYfozNdLoVz8mOLdyxgyUhBeJ0hLkPOsbvwofrmtDwBLVIst3hc9g4X0ZI3jfmBWEwVwGLkJ0h63GvwF5LNWcFKgFnCDkU67f7rdU_WzWkfsDbhZ8VzQkk7BwCCujJkgpEFiq4wgG/s400/Colonial%20Beacon%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Colonial Beacon station was one of dozens with the same design built in Massachusetts in the 1920s, according to <a href="https://patch.com/massachusetts/woburn/domed-gas-station-woburn-will-stay-now">this June 2019 Patch article</a>. Of those many buildings, I believe perhaps only three remain, in Malden and Boston. There was one in Stoneham that was converted to an ice cream parlor, but it was torn down and replaced by condos.</P>
<P>According to MACRIS, Clifford Leonard, one of the owners of Beacon Oil Company, convinced his partners to build Colonial filling stations. "His reasoning was to market these stations as facsimiles of the Bulfinch State House in Boston. The State House served as the centerpiece of the 'Hub' of Boston, and Leonard wanted to have his gasoline station equated with this popular image."</P>
<P>The 2019 Patch article indicated that the Woburn Historical Commission voted to impose a one-year delay on demolition permits filed by the owner, a subsidiary of the Clancy Group. Four years later, the building still stands. I have been unable to determine if there is a plan to knock the building down, or to restore it.</P>
<P>I doubled back along Main Street, walking on the west side so as to shoot buildings on the east. How could I resist the former Woburn Masonic Hall?</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5dAJKQ9DTrluvEnj2jFX-EZlzKTFcOu7sShy2FsK_Tk4WrGtrAUV9pULFv4EXS-HCImVeR-YVr7y2PhC0KmqIXw6VOs7r2Ejvxk5VOZ3xjgoVmo09fpjvkPnQkZKpYqXvR5zMy3ecM0OyNN3_wwceRgrzYmlZbzbzbgqqNMhJo2bYcB-15XaLafGnEBq/s2048/Masonic%20Hall%20Woburn.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5dAJKQ9DTrluvEnj2jFX-EZlzKTFcOu7sShy2FsK_Tk4WrGtrAUV9pULFv4EXS-HCImVeR-YVr7y2PhC0KmqIXw6VOs7r2Ejvxk5VOZ3xjgoVmo09fpjvkPnQkZKpYqXvR5zMy3ecM0OyNN3_wwceRgrzYmlZbzbzbgqqNMhJo2bYcB-15XaLafGnEBq/s400/Masonic%20Hall%20Woburn.jpg"/></a>
<P>Also known as the Bank Block, the Italianate beauty "is downtown Woburn’s oldest and best-preserved 19th century brick commercial block," according to MACRIS...."[T]he brick block is accented by granite trimmings including corner quoins, keystones above and pilaster caps flanking the arched windows, a string course above the second story openings and continuous window sills on the second and third stories."</P>
<P>At its construction in 1862, it was home to the Bank of Woburn. In 1871, a fourth story with a Mansard roof was added, to house two Masonic chapters in town, according to MACRIS. The bank continued to operate there. In 1921, the building was sold to the F.W. Woolworth Company, which put a large addition on the back. The Mansard roof was removed in 1947.</P>
<P>Across Main Street from the old Woolworth's, and next to Mahoney's Barber Shop, is the home of <a href="https://nationalmusicinc.com">National Music</a>, which has a pretty nice sign out front.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MvrLt3AJwEG10cvulyUVxTfXrFrOuEm2v7ZH050KP3_MvaaTPU7LPK0E6LpgeEl7_bbYQ01_eExgMXhvUKapvNy7HAdQvhn5AvuC_XIrddV1pqiBnjo5FSNfrHSTDD_5OoorpTsdWxv9PnVt9rZcqPQXNsX3wAGWH9ncOogoKkDZMvyF_sd5E-63SG8n/s2048/National%20Music%20Woburn.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1613" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MvrLt3AJwEG10cvulyUVxTfXrFrOuEm2v7ZH050KP3_MvaaTPU7LPK0E6LpgeEl7_bbYQ01_eExgMXhvUKapvNy7HAdQvhn5AvuC_XIrddV1pqiBnjo5FSNfrHSTDD_5OoorpTsdWxv9PnVt9rZcqPQXNsX3wAGWH9ncOogoKkDZMvyF_sd5E-63SG8n/s400/National%20Music%20Woburn.jpg"/></a>
<P>In business for more than four decades, the store specializes in concert and marching band instruments, as well as portable sound systems, per its web site.</P>
<P>I headed north on Park Street for a short time, saw a ghost sign, then headed back to the main square.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SgMBZD6YFqdYsWeEf8bkmM47cK1YbufYNNUdesDyRbaQJYO5qwuwTCPZC2p_z3yymdc8_-_9-yjk_0hWKQY9tLRqmJVj42kQBKN7-V7pitTWAPMWcehRWYU3713Bq9VBg8LU8s47VX-vDHmeBEwEOD2FpS0i9-9HaCSn9WFc4WmbwujuZekWXrpswGfG/s2048/Park%20St%20Garage%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0SgMBZD6YFqdYsWeEf8bkmM47cK1YbufYNNUdesDyRbaQJYO5qwuwTCPZC2p_z3yymdc8_-_9-yjk_0hWKQY9tLRqmJVj42kQBKN7-V7pitTWAPMWcehRWYU3713Bq9VBg8LU8s47VX-vDHmeBEwEOD2FpS0i9-9HaCSn9WFc4WmbwujuZekWXrpswGfG/s400/Park%20St%20Garage%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently home to Ani's Auto Body, this place was, at some point, known as Park Street Garage. The assessor's database says this building dates to 1959. Maybe that's right, but I'm dubious.</P>
<P>Over on Winn Street, parallel to Park Street, I found Capelo's Auto Service, which also sells used cars.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZshd5DotpIsGXxqaDbmy4tQgdR-r5fjTfZRsulsdfgn6ZDUzQFahDCpqi0kY-UehHMHYCHN7PyP8uerQbkgEo4Mr5RP9giMoTKD-4SXoqowZblhqVskWM5GtbiK6mODZ1AWZwpFqzKB7vNb5Aj3RL0LLwvb6sJTJwtRs0ivjKwavMqZy_sRnmtxae7DkG/s2048/Capelo%27s%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZshd5DotpIsGXxqaDbmy4tQgdR-r5fjTfZRsulsdfgn6ZDUzQFahDCpqi0kY-UehHMHYCHN7PyP8uerQbkgEo4Mr5RP9giMoTKD-4SXoqowZblhqVskWM5GtbiK6mODZ1AWZwpFqzKB7vNb5Aj3RL0LLwvb6sJTJwtRs0ivjKwavMqZy_sRnmtxae7DkG/s400/Capelo%27s%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN0vB9P10wRk6U1qfADEaTqjhvMP59po8Xcw-jo7PiaUXx_BRJpq_cL2G457cVZJuAcUCaQjEi1uO4YgfG4TtLprfutl9HMaZio1v4OVXiBGJ5PAcNX4p_lr-IxK4oM7Qe44N4w5h-WkeR7KUClRSQAFm5Lo49tlcMLlqPNnM8zx6rgx0bSnve5_I2DsT/s2048/Capelo%27s.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN0vB9P10wRk6U1qfADEaTqjhvMP59po8Xcw-jo7PiaUXx_BRJpq_cL2G457cVZJuAcUCaQjEi1uO4YgfG4TtLprfutl9HMaZio1v4OVXiBGJ5PAcNX4p_lr-IxK4oM7Qe44N4w5h-WkeR7KUClRSQAFm5Lo49tlcMLlqPNnM8zx6rgx0bSnve5_I2DsT/s400/Capelo%27s.jpg"/></a>
<P>I like the plastic sign. I'm not sure how long the business has been here, or how old the building is.</P>
<P>Back in the main square, at the corner of Winn and Pleasant streets, is a beautiful old Classical Revival building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpqCpmyT66FXg-EKyjghnFzpk3YfaI7gbXSU5DypZCmzrdC_KsJ3ECThAIv3K-Pk4MKQ0tHfKgrNQ0lgcwG9AzXtgaziBMg7PUlZ87QHJWbgbP9WA67210HoRT7LMkWZVH2Q1eMdNSrByxVSI0hLutlz2tEvRZzNUk3HQYi9J3-_6lgV8OXsdjQB4y68P/s2048/Woburn%20Congregational.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1394" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQpqCpmyT66FXg-EKyjghnFzpk3YfaI7gbXSU5DypZCmzrdC_KsJ3ECThAIv3K-Pk4MKQ0tHfKgrNQ0lgcwG9AzXtgaziBMg7PUlZ87QHJWbgbP9WA67210HoRT7LMkWZVH2Q1eMdNSrByxVSI0hLutlz2tEvRZzNUk3HQYi9J3-_6lgV8OXsdjQB4y68P/s400/Woburn%20Congregational.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently home to the Satsang Center Hindu Temple, this stately lady lost her steeple in a 1925 tornado, and it was never replaced. (Minor complaint about MACRIS. The organization's write-up mentions the tornado, but also twice says it was a hurricane - sheesh....) Built in 1840 as a Congregational Church, the building was taken over by the local Unitarian folks in 1863. "The last meeting of the Unitarian congregation was held in June 1990," according to MACRIS. "The church was sold to the City of Woburn in 1992 and to the Satsang Corporation, the present owner, the following year."</P>
<P>A few doors down, at the corner of Federal and Pleasant streets, is the impressive Woburn Five Cents Savings Bank building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo3mszssb70Fe5bj_-H6BchWZp2xyMMnaHLoYAF1rSkGOYKjISfLpJkzY7t944-G8Hdx0ZKmotHt1zGC_Q5fL4lywuiZ1H9cPce4roSsK4VgQlUjciJS5Z6-48T3w35jK6S9QupYQ_6thGu3MX2qSAvP-xEtOqzZCG23i1BrTweu10dutBK-T6fWr1MSH/s2048/Woburn%20Five%20Cents.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1299" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBo3mszssb70Fe5bj_-H6BchWZp2xyMMnaHLoYAF1rSkGOYKjISfLpJkzY7t944-G8Hdx0ZKmotHt1zGC_Q5fL4lywuiZ1H9cPce4roSsK4VgQlUjciJS5Z6-48T3w35jK6S9QupYQ_6thGu3MX2qSAvP-xEtOqzZCG23i1BrTweu10dutBK-T6fWr1MSH/s400/Woburn%20Five%20Cents.jpg"/></a>
<P>Now home to an urgent care facility, this granite and sandstone solid citizen rose in 1888, and was significantly altered in 1931. The bank completed a four-story building on this site in 1888, which it partially occupied. Other tenants over the years included a post office, a druggist, a YMCA, the St. Charles Catholic Total Abstinence Society, Post 161 of the Grand Army of the Republic and other social and patriotic organizations, according to MACRIS. There was a concert hall on the third floor at one point; that space was taken over by the Eastern Middlesex District Court beginning in 1915.</P>
<P>In 1930, the bank trustees met to discuss whether to construct a new building, or to rebuild the existing one. They decided on the latter option. "The Thomas M. James Company was retained as architects and the top two stories of the Victorian structure were removed," per MACRIS.</P>
<P>Across Pleasant Street from the Hindu temple and the old bank, on one corner of Woburn Common, is something the likes of which I've never seen before. Frankly, I'd never even heard of the item protected in a glass case and described in a plaque in front. It made for a nice final stop on my relatively short tour of Woburn.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaPFjM2gAFU-5HL4hGjhAVQtEZV15POnFFbVI6HW8w3mhNx177o7g7nxthikSGgDrubKQWMHgWPRSmv1gK2l06-qZeKCNflhcYQuQsTNmSd4lSIE26IUsKu6fhMh7EMj8qA7IXC3u2ouss_BQDbmIHA1Q6DGzNjyEhNYNqKesUnxO-LEKDwKf6p4oXZyd/s2048/Ventilator%20cowl.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1658" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimaPFjM2gAFU-5HL4hGjhAVQtEZV15POnFFbVI6HW8w3mhNx177o7g7nxthikSGgDrubKQWMHgWPRSmv1gK2l06-qZeKCNflhcYQuQsTNmSd4lSIE26IUsKu6fhMh7EMj8qA7IXC3u2ouss_BQDbmIHA1Q6DGzNjyEhNYNqKesUnxO-LEKDwKf6p4oXZyd/s400/Ventilator%20cowl.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFwVslLjKMv6IreiERAq8VRbsafxRqMudI4BARI8r23IFHqikfNKMBv8UzN3QuWNzWEphupbL8o6ZA27wqNP7FLtnz5AEp3uKaKUyaqP65lbX24NffhiQwYSbP2ZFYu46otevk1p6MqnSwDcKZklrs7omMERGeLifeO0FFFy0XLQBWS5xZfHwat4bSAtY/s2048/Cowl%20plaque.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGFwVslLjKMv6IreiERAq8VRbsafxRqMudI4BARI8r23IFHqikfNKMBv8UzN3QuWNzWEphupbL8o6ZA27wqNP7FLtnz5AEp3uKaKUyaqP65lbX24NffhiQwYSbP2ZFYu46otevk1p6MqnSwDcKZklrs7omMERGeLifeO0FFFy0XLQBWS5xZfHwat4bSAtY/s400/Cowl%20plaque.jpg"/></a>
<P>That there is a ventilator cowl from the USS Maine, which was commissioned by the U.S. Navy in 1895, and sank three years later in Cuba's Havana Harbor. The sinking, and the subsequent sensationalized reports by journalists (especially in newspapers owned by William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer), led indirectly to the Spanish-American War over Cuba. According to Wikipedia, the Maine had been sent from Key West, Florida to Havana, Cuba "to protect American interests during the Cuban War of Independence." Three weeks after her arrival, there was an explosion on board, which killed 268 sailors, rougnly three-quarters of the crew.</P>
<P>"In 1898, a U.S. Navy board of inquiry ruled that the ship had been sunk by an external explosion from a mine," per Wikipedia, with the Hearst and Pulitzer papers claiming the Spanish had done it. "However, some U.S. Navy officers disagreed with the board, suggesting that the ship's magazines had been ignited by a spontaneous fire in a coal bunker. The coal used in Maine was bituminous, which is known for releasing firedamp, a mixture of gases composed primarily of flammable methane that is prone to spontaneous explosions. An investigation by Admiral Hyman Rickover in 1974 agreed with the coal fire hypothesis."</P>
<P>Wreckage recovered from the bottom of the harbor was distributed to towns and cities across the United States. "America's small towns, flush with patriotic fervor, demanded relics of the waterlogged battlewagon to enshrine," according to <a href="https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/10799">Roadside America</a>. "Some did better than others. Perhaps the greatest prize -- the captain's bathtub -- was snagged by Findlay, OH, but the other macabre booty was democratically scattered nationwide. Three ventilator cowls -- those horns that stick out of ship decks that people are always falling into or peeping out of in movies -- were dredged up. One was given to Woburn."</P>
<P>Now you -- and I -- know what the heck a ventilator cowl is.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzmalAU3J0e8127bvuqiaiy2OqvFrGy2P6TfM9boWw2XVt1XaIy8bUFur7UKJeYWltJqSNvK-qUHR97F3kw-mzQZ2nLmV9-4e55Y3pmeKT3PerEubGWS5syPm7mYSURqvcEAvRZIbc67YvjbbWABt8G4ikdrUKOMxqkblCXUMdsqCYISGu_xwXcgSJwNl/s2048/Cowl%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTzmalAU3J0e8127bvuqiaiy2OqvFrGy2P6TfM9boWw2XVt1XaIy8bUFur7UKJeYWltJqSNvK-qUHR97F3kw-mzQZ2nLmV9-4e55Y3pmeKT3PerEubGWS5syPm7mYSURqvcEAvRZIbc67YvjbbWABt8G4ikdrUKOMxqkblCXUMdsqCYISGu_xwXcgSJwNl/s400/Cowl%20detail.jpg"/></a>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-27853463447472488522024-02-17T08:30:00.000-05:002024-02-17T08:30:08.632-05:00Winding My Way Through the Baker Street Jewish Cemeteries<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOmX_UzbTc921-zlraz0QH8DydrPiVwv5fJO9f9N_HAQoJYuqt0WoU65O66b60jyjv4lPQcJStaATWkWacqPTVSSJzCSVSSDNyqyjIv4SPSml4TKSImH4qS2UFNgEW4StVLFC9RiaskO9uYQ1xGnem0e6SY198MRbGPI-3pt4N1RaxVwOh5Oa_Bv8AhHm/s2048/Star%20of%20David%20on%20ground.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOmX_UzbTc921-zlraz0QH8DydrPiVwv5fJO9f9N_HAQoJYuqt0WoU65O66b60jyjv4lPQcJStaATWkWacqPTVSSJzCSVSSDNyqyjIv4SPSml4TKSImH4qS2UFNgEW4StVLFC9RiaskO9uYQ1xGnem0e6SY198MRbGPI-3pt4N1RaxVwOh5Oa_Bv8AhHm/s400/Star%20of%20David%20on%20ground.jpg"/></a>
<P>While researching online for places to explore along Boston's Blue Hill Avenue, which runs through the Mattapan, Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods, I stumbled across mention of the Baker Street Jewish Cemeteries in the city's West Roxbury neighborhood. I'd driven past the cemeteries numerous times over the past two decades, but had no idea of their history, architecture and layout.</P>
<P>Established in the 1920s on land that was once part of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brook_Farm">Brook Farm</a>, a 19th century utopian communal living site whose founders included author Nathaniel Hawthorne, the cemeteries were necessary for the burgeoning Jewish population along Blue Hill Avenue, according to this 2014 <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/what-happened-to-the-jews-of-bostons-jew-hill-avenue/">Times of Israel article</a>.</P>
<P>"Situated along a three-mile stretch of Blue Hill Avenue, the Jews of Roxbury and Dorchester had migrated from Boston’s cramped, central quarters – the so-called 'Ends' – to try their hands in a suburb," according to the Times article. "Jewish housing – mostly wooden triple-deckers and aging Victorians – was clustered around Franklin Park, where thousands of Jews spent Shabbat in the rose garden. The neighborhood’s turn-of-the-century boom paralleled increased immigration of Jews from the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale_of_Settlement">Pale of Settlement</a> in Russia and Poland, as well as expanded electric street car service. Here, between Dorchester Bay and Frederick Law Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace park system, an ephemeral Jewish community helped popularize both Conservative Judaism and Zionism, even as it broke with religious tradition."</P>
<P>I haven't gotten to Blue Hill Avenue yet, but I was so intrigued by the idea of poking around a complex that "includes 42 separate burial grounds for various synagogues, labor groups and other affiliations," that I headed to Baker Street the next opportunity I had.</P>
<P>The Baker Street burial grounds are operated by the <a href="https://jcam.org">Jewish Cemetery Association of Massachusetts</a> (JCAM). From MACRIS: "Between 1928 and 1958, chapels were built for 22 congregations or cemetery associations. Although primarily from Boston, namely Dorchester and Roxbury, one association was from Quincy and anther from Chelsea. The chapels are all one story, brick with hipped or gabled roofs....Contrasting bricks are also used to create Star of David motifs in side walls. Some chapels retain stained glass windows. Chapels generally were designed by Boston architectural firms, some executing plans for more than one congregation. The following firms designed at least two chapels each: Samuel S. Eisenberg and/or his partner Herman I. Feer (1929, 1941, 1944); Manning Waters (1930s); Saul E. Moffie (late 1930s); Meyer Louis (1937); Winebaum and Wexler (1940s); Arthur Resenstein (1940s and 1950s)."</P>
<P>I hiked in the back way through the Brook Farm walking trail, and felt like an interloper most of the time I was exploring there. I'm not Jewish, and didn't want any of the people I passed on foot and in cars to think I was disrespecting the site by taking photos and reading plaques and gravestones. I'm used to exploring old Colonial graveyards in New England, where nobody has been buried in decades, and few people are walking around. Nobody seemed bothered by the fact that I was there, thankfully.</P>
<P>The Times of Israel article dates to 2014, and features photos of the inside of some of the abandoned chapels once used regularly by the various groups that operated burial grounds. If I'd come across one that seemed easy to access, I'm not sure I would've ventured inside. Seeing them from the outside, some more obviously well taken care of than others, and still in use, was good enough for me.</P>
<P>I started at the Sons of Abraham chapel, which is one of the more pristine buildings on the grounds.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviGP07q1pMtMI_tX4VQ0U4nq6kkxcryvIK5OGJJmqDjs1zXybtxfURHJi6ocsOfZviCzhAOeptlgtdVKRP73ms5a8vDw_diQNSXPBPSts3PHaCpuGr1Ds7mJ3w2DkkfZA6KGteHI6OQOQBACYtCe_Yllxw_4sgEjrOIii3oWnY3Y1kCwf8x5u4JRP8F1V/s2048/Sons%20of%20Abraham%20Chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgviGP07q1pMtMI_tX4VQ0U4nq6kkxcryvIK5OGJJmqDjs1zXybtxfURHJi6ocsOfZviCzhAOeptlgtdVKRP73ms5a8vDw_diQNSXPBPSts3PHaCpuGr1Ds7mJ3w2DkkfZA6KGteHI6OQOQBACYtCe_Yllxw_4sgEjrOIii3oWnY3Y1kCwf8x5u4JRP8F1V/s400/Sons%20of%20Abraham%20Chapel.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ36X4VrQ_iraGSTYS2mMes4SY2RO3-JEy-I1Nagew5deuz_qfqVKEyPvMFiuYLFL0llBPwtB-3mSyje1CV1P0X4sDDVqBF5HUJUER0lOwLMKXmNnnpTVE5TJv60QjHQchBXRZ904OOSWT2h6-xibknkheit6AtXlqLqlL82uU1EqGUUrcPL6r48MJ_iG/s2048/Sons%20of%20Abraham%20plaque.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQ36X4VrQ_iraGSTYS2mMes4SY2RO3-JEy-I1Nagew5deuz_qfqVKEyPvMFiuYLFL0llBPwtB-3mSyje1CV1P0X4sDDVqBF5HUJUER0lOwLMKXmNnnpTVE5TJv60QjHQchBXRZ904OOSWT2h6-xibknkheit6AtXlqLqlL82uU1EqGUUrcPL6r48MJ_iG/s400/Sons%20of%20Abraham%20plaque.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm not at all spiritual, and my knowledge of the history of any religion is quite weak, so I have to rely on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham">Wikipedia</a>, which informs me that Abraham was quite a complicated and seemingly omnipresent person in the ancient times. "Abraham (originally Abram) is the common Hebrew patriarch of the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Judaism, he is the founding father of the special relationship between the Jews and God; in Christianity, he is the spiritual progenitor of all believers, whether Jewish or non-Jewish; and in Islam, he is a link in the chain of Islamic prophets that begins with Adam and culminates in Muhammad."</P>
<P>I was quite taken by the various entry gates in the cemetery, starting with the one for the American Friendship Cemetery Association.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud0TEX6Dn7wCpd7y9kfqS4raPoBDVad0bdj43amExsqDzjIJp8DTQLO1023cuu4Mgo6r3VGos8rEI5_b6Folc_J8ubgEGirKYdQ5czWW6gt9ZdMJMmPfdaUZMJ08OnPXsrAgbUq2V01SbjvZXc-G23X2E9B_AYaNPgFglttyWl_Nb38bBKXEeR4sguzG0/s2048/American%20Friendship%20Gate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1798" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud0TEX6Dn7wCpd7y9kfqS4raPoBDVad0bdj43amExsqDzjIJp8DTQLO1023cuu4Mgo6r3VGos8rEI5_b6Folc_J8ubgEGirKYdQ5czWW6gt9ZdMJMmPfdaUZMJ08OnPXsrAgbUq2V01SbjvZXc-G23X2E9B_AYaNPgFglttyWl_Nb38bBKXEeR4sguzG0/s400/American%20Friendship%20Gate.jpg"/></a>
<P>The association is based in Quincy, Mass., and is a mutual/membership benefit organization. While the JCAM maintains most, if not all, of the small burial grounds at Baker Street, at least some of the founding organizations still exist in some form, from what I've been able to determine.</P>
<P>The entry for the Ostro Hebrew Marshoe Cemetery Association is similar to the AFCA's.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIJk1LZXgUmkfsenq4GszqF0NjAnV0lYHlxqpIDhincq2jUg4zlCz3ulYQnyTHYalMrdxkPh70-bREYvmJ9fPvPBu_aE94uYligWrdSlUqdmnwUGXE6O5ocT2Dis2eesPlroTk6tDxQ4I_sgi7dait2u6m5onWLzAngSxFk9mNA2QudY5BXjic0Imui6O/s2048/Ostro%20Hebrew%20Gate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIJk1LZXgUmkfsenq4GszqF0NjAnV0lYHlxqpIDhincq2jUg4zlCz3ulYQnyTHYalMrdxkPh70-bREYvmJ9fPvPBu_aE94uYligWrdSlUqdmnwUGXE6O5ocT2Dis2eesPlroTk6tDxQ4I_sgi7dait2u6m5onWLzAngSxFk9mNA2QudY5BXjic0Imui6O/s400/Ostro%20Hebrew%20Gate.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Ostro Hebrew Marshoe Society merged with JCAM in 1984.</P>
<P>The Kaminker Cemetery Corp.'s chapel was built in 1938. I wish the original doors were still in place.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4fB4GwEDfaWIXHsOPyr9GeE3pBHtNvVj8LB7y3t8gnO9QfDz93BfIYThvoQa2-dKyu1anbCtom3ORxHTGk89DKXeFXH5ItZQtSpt--9G9vlEZN7IYiSkPjUdb7R7TZsr0fZ509k-q8iUUy5oms8C3ob638BzGZX4di7qArv91lzJyWbir7SdhpCXmSW1/s2048/Kaminker%20Chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb4fB4GwEDfaWIXHsOPyr9GeE3pBHtNvVj8LB7y3t8gnO9QfDz93BfIYThvoQa2-dKyu1anbCtom3ORxHTGk89DKXeFXH5ItZQtSpt--9G9vlEZN7IYiSkPjUdb7R7TZsr0fZ509k-q8iUUy5oms8C3ob638BzGZX4di7qArv91lzJyWbir7SdhpCXmSW1/s400/Kaminker%20Chapel.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QmSk2UGVrRExBL_3ehqQ2Jz8K5LVa63j6KPLA0cxTEOKenDdXczL4yi_gzkMSTedh0Ki9e3Ya5-ccOj6jOGt64AOB1B1qbiYUzRmg9Z2mUAZvi4-6GP-aljQI6Cp2fN4R0FIqmMGNFH2DoqRI3680W9cVvJXbJOytSBPVWZ_zlOOWqL3PhPMIRQGTwCf/s2048/Kaminker%20Chapel%20Star%20of%20David.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QmSk2UGVrRExBL_3ehqQ2Jz8K5LVa63j6KPLA0cxTEOKenDdXczL4yi_gzkMSTedh0Ki9e3Ya5-ccOj6jOGt64AOB1B1qbiYUzRmg9Z2mUAZvi4-6GP-aljQI6Cp2fN4R0FIqmMGNFH2DoqRI3680W9cVvJXbJOytSBPVWZ_zlOOWqL3PhPMIRQGTwCf/s400/Kaminker%20Chapel%20Star%20of%20David.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Lord Rothschild Cemetery Association was named, I presume, for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Rothschild,_1st_Baron_Rothschild">Nathan Rothschild</a>, 1st Baron Rothschild, of the well-known banking family. "In 1885, Rothschild became a member of the House of Lords when he was created Baron Rothschild, of Tring in the County of Hertford, in the Peerage of the United Kingdom," according to Wikipedia. "He was also a hereditary Freiherr (baron) of the Austrian Empire, a noble title that he had inherited via his father. In 1838, Queen Victoria had authorized the use of this Austrian title in the United Kingdom. When he was raised to the peerage by [William Ewart] Gladstone, Rothschild was the first Jewish member of the House of Lords not to have previously converted to Christianity."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxDxO1PVFTH_YhYPS8kgdH4DkLqMKbCf7aiXPdyx8pa7IB7SfDP39RNE6UtGByQE0nE3EvoXiH4OPIG5VLgXljyF3WWI0mO_R4AnvWg9Et0LNZjsPtSGKlRa0X05IBXwgpyJfueMLtHCjCQNb9yd1y-pIyvu0DJEv1TNQtzE2-H8LCclS8iBOLyqkSMT1/s2048/Lord%20Rothschild%20Gate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkxDxO1PVFTH_YhYPS8kgdH4DkLqMKbCf7aiXPdyx8pa7IB7SfDP39RNE6UtGByQE0nE3EvoXiH4OPIG5VLgXljyF3WWI0mO_R4AnvWg9Et0LNZjsPtSGKlRa0X05IBXwgpyJfueMLtHCjCQNb9yd1y-pIyvu0DJEv1TNQtzE2-H8LCclS8iBOLyqkSMT1/s400/Lord%20Rothschild%20Gate.jpg"/></a>
<P>The gate and fence were presented by the Lord Rothschild Ladies Auxiliary, per the plaque shown below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCNGN8nZ-_QmyJOx2Uurj362m3VpUu5ZAxrnP9us5Zy0gyW9zFGFwd5PLqcvMdX9S3LQu-stQMo3TjJLYw3oWYDx6O4x0E5EwmQHTnHI5O7mM9N7VkEW9iUJvym6-aG0NS1Oa8I7NohXobJOxs1K6_UG6XVlQVqSdoqbEUCxVfz5iEqD13h8rKQ1VV9pc/s2048/Lord%20Rothschild%20plaque.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCNGN8nZ-_QmyJOx2Uurj362m3VpUu5ZAxrnP9us5Zy0gyW9zFGFwd5PLqcvMdX9S3LQu-stQMo3TjJLYw3oWYDx6O4x0E5EwmQHTnHI5O7mM9N7VkEW9iUJvym6-aG0NS1Oa8I7NohXobJOxs1K6_UG6XVlQVqSdoqbEUCxVfz5iEqD13h8rKQ1VV9pc/s400/Lord%20Rothschild%20plaque.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Pultusker Cemetery Association, which built its chapel in 1943, is now known as the Greater Boston Benevolent Cemetery Association.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwEA_zq0bM3SDLkB5lmul7AsdP94bTpMmqUkZTso4faqRMBX1P5MeVwNq9zBfm5Hj34tr1Bztey6e52mRJDJMmhh70jUuC4y5kwwPnts_UHi00MwAtMqie0Gu7gFKCrk_xVHGXmuN97RxZekGMqKybdaDdkpsbHW85FKp54x_f9Kcj_nmeC32EqHRH2v-/s2048/Pultusker%20Gate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIwEA_zq0bM3SDLkB5lmul7AsdP94bTpMmqUkZTso4faqRMBX1P5MeVwNq9zBfm5Hj34tr1Bztey6e52mRJDJMmhh70jUuC4y5kwwPnts_UHi00MwAtMqie0Gu7gFKCrk_xVHGXmuN97RxZekGMqKybdaDdkpsbHW85FKp54x_f9Kcj_nmeC32EqHRH2v-/s400/Pultusker%20Gate.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV9CL0Hi3WlujBB_k5T9ecmWUoGF5AqJ3sE5rNFtjd6VJ7VvzdwPrroIQyYnBbQBi7EXH17dmxZVLPmyENfEN4aZypnmEplJ8qEcZMjUvCoxOL_XypwlZmlVZShUKn7-iinmNQgBt5OXw8zKQkQJbmwTDU4xQIQUMnuchHAGAIOWwrw5KkagzM2r_W9lo/s2048/Gr%20Boston%20Benevolent%20Chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicV9CL0Hi3WlujBB_k5T9ecmWUoGF5AqJ3sE5rNFtjd6VJ7VvzdwPrroIQyYnBbQBi7EXH17dmxZVLPmyENfEN4aZypnmEplJ8qEcZMjUvCoxOL_XypwlZmlVZShUKn7-iinmNQgBt5OXw8zKQkQJbmwTDU4xQIQUMnuchHAGAIOWwrw5KkagzM2r_W9lo/s400/Gr%20Boston%20Benevolent%20Chapel.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Atereth Israel Cemetery Association built its chapel in 1949.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwFhRoqrdVRRx5sBen7zt2GsoEII-wHrR30D4Y7PxU8D9bqB6-wulubtyKkJUmFQd_C5c2KOWMQxWPTNYeK5zCDMm3o2u09dL598T4ZkKt8D_PqR6XROKSfGcntZ17LEpHEIm40KumLAmqF59Qxk8jnZSRozTR5X_oHUONabYP6bQ1_rqECi8axE_EPXd/s2048/Atereth%20Israel%20Chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwFhRoqrdVRRx5sBen7zt2GsoEII-wHrR30D4Y7PxU8D9bqB6-wulubtyKkJUmFQd_C5c2KOWMQxWPTNYeK5zCDMm3o2u09dL598T4ZkKt8D_PqR6XROKSfGcntZ17LEpHEIm40KumLAmqF59Qxk8jnZSRozTR5X_oHUONabYP6bQ1_rqECi8axE_EPXd/s400/Atereth%20Israel%20Chapel.jpg"/></a>
<P>Based in Newton, <a href="https://www.bethelnewton.org/overview.html">Congregation Beth El-Atereth Israel</a> is still active as it "represents a continuation of two congregations founded in the 1800’s in the Dorchester area of Boston," per the linked web site. I wrote about the congregation as part of my series about the villages of Newton (see March 27, 2021, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2019/09/i-seek-newton-part-x-newton-centre.html">"I Seek Newton, Part X: Newton Centre (Section 1)"</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzmsUoCU4TCG_GppeQWS0AD0-hu1sGOcasx8Zpx7FXpMzE39CNjStLrMgQG8aB_B3-NtwRE5bBXUuxfSYjrIZ0LLgzVesIx4HLJdYXvEHP-de6W5gAGJhpuP5SOhl40L5pV-EVeKrfT6r-RSrWfJtMQBKkIrjTjSNKMULm0AsxUMBv2sA5bTtWTNrrwD4/s2048/Moreland%20Street%20Cemetery_Atereth.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzmsUoCU4TCG_GppeQWS0AD0-hu1sGOcasx8Zpx7FXpMzE39CNjStLrMgQG8aB_B3-NtwRE5bBXUuxfSYjrIZ0LLgzVesIx4HLJdYXvEHP-de6W5gAGJhpuP5SOhl40L5pV-EVeKrfT6r-RSrWfJtMQBKkIrjTjSNKMULm0AsxUMBv2sA5bTtWTNrrwD4/s400/Moreland%20Street%20Cemetery_Atereth.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Atereth cemetery was formerly known as the Moreland Street Cemetery. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moreland_Street_Historic_District">Moreland Street Historic District</a> "is...roughly bounded by Kearsarge, Blue Hill Avenues, and Warren, Waverly, and Winthrop Streets in the Roxbury neighborhood of Boston...." per Wikipedia. "It encompasses 63 acres of predominantly residential urban streetscape, which was developed between about 1840 and 1920."</P>
<P>The Zviller Cemetery features yet another beautiful entryway.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSofEnUU_OeOBSvVM-UgoFhbj3-8DH4fTrKXdb3hs2et5mjfYLzL2HIOH4mqOVsuhf9e6eimUD--dfqG4r-PWK922xeEpTqpbJ451ooGh9kZwAD581N_kyhH3jImJeiauC86pqgoIao-9bDaU298cgeqePndp5Mrbx0CPmP256LFs2yDiLj03bIocCX7y/s2048/Zviller%20Cemetery%20Gate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1441" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSofEnUU_OeOBSvVM-UgoFhbj3-8DH4fTrKXdb3hs2et5mjfYLzL2HIOH4mqOVsuhf9e6eimUD--dfqG4r-PWK922xeEpTqpbJ451ooGh9kZwAD581N_kyhH3jImJeiauC86pqgoIao-9bDaU298cgeqePndp5Mrbx0CPmP256LFs2yDiLj03bIocCX7y/s400/Zviller%20Cemetery%20Gate.jpg"/></a>
<P>At the back of this cemetery, as you may be able to see in the photo above, I spied a small brick building that I needed to check out.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPMFOyuA_24Lg9w5EAEc4sd4UYMYTOc5za-gSOJfTkXwtlj_-UBx_MYb8seaaQFklR_OvChzHTWsAmqVKWazbmnOHAvnxev3iSOXdvYyNt8i96Yz1I_x3jNIjb3danQUQPFKbrwoGwtTwupFU2J3hB0gkfSN3IDWsPdsJYR-pIvTjKo1r02ThZwwQX7b6/s2048/Tucked%20Away%20Chapel%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPMFOyuA_24Lg9w5EAEc4sd4UYMYTOc5za-gSOJfTkXwtlj_-UBx_MYb8seaaQFklR_OvChzHTWsAmqVKWazbmnOHAvnxev3iSOXdvYyNt8i96Yz1I_x3jNIjb3danQUQPFKbrwoGwtTwupFU2J3hB0gkfSN3IDWsPdsJYR-pIvTjKo1r02ThZwwQX7b6/s400/Tucked%20Away%20Chapel%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Pretty small for a chapel," I thought to myself. I had no idea what this little structure's purpose might be, until I posted some photos from Baker Street on Instagram. One of my IG followers teased me with, "If you think the small empty chapels are fascinating, do you know about genizahs?"</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY7G8_AKEY1rfELvJE99O86KsfhMMbEhJhaNjoZKxKbOt56C8MwBSGg0SaBjtkgB1BJOwFdnuHXpQYXua-1bSiTA2OGj8LW80GUizizUdmosNglblfC10_ZBVQd7eQW84sFHvyHuSwANuIkdnjeNJsT4YOy-hbMEMktSG4VtKrZdP5912oejjkl0CJkuN/s2048/Tucked%20Away%20Chapel%20Star.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYY7G8_AKEY1rfELvJE99O86KsfhMMbEhJhaNjoZKxKbOt56C8MwBSGg0SaBjtkgB1BJOwFdnuHXpQYXua-1bSiTA2OGj8LW80GUizizUdmosNglblfC10_ZBVQd7eQW84sFHvyHuSwANuIkdnjeNJsT4YOy-hbMEMktSG4VtKrZdP5912oejjkl0CJkuN/s400/Tucked%20Away%20Chapel%20Star.jpg"/></a>
<P>Again, from Wikipedia: "A genizah...is a storage area in a Jewish synagogue or cemetery designated for the temporary storage of worn-out Hebrew-language books and papers on religious topics prior to proper cemetery burial."</P>
<P>Fascinating. I'm not sure whether other religious denominations make use of these types of buildings. I've certainly not seen any in Catholic cemeteries I've visited.</P>
<P>While I was quite taken with all of the chapels and genizahs (I found one other, which is featured at the bottom of this post) and entryways, I was most enamored of the David Vicur Choulim Cemetery's features.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdpJgQFzxWqA7zYMcvLZJiEDKpw0rtkT6CEJraSqeBjjDFWCgVpLfc_Hu7An0wS73w1_TvvAxP4ohjm-Y-kMZS089GvTewS4RcuxYDlxqsQlcnk9Nq2gmYWWLkpyHbflQwMNVTXma8tmS_N2rCuBSLyQ5TLL76iqCIbBdBcsVuHNmVHwE6okYiSdrCsjU/s2048/David%20Vicur%20Choulim%20Gate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1357" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdpJgQFzxWqA7zYMcvLZJiEDKpw0rtkT6CEJraSqeBjjDFWCgVpLfc_Hu7An0wS73w1_TvvAxP4ohjm-Y-kMZS089GvTewS4RcuxYDlxqsQlcnk9Nq2gmYWWLkpyHbflQwMNVTXma8tmS_N2rCuBSLyQ5TLL76iqCIbBdBcsVuHNmVHwE6okYiSdrCsjU/s400/David%20Vicur%20Choulim%20Gate.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJplCCnzPURHhQr-aO_rZup8AeTCIPvew9c_wstF5RLYwCYvCgnadhYTdp4xiyZKsqPZrUDCY2Yf9Y3y3B0uS-3_bZZoMk2tnEQbUUXDgSKSquT6GkuAPFGfTaE20Lf8rT2kqKL52HE3xXgfYAhd0KxBhUQnoOZLy8XPVAGolxc-Hspqa8IkGH-7t6kQZG/s2048/Vicur%20Choulim%20Chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1455" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJplCCnzPURHhQr-aO_rZup8AeTCIPvew9c_wstF5RLYwCYvCgnadhYTdp4xiyZKsqPZrUDCY2Yf9Y3y3B0uS-3_bZZoMk2tnEQbUUXDgSKSquT6GkuAPFGfTaE20Lf8rT2kqKL52HE3xXgfYAhd0KxBhUQnoOZLy8XPVAGolxc-Hspqa8IkGH-7t6kQZG/s400/Vicur%20Choulim%20Chapel.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EMO0Edmhdd1S4Jur8FOzt28aImu2OkuthArEuZcF2hhI_xDCoqz3LVtx78a3bmLo5WArK74JKzj-2zXn2wtpSwPgFZ-J2E6zdGtUoMHqJoAxr2OMomdU_iEJHDLcTNqTwn0Dxsh_NqwUDdCjIyN7sdOG9m58RtKFnzkE0lH1P-W5Zuc4dpuXOlGhafGK/s2048/Vicur%20Choulim%20Chapel%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EMO0Edmhdd1S4Jur8FOzt28aImu2OkuthArEuZcF2hhI_xDCoqz3LVtx78a3bmLo5WArK74JKzj-2zXn2wtpSwPgFZ-J2E6zdGtUoMHqJoAxr2OMomdU_iEJHDLcTNqTwn0Dxsh_NqwUDdCjIyN7sdOG9m58RtKFnzkE0lH1P-W5Zuc4dpuXOlGhafGK/s400/Vicur%20Choulim%20Chapel%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EEZLRiVMxbO5P0LJbP7tN4sbIKtirpzgDN-2ztz8kWxvlg-kr0MSG-ezKfqbZaXvbuEaGIAjwdaSrrmCXIRelDj88hTCXy7lK6himwvFWV8HrWzRTUYm2DjQa8DmAdS3eODtscaxUUchVwAZ8CcAEKGYOI2TPWajuDMoPeOFQVXLaByDBiBGkcY_LC-w/s2048/Vicur%20Choulim%20Chapel%20doors.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1602" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EEZLRiVMxbO5P0LJbP7tN4sbIKtirpzgDN-2ztz8kWxvlg-kr0MSG-ezKfqbZaXvbuEaGIAjwdaSrrmCXIRelDj88hTCXy7lK6himwvFWV8HrWzRTUYm2DjQa8DmAdS3eODtscaxUUchVwAZ8CcAEKGYOI2TPWajuDMoPeOFQVXLaByDBiBGkcY_LC-w/s400/Vicur%20Choulim%20Chapel%20doors.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydLUYh8vjeP8qJCMbvVAsGtoAJNt7pEG3_6SMaIkHjzRjmzWFJniyUlkajCgQvofJFjlMXooQHFr9tTdnIjucygYMCVWz5jnpjHyiRAxHv5rTmeJ_k7eoPYHDBRWz-LFuVK5FXf2-hhi9cg83g8jxcDJX0dSFxYSDXo-EMgT8H5RlYOTxqfgl3nLTB0de/s2048/Vicur%20Choulim%20Gate%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgydLUYh8vjeP8qJCMbvVAsGtoAJNt7pEG3_6SMaIkHjzRjmzWFJniyUlkajCgQvofJFjlMXooQHFr9tTdnIjucygYMCVWz5jnpjHyiRAxHv5rTmeJ_k7eoPYHDBRWz-LFuVK5FXf2-hhi9cg83g8jxcDJX0dSFxYSDXo-EMgT8H5RlYOTxqfgl3nLTB0de/s400/Vicur%20Choulim%20Gate%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>I wasn't able to find out much about this organization, other than that it appears to have been formed in 1869 in Boston.</P>
<P>The Ahavis Achim Anshi Koretz Cemetery Corporation chapel, built in 1935, is in good condition. The organization still exists in Newton, listed on <a href="https://www.buzzfile.com/business/Ahavas-Achim-Anshi-Koretz-Cemetery-Corporation-617-795-2456">Buzzfile</a> as operating in "the Cemetery Subdividers and Developers business / industry within the Real Estate sector" since 2011.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ3ftZL240uLFRkNmvi_ceHqny7wkIUxJXmIa6KFj99jLOFbSC-6goBPCSC6QgP7TfLzSkNJgZnAinM9SAi0Jmc2mwOimtRRp1qnPTJzu1tURuelCaitqTfaq_ABfm6RleHCiS4EEaPydXUHMcohdpK0igFNhJ3yIa2uyp8FArItC68Mbdmp0krqvNaTh/s2048/Ahavis%20Achim%20Chapel%20front.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1423" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ3ftZL240uLFRkNmvi_ceHqny7wkIUxJXmIa6KFj99jLOFbSC-6goBPCSC6QgP7TfLzSkNJgZnAinM9SAi0Jmc2mwOimtRRp1qnPTJzu1tURuelCaitqTfaq_ABfm6RleHCiS4EEaPydXUHMcohdpK0igFNhJ3yIa2uyp8FArItC68Mbdmp0krqvNaTh/s400/Ahavis%20Achim%20Chapel%20front.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5XjsSM43kXb579-WGDjoRJz3Svg4rdjZNX_h1DNGEBUtVklvmXtU6hUyh0M5Cp4RXa32NnCRlywCEJ5vDllM6RkQ_1GH0WKdiJ_8avI8nf9WQJuvXp4Q3U2CtWJZzNW18_mouw7830X0qlhwHFqZk9eiaJ6xhy3TBwx7AfOxIHd_I3K9oHOtEgV2GkXf/s2048/Ahavis%20Achim%20Chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5XjsSM43kXb579-WGDjoRJz3Svg4rdjZNX_h1DNGEBUtVklvmXtU6hUyh0M5Cp4RXa32NnCRlywCEJ5vDllM6RkQ_1GH0WKdiJ_8avI8nf9WQJuvXp4Q3U2CtWJZzNW18_mouw7830X0qlhwHFqZk9eiaJ6xhy3TBwx7AfOxIHd_I3K9oHOtEgV2GkXf/s400/Ahavis%20Achim%20Chapel.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Quincy Hebrew Cemetery Society opened its chapel in 1939. The organization restored its cemetery in 2008 after years of neglect, according to <a href="https://www.patriotledger.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2008/07/19/quincy-hebrew-cemetery-more-dignified/40176503007/">this article</a> from that year in <i>The Patriot Ledger</i>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ga1JDwyWGOkccxpt1dx8H1a9qmosJei3Q_Kwh5OsK2uBDsvlriM58Vymzsf9vM892jnjZgo74dniNWcxbzDgNar9Gpu79Z7sq6OM2uNGciNUdAsEocc8g0iT-qqXBcEKnz9QxkO1HX-S982q-LdIgR7b1pja9d7x1ou01NP2JO5IORmOQMh2LOcmpEVa/s2048/Quincy%20Hebrew%20Chapel%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ga1JDwyWGOkccxpt1dx8H1a9qmosJei3Q_Kwh5OsK2uBDsvlriM58Vymzsf9vM892jnjZgo74dniNWcxbzDgNar9Gpu79Z7sq6OM2uNGciNUdAsEocc8g0iT-qqXBcEKnz9QxkO1HX-S982q-LdIgR7b1pja9d7x1ou01NP2JO5IORmOQMh2LOcmpEVa/s400/Quincy%20Hebrew%20Chapel%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSTI4EvU4uFDWcdUdascz6DY1CHiMdBXIB1UZCOvdkRvZMEAa4CtNGDvxqS6eo0bjVOdbfz1aAKqxdHlTQPcwjYBB19nqrDhOeggtDHgH2XzRqYmPgM-S4VxQX80RIYPathK50p7Zo47IwWeEyehovvjl2ayR3joKDorBUjZoYdIqH0UDsFffhGRd-0bG/s2048/Quincy%20Hebrew%20Chapel%20plaques.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSTI4EvU4uFDWcdUdascz6DY1CHiMdBXIB1UZCOvdkRvZMEAa4CtNGDvxqS6eo0bjVOdbfz1aAKqxdHlTQPcwjYBB19nqrDhOeggtDHgH2XzRqYmPgM-S4VxQX80RIYPathK50p7Zo47IwWeEyehovvjl2ayR3joKDorBUjZoYdIqH0UDsFffhGRd-0bG/s400/Quincy%20Hebrew%20Chapel%20plaques.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8W-_6-aCZ0A--yDyRs2_HZYQWiDj2tlSj_iBr2sDJIoJreu9JqiNWHQPMcjjAW6d4N9XwqHFO0VsQAA8Db1y8hcb7oLw1unKOXULqWI1r4O3cBZcIntTOGEZNsFscQU8o3IYhBQHwsq5yNu8amKhx3GNuqB8DQLE8Lu5V-CMy3Ghw7tIQy4kny19qYY2/s2048/Quincy%20Hebrew%20Chapel%20star.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8W-_6-aCZ0A--yDyRs2_HZYQWiDj2tlSj_iBr2sDJIoJreu9JqiNWHQPMcjjAW6d4N9XwqHFO0VsQAA8Db1y8hcb7oLw1unKOXULqWI1r4O3cBZcIntTOGEZNsFscQU8o3IYhBQHwsq5yNu8amKhx3GNuqB8DQLE8Lu5V-CMy3Ghw7tIQy4kny19qYY2/s400/Quincy%20Hebrew%20Chapel%20star.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Staro-Konstantinov Progressive Cemetery Association's gate looks new and made to last.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbj3QJ16bb21HKrxwH9cqD62MJYcDGi8kEe39YQWa92P8t_TGhtoJsXhKH2hUiLgqcMsxYexV_oeTh9Y5fa-PfyXjlrZUUfnZvvsWdyItx1-9J2RKCSy71HMmz6eLSNSYR-YpdYEe7yFu9KDzNpnk7pcYDShJm6xXbgvfZiB6lDhzigX0_txwguAL1XsF/s2048/Staro%20Konstantinov%20Gate%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbj3QJ16bb21HKrxwH9cqD62MJYcDGi8kEe39YQWa92P8t_TGhtoJsXhKH2hUiLgqcMsxYexV_oeTh9Y5fa-PfyXjlrZUUfnZvvsWdyItx1-9J2RKCSy71HMmz6eLSNSYR-YpdYEe7yFu9KDzNpnk7pcYDShJm6xXbgvfZiB6lDhzigX0_txwguAL1XsF/s400/Staro%20Konstantinov%20Gate%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm not sure whether the association was founded in 1937, or if that's when the cemetery was started. The group is named for a city currently in Ukraine that was once part of Poland and then the Soviet Union, according to <a href="https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/staro-konstantinov">this Jewish Virtual Library article</a>. If you want to know more, read that article, as things get pretty convoluted.</P>
<P>The ivy clinging to the Anshei Sfard chapel adds a touch of mystery, but the Star of David, the name of the organization and the built date still shine through.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6_6i5Q3X_aV7QD1gTp_rNlHUXVhoVqsyXaddDKKCpLrh4ur5h428eO2VBIVfFBtUS9xHUQoel8NklPA_eaXzNVrQzxe8ZAp606u4x9ERLKi07CjPs8PvG__NpW09pCUTLtOPqPr_I2657v3wQ-v2HIZuZblWeiBBJYQ8bPRWD-kZguGQqm6LBhDQDueF/s2048/Anshei%20Sfard%20Chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF6_6i5Q3X_aV7QD1gTp_rNlHUXVhoVqsyXaddDKKCpLrh4ur5h428eO2VBIVfFBtUS9xHUQoel8NklPA_eaXzNVrQzxe8ZAp606u4x9ERLKi07CjPs8PvG__NpW09pCUTLtOPqPr_I2657v3wQ-v2HIZuZblWeiBBJYQ8bPRWD-kZguGQqm6LBhDQDueF/s400/Anshei%20Sfard%20Chapel.jpg"/></a>
<P>I believe that this chapel was owned (and may still be) by Congregation Agudas Achim Anshei Sfard, which is located in the Nonantum neighborhood of Newton, aka the Adams Street Shul. "The Adams Street Shul was founded by Jews who came to Newton primarily from Ukraine at the turn of the 20th century," according to the <a href="https://www.adamsstreet.org/our-history.html">congregation's web site</a>. "By 1901, at least half of the Jewish families arriving in Newton had settled in the Nonantum section of the city. After many years of davening in people's homes and in other larger and rented spaces, it became clear that the community required a formal synagogue. On October 6, 1911, Congregation Agudas Achim Anshei Sfard was granted an official charter by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. On December 15, 1912, three days after the end of Chanukah, the building itself was officially opened on Adams Street and formally dedicated with great fanfare and celebration."</P>
<P>I included the shul, which still has an active congregation, in one of the segments of my project to document all of the villages of Newton (see November 15, 2020, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2020/08/i-seek-newton-part-ix-nonantum-section-3.html">"I Seek Newton, Part IX: Nonantum (Section 3)"</a>.</P>
<P>The Immigrants Mutual Aid Society doesn't have a fancy entryway, but I like it nonetheless.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Gy2z3Bl0C2miaiL2jGdwuVuVIkW1NH7O0nMeTcqsQmT7xUzwB3NTFj0xhol65d2Xn-5RnuoIL8fWuif5y6Aeow8uJUlc_qFdGVfSN6dH4lbc6Q4CpmmrcPmyAexUnEQCnbAbT0N-bvmBKZStLjmJwkyU05ur4PyqFzpmBEUVV-TKDiba5ed0onDp3VXi/s2048/Immigrants%20Mutal%20Aid%20Society%20entrance.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Gy2z3Bl0C2miaiL2jGdwuVuVIkW1NH7O0nMeTcqsQmT7xUzwB3NTFj0xhol65d2Xn-5RnuoIL8fWuif5y6Aeow8uJUlc_qFdGVfSN6dH4lbc6Q4CpmmrcPmyAexUnEQCnbAbT0N-bvmBKZStLjmJwkyU05ur4PyqFzpmBEUVV-TKDiba5ed0onDp3VXi/s400/Immigrants%20Mutal%20Aid%20Society%20entrance.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5ezLSUu-WYc9WrmbJkPeRg_U07cpUWJuWxKv5n5y38ELxIqe7z0rG-iasKnPE26E4gg12kNmJEHWOpFkknSBE6GKFtQ_iAhy3n2pyZ7cWHFFPNXIVo7ZxZEeobYtAQ24KYIjTaUu2i-CRDj7EKQnJwSB8dr0RZWL9xh8bznFCicJ_ELk1wQTglKIsz-0/s2048/Immigrants%20Mutual%20Aid%20Society%20plaque.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5ezLSUu-WYc9WrmbJkPeRg_U07cpUWJuWxKv5n5y38ELxIqe7z0rG-iasKnPE26E4gg12kNmJEHWOpFkknSBE6GKFtQ_iAhy3n2pyZ7cWHFFPNXIVo7ZxZEeobYtAQ24KYIjTaUu2i-CRDj7EKQnJwSB8dr0RZWL9xh8bznFCicJ_ELk1wQTglKIsz-0/s400/Immigrants%20Mutual%20Aid%20Society%20plaque.jpg"/></a>
<P>As with many of the other cemeteries, this one was founded during the Holocaust, in this case, 1938. I couldn't help but think of that horrible chapter of world history as I strolled through the Baker Street cemeteries. As for the Immigrants Mutual Aid Society, it "was founded in 1938 by a group of Central European refugees, to ease immigrants' adjustment to the economic, spiritual, cultural, and social life of the American community and to provide mutual assistance to its members and aid to other immigrants," according to <a href="https://jewishheritagecenter.libraryhost.com/repositories/2/resources/27">The Wyner Fanily Jewish Heritage Center</a>, which is part of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. "IMAS's original purpose was to assist refugees from Nazi persecution. In early years, IMAS was primarily concerned with securing affidavits for émigrés, and providing them with English lessons, as well as assisting them in finding jobs and homes."</P>
<P>I'm guessing that many, if not most, of the organizations that once owned these cemeteries acted in similar ways for Jewish immigrants.</P>
<P>The gate post opposite the one for the Immigrants Mutual Aid Society was erected by the Roxbury Lodge Cemetery Association in 1939.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfkNGSWyiPsYmeJRxTcC4_Kg6woGUx0vhFofy5Gmt_6KlV9TIBnzOA6ghTxz2hgWGBBligbPol0YPQR-250u1PNKKvtjuvjf4EXCcWw_V0sD6u5Z3KOgOGcsvykvFgg1VnTM6Icex7OUCNoT380_UoBdixkNvs6Sj3sR-QHVVLJr_3IrciYPxu1axWOxA/s2048/Roxbury%20Lodge%20plaque.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfkNGSWyiPsYmeJRxTcC4_Kg6woGUx0vhFofy5Gmt_6KlV9TIBnzOA6ghTxz2hgWGBBligbPol0YPQR-250u1PNKKvtjuvjf4EXCcWw_V0sD6u5Z3KOgOGcsvykvFgg1VnTM6Icex7OUCNoT380_UoBdixkNvs6Sj3sR-QHVVLJr_3IrciYPxu1axWOxA/s400/Roxbury%20Lodge%20plaque.jpg"/></a>
<P>I've been unable to find out anything about the Roxbury organization.</P>
<P>The Or Emet Cemetery and Temple Emeth Memorial Park is more modern than the others, but quite lovely.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_goj_uxUGN3t2t6Wq92bzlqzVui-pedRuYkHNLam1IMro4nrjhwtc5JR7CZzt3BwjSCM5xpNuC1KtPye_Z4M3DoCTifwV22T0es3JMzG5fiMx4ZZ47pSI28pKRr22ixAmQXrGSjcudm9si01m0fvzfDEms4KqspA9VEN0yomGKV8qgkGoU7w7lCMBKpvR/s2048/Or%20Emet%20Gate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_goj_uxUGN3t2t6Wq92bzlqzVui-pedRuYkHNLam1IMro4nrjhwtc5JR7CZzt3BwjSCM5xpNuC1KtPye_Z4M3DoCTifwV22T0es3JMzG5fiMx4ZZ47pSI28pKRr22ixAmQXrGSjcudm9si01m0fvzfDEms4KqspA9VEN0yomGKV8qgkGoU7w7lCMBKpvR/s400/Or%20Emet%20Gate.jpg"/></a>
<P>The park was established in 1958 by Temple Emeth, which was founded in 1939 in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood of Brookline, according to the <a href="https://www.templeemeth.org/lifecycle/our-cemeteries/#:~:text=Or%20Emet%20Cemetery%20and%20Temple%20Emeth%20Memorial%20Park%20are%20located,to%20over%2040%20Jewish%20Cemeteries">congregation's web site</a>. The cemetery was dedicated in 2012.</P>
<P>Established on land donated by Joseph and Dora Richards in 1929, the Hebrew Ladies Home for the Aged Cemetery is now known as the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center Cemetery.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYrsMYseExBX5gSgpQGj2h3nhqTLG6k3X1GCNT3pCJWw3Ck6WnmIiY6Yhgou3t2-RGxBEMxM7XX-O5PwOEG5Th-IUNvVFyFC9Iv9rrB0EGz6xfHj-MyleJbgU_ucgYRYO-17R_Nz2hT_bUSp3Af5_RRWQ70Nul2_diEwitONkxwBjQCRXmYdXFHCZiT_X/s2048/Hebrew%20Rehab_Hebrew%20Ladies%20Home.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdYrsMYseExBX5gSgpQGj2h3nhqTLG6k3X1GCNT3pCJWw3Ck6WnmIiY6Yhgou3t2-RGxBEMxM7XX-O5PwOEG5Th-IUNvVFyFC9Iv9rrB0EGz6xfHj-MyleJbgU_ucgYRYO-17R_Nz2hT_bUSp3Af5_RRWQ70Nul2_diEwitONkxwBjQCRXmYdXFHCZiT_X/s400/Hebrew%20Rehab_Hebrew%20Ladies%20Home.jpg"/></a>
<P>Founded in 1903 as the Hebrew Moshav Zekainim Association, the Hebrew Ladies' Home for the Aged Association operated a facility on Queen Street in Dorchester. In 1963, the group moved to a new facility in Boston's Roslindale neighborhood and changed its name to Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged. The organization is now known as <a href="https://www.hebrewseniorlife.org/about-us/our-mission-and-heritage">Hebrew Senior Life</a>.</P>
<P>The Mohliver Cemetery Association chapel is somewhat more imposing than the others, and is a bit funky architecturally, but still I like it.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01ta23X5IaoghdZ4WIlPkrW7ObjZLhgxvUmuXHVKcTx0_663uIkaH0EwcnMYpSe4NUNa2fpTkSs4_iJmkMOHEK2z-EogwqPRLBnpYT7agS9dd4gdVkLwSA7KWjbROfKanZzseCyPzIkqqp6W_t8o3Ia7rbY-SsflI02ye2xIM6mWzyDQums0fu3RV5UI_/s2048/White%20Door%20Chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01ta23X5IaoghdZ4WIlPkrW7ObjZLhgxvUmuXHVKcTx0_663uIkaH0EwcnMYpSe4NUNa2fpTkSs4_iJmkMOHEK2z-EogwqPRLBnpYT7agS9dd4gdVkLwSA7KWjbROfKanZzseCyPzIkqqp6W_t8o3Ia7rbY-SsflI02ye2xIM6mWzyDQums0fu3RV5UI_/s400/White%20Door%20Chapel.jpg"/></a>
<P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiW5jIThWjcqDdn8_QQEylGC987o5uxbEBemZ-hX0l1gTn11DRhqWKp_Wo-upYQ2od7kSFbL2aON1dvorwjAODdDrGYi5VTKADuKL9Vpc1zQzmpqz0X6I_hkk0idlOBfCMaHMmNoZmUu-aUkh_yorliEbUQBv2Hi9Dbc9vjmwQKtO-vaqHWIGDxyyvNqg/s2048/Mohliver%20Gate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfiW5jIThWjcqDdn8_QQEylGC987o5uxbEBemZ-hX0l1gTn11DRhqWKp_Wo-upYQ2od7kSFbL2aON1dvorwjAODdDrGYi5VTKADuKL9Vpc1zQzmpqz0X6I_hkk0idlOBfCMaHMmNoZmUu-aUkh_yorliEbUQBv2Hi9Dbc9vjmwQKtO-vaqHWIGDxyyvNqg/s400/Mohliver%20Gate.jpg"/></a>
<P>I've been unable to find out anything about this association, which may be named for Samuel Mohilever, "a rabbi, pioneer of Religious Zionism and one of the founders of the Hovevei Zion movement," according to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Mohilever">Wikipedia</a>.</P>
<P>I was quite surprised in the middle of so many Jewish cemeteries, to see a sign for a historic Christian site.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEZXSw28RchzY1V1PCCxxmeUmwW72z01WxtSbBE4Z6ZJwpmLDcv0eYlD3YgwXgH9DN8VgBYrB5yTPY8NcdzCAEI5nmhztiGR1A4hMRvcoaRfoYitrsd-HA3QwjNYLbv5h2MINVvJvbDRrzd7rTP-99mwDPUh90JXL3CXJNTVfQRAEUWBY_mNBzV8g6vNS/s2048/Pulpit%20Rock%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbEZXSw28RchzY1V1PCCxxmeUmwW72z01WxtSbBE4Z6ZJwpmLDcv0eYlD3YgwXgH9DN8VgBYrB5yTPY8NcdzCAEI5nmhztiGR1A4hMRvcoaRfoYitrsd-HA3QwjNYLbv5h2MINVvJvbDRrzd7rTP-99mwDPUh90JXL3CXJNTVfQRAEUWBY_mNBzV8g6vNS/s400/Pulpit%20Rock%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>Pulpit Rock is where <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Eliot_%28missionary%29">Rev. John Eliot</a> allegedly preached to Native Americans in the 1640s as part of his three-decade effort to convert them to Christianity. Eliot "also established 14 Christian Indian communities in Massachusetts," according to <a href="https://www.bu.edu/bridge/archive/2000/11-10/pulpitrock.html">this B.U. Bridge article</a>. "Although his sermons at these settlements are well documented, there is no written record of Eliot's preaching to Indians in West Roxbury. Nonetheless, the 'Pulpit Rock' story became legendary when it was told in Nathaniel Hawthorne's 1850 novel <i>The Blithedale Romance</i>, which was based on the author's experience at a utopian farming community there."</P>
<P>The last part of that quote references Brook Farm, which is also cited on the sign. I could see the rock through the trees, but chose not to explore further. In late 2021, I wrote about a memorial to Eliot located in Newton Corner (see December 18, 2021, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2021/12/i-seek-newton-part-xi-newton-corner_18.html">"I Seek Newton, Part XI: Newton Corner (Section 2)."</a></P>
<P>The final stop on my tour was the Agudath Israel Cemetery Association burial ground.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1uwS88xjOrS3QIncojwllQ8H4e0s36kStcQezLpPC5bM66K8pmj6IMT1P-kK_axduKahn1rg1OA7KTL0vXa8MnV-NNd1WpIhhanD_GbIJ7IcSCCdHz3CI9J4wXJNJMj3xUdxia3CZ-Pbn5YvHirY6sE93latePNaFy3vT_IlSMI7qjpkH608dkNeX57x/s2048/Agudath%20Israel%20Gate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1776" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1uwS88xjOrS3QIncojwllQ8H4e0s36kStcQezLpPC5bM66K8pmj6IMT1P-kK_axduKahn1rg1OA7KTL0vXa8MnV-NNd1WpIhhanD_GbIJ7IcSCCdHz3CI9J4wXJNJMj3xUdxia3CZ-Pbn5YvHirY6sE93latePNaFy3vT_IlSMI7qjpkH608dkNeX57x/s400/Agudath%20Israel%20Gate.jpg"/></a>
<P>Agudath Israel was "founded in 1922 to serve as Orthodox Jewry’s umbrella organization," per the <a href="https://agudah.org/about/">group's web site</a>, and "is the arm and voice of American Orthodox Jewry. With national and DC offices, and regional branches serving the entire country, Agudath Israel...advocates for its constituents at federal, state, and local levels. The Agudah and its many divisions provide social, educational, and youth services to its constituents, continuing a century-long tradition of championing the evolving needs of Orthodox Jewish life in America."</P>
<P>I really like the colored glass in the chapel's windows, which were installed in memory of certain parishioners.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR1aeAhpmyiMWFvkTwtCxlBaIP9Bo2d8CovwZS3y1DrgSdSsebGfurtxecEfpy5y7RLb5ipR-hvHwL44syEeO5qDfgQUczaKiC8sk0csjp7eRCgrD0homAWVo33IobND39sOhZrxptfp4IfTOxonI-0cPzNn2sQZTXCV93f3nTpZoyXgBmKmjPNMuu1v_/s2048/Agudath%20Israel%20Chapel%20windows.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTR1aeAhpmyiMWFvkTwtCxlBaIP9Bo2d8CovwZS3y1DrgSdSsebGfurtxecEfpy5y7RLb5ipR-hvHwL44syEeO5qDfgQUczaKiC8sk0csjp7eRCgrD0homAWVo33IobND39sOhZrxptfp4IfTOxonI-0cPzNn2sQZTXCV93f3nTpZoyXgBmKmjPNMuu1v_/s400/Agudath%20Israel%20Chapel%20windows.jpg"/></a>
<P>On my way back to the Brook Farm trail, I spied another genizah.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy0sG4-_ZsI8kLA2RhU7DU5SXvMVWxRIbO7h314gYe-iKinj7mdMY0zuNrK4GKftGHmsHWO_G65Vhu9r6JEYR3nwsBHjDeDilhJA62rGlry51b6V0P7GpqEk8SUc-NL2uggE4PpaYGlRsVz4xZ-JMATFSyb_NBY6nJLRAYEshQJSqlAlzjCnbFaWFj3ND/s2048/Gravestones%20and%20chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1793" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisy0sG4-_ZsI8kLA2RhU7DU5SXvMVWxRIbO7h314gYe-iKinj7mdMY0zuNrK4GKftGHmsHWO_G65Vhu9r6JEYR3nwsBHjDeDilhJA62rGlry51b6V0P7GpqEk8SUc-NL2uggE4PpaYGlRsVz4xZ-JMATFSyb_NBY6nJLRAYEshQJSqlAlzjCnbFaWFj3ND/s400/Gravestones%20and%20chapel.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm glad I finally ventured into the cemeteries to learn about some history of Boston's Jewish population and some of the groups that once operated burial grounds here. Prior to my visit to Baker Street, my favorite local cemetery was Holyhood in Brookline (see July 30, 2022, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2022/07/finding-color-amid-gray-at-holyhood.html">"Finding Color Amid the Gray at Holyhood Cemetery"</a>).</P>
<P>Here's your headline explainer:</P>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fo6aKnRnBxM?si=CaxtQc_SIMHYp4uW" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-735329197889659052024-02-10T08:13:00.000-05:002024-02-10T08:13:20.272-05:00The Shire of Worcester, Part the Third<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>My tour of Worcester left off last time at the old Olympia Theatre on Pleasant Street, after featuring the so-called Junction District, a former manufacturing center that has been partially redeveloped, as well as some cool things along Main Street (see February 3, 2024, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-shire-of-worcester-part-second.html">"The Shire of Worcester, Part the Second"</a>). In the first part I covered the Canal District, the area around Polar Park and parts of Main Street (see January 27, 2024, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-shire-of-worcester-part-first.html">"The Shire of Worcester, Part the First"</a>).</P>
<P>In this final installment covering my initial trip through Worcester, I will discuss a concert venue, several murals, an old hotel and its bar, a mall that's trying to hang on, a statue featuring a boy riding a turtle, and much more. In the future, I will showcase as much of Worcester as I can. I've already made one return trip, and have a few other plotted out.</P>
<P>Located at the corner of Main Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, <a href="https://thepalladium.net">The Palladium</a> hosts concerts -- a lot of heavy metal, emo and rap acts -- as well as wrestling and other events.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXjL1bvFmq--alRJpLBu2WiNTmg3onhqrETHjNUOjR9-ADvG3uTSNRYnLqSmgSooQ-5bAvTB9wlen6hJykwIFmTIA2yUh_t4nDNTu9oHvBICdOf3wyTJRiSlyf5NhIhLtzUEZ-qTHflZo88QbZi8EQFC2lGdGj-0V_OH30ty1iixYjAKXwHTbe34-zNRx/s2048/Palladium.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1594" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXjL1bvFmq--alRJpLBu2WiNTmg3onhqrETHjNUOjR9-ADvG3uTSNRYnLqSmgSooQ-5bAvTB9wlen6hJykwIFmTIA2yUh_t4nDNTu9oHvBICdOf3wyTJRiSlyf5NhIhLtzUEZ-qTHflZo88QbZi8EQFC2lGdGj-0V_OH30ty1iixYjAKXwHTbe34-zNRx/s400/Palladium.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi_-luYUrVM4VxAn_Kyc9MHOmSLIvbcyVjhNOEx2VMj9_Ag1QLpYom3ROkCUuoBq_LE3nqzImzbelOu9S4U8q2bR9lR6SFWBEmmV6cTE89EXgXa9OiWWAOcAahmx8xZsUKt9XezbahDFT8KxPIRL7qT995T-rS4A6RqKd7akVaY_2JMHs_lRZplXlXx41/s2048/Palladium%20facade.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxi_-luYUrVM4VxAn_Kyc9MHOmSLIvbcyVjhNOEx2VMj9_Ag1QLpYom3ROkCUuoBq_LE3nqzImzbelOu9S4U8q2bR9lR6SFWBEmmV6cTE89EXgXa9OiWWAOcAahmx8xZsUKt9XezbahDFT8KxPIRL7qT995T-rS4A6RqKd7akVaY_2JMHs_lRZplXlXx41/s400/Palladium%20facade.jpg"/></a>
<P>Opened in 1928 as the Plymouth Theatre, the venue had a seating capacity of 3,200. The theater closed for several months in 1930, and when it reopened, it served largely as a movie house, according to MACRIS. It closed briefly in 1973, and then again in 1975. Renamed The Palladium, it began hosting live music around 1980.</P>
<P>Diagonally across Main Street from the theater is the Romanesque Revival property known historically as the Merchants and Farmers Insurance Company Building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDQh8UgmotdKGaRIWCTJv5e2nsJyHRPg6iAugz8dU6EHgYrxp-CVhqbIJmmT6-ks8VEtPKTKQKzfU6JUNTPBNEJDaIPZp3r0uqEUo61wFNJnXtjgyLkzU3CJnFTHCLFJdQfBLfDmp53yos57-i_GTcdkAi5eaEmd2ffnjf7m-EvHhqZ7eRTOA9UAVPfXg/s2048/Court%20Park%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDQh8UgmotdKGaRIWCTJv5e2nsJyHRPg6iAugz8dU6EHgYrxp-CVhqbIJmmT6-ks8VEtPKTKQKzfU6JUNTPBNEJDaIPZp3r0uqEUo61wFNJnXtjgyLkzU3CJnFTHCLFJdQfBLfDmp53yos57-i_GTcdkAi5eaEmd2ffnjf7m-EvHhqZ7eRTOA9UAVPfXg/s400/Court%20Park%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Formerly home to the Rehab nightclub and the Irish Times brewery and restaurant, 242-246 Main Street appears to be vacant. I searched online for "Court Park," but came up empty. I'm not sure if that's the name of a proposed business or residential complex.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qi9XhJ3nxuH7ZY7c22HqN4aa_EcDbrFeUmjCJ19qzlnX1ElTCVXDAwmHs8SX6_Nc-CPMw5TQ_iUVvPiMHWcZr6iIzp14fcsLlFlvxiDI-PelBFzU34KJBIz9uxZYc4AiRyEZXQbWAfyaiTfGmXXgUnrm2Nwc8S5CaNLGilT2hsAD-YlEFPSuAaZAUFVg/s2048/Irish%20Times.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Qi9XhJ3nxuH7ZY7c22HqN4aa_EcDbrFeUmjCJ19qzlnX1ElTCVXDAwmHs8SX6_Nc-CPMw5TQ_iUVvPiMHWcZr6iIzp14fcsLlFlvxiDI-PelBFzU34KJBIz9uxZYc4AiRyEZXQbWAfyaiTfGmXXgUnrm2Nwc8S5CaNLGilT2hsAD-YlEFPSuAaZAUFVg/s400/Irish%20Times.jpg"/></a>
<P>The building rose in 1875, and was renovated in 1901, according to MACRIS. The renovation was completed by the Merchants & Farmers company, which moved its offices nearby. The first tenant after the rebuilding was Flint & Barker, a furniture store, according to MACRIS. As you can see below, a business called Coghlin's Furniture was located here at some point.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeAATUPnO48oWnxejQ5onoJVSJYXzxEuKidrBkd0jHMDs5-jabqBjy_QhbCe4NYhTMW7cfZBc63QDmTYgFUmP4WkgdNgkbxFpITNsupDP9BUn8DgzV9xNSjaMTecQ6UQ982NZUQSi3RluF-iq1c6s8Cl0iANDDH5I-pwkt8wI-SM5S5DOCn3GgJM9K__L/s2048/Coghlins%20Furniture%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeAATUPnO48oWnxejQ5onoJVSJYXzxEuKidrBkd0jHMDs5-jabqBjy_QhbCe4NYhTMW7cfZBc63QDmTYgFUmP4WkgdNgkbxFpITNsupDP9BUn8DgzV9xNSjaMTecQ6UQ982NZUQSi3RluF-iq1c6s8Cl0iANDDH5I-pwkt8wI-SM5S5DOCn3GgJM9K__L/s400/Coghlins%20Furniture%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P>Back on the east side of Main Street, I had to make a photo of <a href="https://www.joesalbums.com">Joe's Albums</a>, because I love record stores.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4mAz-bTHU8ioZ2XNKUI9HA0Yf77HQC8qepTFeY638SmUBBC4GzU0BlQZ_5iuF03Fzneuh536-wlYUXVWP1wEAanjDuP3WslbQ8uXsEq-R4hV_WOUk4AqybkLz2Uxj_n7ArdFhjYiYCdscM90ToOkjexuU5dLNghCEOy9FZd-dG2W7d2kT6z38R1P0wFi/s2048/Joe%27s%20Albums.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4mAz-bTHU8ioZ2XNKUI9HA0Yf77HQC8qepTFeY638SmUBBC4GzU0BlQZ_5iuF03Fzneuh536-wlYUXVWP1wEAanjDuP3WslbQ8uXsEq-R4hV_WOUk4AqybkLz2Uxj_n7ArdFhjYiYCdscM90ToOkjexuU5dLNghCEOy9FZd-dG2W7d2kT6z38R1P0wFi/s400/Joe%27s%20Albums.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located in <a href="https://mechanicshall.org">Mechanics Hall</a>, a gorgeous concert hall opened in 1857, the record shop sells new and used albums (there is also a store in Northampton). As for the hall, it is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and has been judged by architectural historians as the nation's finest pre-Civil War concert hall, according to the venue's web site. The sun was difficult the day I passed by, so I didn't get a shot.</P>
<P>At the corner of Norwich and Mechanic streets, I spied a ghost sign hewn into the living rock (Spinal Tap, anyone?).</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MNQiiRUcIs5jk-HWZ-CgZo8hZbKaRPSSH4QeENXl2uuKiS0lgW8gLuiEKZ49dCT63h8GqhYRt2hf4fBA--8fMA4jgUVFCaMddZ56tHQvFFQmsSTCu2Ni55rNRo90NSqohnYOZsKCFa2S4a8ezwQAhRDwB-3H8NbPaEm57oxcBH-FZI9rlDLBkiD9cK3w/s2048/NETT%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MNQiiRUcIs5jk-HWZ-CgZo8hZbKaRPSSH4QeENXl2uuKiS0lgW8gLuiEKZ49dCT63h8GqhYRt2hf4fBA--8fMA4jgUVFCaMddZ56tHQvFFQmsSTCu2Ni55rNRo90NSqohnYOZsKCFa2S4a8ezwQAhRDwB-3H8NbPaEm57oxcBH-FZI9rlDLBkiD9cK3w/s400/NETT%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently occupied by the <a href="https://www.mcphs.edu">Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences</a> (MCPHS), this solid, yellow-brick/granite/limestone building was built in 1895 for New England Telephone & Telegraph. "The first telephone exchange in Worcester was established in 1877 with one hundred subscribers," according to MACRIS. "By 1879, the number of subscribers had increased to 450, rising to 1,200 in 1895 and 9,289 in 1907. Between 1877 and 1886 the telephone exchange was located in Harrington Corner. After several changes of location, the Telephone Company moved into the Norwich Street building in 1895."</P>
<P>In 1896, NETT installed an "automatic signal multiple switchboard," MACRIS continues, the first of its type in the world. "[T]his switchboard automatically signalled the operator when a caller picked up a telephone and later, when the call was completed."</P>
<P>Across Mechanic Street, I spied what I at first assumed was another <a href="https://www.deadmalls.com">dead mall</a>....</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQ0eBZtV4wTl80ZiDV17izJEQrF0Ew2yPYaW2DtyKr_bdgHsEakUEhYGR5NV3sqJBYY2DSha23j72tSLa_Rkxc0aLD5rj_7FllZl9b_UpfoXB-uEc2MAUF-SnC33X8Ow9eFnp4PSJpo9jbApMrGJp92YYiHS3qAVELbi4QHBx2Ed0zSLK33bubLNu5gX-/s2048/Mid%20Town%20Mall.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQ0eBZtV4wTl80ZiDV17izJEQrF0Ew2yPYaW2DtyKr_bdgHsEakUEhYGR5NV3sqJBYY2DSha23j72tSLa_Rkxc0aLD5rj_7FllZl9b_UpfoXB-uEc2MAUF-SnC33X8Ow9eFnp4PSJpo9jbApMrGJp92YYiHS3qAVELbi4QHBx2Ed0zSLK33bubLNu5gX-/s400/Mid%20Town%20Mall.jpg"/></a>
<P>...but it turns out this retail patient seems ready to get off life support.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1rzi1bwx7J_rDrL54G-JV5NC1C8Nxu_ctnw-zy0p0tCuZ1UuzrapwGl45zGPjKX9QADW97inFo6oFpR8Xok-KT-cBmE73lmzOVWN_ckweDryJMkyVhgV0Zd2oax7F3HJN0QvVvtzlkHroaTqAeMypVXGNgBEbp1EU31ChG3IMYP8jDQqgu-eskkWCht2/s2048/Mid%20Town%20Mall%20interior.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1rzi1bwx7J_rDrL54G-JV5NC1C8Nxu_ctnw-zy0p0tCuZ1UuzrapwGl45zGPjKX9QADW97inFo6oFpR8Xok-KT-cBmE73lmzOVWN_ckweDryJMkyVhgV0Zd2oax7F3HJN0QvVvtzlkHroaTqAeMypVXGNgBEbp1EU31ChG3IMYP8jDQqgu-eskkWCht2/s400/Mid%20Town%20Mall%20interior.jpg"/></a>
<P>I didn't go through the open door, but I could tell that there were at least a few businesses in there. Google Maps indicates that Doho Cafe & Doughnut Bar is located here, as is Family Continuity, a private, non-profit mental health and social services agency. <a href="https://www.masslive.com/worcester/2019/05/owner-of-worcesters-blighted-midtown-mall-sells-property-for-4-million.html?fbclid=IwAR1Hfe6BVgEdYzJwUHq5KcheZRIOH9wpv68XhNkgOk2FgSCkDgyRcCdFDNI">This Mass Live article</a> from May 2019, about the sale of the mall, indicates that the mall's tenants included "small retail stores and churches." I don't know if there are still houses of worship here. The mall had by that point long been considered an eyesore, especially as more of downtown Worcester began to get spruced up.</P>
<P>Converted to a mall in the late 1970s, I believe, this building started out life around 1943 as a Woolworth's department store. "In 1941, [F.W. Woolworth & Co.] submitted plans to the state Department of Public Safety once again; this time for a new, three-story store block in a radical Art Deco style," according to MACRIS. "To achieve this plan, Woolworth purchased what was left of the old Crompton Block east of the Besse Building....Unlike the buildings it now occupied, the Crompton Block went entirely through the block to Mechanic Street; in fact, it even wrapped around the back of the Besse Building....The Besse Building and the Crompton Block were demolished to make way for the new store....No sooner had the new store opened than the downtown commercial and real estate economy went into decline. By 1956, the building was in the hands of the Irving Trust Co., although the store remained open for a number of years more. In 1970, F.W. Woolworth & Co. was listed in the house directory among a number of concessionaires, like Cole National Key Corp, J & M Farms Inc (deli), Speedcraft Shoe Service, and Radio Shack. Sometime between 1973 and 1975, the Woolworth store closed."</P>
<P>In August 2023, the City of Worcester granted alcohol, food and entertainment licenses to Odd By Nature, to operate a brewery called Odd By Worcester in the mall, according to the <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/1990s-themed-brewery-gets-ok-192530735.html">Worcester Telegram & Gazette</a>. A few years ago, the mall's owner, Northeast Properties, issued a <a href="https://images4.showcase.com/d2/A4fvzU6a3m9ZnbmJB6YIYw/document.pdf">request for retail proposals</a>, seeking supermarkets, gyms, restaurants and other potential tenants for the space.</P>
<P>On the building just north of the mall, I spied a ghost sign that was uncovered in 2018 after redevelopment work stripped away metal panels that had been added to the original facade of 401 Main Street.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOrRFiA_SAHMdLl1QnA3rXokXa0kWyiPFa7lhGsdexXvrAyyXBfHGc444tHNVKWC057WcKAFxC6Xic_zIkDXAX-5pGtUjYHrKEybBmqpP7RFaZxezRU2pmPRdUQge3bviikoBxyXqaywgHQCs7nLx6kI3zGk2S9FB0fTMuFgoV1kwDhyh6ELlxk2_v_t0/s2048/Ghost%20near%20Mid%20Town%20Mall.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIOrRFiA_SAHMdLl1QnA3rXokXa0kWyiPFa7lhGsdexXvrAyyXBfHGc444tHNVKWC057WcKAFxC6Xic_zIkDXAX-5pGtUjYHrKEybBmqpP7RFaZxezRU2pmPRdUQge3bviikoBxyXqaywgHQCs7nLx6kI3zGk2S9FB0fTMuFgoV1kwDhyh6ELlxk2_v_t0/s400/Ghost%20near%20Mid%20Town%20Mall.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXKuauGg4m0Z3veklypprM57H32DWHzPBB7O6h555sNAV3Nvt8crvDxtmJv809cPYoqyNzO8kYHF9WncKdEVgb5_vLe9DDNj00EfgW9YLSGV0LMTTKDbJxoWfpdWeKV0oKI9-tVjJTEfv7CIopvuKkTFpbL-aJ441K-Mr97444MHZIkKSW_Ln1Fsvr09K/s2048/Mid%20Town%20Mall%20ghost%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggXKuauGg4m0Z3veklypprM57H32DWHzPBB7O6h555sNAV3Nvt8crvDxtmJv809cPYoqyNzO8kYHF9WncKdEVgb5_vLe9DDNj00EfgW9YLSGV0LMTTKDbJxoWfpdWeKV0oKI9-tVjJTEfv7CIopvuKkTFpbL-aJ441K-Mr97444MHZIkKSW_Ln1Fsvr09K/s400/Mid%20Town%20Mall%20ghost%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>Known historically as the Clark Block, this builiding dates to 1854. A quick bit of research determines that Kennedy's was a store of some sort, mentioned alongside Woolworth's, Newberry's and Grants by folks on sites sharing memories of Worcester.</P>
<P>From that spot on Pearl Street, I headed south past Worcester Common. I realized that I'd been in this area on my sole previous Backside trip to Woo-town. And as I suspected, the old movie theater I'd written about after that trip had long since been torn down (see June 1, 2012, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2012/06/well-always-have-paris.html">"We'll Always Have Paris"</a>). But in its place is a nice gathering place with a great work of art work overseeing things.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp0num3ZqslMUm3vHZ2N0YRgUAxKmns3QnyNh_AmT7qtAoEWlZue4QpMqrGu1V3l9A18CYw39qk305ASw1s4tEitli4TwGxuk6crkl_a1ejHJXWK6kOqfOx1ThghRm-v40YfcmhjUv9z3TaHXbz8kwfe0sP7eLWCDNPzKKOuaNUuCfMr1b_RIBem5XXFR/s2048/Former%20Paris%20Theater%20location.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEp0num3ZqslMUm3vHZ2N0YRgUAxKmns3QnyNh_AmT7qtAoEWlZue4QpMqrGu1V3l9A18CYw39qk305ASw1s4tEitli4TwGxuk6crkl_a1ejHJXWK6kOqfOx1ThghRm-v40YfcmhjUv9z3TaHXbz8kwfe0sP7eLWCDNPzKKOuaNUuCfMr1b_RIBem5XXFR/s400/Former%20Paris%20Theater%20location.jpg"/></a>
<P>The <a href="https://www.beergardenma.com">Worcester Beer Garden & Taproom</a> operates a patio and pavilion during warmer months, offering brews and other drinks, as well as cornhole, giant Jenga and other games, according to its web site. The outdoor entertainment site fills the space occupied by the Capitol Theatre, which was known in more recent years as the Paris Cinema.</P>
<P>Completed in 1928, the theater changed hands many times over the years and by 1970 was known as the Paris. On the side wall of the adjacent Ziggy Bombs sub shop is a mural by <a href="https://www.damienmitchell.com">Damien Mitchell</a> called "Paris of the '80s."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBMTedZQoZWWTL7tUyuryqe2xx6PFJY7t6xsYxT5x6FAU921vVqmuh_EaAeqRH6BXqjGOnPZnYVclEGXJJoNsuX4REOafASLg1_WaIYD9w5JFd9UwbtmN32ohMclk2ESe-pkaPKE01rpdwxzSrLD-d-z08O8BWnQLXGJaGq75R7e00e3DfUPykPucOaXR/s2048/Paris%20of%20the%2080s%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBMTedZQoZWWTL7tUyuryqe2xx6PFJY7t6xsYxT5x6FAU921vVqmuh_EaAeqRH6BXqjGOnPZnYVclEGXJJoNsuX4REOafASLg1_WaIYD9w5JFd9UwbtmN32ohMclk2ESe-pkaPKE01rpdwxzSrLD-d-z08O8BWnQLXGJaGq75R7e00e3DfUPykPucOaXR/s400/Paris%20of%20the%2080s%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>I assumed this was a reference to the demolished theater, but I did some research and found out that, to certain people, Worcester was for a time called "Paris of the '80s," with tongue firmly planted in cheek. "'Paris of the 80s' really had nothing at all to do with the Paris Cinema, nor was it ever the city’s official motto," Luka Raun <a href="https://medium.com/@lukaraun/paris-of-the-80s-really-had-nothing-at-all-to-do-with-the-paris-cinema-nor-was-it-ever-the-ea136965a2ee">posted on Medium</a> back in 2018. "T-shirts with the phrase started to appear in 1979, and it was a poignant, wistful, ironic and self-deprecating joke. It was really very clever, and I don’t know whose brainchild it was.
Worcester was downbeat. It was a rustbucket city, and had a perpetual inferiority complex in comparing itself to Boston. Of course, like everywhere, it had its bright and creative people, and it was from these people, and really only among these people, that the phrase circulated. It never got big, but it was a nice little amusement because it held out a little hope."</P>
<P>I don't know who Luka Raun is, but I know that a random guy sitting outside the Worcester Public Library gave me a hot tip about the next thing I made a photo of. As I walked by the library, I noticed a few somewhat strung-out folks chilling on a low concrete wall. One of them said to me, "Enjoy the game today," referring to the Worcester Red Sox, who play not far from the library.</P>
<P>"Thanks, but I'm not going to the game," I replied. "I'm just walking around taking photos."</P>
<P>"Oh, a tourist, eh?" he said with a chuckle. "Make sure you get a picture of Turtle Boy," he laughed. "The boy who's [having quite intimate relations with] a turtle!"</P>
<P>He pointed me back in the direction I'd come from, and there on the corner of Franklin and Church streets, fronting Worcester Common, I found Turtle Boy, and...oh boy.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheICx8asODTxrN_wnJUEfPO0lVOVJiIEbjM6Q-l-ervockJ1CIJlwVya7YIcv7qaCjnOewrr5eOgGdmhmEY79XBo-vRFV60zBjz3FcC65_5o9Gmdhmaq-p0wp7UpaA_b9Tcn4s40k3OFPtBvyIAuR-WWgBV9g20Xi1BdQGxvTExKrucDPvI8d9GX-dEKj/s2048/Boy%20and%20Turtle%20again.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjheICx8asODTxrN_wnJUEfPO0lVOVJiIEbjM6Q-l-ervockJ1CIJlwVya7YIcv7qaCjnOewrr5eOgGdmhmEY79XBo-vRFV60zBjz3FcC65_5o9Gmdhmaq-p0wp7UpaA_b9Tcn4s40k3OFPtBvyIAuR-WWgBV9g20Xi1BdQGxvTExKrucDPvI8d9GX-dEKj/s400/Boy%20and%20Turtle%20again.jpg"/></a>
<P>Formally known as the Burnside Fountain / Boy with Turtle, this sculpture was begun in more innocent times, 1912 to be exact. It was started by Charles Harvey, who committed suicide in 1912 at the age of 42, before the sculpture was completed. According to <a href="https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2023/07/12/turtle-boy-statue-in-worcester-what-does-it-mean-why-is-it-there/70366293007/#">this <i>Telegram & Gazette</i> article</a>, "'Harvey was bitterly despondent about his work and so sensitive to the slightest criticism that any expression of adverse opinion caused him genuine suffering,' the artist's obituary in the Jan. 29, 1912, edition of <i>The New York Times</i> read."</P>
<P>Harvey was a student of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_Saint-Gaudens">Augustus Saint-Gaudens</a>, an American known for works including the Robert Gould Shaw memorial on Boston Common. After Harvey's death, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherry_Edmundson_Fry">Sherry Edmundson Fry</a> completed the work. Fry studied under Frederick MacMonnies, a one-time student of Saint-Gaudens'. Fry's works include fountains at the Toledo Museum of Art.</P>
<P>As you can imagine, the boy and his special friend have been the butt of jokes ever since it was installed, and even before. The sculpture was stolen at least once, and has been vandalized, dressed up and allowed to fester (I've seen photos online of a very green boy and turtle). "Over the years, Turtle Boy has been dressed with objects, including Mardi Gras beads, a knitted hat and scarf, and, during the pandemic, a face mask," the above article continues.</P>
<P>Money for the sculpture and fountain was donated by Harriet Burnside to honor her father, a prominent Worcester attorney, according to MACRIS.</P>
<P>OK, let's move on.</P>
<P>After a cursory examination of Worcester's most provocative statuary, I continued south down Salem Street. There, I spied a cool mural by an artist from Austin, Texas.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu5dqCW61PczFuXZ9Tpb1lCQLHys4ebUWif4IH23OxwMDVEpmPkaBEDw-IM2MfrJGaaWnBy_I2FIpCTDlfw7b7zHExsoXM_KwJgYSIXpqiP-csJqPQAMc7FEqiH_wsc21y-3lzMcVqsnd1J57G1LaKw-Y-YPQHjPQM-CfE2NkfeYhX-ejiLy66OUvThtW/s2048/Back%20alley%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivu5dqCW61PczFuXZ9Tpb1lCQLHys4ebUWif4IH23OxwMDVEpmPkaBEDw-IM2MfrJGaaWnBy_I2FIpCTDlfw7b7zHExsoXM_KwJgYSIXpqiP-csJqPQAMc7FEqiH_wsc21y-3lzMcVqsnd1J57G1LaKw-Y-YPQHjPQM-CfE2NkfeYhX-ejiLy66OUvThtW/s400/Back%20alley%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://www.jasone.co">Jason Eatherly</a> says on his web site that his "artwork is heavily influenced by abandoned structures, decay, and weathered environments." Sounds like my kinda guy. I often wonder, while making photos of cool murals like this around the Bay State, how does an artist from Texas (or Mexico or Florida or wherever) get hired to create something on the side of a building in Worcester (or Somerville or Chelsea or wherever)?</P>
<P>Heading southwest along Salem Street, I was impressed by the exterior of one of the buildings that make up <a href="https://www.thegriddistrict.com">The Grid</a>, a redevelopment project from <a href="https://mg2group.com/experience/">MG2</a> that includes apartments and retail.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOUvo5vpn4zlmrnwHYvgs-XrrH17Bu9W5x9FqqXG9x6HI94hu9uupkcSV3h2NvTUKQ-BcTCkzO3T-M1I5H1EtV3NpdUUFDmaBBK9NJxSBvZjP8m10J5dOqKV6x8Dqxu2MDgxB6nLtziLn_G_GB7T6rIQH5W6eH29_VBJVHoG9aGBU8DCaiofuXI6MAEYz/s2048/The%20Grid.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnOUvo5vpn4zlmrnwHYvgs-XrrH17Bu9W5x9FqqXG9x6HI94hu9uupkcSV3h2NvTUKQ-BcTCkzO3T-M1I5H1EtV3NpdUUFDmaBBK9NJxSBvZjP8m10J5dOqKV6x8Dqxu2MDgxB6nLtziLn_G_GB7T6rIQH5W6eH29_VBJVHoG9aGBU8DCaiofuXI6MAEYz/s400/The%20Grid.jpg"/></a>
<P>I believe the building in that photo is the backside of 24 Portland Street, which opened in 1927 as the Bancroft Garage, according to MACRIS. "The Bancroft Garage, with a capacity of 1,000 cars, was hailed as the 'largest in this section of New England' when it opened in 1927. In recent years the Bancroft Garage [was] occupied by an automobile tire dealer."</P>
<P>At the corner of Salem and Myrtle streets is the singular Printers Building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MiUYDlGVAeWeo8eleHQSMqgszGjE3188pchX9U4guY4ziSIrhbgGz8kiQv717Nu50o3nDPlg6yeWr01EOg9eatwcmJboBz7i6sAGdXeOwyQOkzMBL8IzxveagwCs2OwIbeWNw2XedXfCm1dQMfFn6YrWLRj72u2ZI4KhsD2LJMMjF6ylqdqJPC7EzSvF/s2048/Printers%20Building.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MiUYDlGVAeWeo8eleHQSMqgszGjE3188pchX9U4guY4ziSIrhbgGz8kiQv717Nu50o3nDPlg6yeWr01EOg9eatwcmJboBz7i6sAGdXeOwyQOkzMBL8IzxveagwCs2OwIbeWNw2XedXfCm1dQMfFn6YrWLRj72u2ZI4KhsD2LJMMjF6ylqdqJPC7EzSvF/s400/Printers%20Building.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'd shot this place the first time I cruised through Worcester, many years ago, so I was happy to stumble across it again. Home to many businesses and organizations, including the <a href="http://www.seacma.org">Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Mass.</a>, business incubator <a href="https://worclab.org">WorcLab</a> and <a href="https://artsworcester.org">Arts Worcester</a>, the Printers Building's main tenant is Davis Publications, as you can probably guess by the company's logo seemingly hovering above the building.</P>
<P>Founded in the early 20th century, Davis Publications had as its initial mission creating "a periodical that would help art teachers develop and use art curricula," according to the company's web site. In the late 1960s, the company began publishing textbooks, and in the following years expanded its educational resources with videos, CD-ROMs, DVDs and online programs.</P>
<P>As for the building, it was completed in 1922 when three printing companies -- Davis Publications, Commonwealth Press and J.S. Wesby and Son -- combined forces. "They believed it would be more efficient to have binders and printers in the same facility and product could shift between the floors," per the Davis web site. "The Printers Building was also one of only two buildings designed to withstand the weight of heavy presses."</P>
<P>Commonwealth Press and J.S. Wesby and Son went out of business late last century.</P>
<P>From the Printers Building, I walked south under the railroad tracks, then east along Lamartine Street until I came to a fantastic Red Sox-themed mural on the back of the PPG Paint Store.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxya2Pcb6-OHlgK1jRqfDHxIh5EI66U4rGiW5RbW7DFb-HPXEOHwu4mEsCOPfal4wlV2Fdf9wV06S5YgWnkvEgUKuaNPQJGWrnpRZUnCB48J70YsrZ1ZAiFb98O9q3JL2KlAsqiSRPhoBp4DoxC6kpWtoScQuH4CQS73LrB2nlHxPsjSiw5ctn5CEjenNp/s2048/Pedro%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxya2Pcb6-OHlgK1jRqfDHxIh5EI66U4rGiW5RbW7DFb-HPXEOHwu4mEsCOPfal4wlV2Fdf9wV06S5YgWnkvEgUKuaNPQJGWrnpRZUnCB48J70YsrZ1ZAiFb98O9q3JL2KlAsqiSRPhoBp4DoxC6kpWtoScQuH4CQS73LrB2nlHxPsjSiw5ctn5CEjenNp/s400/Pedro%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Legends of Fenway" was painted by <a href="https://artifaktstudios.com">Artifakt Studios</a>, with the lead artist being Ryan Gardell and the assistants Audrey Tesserot, Tyler Wasson and Dwayne Glave, according to the art group's web site. That's Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez featured in my photo.</P>
<P>Around the corner on Harding Street, I admired yet another mural on the rear of <a href="https://www.tomsdelisubs.com">Tom's International Deli</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3pEHGK-yuD9mf0iia9XDYbbvdRYD0Gw6HELHP4nvvVdWGe_EZqK1S9ym-20NwEeS-6ImeB33KSv6QRb7E2MnsV1GmAgADspHZJ0cfyOy4eyuG4b4-Oj9YFyAq18XOq0AOqGMMoIWDoqTlugLwLkhNgWstRVnl0dZVEPLgoGrMVYcDytKi5tpjK2AA6nk/s2048/Tom%27s%20Deli%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1525" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3pEHGK-yuD9mf0iia9XDYbbvdRYD0Gw6HELHP4nvvVdWGe_EZqK1S9ym-20NwEeS-6ImeB33KSv6QRb7E2MnsV1GmAgADspHZJ0cfyOy4eyuG4b4-Oj9YFyAq18XOq0AOqGMMoIWDoqTlugLwLkhNgWstRVnl0dZVEPLgoGrMVYcDytKi5tpjK2AA6nk/s400/Tom%27s%20Deli%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>Credit for the mural on the Tom's Instagram account is given only to "Ferdinand." As for the deli, it "was established by Thomas Haddad in 1969....Soon after his son John Haddad and his daughter Lisa Haddad joined the family business which they operated until 2006," according to the store's web site. "A Polish family from Boston purchased Tom’s Deli in 2006 and operated the business until 2008. In October 2008 Darek and Iwona purchased the business and kept it as a family operated business. In 2010 Tom’s relocated to 52 Millbury Street, which is about 500 yards for the original location. Since then we had a daughter, Lena, who one day will join the business."</P>
<P>I love stories like that!</P>
<P>At the corner of Carpenter and Millbury streets is McGovern's Package Store.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_pNv_AWUNuXrLOybiu7ncDvi2DgPrZjjKdVkUzotY42lrVmaCSNj7n3-IgeE-OU92r4lqA7xD-7mJVPVxYQRSl8hlrZb20lbOn0i4_U78TDFwLJRdTYrDcQ7FtWnkyD5dCrKsScyer2CMU2gP7GpJo_p1DnxMreiiSY4sEtd5Lkq3N60fFT73IpZ_lX4/s2048/McGoverns%20Packie.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1533" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg_pNv_AWUNuXrLOybiu7ncDvi2DgPrZjjKdVkUzotY42lrVmaCSNj7n3-IgeE-OU92r4lqA7xD-7mJVPVxYQRSl8hlrZb20lbOn0i4_U78TDFwLJRdTYrDcQ7FtWnkyD5dCrKsScyer2CMU2gP7GpJo_p1DnxMreiiSY4sEtd5Lkq3N60fFT73IpZ_lX4/s400/McGoverns%20Packie.jpg"/></a>
<P>I haven't found out much about the store, but I'm guessing it's been there for quite a few years. I love the sign, and hope it lights up.</P>
<P>Heading north on Millbury Street, I soon found myself in front of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/golemofoods/">Golemo's Market</a>, a European market specializing in homemade kielbasa, pierogi, golabki, ham, kiszka and headcheese, according to its Facebook page. The company also operates a travel service and check-cashing business, all of it housed in a one-time theater.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wcvgMproE99qiwT6hKb0OmJRoD9hyrrvwENeXgdU-sWbo2z_XFldZ76mywPweQpPV_AXjMvR7JkGcG6NoZMLznHz18MyH2RZDhg8NjPvEsjggCTBfA4YGZLbi3qa6-Xy9YzNHxCSEdG9q9hvIdFVNMMD4oqz1aFLfmdzUKG4fbVVYLzhpTU8gVPlH969/s2048/Golemo%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1709" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wcvgMproE99qiwT6hKb0OmJRoD9hyrrvwENeXgdU-sWbo2z_XFldZ76mywPweQpPV_AXjMvR7JkGcG6NoZMLznHz18MyH2RZDhg8NjPvEsjggCTBfA4YGZLbi3qa6-Xy9YzNHxCSEdG9q9hvIdFVNMMD4oqz1aFLfmdzUKG4fbVVYLzhpTU8gVPlH969/s400/Golemo%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1Ub9FAQtirn3jbSd3_7ICG9QT-dcXVHJFRp9htluvPX1Dc0DfberQHKrthosRKP5K9O5h1VgwDmgHQFvXk-TFZp_lK3LbOJpYaHZZnmz93EpmedeJ74n00Q8UWtq06TMF7iSqBxHf86FKezBS_rUUhYrEiV_dgvQZaZvrkP_qQP_TfKZ1sYVSaCG8bGR/s2048/Golemo%20front%20view.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1Ub9FAQtirn3jbSd3_7ICG9QT-dcXVHJFRp9htluvPX1Dc0DfberQHKrthosRKP5K9O5h1VgwDmgHQFvXk-TFZp_lK3LbOJpYaHZZnmz93EpmedeJ74n00Q8UWtq06TMF7iSqBxHf86FKezBS_rUUhYrEiV_dgvQZaZvrkP_qQP_TfKZ1sYVSaCG8bGR/s400/Golemo%20front%20view.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FX_MNmDEz3i4cSdgWJJuXQXFoTEezuv1wLUIJY-kDvY1fulAlKMdsDjPgVSMf1ZBUoXV9sejumX0iLhw_kQln5OcCh4rtbABRt9YsFEUVfQxll0H19ENrxZhJqoS_QlE8UeXEKKUt6fucbP2-9fbX1mSwqmNuDb4c7bGnXc7lQqTNKEnzedzSu3HCe16/s2048/Golemo%20Travel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2FX_MNmDEz3i4cSdgWJJuXQXFoTEezuv1wLUIJY-kDvY1fulAlKMdsDjPgVSMf1ZBUoXV9sejumX0iLhw_kQln5OcCh4rtbABRt9YsFEUVfQxll0H19ENrxZhJqoS_QlE8UeXEKKUt6fucbP2-9fbX1mSwqmNuDb4c7bGnXc7lQqTNKEnzedzSu3HCe16/s400/Golemo%20Travel.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Built about 1918, this building originally contained a movie theatre, a lunchroom, and stores," according to MACRIS. "The building's major occupant was the movie theatre, known as the Rialto....[I]t opened in 1918, offering 1,250 red plush spring-cushioned seats and air conditioning. The substantial quality of the building and the large capacity and luxurious accommodations of the theatre itself were in contrast to most other neighborhood theatres in Worcester at that time."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vBmIYlrOHfJSGrTyd-kwFgFaPvIt2NqaG5wm-MSwu73rIHLl-EILgyI39svIVFm7FA0NT6AXbuMy2DvrDjZbVYYJqfXeDK76Lm1AOa3CKWZMjXQyOkyJWH3E85VL4ds9js5ZQ8msn7enmmS9Gaf0NATGbLtoU9KJyhPtt7eSvL-3oXlZwn3jmK3GlvpE/s2048/Golemo%20Check%20Cashing.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vBmIYlrOHfJSGrTyd-kwFgFaPvIt2NqaG5wm-MSwu73rIHLl-EILgyI39svIVFm7FA0NT6AXbuMy2DvrDjZbVYYJqfXeDK76Lm1AOa3CKWZMjXQyOkyJWH3E85VL4ds9js5ZQ8msn7enmmS9Gaf0NATGbLtoU9KJyhPtt7eSvL-3oXlZwn3jmK3GlvpE/s400/Golemo%20Check%20Cashing.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9awEOlBgIT8FFLlU6wg6AKiWSB554YQIpemNbTYfTBNSDmtbsIkhDCJgnx3GvPwdJF3V9jjiR8sT2Cgpz5z7Z_JojBE4-g0F4b0APw8J98c-Szo84VfNMOEdnyokE2ibJIAxjJOrvLFCfUYfw8-AcL8ZuuZeBq3B8EqrD7NiQkPeOUbVozJWr1ZiXgA3m/s2048/Golemo%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9awEOlBgIT8FFLlU6wg6AKiWSB554YQIpemNbTYfTBNSDmtbsIkhDCJgnx3GvPwdJF3V9jjiR8sT2Cgpz5z7Z_JojBE4-g0F4b0APw8J98c-Szo84VfNMOEdnyokE2ibJIAxjJOrvLFCfUYfw8-AcL8ZuuZeBq3B8EqrD7NiQkPeOUbVozJWr1ZiXgA3m/s400/Golemo%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurA0N7wjEDgxflNLjLcueWwlsCJ20rN14QWaIoVgEvC6U3ZbsT6TAHO_1T-YGdt1s--5bSHqNkiOg4GIe9IJL5zn6wRBlDls74SXtjGIbzkrrSf7pr5rH6Uq4taXcHw455QT8eZujPxkybrD41GGT-mrStrIqvgkso6ti0FuPeGBy0p3WxdkMJF28kVhE/s2048/Golemo%20entire.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhurA0N7wjEDgxflNLjLcueWwlsCJ20rN14QWaIoVgEvC6U3ZbsT6TAHO_1T-YGdt1s--5bSHqNkiOg4GIe9IJL5zn6wRBlDls74SXtjGIbzkrrSf7pr5rH6Uq4taXcHw455QT8eZujPxkybrD41GGT-mrStrIqvgkso6ti0FuPeGBy0p3WxdkMJF28kVhE/s400/Golemo%20entire.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm not sure when the Rialto (or perhaps a subsequent theater) went out of business. Nor have I found out much about the history of Golemo's, other than that it has served as a gathering place for Polish immigrants for decades.</P>
<P>At the head of Kelley Square, where Millbury and Vernon streets meet, is, appropriately enough, The Vernon, a residential hotel and bar about which MACRIS provides some fantastic historical details. I learned some great stuff from a few of my Instagram followers, as well as from various sources online.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C0jjGJ_2sLDrYu92o2x38MsCODKaP5evUvfP9WWC-iL3Fm4bEngwafAOnqvz6BhyssTexPqp4yuZIaQwoMyrTHfGcqhSr2QfObngENKrWFITQasUoLN91Mzuqauh68pVKSDrdHH9f7s0cMWxbdibwDHpUJ-78PkZMdQ-qR7sALJMde4YlWcpEdGfsF3V/s2048/Hotel%20Vernon%20full.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1644" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_C0jjGJ_2sLDrYu92o2x38MsCODKaP5evUvfP9WWC-iL3Fm4bEngwafAOnqvz6BhyssTexPqp4yuZIaQwoMyrTHfGcqhSr2QfObngENKrWFITQasUoLN91Mzuqauh68pVKSDrdHH9f7s0cMWxbdibwDHpUJ-78PkZMdQ-qR7sALJMde4YlWcpEdGfsF3V/s400/Hotel%20Vernon%20full.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBCPlds-Wbw3iYPR1wirBqUjuNKgAEq7TAFpfjqMGz0f9a0JHPFh_yv3DGRI1h47bmlRKykb5vhy4x-TaAsj1U-rB0i3tqiDrfi6iWT267MgRtnTCqDMfgXYD0iIUBKVfaWWxIifobygG9Z9EU-mJEIGGuboznDg9VkzlihUsAEnRhXGIzjLDu6_kbjIj/s2048/Hotel%20Vernon%20sign%20and%20window.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBCPlds-Wbw3iYPR1wirBqUjuNKgAEq7TAFpfjqMGz0f9a0JHPFh_yv3DGRI1h47bmlRKykb5vhy4x-TaAsj1U-rB0i3tqiDrfi6iWT267MgRtnTCqDMfgXYD0iIUBKVfaWWxIifobygG9Z9EU-mJEIGGuboznDg9VkzlihUsAEnRhXGIzjLDu6_kbjIj/s400/Hotel%20Vernon%20sign%20and%20window.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm not sure whether this place is still an apartment hotel, or whether there are perhaps offices on the upper levels. MACRIS indicates The Vernon was completed in 1901 for owner Michael McGady, an American-born Irishman who worked in machine shops and as a store clerk before opening his own liquor business.</P>
<P>As for the bar, it was established in 1935 "by Francis and Beaven McGady, sons of the building's owner," MACRIS continues. "Named the Kelley Square Yacht Club, the bar's interior was remodelled to appear as a 'replica of the innards of the Mayflower.' The interior was decorated with original murals painted by Joseph Miron, Francis McGady, Walter Johnston and Alfred Kaplin [sic - it's Caplin] (better known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Capp">Al Capp</a>, creator of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Li%27l_Abner">'Lil Abner'</a>) who were classmates at the Boston Art School."</P>
<P>Perhaps not all Backside readers are familiar with Al Capp, but I know the name because my father used to talk about "Lil' Abner," a comic strip that ran in newspapers from 1934 to 1977, when I was 12 years old.</P>
<P>As for the name of the bar, MACRIS quotes a 1971 <i>Worcester Telegram</i> article: "According to a 1971 article about the 'yacht club,' the bar was a major gathering place during the Great Depression for the inhabitants of the area's many three-deckers and tenements, serving as a sort of social club and 'to poke fun a t the millionaire's world; the Newport high society scene that didn't know a $20-a-week working man existed, never mind that he was often out of work at that.'"</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEoPOsquuBF0FtEL_1cjbt-JKHF_JJi357M-4w72BQ8T3YyQrsU0Jm8c5gIZCXIMQO8xpJOXbB9uMqFL4dVz5_FF5Bs5onceTRlHRbLKWJbWqrazEDwzX4Cb8C3REotrvFY_qdVuG6khjv2bTHsasHtxnHVmi7Y6wIvAlNXEzGcsGZu7ZsU7bPqpzbjU4/s2048/Hotel%20Vernon%20tile.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMEoPOsquuBF0FtEL_1cjbt-JKHF_JJi357M-4w72BQ8T3YyQrsU0Jm8c5gIZCXIMQO8xpJOXbB9uMqFL4dVz5_FF5Bs5onceTRlHRbLKWJbWqrazEDwzX4Cb8C3REotrvFY_qdVuG6khjv2bTHsasHtxnHVmi7Y6wIvAlNXEzGcsGZu7ZsU7bPqpzbjU4/s400/Hotel%20Vernon%20tile.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFFQwR8jMaFkeyWGKJI8sp9LWSm1muAP9YhzWz-6GE3q4sMVb1lp5OTHVWCXptH1DnTm29aX9pkFf_wgRGi2kXznrXuhId8m7Sv5Pl9fMl6DAfwilH4fpzLbvZUKacN1E5U-ckT7wEmYXleqJJYz3KEclRWZuOqPQVWrK5GSZBgrlblThpRweDXIdAQqw/s2048/The%20Ship%20mural%20again.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtFFQwR8jMaFkeyWGKJI8sp9LWSm1muAP9YhzWz-6GE3q4sMVb1lp5OTHVWCXptH1DnTm29aX9pkFf_wgRGi2kXznrXuhId8m7Sv5Pl9fMl6DAfwilH4fpzLbvZUKacN1E5U-ckT7wEmYXleqJJYz3KEclRWZuOqPQVWrK5GSZBgrlblThpRweDXIdAQqw/s400/The%20Ship%20mural%20again.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu5qcjTv-rJVIr3BAmelRY2fX0guTa9pD-qD1Jxmm_ICAvHVhjTbEHHrxTVQMPJbvZ1xYcR66zWJKRVDHTdw1OarxlWfAvNkl8RCsTHHTYY6me6mUUneFrixiwk4B2MZziw1WtS_eM9ZygUuWdGE_uWGocJlAR6AWLQ9yRl-gVElDp7uhNfXc-ASfTApC/s2048/The%20Ship%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu5qcjTv-rJVIr3BAmelRY2fX0guTa9pD-qD1Jxmm_ICAvHVhjTbEHHrxTVQMPJbvZ1xYcR66zWJKRVDHTdw1OarxlWfAvNkl8RCsTHHTYY6me6mUUneFrixiwk4B2MZziw1WtS_eM9ZygUuWdGE_uWGocJlAR6AWLQ9yRl-gVElDp7uhNfXc-ASfTApC/s400/The%20Ship%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>I believe there is a main bar as you walk in the door, and then a Prohibition-era speakeasy in the basement of The Vernon. A quick search online led me to a blog post (since taken down) which provided details of a tour given by a bartender of the basement space. "We were led into a room referred to as The Ship Room or Worcester’s Yact Club," he indicates. "The room was erected to resemble the interior of a ship with booths and a stage for performers. The Ship Room has really become a hot venue for up-and-coming local bands. A far cry from when the place in its entirety was referred to as ‘a crack head hangout.’"</P>
<P>Because I was in Worcester on a Sunday morning, this place wasn't open, and I assumed it was out of business. I'm so happy to learn that it's still going, and that it used to be a music room (perhaps it still is). As for the speakeasy: "[The bartender] showed us where one of the entrances was; right through the women’s restroom! Hookers used to hang out there and offer sexual favors to the bar patrons. The going rate was just $5 up until recently (now not offered.) Yikes!! I do know Babe Ruth liked women and booze! It’s no wonder he spent some time here!"</P>
<P>Yep, Babe Ruth was known to hang out here. I just love that.</P>
<P>I checked the back of the building for ghost signs, and was pleasantly surprised to see an artist at work.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqSAZxozpnXuBe-1tX042wEzBZO0kBkuhj35Yp5S5ePdM_Iy9GsoBV702fo6n3tnhCktbgJJQYY8ulvHhkKiM_eQqXMOJAQDGi4SwA0TizGKXV_1OEtgOrFFeWppYvXXylVUcnKHgPvij34CLaoBYqOmEbo2Hm3yVJdeKAPufCrkCGYQL3gZQwdgw0oBb/s2048/Hotel%20Vernon%20rear%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1497" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTqSAZxozpnXuBe-1tX042wEzBZO0kBkuhj35Yp5S5ePdM_Iy9GsoBV702fo6n3tnhCktbgJJQYY8ulvHhkKiM_eQqXMOJAQDGi4SwA0TizGKXV_1OEtgOrFFeWppYvXXylVUcnKHgPvij34CLaoBYqOmEbo2Hm3yVJdeKAPufCrkCGYQL3gZQwdgw0oBb/s400/Hotel%20Vernon%20rear%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>Once again, thanks to an Instagram follower, I learned that the artist is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eamontron/">Eamon Gillen</a>, who owns <a href="https://crownofthornstattoos.com">Crown of Thorns Tattoo</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FL9YTbGrn6y7F1a2ZuxE1FNfwrlvnqM9RsK2luH3_cR-tONchlZBtDTKZ_5Muukiz4kMrbnmdNR8c3UoA_ga2bA02Hz4DuzLSQDnmm1MmfDq3muIScnGiNijd7RV2VaZuUn8yq0KdJIOBmLY4eBR4x3S8iFkFpHEjnesgw0C31hPU7huFMmkTHgCY1xf/s2048/The%20Ship%20Open%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1434" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FL9YTbGrn6y7F1a2ZuxE1FNfwrlvnqM9RsK2luH3_cR-tONchlZBtDTKZ_5Muukiz4kMrbnmdNR8c3UoA_ga2bA02Hz4DuzLSQDnmm1MmfDq3muIScnGiNijd7RV2VaZuUn8yq0KdJIOBmLY4eBR4x3S8iFkFpHEjnesgw0C31hPU7huFMmkTHgCY1xf/s400/The%20Ship%20Open%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>I doubled back past <a href="https://www.thehaze.com">Electric Haze</a>, a hookah bar and live music venue at the corner of Millbury and Lamartine streets, to peep the cool mural.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x8whVM5yZXXEGC2x2PzXAsYrSNzLs5SkYVso1geJemjNOaI4G9RrUpBil3IIjoz_gdhXIJuazEHlBN6fAGmVgVT0qpQAswZvqadAKsWjaE8-vAx-yT6ylBmqmmTGqFnWSII_YvXsPGhT0XU72daPf80btSqROMwvzrVmcP0aVK0qcWFqkHWRRd4lRpt_/s2048/Electric%20Haze%20murals.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1387" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-x8whVM5yZXXEGC2x2PzXAsYrSNzLs5SkYVso1geJemjNOaI4G9RrUpBil3IIjoz_gdhXIJuazEHlBN6fAGmVgVT0qpQAswZvqadAKsWjaE8-vAx-yT6ylBmqmmTGqFnWSII_YvXsPGhT0XU72daPf80btSqROMwvzrVmcP0aVK0qcWFqkHWRRd4lRpt_/s400/Electric%20Haze%20murals.jpg"/></a>
<P>The work is by <a href="https://mattgondek.com">Matt Gondek</a>.</P>
<P>Along Harding Street I spied another great work of art, for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Dawg-Alley-100068708755372/">The Dawg Alley</a>, which may or may not still be in business.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeoKAM0vKFLAdNcFvURFAHGhUvW-wZ9wjMgztA9Y8KGdbUFxAyze7ob-PPB3vVLmBTPfTR-Zb7A4ZVi7c96-FRau1BIw7JyryDug2Qz6Aq8hoDO20QsJRjkxCydv9p28p0-V00iQLQORo5IozGjxJvYnREdrsXvYmR71Qk2UNc7pynbvLcACP_vBIJ6JF/s2048/The%20Dawg%20Alley.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeoKAM0vKFLAdNcFvURFAHGhUvW-wZ9wjMgztA9Y8KGdbUFxAyze7ob-PPB3vVLmBTPfTR-Zb7A4ZVi7c96-FRau1BIw7JyryDug2Qz6Aq8hoDO20QsJRjkxCydv9p28p0-V00iQLQORo5IozGjxJvYnREdrsXvYmR71Qk2UNc7pynbvLcACP_vBIJ6JF/s400/The%20Dawg%20Alley.jpg"/></a>
<P>The final stop on my first tour of Worcester is a mural along Harding Street memorializing a deli that stood at 126 Water Street for nearly 100 years.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5046ihHXLGG9A2_fX4gnykhE8SZ9yk6xGVxO9zKlsi6tntUKg0PPD1bVr8QM00eEWKJ6_Bq_BZ8C1CXJHYy0kND0vec9xan66zhowusV9bkh7QHiZQcRkdxD5-U5_iJlWdmLXWzImQntmqlPs64sovpe1v7vOdPEQGAdp1mopxtfrYOOXhh4GIGB2500/s2048/Weintraubs%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq5046ihHXLGG9A2_fX4gnykhE8SZ9yk6xGVxO9zKlsi6tntUKg0PPD1bVr8QM00eEWKJ6_Bq_BZ8C1CXJHYy0kND0vec9xan66zhowusV9bkh7QHiZQcRkdxD5-U5_iJlWdmLXWzImQntmqlPs64sovpe1v7vOdPEQGAdp1mopxtfrYOOXhh4GIGB2500/s400/Weintraubs%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>As I mentioned in the first post in my Worcester series, this area of Worcester, especially along Water Street, was once a heavily Jewish neighborhood. <a href="https://www.weintraubsdeli.com">Weintraub's Deli</a> opened in 1920 in another location in Worcester, and moved to Water Street in 1940. In 2018, the deli's web site indicated that "[t]he building and business assets are being acquired by local developer Ed Murphy who is looking for an operator to lease the space and operate the business."</P>
<P>Alas, nobody took over the deli. The old Weintraub's space is currently occupied by <a href="https://www.suzettecreperie.com">Suzette Creperie & Cafe</a>, which opened in August 2020.</P>
<P>I have more Worcester posts coming later this year. As of this publication, I have made a second trip to Woo-town. I hope to make others as well.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-74142715515063428182024-02-03T08:34:00.000-05:002024-02-03T08:34:25.407-05:00The Shire of Worcester, Part the Second<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>Welcome to the second part of my Woostah Walkabout!</P>
<P>In the first segment, (see January 27, 2024, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-shire-of-worcester-part-first.html">"The Shire of Worcester, Part the First"</a>), I covered a lot of ground, and the same is true for this post (and the next one, and the one after that...). As I mentioned at the end of the first installment, after making a photo of the former Fraternal Order of Eagles building along Main Street, I headed south on Hermon Street. This led me into a manufacturing zone with loads of great old mill buildings, some of them still in use for industry and warehousing, many of them converted to new uses and others awaiting new lives.</P>
<P>I will start my coverage there and eventually work my way a little north and west along Chandler Street, before heading east on Main Street for a while.</P>
<P>The eye-catching sign for <a href="http://worcesterblasting.com">Abrasive Blasting & Coating</a> is simple but it stood out enough for me to make a photo of it. The company has been in business since 1985, but hasn't been at this location for too long. Prior tenants included a string of auto-related businesses.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cpHzBfEQKk60jzkjqQXyiN623HO1oaycdAUe5eB9ZqrwwehUu5LCkmjOhSaa2Ff72IuYQ2xyYjRlfVyRXpCGOoLAH6IojrZ2oH5VaBcrY4Xx5jdqqz3HuudI97umnEGPOnfWMAnOi5ClNT08eDPMjBhRUxVjvUOj1jMnR7Q2SIbzxVK_RBcN6C-GWkGo/s2048/Abrasive%20Blasting.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cpHzBfEQKk60jzkjqQXyiN623HO1oaycdAUe5eB9ZqrwwehUu5LCkmjOhSaa2Ff72IuYQ2xyYjRlfVyRXpCGOoLAH6IojrZ2oH5VaBcrY4Xx5jdqqz3HuudI97umnEGPOnfWMAnOi5ClNT08eDPMjBhRUxVjvUOj1jMnR7Q2SIbzxVK_RBcN6C-GWkGo/s400/Abrasive%20Blasting.jpg"/></a>
<P>From there, I headed west on Beacon Street, into the heart of the so-called Lagrange Street Historic District, located between the railroad tracks to the south, Oread Street to the west, Main Street to the north and Hermon Street to the east. I say so-called, because while MACRIS uses the term, it's not an official City of Worcester designation. This area is known in some quarters as Main South, and others as the Beacon-Hermon Streets Manufacturing District, and still others as the Junction District.</P>
<P>I'm guessing that Main South and the Junction District were coined by developers or realtors, as this quadrant of the city has seen new apartments rise, and more will follow. It's always easier to sell people on an evolving neighborhood if you give it a hip, catchy name.</P>
<P>Whatever you want to call this district, at the corner of Beacon and Jackson streets stands a building currently occupied by <a href="https://www.clarkmailing.com">Clark Mailing</a>, which has been in business since 1963.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnGImKcwZ20SRGllWh-HXVZR0KrBcdAxgLZuetwEotcsMTA_mZa7hPFWYzJrCHfBnKBr_lkEJG4PUqEwcatgkE1-X-KTe7UJyix-bVLuytQF0axerAeAZFD650iipHnQYdknd0eVRojsogVtiUD58og4Tip1Kz18TsaWcMMWTX2U2dyO87LJ5rPSRbpvC/s2048/Clark%20Mailing.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmnGImKcwZ20SRGllWh-HXVZR0KrBcdAxgLZuetwEotcsMTA_mZa7hPFWYzJrCHfBnKBr_lkEJG4PUqEwcatgkE1-X-KTe7UJyix-bVLuytQF0axerAeAZFD650iipHnQYdknd0eVRojsogVtiUD58og4Tip1Kz18TsaWcMMWTX2U2dyO87LJ5rPSRbpvC/s400/Clark%20Mailing.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI93kZAA4QBv2q2MVPDUJ64eoIR8idVKQoynW_V04PqLX6sHxFDJLsuxD9NR5H7ah24MUl9MUP0W5o3fL1ng43TqrMPwynx3gWAsLQ6xuvR7UGm5JEVpQPjctfr30JfZllMal0bHqO8XUgNbQW8eUUs0bFrsYeY0yPSNdsFJCDHHeTFJyRJx6De8IBKoon/s2048/Clark%20Mailing%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1521" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI93kZAA4QBv2q2MVPDUJ64eoIR8idVKQoynW_V04PqLX6sHxFDJLsuxD9NR5H7ah24MUl9MUP0W5o3fL1ng43TqrMPwynx3gWAsLQ6xuvR7UGm5JEVpQPjctfr30JfZllMal0bHqO8XUgNbQW8eUUs0bFrsYeY0yPSNdsFJCDHHeTFJyRJx6De8IBKoon/s400/Clark%20Mailing%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built sometime between 1911 and 1922, according to MACRIS, this brick factory was originally used by the Atlas Die Casting Company. The building was constructed by the Estabrook family, which developed much of this area. Between Atlas Die and Clark Mailing, this building was occuped by Montrose Products, which moved out in 1958, according to a someone who commented about one of my photos in a Facebook group.</P>
<P>To say I was intrigued by the smokestack I spied while shooting the Clark Mailing building and its neighbor across Jackson Street would be a ginormous understatment.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Nw0b5L40wm4WxinHNDXP3q-pCrMjfbfFX1Z1G4cXhHc8I5_o-52G47qn3qpOzNDhWdEaSMEhs25KdRF60yC5isGTOybEnjLWCPmwo8gE24UrM9SVPIe6IF_6FIJNRZ5HVXRY1ZnRWRU246ZTAIX4JO8yJsgoJVZAGojFEKEGjSV56pE_TM-M-zeES-Ll/s2048/Clark%20and%20Ivy%20Corset%20bldgs.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Nw0b5L40wm4WxinHNDXP3q-pCrMjfbfFX1Z1G4cXhHc8I5_o-52G47qn3qpOzNDhWdEaSMEhs25KdRF60yC5isGTOybEnjLWCPmwo8gE24UrM9SVPIe6IF_6FIJNRZ5HVXRY1ZnRWRU246ZTAIX4JO8yJsgoJVZAGojFEKEGjSV56pE_TM-M-zeES-Ll/s400/Clark%20and%20Ivy%20Corset%20bldgs.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2jecQwP34sEoVZW9sV_ZJezx8_UjrC4G2WTjz7XDksoQrYHXwZt5SE4flLbIJvYW_RJ-GW9LrQ9-ZrvMBYQmOvTqQwWUYmq4UVTp75bmV8SmgYmBVY2CMdqsOw4Z_Rx5-t1ns1GhxlAHUEqREP6xmdcFNeFbu_PUzT8gezOPNHr7kfnZkQ8Q82c1ePx_/s2048/Ivy%20Corset%20and%20stack.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1519" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_2jecQwP34sEoVZW9sV_ZJezx8_UjrC4G2WTjz7XDksoQrYHXwZt5SE4flLbIJvYW_RJ-GW9LrQ9-ZrvMBYQmOvTqQwWUYmq4UVTp75bmV8SmgYmBVY2CMdqsOw4Z_Rx5-t1ns1GhxlAHUEqREP6xmdcFNeFbu_PUzT8gezOPNHr7kfnZkQ8Q82c1ePx_/s400/Ivy%20Corset%20and%20stack.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCkJIhRklMA9mdRB6brNs6xLFyg5Hr9YK9vFEe-vFF9oRWo870YPbaxSj7H4JasXyn2_Kj_Bzz3n01rt5vZB3NN2HcLNSnKZTWTGcpcDlWQp-KUg8Tw9Vz6fRZivB7vX1GpsLqNH3xmHR_Bc9wHJM5KYOD6dcM6Ebld31CVVZph28GGzynPLK7V8gnqx6/s2048/Colorful%20smokestack.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCkJIhRklMA9mdRB6brNs6xLFyg5Hr9YK9vFEe-vFF9oRWo870YPbaxSj7H4JasXyn2_Kj_Bzz3n01rt5vZB3NN2HcLNSnKZTWTGcpcDlWQp-KUg8Tw9Vz6fRZivB7vX1GpsLqNH3xmHR_Bc9wHJM5KYOD6dcM6Ebld31CVVZph28GGzynPLK7V8gnqx6/s400/Colorful%20smokestack.jpg"/></a>
<P>Painted by artist <a href="https://www.adamkfujita.com">Adam K. Fujita</a> in August 2021 for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/powwowworcester/">Pow! Wow! Worcester</a>, the vididly hued mural sits on the property of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IvyCorsetBuilding/">Ivy Corset Building</a>. The Ivy Corset Company at one time was one of the "almost 130 businesses either making, making supplies for, or selling corsets" in Worcester, according to <a href="https://cityofcorsets.com">the web site</a> for an upcoming book by Ann Marie Murphy called <i>City of Corsets</i>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5ajgLM9jZ1L1JxnM0LJFcK2Le5m2TnxbvscUQD3ZH75FzHC9HwYcl1wnehO49B23dDPDqiHoNVdN7qJ2MWpWVfJPOtqzBQFwJqTMSGFzBwXBg3f-kyg2I3fGkzBvE8NYfRPAXxDU1s9gjjjn7S2wJ4sfjM9SktEywjiSGm2T0i-KmCzOIe8kSaJjwx_y/s2048/Ivy%20Corset%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW5ajgLM9jZ1L1JxnM0LJFcK2Le5m2TnxbvscUQD3ZH75FzHC9HwYcl1wnehO49B23dDPDqiHoNVdN7qJ2MWpWVfJPOtqzBQFwJqTMSGFzBwXBg3f-kyg2I3fGkzBvE8NYfRPAXxDU1s9gjjjn7S2wJ4sfjM9SktEywjiSGm2T0i-KmCzOIe8kSaJjwx_y/s400/Ivy%20Corset%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Founded in 1904 as the Corset H Company, it was a woman-owned business at a time when that was incredibly rare. The owner, Mary Bowne, was originally from Ohio, but eventually moved to New York City and then Worcester, according to the City of Corsets web site. "Mary Bowne arrived in Worcester as a saleswoman for the Royal Worcester Corset Company but by year’s end she had launched the Corset H Company, located in a factory building two blocks from City Hall," according to a chapter description at the web site. "The company grew to overflow at its 8,000 square foot first location as its 'Ivy Corset' model became nationally famous. A family member comes to join her in Worcester and she focuses on marketing her popular product lines."</P>
<P>According to book author Murphy, a lot of the history of Worcester's corset-making industry had been forgotten, and she was driven to uncover it. "From the Worcester corset industry’s beginnings post-Civil War until the disappearance of corset production here completely in the 1980s...[i]t was a city filled with corsets."</P>
<P>Pretty cool project.</P>
<P>I headed a short way north up Jackson Street, where I spied a cool sign, which someday may be a mysterious ghost sign.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzViYCjNWHss0BLrILvYHOM-BMcp2bgH2TzcO0e80qW7vR3UszKVBTnQwCzb1RLOoyzTUhtM7jbigpmGXXDsyHyshoC7SZXdhmmzlhrMmHsdbkpCTPxcBUwqxAVI1LHSNnEk2Ey6yGFo5RA-6XddTCD_d7sEJxHuTVjE63K9a5RrxdUeTXY-pyNLXNyCU7/s2048/Moto%20Coffee%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1547" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzViYCjNWHss0BLrILvYHOM-BMcp2bgH2TzcO0e80qW7vR3UszKVBTnQwCzb1RLOoyzTUhtM7jbigpmGXXDsyHyshoC7SZXdhmmzlhrMmHsdbkpCTPxcBUwqxAVI1LHSNnEk2Ey6yGFo5RA-6XddTCD_d7sEJxHuTVjE63K9a5RrxdUeTXY-pyNLXNyCU7/s400/Moto%20Coffee%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>New Tradition Co. is a coffe shop and bakery. Evidently, <a href="https://www.ntcmotocoffee.com">Moto Coffee</a> is one of its products.</P>
<P>I doubled back past the Ivy Corset Building and headed southwest on Beacon Street, where I found my next quarry.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8v03ayJQyXglvljxWSzR4xf5wWMj51D0QfJ0388SUKYgTzj9qtgwHobcg1xretIfUB5Yi83aP0lVkJkzyKBbY9z9xeeZoT0tckMSB7z86EeVrHZaimbF8kYh8U0bcRR1nWUzFqWMLz-26saGEyNUUdmWJNbe37I9e-rBcM0kXK7qzB3bO08bBsHa_q5MM/s2048/More%20Bulbs.com.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8v03ayJQyXglvljxWSzR4xf5wWMj51D0QfJ0388SUKYgTzj9qtgwHobcg1xretIfUB5Yi83aP0lVkJkzyKBbY9z9xeeZoT0tckMSB7z86EeVrHZaimbF8kYh8U0bcRR1nWUzFqWMLz-26saGEyNUUdmWJNbe37I9e-rBcM0kXK7qzB3bO08bBsHa_q5MM/s400/More%20Bulbs.com.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently home to <a href="https://www.bulbs.com">Bulbs.com</a>, "the business lighting experts," 98 Beacon Street rose in the early 1890s as part of a growing manufacturing district "ideally situated just west of the major railroad junction formed by the Boston & Maine and the New York, New Haven, and Hartford Railroad (formerly the Western and the Norwich & Worcester Railroads)," according to MACRIS. "The area was active in the second half of the 19th and the early 20th centuries serving as a manufacturing center for a diverse set of industries in Worcester. It had a high concentration of industrial brick buildings," MACRIS continues. "These brick rental factories had to be built with flexible floor plans and large open volumes that could be partitioned as needed by the tenants."</P>
<P>Among 98 Beacon's earliest tenants, according to MACRIS, were the W. H. Warren Machine Tools Company; the Hutchins Machine company; the W. H. Warren Company, which manufactured large universal radial drills; the Massachusetts Machine Company, which manufactured cylindrical grinding of automobile crankshafts; Sleeper & Hartley, which designed built-automatic machinery for wire spring molding, spring coiling, nail manufacturing, grinding, hooking, and knotting; W.M. Steele Co. Machinists; the Worcester Ferrule and Manufacturing Co., which manufactured automobile hub caps that were hardened, polished and ready to assemble, and sheet metal fittings for automobiles; J. E. Snyder for upright drills, drill presses, and shuttle manufacturing; the Worcester Pressed Steel Co. for bicycle fittings and sheet metal stampings; Machine Screw Manufacturing; J. S. Wheeler, manufacturer of metal planers; and Robert G. Pratt for the manufacturing of quills, battens, and webbing looms."</P>
<P>There is a plan to redevelop this building and three others along LaGrange Street. In September 2021, the Worcester Planning Board approved developer Worcester Lagrange MM LLC's plan for 63 apartments, commercial space and parking areas, according to this <a href="https://www.wbjournal.com/article/lagrange-street-industrial-buildings-approved-to-become-63-units-of-housing"><i>Worcester Business Journal</i> article</a>. A 900-square-foot building will be demolished to make room for parking, but otherwise historical preservation is a project priority, according to the WBJ article. A Patch article from the previous month indicated that the project calls for preservation of an existing community farm in the neighborhood.</P>
<P>To be known as LaGrange Mill Lofts and include 68% affordable units, the project footprint will include three other buildings, shown below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07-J0VdVpf2u8dKvrNT-djENiGbkOH-JMY3DMRQPqG6jYblzaZ7FrZY-Cx_7uZihj2D8h4Gppfj4r9Y4uNsgVDK2RG3qiSjetq3SUZ5x4Dr8sg_jvIlZIpQmYh2MCOgq42aBbN1xhcBJHwm_eugbfo-9c38OGQTrxDEdkN7KI17Sg5tOdfE1bRz3kxPof/s2048/Sem-Tec%20doorway.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07-J0VdVpf2u8dKvrNT-djENiGbkOH-JMY3DMRQPqG6jYblzaZ7FrZY-Cx_7uZihj2D8h4Gppfj4r9Y4uNsgVDK2RG3qiSjetq3SUZ5x4Dr8sg_jvIlZIpQmYh2MCOgq42aBbN1xhcBJHwm_eugbfo-9c38OGQTrxDEdkN7KI17Sg5tOdfE1bRz3kxPof/s400/Sem-Tec%20doorway.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyhpj-mnPUEcvImCFUtD-UNutDMvwYIVaNWGgarNqBr2RkL3NIZLiK3-mYDLrqcpOCe-B_pactDGDAXlfmBt7cXhy8owmk9p3uuC2_syDw6_9elxh6_5LDuk6Q06ZfgKVaz4jacX6miHCNKDDl2VjQWV_vAuRloUR6OsGDCsvfnF8fkh11POPj8CC1BMF/s2048/Somers%20buildings.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQyhpj-mnPUEcvImCFUtD-UNutDMvwYIVaNWGgarNqBr2RkL3NIZLiK3-mYDLrqcpOCe-B_pactDGDAXlfmBt7cXhy8owmk9p3uuC2_syDw6_9elxh6_5LDuk6Q06ZfgKVaz4jacX6miHCNKDDl2VjQWV_vAuRloUR6OsGDCsvfnF8fkh11POPj8CC1BMF/s400/Somers%20buildings.jpg"/></a>
<P>The beautiful old brick building at 35 LaGrange has, like many of its industrial neighbors, red plywood covering the windows. I love this look. Known historically as the P.E. Somers Tack and Nail Manufacturing Company, the complex rose in 1902. Later tenants included Diamond Tack and Nail and Viko Shoe Company, the latter of which manufactured corrective shoes for women, according to MACRIS.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrO9kclaFnScjIHPeVfSVoKXchuov96035rZCBTk1Fk28glKLV9NabLE7OSOGMYG-WwLTOhqp4ZwK2f32lOf9_3pazOkNGoZKx6plmc2x8cYqLF7zu_Mrb7e-G1vcoZQpjbkTHs0JXRuvwRU15VyXpYfUweMVJF0kvkcnwsjvdFuyXFkwkgS_8IbUEwQB/s2048/Somers%20Factory%20detail-2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbrO9kclaFnScjIHPeVfSVoKXchuov96035rZCBTk1Fk28glKLV9NabLE7OSOGMYG-WwLTOhqp4ZwK2f32lOf9_3pazOkNGoZKx6plmc2x8cYqLF7zu_Mrb7e-G1vcoZQpjbkTHs0JXRuvwRU15VyXpYfUweMVJF0kvkcnwsjvdFuyXFkwkgS_8IbUEwQB/s400/Somers%20Factory%20detail-2.jpg"/></a>
<P>This building is currently occupied (I think) by <a href="https://www.sem-tec.biz">Sem-Tech, Inc.</a>, which manufactures ball valves for various uses. Below is an adjacent Sem-Tech building, another part of the proposed apartment development.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxaZXC6yPAo7-btFja03vf6RQse7Q6yzfWnXFKdXpItOBxY6KMwSKNoggUmIJdG9wXt_XapwskgjyGJUBVStjAlojiBfnahzFZCmpvY3ELA6vZJEoj2wm1nYpB8FaA2nEaRa2yKn7gLyjHTV_NKmuIgMLqHQ_jZOy_Dyj4ni7W3nXBk-T_UGkU3XxJF7-/s2048/Sem-Tec%20facade.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaxaZXC6yPAo7-btFja03vf6RQse7Q6yzfWnXFKdXpItOBxY6KMwSKNoggUmIJdG9wXt_XapwskgjyGJUBVStjAlojiBfnahzFZCmpvY3ELA6vZJEoj2wm1nYpB8FaA2nEaRa2yKn7gLyjHTV_NKmuIgMLqHQ_jZOy_Dyj4ni7W3nXBk-T_UGkU3XxJF7-/s400/Sem-Tec%20facade.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Sem-Tech building is located at 47 LaGrange Street, which is known historically as the L.D. Thayer Manufacturing Company. MACRIS indicates this building rose in the early 1880s and was initially used by multiple companies before Thayer took over the expanding complex.
<P>Finally, the building shown below, at 50 LaGrange Street, hard by the railroad tracks, is the final part of the project.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1ebUXJq7jHM6uzQ0RYb1ECrCq0y8wjlzayVwGT6Fmaeb0kfoRezhZN4_kJMWasotu-2c7iKmkLdmSH-w8oc-MaKeDUfigSfw07NVmrS9jo7i1GdPo30hgcdDLb_8L_l4NUvoUvSy3H80mgQgqMUMG8nFE4BkfiTFsV8ZWOMlvw9PE0pXYzLVfROfI_Ow/s2048/More%20Sem-Tec.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1ebUXJq7jHM6uzQ0RYb1ECrCq0y8wjlzayVwGT6Fmaeb0kfoRezhZN4_kJMWasotu-2c7iKmkLdmSH-w8oc-MaKeDUfigSfw07NVmrS9jo7i1GdPo30hgcdDLb_8L_l4NUvoUvSy3H80mgQgqMUMG8nFE4BkfiTFsV8ZWOMlvw9PE0pXYzLVfROfI_Ow/s400/More%20Sem-Tec.jpg"/></a>
<P>This place was originally home to the Harwood & Quincy Machine Co.</P>
<P>Speaking of railroad tracks...the bridge visible from the intersection of LaGrange and Jackson streets is quite dominant and impressive.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFa43SY4orQ43pj6vR6Sxq3CKVNjAwwxiDFUzXa8h1PCg3SCmNPdA6VLn5lzGrORTkU0yrX1kVyUbsazPssMifaYwpLz0oN_Xygj-QdABpTL5ulH3OK3V7fXU6y4UGnBK3hlqLn9gbrrqrDBKenYWOhjE75BKThITLuQ_3VIAXtN2FrR1OzgIhy8VTR65N/s2048/Trestle.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFa43SY4orQ43pj6vR6Sxq3CKVNjAwwxiDFUzXa8h1PCg3SCmNPdA6VLn5lzGrORTkU0yrX1kVyUbsazPssMifaYwpLz0oN_Xygj-QdABpTL5ulH3OK3V7fXU6y4UGnBK3hlqLn9gbrrqrDBKenYWOhjE75BKThITLuQ_3VIAXtN2FrR1OzgIhy8VTR65N/s400/Trestle.jpg"/></a>
<P>Known historically as the Pennsylvania Central Railroad Bridge, this load of iron "was apparently built for the B&A RR in 1912 as part of a large-scale, multi-railroad project to eliminate grade crossings in downtown Worcester," per MACRIS, "and to better handle all of the railroad liines serving the city by construction of...Union Station in Washington Square."</P>
<P>After making a photo of the bridge, I headed northwest up Jackson Street and checked out a massive former mill complex that's been redeveloped into apartments.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoVRgL-sd3kvnnS-EUqJwRKFB2Xq94ZxGrxxZTTccjSdIxt2Ac5JUWCoL2RIMu-04ePU1BLHttA5zQyJtgWEsX45b4ngdSyeklH6BCMpFdJn78aoNJf75POf47VD21VhWOVPkY_fm1QYE-C9EmCoNxiRMVHCzi5-6a_6uiQmL6Yj8yb0Y8QTHGRRdmWCi/s2048/Junction%20Shop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoVRgL-sd3kvnnS-EUqJwRKFB2Xq94ZxGrxxZTTccjSdIxt2Ac5JUWCoL2RIMu-04ePU1BLHttA5zQyJtgWEsX45b4ngdSyeklH6BCMpFdJn78aoNJf75POf47VD21VhWOVPkY_fm1QYE-C9EmCoNxiRMVHCzi5-6a_6uiQmL6Yj8yb0Y8QTHGRRdmWCi/s400/Junction%20Shop.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89BHbkwjfZ41iEUJKrhI8IdKIQhDHEKaXEtNOwx8550fRS2x7I-07v1S7VfWHOoQJGG65KHGiXD0SUzyRVFmUTC_SQxcrQJzSjtFIGPswv3ryYCWMT02vKF7WcUPELmH125U405jvzjiDAzUuFEwylHbhuLzYTVKMPveH_Kul_dq_VFcJ5o7aks2Tsuvu/s2048/Junction%20Shop%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89BHbkwjfZ41iEUJKrhI8IdKIQhDHEKaXEtNOwx8550fRS2x7I-07v1S7VfWHOoQJGG65KHGiXD0SUzyRVFmUTC_SQxcrQJzSjtFIGPswv3ryYCWMT02vKF7WcUPELmH125U405jvzjiDAzUuFEwylHbhuLzYTVKMPveH_Kul_dq_VFcJ5o7aks2Tsuvu/s400/Junction%20Shop%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>As I mentioned above, this area is known by some as the Junction District. That is due to this place, the former Junction Shop, which was developed by the aforementioned Estabrook family in stages in the late 19th century for a variety of tentants, according to MACRIS. One of the sections of the long brick building facing Beacon Street is described thusly by MACRIS: "76 Beacon is a three-storey (sic) brick building built between 1886 and 1896 (probably after 1892) when it was occupied by the Glasgo Thread Company. It is identical to [other] sections facing Beacon Street, all of which have flat roofs, corbelled cornices and crenellated parapets. Together these four structures present a single continuous facade along Beacon Street."</P>
<P>That continuous facade is quite impressive. The photos above show the west-facing facade of this complex, along Jackson Street. Those buildings date to the same rough time period, and were built for the Cereal Machine Company, according to MACRIS. The Cereal Machine Co." manufactured [its founder's] inventions which included the first shredded wheat biscuit, wheat-shred drink, granulated wheat shred, wheat-shred baby food and the machinery with which these various products were made," MACRIS continues.</P>
<P>Along Hermon Street is the main entrance into the housing complex now known as the <a href="https://www.junctionshoplofts.com">Junction Shop Lofts</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRo_iUuBh0Qa18eL__8nMSb0ZkN1KIetE8302-NZnwCds-SmOsLwtjMtNpiuVEIAPPB378A9aftou-o6B8GEMcb0jQD_nLdSM_2UHL3K5f5zXqcB6YkvhR1eEjSFCLQBXpuL7ZYNAhabW3VzXWcQH-m5g_wMqOP12MG7pnAdJQo124ilicrO-iKSR43Iy/s2048/Junction%20Shop%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYRo_iUuBh0Qa18eL__8nMSb0ZkN1KIetE8302-NZnwCds-SmOsLwtjMtNpiuVEIAPPB378A9aftou-o6B8GEMcb0jQD_nLdSM_2UHL3K5f5zXqcB6YkvhR1eEjSFCLQBXpuL7ZYNAhabW3VzXWcQH-m5g_wMqOP12MG7pnAdJQo124ilicrO-iKSR43Iy/s400/Junction%20Shop%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mz0_GUaF9KL4guNeg80HVdtco2F4cGfg_XNE2VSIpFvYXAEaxD8SUawqgYflbCL9ELhaihCy5KWewXLkGH41jNveYLB5nc2c0eneSL9rJ9Z0gYR7Uvb1m7RCsuZXK7w03N82bTqr_idqhxlyXhkyhavBCpsQhbhcJoawT616JxYOodvNnGGpKtWtJO5B/s2048/More%20Junction%20Shop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mz0_GUaF9KL4guNeg80HVdtco2F4cGfg_XNE2VSIpFvYXAEaxD8SUawqgYflbCL9ELhaihCy5KWewXLkGH41jNveYLB5nc2c0eneSL9rJ9Z0gYR7Uvb1m7RCsuZXK7w03N82bTqr_idqhxlyXhkyhavBCpsQhbhcJoawT616JxYOodvNnGGpKtWtJO5B/s400/More%20Junction%20Shop.jpg"/></a>
<P>These buildings include the Junction Shop, which was completed din 1851; an addition to the shop dating to around 1880 that was occupied at that point by Knowles Loom Works; a power plant building; and at least one other building that was part of the Cereal Machine operation. Junction Shop Lofts is comprised of "1-4 bedroom loft apartments [with] exposed brick and beams, original wood floors, soaring ceilings, and bright oversized windows," per the development's web site.</P>
<P>Across Hermon Street from the loft development's entrance is a white-washed brick building that appears to be vacant.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL1lVYjmjbSg1AMNt2SqG3MADahw8DPrfvI2FsvI_tH_JsG6qMJcKtAfmyslI37JwidsGMmtjo3x3qdXziM1PPFwGxYiprz7Is_mPVH-tJmQS-rnknkwg7-ohNHm9JWSrL746kMLTZirCWx5U1TWhdC5TTfVjI_9vUZ2R3houKbU4dbUMyf5p2rtLQufM/s2048/Old%20White%20Brick%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1669" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxL1lVYjmjbSg1AMNt2SqG3MADahw8DPrfvI2FsvI_tH_JsG6qMJcKtAfmyslI37JwidsGMmtjo3x3qdXziM1PPFwGxYiprz7Is_mPVH-tJmQS-rnknkwg7-ohNHm9JWSrL746kMLTZirCWx5U1TWhdC5TTfVjI_9vUZ2R3houKbU4dbUMyf5p2rtLQufM/s400/Old%20White%20Brick%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>The front section was built between 1870 and 1878, according to MACRIS, and was occupied during that time by the Taber Organ Company. The rear portion of the building rose between 1896 and 1911. I didn't spy the very faded ghost sign on the building until after I'd gotten home and was editing my photos. I have no idea what it says.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5SiDX3y22AVEMzuCMxyDMeAsvf6bP_ICfYvoqrScDhtgvyUM0Jxehta0zWg9rDZqTT75T-jR0VbUXgKmfa6gRNu38t3QEV0ugweachDn_GkqQHTGzG9MnwjpkPPsdRAoueCQgG_L_T1489r5vcWyRnbTQiS7EUnivS7jPv_3L5IkvwMM7d6w_M18AJZR/s2048/Old%20White%20Brick%20bldg-2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG5SiDX3y22AVEMzuCMxyDMeAsvf6bP_ICfYvoqrScDhtgvyUM0Jxehta0zWg9rDZqTT75T-jR0VbUXgKmfa6gRNu38t3QEV0ugweachDn_GkqQHTGzG9MnwjpkPPsdRAoueCQgG_L_T1489r5vcWyRnbTQiS7EUnivS7jPv_3L5IkvwMM7d6w_M18AJZR/s400/Old%20White%20Brick%20bldg-2.jpg"/></a>
<P>On the wall of the newer portion of that building, along Beacon Street, are a few murals. I particularly like the one below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgHPL4lEW35sCp5hEA8h1bo2kRiknn8ogPX-M6ZVAZIkrBtLwD2WwOfAqLYJMpxsCRPBz66q_Xpc5i5vp3nDtbcCAbfIEDesJjCaXkNavR7GPXeLaDTdLASjIIofCfnuJzrKlQhgUH1MfKw63q6n-BKtYpKseF3WEXZrTZv03Po3KDbnlE9wrN_s6jX3j/s2048/Fingernail%20lady%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgHPL4lEW35sCp5hEA8h1bo2kRiknn8ogPX-M6ZVAZIkrBtLwD2WwOfAqLYJMpxsCRPBz66q_Xpc5i5vp3nDtbcCAbfIEDesJjCaXkNavR7GPXeLaDTdLASjIIofCfnuJzrKlQhgUH1MfKw63q6n-BKtYpKseF3WEXZrTZv03Po3KDbnlE9wrN_s6jX3j/s400/Fingernail%20lady%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>I started to work my way north back toward Main Street. Along the way, I passed the former Worcester Boys' Club on Ionic Avenue.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAYWQXBrpI69nBYmHwpvchVa3cyB8QSK0MQnRhBpNeIMtkoeCxbDjRH8X55ujZV16KCN3yCdMLxtOuQtC5NWzpTlGjOgDaw0tivKJQHEXq3MiYNghwSsvUdNGTHBysDfYz80426JzsbfDgI0CENhK2zOPahlbKjcT2ochsuFMtKR47LBAWOKDRPqwLoLC/s2048/Worcester%20Boys%20Club.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAYWQXBrpI69nBYmHwpvchVa3cyB8QSK0MQnRhBpNeIMtkoeCxbDjRH8X55ujZV16KCN3yCdMLxtOuQtC5NWzpTlGjOgDaw0tivKJQHEXq3MiYNghwSsvUdNGTHBysDfYz80426JzsbfDgI0CENhK2zOPahlbKjcT2ochsuFMtKR47LBAWOKDRPqwLoLC/s400/Worcester%20Boys%20Club.jpg"/></a>
<P>The future home of <a href="https://creativehubworcester.org/2-ionic-ave">Creative Hub Worcester</a> -- plans call for artist studios, a makerspace, youth classes and workshops, high-quality childcare, exhibitions and an event space -- the Boys' Club building rose in 1915. Located across from an equally imposing Masonic Temple, the Classical Revival building was in use untnil 2006.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WPxQtDk7E8G8EB3PxVi_mPsqAdujqvjRBIpxLNxst1SnMmAcA6bAn6ElT_p5WDIlfBQzeFsDD7vZX-UUdLp4OUK3XQW4-5ouh5mBIrG8xtokLcTgUUlY6gE0Dr3AYwrihxOGApExTqIqvIQuKMDjcCI4FNb_E9SdIrzJ-3f5j7OGeCUKd9grVUiFeqNw/s2048/Worcester%20Boys%20Club%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WPxQtDk7E8G8EB3PxVi_mPsqAdujqvjRBIpxLNxst1SnMmAcA6bAn6ElT_p5WDIlfBQzeFsDD7vZX-UUdLp4OUK3XQW4-5ouh5mBIrG8xtokLcTgUUlY6gE0Dr3AYwrihxOGApExTqIqvIQuKMDjcCI4FNb_E9SdIrzJ-3f5j7OGeCUKd9grVUiFeqNw/s400/Worcester%20Boys%20Club%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>In the parking lot adjacent to the old Boys' Club, I spied the psychedelic STEM school bus.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVYBYAOOohyXIBjgVjKX9UEU1rmp1pUxgpAVf12h9AIuRiJ8TK9HYkgbeYrBHXIcbnrMS1yKF3M0m--bwuajAVOXVZoYHQLQY_zcFuWOzL3JVG9kZJMybrqetI9WRUN4Cooffv6DO9Pj5E-4whXiDLIucdfV-swJkpd3_E2L0hP7GTCW6poRDMexVPpsP/s2048/Painted%20STEM%20bus.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1433" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVYBYAOOohyXIBjgVjKX9UEU1rmp1pUxgpAVf12h9AIuRiJ8TK9HYkgbeYrBHXIcbnrMS1yKF3M0m--bwuajAVOXVZoYHQLQY_zcFuWOzL3JVG9kZJMybrqetI9WRUN4Cooffv6DO9Pj5E-4whXiDLIucdfV-swJkpd3_E2L0hP7GTCW6poRDMexVPpsP/s400/Painted%20STEM%20bus.jpg"/></a>
<P>Made me think of this:</P>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_AcsS8eJaQI?si=SNdkRhfeTp1SLWLb" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>The bus is located behind the old Hadley Furniture Company Building, which I will detail shortly.</P>
<P>From Main Street, I headed north on Chandler Street, where I was agog over the two apartment buildings seen below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRjK_N_pbxYLjVQWEL5u84qPkDy2IQq8unqM0x5obtDCpGQ3oZO0yUGSYZ514iMPQh_OIJ3ij-KzzUah_v0bzw4aN74grH8Odp-se6w2CLhLnIRCnqamHecUqbLJQfGDOxUaPijCwwBFc9QsAYlmLjcqrT3T5K7j2Aol3J_HNky42xC3b7GEuDi3aZJSU/s2048/St.%20Ives%20and%20Vendome.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRjK_N_pbxYLjVQWEL5u84qPkDy2IQq8unqM0x5obtDCpGQ3oZO0yUGSYZ514iMPQh_OIJ3ij-KzzUah_v0bzw4aN74grH8Odp-se6w2CLhLnIRCnqamHecUqbLJQfGDOxUaPijCwwBFc9QsAYlmLjcqrT3T5K7j2Aol3J_HNky42xC3b7GEuDi3aZJSU/s400/St.%20Ives%20and%20Vendome.jpg"/></a>
<P>The St. Ives (left) and Vendome (uh, right) are "[o]utstanding examples of upper middle class high-rise apartment blocks built in Worcester around the turn of the century," MACRIS says. "The buildings were designed by the locally prominent architectural firm of Barker and Nourse and were built by Judson W. Hall, a local real estate agent and speculator active in the Chandler Street area from 1860 to 1910."</P>
<P>The Vendome is the older of the pair, constructed in 1898. The St. Ives dates to 1913-14, according to MACRIS.</P>
<P>Next door to the St. Ives (at least as of the summer of 2023, when I made this photo) is the Hovey Laundry Building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSysonkFlzDST7wKmh0FnjOP3u5Hdehq6PE8A4gNnhhTwjx68hRq_nJahzW9pzXv0tKn5DF8KHVa38iyqB-UJv71-p3JxPLrFifJuPCUCk50KLuL32zFc80HkmZYyGWGMXC7nF9lvwOg2aF1PFWrCEQQg5jpiaM7sUDeYsffEg6SkU9sODOZIDG12ARcx9/s2048/O%27Connell-Dickie.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2042" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSysonkFlzDST7wKmh0FnjOP3u5Hdehq6PE8A4gNnhhTwjx68hRq_nJahzW9pzXv0tKn5DF8KHVa38iyqB-UJv71-p3JxPLrFifJuPCUCk50KLuL32zFc80HkmZYyGWGMXC7nF9lvwOg2aF1PFWrCEQQg5jpiaM7sUDeYsffEg6SkU9sODOZIDG12ARcx9/s400/O%27Connell-Dickie.jpg"/></a>
<P>Those red signs with white X's in them located on the facade are usually good indicators that a building is doing to be razed. Most recently home to O'Connell & Dickie, a moving company, the building dates to 1905, according to MACRIS. The original tenant was Hovey Laundry, which over the course of its business life "employed 175 persons and ran twenty-four trucks covering Worcester and outlying towns." The company went out of business in 1956. The moving company took over the space in the late 1970s.</P>
<P>In November 2021, the <i>Worcester Business Journal</i> <a href="https://www.wbjournal.com/article/historic-chandler-st-building-faces-demolition">reported</a> that the old Hovey place "may be demolished depending on approval from the Worcester Historical Commission." After a foreclosure, the building was sold twice before L.A. real estate firm Benedict Canyon Equities purchase it for $1 million in January 2020, the article indicates.</P>
<P><a href="https://www.bceproperties.com">Benedict Canyon Equities</a> has nearly $4 billion in multi-family property assets and manages more than 13,000 residential units, per its web site. The company "submitted a request for demolition in October [2021]" and stated that "there were no economical uses of the existing structure," according to the WBJ article.</P>
<P>As of my visit in August 2023, the building was still standing.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq_1x99vhxrG-5OJSNtiUUEtfjGS1CWyAIVHFmcBxAjnM8rVUOcJdkLAM3PxFAObocQOGGPrNs_lx5tpYt6lf5A08R20y3_6ho2PC30Xm8sjtL_MDsCXT3MuQ6rHGa06MVCkvpHu8acEIyCpRIEOaTKPpS2b9X6rv0MeIBCIT976oD0T7Z8jr3KSftA1y/s2048/O%27Connell-Dickie%20door.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq_1x99vhxrG-5OJSNtiUUEtfjGS1CWyAIVHFmcBxAjnM8rVUOcJdkLAM3PxFAObocQOGGPrNs_lx5tpYt6lf5A08R20y3_6ho2PC30Xm8sjtL_MDsCXT3MuQ6rHGa06MVCkvpHu8acEIyCpRIEOaTKPpS2b9X6rv0MeIBCIT976oD0T7Z8jr3KSftA1y/s400/O%27Connell-Dickie%20door.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Main entrance to the old Hovey Laundry property.)</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGO6WV8MbtQMGc3XP5nbY9lv48Y9zaCudUyVaE2NYZSASyMUQVfGNsBflotooK3I-R4scznh9Cv3bO-Aq_B_82EPdP7gmvlaD7bl6_trLSlrVkFppB1MbR4IR0yI7lF2wAlIhZ1Y1wnzsYbh1L-m1YdvvAj7JMry1w0-GIVDQMeaqhRfn2If7_n2oDvcGQ/s2048/O%27Connell-Dickie%20rear.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGO6WV8MbtQMGc3XP5nbY9lv48Y9zaCudUyVaE2NYZSASyMUQVfGNsBflotooK3I-R4scznh9Cv3bO-Aq_B_82EPdP7gmvlaD7bl6_trLSlrVkFppB1MbR4IR0yI7lF2wAlIhZ1Y1wnzsYbh1L-m1YdvvAj7JMry1w0-GIVDQMeaqhRfn2If7_n2oDvcGQ/s400/O%27Connell-Dickie%20rear.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Side view of the old Hovey Laundry property.)</b></P>
<P>I continued west-northwest along Chanlder Street until I reached the absolutely charming house of worship you see below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsco6g3ds8ikNl-zoov9NRQhA7sQwUlrNlEN1GxMw6uSm_Dos1tvCwiFKC5MCE2WltXipCr1udbi7yVpF9w3ezuxlQPMSOHNhu0erFrqzjgCzfm3e33JGzLlF07sSQC6l8BOuYPczuPSQdCJaWlgVoIgfBIU1nwbMt508Wctb07kPYEz-6jLpGtWLw2Kw/s2048/Worcester%20little%20church.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKsco6g3ds8ikNl-zoov9NRQhA7sQwUlrNlEN1GxMw6uSm_Dos1tvCwiFKC5MCE2WltXipCr1udbi7yVpF9w3ezuxlQPMSOHNhu0erFrqzjgCzfm3e33JGzLlF07sSQC6l8BOuYPczuPSQdCJaWlgVoIgfBIU1nwbMt508Wctb07kPYEz-6jLpGtWLw2Kw/s400/Worcester%20little%20church.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built sometime between 1890 and 1896, it was erected for a German Lutheran congregation. St. Andrew's Methodist Church acquired the building in 1924. According to MACRIS, St. Andrew's is one of the oldest Black congregations in Worcester. The Google Maps pin on this building indicates Faith Tabernacle Church, but I haven't found out anything about the congregation, other than that its <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FaithTabernacleWorc/">Facebook page</a> hasn't been updated since October 29, 2015.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVt_P7da9aajobj347rsxUpM0WRQMzPM8PbGkzVb8cOSiduAgPMEoEgdo8nu_5WjpQ7GHRocEK5xIMS8a5uXCa7NzsTiKtwiYgdndK5Od_o3xgI5gCE6RkIPOe178gqS_UQLJm1kEGSwHWXTmMiEAiTnIzs2-tvE8Si4vLu0-tBkB9HlFhzSbLvXGYmLG/s2048/Worcester%20Little%20church%20plaque.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1582" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVt_P7da9aajobj347rsxUpM0WRQMzPM8PbGkzVb8cOSiduAgPMEoEgdo8nu_5WjpQ7GHRocEK5xIMS8a5uXCa7NzsTiKtwiYgdndK5Od_o3xgI5gCE6RkIPOe178gqS_UQLJm1kEGSwHWXTmMiEAiTnIzs2-tvE8Si4vLu0-tBkB9HlFhzSbLvXGYmLG/s400/Worcester%20Little%20church%20plaque.jpg"/></a>
<P>The author of the MACRIS document sums up the attractiveness of this place this way: "Standing in quiet dignity, almost hidden between larger buildings, this well-preserved little church is a delightful surprise."</P>
<P>Crossing the street and heading back east-southeast, I spied not one, but two, ghost signs on the side of a building housing 7X Studio Barbershop and El Buen Sabor Restaurant.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v0eCc_GyUa9xu8UntQd8tnQqoJKFFrzok099K7AeAmqmMpXdLjwNZgjPFXJg18z0SnegpNmczFsQUZrgKkqBR9EkRUQDzCZgPUDt_w_6o7CGT1_ASKfuWZyvIJG-ya7nVPNMQf7k2yEGj4hGvcQ3AYRAZ_VVrLDEOPoHfUk3OcicLUz055kX5MJyMWEC/s2048/Ghost%20near%20Spa%20Depot.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5v0eCc_GyUa9xu8UntQd8tnQqoJKFFrzok099K7AeAmqmMpXdLjwNZgjPFXJg18z0SnegpNmczFsQUZrgKkqBR9EkRUQDzCZgPUDt_w_6o7CGT1_ASKfuWZyvIJG-ya7nVPNMQf7k2yEGj4hGvcQ3AYRAZ_VVrLDEOPoHfUk3OcicLUz055kX5MJyMWEC/s400/Ghost%20near%20Spa%20Depot.jpg"/></a>
<P>I couldn't read this sign in person, nor once I'd edited the photo on my computer. After looking at it in Adobe Lightroom using a black-and-white filter and really pushing the settings, however, I was able to make out the name KEN JONES. This led me to Google, which indicated a tire seller by that name at this address. These days 73 Chandler Street is occupied by Spa Depot. I looked at previous dates on Google Street View and, lo and behold, I saw Ken Jones, Inc. Tire & Chain Distributor was here until a few years ago.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79FWdcrKnkwA8qDuv6uCNcXLtMRc0v6fb-9roFhTbm2CRSgUfUO-dtiiN36aFdNYfvE2LbN5EXx9XcDPLd8ecJOKDL8b0_HaeyiMgWWs-iBZyREn9YO7KC6MyRLg6Tpl8JVbXvGMXtQLtqdJ-g8SZ4kQNrJWYVuZIBHY9kPiGG2l9dp4L1VT3nAuuPyIw/s2048/Tuff%20n%20Ruff.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi79FWdcrKnkwA8qDuv6uCNcXLtMRc0v6fb-9roFhTbm2CRSgUfUO-dtiiN36aFdNYfvE2LbN5EXx9XcDPLd8ecJOKDL8b0_HaeyiMgWWs-iBZyREn9YO7KC6MyRLg6Tpl8JVbXvGMXtQLtqdJ-g8SZ4kQNrJWYVuZIBHY9kPiGG2l9dp4L1VT3nAuuPyIw/s400/Tuff%20n%20Ruff.jpg"/></a>
<P>With the other sign, I can read it just fine, but I haven't been able to find out anything about Tony's Tuff 'n' Ruff Indian Grocery. I'd like to know more.</P>
<P>Heading back toward Main Street, I made a somewhat long-distance shot of the old Hadley Furniture Company Building, which I'd passed earlier.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenebZjP49LPbgQBlcJxnUAdnefLFfjhdFphjbOutT0D3ISIFXCz8dDe3BPZ7wo4HHO-48AZrdmKwxYcqVk5idY1dErHQG273asguITt65UIQKawDtGu4FwpBFMzIcOi0hz0SaSXpdn5j_N7nKDHkWpYCml9ew98jy3H9ZnB7HRj18cOvzykX9fA2J54x_/s2048/Hadley%20Bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhenebZjP49LPbgQBlcJxnUAdnefLFfjhdFphjbOutT0D3ISIFXCz8dDe3BPZ7wo4HHO-48AZrdmKwxYcqVk5idY1dErHQG273asguITt65UIQKawDtGu4FwpBFMzIcOi0hz0SaSXpdn5j_N7nKDHkWpYCml9ew98jy3H9ZnB7HRj18cOvzykX9fA2J54x_/s400/Hadley%20Bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in the 1920s, the Classical Revival building was originally home to Hadley Furniture and The Kay Jewelry Co. In 1964, David Burwick Furniture took over the space until 1996. These days the building is home to Creative Hub Worcester and other businesses, as well as 44 apartments.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WZBtKy951Gy511EdBc2bDYAJ2GMYKQz75uBeIfGMNhvChnpZnO73UC6mG-X8EYWDg2NlhU5S34Y8mFMKVrwmRjsjwzWH8Ta7A-Ji3eMYwQO5nz3w1pC7R_5vaMLQ4mMnnFPUx5dzUGdxn4JPk-BVH4CaGv9pCgjIxs8J9YfqWn5vDCeMpnL2cmOiKkvp/s2048/Tile%20entryway%20and%20clock.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1418" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WZBtKy951Gy511EdBc2bDYAJ2GMYKQz75uBeIfGMNhvChnpZnO73UC6mG-X8EYWDg2NlhU5S34Y8mFMKVrwmRjsjwzWH8Ta7A-Ji3eMYwQO5nz3w1pC7R_5vaMLQ4mMnnFPUx5dzUGdxn4JPk-BVH4CaGv9pCgjIxs8J9YfqWn5vDCeMpnL2cmOiKkvp/s400/Tile%20entryway%20and%20clock.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(I've never seen a tile entryway with a clock sunk into it. Pretty cool.)</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMNxSRPhf0hiynFWLnb_2TYDmqGgKGqaiRhnOZkeLLq_0mhTQ3lP8_N3XNTgTNdoIjqrM2Jsyv4n5irN4ZmVkqlzXZbJoYHwxNS5AfDX_B45rB5JE68c7wflsPEyUq03KYbzj1oQfIl7_UbpPaprwdSktxJhnHwn0MHFCFO8c7c8v_5EfJjKn8WZz-NWq/s2048/Worcester%20furniture%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMNxSRPhf0hiynFWLnb_2TYDmqGgKGqaiRhnOZkeLLq_0mhTQ3lP8_N3XNTgTNdoIjqrM2Jsyv4n5irN4ZmVkqlzXZbJoYHwxNS5AfDX_B45rB5JE68c7wflsPEyUq03KYbzj1oQfIl7_UbpPaprwdSktxJhnHwn0MHFCFO8c7c8v_5EfJjKn8WZz-NWq/s400/Worcester%20furniture%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Ghost sign on the rear of the Hadley building for David Burwick Furniture.)</b></P>
<P>From the corner of Main and Madison streets, I headed north-northeast along Main Street. A few blocks into my stroll, in front of the Dexter-Franklin Building, I spied a very cool "brass and terazzo apron sign" (thanks, <a href="https://www.roadarch.com/sca/shoes3.html">Roadside Architecture</a>, for the knowledge) for the long-gone Regal Shoe Store.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTya5Z0oecf55mb4yKG5ba2cawcau7RQPnJePaMVKtSPozrwT12eRFkq9duk22JjqfKtZlw0iZ03pTiXiqmRe8gynsHoehtsTFo52p48sUrbwqlBceY5sy-1VE-metDnb5oTU1je0ltXdMlNJ2CCq9LcRUW6jZNsn8HopUnGIGcbJpmQNEgYnMCJKpP9HW/s2048/Regal%20boot.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTya5Z0oecf55mb4yKG5ba2cawcau7RQPnJePaMVKtSPozrwT12eRFkq9duk22JjqfKtZlw0iZ03pTiXiqmRe8gynsHoehtsTFo52p48sUrbwqlBceY5sy-1VE-metDnb5oTU1je0ltXdMlNJ2CCq9LcRUW6jZNsn8HopUnGIGcbJpmQNEgYnMCJKpP9HW/s400/Regal%20boot.jpg"/></a>
<P>From Roadside Architecture: "The Regal Shoe Company was established in Boston in 1893 and operated its factory in Whitman, MA. The company opened hundreds of shoe stores nationally and globally. It was one of the most successful shoe companies in the world before it went bankrupt in 1922."</P>
<P>Amazing that more than a century after Regal went belly up, this remnant survives.</P>
<P>On the south side of Main Street, I couldn't ignore the <a href="https://www.greatwallworcester.com">Great Wall Restaurant</a> sign and building, as well as the buildings around it.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhni4cZRi1VbTjS7hoxk90R1YRfZbQuhF1x2n2258m4PdowHBZ079vdGEP1Td4_VgOfTpYWuYjywuwtShffWB-2Chn99zo5rSrKbGrqPSr_kiOrvtNteIvIgZvq2sOr_42XZFMSM6J3EbCbaPmRKEqN0rogNDAQaIjlo8KvxaUE7lMJ4_bNWGkxGbJSeQHq/s2048/Great%20Wall.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhni4cZRi1VbTjS7hoxk90R1YRfZbQuhF1x2n2258m4PdowHBZ079vdGEP1Td4_VgOfTpYWuYjywuwtShffWB-2Chn99zo5rSrKbGrqPSr_kiOrvtNteIvIgZvq2sOr_42XZFMSM6J3EbCbaPmRKEqN0rogNDAQaIjlo8KvxaUE7lMJ4_bNWGkxGbJSeQHq/s400/Great%20Wall.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Great Wall building and the one to the right in the photo above are 521-525 Main Street. Known as the Holbrook-Sawyer Building/Cheney-Laugher Building, the pair date to the 1850s, according to MACRIS. The south portion "was either added or the entire building may have been rebuilt around 1923," MACRIS indicates.</P>
<P>As you can obviously tell, the Chinese restaurant has greatly altered its building with what appear to be metal panels. I don't know if the restaurant extends from the ground floor into the upper stories. As for the building to the right, it was most recently home to Alpha Travel Agency. I'm not sure if there are any active businesses there.</P>
<P>The building on the opposite side of the Great Wall is #517, and is known historically as the Cheney-Ballard Building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYeuFNSKzeQSdIE67P4DkoYvytNBpx6vC9aal5Vb-941VWlCnA7chZDAjFP8x_n3pVYQOM8su2i8J3L6HmWEekCR4LbKzLWYAi7uAeoBvHrcUW1-_odU3itICK40iEeyTJyyLL6giNLEVCVWD4C53vtBfoChVUWlSIQ-CNKOKHyT6wWAokPCcYzvdgtx3/s2048/Great%20Wall%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeYeuFNSKzeQSdIE67P4DkoYvytNBpx6vC9aal5Vb-941VWlCnA7chZDAjFP8x_n3pVYQOM8su2i8J3L6HmWEekCR4LbKzLWYAi7uAeoBvHrcUW1-_odU3itICK40iEeyTJyyLL6giNLEVCVWD4C53vtBfoChVUWlSIQ-CNKOKHyT6wWAokPCcYzvdgtx3/s400/Great%20Wall%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>"This structure is among the few Second Empire buildings remaining in downtown Worcester," MACRIS indicates. The red brick was added sometime between 2019 and 2023, based on Google Street View images over the several years.</P>
<P>In the shadow of the impressive city hall, at the corner of Front and Main streets, is fantastic Harrington Corner. That paint job is just outstanding.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYA6DDHbbC98S6GcQNi9tu-2JZPE2D4ooyf_loj4gBH2V6FA92HhtvHf3BeFep-1tYR5lNy5jnTziCHUR9tfFdkZiExv0eEmyYaSPkmeA3cBpJY0BX1z9MIHsaugDjwjdgFVEXZX1u0Lii4JSvkVm9Dz9qwWxXt_p6Z7G5tJQw-4L0_Eo2Rzh7QI2GNdh1/s2048/Harrington%20Corner.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYA6DDHbbC98S6GcQNi9tu-2JZPE2D4ooyf_loj4gBH2V6FA92HhtvHf3BeFep-1tYR5lNy5jnTziCHUR9tfFdkZiExv0eEmyYaSPkmeA3cBpJY0BX1z9MIHsaugDjwjdgFVEXZX1u0Lii4JSvkVm9Dz9qwWxXt_p6Z7G5tJQw-4L0_Eo2Rzh7QI2GNdh1/s400/Harrington%20Corner.jpg"/></a>
<P>From MACRIS: "After owning the property for twelve years, [William] Harrington had existing buildings removed from the lot and the present building built in 1850, at which time he moved his tavern to the new building. The home of a great variety of local businesses, including the city's first telephone switchboard, Harrington Corner remained in the possession of the Harrington Family into the twentieth century."</P>
<P>Current tenants include local businesses <a href="https://www.crown-fried-chicken.com">Crown Fried Chicken</a>, <a href="https://www.westonandsampson.com">Weston & Sampson</a> and *cough cough* Dunkin'.</P>
<P>For my last two stops on this leg of the trip, I headed west on Pleasant Street for just a short distance. At 9-15 Pleasant sits the wonderful Odd Fellows Hall, shown in the foreground below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nL45j2yQl8HWYcCC4NpxqefIvWNHcxUD5qaoclEVlQZwubW0BCOpALy0eY8-q4VrDagbIH_MPvaG8h5nhfBqk-6ZM7clNztH06kjt9R0CwF4Z5oGV_k7JeblbvUEmvaYa2iFHls2jGG8Qt8ZtzHtCNgF3GgMbDmtVH5AH-0OyE8s_EdC_TS6CKnNikFF/s2048/Olympia%20Theater%20and%20other%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nL45j2yQl8HWYcCC4NpxqefIvWNHcxUD5qaoclEVlQZwubW0BCOpALy0eY8-q4VrDagbIH_MPvaG8h5nhfBqk-6ZM7clNztH06kjt9R0CwF4Z5oGV_k7JeblbvUEmvaYa2iFHls2jGG8Qt8ZtzHtCNgF3GgMbDmtVH5AH-0OyE8s_EdC_TS6CKnNikFF/s400/Olympia%20Theater%20and%20other%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Built in 1880, the Odd Fellows Hall is an exceptional local example of Victorian Gothic architecture," according to MACRIS. It is "[t]he only commercial block of its style extant in Worcester....Although known locally as the Odd Fellows Hall, this block was never owned by the organization, but rather was owned jointly by Edwin Morse and Thomas Rogers. The building's upper floors were designed for and rented to the Odd Fellows at the time of the building's completion, while the first storey (sic) contained storefronts."</P>
<P>These days, the building is occupied by an insurance agency, a title company and likely other small businesses.</P>
<P>This post is almost done, so let's allow the fat lady to sing. The Odd Fellows' neighbor to the immediate west is a fortress-like former opera house and theater.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcccKeRpgAxbh6fiZarQX_A1sJ7fB6tuptwz-zSZseneJ1TvYM0sx9tRIm2NbZwJp4NAXB-vZG8k4OpGb79Zy0_kltNURWWvMACfens8XERjEcHh85vg0aLLA4_qLVYX_TqNobB4xqiIUpsNcWWvkrQtuy4gwa_hQGJ8y2o3hRzye7Dr5HqV9EIpVuPKX/s2048/Olympia%20Theater.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxcccKeRpgAxbh6fiZarQX_A1sJ7fB6tuptwz-zSZseneJ1TvYM0sx9tRIm2NbZwJp4NAXB-vZG8k4OpGb79Zy0_kltNURWWvMACfens8XERjEcHh85vg0aLLA4_qLVYX_TqNobB4xqiIUpsNcWWvkrQtuy4gwa_hQGJ8y2o3hRzye7Dr5HqV9EIpVuPKX/s400/Olympia%20Theater.jpg"/></a>
<P>I assumed that the Lothrop Opera House's rather austere and severe facade was the result of changes made, or decorations stripped, in the years since its 1890 opening. But MACRIS tells me otherwise. "Faced with yellow/brown Roman brick, Lothrop's Opera House has an unusual, nearly unornamented facade. Rising four stories, the facade is dominated at its center by two recessed wall panels which terminate at the third storey (sic) in low, semi-elliptical lights; fenestration on either side of and above these panels is irregular. It is likely that much of the facade's severity and lack of windows results from the difficulty of fitting a theater onto the building's restricted site. Lothrop's Opera House is now the last nineteenth-century theater in Worcester."</P>
<P>"Over the years it presented drama and vaudeville, with stars such as Al Jolson & Charlie Murray appearing," according to <a href="https://cinematreasures.org/theaters/6393">Cinema Treasures</a>. "By 1914 it was operating as a movie theatre named Pleasant Theatre. By 1926 it had been renamed Olympia Theatre [and] was operated by E.M. Loew’s Theaters Inc. as a movie theatre. It was later twinned and operated for many years as an adult film theatre, which closed in January 2006."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXH8Wp_4qdydYAxxpvabOQqME1U8hwBa9sn_ioeCm4CzIu4y2nodriT7f-KCY01vziS9WvBCH_dGP0NsSDvcEASxXIaqB_PubKLB14hLGI3xMlBxMiX7vXOUv1xnnpAg0LpuKvmUvC-WuG5xxXzepgSularhxuWDHHvKAuUMUa2yUEubjsMNvLnTWlv72/s2048/Olympia%20Theater%20facade.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTXH8Wp_4qdydYAxxpvabOQqME1U8hwBa9sn_ioeCm4CzIu4y2nodriT7f-KCY01vziS9WvBCH_dGP0NsSDvcEASxXIaqB_PubKLB14hLGI3xMlBxMiX7vXOUv1xnnpAg0LpuKvmUvC-WuG5xxXzepgSularhxuWDHHvKAuUMUa2yUEubjsMNvLnTWlv72/s400/Olympia%20Theater%20facade.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKh33f8GedskeZ5IEdTB2TaK3bnPpM8YgI4ueAOy44kCrQFlRqppYGhxCoCxY5-YGPH741ZwYETbzhUhleF8vp9ldHKnjHUa6rqvDbVCiu4QCXzoL9lGtDQx10YQP7c7uSTWj9SrvUCpa_8o2g_jOvTTJQSrQDazl6lXsoXHev-e-8j0tBThnLA2TnJl6/s2048/Olympia%20Theater%20reflection.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKh33f8GedskeZ5IEdTB2TaK3bnPpM8YgI4ueAOy44kCrQFlRqppYGhxCoCxY5-YGPH741ZwYETbzhUhleF8vp9ldHKnjHUa6rqvDbVCiu4QCXzoL9lGtDQx10YQP7c7uSTWj9SrvUCpa_8o2g_jOvTTJQSrQDazl6lXsoXHev-e-8j0tBThnLA2TnJl6/s400/Olympia%20Theater%20reflection.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOjQILtXMG4YZsIJzuwrjBGeYcvV2vlILn2FTgfvLH9YnH_mutFu4NBnXCPJKXGzmF_36FAENttcBXcWthnuyKr58KKMvV87KGXVxKyS7YnbbzMbmAB-BnYLg-aZJYm4-3WkX347lyCf9rMHs1kwWG0rdW4dDqEqMIyEoquJJZI53bYjfr2XcH28Npm1Y/s2048/Olympia%20Theater%20tiles.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOjQILtXMG4YZsIJzuwrjBGeYcvV2vlILn2FTgfvLH9YnH_mutFu4NBnXCPJKXGzmF_36FAENttcBXcWthnuyKr58KKMvV87KGXVxKyS7YnbbzMbmAB-BnYLg-aZJYm4-3WkX347lyCf9rMHs1kwWG0rdW4dDqEqMIyEoquJJZI53bYjfr2XcH28Npm1Y/s400/Olympia%20Theater%20tiles.jpg"/></a>
<P>Pretty cool that the tile entryway likely dates back nearly 100 years. These days at least some of the space is filled by Dubai Restaurant & Lounge and Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Center. Cinema Treasures reports that the theater has been "de-twinned" and that "in 2019 there were proposals put forward to reopen as a music hall/bar & grill named Olympia Music Hall with a 999 seating capacity."</P>
<P>I'd love to see that happen!</P>
<P>Make sure to check back for the third part of my initial Worcester adventure, which will feature murals, a music venue, a former theater's empty (but very nice) space, a mall, some ghost signs, an old hotel and much more.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-73315192392032090302024-01-27T09:04:00.000-05:002024-01-27T09:04:38.838-05:00The Shire of Worcester, Part the First<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>Worcester, Mass., is the second most populous city in New England, and located only about 40 miles from my home outside Boston. It is chock-full of Backside elements of all sorts, from diners to ghost signs to old factories to dive bars to cool neon signs. But until this summer, I'd spent very little time in <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/wplfaqs/Home/worcester-wormtown#">Wormtown</a>. I probably went to the city in 1983 to see my brother graduate from Clark University, but I have no recollection. In the mid-'80s I went to the city to see U2 at the Centrum (now the DCU Center). In more recent years, I explored Worcester briefly in the early days of this blog and only wrote about an old theater (see June 1, 2012, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2012/06/well-always-have-paris.html">"We'll Always Have Paris"</a>).</P>
<P>I've wanted to return for a long time, and finally made time last August. After that visit, which I chronicle below, I decided I needed to find time to explore more of Worcester. So over the next several months, I will sporadically post about those trips, one of which I've completed as of this writing. This post is the first of three covering my initial trip in summer of 2023.</P>
<P>I chose as my starting point the Canal District area, not far from the relatively new Polar Park, home of the <a href="https://www.milb.com/worcester">Worcester Red Sox</a> (aka the Woo Sox), the Triple A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. I chose this area because on my brief drive through the city in 2012, I'd made a few photos there, including the one below.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqo3xc1NNuLFkdRUrIt8ocQ2kwLUMS3eQBgcZ3VODCH4RxfuSdU7fRtIAMSl9kfgngYk710X5nZbeCl_wquOSV1je-xFmCHcV23vOUBHAhJKXdud_iOj-B8a5UbM8D2rVY1TE02Xozx2splYvJwWxOdyheBYY4togk0pI_H5iSheUERZivPG_AYwfm5jN/s2048/Salty%20Dog%20Worcester-2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1733" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJqo3xc1NNuLFkdRUrIt8ocQ2kwLUMS3eQBgcZ3VODCH4RxfuSdU7fRtIAMSl9kfgngYk710X5nZbeCl_wquOSV1je-xFmCHcV23vOUBHAhJKXdud_iOj-B8a5UbM8D2rVY1TE02Xozx2splYvJwWxOdyheBYY4togk0pI_H5iSheUERZivPG_AYwfm5jN/s400/Salty%20Dog%20Worcester-2.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>The building that once housed The Salty Dog Saloon at 1 Kelly Square is now home to a Subway franchise. Known historically as the Vernon Theatre Block, it was built between 1914 and 1916, according to MACRIS. "Upon completion, the Vernon Theatre Block apparently contained several store fronts at street level and a theatre above. After 1922 the theatre ceased operation and the space was rented to the Young Men's Hebrew Association," MACRIS continues.</P>
<P>This area of Worcester, especially along Water Street, was once a heavily Jewish neighborhood. "[I]t wasn’t until the 1880s, when Eastern European Jews immigrated in large numbers to the United States, seeking a haven from pogroms triggered by the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, that Worcester’s Jewish population swelled," according to <a href="https://www.bethisraelworc.org/our-history1.html#:~:text=A%20city%20of%20immigrants%2C%20Worcester,half%20of%20the%2019th%20century">the web site for Worcester's Congregation Beth Israel</a>. "Many of the new immigrants came from the Pale of Russia — significantly, from what had once been Lithuania — and settled on the city’s East Side, around Water Street. A bustling, tightly-knit Jewish community, Water Street was home to kosher bakeries, butchers, a mikvah (ritual bath), many small businesses, Jewish communal institutions and Hebrew schools. In 1924, there were also eight synagogues on the East Side."</P>
<P>In 1929 the Vernon Theatre Block "was bought by the Polish National Home Association of Worcester for use as meeting halls and club rooms," per MACRIS. "Groups which at the time of its purchase were intending to use the facilities were the Polish Falcons and its drill teams, the Roman Catholic Alliance and the Political Club."</P>
<P>Eventually, as often happens with immigrants, many in the Jewish community moved up to the middle class and left the neighborhood for other parts of Worcester and its suburbs. In the third post in this series, I will feature a mural memorializing a former Jewish deli.</P>
<P>As for the Canal District, it is named for the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blrv/learn/historyculture/blackstonecanal.htm">Blackstone Canal</a>, which ran for 46 miles along the Blackstone River, connecting Worcester to Providence, Rhode Island. The canal was in operation from 1828 to 1848. The <a href="http://thecanaldistrict.com">Canal District Alliance</a> was formed as a "network for community and business leaders who work together to make the Canal District a neighborhood where people want to play, work, live and invest. This nonprofit volunteer led board of directors is committed to the continual revitalization of the district."</P>
<P>Twenty years ago the City of Worcester commissioned a <a href="http://thecanaldistrict.com/wp-content/uploads/feasibility.pdf">feasibility study</a> "to assess the potential impact on the City of Worcester and its neighborhoods, and to expose two of Worcester’s most significant natural and historic resources, the Mill Brook and the Blackstone Canal."</P>
<P>Yes, you read that correctly: there has been talk of bringing a small portion of the Blackstone Canal back to life by uncovering the former waterway that is now Harding Street. Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9frbYxDKE0&t=20s">this video</a> representation to see what it could look like.</P>
<P>Some of the initial buildings in this post are part of the Canal District. From there, I ventured on past Polar Park and onto a section of Main Street.</P>
<P>The first thing that caught my eye on Water Street was part of an old sign for Charlie's Surplus & Athletic Equipment, at #114.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU72af13PExFmaYCZrdU0vwDLAOOTqTmiC7TOCBQP5JAFWnbjvq9Zaitot6O5-BX_LKqGcNPIKUpYSpvWunWNQojf6Ovm9uhpRbiWWZ_NZXNuYfzDRU7hFBHDhRqzAvLwHgs2ZKe8qAqTFSaJkcKJnExfSf4k6CLAP2z9CWcEx7OKF5kf22Op0yr1xzt8O/s2048/Charlie%27s%20ghost%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU72af13PExFmaYCZrdU0vwDLAOOTqTmiC7TOCBQP5JAFWnbjvq9Zaitot6O5-BX_LKqGcNPIKUpYSpvWunWNQojf6Ovm9uhpRbiWWZ_NZXNuYfzDRU7hFBHDhRqzAvLwHgs2ZKe8qAqTFSaJkcKJnExfSf4k6CLAP2z9CWcEx7OKF5kf22Op0yr1xzt8O/s400/Charlie%27s%20ghost%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>The four-story, brick apartment building rose in 1910. As for Charlie's Surplus, I haven't found out much about the store, other than it was a local institution for many years. I believe the owners, Charlie and Sarah Epstein, were Jewish.</P>
<P>Next door, at 108 Water Street, is Alanwar Market, an ethnic grocery store that also sells a variety of hookahs.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4M0nhqTYSuya2ebyJHbg3-il0edbhK7thJu0kmUFTxS9FVIhSMCbX7oU13iwrEq_pDBHxMIjEU_BNBg-z70Qa6q_yHqtvnC8IuHJKx424Jdn8Sgf6ZPRnmX3uzaGsHUMbrbttP0AAqReY9eqhnGAHQh9EtbLIIAT8EAa2YW-X0QIQc-PwbkDfPhoZ9NWI/s2048/Hookah%20Shop%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4M0nhqTYSuya2ebyJHbg3-il0edbhK7thJu0kmUFTxS9FVIhSMCbX7oU13iwrEq_pDBHxMIjEU_BNBg-z70Qa6q_yHqtvnC8IuHJKx424Jdn8Sgf6ZPRnmX3uzaGsHUMbrbttP0AAqReY9eqhnGAHQh9EtbLIIAT8EAa2YW-X0QIQc-PwbkDfPhoZ9NWI/s400/Hookah%20Shop%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>The lovely lady over the door is a relic from a prior business, Wycked Java. As for the low-slung building, it dates to 1910, according to MACRIS, and was once home to Lederman's Bakery & Coffee Bar. Lederman is likely another Jewish name.</P>
<P>Across the street, at 105-111 Water Street, I spied a nice old tile entryway.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptd5g0F3J394DUIS8433pKzG2-0Sj-qFEizAGKIkP-kphPe-WL6L6w7CWuYO_ndOdm8APD25auWKA4rX0ZjoWxueSQC1Sze9fE29bd8GN9LundePyCw4uN_VBtfhTcUwS2YiQUBzBIDS3dv09Jyt9S4ExS9qzdtwi0OX03m51Oc3ncHt71P9-L-h4zOp4/s2048/Whitman%27s%20Creamery%20tile.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptd5g0F3J394DUIS8433pKzG2-0Sj-qFEizAGKIkP-kphPe-WL6L6w7CWuYO_ndOdm8APD25auWKA4rX0ZjoWxueSQC1Sze9fE29bd8GN9LundePyCw4uN_VBtfhTcUwS2YiQUBzBIDS3dv09Jyt9S4ExS9qzdtwi0OX03m51Oc3ncHt71P9-L-h4zOp4/s400/Whitman%27s%20Creamery%20tile.jpg"/></a>
<P>This storefront was papered over when I visited; the one next door, at 107, has been home to <a href="https://107tap.com">107 Tap</a> since early 2023, I believe. The one-story, two-shop building dates to 1920, and was once occupied by Whitman Creamery, as you may have guessed.</P>
<P>Back across the street, at the corner of Water and Harrison streets, is <a href="https://broadwaycateringworcester.com">The Broadway</a>, a restaurant/catering/ice cream joint that's been in business since 1946.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AkrQBwTWRI1-0-KeuOK9aEpWub8zVj9oqjvjkoKbocYB9CtkLxakqFQIbVhoYqqCPwDpU5D2hCPMQvkGgdRNv5r7OG_nSxYAKhtfrWKiNdA48APBuf-8_SLhDTjmfKGkVn2mHKU6lzLaL9sXMa-xNFIuM5iDJfa9b82qfY4yQ8TIn9NGAxnzna1dv_b7/s2048/Broadway%20Restaurant.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1597" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AkrQBwTWRI1-0-KeuOK9aEpWub8zVj9oqjvjkoKbocYB9CtkLxakqFQIbVhoYqqCPwDpU5D2hCPMQvkGgdRNv5r7OG_nSxYAKhtfrWKiNdA48APBuf-8_SLhDTjmfKGkVn2mHKU6lzLaL9sXMa-xNFIuM5iDJfa9b82qfY4yQ8TIn9NGAxnzna1dv_b7/s400/Broadway%20Restaurant.jpg"/></a>
<P>Erected in 1910, this place is known historically as the Eisenberg Apartment Building.</P>
<P>At 64 Water Street is the Mendel Block.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5qYEYRNAkfib6JWZiBRZSq14JCrx7hJUH56Q-cOgLuPHnvmOK6tiBMiJEVdqF7XAHTx7DWL9jSdGwxjpyawEzqaPAPZ-ccj3emAzqFRGFIh3CwHzgDiux0coecCThWXMobocopSA46yyqYBvNoitySU6gphnMpKWyW0kShkzHQLjhKj9Vp6m8OasMwDZ/s2048/Mendel%20Block.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5qYEYRNAkfib6JWZiBRZSq14JCrx7hJUH56Q-cOgLuPHnvmOK6tiBMiJEVdqF7XAHTx7DWL9jSdGwxjpyawEzqaPAPZ-ccj3emAzqFRGFIh3CwHzgDiux0coecCThWXMobocopSA46yyqYBvNoitySU6gphnMpKWyW0kShkzHQLjhKj9Vp6m8OasMwDZ/s400/Mendel%20Block.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1912, it is a "distinctive example of a brick apartment block with street-level stores; distinguished brickwork; [and a] historical
association with a Jewish working-class family as owner," per MACRIS, which mistakenly refers to the building as the "Mandel Block."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJTzUB8RhvJtdB7JJXSK9iJy_QXAHo4vGnw9LspAB9NyRGdcpLTWmMvtaXhA7_VCwkhbCB4Wf04aOLCazAebjp0rwYq7A6SedInbfhxvhOabj4j197vPNHsIXiyzV4HdyDUJJhw2_EvIIBMc2eoS2v7K1IBYEa1Gv_vYlWihHhdKqLmCg7FFhl1kyI2JM/s2048/Bombay%20Lounge.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaJTzUB8RhvJtdB7JJXSK9iJy_QXAHo4vGnw9LspAB9NyRGdcpLTWmMvtaXhA7_VCwkhbCB4Wf04aOLCazAebjp0rwYq7A6SedInbfhxvhOabj4j197vPNHsIXiyzV4HdyDUJJhw2_EvIIBMc2eoS2v7K1IBYEa1Gv_vYlWihHhdKqLmCg7FFhl1kyI2JM/s400/Bombay%20Lounge.jpg"/></a>
<P>This lovely building is currently home to <a href="https://bombaylounge.com">Bombay Lounge</a>. At some point a sports bar called Perfect Game was located here. I'd love to know what the ghost sign is on the side of the Mendel Block.</P>
<P>Next door is <a href="https://thequeenscups.com">The Queen's Cups</a>, a bakery that moved from neighboring Millbury to this former service station.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dsCGvfW5hRI-ZL-YUqaKtT92j-jV836rJw1zLgPWhH_sNL5kLIWegEtBqd-ppx5Zv6yqwPD07dAj-2bVAsi-7fkGo7hrsfhD72vTC6e03ipO2eouRCxqZ-Tzx4qwvXio_YmnDDlYHXXwA97famhxmORLW_eV3N1OYNesVsQzeLCBZG7yrslUiL-yeFey/s2048/Queen%27s%20Cups.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1208" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dsCGvfW5hRI-ZL-YUqaKtT92j-jV836rJw1zLgPWhH_sNL5kLIWegEtBqd-ppx5Zv6yqwPD07dAj-2bVAsi-7fkGo7hrsfhD72vTC6e03ipO2eouRCxqZ-Tzx4qwvXio_YmnDDlYHXXwA97famhxmORLW_eV3N1OYNesVsQzeLCBZG7yrslUiL-yeFey/s400/Queen%27s%20Cups.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Operated as Bob's Filling Station from the time of its construction [in 1936] until as recently as the 1960*s, this building [was later] occupied by a business that [sold] vinyl roofs and convertible tops for automobiles," per MACRIS. "Its original owner, Robert Sack, had run the earlier Sack's Filling Station since the early 1930's. The present building was apparently built both in response to a growing business and to the changing requirements of filling stations. The earlier station was closed after this one opened."</P>
<P>I love this building. It really stands out among so many other classic brick buildings. And I also love when buildings are repurposed for completely different uses than originally intended.</P>
<P>At the northern end of Water Street, where it meets Winter Street, is a former factory that's been turned into apartments.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0hu_3xsOlS6-lFfFBbHY_S5XACY8nb9OkYZcN_7CXFW-LUEVlFWU7lgZGJRoSgXxR-TgqkBQCr2sX8vXsIwWcfwX_4nd2xJdAw0eY2eiW9m9soN2fvScVVIbDMWRf6mP8bjMhdh-bPD4KzZuYHnNxg5g1VIS2gHdL1RvcdgnhfZYRFA9xXg3S5fqZly8/s2048/Canal%20Lofts.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP0hu_3xsOlS6-lFfFBbHY_S5XACY8nb9OkYZcN_7CXFW-LUEVlFWU7lgZGJRoSgXxR-TgqkBQCr2sX8vXsIwWcfwX_4nd2xJdAw0eY2eiW9m9soN2fvScVVIbDMWRf6mP8bjMhdh-bPD4KzZuYHnNxg5g1VIS2gHdL1RvcdgnhfZYRFA9xXg3S5fqZly8/s400/Canal%20Lofts.jpg"/></a>
<P>Now known as <a href="https://www.livecanallofts.com">Canal Lofts</a>, this circa-1890 complex was built for the W.H. Hill Company, which manufactured envelopes. In 1897, Hill "became one of several Worcester envelope companies which were merged into the newly formed U.S. Envelope Company," according to MACRIS. "As late as 1970, the firm remained in this building."</P>
<P>At the intersection of Winter and Grafton streets, in the shadow of I-290, is a former long-standing business that shut down operations recently.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjUXFb4YSyTmTcOY3rzlM5nYHDtrqRU4ii9pdI4Y4ilRfUUYEXvegmT5cYDUCSgWFhgCwXgo1OuuPyhltAe6VZRaaJdKvF6Cqqe3GOWH0bvQgLwxLXzuJm4MibbOz7cGGoOi-w00DVsJoJvrTOwlAHy-xfuiUVNhud_GCPTs3BibjSVehlxd44otAWs-N/s2048/Heitin%20Radiator.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjUXFb4YSyTmTcOY3rzlM5nYHDtrqRU4ii9pdI4Y4ilRfUUYEXvegmT5cYDUCSgWFhgCwXgo1OuuPyhltAe6VZRaaJdKvF6Cqqe3GOWH0bvQgLwxLXzuJm4MibbOz7cGGoOi-w00DVsJoJvrTOwlAHy-xfuiUVNhud_GCPTs3BibjSVehlxd44otAWs-N/s400/Heitin%20Radiator.jpg"/></a>
<P>Harry Heitin Auto Radiator was in business for 70 years before the owner sold the lot to a restaurant chain in August 2022, according to an article I found online from the <i>Worcester Telegram & Gazette</i>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWwqSSBo0bFcFedRos7N3hi55bHIBgDYHIqBjuRam8gH8LGEmOBT0r2O9_wnTCOBWMYLEKdcU2mUjsNf0eR1b38HZwTRwpdw5JkcTUhOrzWK-4w6QKJTDi4f-VJj0nA51phpIUGWtJW-Y5q4_aIjqF3OtLiznmBO6E_fd3pwkmHy-_22wsuYiVxs4AID4/s2048/Heitin%20Radiator%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAWwqSSBo0bFcFedRos7N3hi55bHIBgDYHIqBjuRam8gH8LGEmOBT0r2O9_wnTCOBWMYLEKdcU2mUjsNf0eR1b38HZwTRwpdw5JkcTUhOrzWK-4w6QKJTDi4f-VJj0nA51phpIUGWtJW-Y5q4_aIjqF3OtLiznmBO6E_fd3pwkmHy-_22wsuYiVxs4AID4/s400/Heitin%20Radiator%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>Given that this area is close to Polar Park and filled with new apartments and bars, restaurants and other newish businesses, I wasn't surprised to see another former stalwart that has gone under after decades in business.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjUkDQFBwj4CCfL_SY2RFrXy4hBmTf4XR-sS8QrkjuWL1aqRIpnCYsEt4mR7HMyVc0nvBTMOjmQ_0DaxzGdD_Zs2Fs4XM3JO1iNhndaxHUlzyJd7YslxYjal01_xAwlNdunp6TP8MOoLIhfkxDkNjyUelji1KBM-bx-FXlpvdDdx2eowuaZ8lz1aG2NiX/s2048/Fairway%20Beef.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjUkDQFBwj4CCfL_SY2RFrXy4hBmTf4XR-sS8QrkjuWL1aqRIpnCYsEt4mR7HMyVc0nvBTMOjmQ_0DaxzGdD_Zs2Fs4XM3JO1iNhndaxHUlzyJd7YslxYjal01_xAwlNdunp6TP8MOoLIhfkxDkNjyUelji1KBM-bx-FXlpvdDdx2eowuaZ8lz1aG2NiX/s400/Fairway%20Beef.jpg"/></a>
<P>Fairway Beef, which was located just steps away from the radiator joint along Grafton Street, "abruptly closed its doors" in July 2021, according to <a href="https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/worcesters-fairway-beef-closes-suddenly-after-75-years">this Patch article</a>. "Fairway Beef was opened in the Canal District in 1946 by the Sigel family — who are still the owners today," the Patch article indicated at the time. "The store sold all types of meat cuts, plus staples like bread, eggs and deli cheese."</P>
<P>In September 2022, a developer appeared before Worcester's zoning board of appeals looking to demolish the Fairway buildings, with an eye toward redeveloping the site as a nine-story housing and commercial building, according to <a href="https://www.telegram.com/story/news/2022/09/09/developer-plans-9-story-building-old-fairway-beef-site-grafton-street-worcester/8034091001/">the <i>Worcester Telegram & Gazette</i></a>. I'm not sure of the status of that proposal.</P>
<P>Next door to Fairway Beef is the MB Lounge.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUuCpKb2Gs8efKA3F0XDL_pRO7dOeOk_C9xo1TQn84YOPAsjUk4hGIXOLKpqmKnMxur6smQ3mfgX4yP5ugLTzKjsRUt_1DyoS_UtcQY07YVJVUOkhs6wE-bBHhg7_bpSQNm3IU9qVA-cR79PSgLVU8JLmz5O6UvhmhNQBRh5kSEX0cf1-vaJzDYpOw-Io/s2048/MB%20__.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUUuCpKb2Gs8efKA3F0XDL_pRO7dOeOk_C9xo1TQn84YOPAsjUk4hGIXOLKpqmKnMxur6smQ3mfgX4yP5ugLTzKjsRUt_1DyoS_UtcQY07YVJVUOkhs6wE-bBHhg7_bpSQNm3IU9qVA-cR79PSgLVU8JLmz5O6UvhmhNQBRh5kSEX0cf1-vaJzDYpOw-Io/s400/MB%20__.jpg"/></a>
<P>MB calls itself "the oldest gay owned & operated bar/lounge in Worcester" on its <a href="https://www.themblounge.com">web site</a>.</P>
<P>At this point, I took a quick detour under the highway overpass to check out an old industrial area.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhn7fKoBPUSlfhl7Dft4Qpz6JayqAXmh3xm8dU2QEBrBC9R0WAOxDmW7ci13CyXpnRdgATWAsp7M4XT3bqWF-sx-pVwvhwEmlRyVjoNLYlsKTtjiNBdV6nyrnMGUlM6KdVHoZuuV2jvOTn-MS4dX1FX-FR6SOxK_j4WfygSRSosR8fib1JOfk86XNMmoF/s2048/Merrill%20&%20Usher%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhn7fKoBPUSlfhl7Dft4Qpz6JayqAXmh3xm8dU2QEBrBC9R0WAOxDmW7ci13CyXpnRdgATWAsp7M4XT3bqWF-sx-pVwvhwEmlRyVjoNLYlsKTtjiNBdV6nyrnMGUlM6KdVHoZuuV2jvOTn-MS4dX1FX-FR6SOxK_j4WfygSRSosR8fib1JOfk86XNMmoF/s400/Merrill%20&%20Usher%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P>Tucked just east of I-290 between Franklin, Plastic and Grafton streets, the former Merrill & Usher Company complex, with its light-brick buildings, presents a different look than most industrial sites I come across. Founded in 1922 as Everett F. Merrill Company, the outfit grew to be one of the largest steel and aluminum supply businesses in New England, according to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everett_F._Merrill">Wikipedia</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_7uX3zgAMVHsIZ8lwqk-AFu49x1osnma8FEga-l216lL-euhBYZcqd3-5lee7pV23xw08lSv8zs2o4ZmS4siCzDRasnjFU6UWo9QyITPmT9ZIXOmx-CkHvoAeFnTPvjjTzF9KP2s3r6THLOIQ4WFWOgVZLNyi7iTEu3g61-ORfWRPcWyew2zyYfDmNkU/s2048/More%20Merrill%20&%20Usher.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1451" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio_7uX3zgAMVHsIZ8lwqk-AFu49x1osnma8FEga-l216lL-euhBYZcqd3-5lee7pV23xw08lSv8zs2o4ZmS4siCzDRasnjFU6UWo9QyITPmT9ZIXOmx-CkHvoAeFnTPvjjTzF9KP2s3r6THLOIQ4WFWOgVZLNyi7iTEu3g61-ORfWRPcWyew2zyYfDmNkU/s400/More%20Merrill%20&%20Usher.jpg"/></a>
<P>In September 2013, the city's planning board cleared the way for potential redevelopment of this site by removing one of the side streets from the official city map, as the roadway is private. The developer, DOK Realty sought to have the street removed from the official map so the street could be included within the scope of the development area, according to <a href="https://www.telegram.com/story/news/local/south-west/2013/09/19/developer-planning-350-unit-project/44248684007/">this <i>Worcester Telegram & Gazette</i> article</a>. On my quick trip through here, I saw no evidence of any redevelopment.</P>
<P>I believe at least some of the buildings here date to around 1910. Merrill & Usher filed for dissolution in 1984. I hope to explore more of this area on a future visit.</P>
<P>I headed west on Franklin Street, thought briefly about checking out Union Station, but opted instead to head back toward Polar Park. At the corner of Franklin and Harding streets, I spied a few ghost signs -- one for a company that still exists, although not at this location, and another for a long-gone business.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmjntyffZGI7z4C84EZ1rhYAJO23IuS-hAhPtHkYfx8pmuEFuEWLrxOMdbVnGryFxqj7_H6xNdZMOPgaSUGpBAebfuxL5938Copjqs8_b8-PMnaE6BByFHV7EFJfPQ074nLqPpsd3O1OAxDoXJL2PGGNprSZl-9ImQCjjTvhDIYeIuCpvbNpplluI9VBp/s2048/Goldstein%20and%20other%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmjntyffZGI7z4C84EZ1rhYAJO23IuS-hAhPtHkYfx8pmuEFuEWLrxOMdbVnGryFxqj7_H6xNdZMOPgaSUGpBAebfuxL5938Copjqs8_b8-PMnaE6BByFHV7EFJfPQ074nLqPpsd3O1OAxDoXJL2PGGNprSZl-9ImQCjjTvhDIYeIuCpvbNpplluI9VBp/s400/Goldstein%20and%20other%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P>The top sign is for a factory once operated by Charles Meiselman, according to what little I've found online. The lower sign is for Goldstein Scrap Metal, which is now located on Kansas Street.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxYV5T2Zw0CDQgDmP584RaaPqQxYXyY4q7K-Lt4Os6tcjeKEdHJM2tt3O4W_YvhAyC46pQxoES9fqaod9az2aVUQp4iJ3E8A-uDukK7Qw65hiwUixOtlAMNLyQY8tOlTZM-0fM6fTyWwvZIjUHCDY_NjlBcGAZ9mVw4DdG5YSjfb9BDRU2YfDHiv-b71W/s2048/Goldstein%20Scrap%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="970" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxYV5T2Zw0CDQgDmP584RaaPqQxYXyY4q7K-Lt4Os6tcjeKEdHJM2tt3O4W_YvhAyC46pQxoES9fqaod9az2aVUQp4iJ3E8A-uDukK7Qw65hiwUixOtlAMNLyQY8tOlTZM-0fM6fTyWwvZIjUHCDY_NjlBcGAZ9mVw4DdG5YSjfb9BDRU2YfDHiv-b71W/s400/Goldstein%20Scrap%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>I made a third photo of this building, from the rear, but there were a few homeless people setting up tarps and I didn't to upset them so I shot quickly and moved on.</P>
<P>Steps away, heading south on Harding Street, I saw a sign that I'd shot the last time I was in Worcester all those years ago. Making a photo of it this time around rewarded me with a two-fer, as there is a historic marker in front of it.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3wDjqXZhxYBhsjM2XsGF1_Bqx3T3oEFqIob4gNAXwj26McRNc5_aP2Jl0LOmcSWy32m054xJ6bzZrFTEkhDPXwmCzsLNgDdoiSOWWCilegq7oqR6ZHStTALzOK5Pg1wbJmwNEjY21baAhrYdr2b9rrWJX7GFkDBaHoVGUs_khNz8dx7Hjtsj8d5GduS3/s2048/Heywood%20Ghost%20_%20Buckley%27s%20Store.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3wDjqXZhxYBhsjM2XsGF1_Bqx3T3oEFqIob4gNAXwj26McRNc5_aP2Jl0LOmcSWy32m054xJ6bzZrFTEkhDPXwmCzsLNgDdoiSOWWCilegq7oqR6ZHStTALzOK5Pg1wbJmwNEjY21baAhrYdr2b9rrWJX7GFkDBaHoVGUs_khNz8dx7Hjtsj8d5GduS3/s400/Heywood%20Ghost%20_%20Buckley%27s%20Store.jpg"/></a>
<P>Samuel Heywood began manufacturing shoes in Worcester in 1864, according to MACRIS. S.R. Heywood & Co. made shoes here until 1941, and maintained an outlet here until 1961. I realized after the fact, while doing online research, that there is a much larger ghost sign on the facade of this building that faces Winter Street (as seen on <a href="https://www.fadingad.com/fadingadblog/2007/11/04/heywood-boot-shoe-company-worcester-ma/">this Fading Ad Blog post</a>, which also shows the former Buckley's Store building featured in the historic marker in my photo).</P>
<P>Buckley's Store rose on this corner in 1870, along what at that point was the Blackstone Canal. The building served as a store and dwelling until the 1920s, according to the sign. In the 1940s Samuel Gaffin operated Gaffin Paper and Scale Company and Gaffin Refrigeration Company here, according to MACRIS. In more recent years, the building served "as a storage place for items salvaged from the trash."</P>
<P>The building appears in a Google Street View image (below) from August 2007, but has a white "X" on a red background on it, which indicates it was unsafe for habitation. I'm not sure when it was torn down.</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1700504318660!6m8!1m7!1sVtcJ-2p8m2BBdTr-P_-wsg!2m2!1d42.25942571194433!2d-71.79529581244971!3f107.3884768302375!4f-0.9596442363363877!5f0.7820865974627469" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P>I continued south, and then southwest along Harding Street, past the <a href="https://worcesterice.com">Worcester Ice Center</a> and came across yet more ghost signs.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNUBSbFoQvc6jPqwij91ePFl6S9dd-jaRcgYUAaKG1_bMfGQ_WeGhC7_uc22e8eQaGgYrT8zhO6-9KK38tPNG1BHg3LPcVj8Zu2ewfJP7TS-VAm78t0yuXFEROeJrOBv3fHsmiJ_cnDaqnEweau2WA8OUdSQQWo2xdX04--PMkNStjgKGR4D0PKiN18wz/s2048/Unknown%20Worcester%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiNUBSbFoQvc6jPqwij91ePFl6S9dd-jaRcgYUAaKG1_bMfGQ_WeGhC7_uc22e8eQaGgYrT8zhO6-9KK38tPNG1BHg3LPcVj8Zu2ewfJP7TS-VAm78t0yuXFEROeJrOBv3fHsmiJ_cnDaqnEweau2WA8OUdSQQWo2xdX04--PMkNStjgKGR4D0PKiN18wz/s400/Unknown%20Worcester%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P>I haven't been able to figure out what this sign, located on the north-facing wall, advertised. Below is a sign on the south-facing facade for Wolf White & Son, which operated a dry goods store.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFRYy0dR1Ix7tGw5V5IVn_lvj3Z5DxRgwv-jUvg5hvyOhxRkS4xmVG3RksXIW9Q8DnH3d4qXxyar_CgGD9bZO-mSZnrXrZMy6nZ-ZS-scsFmg7KhcO_x_kP_xf_3l_B0OPUuesZRyhYCBH79A6VYTRi9EHpOg3fB-n2kKPAr-oUfKn65HIKM000SbkDp7/s2048/White%20&%20Son%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqFRYy0dR1Ix7tGw5V5IVn_lvj3Z5DxRgwv-jUvg5hvyOhxRkS4xmVG3RksXIW9Q8DnH3d4qXxyar_CgGD9bZO-mSZnrXrZMy6nZ-ZS-scsFmg7KhcO_x_kP_xf_3l_B0OPUuesZRyhYCBH79A6VYTRi9EHpOg3fB-n2kKPAr-oUfKn65HIKM000SbkDp7/s400/White%20&%20Son%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P>These two signs are located on the backside of the Bombay Lounge building mentioned above.</P>
<P>At the intersection of Harrison and Green streets is an amazing building with a great past.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt03a3V6BneyHqyReRKtgFeNvHcbFbH0LJ7SkNd_0_Nj6fKY2rjNPv1RyR9txW9hPhrDIYnC0QA7PeAAZ6gkDemw34jsqCrhllhunLTN94AIQZqFajDi7EP7IVWXeznuaRnEkHPh0onHdtrJCZfVcohDlNvqAAgUs1B9MH4hDQ293GUYb4XI1cQoqCQkxs/s2048/White%20Eagle.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1513" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt03a3V6BneyHqyReRKtgFeNvHcbFbH0LJ7SkNd_0_Nj6fKY2rjNPv1RyR9txW9hPhrDIYnC0QA7PeAAZ6gkDemw34jsqCrhllhunLTN94AIQZqFajDi7EP7IVWXeznuaRnEkHPh0onHdtrJCZfVcohDlNvqAAgUs1B9MH4hDQ293GUYb4XI1cQoqCQkxs/s400/White%20Eagle.jpg"/></a>
<P>The photo above shows the rear of what is currently the <a href="https://www.whiteeagleworcester.com">White Eagle Polish Club</a>. "In 1937, The White Eagle was established as a Polish membership club," according to the group's web site. "It was established not only in the heart of the Polish neighborhood in Worcester, MA, but also the heart of the canal district."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-H60zc6MkhBhAlP7hiGIA1MsOviC3iv4ILWu_lGaHiFvZ0B-C7oE1qtNvWUGh75fIqE2Ux1QtIRBbv_JDyk1wbSnu-7hHsnnJH-bjglQNhzuO71qPopuT40dBb49JQpTF87XLyih_7zpeaZkFfM3NTtlQP0BqrYZrC39L_twaqiuXJCfmE2TY57fF0JV/s2048/White%20Eagle%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf-H60zc6MkhBhAlP7hiGIA1MsOviC3iv4ILWu_lGaHiFvZ0B-C7oE1qtNvWUGh75fIqE2Ux1QtIRBbv_JDyk1wbSnu-7hHsnnJH-bjglQNhzuO71qPopuT40dBb49JQpTF87XLyih_7zpeaZkFfM3NTtlQP0BqrYZrC39L_twaqiuXJCfmE2TY57fF0JV/s400/White%20Eagle%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1888, this Victorian Eclectic beauty started life as -- wait for it, because it's so damn good -- Father Matthew's Total Abstinence Society Hall. For real!</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX4KEwpNjVJioSdiu36CJbzX3gJOYPelscnU9Bvj2UlNaZepTB2cDglxDjgFdiJOEcOv_bUM56aB9yxtEHnE58pEko4gCpAYCVJoysPsAYIgtX_zpX18l8BYeast4TrNeejY-4stZVy75DUaAbGk8NGvJYmnmojZepxXTGwPorLl-Qc-lnCH7XEzoTOND/s2048/White%20Eagle%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX4KEwpNjVJioSdiu36CJbzX3gJOYPelscnU9Bvj2UlNaZepTB2cDglxDjgFdiJOEcOv_bUM56aB9yxtEHnE58pEko4gCpAYCVJoysPsAYIgtX_zpX18l8BYeast4TrNeejY-4stZVy75DUaAbGk8NGvJYmnmojZepxXTGwPorLl-Qc-lnCH7XEzoTOND/s400/White%20Eagle%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>The date "1849" appears near the roof line. This is the year "an Irish priest, Rev. Theobald Matthew, visited the city while touring the United States," according to MACRIS. "Preaching against the evils of drink, he pledged 400 Worcester Irishmen to total abstinence. A few weeks later, some of these men formed the Father Matthew Total Abstinence Society."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3UFSLqnm6Xu_2NxgdSAunhvpBChqaUGF0YNHj4n8Ug0lzrx-JIDwzjhAAOvP9EvgLiL8G2gQd3Cwjwd8Jn153SHPWUm-F21Q3dEumLkgx_pcgac5l1i5-l6iB5hG38T5W0-G_5BTEWM1hOxMRnfOscIHIMGsh0OQxGgT11WWIYysYET4QFnPoGZjnVE-/s2048/White%20Eagle%20_%20Arcadia.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv3UFSLqnm6Xu_2NxgdSAunhvpBChqaUGF0YNHj4n8Ug0lzrx-JIDwzjhAAOvP9EvgLiL8G2gQd3Cwjwd8Jn153SHPWUm-F21Q3dEumLkgx_pcgac5l1i5-l6iB5hG38T5W0-G_5BTEWM1hOxMRnfOscIHIMGsh0OQxGgT11WWIYysYET4QFnPoGZjnVE-/s400/White%20Eagle%20_%20Arcadia.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Side entrance to the club.)</b></P>
<P>The temperance society remained at least somewhat active until around 1930, per MACRIS.</P>
<P>Across Pond Street from the White Eagle, I spied a groovy mural.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS61zT38t1XLjQTCnD32CqgVYoLiFB9XEbjhlgP-5RPdFnsQh5jzxFGmg2Y72-e0fCTECaE1Tp27YmTYETXru52hUaN1B0QkpEhocp6bD2zGyudwAPdEMA-x42yQT-XGBAWRqWBA9vhN17M0xIl_THBdy4vIz595RDxH6UjXmzPUse3IU6aGtGPHo2DZZ/s2048/Guitars%20n%20Gang%20Signs%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtS61zT38t1XLjQTCnD32CqgVYoLiFB9XEbjhlgP-5RPdFnsQh5jzxFGmg2Y72-e0fCTECaE1Tp27YmTYETXru52hUaN1B0QkpEhocp6bD2zGyudwAPdEMA-x42yQT-XGBAWRqWBA9vhN17M0xIl_THBdy4vIz595RDxH6UjXmzPUse3IU6aGtGPHo2DZZ/s400/Guitars%20n%20Gang%20Signs%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located on the back wall of <a href="https://www.blackstone-worcester.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwl8anBhCFARIsAKbbpyS5sX_w5muapN-Tws30giRwKzefdr4CGk2Nw1wBOt6sNHJ-Sqy4cCYaAs3cEALw_wcB">Blackstone Herbs & Martini Bar</a>, this work of art was completed by Guitars n Gang Signs, and features The Hulk and other superheroes.</P>
<P>Looking up Gold Street toward Polar Park, I spied a cool little guy I needed to check out.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0t6I4ptwnwxFInxgKY5Qh1G5zwSFEjaH5DRt_lDFraRrDp45nXn-GDXQ2YCxQ_8GtUlYraFOQS4u35yJxnp8RBzvBMryebH93o297pTeSRS1wwco-QEUo4NQ4EmzMAuujh4KI4VX7T_XuOl5pGFmAXkfJjemvN73nB2_IsrA2ghtefiazxmyS74gUsu0/s2048/Polar%20Park.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0t6I4ptwnwxFInxgKY5Qh1G5zwSFEjaH5DRt_lDFraRrDp45nXn-GDXQ2YCxQ_8GtUlYraFOQS4u35yJxnp8RBzvBMryebH93o297pTeSRS1wwco-QEUo4NQ4EmzMAuujh4KI4VX7T_XuOl5pGFmAXkfJjemvN73nB2_IsrA2ghtefiazxmyS74gUsu0/s400/Polar%20Park.jpg"/></a>
<P>According to <a href="https://www.masslive.com/worcesterredsox/2021/05/polar-park-opening-day-woo-sox-new-ballpark-is-going-to-be-popular-among-baseball-fans-matt-vautour.html">this Mass Live article</a>, the "large bobblehead" depicts "the title flailer" from "Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic, Sung in the Year 1888," a "mock-heroic poem" written by one-time Worcester resident Ernest Thayer and first published in 1888 in <i>The San Francisco Examiner</i>, according to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casey_at_the_Bat">Wikipedia</a>.</P>
<P>The park, by the way, looks great.</P>
<P>After a brief stop by a new Worcester institution, I strolled past the ghost of an old one.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_CteoqU5rfqBgm9mSojRLEbb7YJTfyihB1V7x54hnX9zHVG_9LhrJH3xBOl2rUibUro68H5-HXCgAv2LgYCs0HX7j35swFcYwVGO7bVraor3p5x0aibNWaersstMLNhy5i7BomnTmL9MudPy2-fQCE8bDNrx_7KJW19MbMni-eHAqyNE5m3-xw0Bwi-L/s2048/Table%20Talk%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1585" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA_CteoqU5rfqBgm9mSojRLEbb7YJTfyihB1V7x54hnX9zHVG_9LhrJH3xBOl2rUibUro68H5-HXCgAv2LgYCs0HX7j35swFcYwVGO7bVraor3p5x0aibNWaersstMLNhy5i7BomnTmL9MudPy2-fQCE8bDNrx_7KJW19MbMni-eHAqyNE5m3-xw0Bwi-L/s400/Table%20Talk%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3-AUQGhiudmIdDsYga_vB4DC8XeEiHtFGNh3zvQ6gg2AgtATjVgkd8sxQ_PHkegdMFZoqciLGBAEkeT2A8Hz-XorXNK4UCjfDM77KIvaenRD51RZAqLJKLPDKIdj643_Q16Q09ppel8zEtKN-lcjZd8U18Y7BMP5hGJTLdn-n5Gtk6zxiVHf4y0nIckE/s2048/The%20Pie%20Store%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3-AUQGhiudmIdDsYga_vB4DC8XeEiHtFGNh3zvQ6gg2AgtATjVgkd8sxQ_PHkegdMFZoqciLGBAEkeT2A8Hz-XorXNK4UCjfDM77KIvaenRD51RZAqLJKLPDKIdj643_Q16Q09ppel8zEtKN-lcjZd8U18Y7BMP5hGJTLdn-n5Gtk6zxiVHf4y0nIckE/s400/The%20Pie%20Store%202.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://www.tabletalkpie.com">Table Talk Pies</a> is still in business, don't worry. But the company is no longer located in this building along Green Street (although there is a pie store further north along the street), but rather on Gardner Street. Founded in Worcester in 1924, today the company employs more than three hundred people, baking in excess of 250 million pies a year at three automated bakeries, according to the company's web site.</P>
<P>Located due south of Polar Park, the former Table Talk site is under redevelopment, as you can see on the back of the building below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUxfT-7PnQjr1C4PGv7nNLZaDCrnyck6Odqcj-ee4HwdFO8-4PAC4StmppcoKM-AWoCQrm_NtuIlDCSmN-VvK1mernsP-Yo0Bb6WG4pg-4ii3J2SOiKGxQGO9xndLYrZFJhDft3DOUxFxAjWSHYJXFMWJiUAc7FK8W2j86wmHcaolH0pE51kC2LJE8chG/s2048/Pie%20Store%20redevelopment.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUxfT-7PnQjr1C4PGv7nNLZaDCrnyck6Odqcj-ee4HwdFO8-4PAC4StmppcoKM-AWoCQrm_NtuIlDCSmN-VvK1mernsP-Yo0Bb6WG4pg-4ii3J2SOiKGxQGO9xndLYrZFJhDft3DOUxFxAjWSHYJXFMWJiUAc7FK8W2j86wmHcaolH0pE51kC2LJE8chG/s400/Pie%20Store%20redevelopment.jpg"/></a>
<P>"In total, Boston Capital has announced plans to build about 400 units on the old Table Talk site, including a forthcoming 317-unit building," according to <a href="https://patch.com/massachusetts/worcester/lofts-retail-planned-worcester-table-talk-pies-building">this February 2023 article</a> from the Patch. "The developer Quarterra is also planning a 375-unit building nearby on the site of the former Smokestack Urban Barbecue restaurant."</P>
<P>From the old pie-making site I headed west-northwest along Madison Street, past the Woo Sox park, under the train tracks and Francis J. McGrath Boulevard and straight into an Instagram-ready backdrop.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoOmnT3pkECrHOEzuh4NVTwYLXnT5VCn7jvTH5JwFZ2F9qE7K9oAHre7WQq7hNbhjDb0rlZiHbfoXDb_AAs5EIBw9knBL_cl1NSyDcEeRrFbp1qzDOZwaZ1LJvPygubyjDM0_2v52ButCCh-NTvgM3ayyDX5epHROpb930DfZkEodmFEDLtJNU_7GcYuD/s2048/I%20Believe%20in%20Worcester.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1505" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoOmnT3pkECrHOEzuh4NVTwYLXnT5VCn7jvTH5JwFZ2F9qE7K9oAHre7WQq7hNbhjDb0rlZiHbfoXDb_AAs5EIBw9knBL_cl1NSyDcEeRrFbp1qzDOZwaZ1LJvPygubyjDM0_2v52ButCCh-NTvgM3ayyDX5epHROpb930DfZkEodmFEDLtJNU_7GcYuD/s400/I%20Believe%20in%20Worcester.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located on the rear of the <a href="https://guertingraphics.com">Guertin Graphics</a> (offering screenprinting and custom t-shirts since 1968) building, this sign lured me into a set of buildings that were cool enough from the back, but which had me giggling with delight when I saw the fronts.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap1W_BUv-VF1H0oeOzx_XeKp2MPNDPwaQKtiB6JMHoJSEZqMXBBJH5jAGd7NYCAPr3ZhsrzaQN9bfyaXgg0AxZdbJSDzEKzAV2e_LCLfX6pZm7iAu8Em0k__10AjBByr_lTU9HKHBkCU0GgIn1XRL9bb0jlmkKxco41YyvEdswd1Kj6UXJ3Lc1cgha6rA/s2048/Union%20Music%20rear.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1494" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap1W_BUv-VF1H0oeOzx_XeKp2MPNDPwaQKtiB6JMHoJSEZqMXBBJH5jAGd7NYCAPr3ZhsrzaQN9bfyaXgg0AxZdbJSDzEKzAV2e_LCLfX6pZm7iAu8Em0k__10AjBByr_lTU9HKHBkCU0GgIn1XRL9bb0jlmkKxco41YyvEdswd1Kj6UXJ3Lc1cgha6rA/s400/Union%20Music%20rear.jpg"/></a>
<P>I love the brashness of the building color and the bold sign for <a href="https://www.unionmusic.com">Union Music</a>, which has been in business since 1900. I'll include more details below.</P>
<P>Next door, I was pleasantly shocked by an even more amazing rear facade.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Jb9kpQc3143Qa7gwp0GBOWBeSh4jGNG_5akTf3UdMSfgSVG_5ZUDNGZJbikq6tTCCUeQeh3cD2ATbcRKck2k45-vDwjqtinBDgbLCXoyXq73MO1ol-7TG1yriyhN5fvDwxapNEBP9N34zxIlIjBYvCAdYGAhdPTvGZ8k5cbSykCvZdJAffSCdcJ2Nv5w/s2048/Coney%20Island%20Hot%20Dogs%20rear.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1370" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Jb9kpQc3143Qa7gwp0GBOWBeSh4jGNG_5akTf3UdMSfgSVG_5ZUDNGZJbikq6tTCCUeQeh3cD2ATbcRKck2k45-vDwjqtinBDgbLCXoyXq73MO1ol-7TG1yriyhN5fvDwxapNEBP9N34zxIlIjBYvCAdYGAhdPTvGZ8k5cbSykCvZdJAffSCdcJ2Nv5w/s400/Coney%20Island%20Hot%20Dogs%20rear.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Coney Island Hot Dogs?!" I said to myself. "Where the hell am I?"</P>
<P>The great contrast between the mustard-yellow building and the deep-blue food truck prepared me just a little bit for the front of this legendary joint.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhoyjh_Z7Ttu77VNop8V-aSh4a6_eKVTO-lKajmZOmUoqAZ4vXSwCHheD8WIhJFRHqedwTSW7RyE2ITw_0i0ZI-pDUeeig3kyuznUIkP7Jt6MIMiYys3NCbhxComwIgkOO7NR0E3Sg2M45iHSx920KWnBrk4_HcLk4lIltEme8yw3BF_tMuTWp4985key/s2048/Coney%20Island%20entire.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1625" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZhoyjh_Z7Ttu77VNop8V-aSh4a6_eKVTO-lKajmZOmUoqAZ4vXSwCHheD8WIhJFRHqedwTSW7RyE2ITw_0i0ZI-pDUeeig3kyuznUIkP7Jt6MIMiYys3NCbhxComwIgkOO7NR0E3Sg2M45iHSx920KWnBrk4_HcLk4lIltEme8yw3BF_tMuTWp4985key/s400/Coney%20Island%20entire.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgN0uiEUKamyDkp2l7Ml5mVyHdH_MnEyHx2BU1VS6KXrw4KDjGarbPk3nVzQ3PEMzk_bCoPP5XRZPUwc-uDQUuM6cNCAR1Yhmr-uG4xK911mW-3MBladHUg7rTjR1guMi6UnuxeYPmHbHoNiDgVnFxfrVl-_b2BSQUZRlN5L0gdNojXfO53qtIk8HBvwe/s2048/Coney%20Island%20facade%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgN0uiEUKamyDkp2l7Ml5mVyHdH_MnEyHx2BU1VS6KXrw4KDjGarbPk3nVzQ3PEMzk_bCoPP5XRZPUwc-uDQUuM6cNCAR1Yhmr-uG4xK911mW-3MBladHUg7rTjR1guMi6UnuxeYPmHbHoNiDgVnFxfrVl-_b2BSQUZRlN5L0gdNojXfO53qtIk8HBvwe/s400/Coney%20Island%20facade%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>I don't come across sites like this very often on my treks around Massachusetts. The light wasn't great, but I made a bunch of photos and just marveled that such a place exists.</P>
<P><a href="https://coneyislandlunch.com">George's Coney Island</a> was opened in 1918 by Catherine and George Tsagarelis. "In 1938 they renovated the restaurant in the utilitarian art deco style that it boasts today," per the company's web site. As for the sign featuring a hand holding a weiner dripping with mustard: "George Tsagarelis died in 1980, and the famous Coney Island sign remains as a reminder of his legacy. The iconic neon sign was his idea. He held up a dog and someone took a picture. Then the sign was modeled after it."</P>
<P>Even the side of the building is great.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP6mFs-vGMv4gKE1xv9xmxkmYYpmkD_46m4xyRPceizBiel1UQs4rjBdDvjHYrL-xBHZiVtFxUN23PSjvIPNltsecXvbdTG0TiCBiYn7uHtqzkhv9AkRlMgAPrzJd1Mctmk3C5JlW_S870o0LnHBwyE2Q_A20P18lGQKO4wejkavt4YUMzbFou3Pxn9vF/s2048/Coney%20Island%20side.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP6mFs-vGMv4gKE1xv9xmxkmYYpmkD_46m4xyRPceizBiel1UQs4rjBdDvjHYrL-xBHZiVtFxUN23PSjvIPNltsecXvbdTG0TiCBiYn7uHtqzkhv9AkRlMgAPrzJd1Mctmk3C5JlW_S870o0LnHBwyE2Q_A20P18lGQKO4wejkavt4YUMzbFou3Pxn9vF/s400/Coney%20Island%20side.jpg"/></a>
<P>Next door, Union Music is much more understated, but still has some great signs.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfkPMDxiQypOKeAcOESwjl6O4NhYP99GNIA_-oNL9MRQWxwuH1BVH2Vw98vZB8WHLriPlKaRvTocufP-DXgSedEuGjTbY6NUuSfRcuMocurK3Wcscg14ceVkghviGEAPz8JobVoEAod1hfyMi89kceb0X6yYmwymTxICb-vkQ0TQ0rkGOmhbASwoH0ivw/s2048/Union%20Music%202%20signs.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1347" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfkPMDxiQypOKeAcOESwjl6O4NhYP99GNIA_-oNL9MRQWxwuH1BVH2Vw98vZB8WHLriPlKaRvTocufP-DXgSedEuGjTbY6NUuSfRcuMocurK3Wcscg14ceVkghviGEAPz8JobVoEAod1hfyMi89kceb0X6yYmwymTxICb-vkQ0TQ0rkGOmhbASwoH0ivw/s400/Union%20Music%202%20signs.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLofizYTUxvIUnO5Xt5gntAT1NJsTJVj4ovrsX-QzEjDKzBA1Txlpuj9RjYbvq_S6tIvEgWufc2iiE4dXQw3tuV5dkDfiUB6DXmobrRT9rNSgjOfgWHPu8-DGvKCKQAxekeSw699UAIwAY61iB1cqbMVl2dr8ybBmqcO1O0RgWN0Zt3LEFzP2qL6NkYqf/s2048/Union%20Music%20front.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXLofizYTUxvIUnO5Xt5gntAT1NJsTJVj4ovrsX-QzEjDKzBA1Txlpuj9RjYbvq_S6tIvEgWufc2iiE4dXQw3tuV5dkDfiUB6DXmobrRT9rNSgjOfgWHPu8-DGvKCKQAxekeSw699UAIwAY61iB1cqbMVl2dr8ybBmqcO1O0RgWN0Zt3LEFzP2qL6NkYqf/s400/Union%20Music%20front.jpg"/></a>
<P>Founded in 1900 on Front Street as a pawnshop called Union Loan Co. Inc., the business changed over to a music shop in 1973, according to an article on the <a href="https://www.unionmusic.com/history.htm">Union Music web site</a> republished from <i>Worcester</i> magazine. In 2018, the Barabash family took over ownership.</P>
<P>Next door to the music store is a building that I'm guessing may get torn down in the not-too-distant future.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_O8Lo7VGFwjYk32gvBe70ZhuwNIObjAwxxaXzABs5alBCJsKNqokYpHhgMCceQ_bb7A_xiGluAdehJ8jRctEOGiiD2HZ8HhzQ5DuVHRWrJZ__MILU0fAI4J7Rrj7LDUty8rD4ZiONbxc9Vj8EBOJBWjD0e-SUsEz7Lgn2HC6WsMEaIFc2IxqmByKDWfW0/s2048/X%20marks%20the%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_O8Lo7VGFwjYk32gvBe70ZhuwNIObjAwxxaXzABs5alBCJsKNqokYpHhgMCceQ_bb7A_xiGluAdehJ8jRctEOGiiD2HZ8HhzQ5DuVHRWrJZ__MILU0fAI4J7Rrj7LDUty8rD4ZiONbxc9Vj8EBOJBWjD0e-SUsEz7Lgn2HC6WsMEaIFc2IxqmByKDWfW0/s400/X%20marks%20the%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVSd6GtMVADcPhJGIZ6Yf7vSoPrHbx8HXv8zB-hz2RS65JpOWwV9vt7tiv2ECsyhH8P8Yt00zs5KMD8mvEdqdrHEDldaHD4avOmn1BurCWd7MovRmH6WoOw9jL7WoGKEAhAuajRv5ehHT66X6ZfsNUMaJj0fINhZ_Ou0A0u6kP1R2DB7qZn0jGUy7gNSc/s2048/Old%20bldg%20and%20new%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoVSd6GtMVADcPhJGIZ6Yf7vSoPrHbx8HXv8zB-hz2RS65JpOWwV9vt7tiv2ECsyhH8P8Yt00zs5KMD8mvEdqdrHEDldaHD4avOmn1BurCWd7MovRmH6WoOw9jL7WoGKEAhAuajRv5ehHT66X6ZfsNUMaJj0fINhZ_Ou0A0u6kP1R2DB7qZn0jGUy7gNSc/s400/Old%20bldg%20and%20new%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1870, this Second Empire building originally had two storefronts at ground level and a boarding house above, per MACRIS. Two additional storefronts were added around 1890. It was most recently occupied by A-1 Wholesale Window & Siding Co. Prior to that it was home to Cornerstone Paint & Wallpaper. I'm not sure whether the upper floors remained residential, not am I sure what is to become of this place.</P>
<P>A short walk up Madison Street and I was in front of a building the likes of which I haven't seen before.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLDq6s5C4Fou34-_zGnTWwQlHMx-bdPPizuVZGQ7wLZPfAdWeIFzXqk8e3DscpwYXerdrAsILnVwsPf33vu5R_W-g9pp2zAulF-2LB_cJ6xU6t4kER3aUfce8yLlg-RsJU0DOqTeC_r2Zlb13Noc5TBkAYdEG37TqDh7ec9m0aIOooMd4fhTytufYNK29/s2048/Worcester%20Market.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1711" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLDq6s5C4Fou34-_zGnTWwQlHMx-bdPPizuVZGQ7wLZPfAdWeIFzXqk8e3DscpwYXerdrAsILnVwsPf33vu5R_W-g9pp2zAulF-2LB_cJ6xU6t4kER3aUfce8yLlg-RsJU0DOqTeC_r2Zlb13Noc5TBkAYdEG37TqDh7ec9m0aIOooMd4fhTytufYNK29/s400/Worcester%20Market.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd4YNsGPJidSbYv-dUxdioKSGR_2-61w29WReS4WECGTJ-OpI4B237CBzG5pCLmG0pd-4Ce877_p_XhCUZP_tVFfvOPpdvKBU-KWRF1NM3_Kiie0H95LeSrLMSNtFQ94o3R_N8gsWabvGBZV_5FcXfXbYUAzOOhCmWkk48cBBWc2Zxo1Yasvk11GUEcLY/s2048/Worcester%20Market%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQd4YNsGPJidSbYv-dUxdioKSGR_2-61w29WReS4WECGTJ-OpI4B237CBzG5pCLmG0pd-4Ce877_p_XhCUZP_tVFfvOPpdvKBU-KWRF1NM3_Kiie0H95LeSrLMSNtFQ94o3R_N8gsWabvGBZV_5FcXfXbYUAzOOhCmWkk48cBBWc2Zxo1Yasvk11GUEcLY/s400/Worcester%20Market%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Classical Revival Worcester Market Building rose in 1914, and "was believed to be the largest grocery supply store in the United
States at the time of its opening," according to MACRIS. "[A]t the peak of its success the store handled the business of 25,000 customers 'in an ordinary Saturday's trade.' In addition to the main market hall and warehouses, the building housed a bakery (with 20 bakers), a shipping department (with 110 workers), a carpenter shop, an electrical shop, and a kitchen to prepare foods for its delicatessen."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsh1Zory32PsTIIcobcusfOG15KpFR_zFkilL6CWkwfodbxdUx-aeAb7PLsOF7uyyprG3rIvkYE_WlsRj1nIqvtiWDN9UuPIJ15q64qml_UrXGBHw9A8fcDB0MCaC6VXY35yp7KhPGe9DERAWCG59ihDv_Vqq2GWmUPZsFUIJMzH5SaN9DSyEwzlxaA-sr/s2048/Shipping%20Dept..jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1683" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsh1Zory32PsTIIcobcusfOG15KpFR_zFkilL6CWkwfodbxdUx-aeAb7PLsOF7uyyprG3rIvkYE_WlsRj1nIqvtiWDN9UuPIJ15q64qml_UrXGBHw9A8fcDB0MCaC6VXY35yp7KhPGe9DERAWCG59ihDv_Vqq2GWmUPZsFUIJMzH5SaN9DSyEwzlxaA-sr/s400/Shipping%20Dept..jpg"/></a>
<P>"Upon completion, the building contained a variety of labor-saving innovations," MACRIS continues. "The first floor (of 25,000 square feet) served as the market, while the second floor and basement were used largely as warehouse space (50,000 square feet total). Storage was arranged so that goods for different departments were stored directly above or below their respective departments, connections to which were provided by elevators, thereby protecting customers from having 'to watch out for heavily laden trucks hurrying in with fresh supplies.'"</P>
<P>Nowadays, this space is occupied by the <a href="https://arcaadhc.org">Arca Adult Day Health Center</a>.</P>
<P>From the market, I swung left onto Main Street and spied the <a href="https://www.theauroraapts.com">Aurora Apartments</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP4qAeQ2ZoRHvtgY8o5Srh51o_il-8kll8V1xDptRiAqVRU-2yZ-YZXrTZTZgQ7F04UjUnqZwIvF-lzFaWYkl2cYLFZrUxsuZHFwRZjw6WdIFCsqjJO1Y6tEtkR1QLQ2wp0IV-ZlTIY05iPsnHd0R-wHP_QUyvJg2dOVGW0acdHCQvooCSz_bCOg5lSWK/s2048/Aurora%20Bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioP4qAeQ2ZoRHvtgY8o5Srh51o_il-8kll8V1xDptRiAqVRU-2yZ-YZXrTZTZgQ7F04UjUnqZwIvF-lzFaWYkl2cYLFZrUxsuZHFwRZjw6WdIFCsqjJO1Y6tEtkR1QLQ2wp0IV-ZlTIY05iPsnHd0R-wHP_QUyvJg2dOVGW0acdHCQvooCSz_bCOg5lSWK/s400/Aurora%20Bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>This beauty was built in 1897 as the Hotel Aurora. These days, the building consists of several studio apartments.</P>
<P>A little bit west on Main Street is a former Odd Fellows building that has been converted to <a href="https://www.oddfellowlofts.com">loft apartments</a>.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2c8vMU1N2Wdo0Ec3gGepA8yrMaJMl-qjbKnkPO5RG9puS6LkAmjXkV721Yu269mytsClN3gmn6vwAQAioxzOWo8GtdpvImzfKjZmUYI7NacxnztnMXiaDpBIfducgGMDirp0vUxqV-VlL2AIOyNRimTYGvL7tWzVk55-UKA5qi7XOK7xd-81Bqr4SEsos/s2048/Worcester%20IOOF.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2c8vMU1N2Wdo0Ec3gGepA8yrMaJMl-qjbKnkPO5RG9puS6LkAmjXkV721Yu269mytsClN3gmn6vwAQAioxzOWo8GtdpvImzfKjZmUYI7NacxnztnMXiaDpBIfducgGMDirp0vUxqV-VlL2AIOyNRimTYGvL7tWzVk55-UKA5qi7XOK7xd-81Bqr4SEsos/s400/Worcester%20IOOF.jpg"/></a>
<P>From MACRIS, a lovely descripton of the architecture: "Designed by Clellan Fisher of Worcester...the I.O.O.F. Building is an opulent example of Beaux Arts Classicism, a popular style of the early twentieth century. The building's facade (east) is faced with brick laid up in a Flemish bond and trimmed with dressed limestone. Three bays wide, the facade is symmetrical, rising from a low basement to a rusticated first storey (sic). Centered on the first storey (sic) is an elaborate limestone entry with a pediment (decorated by a shield) set on consoles with garlands. On either side of the entry at the second storey (sic) are stone balconies with original iron railings."</P>
<P>The final stop on this first part of the tour is another former fraternal organization building. Well, just a small detail from it.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPWPSDc4TmnsJNCt6tEodvZmsqSg19TA6bKKNyuepWZbSaZtdc9jLPBdjo3nqSjBUmVwHZpL63ibN-S2iPSWFFFB3Mwjj50DJYoWoEYydcoq8kPTs1cHJHdRwtCAoXaYXBbyVYSkjVJvz1v6ZzfnDieH6OgC5uaapu0u2hYWvPnJPi0hvBXuz4555tClU/s2048/LTJE%20Eagle.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPWPSDc4TmnsJNCt6tEodvZmsqSg19TA6bKKNyuepWZbSaZtdc9jLPBdjo3nqSjBUmVwHZpL63ibN-S2iPSWFFFB3Mwjj50DJYoWoEYydcoq8kPTs1cHJHdRwtCAoXaYXBbyVYSkjVJvz1v6ZzfnDieH6OgC5uaapu0u2hYWvPnJPi0hvBXuz4555tClU/s400/LTJE%20Eagle.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1926 as the meeting hall for the Worcester Aerie of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the building at 701 Main Street (MACRIS says it was previously #695) is currently home to the <a href="https://ebenezerchurch.online">Ebenezer Church</a>. When it was built, there were "two floors of ceremonial and meeting places above stores on the street level, including a huge, two-story, wood-paneled auditorium that filled the rear half of the building," per MACRIS.</P>
<P>The "L.T.J.E." inscribed below the eagle in the above photo stands for Liberty, Truth, Justice, Equality, and is the motto of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.</P>
<P>The Worcester FOE chapter is now located on Norfolk Street.</P>
<P>From this point I cut south along Hermon Street because it looked promising. Make sure to check out the second part of my first Worcester adventure to see what I found.</P>Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-35510045136598078162024-01-20T08:27:00.000-05:002024-01-20T08:27:58.828-05:00Rocking Through American's Hometown<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>Somehow I managed to escape chaperoning duties when each of my kids visited the tourist destination formerly known as Plimoth Plantation with their schools. Known since a 2020 name change as <a href="https://plimoth.org">Plimoth Patuxet Museums</a>, the site in <a href="https://www.plymouth-ma.gov">Plymouth, Mass.</a>, includes a Patuxet homesite, a 17th century English village, a grist mill and the <i>Mayflower II</i>, a replica of the ship that brought European Pilgrims to these shores in 1620. According to Wikipedia, the Patuxet people "were a Native American band of the Wampanoag tribal confederation. They lived primarily in and around modern-day Plymouth, Massachusetts, and were among the first Native Americans encountered by European settlers in the region in the early 17th century."</P>
<P>While I'd driven through Plymouth on my way to and from Cape Cod, I'd never set foot in "America's Hometown." So last summer I decided to go on a pilgrimage of my own.</P>
<P>I'm guessing many, if not all, of my devoted worshipers, er, readers, are familiar with Plymouth and the Pilgrims. So I shant go into detail about the town's place in American history. I was mostly curious about the downtown area, so I started there, about one block from Plymouth Harbor. The main commercial drag is filled with touristy spots but thankfully many of those are located in historic buildings. But of course before too long I found myself within sight of the more obvious trappings of the place, so I had to pay them a bit of attention.</P>
<P>The first thing that caught my eye as I walked along Main Street was a former fire station that until recently was doing business as a restaurant with a rather silly name.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11F8h5NG25euHf5oERkwOlYjGjq5MEzjhnWMYcAdiZc5waRUMvq1o4e0FzA7JlSWs153ftvQD3-iGpYga2nGP7NPk6Tt9s3K-4DmLkwjD-MV-c2YNHhIqRuHWId52z6UiNtlhjJJBVquLQoFWW-EDaLVdnMcJ2wvocEl0iPPoW-6LakKjlblh8lZ3hQ5b/s2048/Sam%20Diego%27s.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh11F8h5NG25euHf5oERkwOlYjGjq5MEzjhnWMYcAdiZc5waRUMvq1o4e0FzA7JlSWs153ftvQD3-iGpYga2nGP7NPk6Tt9s3K-4DmLkwjD-MV-c2YNHhIqRuHWId52z6UiNtlhjJJBVquLQoFWW-EDaLVdnMcJ2wvocEl0iPPoW-6LakKjlblh8lZ3hQ5b/s400/Sam%20Diego%27s.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built around 1895, the Plymouth Central Fire Station served that purpose until sometime in the 1970s, according to MACRIS. "[T]he town leased it for restaurant use. Careful attention was paid to preserve, restore and design around the interior mahogany paneling," MACRIS continues. For 28 years, until spring of this year, the old station was home to an outlet of <a href="https://hyannis.samdiegos.com">Sam Diego's</a>, a Mexican restaurant that also operates in Hyannis on Cape Cod. While the name of the restaurant is a bit goofy, I like that the owners went to a lot of trouble to <a href="https://hyannis.samdiegos.com/content/sam-diegos-mexican-restaurant-cape-cod-whos-sam/">create a myth</a> about Sam Diego.</P>
<P>A house once located on this site was home to the Old Colony Club, a social club for gentlemen that is now located a short distance away on Court Street.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE5Ien8W_LxROOwEL_MR2NDpLFkQA_r0HXnl1_dioAqS-YHtCc8JG3rG1bOtkAQi1wgX6_WDfNzBuf53JxU2pvWyRs6Tw39fwS5ede4zQaSu8fCHBALAxRba_ysEWO1FCNKza7PUNuGMLtkU5aGH2LQNPs2Exw9LBc_qQPZqBMpTFirwni2RK9N2AcOsr/s2048/Old%20Colony%20Club.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgE5Ien8W_LxROOwEL_MR2NDpLFkQA_r0HXnl1_dioAqS-YHtCc8JG3rG1bOtkAQi1wgX6_WDfNzBuf53JxU2pvWyRs6Tw39fwS5ede4zQaSu8fCHBALAxRba_ysEWO1FCNKza7PUNuGMLtkU5aGH2LQNPs2Exw9LBc_qQPZqBMpTFirwni2RK9N2AcOsr/s400/Old%20Colony%20Club.jpg"/></a>
<P>I really wanted to take a picture of the two gentlemen sitting on the side porch of the club, one of whom was wearing a top hat, which is a common sartorial choice with this gang, as evidenced by photos on its web site. Anyway, the Old Colony Club was founded in 1769 by "a group of seven young Plymouth men," evidently in an effort to avoid rubbing elbows with the type of gents who frequented taverns, according to the group's web site.</P>
<P>"In December of [1769] they decided to hold their annual meeting on the anniversary of the December 11, 1620, Landing (sic) on Plymouth Rock," per the group's web site. "This celebration, originally referred to as 'Old Colony Day' and later as 'Forefathers' Day,' was first observed on December 22, 1769. It should be noted that the use of the term 'Pilgrims' to refer to the Plymouth colonists had not yet come into use. They were still just the local 'forefathers' of the little community rather than the symbolic progenitors of the whole nation."</P>
<P>In addition to Forfathers Day, the club holds events for Independence Day and Thanksgiving. As for the building, it is known as the Nathaniel Morton Davis House, and was built in 1789.</P>
<P>Continuing west-northwest on Court Street, I came to a wonderful hand-carved sign on a storefront.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WQ3N3G9I0Yltr-wEvcSwOfcFqVuIeVEA4az5fglSt8D7UqU92WJ9ZgRPS-vIiSxCItgY5SY2CZzWhBkb8eCwWzkivL2cKXY3bDjzaeZnFCSib88ZsdVGUOiuSgF3oMYj1E3VbMt-cyrMlmab2VspcZoFe00jZYq78Azo0WhPgQ1uchZGLzK7HkN_dIuW/s2048/Locksmith.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8WQ3N3G9I0Yltr-wEvcSwOfcFqVuIeVEA4az5fglSt8D7UqU92WJ9ZgRPS-vIiSxCItgY5SY2CZzWhBkb8eCwWzkivL2cKXY3bDjzaeZnFCSib88ZsdVGUOiuSgF3oMYj1E3VbMt-cyrMlmab2VspcZoFe00jZYq78Azo0WhPgQ1uchZGLzK7HkN_dIuW/s400/Locksmith.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located in a circa-1769 Greek Revival former residencee, the locksmith shop may be part of the adjacent Peggy's Pawn Shop. I'm not sure. As for building, it is known as Daniel Diman / Coomer Weston House and also the William Goodwin House. The building remained residential until the 1930s or 1940s when the ground floor was converted to retail space, according to MACRIS.</P>
<P>A few doors down, I was charmed by <a href="https://www.shellystearooms.com">Shelly's English Tea Rooms</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFONw5uy7A3FuGfuZL-MSkPN0H94TLXzOG_lfJMlK0gpR19Gu0u45AmUWXZ5Lo4Bj1rFnUUaofW8l6iqkGVsMnzmx-Sgt2RzNoVLXDkceYBrN7phkScS3M9jnfO5ZqDOW0xI0K1Wpf4KMfQzNw8PlO2vIVzFbp4BNV8LOeDbMb5UcD5KQd5nP8wxw5pMbW/s2048/Shelly%27s%20Tea%20Rooms.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFONw5uy7A3FuGfuZL-MSkPN0H94TLXzOG_lfJMlK0gpR19Gu0u45AmUWXZ5Lo4Bj1rFnUUaofW8l6iqkGVsMnzmx-Sgt2RzNoVLXDkceYBrN7phkScS3M9jnfO5ZqDOW0xI0K1Wpf4KMfQzNw8PlO2vIVzFbp4BNV8LOeDbMb5UcD5KQd5nP8wxw5pMbW/s400/Shelly%27s%20Tea%20Rooms.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located in a circa-1880 Greek Revival former residence, Shelly's is the first U.S. outpost of a business begun in England in 2007. As for the building, it is located on land originally granted to Myles Standish and later owned by Governor Bradford, according to MACRIS, as is the case for many of these properties, I believe.</P>
<P>Moseying on down the road, I came to the site of the first "Dame School" in America.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLggh4Ohx8l67o0ud_YBG16y3oMn_Q1vxj1Mca9-_oQDXZ0K-mhJ6qWIDtY7Xiig0SML8iTITJlp-9QderMgwHiENLyCRQH-IX9SLCnzUf_JO6HLDLErIjPqYAHLhTHvG7q46LN5EXnK-fsGxP9jWNtLNO8IAWsTcloPkW7pcvsTdy1QO4w1_bZU94tFeo/s2048/Tabitha%20Plasket%20House.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLggh4Ohx8l67o0ud_YBG16y3oMn_Q1vxj1Mca9-_oQDXZ0K-mhJ6qWIDtY7Xiig0SML8iTITJlp-9QderMgwHiENLyCRQH-IX9SLCnzUf_JO6HLDLErIjPqYAHLhTHvG7q46LN5EXnK-fsGxP9jWNtLNO8IAWsTcloPkW7pcvsTdy1QO4w1_bZU94tFeo/s400/Tabitha%20Plasket%20House.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently occupied by a realtor's office, the Isaac Symes / Tabitha Plasket House dates to 1772. Plasket lived from 1743 to 1807, and was a school teacher. According to Wikipedia, a dame school was "a private school with a female teacher during the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The education provided by these schools ranged from basic to exceptional. The basic type of dame school was more common in New England, where basic literacy was expected of all classes."</P>
<P>The Symes / Plasket house dates to 1772. MACRIS indicates that "tradition states [Plasket] was the first woman school teacher in America."</P>
<P>On the opposite side of Court Street I spied a groovy sign for <a href="https://artisanpig.com">Artisan Pig</a>, a restaurant offering wood-fired pizzas, sausages, craft beer and fine wines.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0gIGh8rUPRc4cS72k8TilmFDQ-w7FHuek9HDmgMTGKG8MU0fYDLy1A5mEO_5bMJ2-WpwWk5cOZNi7irPhhJyrY45OLc2JLairRbrlP2IzkwTJncjEatAOA20ujiWFfZ-UlPnugU-kDnI-e-gbc6pT1gkPSa3BWK_vN8klx912VtooMC3r4BY0ITJG8Rt/s2048/Artisan%20Pig.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy0gIGh8rUPRc4cS72k8TilmFDQ-w7FHuek9HDmgMTGKG8MU0fYDLy1A5mEO_5bMJ2-WpwWk5cOZNi7irPhhJyrY45OLc2JLairRbrlP2IzkwTJncjEatAOA20ujiWFfZ-UlPnugU-kDnI-e-gbc6pT1gkPSa3BWK_vN8klx912VtooMC3r4BY0ITJG8Rt/s400/Artisan%20Pig.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTVXsviSHB-V3fFjGGPW-i3PaBJq4UXzcwvS-1H4YqJ8fu06xSK-6WDucUgZgLRFmORv9GkSM1Ihs_2t97GBGWQ7TETXBQNy-tO7Qzs_1QiZOQ08YKqJP-aaKl0LiRIz-5NnWMJxVYUh6RwHgF1vFB8Yv98GsOOZ75t-Zg7LmGJ9BhKrPYRZEjmCRQSxS/s2048/Artisan%20Pig%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOTVXsviSHB-V3fFjGGPW-i3PaBJq4UXzcwvS-1H4YqJ8fu06xSK-6WDucUgZgLRFmORv9GkSM1Ihs_2t97GBGWQ7TETXBQNy-tO7Qzs_1QiZOQ08YKqJP-aaKl0LiRIz-5NnWMJxVYUh6RwHgF1vFB8Yv98GsOOZ75t-Zg7LmGJ9BhKrPYRZEjmCRQSxS/s400/Artisan%20Pig%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>The building dates to 1875 and was remodeled in 1975, according to MACRIS.</P>
<P>A short walk away on the west side of Court Street is the former Armory of the Standish Guards (aka Plymouth National Guard Armory).</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkwikTW14JxxLfTBhtwOgji-2o9tjflAh8yXwf4st3AwRixIWjTjJtqLqsHzcRAUd8yHy6MCdhSEClaL_SBU4e3lbbjuyGtYcKWJESKgAKbGU-t12c3oipTWrBKlFvO4ZXYAxGIIFGFPuwrehUbcYRRe9-uWAZxaB9pYDv9qXwAaCvrClx2eyhIj9nZu2/s2048/Old%20Armory.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqkwikTW14JxxLfTBhtwOgji-2o9tjflAh8yXwf4st3AwRixIWjTjJtqLqsHzcRAUd8yHy6MCdhSEClaL_SBU4e3lbbjuyGtYcKWJESKgAKbGU-t12c3oipTWrBKlFvO4ZXYAxGIIFGFPuwrehUbcYRRe9-uWAZxaB9pYDv9qXwAaCvrClx2eyhIj9nZu2/s400/Old%20Armory.jpg"/></a>
<P>Now known as the Residences at the Armory, this English Revival building dates to 1906. The Standish Guards were Plymouth's first militia company.</P>
<P>From the armory, I headed down to the harbor. There I saw, you know, harbor stuff. Like trawlers (I think that's what the boats below are called).</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS5WPjuu2EDaaR8mXugQkrZ3zmRHWSlRLVqO11K21YATPlLzMZJxwYyMrfO3iISCPwvGrtXiJexy0UMNPXkozxYhP71S0Vs7vtlQq3xlzY3MBo9rmD3zok0fmSxrm8-J1PQwS582O0_R5tSWIKvra7hYyCqeLax06Mm2iCW6MVFU85plCZo2Zqv0ll7iX/s2048/Trawlers.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRS5WPjuu2EDaaR8mXugQkrZ3zmRHWSlRLVqO11K21YATPlLzMZJxwYyMrfO3iISCPwvGrtXiJexy0UMNPXkozxYhP71S0Vs7vtlQq3xlzY3MBo9rmD3zok0fmSxrm8-J1PQwS582O0_R5tSWIKvra7hYyCqeLax06Mm2iCW6MVFU85plCZo2Zqv0ll7iX/s400/Trawlers.jpg"/></a>
<P>As expected, I found plenty of funky restaurants on the waterfront. Below is The Shanty, which serves seafood and other touristy food, and below that is The Shanty Rose, a bar that offers karaoke and, you know, drinks.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMz-m45vkJrypijTp05Nx_UgJ_55qRw_u-nFxNgTsXAtO5Iesp6lOzWrf7B-dsgrMPHSR97Hic0SdeYg3HPkKnXd9gfcN-G4FzxBx9XOc5cKxd7RkCV7dBMwg1yJ3Uv-CUGNs6ossHMmFwIeWcMjaJcEwfqzHIloitsa61_ch_oAZfTmNmHTrHsqbhuDi/s2048/The%20Shanty.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMz-m45vkJrypijTp05Nx_UgJ_55qRw_u-nFxNgTsXAtO5Iesp6lOzWrf7B-dsgrMPHSR97Hic0SdeYg3HPkKnXd9gfcN-G4FzxBx9XOc5cKxd7RkCV7dBMwg1yJ3Uv-CUGNs6ossHMmFwIeWcMjaJcEwfqzHIloitsa61_ch_oAZfTmNmHTrHsqbhuDi/s400/The%20Shanty.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn23j17xVyRT8USVcTEQItfzyCh70crSgY5FSy2g9L0cdbPyj00dJi-7jOqrCJMKvrAnhPtV7iYzVpF89PVi7hdNWg2yBPx34jpguWzM70HG3KyeOVkwMSHfZwGAfwYbt3YLSjFBSz7kH__SN5kaOII83V1lPbHZjTQ7M7yP5kvTzR4CjSG8BCwa87HUzb/s2048/Shanty%20Rose%20Pub.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn23j17xVyRT8USVcTEQItfzyCh70crSgY5FSy2g9L0cdbPyj00dJi-7jOqrCJMKvrAnhPtV7iYzVpF89PVi7hdNWg2yBPx34jpguWzM70HG3KyeOVkwMSHfZwGAfwYbt3YLSjFBSz7kH__SN5kaOII83V1lPbHZjTQ7M7yP5kvTzR4CjSG8BCwa87HUzb/s400/Shanty%20Rose%20Pub.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Plymouth assessor's office indicates that this building dates to 1930. Below is the nearby <a href="https://lobsterhutplymouth.com">Lobster Hut</a>, which has been around for more than 50 years.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO56KwIadHRJheTZnN3c2wj5SegYi55Jn5kSmcgOvaef7VbvdjFLPWf8xjVMg3_q9_LqGC-I0fjPMqg0b7cIEwoGVl_n9H3rixokr8tU-S1yHsUmQoPgSdFKN08bqWf2V1YX_Kojw1vxK_k-ZksRgYpwEcW4s21G3p0wdth9kXws5wqMK6tkEKV29WHSow/s2048/Lobster%20Hut.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO56KwIadHRJheTZnN3c2wj5SegYi55Jn5kSmcgOvaef7VbvdjFLPWf8xjVMg3_q9_LqGC-I0fjPMqg0b7cIEwoGVl_n9H3rixokr8tU-S1yHsUmQoPgSdFKN08bqWf2V1YX_Kojw1vxK_k-ZksRgYpwEcW4s21G3p0wdth9kXws5wqMK6tkEKV29WHSow/s400/Lobster%20Hut.jpg"/></a>
<P>This building rose in 1970, per the assessor. Next is <a href="https://www.tavernonthewharf.com">Tavern on the Wharf</a>, which has a boat on its roof.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWgOxfYl7-MJ_GLDz-W5tE4vxPV-L2VC-Bd2uXZLi8IiloXT9bc5WLc6KobNcKDX6gY8mkBX00pmDOmOuR04GE7t-DHWPOiHCcElWg7TWRUH_AzXIcEpPEt_JdPyJX60dlQYsnHCn1K791lqtdLvt_60Wl8exH0wUQ2_jb8wKuzkoQRtw2BuPblXuO_NU/s2048/Tavern%20Boat%20on%20roof.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWgOxfYl7-MJ_GLDz-W5tE4vxPV-L2VC-Bd2uXZLi8IiloXT9bc5WLc6KobNcKDX6gY8mkBX00pmDOmOuR04GE7t-DHWPOiHCcElWg7TWRUH_AzXIcEpPEt_JdPyJX60dlQYsnHCn1K791lqtdLvt_60Wl8exH0wUQ2_jb8wKuzkoQRtw2BuPblXuO_NU/s400/Tavern%20Boat%20on%20roof.jpg"/></a>
<P>This building dates to 1998.</P>
<P>Below is <a href="https://plymouthicecream.com">Ziggy's Ice Cream</a>, which has been slinging frozen treats since 1957.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0QPqOFTNnomeZB3uFxMYjkCzSr4teoGbte_Mg1-5uFDD0aqYSI135kklMUiWuBKKPpTDvLJD91RvDZgC4hybWgnUELllmBxDTjyGScclJG54IWzoYL3W3q2BYY8308bnwYWM45ot4j0nlynaFSElBdiTXDld86SRSU7HfHKNdnF52xZV4W9TroyX5Bx-/s2048/Ziggy%27s%20Ice%20Cream.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA0QPqOFTNnomeZB3uFxMYjkCzSr4teoGbte_Mg1-5uFDD0aqYSI135kklMUiWuBKKPpTDvLJD91RvDZgC4hybWgnUELllmBxDTjyGScclJG54IWzoYL3W3q2BYY8308bnwYWM45ot4j0nlynaFSElBdiTXDld86SRSU7HfHKNdnF52xZV4W9TroyX5Bx-/s400/Ziggy%27s%20Ice%20Cream.jpg"/></a>
<P>The building dates to 1965, according to MACRIS, and was built on the site of a former rope walk, which "is a long straight narrow lane, or a covered pathway, where long strands of material are laid before being twisted into rope," according to Wikipedia. "Due to the length of some ropewalks, workers may use bicycles to get from one end to the other. Many ropewalks were in the open air, while others were covered only by roofs."</P>
<P>In front of Soft as a Grape, I spied a funny anti-boiling t-shirt.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl46PE4H98UNuGPJIQ1kvcDIl_uYXVcUTrnckzrGiTQimNW_l8L87hni0CrjkSH7l7eWPu3rElSw2XdknqnjeQ5PMEFr9TfnplhRplAF4TuezuUlS4wfm_7bMBfeDR4hwsOfM4oXg_g-kVXzSQQFuEXsGpgaNywEXk7RqWHKNcayrBZ4EIpE2wBY59SB1/s2048/Say%20no%20to%20pot.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1973" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEl46PE4H98UNuGPJIQ1kvcDIl_uYXVcUTrnckzrGiTQimNW_l8L87hni0CrjkSH7l7eWPu3rElSw2XdknqnjeQ5PMEFr9TfnplhRplAF4TuezuUlS4wfm_7bMBfeDR4hwsOfM4oXg_g-kVXzSQQFuEXsGpgaNywEXk7RqWHKNcayrBZ4EIpE2wBY59SB1/s400/Say%20no%20to%20pot.jpg"/></a>
<P>I continued east for a little bit, looked up and realized I was heading straight toward the Ultimate Tourist Spot: <i>Mayflower II</i> and Plymouth Rock. I honestly had no idea where these sites were when I set out on my trip. Part of me thought, "Oh, let's not go there. It's so obvious." The more decisive part countered with, "Sure, it's hokey, but these are important landmarks. Plus, if you tell people you explored Plymouth and decided to skip the main attractions, people will think you're a Commie."</P>
<P>Across from Pilgrim Memorial Park I was fascinated by the Pilgrim Mother Fountain and Statue.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eo6c9BZ7-hiVspOrvlJE9nJ2H-jZ5sD3krIP6qFh_nomJ82eXIcuAdhtjeFR0sseU0X3LAyw4JQiLsZZhoMDxilqxo7SnIJWXYC5s-NYAJ29v3zVjyaGwGgfsnQZDZyhpBILe1rrL-asLQBhlKl2WkSmrhbqhR4CJ79gOBfBviOrwiO4xbRsO9pgPYCR/s2048/Women%20of%20Mayflower%20Fountain.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_eo6c9BZ7-hiVspOrvlJE9nJ2H-jZ5sD3krIP6qFh_nomJ82eXIcuAdhtjeFR0sseU0X3LAyw4JQiLsZZhoMDxilqxo7SnIJWXYC5s-NYAJ29v3zVjyaGwGgfsnQZDZyhpBILe1rrL-asLQBhlKl2WkSmrhbqhR4CJ79gOBfBviOrwiO4xbRsO9pgPYCR/s400/Women%20of%20Mayflower%20Fountain.jpg"/></a>
<P>The statue and fountain were gifts of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1921 for Plymouth's tercentenary celebration. "For the Daughters of the American Revolution, 1920 meant honoring this time of female triumph and Plymouth’s 300th Anniversary Celebration with a nod to the Mayflower women, whose numbers were decimated that first winter in Pawtuxet," per the <a href="https://seeplymouth.com/listing/pilgrim-mother-statue/">See Plymouth web site</a>.</P>
<P>I crossed Water Street to the small portico on the edge of the harbor where stands Plymouth Rock.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5LOIT9zCodemPyxpgUL8Cuc0RM3NXy_oeLee5cmziRjqMMsCaL4_4hFyOEPYo4FjbatnkoBz46e6OxjuBbdViHDozg1DmWDuLpDhGOQiUGQja6T4LzRP1MeouOdbLs8qo-nsmBQeBQ1adzK1vGWmmnrBslZdEwkz8S-dQVbn-OpzWwpMjrdkG5fEvyTR/s2048/Plymouth%20Rock.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY5LOIT9zCodemPyxpgUL8Cuc0RM3NXy_oeLee5cmziRjqMMsCaL4_4hFyOEPYo4FjbatnkoBz46e6OxjuBbdViHDozg1DmWDuLpDhGOQiUGQja6T4LzRP1MeouOdbLs8qo-nsmBQeBQ1adzK1vGWmmnrBslZdEwkz8S-dQVbn-OpzWwpMjrdkG5fEvyTR/s400/Plymouth%20Rock.jpg"/></a>
<P>I knew that the rock was less impressive than a visitor might expect, given its outsize place in American history. Still, it was cool to see it. I dug that people throw coins into the pit for good luck, when the tide comes up and water covers part or perhaps all of the rock. The well-known architectural firm of McKim Mead and White designed the portico, which rose in 1921.</P>
<P>Having satisfied my tourist obligations to see the alleged point where the Pilgrims stepped ashore in the winter of 1620, I headed back toward the shops along Water Street. The Pillory Pub jumped out at me (a pillory, according to Dictionary.com, is "a wooden framework erected on a post, with holes for securing the head and hands, formerly used to expose an offender to public derision.").</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFORE48mFppxevaxvTld9G4BQiwyjaUaQm7tTsbtBi6eQyKrFCkZ6H8jtIil8jKQvVzzdis0ho5NIb7SQLAYQ_5qL2j7SLnYaUozyRdVEpKiR21Oldb2C8AJbnU71orv0tJolF_FiMX6O1BYL03_zOj1ITi_fXGse6_6-ZujADqsTDkSFhqEFMrlze8tRa/s2048/Pillory%20Pub%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFORE48mFppxevaxvTld9G4BQiwyjaUaQm7tTsbtBi6eQyKrFCkZ6H8jtIil8jKQvVzzdis0ho5NIb7SQLAYQ_5qL2j7SLnYaUozyRdVEpKiR21Oldb2C8AJbnU71orv0tJolF_FiMX6O1BYL03_zOj1ITi_fXGse6_6-ZujADqsTDkSFhqEFMrlze8tRa/s400/Pillory%20Pub%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>Opened in July 2012, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pillorypub">the pub</a> is run by the same family that operates the adjacent gift shop (which I will talk about below). The building dates to the 1890s and was used as a market, a warehouse and a restaurant prior to the opening of the pub, according to MACRIS.</P>
<P>As I mentioned, next door is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063724565810">John Alden Gift Shop</a>, named for the <a href="http://mayflowerhistory.com/alden">21-year-old cooper</a> (barrel-maker) on the Mayflower voyage.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivB1lMzcpTR1-Ycupc-yxZT3x4WdDDjYBUcSF03PPzrBsCJld6_PSbqY3wipvMQff8j-iXo9aP2ikyFd2BsCSaYuJRmZ80ICC2iA3dTXWE7l9U1eSztVghcsJLhYohdH1XqzghpSXI0FKhwo2kDKDXhZqyZma_OxkJbQyOweRyUZ_X63BHz4cX3_2RnvMY/s2048/Alden%20Gift%20Shop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivB1lMzcpTR1-Ycupc-yxZT3x4WdDDjYBUcSF03PPzrBsCJld6_PSbqY3wipvMQff8j-iXo9aP2ikyFd2BsCSaYuJRmZ80ICC2iA3dTXWE7l9U1eSztVghcsJLhYohdH1XqzghpSXI0FKhwo2kDKDXhZqyZma_OxkJbQyOweRyUZ_X63BHz4cX3_2RnvMY/s400/Alden%20Gift%20Shop.jpg"/></a>
<P>The building dates to the 1930s.</P>
<P>At Fishmans Memorial Park facing the harbor, I took a few minutes to reflect on the history and beauty of Plymouth.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18vpyWYq00t3Iae8CMei81i1NxgzeIm4InyZRNu1BhcMm4WgFD7QjL4tmEIuc5s3h6Z2t4RNx5sxaq4H3134jUT8EqBYszeZdJH2-ljeRJpJgPPbO-u00dUiyT9sw1IcOcqBCJYjfVkKVc2HFk6vOD2Zptrhs5hzL0HBKSFibZFICkS4TB_lkFV2IeGkF/s2048/Adirondack%20chairs.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi18vpyWYq00t3Iae8CMei81i1NxgzeIm4InyZRNu1BhcMm4WgFD7QjL4tmEIuc5s3h6Z2t4RNx5sxaq4H3134jUT8EqBYszeZdJH2-ljeRJpJgPPbO-u00dUiyT9sw1IcOcqBCJYjfVkKVc2HFk6vOD2Zptrhs5hzL0HBKSFibZFICkS4TB_lkFV2IeGkF/s400/Adirondack%20chairs.jpg"/></a>
<P>From there I headed west on Chilton Street and back to Court Street, where I continued my tour south-southeast. I like the sign for <a href="https://www.themeathaicuisine.com">The Mea Thai Cuisine</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVbVXWkX9TcqPK7yCpWUqvH-Fu_WRZL3Er6AFF1i4G5Q3EFV5ai2ugP3QTjUl1-pmuPE2PstxTPCk3b-FhLVMdwhqcNJ86YRvENrRPLZPMwm2WyXFCV_Cx8Ffd9IUc7RJGdFr35oBAVu8CXzaQ8ofmwMw6PfDyanMS-Zi-wxOgqpsOcoY_8G6-IPqzFY0/s2048/The%20Mea%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzVbVXWkX9TcqPK7yCpWUqvH-Fu_WRZL3Er6AFF1i4G5Q3EFV5ai2ugP3QTjUl1-pmuPE2PstxTPCk3b-FhLVMdwhqcNJ86YRvENrRPLZPMwm2WyXFCV_Cx8Ffd9IUc7RJGdFr35oBAVu8CXzaQ8ofmwMw6PfDyanMS-Zi-wxOgqpsOcoY_8G6-IPqzFY0/s400/The%20Mea%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Thai food by Thai wife," it says underneath "The Mea." The restaurant was established in 2021 in a building that dates to 1781 and was originally a house. From MACRIS: "The house here was built after 1781 and as common in that section of Town, was divided into two houses in 1785. The present structure reflects many remodelling and altering changes both in architecture and use through the years so that almost none of the original structure remains."</P>
<P>The other half of this property is occupied by the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Galway-Pub-Plymouth-100054460330653/">Galway Pub</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYF8_d1RQqgye5MFhqvnwlaOByySmFSUv231m2FTp20gI6_c3YXgwn3E_Kmm8Tx-OvMUV1Rce5yQO6Y6o1bKuX9vIyjhvilfcD9YfyACWVQfAkMI-QAH5FZZA7QcUAJNpOWr5cdUmr8dKNIkVrSoU1sXP6DmoH8UrTTo0whrrirE-hcEPOre1N4i0L0Zt/s2048/Galway%20Pub.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwYF8_d1RQqgye5MFhqvnwlaOByySmFSUv231m2FTp20gI6_c3YXgwn3E_Kmm8Tx-OvMUV1Rce5yQO6Y6o1bKuX9vIyjhvilfcD9YfyACWVQfAkMI-QAH5FZZA7QcUAJNpOWr5cdUmr8dKNIkVrSoU1sXP6DmoH8UrTTo0whrrirE-hcEPOre1N4i0L0Zt/s400/Galway%20Pub.jpg"/></a>
<P>At the entrance to Maria's Tailoring & Alterations at 54 Court Street, under a small welcome mat, I spied an old tile entryway for a prior tenant.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EhdkAKf9gKyj9RfYe4YxPTUJUQX1VNNBFIP5KDrS_emuiCthQ5yFqAnhkGVU6Rg2H6f5hsKjKe25XBQzSafLrKNHkmEniPrN2_TYScAdrPOZt7xnrOeH6pVBwJjszMXhiHxMPC0okVGaSfJmt_P7m3s0BPkQumHYZKOlE9KsGVWsWMdz_bJdXqoG8H3g/s2048/Sugar%20Bowl%20entryway.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1301" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EhdkAKf9gKyj9RfYe4YxPTUJUQX1VNNBFIP5KDrS_emuiCthQ5yFqAnhkGVU6Rg2H6f5hsKjKe25XBQzSafLrKNHkmEniPrN2_TYScAdrPOZt7xnrOeH6pVBwJjszMXhiHxMPC0okVGaSfJmt_P7m3s0BPkQumHYZKOlE9KsGVWsWMdz_bJdXqoG8H3g/s400/Sugar%20Bowl%20entryway.jpg"/></a>
<P>This building, which has been altered greatly over the centuries, dates to 1710, according to MACRIS. "The two story building at 52-54 Court Street is a two-part commercial block with commercial occupancy on the first floor and residential space on the second and attic stories. This property is an altered example of the Colonial style of architecture. The building has a brick veneer on the front façade and vinyl siding on the other elevations. The building’s first floor fenestration has been replaced with modern updates throughout; however, the second and attic story windows appear to be the original two-over-two windows. The roof has been covered in asphalt shingles."</P>
<P>As for the residential and commercial history, MACRIS indicates that "[t]his lot was granted to Martha Waite in the early 1700s and was passed onto Eleazer Rogers who built the house. Rogers sold the property in 1721 to Thomas Phillips who sold it in 1723 to Anthony DeCosta whose widow lived here until 1765....Then in 1795 the property was divided between two owners and changed hands several times. William Morey purchased the southern half in 1812 and then the northern half in 1824 to become the sole owner of the property and lived here into the
1880s. The building remained residential through the early 1900s and by 1912 the ground floor was divided into three businesses: tailor, electrician, and variety store."</P>
<P>I haven't found anything about a store called Sugar Bowl, but I'm guessing it was a candy store dating back to the early- to mid-20th century.</P>
<P>On the opposite side of Court Street stands The Music Box, one part of a mini empire that includes the <a href="https://guitarpedalshoppe.com">Guitar Pedal Shoppe</a> (located in the same building) and a recording studio called Soaring Sounds next door.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVHLX8McU6C9W8RFVDu8Oeh7TgFLH7wrrF_zCAg6mRlhT_C4FbMZwwrIqY4V6VTxuLvH4Ymphekoizaibybd2jFC8DQ8WSfsnULSZOc6orA1HNTgdIdRIYq_SYV5fwOUXFAFq7Ih5MGGaZlrLzw85OjlckuZZoWv1_ayfAwGK3_jKXxnbZd4ImXjmakCM/s2048/The%20Music%20Box.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1693" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBVHLX8McU6C9W8RFVDu8Oeh7TgFLH7wrrF_zCAg6mRlhT_C4FbMZwwrIqY4V6VTxuLvH4Ymphekoizaibybd2jFC8DQ8WSfsnULSZOc6orA1HNTgdIdRIYq_SYV5fwOUXFAFq7Ih5MGGaZlrLzw85OjlckuZZoWv1_ayfAwGK3_jKXxnbZd4ImXjmakCM/s400/The%20Music%20Box.jpg"/></a>
<P>As you've probably guessed, the building was originally a home, dating to the late 1790s. In the 1890s, the house was sold to the Methodist Episcopal Church, which maintained ownership until 1978, according to MACRIS. After that, the quaint property was owned by the
Beis Jacob Society, an <a href="https://www.cbjplymouth.org/who-we-are/our-history">organization formed in 1912</a> in order to raise funds to build a synagogue in Plymouth.</P>
<P>At the corner of Court and South Russell streets, how could I pass up a chance to make a photo of a place called <a href="https://www.gunthertooties.com">Gunther Tooties</a>?</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHH5nlIQT1qAIRzaOXpCe2M1SnPfJpJZAuF2zS7ap-DXbDPBJWaNNo1xST3M05kiSk8FrK8cFYAgRgA2uia1EeaEoVfvmA5C8guPyBvOB2bZ6L4vjdbfkReasJqTpPXRb8TSl0Er1sXyUPzUQxSsgoYoz7_S17yVosea0-YQOGsUdgiFxLlIfYZRwJdXya/s2048/Gunther%20Tooties.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHH5nlIQT1qAIRzaOXpCe2M1SnPfJpJZAuF2zS7ap-DXbDPBJWaNNo1xST3M05kiSk8FrK8cFYAgRgA2uia1EeaEoVfvmA5C8guPyBvOB2bZ6L4vjdbfkReasJqTpPXRb8TSl0Er1sXyUPzUQxSsgoYoz7_S17yVosea0-YQOGsUdgiFxLlIfYZRwJdXya/s400/Gunther%20Tooties.jpg"/></a>
<P>Part of a local, six-store chain, Gunther Tooties specializes in bagels, and also offers coffee, salads and breakfast and lunch sandwiches. I'm not sure when the business was founded, but the current owner, Tony Chen, purchased the chain in 2006, according to the company's web site. The store should not be confused with Colorado-based eatery chain <a href="https://gunthertoodys.com">Gunther Toody's</a>, which was named for a character on the early '60s sitcom, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_54,_Where_Are_You%3F">"Car 54, Where Are You?"</a> So I suppose that means Gunther Tooties was, as well.</P>
<P>As for the building, located steps from Plymouth Town Hall, it was previously occupied by Forest Jewelers, a Jubilee restaurant and All Things Tea, according to MACRIS. As for the date it was built, well, the MACRIS reporter was evidently drunk when this file was recorded. At the top of the document available online, next to "Year Constructed," it says 1935. Further in the report, we learn that the "building at 20 Court Street appears to have been constructed between 1910 and 1925." And then a little deeper in, we are told, "According to Sanborn Maps the lot was previously occupied by a dwelling at least until 1927 and the current building was constructed by 1948."</P>
<P>Take your pick. I choose to believe sometime between 1910 and 1925.</P>
<P>I ventured a little further south along Court Street and found myself at the town square, looking up at two very impressive churches. I was fighting the sun that day, so only managed one half-decent photo, seen below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEs2O1apWXO-kAeEzpXxFZUFiDkTkpBWOmZbRShJoMjyOA3rY1kESSw5CQb6lchlOaLnDikc-DidD0DKprNn3xWka4tTtE_z3BR8bh_15qaBtRT1YChcEU1-pcjzwbHYmvpOS4GG0uJ6ny7Y4VOTaxQKuw4ZPKrQWyMh6hlofRMn6dP1s0ptB7Kqjr_W6/s2048/Two%20churches.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioEs2O1apWXO-kAeEzpXxFZUFiDkTkpBWOmZbRShJoMjyOA3rY1kESSw5CQb6lchlOaLnDikc-DidD0DKprNn3xWka4tTtE_z3BR8bh_15qaBtRT1YChcEU1-pcjzwbHYmvpOS4GG0uJ6ny7Y4VOTaxQKuw4ZPKrQWyMh6hlofRMn6dP1s0ptB7Kqjr_W6/s400/Two%20churches.jpg"/></a>
<P>In the foreground is the <a href="https://themayflowersociety.org/visit/mayflower-meetinghouse/">Mayflower Meetinghouse</a>, which is operated by the National Pilgrim Memorial Meetinghouse Charitable Trust. Built in 1897 as the First Parish Church of Plymouth, this Romanesque Revival beauty is the fifth house of worship located on this site. It was designed by the Boston architectural firm of Hartwell, Richardson, and Driver and is one of the few examples of this style of architecture in Plymouth, according to MACRIS. That firm was "established in 1881, by Henry Walker Hartwell...and William Cummings Richardson....The firm contributed significantly to the current building stock and architecture of the greater Boston area," according to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartwell_and_Richardson">Wikipedia</a>. "Many of its buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places."</P>
<P>According to the The Mayflower Society, First Parish Church donated the building in an effort to save it, and "upon the condition that funds be put in place to permanently maintain it, and that they be allowed to continue scheduling their services there." The Mayflower Society plans an immersive and multi-media museum experience at the site, according to its web site.</P>
<P>Behind the meetinghouse in the photo above is <a href="https://www.churchofthepilgrimage.org">The Church of the Pilgrimage</a>.</P>
<P>Currently affiliated with the United Church of Christ, the congregation was formed in 1801 after splitting off from the First Church, which eventually became Unitarian, according to MACRIS.</P>
<P>"The Church of the Pilgrimage was erected in the Greek Revival style in 1840 and extensively remodeled in the Colonial Revival style to the designs of prominent architect <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Everett_Chandler">Joseph Everett Chandler</a>," according to MACRIS. "Chandler was responsible for the building's monumental three-bay
frontispiece, as well as its belfry, tower, and octagonal cupola."</P>
<P>My final stop on this tour was "the only existing house in Plymouth where Pilgrims actually spent time."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnoLMRmPvyyMSNyndFdygqt6OwYICD9re5fBGpljKILDssIXLOeCmI6Na47255VI1SvvIO5AOWWuEF7L5VALFnRkDHnH5cA5_6GKwrDL0pv1a7umPf_cfFXyxiASuQHP3EWhUJDVW249fFIkmjvsbOxg2pFQ2RaiyuhNxwzIoy5U3Kqh2x7b-c47CYdfK/s2048/Howland%20House%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1459" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnoLMRmPvyyMSNyndFdygqt6OwYICD9re5fBGpljKILDssIXLOeCmI6Na47255VI1SvvIO5AOWWuEF7L5VALFnRkDHnH5cA5_6GKwrDL0pv1a7umPf_cfFXyxiASuQHP3EWhUJDVW249fFIkmjvsbOxg2pFQ2RaiyuhNxwzIoy5U3Kqh2x7b-c47CYdfK/s400/Howland%20House%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xtR5sV--3xYCeboZeQkr3ex6Mn37p-sscA6PH6SLj36txZwwyJ8Tm9hX9UtihYTKJ7Mu11Ce9X1wCeY1x5Okob_7q4wFAD601DpwMRRwcr_-HCBfC60OZTf0jByd_a4wNoNoeFKiFPO5yvZ1c7Mqg8RCyB6Y5CNw7PRYw2QTtPPYyurYy88OzJHcF3Wr/s2048/Howland%20House.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7xtR5sV--3xYCeboZeQkr3ex6Mn37p-sscA6PH6SLj36txZwwyJ8Tm9hX9UtihYTKJ7Mu11Ce9X1wCeY1x5Okob_7q4wFAD601DpwMRRwcr_-HCBfC60OZTf0jByd_a4wNoNoeFKiFPO5yvZ1c7Mqg8RCyB6Y5CNw7PRYw2QTtPPYyurYy88OzJHcF3Wr/s400/Howland%20House.jpg"/></a>
<P>The <a href="https://pilgrimjohnhowlandsociety.org/The_Jabez_Howland_House">Jabez Howland House</a> was built in 1667, with additions completed in 1750 and 1790, according to MACRIS. John Howland and his wife, Elizabeth Tilley, both <i>Mayflower</i> passengers, had four sons and six daughters. Jabez, their eighth child, and his wife Bethia lived in the house at 33 Sandwich Street until they moved to Bristol, Rhode Island, in 1680, according to the historic house's web site.</P>
<P>The house was occupied until 1912 when, through the efforts of Mrs. Nelson Titus, then secretary-treasurer, the house was bought by the Pilgrim John Howland Society, according to the web site.</P>
<P>Then it was time for me to ship off....</P>Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-70517020329280442742024-01-13T07:46:00.000-05:002024-01-13T07:46:36.058-05:00Malden? Karl Malden?! No, the Other One<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Malden">Karl Malden</a> (born Mladen George Sekulovich) was a legendary actor who starred on Broadway (Arthur Miller's "All My Sons," Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire") and in countless films ("On the Waterfront," "Baby Doll," "Birdman of Alcatraz"). I remember him best from "The Streets of San Francisco," a cop drama co-starring Michael Douglas that ran on ABC from 1972 to 1977.</P>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D-dfCjvwemA?si=Km0qzsWuC5p17BrF" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>The city of <a href="https://www.cityofmalden.org">Malden, Mass.</a>, on the other hand, hasn't landed one stage, film or TV role since being incorporated in 1649. The small city located just a little north of Boston has, however, produced some famous folks: Tony/Oscar/Emmy winner <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Albertson">Jack Albertson</a>, whom I loved in "Chico and the Man"; <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erle_Stanley_Gardner">Erle Stanley Gardner</a>, author of the Perry Mason detective stories; musician <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Greenbaum">Norman Greenbaum</a>, about whom we'll learn more later; <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edna_May_Oliver">Edna May Oliver</a>, who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for 1939's "Drums Along the Mohawk"; and drummer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Robinson_%28drummer%29">David Robinson</a>, who played in both the Modern Lovers and the Cars.</P>
<P>Ever since taking my son to Boda Borg, a "real-life questing" experience in downtown Malden several years ago, I've wanted to return to make photos. I recalled a main street with some cool old buildings. After a bit of research (An old diner!), last July I found time to explore. Below, you'll see and learn about what I found. You know how this works.</P>
<P>The first place I came across was one that made me say, out loud, to myself, not for the first time, "Oh, THAT used to be something!"</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13uXnhY5mthcxHv-VRDuPbjDa0xxa7V3xt1GXGQ8am69PyfN0nAvtyiRb2r3ql13qgoKuWJk2R7E3GjLrFC0OuZyhzwKLTLQTCrEieZkoGueLSdMi62JjUwHl_pKSOwq2sF3CfRXa_AJdyVtAnL2CxTAH_BzLZ3XOut9vAZLLhxAB-0lTR6_tcQS-a0qZ/s2048/Malden%20Knitting.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1384" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13uXnhY5mthcxHv-VRDuPbjDa0xxa7V3xt1GXGQ8am69PyfN0nAvtyiRb2r3ql13qgoKuWJk2R7E3GjLrFC0OuZyhzwKLTLQTCrEieZkoGueLSdMi62JjUwHl_pKSOwq2sF3CfRXa_AJdyVtAnL2CxTAH_BzLZ3XOut9vAZLLhxAB-0lTR6_tcQS-a0qZ/s400/Malden%20Knitting.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently home to a U-Haul Self Storage facility, this brick building along Eastern Avenue, near the intersection with Ferry Street, was originally Revere Knitting Mills.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN3Z4o0x38SWLwmBjfk2zTkXjMG_ys_3n3VcbKADpiaVm_8rref1RakXg38qyYSKf3gP94qSjIKSDaKdypiycTHRpQqlazhRiCJyOkzfHRfj9ljRokIdU36l_oLgZmvpvoOO4qaf-BbkljvHseAhk2yyQjU5g7BOiyykKLd8Z8bz8sVB7rnpDezEmbnRw/s2048/Malden%20Knitting%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1526" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguN3Z4o0x38SWLwmBjfk2zTkXjMG_ys_3n3VcbKADpiaVm_8rref1RakXg38qyYSKf3gP94qSjIKSDaKdypiycTHRpQqlazhRiCJyOkzfHRfj9ljRokIdU36l_oLgZmvpvoOO4qaf-BbkljvHseAhk2yyQjU5g7BOiyykKLd8Z8bz8sVB7rnpDezEmbnRw/s400/Malden%20Knitting%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>From MACRIS: "The Revere Knitting Mills factory was built in 1921 with rear access to the Saugus Branch Railroad. In 1929 a rear addition was made to the original building along the railroad line. The Revere Mills suffered a serious fire in August 1938 and a strike in November 1938. After World War II the company moved to suburban Wakefield, closing operations in 1958."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQbcdNEs32Z4fBsLf5kK6aINNJq7hqVthXW2wUEfvIwiKK2kc30R9C7JXcgCXXk5grKRmNmOn-6WnMh7bO9ELInDhMvgDpXAajAXN-HkbGdEG1LKTPCBON21jCEaftVMSvXIdBKbXCDCo4gXyCU19hKFV9rnmwdh5OMkODPjS24TelgmF07J0pqriANTm/s2048/Malden%20Knitting%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQbcdNEs32Z4fBsLf5kK6aINNJq7hqVthXW2wUEfvIwiKK2kc30R9C7JXcgCXXk5grKRmNmOn-6WnMh7bO9ELInDhMvgDpXAajAXN-HkbGdEG1LKTPCBON21jCEaftVMSvXIdBKbXCDCo4gXyCU19hKFV9rnmwdh5OMkODPjS24TelgmF07J0pqriANTm/s400/Malden%20Knitting%203.jpg"/></a>
<P>The term "knitting mill" may sound quaint, as if a bunch of old ladies are rocking in sync in their chairs, nattering about the weather and slowly but surely completing scarves, hats and mittens. The reality was a bit different: low pay, long and grueling shifts, noisy and potentially dangerous machinery, children working without legal protection. Below is a video that gives you an idea of what it was like to work in a cotton mill in England in the 18th and 19th centuries.</P>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hY4ptEzxNwM?si=3v2lRjFeD-SxFrVN" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>I roamed quite a bit around downtown before I found my next photo target, but it was a damn good one.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBx12V8mWKwTSifscZwU69GJpsKKdeLXpCK9X6gKsQS8Q31GvWS1ArSX_JlJgwjyc6B8d-JvW9p3AdjsOP-0oVFxiKkoBNKTmn8h9vOaTdHWDH2URe487a5OqfjPi-dKBjEbTDH2vqRSSXqvDi4X-u1kmz77rsoApHcUSnOXu0_pQLhPdPvBdzG0znZ6Q/s2048/Malden%20beautiful%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1809" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBx12V8mWKwTSifscZwU69GJpsKKdeLXpCK9X6gKsQS8Q31GvWS1ArSX_JlJgwjyc6B8d-JvW9p3AdjsOP-0oVFxiKkoBNKTmn8h9vOaTdHWDH2URe487a5OqfjPi-dKBjEbTDH2vqRSSXqvDi4X-u1kmz77rsoApHcUSnOXu0_pQLhPdPvBdzG0znZ6Q/s400/Malden%20beautiful%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EbpzdBVe0PcDt34_EOjS6QYUzgvUoQruITqQmeMO0gGbFYSIbeUpl5n5zx6j8Qw22tUP8sQKjuDPY6iCSnaKGwDtzONKaZFn7Qr3DHghXxGXYz2ot6wnhq20DOshS2dXDX6Hq8N26luk0r5NCilVXVxg-_Q0RF5dVCkSQ3l5FL7gPbvubm8wmY6Aj_ln/s2048/Malden%20beautiful%20bldg%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1603" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EbpzdBVe0PcDt34_EOjS6QYUzgvUoQruITqQmeMO0gGbFYSIbeUpl5n5zx6j8Qw22tUP8sQKjuDPY6iCSnaKGwDtzONKaZFn7Qr3DHghXxGXYz2ot6wnhq20DOshS2dXDX6Hq8N26luk0r5NCilVXVxg-_Q0RF5dVCkSQ3l5FL7gPbvubm8wmY6Aj_ln/s400/Malden%20beautiful%20bldg%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>This Classical Revival beauty was built in 1894 for Mrs. Edward L. Brown of Malden, according to MACRIS. It was "designed in 1894 by H.W. Hartwell & W.C. Richardson, noted Boston area architects, unrelated to H.H. Richardson," MACRIS continues. "The four story brick business block follows a standard plan for commercial buildings of the period with retail shops on the street floor and upper story offices, including a dining hall on the fourth floor."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WOsc7Vaog9gpMOpRIoIF7KAe1Pee3OThWWHFq4r-jcu1fImEFRJv5RQ_UHgoq3WNtlludy7i46MZTzKtpxrcZJSWdpSnpaJUIiFJ7Jj_SdU4l52CyXZIlOdsYt1rfs2AYugVUw0zk0JMBbD58ywjuaebDM2X8A9iMLZJds2LwE1heItQ2B8CgYLbkNiR/s2048/Malden%20beautiful%20bldg%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1663" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WOsc7Vaog9gpMOpRIoIF7KAe1Pee3OThWWHFq4r-jcu1fImEFRJv5RQ_UHgoq3WNtlludy7i46MZTzKtpxrcZJSWdpSnpaJUIiFJ7Jj_SdU4l52CyXZIlOdsYt1rfs2AYugVUw0zk0JMBbD58ywjuaebDM2X8A9iMLZJds2LwE1heItQ2B8CgYLbkNiR/s400/Malden%20beautiful%20bldg%203.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Sometime after 1930 the Malden Masonic Order relocated from the Yerxa (W.T. Grant) Building at 72-80 Pleasant Street to the Browne Building, renaming to the Malden Masonic Building," per MACRIS. "In 1972 a serious fire required substantial rebuilding of the Masonic facilities with a new entrance."</P>
<P>Nowadays, this building is known as the <a href="https://www.residencesatmaldenstation.com/?doorway=schedule">Residences at Malden Station</a>, a pet-friendly apartment community with a 24-hour fitness center and two rooftop lounges.</P>
<P>Continuing east on Pleasant Street, I saw plenty of other nice buildings, starting with the old Malden Trust Company Bank.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BkOidbmfA5npau5o6u4lTcntGzUSrCZFZvHj4HeF6UhBwpdPF3keQNkO1lJDjdtaIuM2m9h8xVfzHhKLp08nD-orH9gblS3jpqfT0R7JwY82n9lvwzrTwE3IZlAeYgzKQ6PjObH87Ja9K-eN424tw3nqtmB_-79AR3wVijiZtlONa_J5BfqGJLT61u9A/s2048/Malden%20Trust%20Co.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1358" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8BkOidbmfA5npau5o6u4lTcntGzUSrCZFZvHj4HeF6UhBwpdPF3keQNkO1lJDjdtaIuM2m9h8xVfzHhKLp08nD-orH9gblS3jpqfT0R7JwY82n9lvwzrTwE3IZlAeYgzKQ6PjObH87Ja9K-eN424tw3nqtmB_-79AR3wVijiZtlONa_J5BfqGJLT61u9A/s400/Malden%20Trust%20Co.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently occupied by East Cambridge Savings Bank and <a href="https://mixeresports.com">Mixer eSports + Cafe</a> (part of the <a href="https://www.maldengamingdistrict.com">Malden Gaming District</a>, which includes <a href="https://www.projectputt.com">Project: PUTT!</a>, <a href="https://malden.rockspotclimbing.com">Rock Spot Climbing</a>, Boda Borg [to be discussed below] and <a href="https://www.stationktv.com">Station: Bistro & KTV</a>), the Classical Revival Malden Trust building was completed in 1914. The building was acquired by Pioneer Bank in 1983, and by Eastern Bank in 1994, according to MACRIS.</P>
<P>Next door is <a href="https://www.bodaborg.com/locations/boston">Boda Borg</a>, a questing entertainment business founded in Sweden in the mid-1990s, according to the company's web site. "Our Questing concept pioneered the Reality-Gaming business sector in an era of video games, reality television, and action movies," the web site continues. "People were drawn to a concept where they participate physically and mentally in exhilarating activities themselves. No movies! No video games! Just you and real-life Quests!"</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYA9sbLLe051Nj_FOv3xy0CzV4Nt9wyYNytZGr8691oFRRuA4LSKJWLsfnErMoX4Jqyv-Z_I3qe1pzomGL1ucrczLRrZ6rZpWLt_x_hmKIVb0qRGJnKklHLe0AmHaKFRROCVVxR7-3xbh9Ho7sE4YGMSloTl1rnsw47jaQy8uqyRO5J_LAl3N22OZxQZz/s2048/Boda%20Borg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1398" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifYA9sbLLe051Nj_FOv3xy0CzV4Nt9wyYNytZGr8691oFRRuA4LSKJWLsfnErMoX4Jqyv-Z_I3qe1pzomGL1ucrczLRrZ6rZpWLt_x_hmKIVb0qRGJnKklHLe0AmHaKFRROCVVxR7-3xbh9Ho7sE4YGMSloTl1rnsw47jaQy8uqyRO5J_LAl3N22OZxQZz/s400/Boda%20Borg.jpg"/></a>
<P>My son and his friends had a blast here a few times back when he was in high school. Boda Borg took over the space formerly filled by Sparks Department Store, which had been in business for 94 years before <a href="https://patch.com/massachusetts/malden/sparks-is-closing-after-94-years-of-doing-business-in-malden">closing in 2013</a>.</P>
<P>Adjacent to Boda Borg is Super 99 Century, a discount store located in the former W.T. Grant Department Store space.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNE9bleOgiAx_3FuitUs0paoawkdi3ro_HfVcaPqUQmKYijP4RQdWt3JhehnLUvH7dzDOXxBQlr6N2n54E8WBw_Dx1ct5cl9dpX50J_V46WhN2ITkJUaQQNd7_eaqrDWMa7Kay_5eHk5w2qVcB48WgjTvJsDyMlx5CKBStOuhbgwWRXJzfzLitlolRTtN/s2048/Super%2099%20Century.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1586" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlNE9bleOgiAx_3FuitUs0paoawkdi3ro_HfVcaPqUQmKYijP4RQdWt3JhehnLUvH7dzDOXxBQlr6N2n54E8WBw_Dx1ct5cl9dpX50J_V46WhN2ITkJUaQQNd7_eaqrDWMa7Kay_5eHk5w2qVcB48WgjTvJsDyMlx5CKBStOuhbgwWRXJzfzLitlolRTtN/s400/Super%2099%20Century.jpg"/></a>
<P>I've written a few times before about Grants, a department store chain founded by Malden native William T. Grant in 1906. Founded in Lynn, Mass., the chain grew to nearly 1,200 stores by the time its founder passed away in 1972 at age 96. Four years later, the company went out of business, "in part due to a failure to adapt to changing times [that] was probably accelerated by management's refusal until it was too late to eliminate the shareholder dividend," according to Wikipedia.</P>
<P>As for the Pleasant Street building, it was built in 1941 when Grants moved from its previous location in what is known as the Yerxa Block (located...somewhere in Malden), according to MACRIS. The Malden store closed in 1971.</P>
<P>Super 99's neighbor to the east is home to <a href="https://www.zuruzururamen.com">Zuru Zuru</a>, a ramen restaurant, and <a href="https://thedowntownpaw.com">The Downtown Paw</a>, a doggy daycare facility. I've searched high and low online, but I haven't figured out any history for the building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnxbS53pRHmnG6Sp3jETMCTgsXVAr-S1Kb6VEUeFkqfKFh6PyCqPAuFfbpYm8tMKoI3jdc3gziBeblf2a0VixcX5yBTyZblh2cvKB14uq6LecmxS6x1ktkaIV-o_SPqtEtP0aCkDMRtvSYWp46_vNXGAwV0QXX1H77eqlAFs_ZEZrFGRMQ1DbYQAIcQ-X/s2048/Malden%20Zuru%20Zuru.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnxbS53pRHmnG6Sp3jETMCTgsXVAr-S1Kb6VEUeFkqfKFh6PyCqPAuFfbpYm8tMKoI3jdc3gziBeblf2a0VixcX5yBTyZblh2cvKB14uq6LecmxS6x1ktkaIV-o_SPqtEtP0aCkDMRtvSYWp46_vNXGAwV0QXX1H77eqlAFs_ZEZrFGRMQ1DbYQAIcQ-X/s400/Malden%20Zuru%20Zuru.jpg"/></a>
<P>The place next door, on the other hand, was built in 1940 as an F.W. Woolworth store (aka Woolworth's).</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzh_EF9usAD9gMpnxqrj_dXQLBgqe3mi4-De1LgDz1nw7W3Jd82cUumMjYvWfHbXTqtyW2wisxElUXht5I78ci41lqRrVbvaiXtrCBIu2eCspkHNySDR4dwhriXdXU5pI2xiGgUxBJRPBovr9Lv_36tXd5XXMB5-PQv-_6PGlP-reFVBBmJcj0FaSKW1v/s2048/Malden%20All%20Seasons.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1460" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyzh_EF9usAD9gMpnxqrj_dXQLBgqe3mi4-De1LgDz1nw7W3Jd82cUumMjYvWfHbXTqtyW2wisxElUXht5I78ci41lqRrVbvaiXtrCBIu2eCspkHNySDR4dwhriXdXU5pI2xiGgUxBJRPBovr9Lv_36tXd5XXMB5-PQv-_6PGlP-reFVBBmJcj0FaSKW1v/s400/Malden%20All%20Seasons.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently home to modern Asian restaurant <a href="https://www.astrestaurant.com/?y_source=1_MTk5MTY3MDgtNzE1LWxvY2F0aW9uLndlYnNpdGU%3D&gclid=CjwKCAjw6eWnBhAKEiwADpnw9hE_z3JMAxDPxnDTTgW860yFhUbzpiD_QT6EwBCDpDTjmtCm0l8NzBoCijwQAvD_BwE">All Seasons Table</a>, this building was "named the 'most modern building in New England' when it opened in October 1940," per MACRIS, citing the <i>Malden News</i>. The Woolworth store closed in 1969.</P>
<P>Near the end of Pleasant Street, on the north side, is a little place named the Bychower Building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jNDI16l-a4LcHoLCUzO4GsMelDyfbGbMyQws6t_ShBqlDwDTK3-rBXdkT54Fn57gNECcU4DlLcBGTrEWN5UkrOEZgvZpMtA6yeh9iFmym8GS4kiOjVFnJJjz9YWIDfzF25WuXowz5r8J_d8lwTho_PNPrzh4U2ziG-w9N_SYfKvLzMUyrXp7QrlrkYVz/s2048/Bychower%20Bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jNDI16l-a4LcHoLCUzO4GsMelDyfbGbMyQws6t_ShBqlDwDTK3-rBXdkT54Fn57gNECcU4DlLcBGTrEWN5UkrOEZgvZpMtA6yeh9iFmym8GS4kiOjVFnJJjz9YWIDfzF25WuXowz5r8J_d8lwTho_PNPrzh4U2ziG-w9N_SYfKvLzMUyrXp7QrlrkYVz/s400/Bychower%20Bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>I haven't found any information about this place, which is currently occupied by <a href="https://cashforgold-northboston.com">Gold & Diamonds, Etc.</a></P>
<P>Next door, close to the point where Pleasant and Main streets meet, is the Barrett Building, which has an interesting history and features a ghost sign.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdi1UPgzjfKp8sEftfKxmD2X4Et8AQGdTmxZsWufDMIi1dBM6mxLKBvaidZL9cKa342eNChbfUKBFs5pUDWd0kF3ExKJFrih2xsXo3KwpfFQtMJQctPfd007tRqphqher7QoF-3h7s0Dklx-Aws36VJdYniV9n-Gr069kCIDadZCkmlYD64X8-LQMRXQn/s2048/Malden%20ghost%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1403" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdi1UPgzjfKp8sEftfKxmD2X4Et8AQGdTmxZsWufDMIi1dBM6mxLKBvaidZL9cKa342eNChbfUKBFs5pUDWd0kF3ExKJFrih2xsXo3KwpfFQtMJQctPfd007tRqphqher7QoF-3h7s0Dklx-Aws36VJdYniV9n-Gr069kCIDadZCkmlYD64X8-LQMRXQn/s400/Malden%20ghost%202.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(The Barrett Building, seen in the background.)</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQZHn868M8wQXD7NhmA82U2R7Z3rrGq25ByVwntjm4BUGVLdzqmbnFpKt_fvqswXjBk0zo43sHa3U5zrFmmM55kPbFz4Z4p9FDbYo-0AlKCH15qmm8DJdDv8okVuAef7OkFM7kTFKKJmTIUBc1vSfH_HhPzaMCYdTMEsku1B6TzhIQ7BnQskS47jzZwDk/s2048/Malden%20ghost%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQZHn868M8wQXD7NhmA82U2R7Z3rrGq25ByVwntjm4BUGVLdzqmbnFpKt_fvqswXjBk0zo43sHa3U5zrFmmM55kPbFz4Z4p9FDbYo-0AlKCH15qmm8DJdDv8okVuAef7OkFM7kTFKKJmTIUBc1vSfH_HhPzaMCYdTMEsku1B6TzhIQ7BnQskS47jzZwDk/s400/Malden%20ghost%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Ghost sign for Black's Furniture on the side of the Barrett Building.)</b></P>
<P>From MACRIS: "Barrett's Building was completed and opened in March 1884 with a mix of craft-works, including a crockery shop and furniture factory on the upper floors, along with a meeting hall. Advertising signs for BLACK'S FURNITURE are still preserved on the side brick walls and match with directory listings and photographs to 1898-1900, possibly earlier to the original building as the oldest remaining commercial art in Malden Square."</P>
<P>Damn, those are some old ghost signs!</P>
<P>A meeting room on the third floor of the Panel Brick building was used for a time as a Red Men's Hall. Known officially as the Improved Order of Red Men, the fraternal organization "claims direct descent from the colonial era Sons of Liberty," per <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Improved_Order_of_Red_Men">Wikipedia</a>. Established in Baltimore in 1834, the Red Men held rituals and wore regalia "modeled after those assumed by men of the era to be used by Native Americans. Despite the name, the order was formed solely by, and for, white men," Wikipedia continues. The group <a href="https://iorm.online">lives on today</a>, although not at this location.</P>
<P>I wrote about another former Red Men's Hall on August 7, 2022, in part one of <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2022/08/a-nice-walk-in-natick-center-part-i.html">my profile of Natick Center</a>.</P>
<P>Finally, in 1926 the Barrett Building's "middle bay was opened up at the ground floor level to become the entrance to the new Granada Theater which was built behind it," per MACRIS.</P>
<P>Around the corner, on Main Street, is the former home of another fraternal organization.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91GWniRZac6s0mSe_wBsdZYdp6sCb6Ti86AZia0tnSpKi1QDXHqkJG1H62QBJvai4WUYkN_0xjb8ujbhsjKEQtMyFOi9KD9LGUhDqyWcgR5d1U3m8k3Mfw--Upsaxbu_Rpi63iXIBOLcpW5F8-tQjUGJ_gk2LsxrAmGXztejO3SdLZ_89NNR0-DZRz21S/s2048/IOOF%20bldg%20Malden.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh91GWniRZac6s0mSe_wBsdZYdp6sCb6Ti86AZia0tnSpKi1QDXHqkJG1H62QBJvai4WUYkN_0xjb8ujbhsjKEQtMyFOi9KD9LGUhDqyWcgR5d1U3m8k3Mfw--Upsaxbu_Rpi63iXIBOLcpW5F8-tQjUGJ_gk2LsxrAmGXztejO3SdLZ_89NNR0-DZRz21S/s400/IOOF%20bldg%20Malden.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtPUwIIPg6RkAnrfifQX96BzYwgChaySFolGqq-3-zrsTP9SY3775kk6KpoiCQadZM7cdpYBifB5rzQ79MJWdIPQu4__HlkIAlypJyPOYn5Js6s3zf0sAWNEh6SjhlKCqEA7ZGmTxPmpqqGRZmEL5R3uY0w7PmhLHIFpupE-6RibUs2ney6MwV9-xo_IA/s2048/IOOF%20bldg%20side%20angle.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1723" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxtPUwIIPg6RkAnrfifQX96BzYwgChaySFolGqq-3-zrsTP9SY3775kk6KpoiCQadZM7cdpYBifB5rzQ79MJWdIPQu4__HlkIAlypJyPOYn5Js6s3zf0sAWNEh6SjhlKCqEA7ZGmTxPmpqqGRZmEL5R3uY0w7PmhLHIFpupE-6RibUs2ney6MwV9-xo_IA/s400/IOOF%20bldg%20side%20angle.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Odd Fellows Temple, which has some impressively ornate details, dates to 1907.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXOxdiYgqLvcIup2l_jH_qkUabv5i4lJcYYn7RNTkAbYs6NAc_HgCcxOrGMM-Id1yKBgkSig1zoxQmQ0-skxfsR8sv1u_wZn_I5dd52bOPlyyga4M5_hl1h35HD2N8qGX06HrLLuli167P1x2IpgJAh_F9LLlDO2Rmxsw4jyWixBooOYKuhn2X0zvafta/s2048/IOOF%20detail%20Malden.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXOxdiYgqLvcIup2l_jH_qkUabv5i4lJcYYn7RNTkAbYs6NAc_HgCcxOrGMM-Id1yKBgkSig1zoxQmQ0-skxfsR8sv1u_wZn_I5dd52bOPlyyga4M5_hl1h35HD2N8qGX06HrLLuli167P1x2IpgJAh_F9LLlDO2Rmxsw4jyWixBooOYKuhn2X0zvafta/s400/IOOF%20detail%20Malden.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazMW9zPzuNnIi0ETpTl2gJgZ4NUyJK0la77vUCQFbNAdmxuuRXjxzeNH-Tto9FtOjxJd0KPrQfw5VdIN4V-0aHHHQpljTsAiDZatfyaVYcmpsMK8qJwMKhB_o3SSSYgOxpUZEaxe6uNXUxCNAFq9g-_mtPaRzGD_hLOZ0sfZsnSA49U6eahk4YgcpQzY7/s2048/IOOF%20plaque.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhazMW9zPzuNnIi0ETpTl2gJgZ4NUyJK0la77vUCQFbNAdmxuuRXjxzeNH-Tto9FtOjxJd0KPrQfw5VdIN4V-0aHHHQpljTsAiDZatfyaVYcmpsMK8qJwMKhB_o3SSSYgOxpUZEaxe6uNXUxCNAFq9g-_mtPaRzGD_hLOZ0sfZsnSA49U6eahk4YgcpQzY7/s400/IOOF%20plaque.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently, the building is home to <a href="https://www.ilctr.org">The Immigrant Learning Center</a>, some law offices and other small businesses, I believe. Below is a ghost sign for a company called <a href="https://insuranceexpress.com">Insurance Express</a> that was once located in the building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKHyZLosi-4FUoudGWxfyWaztOkWns-rZX8I6Te6OrEX8eQR4NDr9Ji-GrJYENyOQXEU5_GG9eBMp5Oo-WtKtAkK6tII5hus0bqwZzYvrfVHMWQep3za8KLwW_j8A_rJ4MKvaYVe5ORYVOXSnB8yOYOE5wAg2EUi5SfIn17uSJ5Wmbak66HPBwH_psxd-/s2048/Insurance%20Express.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxKHyZLosi-4FUoudGWxfyWaztOkWns-rZX8I6Te6OrEX8eQR4NDr9Ji-GrJYENyOQXEU5_GG9eBMp5Oo-WtKtAkK6tII5hus0bqwZzYvrfVHMWQep3za8KLwW_j8A_rJ4MKvaYVe5ORYVOXSnB8yOYOE5wAg2EUi5SfIn17uSJ5Wmbak66HPBwH_psxd-/s400/Insurance%20Express.jpg"/></a>
<P>On this exploration, I did a lot of walking without taking photos. Sometimes that happens on the backside. After checking out the IOOF temple, I doubled back along the other side of Pleasant Street, and then looped around to Exchange Street. In addition to some new apartment and office buildings, I found some cool public art and a ghost from the past.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXB182TCwVc9m225A56uYh1KVQVZbFKQN4Ve-BbOKlgL2ROd5EmOHyPcXnclQwpI5ONc6ZeWqPITAhYv1ddNV8oMjwAAERkR-wpCSWo5N8CxGKYoDtF5R1IwhCo1v9Td2Q7HDo3cf9WR1V0rje4mjZ-MAfdizAkuSaGM_cDtfSSfQTJ4QHaSBzrJL199r/s2048/Malden%20big%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1373" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJXB182TCwVc9m225A56uYh1KVQVZbFKQN4Ve-BbOKlgL2ROd5EmOHyPcXnclQwpI5ONc6ZeWqPITAhYv1ddNV8oMjwAAERkR-wpCSWo5N8CxGKYoDtF5R1IwhCo1v9Td2Q7HDo3cf9WR1V0rje4mjZ-MAfdizAkuSaGM_cDtfSSfQTJ4QHaSBzrJL199r/s400/Malden%20big%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>"'Spirit in the Sky' is a mural painted...to honor Norman Greenbaun, who wrote the hit song 'Spirit in the Sky' and is from Malden....The mural was designed to be a vibrant piece of artwork for the City of Malden which fuels economic growth through Cultural Value, Educational Value, Historic Value and Community Engagement," according to a statement on the web site of artist <a href="https://www.jmelart.com/murals/project-two-e9xte-wt4zy-8ze7x">Jesse Melanson</a>. The giant mural is located on the rear of 110 Pleasant Street, facing Exchange Street.</P>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vRFo72wuU6w?si=NMLw8axlsa5iHc5Y" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>At the rear of the former Woolworth's store, I spied an old sign for Woolworth Studios.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB--lvH9QTiHV323Y2dh3NrpKRK2K1Zstq7IwAFDjNya_57AnQPbZ0iUp8JvOdjl_0VZOgwhdEwOv1E3SK9j3g5r0oCuFC-hSOexlXtPPNTzhQeD2AxBw8JAdLfUCfFmpumQ24CZA3peEhH2lZ_4oTyLCAq4awwA8LH78PyT0n1rjq6C3gsG_b7y_g4PX/s2048/Woolworth%20Studios.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1479" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB--lvH9QTiHV323Y2dh3NrpKRK2K1Zstq7IwAFDjNya_57AnQPbZ0iUp8JvOdjl_0VZOgwhdEwOv1E3SK9j3g5r0oCuFC-hSOexlXtPPNTzhQeD2AxBw8JAdLfUCfFmpumQ24CZA3peEhH2lZ_4oTyLCAq4awwA8LH78PyT0n1rjq6C3gsG_b7y_g4PX/s400/Woolworth%20Studios.jpg"/></a>
<P>Surprisingly, I haven't found out any information about this part of the old department store chain's business. The current tenant for this space is the aforementioned Project: PUTT!</P>
<P>Along Irving Street, I spied a nice sign for <a href="https://www.pleasantsmoke.com">Pleasant Smoke Shop</a>, which has been selling cigars and accessories since 1982.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBRP6XEITga8Q79VOVTpMQSEjeKAml7qpN0Y5PvZVl5YooEw9Jpj0VHFDxkZI5wLaSihguU2GJb755jrvpuWmjOx3o5LJjHIeaGuiNE4a4M_MHeXhBGu6uCqUrI6Fj_mWqJtBszP_DNpA-34JxAw8fr-9HptTOVURLE0mstp8qe094MUIruelHku8kyKM/s2048/Pleasant%20Smoke%20Shop.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1856" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBRP6XEITga8Q79VOVTpMQSEjeKAml7qpN0Y5PvZVl5YooEw9Jpj0VHFDxkZI5wLaSihguU2GJb755jrvpuWmjOx3o5LJjHIeaGuiNE4a4M_MHeXhBGu6uCqUrI6Fj_mWqJtBszP_DNpA-34JxAw8fr-9HptTOVURLE0mstp8qe094MUIruelHku8kyKM/s400/Pleasant%20Smoke%20Shop.jpg"/></a>
<P>After a few minutes, I headed for the <a href="https://biketothesea.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/B2C_Brochure_NEW_2021-compressed.pdf">Northern Strand Community Trail</a>, a bike path connecting Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus and Lynn. I had no idea whether I would find some cool backside places, or whether I was putting undue strain on my bad feet and my sciatica for no reason. Over the years of exploring on behalf of this blog, I've found that old railroad rights-of-way that have been converted to community paths are pretty good places to poke along. Factories and warehouses that were once served by trains are often still standing witness to e-bikes, parents jogging with strollers, kids on bikes and middle-aged dudes with cameras limping along.</P>
<P>My gamble paid off once again, as I stumbled across the the top model train retailer in the USA.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1d4iX37cFWZXS-3TR-wDdYDb8DZOgQnEY0pUCW_IyuRFPrZysEFcz95m3hqoe_j6fTL2rGVuUG752at1SGH0dNuH62AdwkxMSRET9vP1rIcyFziVVadhemgfmPszXlWwx9vmCZAjhmPaFjSmdF5PoVyPll-uUHga8N-eYSWbU5Pk_x5LRfwCN57AVn-R/s2048/Charles%20Ro.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw1d4iX37cFWZXS-3TR-wDdYDb8DZOgQnEY0pUCW_IyuRFPrZysEFcz95m3hqoe_j6fTL2rGVuUG752at1SGH0dNuH62AdwkxMSRET9vP1rIcyFziVVadhemgfmPszXlWwx9vmCZAjhmPaFjSmdF5PoVyPll-uUHga8N-eYSWbU5Pk_x5LRfwCN57AVn-R/s400/Charles%20Ro.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD4W7kL1joxwKrrEmphSnQ6KNFwDPo1kLosVsmCDZl5I6T3svsJtiLBy3V9S7NDuuBU2JsAOjvC6Uq5glXKX_jeC-TU1ZQ3LfXvFUJnVwbKdlVVHQbPiOrryhXB2ePg-Mt_7sqpYjCLO4mYgJ_G3YTyg6opid-DLde3Fgr6TdpjqVbSfimAftLMP0z0Wm/s2048/Charles%20Ro%20old%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXD4W7kL1joxwKrrEmphSnQ6KNFwDPo1kLosVsmCDZl5I6T3svsJtiLBy3V9S7NDuuBU2JsAOjvC6Uq5glXKX_jeC-TU1ZQ3LfXvFUJnVwbKdlVVHQbPiOrryhXB2ePg-Mt_7sqpYjCLO4mYgJ_G3YTyg6opid-DLde3Fgr6TdpjqVbSfimAftLMP0z0Wm/s400/Charles%20Ro%20old%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://charlesro.com">Charles Ro Supply Company</a> has been in business since 1972, offering "the largest selection and best pricing for all your model train & hobby needs," per its web site, which also claims the store is the world's largest dealer for <a href="http://www.lionel.com">Lionel Trains</a>, a company owned in part by rocker Neil Young.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg44-_Klm8IDzFDur9wJp7BkSUUCMqQP2o9DM3zn21vUVxnY6TKD79DDS7v8e0SIY0X1GPwR6asqZjhCIdO6xxTfd4_YABHf5JlEDGYjkncAE8UZEqjnMNicxwV0SQ6xFkgQqcWJR4ctOa45t39jSL4WMx4GyppWJSjvKu5QUlS3vKBvZXhEfdRIrcm9K/s2048/Charles%20Ro%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1377" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyg44-_Klm8IDzFDur9wJp7BkSUUCMqQP2o9DM3zn21vUVxnY6TKD79DDS7v8e0SIY0X1GPwR6asqZjhCIdO6xxTfd4_YABHf5JlEDGYjkncAE8UZEqjnMNicxwV0SQ6xFkgQqcWJR4ctOa45t39jSL4WMx4GyppWJSjvKu5QUlS3vKBvZXhEfdRIrcm9K/s400/Charles%20Ro%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>I visited the store twice many years ago when my son was young and totally into toy trains. My shopping trip was so many years ago, I thought Charles Ro was located in neighboring Everett, so I was pleasantly surprised to see the store and make a few photos.</P>
<P>I got off the multi-use path and headed north on Cross Street, as I was getting tired and needed to start working my way back toward my car. At the intersection of Cross and Salem streets, I saw a black awning with a faded sign for Salem Wood Cafe.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrW9amer0xhJrGpS03ANQR9cDiwjRvZ3_FNMNqDfhZYCzhnd_uj4SjtixSmOVENdmN7vRay7BFRveUdhzPDQjYXImwqFd8kpZT1c5Q4pV4yx2pdZPLBe4A7Shv8dVyHDDadNzjblyZtrun7ttnp4_TIzoOvNm7oC2b8_ugxukbIZ3-bBGCgIrjosthCsa/s2048/Salem%20Wood%20Cafe.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTrW9amer0xhJrGpS03ANQR9cDiwjRvZ3_FNMNqDfhZYCzhnd_uj4SjtixSmOVENdmN7vRay7BFRveUdhzPDQjYXImwqFd8kpZT1c5Q4pV4yx2pdZPLBe4A7Shv8dVyHDDadNzjblyZtrun7ttnp4_TIzoOvNm7oC2b8_ugxukbIZ3-bBGCgIrjosthCsa/s400/Salem%20Wood%20Cafe.jpg"/></a>
<P>Shuttered in 2013 after what I'm assuming was at least a few decades in business, the restaurant received a good review from <a href="https://www.hiddenboston.com/SalemWoodCafe.html">Boston's Hidden Restaurants</a>, which described the joint as a "homey, well-worn working-class" eatery that offered good food in a no-nonsense location.</P>
<P>Further west along Salem Street I saw a one-story, four-bay retail building that has a Middle Eastern look to it because of the arched doorways and the red trim paint.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXTcL8Akjm7ROciSPHZgBx7pVV5ICQOmnmyRdBJDQ3UsUCPECA4Xo7wyjPKdNLbXT6uTtTPCffQnaruwy9vqbNbNU0_5xRvlqcaf2E_i5Ttgxt91coFezN_LQdvv-vnuOz5n_Jo5pHlahpeKJpBLSm6X8VRUKP9WudPw6hM0XCP5Qmg194hc9v0ORPYuq/s2048/Casa%20Blanca%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXTcL8Akjm7ROciSPHZgBx7pVV5ICQOmnmyRdBJDQ3UsUCPECA4Xo7wyjPKdNLbXT6uTtTPCffQnaruwy9vqbNbNU0_5xRvlqcaf2E_i5Ttgxt91coFezN_LQdvv-vnuOz5n_Jo5pHlahpeKJpBLSm6X8VRUKP9WudPw6hM0XCP5Qmg194hc9v0ORPYuq/s400/Casa%20Blanca%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Known as the Zachary Zarsky Block, this Classical Revival building rose in 1925. Zarsky "was a pharmacist and business owner in Malden," according to MACRIS. "Zarsky was a native of Vilna, Russia. He began with ownership of the Red Cross Pharmacy in Gardner, Massachusetts. He came to Malden where he operated the Faulkner Pharmacy, also known as Zarsky’s Drug Store at 273 Salem Street....Zarsky acquired the land on which this building would be built in 1923 from Annie S. Towle....Original tenants included First National Stores, a grocery store, at 283, Roy Clough provisions at 285, Jacob Fitterman, tailor at 287, and Carmine DiMattia, barber at 289."</P>
<P>Tenants today include <a href="https://casablancawirelessllc.com">Casablanca Wireless</a> and Bel Bebe, a beauty salon.</P>
<P>A little further along is a stunning apartment building: The Mount Vernon.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY8uwjS7Akp4I7lT5HjRIxGhMHB4iG0YQD6AjEpddS-bM8Hg1yj23L6UlnKXudcq0ZDUn94EKmla_fdVRCgF_RR66rGHhNmMebzQ4MuVVhoqKlaAYftB2m22f8locxdraeEfIhP1Xcn5AUGEKqG5TLGXndlx4d8AUQKie94t10JAqM_l64vkgtxqAzh2S/s2048/The%20Mt%20Vernon%20Malden.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1428" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUY8uwjS7Akp4I7lT5HjRIxGhMHB4iG0YQD6AjEpddS-bM8Hg1yj23L6UlnKXudcq0ZDUn94EKmla_fdVRCgF_RR66rGHhNmMebzQ4MuVVhoqKlaAYftB2m22f8locxdraeEfIhP1Xcn5AUGEKqG5TLGXndlx4d8AUQKie94t10JAqM_l64vkgtxqAzh2S/s400/The%20Mt%20Vernon%20Malden.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located on the corner of Salem and Mount Vernon streets, this building was in the news more than two years ago, when the parapet at the roof line <a href="https://www.wcvb.com/article/malden-massachusetts-apartment-building-parapet-collapse-march-27-2021/35956715">collapsed onto the sidewalk</a>. Nobody was injured. As for the building, I haven't been able to find out when it was built. It looks to be in good shape now.</P>
<P>I followed Salem Street into Malden Square, near where I'd begun my adventure. I wanted to get a closer look at something I'd spied earlier in the day when I was making photos of the IOOF building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJT6iZEcnaKijnr3G44IePWoCCcB7qLjGJvV-W8yPsMVz_rw34ZgMHYjA3KzQ7I2MjsXlJA7x9pfLGgkc9vS5BF7FZ8oDdQTJc-r5-E3miYyGAhJYxbb1vpYN5l-srfchwpt4cE9XBeqtxZpOc82Hf3cFmUVYO9HAiTIqJAAs5fIpo1hOCzoYnsK7iY3h/s2048/Ghost%20bldg%20Malden.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJT6iZEcnaKijnr3G44IePWoCCcB7qLjGJvV-W8yPsMVz_rw34ZgMHYjA3KzQ7I2MjsXlJA7x9pfLGgkc9vS5BF7FZ8oDdQTJc-r5-E3miYyGAhJYxbb1vpYN5l-srfchwpt4cE9XBeqtxZpOc82Hf3cFmUVYO9HAiTIqJAAs5fIpo1hOCzoYnsK7iY3h/s400/Ghost%20bldg%20Malden.jpg"/></a>
<P>There is a boomerang-shaped hole in the ground next to the brilliantly named <a href="https://www.dentistryandbracesgroup.com/locations/our-massachusetts-locations/malden-dentistry-and-braces/">Dentistry and Braces</a> practice along Main Street, curving around to Ferry Street. As you can see, there are remnants of laths from the building that once stood on that semi-circular lot. I wanted to know what used to be there. I'm thankful that my old friend MACRIS and my newer friend Google Street View had some answers.</P>
<P>Known as The Auld-New Lounge, the building was built in 1912, remodeled in 1937 and 1974 and was considered by the MACRIS report author to be a "much-altered undistinguished commercial structure" that "may well be replaced," as of 1976. The building appears to have been torn down in late 2019 or early 2020. Below is a Google Street View photo of the building from November 2011:</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1694393167943!6m8!1m7!1shrNcB8Oa5x4UKrhz7y7m3g!2m2!1d42.42694305246133!2d-71.0667428000665!3f168.7169455622719!4f2.8216855913887855!5f0.7820865974627469" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P>As for what might fill the hole in the ground, I haven't been able to figure that out.</P>
<P>Heading south on Main Street, I absolutely had to make a photo of the building housing Kung Fu Tea, Thanh Danh tax services and Angel M Beauty Club.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE80PvTeScIVyjhwcW9Jl5BQniaH60Ugbs9RTwC0fXQ3d5c9SmH8G5YNXCP7eE0xq-sWdkQE4ApFyRnsoYLHNtbZHcHq5zrm44VIvmli7CKJLXYNDtQdzBhiNveQYjGeA5qBjexPvUji9azez-N7k5uG73_BdL6PmBfHgkHdAHriG0FR1mQkB3F7B7-noA/s2048/Thanh%20Danh%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1658" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE80PvTeScIVyjhwcW9Jl5BQniaH60Ugbs9RTwC0fXQ3d5c9SmH8G5YNXCP7eE0xq-sWdkQE4ApFyRnsoYLHNtbZHcHq5zrm44VIvmli7CKJLXYNDtQdzBhiNveQYjGeA5qBjexPvUji9azez-N7k5uG73_BdL6PmBfHgkHdAHriG0FR1mQkB3F7B7-noA/s400/Thanh%20Danh%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in the Classical Revival style in 1902, 1-3 Pleasant Street wouldn't look out of place in a European village. Unfortunately, MACRIS doesn't have much to tell me about this place.</P>
<P>I continued south, across Centre Street, heading toward my car. I knew I had at least one building to shoot -- a recently revamped diner -- but another one caught my eye.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTduI7QrtlzOQR073Vm6S7tOBB4Nf2AFFlFgUpQa1JkNzlGOcCs4C6yRm0w7YFN0tIJ9nhBmoOaQNXBgSk_W1VDGv2kQHabFvhwHMNtSLQU5kaNWwP9r0prLmVN_jJWubNGUyNpbqwtCjg_P_7_TECy8rANl4io95PE3XPXI4EBmYWvImnxuHK8m8i_1tM/s2048/Golden%20Bell%20Cleaners.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTduI7QrtlzOQR073Vm6S7tOBB4Nf2AFFlFgUpQa1JkNzlGOcCs4C6yRm0w7YFN0tIJ9nhBmoOaQNXBgSk_W1VDGv2kQHabFvhwHMNtSLQU5kaNWwP9r0prLmVN_jJWubNGUyNpbqwtCjg_P_7_TECy8rANl4io95PE3XPXI4EBmYWvImnxuHK8m8i_1tM/s400/Golden%20Bell%20Cleaners.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm used to seeing buildings with words carved into their facades, usually the name of a bank or a builder or a factory. This is the first time I've seen the name of a cleaning company: Golden Bell Cleaners. I wish I'd been more observant, as there is another business name carved into the south-facing facade: Boston Dye House, according to MACRIS.</P>
<P>"The Boston Dye House at 22-28 Eastern Avenue is dated 1927 by newspaper articles and archives blueprints," MACRIS indicates. "The present building is an addition to the original (1919) Boston Dye House building at 30-50 Eastern Avenue on a site occupied in 1912. The 1927 addition was constructed for the Golden Bell Cleaners, named after the founder Edward I. Golden, highlighted by gilded bells on the facade. The Boston Dye House building on Eastern Avenue remains a commercial landmark of Maiden Center, highlighted by gilded bells on the facade as signets of its identity."</P>
<P>After making the above photo, I crossed Main Street to get a better angle of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thebreakfastclubboston/">Breakfast Club</a>, a diner that moved from Boston's Allston neighborhood due to redevelopment (see June 18, 2022, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2022/06/i-love-la.html">"I Love L.A.!"</a>).</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-u1IFACKnFT6whDLcdLuxc-7ouUvGkMXslfk-ci2YkyY4ERCzhGPvfebhdNzJ4InEdCJvxlqheK3KVFcILJyTbF71abGQEQYtqXGbO7CgBfNi0ICuZe3ETpf6uhRssGBL-viXuWTtCdLp7MciO5WTzl567FAwEHD7JvsEQDB1A1xZ7PAbc0d6eD5phKW/s2048/Breakfast%20Club%20diner.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1274" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr-u1IFACKnFT6whDLcdLuxc-7ouUvGkMXslfk-ci2YkyY4ERCzhGPvfebhdNzJ4InEdCJvxlqheK3KVFcILJyTbF71abGQEQYtqXGbO7CgBfNi0ICuZe3ETpf6uhRssGBL-viXuWTtCdLp7MciO5WTzl567FAwEHD7JvsEQDB1A1xZ7PAbc0d6eD5phKW/s400/Breakfast%20Club%20diner.jpg"/></a>
<P>Prior to the Breakfast Club, this was home to the Doo Wop Diner, from 1991 to April 2022. The eatery, so named because the owner's grandfather loved <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doo-wop">doo wop music</a>, featured appropriately themed dishes such as The Chubby Cheddar, I Want to Hold Your Ham and Cheese and The Last Train to Belgian Waffles, according to <a href="https://neighborhoodview.org/2022/04/14/the-doo-wop-era-ends-in-malden/">this Neighborhood View article</a> about the restaurant's closure.</P>
<P>Next, I made a photo of another neighborhood institution:</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEVMiJ7xjPqQM8n0Mmfcmt1P2V-zyDMj2LLKHZwbVkplpLGjZz_cWDEFKc9PeKvUSfXTyv-ty79QtnvojWoIOv6Z3dBbBUn_Dx_PfnqtIKmZBNl3Qb6gDSIUARs_LvD25vsUhxfMSYs5vQFGp3mTAVN_fUALAU-yEqbavDM7P_zlyLThw4ghUPTX8rXUo/s2048/Jay%27s%20Ice%20Cream%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcEVMiJ7xjPqQM8n0Mmfcmt1P2V-zyDMj2LLKHZwbVkplpLGjZz_cWDEFKc9PeKvUSfXTyv-ty79QtnvojWoIOv6Z3dBbBUn_Dx_PfnqtIKmZBNl3Qb6gDSIUARs_LvD25vsUhxfMSYs5vQFGp3mTAVN_fUALAU-yEqbavDM7P_zlyLThw4ghUPTX8rXUo/s400/Jay%27s%20Ice%20Cream%202.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://www.jayspizzamalden.com">Jay's Pizza & Ice Cream</a> opened in 2005, I believe.</P>
<P>Doubling back toward my car, I ventured again down the bike path, which cuts just north of the Breakfast Club. I followed it just a short distance, to Ferry Street. I then walked west along Eastern Avenue and past a few old buildings, including a former auto repair business. As I crossed the street, I looked back and was fortunate enought to spot the ghost sign seen below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dYoMezgOKXtpkWZAtDSqTH9_oLhZ54EpySFwpPBTWaKUFpBC52p9urV1bnEBtCOwOwS7E7q54cVv-yhbMxfaoG7O2lVo_sUFv1yjG2swR2O6cT-lXBGt2HFEF6PN-5ozz5W2PZZrEy-3z_9-FObq-HeNdYSyUZWW6f39jlblPJRlui7yuF_PZQYFoiR8/s2048/Malden%20final%20ghost%20shot.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_dYoMezgOKXtpkWZAtDSqTH9_oLhZ54EpySFwpPBTWaKUFpBC52p9urV1bnEBtCOwOwS7E7q54cVv-yhbMxfaoG7O2lVo_sUFv1yjG2swR2O6cT-lXBGt2HFEF6PN-5ozz5W2PZZrEy-3z_9-FObq-HeNdYSyUZWW6f39jlblPJRlui7yuF_PZQYFoiR8/s400/Malden%20final%20ghost%20shot.jpg"/></a>
<P>Most recently home to The King of Auto Repair, this lot is being redeveloped. I'm not sure whether this building will be torn down or included in the new project.</P>Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-46366262355263216552024-01-06T06:48:00.000-05:002024-01-06T06:48:39.311-05:00Discovering a Bit More of Dover<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>Known best as the wealthiest town in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Dover is a very horsey town, of that there is no doubt. Located about 15 miles southwest of Boston, it's a beautiful rural town that I've explored a bit before (see bottom of this post for links to previous posts). While I'd driven through the "downtown" before, I'd never stopped to walk around. I found some cool stuff there, and elsewhere in the town. I even drove through the area where, many years ago, some folks sighted a humanoid creature that came to be known as the Dover Demon.</P>
<P>I couldn't resist the Caryl Farm Museum building. It's just so gorgeous and quintessentially New England.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcKlbfMlYNcNt0FKztAgu4jc7_MIExxJ9QTQNCjYEYLAPWUUPombsrb_O0pWrqPJgmIi6iUfx7-xyP700yDExrFENmmw-hazV_AFyAGHFR-u-kDcH6FC4m-PvswjbCyfZt5KibJxbhnrasEUjYvEy8cuY3AtDVOtPLzQKB_rFGrCMYV0m8HDu7bt5lzmD/s2048/Caryl%20Farm.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1484" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwcKlbfMlYNcNt0FKztAgu4jc7_MIExxJ9QTQNCjYEYLAPWUUPombsrb_O0pWrqPJgmIi6iUfx7-xyP700yDExrFENmmw-hazV_AFyAGHFR-u-kDcH6FC4m-PvswjbCyfZt5KibJxbhnrasEUjYvEy8cuY3AtDVOtPLzQKB_rFGrCMYV0m8HDu7bt5lzmD/s400/Caryl%20Farm.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1777, <a href="http://www.doverhistoricalsociety.org/caryl.html">this Georgian-style house</a> is run by the Dover Historical Society. It served as home to the Rev. Benjamin Caryl and his family, and subsequent generations, until 1928, when it was given to the town. Reverend Caryl served the town as minister for 49 years, according to the historical society.</P>
<P>"Unlike most surviving structures of the period, the house has never been basically altered or modernized, so it may be seen today in close to original form," according to the historical society. "On June 2nd, 2000, the Benjamin Caryl House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places."</P>
<P>Situated behind the house is the Fisher Barn, which also dates to 1777.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsWzcc6IpxoGSVfEkeMZ910So2Y79MmK9M6Wg4JKMAL5XXzVts0TPQixxbitCJIiiA7fTwJYPkHIK0oOmfHkvFe-YqVcPyyaET57ExAKDF9xcyEkrT243pZS__NRosu05nrxxcDhmShv1Fjqu7HXhYbHOg7LN1teO-Gw4JxXHXDgC0Wa4cFkHZG3Iby80/s2048/Fisher%20Barn.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1419" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpsWzcc6IpxoGSVfEkeMZ910So2Y79MmK9M6Wg4JKMAL5XXzVts0TPQixxbitCJIiiA7fTwJYPkHIK0oOmfHkvFe-YqVcPyyaET57ExAKDF9xcyEkrT243pZS__NRosu05nrxxcDhmShv1Fjqu7HXhYbHOg7LN1teO-Gw4JxXHXDgC0Wa4cFkHZG3Iby80/s400/Fisher%20Barn.jpg"/></a>
<P>Again, from the historical society web site: "When it was learned that the Fisher Barn at 6 Centre Street was going to be demolished by a developer who had purchased the property, and that the barn was historically significant, the Society swung into action and put out a call for help. The Society and the Dover Historical Commission had decided to meet on July 28, 1999....The Commission did not believe that the barn had enough historical significance to stop the demolition order under the town by-law. Since the Society was looking for a barn, the two groups moved to save the barn which was scheduled to be torn down on August 6th.</P>
<P>"The news of the move swept the town, and volunteers came out of the woodwork on that Saturday to save a barn filled with historical trash dating back to approximately the same year as the Caryl House: 1777. The barn was taken apart systematically, and the tagged pieces were stored in the Park and Recreation garages on Whiting Road.</P>
<P>"Immediately after saving the Fisher structure, the Society formed a committee to raise the money to re-erect the Fisher Barn beside the Caryl House on Dedham Street - and to find someone to do the job. By the end of 2000, the 'Old Barn for a New Millenium' project was raising money and a contract had been signed with Early American Concepts to repair and rebuild the barn. On February 14, 2001, the Dover Highway Department dug the foundation hole for the barn and reconstruction began. Some 20 months later, on Old Home Day October 6th, 2002, the Society handed the Fisher Barn over to the Town of Dover."</P>
<P>From there, I headed west on Dedham Street to Centre Street, parked my car and began to explore the center of Dover.</P>
<P>The first building that caught my eye, unfortunately, did so because it was damaged.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KoXbPvJQCZeSGDL6G1wikIg2DNKn1sg2Ea5qJ2PTE2H1gjY2XghFoUw7yUrpSHGEGBbujVhldXnlTXxlGNIChMR59J09w-uTzNOzRjrk6-JfU_JCmJhKXPL_CGGiABJmrxiw2Z2su5-5aFqLIZx8sCOEDlIXTrue_ZLVHrKVHLwk8tyWDRZhV8sBSrOr/s2048/Dover%20Cafe.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KoXbPvJQCZeSGDL6G1wikIg2DNKn1sg2Ea5qJ2PTE2H1gjY2XghFoUw7yUrpSHGEGBbujVhldXnlTXxlGNIChMR59J09w-uTzNOzRjrk6-JfU_JCmJhKXPL_CGGiABJmrxiw2Z2su5-5aFqLIZx8sCOEDlIXTrue_ZLVHrKVHLwk8tyWDRZhV8sBSrOr/s400/Dover%20Cafe.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Dover Cafe & Deli suffered a fire on July 10th of last year. Evidently, the building had been home to a drug store prior to the pizza place. From <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/24819346198/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=10159250891401199">this Facebook page</a> devoted to the drug store/pizza joint: "A sad day today for all of us who loved our Drug Store. A fire broke out in the building around 4 a.m. There is damage to the store, but The Dover Fire Department with help from Sherborn, Westwood, and Medfield were able to extinguish the fire quickly. I feel for the owners of the now Dover Cafe and Deli today. I also feel for the owner of the building. This is truly a sad day in Dover History."</P>
<P>The Colonial Revival structure was built in 1922 as a grocery store, per MACRIS. The small wing was added in the 1930s. It was used by a printing company, as well as by the U.S. Post Office. The main building was converted to a drug store in the 1940s.</P>
<P>I hope the owner is able to rebuild or restore this historic building.</P>
<P>Continuing north on Centre Street, past the Charles River School, I checked out Highland Cemetery.</P>
<P>I don't always walk through cemeteries when I'm exploring a town, but I often find it's worth it. And I wasn't disappointed.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJT5E7Zmf2qyaczVk5AmeSw1zrLqep-PEtKiVu-Ufo2gev0fZKz4lFI7Cv4SDLIFIygKFuj6L5OsnsndcFDJbwqcHvFQg3L1-yzEfO7g9vFahA5TNzMXZtczgXxcWNwotut4BfJnBNG1I2hxZ0h4yFjQBn7WYuOJYOzKbOuXPBrP0B1pXStcp35meVufU/s2048/Dover%20Hearse%20House.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1496" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJT5E7Zmf2qyaczVk5AmeSw1zrLqep-PEtKiVu-Ufo2gev0fZKz4lFI7Cv4SDLIFIygKFuj6L5OsnsndcFDJbwqcHvFQg3L1-yzEfO7g9vFahA5TNzMXZtczgXxcWNwotut4BfJnBNG1I2hxZ0h4yFjQBn7WYuOJYOzKbOuXPBrP0B1pXStcp35meVufU/s400/Dover%20Hearse%20House.jpg"/></a>
<P>This little beauty is a hearse house, only the second I've stumbled across in service of the blog for the last 13+ years (see December 17, 2015, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2015/12/bring-out-your-dead.html">"Bring Out Your Dead"</a>). Hearse houses were used to shelter the horse-drawn carriage that hauled coffins to the graveyard. This one dates to 1897, according to the plaque above the the garage door.</P>
<P>Exiting the cemetery, I made photos of the Soldiers Monument on the slice of public land between Centre and Dedham streets. They didn't come out well because of the angle of the sun, so on a return trip I tried again and had better luck.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEUfAaM4ymMSh-N9MssfYmQnlC3DzVSmNmWDfPYWliT9NHP2a3K97eNrxcnehJQZ0kcmnM8ShbSWNznFoPpEQ_VgcKXOA3h4fhvzuyFadefe9vNv2xZ0nNbrhursdjS3UOC0pmbOrV-YMzPuaXxgLjqRKtSXJ52twiJTwdKFOZZdB_30GZhZWKA030FSa/s2048/Dover%20Statue%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEUfAaM4ymMSh-N9MssfYmQnlC3DzVSmNmWDfPYWliT9NHP2a3K97eNrxcnehJQZ0kcmnM8ShbSWNznFoPpEQ_VgcKXOA3h4fhvzuyFadefe9vNv2xZ0nNbrhursdjS3UOC0pmbOrV-YMzPuaXxgLjqRKtSXJ52twiJTwdKFOZZdB_30GZhZWKA030FSa/s400/Dover%20Statue%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6Bh3si8Dd-goZNbQUn23LkGITK9cCqCI7_T1z05QsZzGOh1bihnPm1yWdzkthh-AyHPtNyHKU3s3SyRDJDKrkkzNo0gR5L0psc1DjSy0p8qvSF-2FLn6qSZIwTEobffu2a0One4veKrRvPosIMSjsiYjp1ijiW-s15mJHg2hGd79DhgezJ0ImSlFqofs/s2048/Dover%20Statue%202%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6Bh3si8Dd-goZNbQUn23LkGITK9cCqCI7_T1z05QsZzGOh1bihnPm1yWdzkthh-AyHPtNyHKU3s3SyRDJDKrkkzNo0gR5L0psc1DjSy0p8qvSF-2FLn6qSZIwTEobffu2a0One4veKrRvPosIMSjsiYjp1ijiW-s15mJHg2hGd79DhgezJ0ImSlFqofs/s400/Dover%20Statue%202%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>Erected by the town in 1909, the monument is situated on a former training field that Dover's soldiers used for drills from the Revolution through the Civil War, according to MACRIS. The base is made of stones from Whitney Tavern, according to MACRIS, which doesn't give more detail. There was a Whitney Tavern located in Templeton, which is more than 60 miles northwest of Dover. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whitney_Tavern">Wikipedia entry</a> mentions that the tavern was "reduced in size" after it closed sometime in the 19th century, so it's possible that stones were hauled from there to Dover.</P>
<P>There was also a Whitney Tavern in Weston, much closer to Dover. That house, however, still stands.</P>
<P>I was surprised to see an American Legion hall in the center of town, as it doesn't fit my impression of Dover as a hoity toity place.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauNmzlCQdm1PLQmWzYF7RGUkFAwmviRlcUpKRJhCgS6QWLqjCUtcb3QtLSTCFRCrh83POj3_kUzQbF_M-9sOJekaQ9Gyo3NUta8l_L624uZjzQJdNMWwSeWEGSxHK0aZE9Z3bXVt7oHywtyFncJViyq5Gj9yi1_W-kOko2XSojNp3hDGs8opEC_U0Ajkx/s2048/Dover%20Legion%20Hall.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1495" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgauNmzlCQdm1PLQmWzYF7RGUkFAwmviRlcUpKRJhCgS6QWLqjCUtcb3QtLSTCFRCrh83POj3_kUzQbF_M-9sOJekaQ9Gyo3NUta8l_L624uZjzQJdNMWwSeWEGSxHK0aZE9Z3bXVt7oHywtyFncJViyq5Gj9yi1_W-kOko2XSojNp3hDGs8opEC_U0Ajkx/s400/Dover%20Legion%20Hall.jpg"/></a>
<P>Chartered in 1919, <a href="https://www.doverlegion.org">George B. Preston Post 209</a> "was named after a town resident named George Bernard Preston (born December 29, 1897) who was killed in Toul-Bourcq, France on April 20, 1918," according to the Legion's web site.</P>
<P>A quick walk past a small stand of trees and you're standing in front of a very important building: Dunkin' Donuts. Oh wait, no, ah (checks notes), the old Dover Railroad Station.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMMwk91YsrkYa_JgbqT81530WWFfVrDvL2Fx7f6eawC_kBkb69hmpSWPWBaN4JVg1TCu9vrpTE3ZqVRTVN5lxkhTf2I8Y90b53hfr7BpgY43OqATZ-lQDoU8o_zCBbY_gfheK61ig-HWUg8gGyCGVktRLutt3loR4dZmgxmkua7D-DsChGDDmH8hyCyud/s2048/Dover%20Dunkin%27.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1156" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMMwk91YsrkYa_JgbqT81530WWFfVrDvL2Fx7f6eawC_kBkb69hmpSWPWBaN4JVg1TCu9vrpTE3ZqVRTVN5lxkhTf2I8Y90b53hfr7BpgY43OqATZ-lQDoU8o_zCBbY_gfheK61ig-HWUg8gGyCGVktRLutt3loR4dZmgxmkua7D-DsChGDDmH8hyCyud/s400/Dover%20Dunkin%27.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1865, the station was in operation until some time in the 1940s. In subsequent decades, the quaint little building has been used as various stores, a realtor's office and a cafe. It has been a Dunkin' Donuts franchise for quite a few years. Some of the tracks that used to serve the station have been torn up, but there is a section just south of the donut shop that runs across Springdale Avenue and continues past the Dover Wine Company for quite a ways.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqS9FuvoXJV1h00GDUX2FAWkT7BSs0vmhJU7Ehb_lhOovTdqVkLVR1KlrqI4wk4OQvk_JbZEaMJeDhDmv_Tns51c3wK3CN2mMiOB8VGsbBYwrZ7HZGLA9lJ_AJZPcfORKbiYVVlpv9X3BTLqChDrUPMkt6u_Q1kRyk_JZdLqMP35hG3xObOKWpzd_0Vqd/s2048/Downtown%20Dover%20tracks.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1215" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqS9FuvoXJV1h00GDUX2FAWkT7BSs0vmhJU7Ehb_lhOovTdqVkLVR1KlrqI4wk4OQvk_JbZEaMJeDhDmv_Tns51c3wK3CN2mMiOB8VGsbBYwrZ7HZGLA9lJ_AJZPcfORKbiYVVlpv9X3BTLqChDrUPMkt6u_Q1kRyk_JZdLqMP35hG3xObOKWpzd_0Vqd/s400/Downtown%20Dover%20tracks.jpg"/></a>
<P>In a perfect world, this section of the long-abandoned Bay Colony Railroad tracks would have been turned into a path for bikes and pedstrians by now. There has been a proliferation of rail trails in Greater Boston and beyond in recent decades, many of them part of what is known as the <a href="https://www.baycircuit.org">Bay Circuit Trail & Greenway</a> (see August 1, 2016, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2016/08/i-rail-against-trails-not-really-but-i.html">"I Rail Against Trails (Not Really, But I Don't Want Every Abandoned Set of Train Tracks Converted for Cyclists and Roller Bladers)")</a>. I've read articles over the years indicating that there was significant pushback from residents of Dover who didn't want the hoi polloi invading their town.</P>
<P>Among the members of the BCT&G is the <a href="https://www.baycolonyrailtrail.org">Bay Colony Rail Trail</a>, which has opened paths in Needham, Newton and Medfield, which borders Dover. As for Dover, there have been discussions in town to construct a three-mile path from the location mentioned above on Springdale Avenue southward to Hunt Drive.</P>
<P>In April 2022, Friends of the Dover Greenway posted on its<a href="http://dovergreenwayfriends.com"> web site</a> about hopes for the development of a path. I've edited the statement below:</P>
<P>"We are delighted to see our neighbors in Medfield working toward completion of converting their segment of the Bay Colony Railroad into a rail trail. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to move the Dover Greenway project forward...due to the MBTA and the Town of Dover being unable to agree to lease terms, and the MBTA unable to offer the lease to the Friends of the Dover Greenway. Recently, the Friends of the Dover Greenway and the Town of Dover administrators met to discuss options for converting our section of the Bay Colony Railroad to a rail trail. At this time, the Friends of the Dover Greenway are suggesting that the Town of Dover sign the standard lease agreement with the MBTA, similar to what Medfield and Needham have done. In speaking with Town of Dover Administrators, there is a commitment to revisit this process by year-end and highlight the options for moving toward implementation in 2023."</P>
<P>Well, 2023 is over and done with, and nothing has happened as far as I know. I'm not sure why Dover and the MBTA have been unable to agree on lease terms, when surrounding towns have completed such deals. At the bottom of this post, I will feature more photos of the proposed route of the rail trail.</P>
<P>Doing research after my adventure, I realized that I'd missed one interesting thing and ignored something that I shouldn't have. I took care of these things on the aforementioned return trip.</P>
<P>Across from Dunkin' Donuts on dead-end Spring Road is Dover's rebuilt town pound.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF3-IFPgnF7q01DvDqY9MtU2CttUS2s-ILsstQIqjoM595b75-ePZ2foq6sHG2_YhheYmEzDvVvllnVXCb0DsuKATlbGAO_LzpBxZTYpDlxVpm-qRs92bWilkI6CW-XUwh4ur8OWDmJ8Z31LJV84xbLFXeAlXGGexcp7pY2ewsAnMzQ4I2cfjKnvsFmwA/s2048/Dover%20Pound.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBF3-IFPgnF7q01DvDqY9MtU2CttUS2s-ILsstQIqjoM595b75-ePZ2foq6sHG2_YhheYmEzDvVvllnVXCb0DsuKATlbGAO_LzpBxZTYpDlxVpm-qRs92bWilkI6CW-XUwh4ur8OWDmJ8Z31LJV84xbLFXeAlXGGexcp7pY2ewsAnMzQ4I2cfjKnvsFmwA/s400/Dover%20Pound.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyCRy3MpJJu09cYAED6fyNF5E_BhuDwpcaQLl0q6DVIRmIVus9raM2PPgCsD3Ggr8Q2VVIsPjC81AiO2g7md8FscI_LlYaIUN_pTfWwwSyc-aoGpsuaB9B1OZjXQbsFgB25l1t04qNRMFWpfvIfcNYgh4Tyjf7566XHfwme3Pds5mWUpoNfLLU7_buoRD/s2048/Dover%20Pound%205.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyCRy3MpJJu09cYAED6fyNF5E_BhuDwpcaQLl0q6DVIRmIVus9raM2PPgCsD3Ggr8Q2VVIsPjC81AiO2g7md8FscI_LlYaIUN_pTfWwwSyc-aoGpsuaB9B1OZjXQbsFgB25l1t04qNRMFWpfvIfcNYgh4Tyjf7566XHfwme3Pds5mWUpoNfLLU7_buoRD/s400/Dover%20Pound%205.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthnqrLUDhRuMvk-7J2mOyHzdXw2pA4zKyuJ6JNsoyk788Pv_8uNSnDPsjsoruVVBP0BA509J9MUb8wOfq1iSWLM0zIy3wAkr8DpLrx_2qv9TmXHmmF0F4XdpZHbveyahEHyl39keHYfLCJzdzOLzD63PQAMUcbiszpPMpmLmnPFDmWbmfjhGt26lYPHDu/s2048/Dover%20Pound%204.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjthnqrLUDhRuMvk-7J2mOyHzdXw2pA4zKyuJ6JNsoyk788Pv_8uNSnDPsjsoruVVBP0BA509J9MUb8wOfq1iSWLM0zIy3wAkr8DpLrx_2qv9TmXHmmF0F4XdpZHbveyahEHyl39keHYfLCJzdzOLzD63PQAMUcbiszpPMpmLmnPFDmWbmfjhGt26lYPHDu/s400/Dover%20Pound%204.jpg"/></a>
<P>I didn't learn about this place until after my first visit, as I was scrolling through MACRIS. Town pounds were enclosed by stone walls and were used for holding stray sheep, pigs and cows until they were claimed by their owners, who were required to pay a fine in order to retrieve their livestock. I've only come across one other such landmark in my backside travels (see March 26, 2020, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2020/03/a-sliver-of-sterling.html">"A Sliver of Sterling"</a>).</P>
<P>Dover's pound was constructed in 1794 and rebuilt in 1965, and again in 2015.</P>
<P>A short walk away at the dead end of Spring Road is the Dover Town Garage, which was once the site of a type of factory that I'd never come across in my travels (and technically, still haven't, as it doesn't exist anymore).</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6eloYuI845Qa5oFOWkOg-OCtxNdEH8BlfXHRjpYdSWlDgU8CPQrJsalV7C_H4GA47IPEn6i_alGki0ItfrGDtxwUNPnXim6gVJMs76POE2oeCVzk2fepZftEA5eRzgySs3LeTsre789o5fjyL2pFuEooXA8vhR3_saodg1-MQfJf4aTO9O74ts8uInRa/s2048/Dover%20Town%20Garage.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1692" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6eloYuI845Qa5oFOWkOg-OCtxNdEH8BlfXHRjpYdSWlDgU8CPQrJsalV7C_H4GA47IPEn6i_alGki0ItfrGDtxwUNPnXim6gVJMs76POE2oeCVzk2fepZftEA5eRzgySs3LeTsre789o5fjyL2pFuEooXA8vhR3_saodg1-MQfJf4aTO9O74ts8uInRa/s400/Dover%20Town%20Garage.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Prior to my first visit for this post, I stumbled across mention of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E._F._Hodgson_Company">E.F. Hodgson Company</a>, which once manufactured prefab houses in a factory on this location. I did a little research, but for some reason decided not to make a photo of the spot. I made up for that on my return trip. Located hard by the old railroad tracks, Hodgson manufactured its "Wigwarm" houses here from 1892 to 1944, according to <a href="http://facadesconfidential.blogspot.com/2010/09/hg-wells-wrote-in-1902.html">this Facades Confidential blog post</a>.</P>
<P>Competing with larger, more well-known companies including Sears and Montgomery Ward in the prefab house market, Hodgson evidently did fairly well, although more so in Europe. From the above-referenced blog post: "The Wigwarm construction was a framed house, lighter than a standard timber frame construction, based on several timber sections fastened together with key bolts of special design. With just a blow of a hammer the wedge key tightened up the bolt, saving time during erection or dismantling. Frames were covered with a very heavy waterproof fibre or lining and then with a rabetted siding....Mr Hodgson didn't just prefabricate houses, he also sold...tool houses, dog houses, car garages...or, during war periods, barracks for the military. In the '20s and '30s you could see Hogson houses in places as Europe (Belgium and Italy), Israel, Africa and South America."</P>
<P>Hodgson moved from Dover, and in 1966 sold the property to the town. The town or the company demolished all but a few buildings, according to MACRIS, with the garage and its attendant office building evidently left standing. Dover's assessor's office lists the current garage build date as 1998, so I assume nothing remains of the factory.</P>
<P>I love learning about factories of times gone by, especially in rural towns where I least expect to stumble across their footprints. Years ago I explored Weston, another well-to-do town in Greater Boston, and was thrilled to learn about a former organ factory, traces of which simply do not exist, just as with the old Hodgson plant (see June 23, 2017, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2017/06/a-walk-through-westons-history.html">"A Walk Through Weston's History"</a>).</P>
<P>While the town garage is a utilitarian place of little architectual value or appeal, there are two lovely churches in the center of Dover. Just steps away from the old train station and up a small hill from the site of the former town pound is the <a href="https://www.thedoverchurch.org">Dover Church</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacSdgBwg_BX6WCo5NjUZyfOxBCkHsyFAVKzi9A3sulzHVplifvTA9IFYjcH14NirOK0lx4lzh8A4NKoV-Iv2Tb2FKr894gaAgiDuYbR9ALJN3ojLiIH9LlA4rfcbfSZ0gOJPsN4S_rK_Hfjp0YVeCuQ_xARQRHxLFw5fmTPeo_VhwPq-lx3NbTkyFy1Tu/s2048/Dover%20Church.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjacSdgBwg_BX6WCo5NjUZyfOxBCkHsyFAVKzi9A3sulzHVplifvTA9IFYjcH14NirOK0lx4lzh8A4NKoV-Iv2Tb2FKr894gaAgiDuYbR9ALJN3ojLiIH9LlA4rfcbfSZ0gOJPsN4S_rK_Hfjp0YVeCuQ_xARQRHxLFw5fmTPeo_VhwPq-lx3NbTkyFy1Tu/s400/Dover%20Church.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1839, this Greek Revival beauty sits on what is known as Meetinghouse Hill. Two previous houses of worship on this site had burned, which was a common occurrence in the 18th and 19th centuries. I mentioned this church in a previous post about an outdoor worship center the congregation maintains in a wooded area in another area of town (see link at bottom of this post).</P>
<P>Across Springdale Avenue is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/saintdunstansma/">St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXs8dam8TA6lzXvj4pz39OqOEQjYuhMbv0Gd1mtCTTRmPF6512FPuflvEyDQ_W_M1SBxT0kbvycDQQ4k1avmpchA5Qe5nd9towCGDyk5iZFnzMAaTw5lzwXsb462iVzPLVYJ21JkepQSmBipmGiAA_lHzsbygMCHHX0QbDSRY7rI7NgQ3Ad_9UTG6UsCSu/s2048/Other%20Dover%20Church.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXs8dam8TA6lzXvj4pz39OqOEQjYuhMbv0Gd1mtCTTRmPF6512FPuflvEyDQ_W_M1SBxT0kbvycDQQ4k1avmpchA5Qe5nd9towCGDyk5iZFnzMAaTw5lzwXsb462iVzPLVYJ21JkepQSmBipmGiAA_lHzsbygMCHHX0QbDSRY7rI7NgQ3Ad_9UTG6UsCSu/s400/Other%20Dover%20Church.jpg"/></a>
<P>Like its neighbor across the street, this house of worship rose in 1839, and was known as Dover Second Congregational Church. At some point a cupola was removed and the building was used as a Masonic Hall. These days, as you can see, a steeple rises into the sky.</P>
<P>Down a slight hill on Springdale Avenue, I was charmed by the horse-head hitching posts outside the aforementioned wine store.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjgehkqDaFo5BcI1CMVPA-d7tln54njx4-iSEBafm-oBNCfZzzRObtcxJQlmgBDK5-vgdcZIMIeT9_qy6Yp420oOJMJ_A7wV9u2rqBnRXJAmd8V3C6ZaGtkK3Umir-HfJ1u9OOdcTOZNpqXXyyPQRVXley2Sr_7Oi_480sn5lVZV22y2mVWfu5eViLgMX/s2048/Dover%20horses.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMjgehkqDaFo5BcI1CMVPA-d7tln54njx4-iSEBafm-oBNCfZzzRObtcxJQlmgBDK5-vgdcZIMIeT9_qy6Yp420oOJMJ_A7wV9u2rqBnRXJAmd8V3C6ZaGtkK3Umir-HfJ1u9OOdcTOZNpqXXyyPQRVXley2Sr_7Oi_480sn5lVZV22y2mVWfu5eViLgMX/s400/Dover%20horses.jpg"/></a>
<P>Along Whiting Road, I was pleasantly surprised to find three neat old buildings. The first, home to Dover Automotive, dates to 1924.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDJ05HbGNrkGFvsvqy6G4PTukpec5O3FCc03N1jsX7O5rWD7eSIrjaxYaQO8I0RVwvEVZn0JKsHtvXF_LwXUcWtYwWtR_Rkhwd2QeAnC1xCa0ugQW72VPECsQm0LK0tda1l41B704ckN2Pz4DL2wnNWpWxOJRLYMcpel3IySr4P-c3gPAifK16uJ8nCp8/s2048/Dover%20Automotive.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1096" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBDJ05HbGNrkGFvsvqy6G4PTukpec5O3FCc03N1jsX7O5rWD7eSIrjaxYaQO8I0RVwvEVZn0JKsHtvXF_LwXUcWtYwWtR_Rkhwd2QeAnC1xCa0ugQW72VPECsQm0LK0tda1l41B704ckN2Pz4DL2wnNWpWxOJRLYMcpel3IySr4P-c3gPAifK16uJ8nCp8/s400/Dover%20Automotive.jpg"/></a>
<P>Directly across the street is another garage owned by Dover Automotive, but this one has a cool history.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOnKpes1lAewhe9acJwWEj1B0ASCimN7-cAsq9HeX9gUBUQkiEibxf4JawneSO0dVz97TOdpQy8YGX763JU3bgg4Myou1fyTYCx6c7w1PyBIVK3MV4Lm26Aqvz42BNgq_ccbxEqRZPoKlUuU9kt7c7rPL5MUge1vEvgPGiESCtiBsYFUwc_WKkaEOw7RO/s2048/Dover%20Former%20chapel%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOnKpes1lAewhe9acJwWEj1B0ASCimN7-cAsq9HeX9gUBUQkiEibxf4JawneSO0dVz97TOdpQy8YGX763JU3bgg4Myou1fyTYCx6c7w1PyBIVK3MV4Lm26Aqvz42BNgq_ccbxEqRZPoKlUuU9kt7c7rPL5MUge1vEvgPGiESCtiBsYFUwc_WKkaEOw7RO/s400/Dover%20Former%20chapel%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjqf9FYobo4oMsM6ojn_HRl7tycwyLVYB8vSWPI-BmJmvE7PL1JVdKjKJbttz6yXBG8OuXm1WPYjTfwF-VOfDVMbKoU4XcwJ55vhsUt7pIr8xmpQ_CaNl-XkfBwWYaOb1FfGXo-XKnm7vmEnAyzFWi-V99DLBLjyE2pqMKVH1HVGdwNGqC9cPfl3d-u2z/s2048/Dover%20Former%20Chapel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjqf9FYobo4oMsM6ojn_HRl7tycwyLVYB8vSWPI-BmJmvE7PL1JVdKjKJbttz6yXBG8OuXm1WPYjTfwF-VOfDVMbKoU4XcwJ55vhsUt7pIr8xmpQ_CaNl-XkfBwWYaOb1FfGXo-XKnm7vmEnAyzFWi-V99DLBLjyE2pqMKVH1HVGdwNGqC9cPfl3d-u2z/s400/Dover%20Former%20Chapel.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1838 as -- wait for it -- Dover Baptist Chapel, this Greek Revival building was originally located on land beside the Charles River near Fisher's Bridge on Center Street, according to MACRIS. It was used by Needham and Dover Baptists until 1860. It was moved to its current location in 1911, and used as a fire station until 1977.</P>
<P>Just south of the old chapel is 7 Whiting Road, which is currently home to <a href="https://nutop.com">Nu Top</a>, a kitchen and bath cabinetry company, as well as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theonlygymindover/">Lift</a>, a fitness center.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-DEXcUShL1zjIewRoEwS1gbd5hV_IINS1MEkIe5XjOwYSBOMsENbmFMKyCH1GysdqfS_E05dHy12oe9a8IFPgfXT4JkFkrY9EEPAOn2iiWelkMXQ7PDjki0pcPAMpwjFVsy2F6SAh-J4ohoY4A2Hk3rLO9AO0Zfk1meUwXvW2IKoMiLiJ34k02pPsn_E/s2048/Dover%20Kitchen%20&%20Bath.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-DEXcUShL1zjIewRoEwS1gbd5hV_IINS1MEkIe5XjOwYSBOMsENbmFMKyCH1GysdqfS_E05dHy12oe9a8IFPgfXT4JkFkrY9EEPAOn2iiWelkMXQ7PDjki0pcPAMpwjFVsy2F6SAh-J4ohoY4A2Hk3rLO9AO0Zfk1meUwXvW2IKoMiLiJ34k02pPsn_E/s400/Dover%20Kitchen%20&%20Bath.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Dover assessor's office indicates this building rose in 1926 and that it was at some point an auto repair garage.</P>
<P>From downtown, I drove a bit west along Springdale Avenue to Channing Pond, where I found a big blue chair.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxZm4R-OcnLyJrghfznS1HtR8vxPqdILd_CoUOh7m76ig6UbeTnuh30OHb390Fwf66fn_q-8KxN9gZx339KP-lhdQcm57-65pddd6aqM1pu7WhYEoZ_Y-30snJLz0Ot2lkmHW048olfm5TmAgQrSlnIVIHNzKCbsxc3CR_0rOQab1lnphJF6NsfX-8Q_a/s2048/Dover%20big%20blue%20chair.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1773" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxZm4R-OcnLyJrghfznS1HtR8vxPqdILd_CoUOh7m76ig6UbeTnuh30OHb390Fwf66fn_q-8KxN9gZx339KP-lhdQcm57-65pddd6aqM1pu7WhYEoZ_Y-30snJLz0Ot2lkmHW048olfm5TmAgQrSlnIVIHNzKCbsxc3CR_0rOQab1lnphJF6NsfX-8Q_a/s400/Dover%20big%20blue%20chair.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(My baseball hat is there to give some perspective on the size of the chair.)</b></P>
<P>While tromping along Springdale Avenue near the pond, I spotted something I'd never seen or heard of before: a witness post.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1iehU35MKKw7BH4mzBdilaH1swl2V7JDbXNubkjBWhPIpdMMAe0ou1p_vEC6HrzERApzkpoX9mvM5_fJlK-NNfjCfXikwS1QUAZR3e5fml9wLWII92QHGyGuEm6WG0AaMoJq6u9r-qCd0TyAP2AKxzOme8tUTwKcfm61RBlGLTa1Nr8B7f7X9_A9ceaw/s2048/Dover%20Witness%20Post.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1iehU35MKKw7BH4mzBdilaH1swl2V7JDbXNubkjBWhPIpdMMAe0ou1p_vEC6HrzERApzkpoX9mvM5_fJlK-NNfjCfXikwS1QUAZR3e5fml9wLWII92QHGyGuEm6WG0AaMoJq6u9r-qCd0TyAP2AKxzOme8tUTwKcfm61RBlGLTa1Nr8B7f7X9_A9ceaw/s400/Dover%20Witness%20Post.jpg"/></a>
<P>Installed by the U.S. Army Corps or Engineers, the post is designed to indicate that a survey marker is located nearby. As this area is swampy, the survey marker is likely located in a spot that's difficult to find. As to why the Corps has surveyed this area, I couldn't tell you. I believe a natural gas pipeline runs through this area, so perhaps these things are related.</P>
<P>From the pond, I drove a little further west, to the point where Springdale Avenue intersects with Farm Street, which goes south, and Main Street, which heads north. There, I enjoyed a brief walk around Springdale Field, a nice expanse owned by the <a href="https://www.doverlandtrust.org">Dover Land Conservation Trust</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnC6LOotBl3SAj-C4UlVIDQrKHfOFWt0lMgfK6sDGnxfTwbA2m8O26Suc-BYzsKErZG2YgTT918WrbAGcJsy211c3sO1Klau0j703rYxciDwOOiw3wvmf8ycEWd1foU8f4LWzfNZWX_NZw8UCgLJDPhYyakIrZWPcFYzYW7tlx4rJWaup9b2kqjl8YdHU/s2048/Springdale%20Field%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZnC6LOotBl3SAj-C4UlVIDQrKHfOFWt0lMgfK6sDGnxfTwbA2m8O26Suc-BYzsKErZG2YgTT918WrbAGcJsy211c3sO1Klau0j703rYxciDwOOiw3wvmf8ycEWd1foU8f4LWzfNZWX_NZw8UCgLJDPhYyakIrZWPcFYzYW7tlx4rJWaup9b2kqjl8YdHU/s400/Springdale%20Field%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIaMhEwWxmbMhNQMjUc-CCHa-LXuwuwLB3qZIOQlQBV2_Yl50ob2zBkaoiPNsPiIzkoRAewsKdyJI8l9vN2QrNJDZ_WcQU_AVK8b2S92ZRJPDjaHONEhrbglMtzOnOS9WeFBeWRWPvDZ3aqtj3rJk_1dZrlNvKsVFClq6DT8p9pKhebSOW7vSbDxUbYrj/s2048/Springdale%20Field.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1226" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTIaMhEwWxmbMhNQMjUc-CCHa-LXuwuwLB3qZIOQlQBV2_Yl50ob2zBkaoiPNsPiIzkoRAewsKdyJI8l9vN2QrNJDZ_WcQU_AVK8b2S92ZRJPDjaHONEhrbglMtzOnOS9WeFBeWRWPvDZ3aqtj3rJk_1dZrlNvKsVFClq6DT8p9pKhebSOW7vSbDxUbYrj/s400/Springdale%20Field.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78LcJ9Eg-4VJUw8gY1Gg3y2889P-ghFXAtuWh9YueyeZISzIKyomuHZblEbkk-8ut806-i-oEMzALNR0b4Ppqbl3fvhRT-nDv6qVVogrjRXHXbDZUjfzv82FAmR8gdO-FmKxImbNDnmfmlwMk5M6FoSD2Ct6F05ZJYYURWxJ9-jONgBUOkVmGlweCejVr/s2048/Springdale%20Field%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78LcJ9Eg-4VJUw8gY1Gg3y2889P-ghFXAtuWh9YueyeZISzIKyomuHZblEbkk-8ut806-i-oEMzALNR0b4Ppqbl3fvhRT-nDv6qVVogrjRXHXbDZUjfzv82FAmR8gdO-FmKxImbNDnmfmlwMk5M6FoSD2Ct6F05ZJYYURWxJ9-jONgBUOkVmGlweCejVr/s400/Springdale%20Field%203.jpg"/></a>
<P>As you might expect in a town like Dover, residents (and, ugh, <i>non-residents</i>) use the 17-acre field to run their dogs and horses. The <a href="https://www.norfolkhunt.com">Norfolk Hunt Club</a>, located in Dover, uses the site for a few "hunts" each year.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhkw-CsEU9dWsI8CzQUYN9m7x-2tMRkwRmFctQ2xDKxYaByffvaP_rtsVBrCb5qtb1KXClGAYvfZ2ktQPi7Dm4-6Ees54LsqDqL2RxLSsyxOnY2yTy-areyK4PQSf9VPQ4evVUMeVXc9DKgC0dFPNq9TpzbSjMiPxFy8h03w4GFTiQdyu_rSdVLLNRX18/s2048/Springdale%20Field%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWhkw-CsEU9dWsI8CzQUYN9m7x-2tMRkwRmFctQ2xDKxYaByffvaP_rtsVBrCb5qtb1KXClGAYvfZ2ktQPi7Dm4-6Ees54LsqDqL2RxLSsyxOnY2yTy-areyK4PQSf9VPQ4evVUMeVXc9DKgC0dFPNq9TpzbSjMiPxFy8h03w4GFTiQdyu_rSdVLLNRX18/s400/Springdale%20Field%202.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Horsey jumpy things.)</b></P>
<P>From the serene setting of Springdale Field, I set out south-southwest along Farm Street, hoping against hope to summon a devilish spirit from the past: the Dover Demon.</P>
<P>From <a href="https://www.theyankeexpress.com/2022/01/05/380479/the-dover-demon">The Yankee Express</a>: "On April 21, 1977, the small town of Dover, located just 15 miles from Boston, was thrown into world recognition. In this little quiet community, a strange creature was witnessed by several people over two days. William Bartlett, then 17-years-old, was the first person to see the Dover Demon. As he and two friends, Mike Mazzocco and Andy Brodie, drove along their local Farm Street just past 10 p.m., Bartlett witnessed a creature 'standing on a wall, its eyes glowing [in the headlights]. It was not a dog or a cat. It had no tail. It had an egg-shaped head.' Its body was thin with long spindly arms and legs. The fingers resembled tendrils as they grasped the broken wall."</P>
<P>Over the next 24 hours, two other teens, John Baxter and Abby Brabham, claimed, separately, that they saw the demon in the area.</P>
<P>Well, OK then! I love stories about are-they-real-or-were-the-witnesses-high creatures such as this, from Bigfoot to El Chupacabra, the Loch Ness Monster to the Yarp (the latter a creation of fiction writer Barry Hannah). I've never driven past the alleged locations of any of those creatures, but I can say I've been in the same energy space as the Dover Demon.</P>
<P>I drove along Farm Street to the intersection with Bridge Street, which is the general area of the first sighting. And, like apparently every adult and 99.9% of the teenagers living in Dover in April 1977, I didn't see any frightening creatures with glowing eyes and long, scraggly fingers.</P>
<P>Nonetheless, a well-known cryptozoologist interviewed the teens and believed them.</P>
<P>Again, from The Yankee Express: "Noted Maine native and Cryptozoologist <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loren_Coleman">Loren Coleman</a> spoke to the teens within a week of the sightings and concluded they were credible. The Dover Demon was sighted at night, for two days within a 2-mile radius, near water. Some authorities passed the creature off as a foal or a moose calf. Still, it soon became apparent that none such animals had been spotted in the area and any such young animals were out of season. If a moose was wandering the site, it would have been easily seen and captured. Another aspect that shot holes in that theory was that the witnesses saw the creature standing upright and walking like a human."</P>
<P>The story of the Dover Demon is fairly widespread on the Internet. In 2008, Animal Planet aired a two-part episode of its "Lost Tapes" show about the alleged creature. I've posted the videos below. Fans of "The Blair Witch Project" may enjoy the concept.</P>
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6iRrfmRlAfs?si=kgKUhPPIrW6yEL0Y" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P>Below is a photo I made from the point where dead-end Smith Street intersects with Farm Street, just north of Bridge Street. Nearly forty-seven years ago, perhaps the Dover Demon creeped along here, looking for stray dogs or small wildlife to devour whole.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxevKyG2VGBL_7EJ2QutjRBoI9aaqEDRvsJC6m7rBTue7hmsiJzVzbED8HqOJM14bwWnb3Ml_jxI1K50hRKLz0z318vfy8CQBSOSkrPjJYqTBuQVK4Wh3Wxe77GE5OW3Kfb4GVJLrmIST5JTuexkQEB1tWJB_3OyN8T09_-sKH5Nlm9SvMsb4OVZLQ2gGn/s2048/Humanoid%20territory.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxevKyG2VGBL_7EJ2QutjRBoI9aaqEDRvsJC6m7rBTue7hmsiJzVzbED8HqOJM14bwWnb3Ml_jxI1K50hRKLz0z318vfy8CQBSOSkrPjJYqTBuQVK4Wh3Wxe77GE5OW3Kfb4GVJLrmIST5JTuexkQEB1tWJB_3OyN8T09_-sKH5Nlm9SvMsb4OVZLQ2gGn/s400/Humanoid%20territory.jpg"/></a>
<P>I turned around the checked out the sign for Smith Street. It was unlike any other street sign I've ever seen (I've said that quite a bit in this post).</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGhDu-9eLrPxSb-3uI4MHWH_-k4dXEoM3taLnMTpAOnhN9MmEmxxck9-dIgXMPojE3mpZGG0DJHJ-2xxcGGjYgU09VqG_dDu3vRvaxudl-kLwvHh8uaekKmtD7I6O2IUVyU0TlXumJ36qQYb3N0FEunDkl361o8ImLyvh7QzNqTTMlIiGiD0W1zcdrF7T/s2048/Smith%20St%20sign%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGhDu-9eLrPxSb-3uI4MHWH_-k4dXEoM3taLnMTpAOnhN9MmEmxxck9-dIgXMPojE3mpZGG0DJHJ-2xxcGGjYgU09VqG_dDu3vRvaxudl-kLwvHh8uaekKmtD7I6O2IUVyU0TlXumJ36qQYb3N0FEunDkl361o8ImLyvh7QzNqTTMlIiGiD0W1zcdrF7T/s400/Smith%20St%20sign%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mrBLqD-3-ZVbKFCaPQxiNNafGjv391ra6hHVOP_35mWQ7p--1hALEtj7pSQfa9kcsynJT1wTWzN00PvRF8nGRp1JBD998Lp5vwrmJzTN_XQFmFnKQQP9bJvNUbWK5Qick7c1Y6yJY8ip_ZTBytieh6r6m1mkCFueV1SO1dMH_xx-v_vAEtxrVD6zPUQO/s2048/Smith%20St%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mrBLqD-3-ZVbKFCaPQxiNNafGjv391ra6hHVOP_35mWQ7p--1hALEtj7pSQfa9kcsynJT1wTWzN00PvRF8nGRp1JBD998Lp5vwrmJzTN_XQFmFnKQQP9bJvNUbWK5Qick7c1Y6yJY8ip_ZTBytieh6r6m1mkCFueV1SO1dMH_xx-v_vAEtxrVD6zPUQO/s400/Smith%20St%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>I assume this sign is really old. Anyone else ever seen a stencil-type street sign?</P>
<P>Continuing south on Farm Street, I eventually got to Hunt Drive, where I knew there were some remnant railroad tracks.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvoVQTYAs_7KL7U9CsvaTT09INiHQ8wtIBe91qp8lQa7Yjky1FJLn1LahyrkcHjdE7n9ZC3PhWAlqluR_hLcdfTw4qb88-b65goU06nH7Q0xNP9_UXPg3bc-ub0RN7pRO-ZQ4QqfIU9UvApn7WaeBvn-EDCUms5WvAyIBkqkZ3-pptjG5fP76Q0knL6Bk/s2048/Dover%20RR%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkvoVQTYAs_7KL7U9CsvaTT09INiHQ8wtIBe91qp8lQa7Yjky1FJLn1LahyrkcHjdE7n9ZC3PhWAlqluR_hLcdfTw4qb88-b65goU06nH7Q0xNP9_UXPg3bc-ub0RN7pRO-ZQ4QqfIU9UvApn7WaeBvn-EDCUms5WvAyIBkqkZ3-pptjG5fP76Q0knL6Bk/s400/Dover%20RR%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7X2_ffX2wACNfoeGaw5Z0zlq9VzypQVDQDjqHp-vS5ennE2-2nQy9QjZVb72yh1FwblMgArUBVy-_7_kupSu4KjKdQqMO5LRC4OkZH6NVeImPPdSppcK05-QX5lnIyQy9N_uLd91wmCiCURYJf756GD9JcHh_bfxrXwiCS0i0e71iUGSOlTx65BuIm5a/s2048/Hunt%20Drive%20tracks.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU7X2_ffX2wACNfoeGaw5Z0zlq9VzypQVDQDjqHp-vS5ennE2-2nQy9QjZVb72yh1FwblMgArUBVy-_7_kupSu4KjKdQqMO5LRC4OkZH6NVeImPPdSppcK05-QX5lnIyQy9N_uLd91wmCiCURYJf756GD9JcHh_bfxrXwiCS0i0e71iUGSOlTx65BuIm5a/s400/Hunt%20Drive%20tracks.jpg"/></a>
<P>Above is the view north from Hunt Drive. Looking to the south, I got a nice surprise. Where I expected to find an overgrown, impassable set of tracks, I instead found a lush, inviting tunnel of trees.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh2GOqwiaJI-nESUepZ6fbUbWqiaSxsnNC1BRUY6Ccycf0CqtLurCFCGAU3q02YU4nzzOcVuMUzp6jKKPxZaIia0Hw_0BlMoJtSxbtVflBrejoZIGaFHY1ZIfJehA1i9ydx3XJ2iaH72lshBYFZrIXvhA-_tnA-uI6YATfsHJHGpHHtqrEbxCj-WiJG2j/s2048/Dover%20train%20track%20tunnel%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh2GOqwiaJI-nESUepZ6fbUbWqiaSxsnNC1BRUY6Ccycf0CqtLurCFCGAU3q02YU4nzzOcVuMUzp6jKKPxZaIia0Hw_0BlMoJtSxbtVflBrejoZIGaFHY1ZIfJehA1i9ydx3XJ2iaH72lshBYFZrIXvhA-_tnA-uI6YATfsHJHGpHHtqrEbxCj-WiJG2j/s400/Dover%20train%20track%20tunnel%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>I walked along for a few hundred yards, feeling, as I always do when I explore abandoned railroad tracks, like I was in an early episode of "The Walking Dead" (see November 30, 2015, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2015/11/walking-dead-tracks.html">"Walking Dead Tracks"</a>). The light at the end of the tunnel is neighboring Medfield, which <a href="https://medfield.baycolonyrailtrail.org">maintains a rail trail</a> from the Dover line for 1.3 miles south.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz7ikWY4uVuWC4z12njqlv1uIdUMIOk-EtFRxYVMznUJU9S9IDWUqtRBIsKbEkHhooWqybCDUVDmmm-ZbpETyYLX7UVLUPRrm2akl4r5LfSyK4DE2U3FwArVp76PzjnkS4a5IYNfj09SlUtnUOXE7VD-rYJ61IFLjqBJkV0rlNVKVSxRQjYzesl7td7XM/s2048/Dover%20train%20trestle.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLz7ikWY4uVuWC4z12njqlv1uIdUMIOk-EtFRxYVMznUJU9S9IDWUqtRBIsKbEkHhooWqybCDUVDmmm-ZbpETyYLX7UVLUPRrm2akl4r5LfSyK4DE2U3FwArVp76PzjnkS4a5IYNfj09SlUtnUOXE7VD-rYJ61IFLjqBJkV0rlNVKVSxRQjYzesl7td7XM/s400/Dover%20train%20trestle.jpg"/></a>
<P>As I've said before, I enjoy rail trails, and am opposed to communities that oppose them, but I also like stumbling across scenes like the one above every once in a while.</P>
<P>For more posts about Dover, see below:</P>
<P>December 30, 2017, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2017/12/rail-trail-mix.html">"Rail Trail Mix,"</a> which discusses a portion of the Bay Colony Rail Trail in Needham, as well as the Cochrane Dam in Dover.</P>
<P>April 9, 2012, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2012/04/beyond-mill.html">"Beyond the Mill,"</a> about Noanet Woodlands and the old Dover Union Iron Mill.</P>
<P>March 22, 2012, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2012/03/fresh-air-salvation.html">"Fresh-Air Salvation,"</a> about the Abigail Draper Mann Woodland Worship Center of the Dover Church.</P>
<P>March 17, 2012, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2012/03/scouting-location.html">"Scouting a Location,"</a> about a Boy Scout camp on Snow Hill Reservation.</P>
<P>March 12, 2012, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2012/03/fire-on-mountain.html">"Fire On the Mountain?"</a> about the Ralph MacAllester Fire Tower at Snow Hill.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-65393871756601869892023-12-30T08:55:00.000-05:002023-12-30T08:55:26.530-05:00Ghost-Sign Busting Around Boston, Part III: Entertainment + Hospitality<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P><i>Welcome to the third and final part of my serialized, edited, spiffed-up take on Greater Boston ghost signs, based on a three-and-a-half-year-old Zoom presentation.</i></P>
<P><i>As I mentioned in the first installment in this series (see December 16, 2023, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/12/ghost-sign-busting-around-boston-part-i.html">"Ghost-Sign Busting Around Boston, Part I: Introduction, Inspiration and Indoctrination"</a>), in June of 2020, I gave a Zoom presentation about Boston-area ghost signs to the Historic Resources Committee of the <a href="https://www.architects.org">Boston Society of Architects</a>. The committee's chairman, Jack Glassman, had enjoyed <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2019/09/30/right-there-bloggers-instagrammers-search-boston-for-ghost-signs/DEWt4D3JpN2WDmKEQvDmPJ/story.html">Nora McGreevy's article</a> about these relics of the outdoor advertising world in the</i> Boston Globe <i>from October 2019, in which I was featured.</i></P>
<P><i>I gave a PowerPoint presentation about these signs in and around Boston, to perhaps two dozen BSA participants.</i></P>
<P><i>While I share ghost signs here (and on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebacksideofamerica/">Instagram</a>) within my write-ups about towns and cities of Eastern Massachusetts, I thought my readers might enjoy learning about the history of these outdoor advertisements, and to peruse a guide about the faded artwork on view in and around Boston. </i></P>
<P><i>In part two of this series, I wrote about auto-related signs, as well as ones for warehouses, laundry facilities, garment manufacturers, paper bag makers and much more (see December 23, 2023, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/12/ghost-sign-busting-around-boston-part.html">"Ghost-Sign Busting Around Boston, Part II: Transportation, Warehouses, Miscellaneous + More"</a>). In this post, I will share photos and information about ghost signs related to entertainment and hospitality.</i></P>
<center><b><b>ENTERTAINMENT + HOSPITALITY</b></b></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-td3xysc3JXKnGWOUB6Pae2EqY07PWS6S-XKC9wuEJm6RJNGo4pMqPATpaCZRpF6SRDh0P8yXVZ4GE6V3i2DHZ7QqqssFhK_sZR63VzohkXeJtxvobktkfVSo_Bgxr8Q3FwIsxBFxf4xublQ8RHfS6JPB_gmw9cvYxf7WYKwjKfP9ksa_pRbxqDwEd9dQ/s5415/Medieval%20Manor.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="5415" data-original-width="3610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-td3xysc3JXKnGWOUB6Pae2EqY07PWS6S-XKC9wuEJm6RJNGo4pMqPATpaCZRpF6SRDh0P8yXVZ4GE6V3i2DHZ7QqqssFhK_sZR63VzohkXeJtxvobktkfVSo_Bgxr8Q3FwIsxBFxf4xublQ8RHfS6JPB_gmw9cvYxf7WYKwjKfP9ksa_pRbxqDwEd9dQ/s400/Medieval%20Manor.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>How many people went to Medieval Manor in Boston's South End? I never made it there, but I heard it was a really good time, with gobs of food, buckets of booze and bawdy entertainment.</P>
<P>As I mentioned earlier, I have expanded my definition of ghost signs to include not just old advertisements, but faded signs from former businesses.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJkkLn37JmQhJWcleysS45v5t2xTcHqbAbGESxmhHWOUK8vmGx_vak11mQpxB4tuA0lcE7Uu5ZiLEgRmbWJ6WosBB2tAk1lYO9z4e1fR5wEGy2E1mlxxIicVNXFThWqdXGmWj-wdtQl-Wngc6mN5ZQZdu31zqHPHBVnyVsSKI47VSv5H82WVSggLWupyq/s3719/Helvetia%20ghost%20name.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2490" data-original-width="3719" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJkkLn37JmQhJWcleysS45v5t2xTcHqbAbGESxmhHWOUK8vmGx_vak11mQpxB4tuA0lcE7Uu5ZiLEgRmbWJ6WosBB2tAk1lYO9z4e1fR5wEGy2E1mlxxIicVNXFThWqdXGmWj-wdtQl-Wngc6mN5ZQZdu31zqHPHBVnyVsSKI47VSv5H82WVSggLWupyq/s400/Helvetia%20ghost%20name.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Located along Huntington Avenue, in Boston's Brigham Circle, the Helvetia was an apartment hotel that opened in 1885. It is in the Triangle Historic District.</P>
<P>In East Boston’s Orient Heights neighborhood, I found this sign advertising bowling and dancing.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiswu8Y6UjZjnqhciR90i8WLC1jTPih7wjTn-3dp1Y7YtbCnrZEMFBB7V0q8SA8JRHLba6RabzSfPsSJpNifkmnEfm9NpT16_jWdVDzDR-WDve8AK3vdv2PhQwQa2go1FB8WAzmjVL33VF0CclXvYwUUI_G37J3IIFbcGIRLCOo-Je4MRVClHbmWbOG1qt/s2004/26877500915_49f6bb15b7_k.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="2004" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiswu8Y6UjZjnqhciR90i8WLC1jTPih7wjTn-3dp1Y7YtbCnrZEMFBB7V0q8SA8JRHLba6RabzSfPsSJpNifkmnEfm9NpT16_jWdVDzDR-WDve8AK3vdv2PhQwQa2go1FB8WAzmjVL33VF0CclXvYwUUI_G37J3IIFbcGIRLCOo-Je4MRVClHbmWbOG1qt/s400/26877500915_49f6bb15b7_k.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>This is located on the side of the former Orient Palace Theatre, the first word of which you can see at the top. There was a bowling alley in the basement. When I made this photo a few years back, there was a pool hall here and I’m not sure what else.</P>
<P>In Boston's Theater District, I spied this old sign on the side of the Shubert Theatre.</P>
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<P>Opened in 1910, the Shubert is now part of what’s called the Boch Center, which includes the Wang Theatre across the street.</P>
<P>In Cambride's Harvard Square, I found a great sign for the former University Theatre. I had walked by this place countless times in the last 25 years before I finally looked up - way way up.</P>
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<P>I want to wrap up with restaurants and bars, the largest category in my Greater Boston survey, other than miscellaneous and unknown.</P>
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<P>This sign is in Waltham. I haven’t been able to figure out the restaurant this ad is for, but if you look closely, you'll see the word "fountain" and Coca-Cola logo. This is around the corner from Moody Street, which in recent years has become a food mecca.</P>
<P>I found two along Cambridge Street in East Cambridge. One is for a restaurant, the other is for a product that might have been used in that restaurant.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSlsu__3opNSBYmWKeVYszApuSaiyuVXSde0Rxk5g-9sb15JJa5xFrwaw6mPPR0fobWIM5b5irAU-s06ED_pa89Qyxmbv485cZ7o7JI9EPv9B8w2Is0weIdi48LasBf1GdEj-c6uBQbJj1iJUpR82teVWUbZq3fYoP-gIXAVAFs-d_SGwPbcpNhrKwxBy/s5838/Gold%20Medal%20Flour%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3892" data-original-width="5838" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXSlsu__3opNSBYmWKeVYszApuSaiyuVXSde0Rxk5g-9sb15JJa5xFrwaw6mPPR0fobWIM5b5irAU-s06ED_pa89Qyxmbv485cZ7o7JI9EPv9B8w2Is0weIdi48LasBf1GdEj-c6uBQbJj1iJUpR82teVWUbZq3fYoP-gIXAVAFs-d_SGwPbcpNhrKwxBy/s400/Gold%20Medal%20Flour%20ghost.jpg"/></a></div>
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<P>I'm not sure if Santoro Bakery offered French bread pizza, or French bread and pizza, among its treats.</P>
<P>Of course there are plenty of restaurant ghosts in Boston. Perhaps the most well-known is another sign that isn’t a traditional ghost sign.</P>
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<P>This restaurant was open for about 20 years in the Haymarket/North End area. The sign has advertised a dead business for about 30. Nearby is a sign for Pete’s Pub, which closed in 2007, and was a no-frills bar for many years.</P>
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<P>In Boston's South End, I found a very nice old restaurant sign.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl7IKAyGdLjDQBbLm7wV8Drwn1fXXrrEyJkmwCaKCMM6XGQwIlCllXB9o3iMWRH4wg3lRkthL5CG8Kwp2iFnvO1NqlL0SYbQ90qO9Gjlhh1mgXbknRntPMAI4Lw2imQCFGUF-TcpWow3vsWAGbK0d3i4mXJQgGF-b1Lt-_Ba6B3bnehWcS85vrspbU1Vd/s5582/Boston%20Creamery%20ghost%202-2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3721" data-original-width="5582" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhl7IKAyGdLjDQBbLm7wV8Drwn1fXXrrEyJkmwCaKCMM6XGQwIlCllXB9o3iMWRH4wg3lRkthL5CG8Kwp2iFnvO1NqlL0SYbQ90qO9Gjlhh1mgXbknRntPMAI4Lw2imQCFGUF-TcpWow3vsWAGbK0d3i4mXJQgGF-b1Lt-_Ba6B3bnehWcS85vrspbU1Vd/s400/Boston%20Creamery%20ghost%202-2.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>I haven’t been able to find out much about this business. This sign is on the side of the <a href="https://www.polkadog.com/pages/bakery-south-end">Polka Dog Bakery</a>.</P>
<P>In Boston's Financial District I spotted another one of those “not exactly a ghost sign” signs.</P>
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<P>Located in the Bulfinch Building, the Littlest Bar was at this spot for around a decade before a new development forced it to shut down. Previously, it was in Downtown Crossing for decades.</P>
<P>Finally, in Boston's Chinatown, one of the most impressive signs in the city, and one of my favorites.</P>
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<P>Gamsun Restaurant (translated as "Gold Mountain") operated in the 1940's and '50s from what I've found online. I love that this sign is still here and shines nearly as bright as a stack of gold bars. <b>UPDATE TO MY PRESENTATION: THIS SIGN HAS SINCE BEEN PAINTED OR COVERED OVER</b>.</P>
<P>As I mentioned in the beginning of my presentation, hand-painted signs – whether advertisements for businesses, or civic-themed murals – have experienced a resurgence in recent years.</P>
<P>In Boston, Josh Luke and Meredith Kasabian run <a href="https://www.bestdressedsigns.com/About">Best Dressed Signs</a>, which calls itself an all-by-hand, artistic sign painting and mural company. Kasabian runs <a href="https://www.previnylitesociety.com/corevalues">The Pre-Vinylite Society</a>, which is a place where sign painters and enthusiasts can connect and share work. The organization claims thousands of members, many of who regularly post their work on the group’s Facebook page.</P>
<P>A company called <a href="https://colossalmedia.com">Colossal Media</a>, which has offices across the country, specializes in large-scale, hand-painted commercial artwork. Founded in 2004, the company claims to be the largest provider of such work.</P>
<P><i>Preservation Magazine</i> a few years ago published an article profiling Jeremy Russell and Scott Allred, who run <a href="http://www.brushcan.com">Brushcan Custom Murals & Hand-Painted Signs</a> in Asheville, North Carolina. They paint new signs and restore old ones, too.</P>
<P>In Keene, NH, a group calling itself the <a href="https://keenenh.gov/our-city/events/walldog-murals">Keene Walldogs</a> painted 16 murals around the small city. The artworks cover a variety of local-interest topics, ranging from the history of baseball in the city to the Ashuelot River to the Abenaki people to well-known native son, artist Barry Faulkner.</P>
<P>Finally, I would like to recommend the movie “Sign Painters,” which is available at <a href="http://www.signpaintersfilm.com/#watch">http://www.signpaintersfilm.com/#watch</a></P>
<P>The movie explores the hand-painted sign industry, and features many memorable artists and works.</P>
<P>I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at the ghost signs to be found in and around Boston, and the history and future of the industry. If your interest has been sparked, get out and start hunting - before they disappear. As I learned through my searches on Flickr, there used to be a lot more ghost signs in the Boston area, but in a booming area like this, these signs are becoming increasingly hard to find.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-62712277081019393762023-12-23T08:24:00.000-05:002023-12-23T08:24:12.188-05:00Ghost-Sign Busting Around Boston, Part II: Transportation, Warehouses, Miscellaneous + More<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P><i>Welcome to the second part of what is essentially a scam, a way for me to fill space on the blog by repurposing content I created for another outlet. Although, is it a scam if I don't receive any remuneration? While we're tossing around fifty-cent words, is it possible to be combobulated? Anyway, I don't wanna go all Steven Wright on you, so let's just move on.</i></P>
<P><i>As I mentioned in the first installment in this series (see December 16, 2023, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/12/ghost-sign-busting-around-boston-part-i.html">"Ghost-Sign Busting Around Boston, Part I: Introduction, Inspiration and Indoctrination"</a>), in June of 2020, I gave a Zoom presentation about Boston-area ghost signs to the Historic Resources Committee of the <a href="https://www.architects.org">Boston Society of Architects</a>. The committee's chairman, Jack Glassman, had enjoyed <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2019/09/30/right-there-bloggers-instagrammers-search-boston-for-ghost-signs/DEWt4D3JpN2WDmKEQvDmPJ/story.html">Nora McGreevy's article</a> about these relics of the outdoor advertising world in the</i> Boston Globe <i>from October 2019, in which I was featured.</i></P>
<P><i>I gave a PowerPoint presentation about these signs in and around Boston, to perhaps two dozen BSA participants.</i></P>
<P><i>While I share ghost signs here (and on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebacksideofamerica/">Instagram</a>) within my write-ups about towns and cities of Eastern Massachusetts, I thought my readers might enjoy learning about the history of these outdoor advertisements, and to peruse a guide about the faded artwork on view in and around Boston.</i></P>
<P><i>In this post, I will share photos and information about ghost signs related to transportation, warehouses, miscellaneous businesses, unknown relics and more.</i></P>
<center><b>TRANSPORTATION</b></center>
<P>Let's start in the <b>Automotive</b> sector.</P>
<P>The rise in popularity of ghost signs coincided with the growing American fascination with the automobile. I haven’t seen a lot of car-related ghost signs in Greater Boston, but there are a few.</P>
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<P>Located in Newton Centre, this ad for Mohawk Tire is on a wall of a narrow driveway that leads to an auto body shop, J & K Auto Service. The building that houses the shop dates to 1903, and I’m guessing it has been a service station for most, if not all, of the years since. Mohawk Tire was made by the Mohawk Rubber Co., which was founded in 1913.</P>
<P>Also in Newton, I shot this Chevrolet logo, after getting a tip from my wife.
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<P>This sign, as you have probably guessed, is gone. The Clay Chevy dealership, which in later years was a Nissan store, was torn down to make way for an assisted living facility.</P>
<P>Even along tony Newbury Street in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood, you’ll find ghost signs.</P>
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<P>Located in a building currently housing a Uniqlo clothing store and other businesses, this sign advertised both Danker & Donohue Garage and a company called White Cars. Neither of those operations is still in business.</P>
<P>More rare than the Newbury Street sign is the ghost I found in Boston's Beacon Hill, which isn’t automotive, but is transportation-related.</P>
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<P>This find is one of my favorites, as I wasn't expecting to stumble across anything like this in Beacon Hill, one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods. "The stable was constructed in the mid-1860s for Margaret Barker Sigourney, a wealthy widow who lived nearby in Back Bay," according to the <a href="https://buildingsofnewengland.com/2022/01/19/burkes-hack-and-livery-stable-c-1865/">Buildings of New England</a> blog. "After other owners, by 1922, a coachman named James F. Burke owned and lived in the stable. The painted sign on the lintel over the vehicle door reading 'Burke’s Hack & Livery Stable' apparently remains from this period."</P>
<P>At the time this sign was produced, hack and livery referred to horses and renting out and use of such. The former eventually became slang for a taxi, while the latter has come to mean, among other things, a car for hire or a vehicle's exterior appearance, as with airplanes.</P>
<P>Until I explored Beacon Hill and researched and wrote about it for this blog (see Parts <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2019/12/beacon-hill-randoms-part-i.html">I</a>, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2020/01/beacon-hill-randoms-part-ii.html">II</a> and <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2020/01/beacon-hill-randoms-part-iii.html">III</a>), I had no idea how many of the expensive homes there were once stables and garages. There are buildings of a similar vintage, constructed by the builders who worked on the iconic Beacon Hill homes of the 19th century, in Boston's Bay Village. On the back of a Stanhope Street building I found this series of signs, for two auto body/service shops.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNnkYjG_85KT9B1FsrFw0Ul14P8_ViYV_K0Izl8c1VYOcxSC1J_gnBWIGmpPbOTFqajhQZk9g0-4UcIoZSDhOUF0mYKit9ZexVG78_QMNZHBuxYpzipTstgndFg5wKWhDj79ERt-hbWVvhirfI6iuziHNoav5WdQ9lT1BmGKIciva1m_iS8Q_-54on4wy/s5447/Stanhope%20ghost%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3631" data-original-width="5447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZNnkYjG_85KT9B1FsrFw0Ul14P8_ViYV_K0Izl8c1VYOcxSC1J_gnBWIGmpPbOTFqajhQZk9g0-4UcIoZSDhOUF0mYKit9ZexVG78_QMNZHBuxYpzipTstgndFg5wKWhDj79ERt-hbWVvhirfI6iuziHNoav5WdQ9lT1BmGKIciva1m_iS8Q_-54on4wy/s400/Stanhope%20ghost%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIQvFk5wmZMZAtj6gXplp7SJ3aCQZymL7esPNqzCAisy0vYeZR85j-q26kxfU4UEK0K80nkIiieB9IS4c9XANdTm4L5o-MVIwP0oB7IdDFRQtZEMr5NCPrePfu-v9j27jAvq2LSU2afy57UVf5-9XYGIV4IK5DBYrr8tLXH_g-TRo_zlYZjH4aDKVeJ7G/s6000/Stanhope%20ghost%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpIQvFk5wmZMZAtj6gXplp7SJ3aCQZymL7esPNqzCAisy0vYeZR85j-q26kxfU4UEK0K80nkIiieB9IS4c9XANdTm4L5o-MVIwP0oB7IdDFRQtZEMr5NCPrePfu-v9j27jAvq2LSU2afy57UVf5-9XYGIV4IK5DBYrr8tLXH_g-TRo_zlYZjH4aDKVeJ7G/s400/Stanhope%20ghost%203.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5YbQoUQhXkSJdQik-KTu5akHWl-HPzjHXnWA6W9q_iFS0wcRKCmwAN1mLoAyDBsncq243JblsabqJlUi-HVgoH0HZU4oilLbAQ3rVcUE14pbQUacBCTShJ3V62EHohjE5P1n0EF6s9FYb9ZhSjiuEBd91tBvLagyiuMbJy7pzjcMNDPGcX8yXZcS1N4d/s6000/Stanhope%20ghost%204.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV5YbQoUQhXkSJdQik-KTu5akHWl-HPzjHXnWA6W9q_iFS0wcRKCmwAN1mLoAyDBsncq243JblsabqJlUi-HVgoH0HZU4oilLbAQ3rVcUE14pbQUacBCTShJ3V62EHohjE5P1n0EF6s9FYb9ZhSjiuEBd91tBvLagyiuMbJy7pzjcMNDPGcX8yXZcS1N4d/s400/Stanhope%20ghost%204.jpg"/></a>
<P>I learned a valuable lesson with these signs: slow down. Most of these photos I have taken while out on subway trips with my son, who has loved the T since he was a little kid. He’s 21 now, but up until the pandemic hit, we were going out regularly on the T. I crammed as much exploration and photography into the limited time I had when my son and I split up for a while after lunch. So the first time I walked down this alley behind the buildings on Stanhope Street, I snapped two quick photos and moved on. It wasn’t until I looked at Flickr later while doing research, that I realized from other peoples’ photos that there was more signage here. So I returned and got the whole set.
<P>Webber Carburetors was located at #66 Stanhope, and Bascom’s wholesale auto supply was at #27. Stanhope is a short street, connecting Berkeley and Clarendon streets, fronting on a small park that is squeezed next to the Mass. Pike. It's a cozy little area, home to breakfast spot <a href="https://www.thefriendlytoast.com">The Friendly Toast</a>, a small, unassuming Walgreens, <a href="https://colorrefinery.com">Color Refinery</a>, a post-production facility specializing in color grading, and other small businesses. Many of the buildings in this nook of a neighborhood were once stables for Back Bay residents, and date to the late 19th century.</P>
<P>The look and feel of this area, however, are endangered. In May 2023, Stanhope Hotel Holdings <a href="https://bpda.app.box.com/s/oud4mzekzssmxa5eviw75zw6mmd63xha">filed its latest documents</a> with the Boston Planning and Development Agency related to its plan to build a 21-story, 300-room hotel with ground-floor retail or restaurant, basically right in the middle of this historic block.</P>
<P>Let's move on from automobiles to another form of travel: <b>Shipping</b>.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMfy-YYypfsZ76pBYkmAdGafqfcOm-HcSfn2jYgLAlBMLkqP8twjNiKzcTMJSMe86vA2vbUoyNN-BrQMPjmFxvGtttSvBFYF4hC6dnMXTdjkEHhNkzDkV6VIVLI_sgwuZojLIhcOsz_5A_S7OvGJgumKzUbbCzS6LWqHvVFvDBkHg6yXZ9NxyZetBFXDE/s1846/7609343674_1769c1bfe7_k.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1846" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMfy-YYypfsZ76pBYkmAdGafqfcOm-HcSfn2jYgLAlBMLkqP8twjNiKzcTMJSMe86vA2vbUoyNN-BrQMPjmFxvGtttSvBFYF4hC6dnMXTdjkEHhNkzDkV6VIVLI_sgwuZojLIhcOsz_5A_S7OvGJgumKzUbbCzS6LWqHvVFvDBkHg6yXZ9NxyZetBFXDE/s400/7609343674_1769c1bfe7_k.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>The White Star Line was a shipping company that ran between England and America’s East Coast. Its most famous ship was the Titanic. This building in Charlestown was apparently a warehouse for White Star and other companies.</P>
<P>The largest category of signs I’ve found in and around Boston is, as you might expect:</P>
<center><b>MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESSES/UNKNOWN</b></center>
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<P>I’ve seen dozens and dozens of ghost signs on my treks around Greater Boston. But when I spotted this one in Cambridge’s Kendall Square in October 2018, it sparked my interest in a way that I hadn’t experienced before. I’d been focusing on old buildings and architectural details and not spending so much time on old signs. But this one forced the issue and I’m happy it did.</P>
<P>Kendall Boiler and Tank Co. is a going concern, which is awesome. The company isn't located at this site anymore, though; it's in Chelmsford, Mass. The complex of buildings was restored and converted into office space by PRA Architects.</P>
<P>Also in Cambridge, between Kendall and Central squares, I saw this sign, which I couldn’t read.</P>
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<P>This property along Main Street was once home to Squirrel Brand, the nut maker that is still in business, although not in Massachusetts anymore. So I assume the ghost sign advertised something from that company.</P>
<P>There are two more ghost signs in this category in Cambridge’s Central Square.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ7yh-m2xDGSvzfjAiwPBTKOGG3U55HtmPsoTvyyGIs_CZ0d_wg4WJpFzIeh-y0NGvpivASyVsBH-g9dKj82UjcXJYv4pPk0kBX_AAEq3QHETQrLiLVI9IdYRMFNBOWUkO6nLd8bYVruTHPpqqxwkRInaYb1wBYqS-QdmWRjIj453jWcd-kkd5PLZ_npS/s5792/Central%20Sq%20ghost%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3861" data-original-width="5792" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzQ7yh-m2xDGSvzfjAiwPBTKOGG3U55HtmPsoTvyyGIs_CZ0d_wg4WJpFzIeh-y0NGvpivASyVsBH-g9dKj82UjcXJYv4pPk0kBX_AAEq3QHETQrLiLVI9IdYRMFNBOWUkO6nLd8bYVruTHPpqqxwkRInaYb1wBYqS-QdmWRjIj453jWcd-kkd5PLZ_npS/s400/Central%20Sq%20ghost%20sign.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Now known as the Barron Building, this place was once known as Prospect House, and a business there sold boating and fishing supplies.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsRLA_tptDjQwKcJIwYaiUe7gwpUBkCUA2e9zkkWf0jimzSR6uXoYoVjwU9bWs8iI1pY-BcIjPETHBaQs3jT2rB5z0imzEbd4Cpk37VhJ_KEBIQuXk73kwpRIR6Sp0mREJZ7Hp8KI1N-Kun3y0MiMOhpfHXjo6OySI1WC-WMHaKdhFFUOzWaHWD_mtYU2/s2400/Central%20Sq%20Kennedy%20Steam%20copy.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsRLA_tptDjQwKcJIwYaiUe7gwpUBkCUA2e9zkkWf0jimzSR6uXoYoVjwU9bWs8iI1pY-BcIjPETHBaQs3jT2rB5z0imzEbd4Cpk37VhJ_KEBIQuXk73kwpRIR6Sp0mREJZ7Hp8KI1N-Kun3y0MiMOhpfHXjo6OySI1WC-WMHaKdhFFUOzWaHWD_mtYU2/s400/Central%20Sq%20Kennedy%20Steam%20copy.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Kennedy Steam Bakery moved from Arlington to Cambridge in 1839. Now apartments, this building on Franklin Street is where the company made such well-known treats as Fig Newtons, Lorna Doone cookies and Uneeda crackers. I’ve taken a few photos of this ghost over the years, and had no idea until researching for this presentation that Kennedy Steam was a bakery, rather than a power plant.</P>
<P>One of the most distinct signs I’ve come across, and I would argue, one of the rarest based on a search on Flickr, is this one:</P>
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<P>Carter’s Arabin was a brand of adhesive manufactured here by the Carter Dinsmore Co. in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Frankly, I’m not even sure how I spotted this sign, but I’m glad I did.</P>
<P>Now I’d like to talk about two more of these miscellaneous businesses, each of which had been out of business for a long time before I shot the signs. Unfortunately, neither of these signs still exists.</P>
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<P>Circle Supply in Watertown went out of business many years ago. This building, which dated to at least 1925, was also once home to the Textile Thread Company. It was torn down in late 2014 and the site is now apartments.</P>
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<P>Located on Essex Street on the edge of Chinatown, Dainty Dot Hosiery manufactured, well, I think you can figure that out. The company’s building dated to the late 19th century, and was torn down in 2012 to make way for a 26-story residential tower. This building, or at least part of it, would have been a good candidate for facadism. I love when developers incorporate part of an old building in a new project, and I think using the name Dainty Dot in there would have been great. Of course, I love even more when old buildings are renovated instead.</P>
<P>Right across Kingston Street from the old Dainty Dot property I found a sign for a former dry goods company.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio50wXAoX6yuTYEp4Z3cOScGaUB8g9JVBhbg009VMAfUj38bklE3fKm-8LqkOLY5irbdN0xbcY5U5lEMqUhS95fX9gHAlX3wGhxnHeBD_61oL7En7RgsOxlRZQSVMMve9Ul688Bt_sJD8nVMixaBpTrdtotwc_lf-tEGZKA9RR1viHN0E4sZ_ya-P4_K6p/s5633/Chinatown%20ghost%20sign-2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3755" data-original-width="5633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio50wXAoX6yuTYEp4Z3cOScGaUB8g9JVBhbg009VMAfUj38bklE3fKm-8LqkOLY5irbdN0xbcY5U5lEMqUhS95fX9gHAlX3wGhxnHeBD_61oL7En7RgsOxlRZQSVMMve9Ul688Bt_sJD8nVMixaBpTrdtotwc_lf-tEGZKA9RR1viHN0E4sZ_ya-P4_K6p/s400/Chinatown%20ghost%20sign-2.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>While Bartlett Coppinger Maloon isn't in business any longer, as far as I know, this sign is still visible.</P>
<P>Another sign from the clothing industry is located not far away on Kneeland Street in Chinatown.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIA_CbvfNofrtRNxJymGr8VeoxdDIuRr0lrdfP-Nj1IJwKXX4Ek224wY8LVNJjyFolWJvqVhld72KtXl-q9xHLtAcOCYD23F1UZSJZB2yPnSgMlvzO7eXmKw0e_n3SNGd0okjwgLxcaKs67sjgxJCpaj5gOJvzR66HPsI4zvVaw-Spm6bu-NMjp7RcUeU/s4032/Chinatown%20ghost%20sign%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIA_CbvfNofrtRNxJymGr8VeoxdDIuRr0lrdfP-Nj1IJwKXX4Ek224wY8LVNJjyFolWJvqVhld72KtXl-q9xHLtAcOCYD23F1UZSJZB2yPnSgMlvzO7eXmKw0e_n3SNGd0okjwgLxcaKs67sjgxJCpaj5gOJvzR66HPsI4zvVaw-Spm6bu-NMjp7RcUeU/s400/Chinatown%20ghost%20sign%203.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>The last time I checked, this sign – I’m not sure the business name or location – had been covered by a large billboard. This area was Boston’s Garment District during the first half of the 20th century.</P>
<P>Also in Chinatown is this old sign for a medical office.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla8JaufP6Ql3LLVwCmEB6NreIUJ9qxsMls51zffByWTnPcpxo5IpCQXoAgEci6sCXYLNQx8JpKJ-HDzXrhJkpuVvD1ZKhlXMf761zSjAYO9C0bIMP4KVRebuZkSqa_iM73XT_AU-g8YtkdE3-VL38A3_e0URaft3uTElGYt4Cb1535PAfxhimCypicdX4/s3736/2019-02-19%2013.27.30.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3736" data-original-width="2802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgla8JaufP6Ql3LLVwCmEB6NreIUJ9qxsMls51zffByWTnPcpxo5IpCQXoAgEci6sCXYLNQx8JpKJ-HDzXrhJkpuVvD1ZKhlXMf761zSjAYO9C0bIMP4KVRebuZkSqa_iM73XT_AU-g8YtkdE3-VL38A3_e0URaft3uTElGYt4Cb1535PAfxhimCypicdX4/s400/2019-02-19%2013.27.30.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>A short walk away, in Downtown Crossing, is the sign below, which is one of the few that I haven’t been able to decipher -- except for the one obvious word -- or learn about online.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pnwjT6uljmyGy7Jv6qzHl10_ZVQwdguVOaNSnsfQFBhDMshyHKeKe-755W1zWcoLFMDmaFJUy-vP41rggmPpRCD5jy8nltfwl7KzNWZRZPVgriiyjVUCFoevOZk6kYAFFTtTuac-KBzIjYTWZ3w_oevCaFrt68OYXkHh93I35WYiV1v7r4BQcxR8BAon/s5467/Winter%20Street%20ghost%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3645" data-original-width="5467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7pnwjT6uljmyGy7Jv6qzHl10_ZVQwdguVOaNSnsfQFBhDMshyHKeKe-755W1zWcoLFMDmaFJUy-vP41rggmPpRCD5jy8nltfwl7KzNWZRZPVgriiyjVUCFoevOZk6kYAFFTtTuac-KBzIjYTWZ3w_oevCaFrt68OYXkHh93I35WYiV1v7r4BQcxR8BAon/s400/Winter%20Street%20ghost%20sign.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Along High Street in Boston, near where the Financial District meets the Rose Kennedy Greenway, is this sign for Stimpson & Co., a company that made paper bags.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnqRY1C-ajLjCjudpoxe0oe0jrkkOE_swgdKxK4z7-XCEFQ4dsRq_6KbKgu5iRMYMiwqk3D4kVvNdpFnfdUjaUYlQP6cANs4N_d-D87GiqK9BWCPTi0rbbv6hC0lGqjOubc4ViQFj_VuoIfSNFjNwpa3gu9c5R58rWXiB7wo5n0TjAot-IZwFCR4_6m4f/s5226/Bag%20Co%20ghost%20sign%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="5226" data-original-width="3484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnqRY1C-ajLjCjudpoxe0oe0jrkkOE_swgdKxK4z7-XCEFQ4dsRq_6KbKgu5iRMYMiwqk3D4kVvNdpFnfdUjaUYlQP6cANs4N_d-D87GiqK9BWCPTi0rbbv6hC0lGqjOubc4ViQFj_VuoIfSNFjNwpa3gu9c5R58rWXiB7wo5n0TjAot-IZwFCR4_6m4f/s400/Bag%20Co%20ghost%20sign%202.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>In the Fenway neighborhood, in the shadow of Christian Science Plaza, next to a fake convenience store that houses one of the <a href="https://bdgastore.com/pages/boston-store">hottest shoe and clothing shops in the city</a>, is one of the larger, more intact signs I’ve seen.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOv6oqxvzPGi1Csfd39SfW6KyG-c__aN9Cv9G4mZ7o5gwsWq00ilpGQVLAIsAkNOE47TosW-repVcywqmj8g0ax63j1Ap--TFe1C7_CmED8vMIW20L0MqTXtwFYj3U3V9K7mG26N45T5qzi5LolsPBfomw9VArv7MAKaF5kRT2pq36aHRF9mG0J-93hZv/s5867/Navin%20Kelly%20reshoot.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3911" data-original-width="5867" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOv6oqxvzPGi1Csfd39SfW6KyG-c__aN9Cv9G4mZ7o5gwsWq00ilpGQVLAIsAkNOE47TosW-repVcywqmj8g0ax63j1Ap--TFe1C7_CmED8vMIW20L0MqTXtwFYj3U3V9K7mG26N45T5qzi5LolsPBfomw9VArv7MAKaF5kRT2pq36aHRF9mG0J-93hZv/s400/Navin%20Kelly%20reshoot.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Over the years, since I've been unable to find out much about Navin & Kelly, I've wondered whether the sign is a fake, created to make the made-up convenience store seem more real.</P>
<P>In the Haymarket/Government Center area is one of Boston's more well-known ghost sign combos:</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yKiXX2eBsQcZog5vYa7yqAhUf8_65Pgnr0zm99gVXqtlKlJwwizymooz-LM8YjDcKI8MwV3C29-kaJANIVJMyFRbfK35FZt2-PlY38r2cq9kNW1_KLYAgD3onBx2aEMlGZ5Kc0sadJNv7LwZXh5n40aW_DrHefmpDLhtmJc6boy3vNT_YMiC86UZSA_K/s1899/8858599754_f213f05d00_k.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1899" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yKiXX2eBsQcZog5vYa7yqAhUf8_65Pgnr0zm99gVXqtlKlJwwizymooz-LM8YjDcKI8MwV3C29-kaJANIVJMyFRbfK35FZt2-PlY38r2cq9kNW1_KLYAgD3onBx2aEMlGZ5Kc0sadJNv7LwZXh5n40aW_DrHefmpDLhtmJc6boy3vNT_YMiC86UZSA_K/s400/8858599754_f213f05d00_k.jpg"/></a>
<P>Bostonia Cigars was founded in the late 1800s, I believe. I'm not sure when it was snuffed out as a business. The backside of this building, located at the corner of Blackstone and Hanover streets, has another faded sign, which I think pointed the way to the cigar store.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jVsfBi9_ldCJOD9lhCt5zSd-Zp5hPrjeEzigLAVedaHaDGCnFesW1iZFJyFpXAixcGCSu7Th_lcKOn4lmLoKDwyBbH93a4yJ95Wc7JZWwFoep5XjGQVy99STmOsBHJ9qhNMocdwvjWVPufRrhcblV9voOukG3uYSWfed_a7HPkgAJJit5cDmec_dQLgx/s3640/2019-03-03%2014.55.31.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3640" data-original-width="2730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jVsfBi9_ldCJOD9lhCt5zSd-Zp5hPrjeEzigLAVedaHaDGCnFesW1iZFJyFpXAixcGCSu7Th_lcKOn4lmLoKDwyBbH93a4yJ95Wc7JZWwFoep5XjGQVy99STmOsBHJ9qhNMocdwvjWVPufRrhcblV9voOukG3uYSWfed_a7HPkgAJJit5cDmec_dQLgx/s400/2019-03-03%2014.55.31.jpg"/></a>
<P>Directly below the pointing finger is the Boston Stone, which I wrote about a few years back (see May 22, 2019, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2019/05/everybody-must-get-stoned.html">"Everybody Must Get Stoned"</a>).</P>
<P>Not far away, in the North End, there are two other signs that I haven’t been able to figure out.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xPdLgHPTklZDnZUIAXP__H9Jdfl3ELvrB5BlwuKYdpB8O06HfGiVDSPKWkPG51DC0yXoUSNhXs4LBVCG0Pb1lF0UOIdL0YPuYy-x9Rse4v-cxVYkLerURBVnEQOOmQ-irCRqQ0j8_vNE7sJCq1ON4X_jIga3Oy0WufmegNDujnS7gxuzoxj1dcOnnSpE/s3014/2018-01-13%2013.26.46.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3014" data-original-width="2261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xPdLgHPTklZDnZUIAXP__H9Jdfl3ELvrB5BlwuKYdpB8O06HfGiVDSPKWkPG51DC0yXoUSNhXs4LBVCG0Pb1lF0UOIdL0YPuYy-x9Rse4v-cxVYkLerURBVnEQOOmQ-irCRqQ0j8_vNE7sJCq1ON4X_jIga3Oy0WufmegNDujnS7gxuzoxj1dcOnnSpE/s400/2018-01-13%2013.26.46.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP9XK5rHGyhuy2A1Y20uHsSC-8o82J-nXfAFs6FKNqinXm8iWg1_RfsN6cvSY0xyXZPOIWf1_3ND3q0PRroSX13B9snftcRApA1zizfB_CZr-bvKO10yqqhCLZJsuDBS-X0eox8nyGQfx8UNtZ_Q43m6UI-KN4vldbM0OntwdYt7vjPNUmAQ7G2PWjvYA/s2048/North%20End%20ghost%20sign-2.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXP9XK5rHGyhuy2A1Y20uHsSC-8o82J-nXfAFs6FKNqinXm8iWg1_RfsN6cvSY0xyXZPOIWf1_3ND3q0PRroSX13B9snftcRApA1zizfB_CZr-bvKO10yqqhCLZJsuDBS-X0eox8nyGQfx8UNtZ_Q43m6UI-KN4vldbM0OntwdYt7vjPNUmAQ7G2PWjvYA/s400/North%20End%20ghost%20sign-2.jpg"/></a>
<P>Across town, in the South End, is a sign that I thought was pretty cool, and something different than the typical restaurant/soda/furniture store:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29S4gp8qP_7lDn6872J2i6cGGyQTuET89k2j9rXCcKly_8dvISc1PP-z4RywhjcVjvOFqfaLMSQbXeQxnUbCQqYjzi5VjzyEyWZR_tBnUTpf8GzBkSRvwZSDvDtB2uJmroIrvFXfiqABa2pZhJ7HIGWfmsR0ypXwW8tgRMILTXEi9HhF5CpHztkIsBxsn/s5226/Imperial%20Marble%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3484" data-original-width="5226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29S4gp8qP_7lDn6872J2i6cGGyQTuET89k2j9rXCcKly_8dvISc1PP-z4RywhjcVjvOFqfaLMSQbXeQxnUbCQqYjzi5VjzyEyWZR_tBnUTpf8GzBkSRvwZSDvDtB2uJmroIrvFXfiqABa2pZhJ7HIGWfmsR0ypXwW8tgRMILTXEi9HhF5CpHztkIsBxsn/s400/Imperial%20Marble%20ghost.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Turns out it’s a fake! A person who I don’t know posted a comment on my blog about a bunch of photos I took in the South End. Of this place, he said a friend owns the building and that about 28 years ago he allowed a production company to use the parking area to make a TV commercial for CVS. The small area was turned into a Christmas tree lot, complete with fake snow, an old camper for the attendant...and this sign, which was painted by a few artists. The sign never made it into the commercial.</P>
<P>Also in the South End is a sign that’s confusing, but for a different reason.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVhdni-sbYfPHMPySDEAcgKGWFfDxlP7peb3nYL78e0_kogDoJ-Vaw4bzvnGutZVTTW_slhjHvTVrMB3j7FGjOVhEwEfQUSETEvqmsWD9So_k9tr4hdk_LbELA1EVthCRNGT7kh2WyVreLQuzzywzc4iuOhRPOb1SOrqFhaRcgFnX1XDJ_n83mlBjBFI2/s6000/South%20End%20Wabash%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrVhdni-sbYfPHMPySDEAcgKGWFfDxlP7peb3nYL78e0_kogDoJ-Vaw4bzvnGutZVTTW_slhjHvTVrMB3j7FGjOVhEwEfQUSETEvqmsWD9So_k9tr4hdk_LbELA1EVthCRNGT7kh2WyVreLQuzzywzc4iuOhRPOb1SOrqFhaRcgFnX1XDJ_n83mlBjBFI2/s400/South%20End%20Wabash%20ghost.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Why is there a sign that says "218 WABASH AVE. CHICAGO" on the side of the building in Boston? I don't know. I posed the question on Instagram a while back, and the closest thing I got to an answer was, "Emerson Piano was in 560 Harrison and I believe that was the address of the Chicago location." Well, I searched online and there was an Emerson Piano in both Boston and Chicago, but the Boston one was on Boylston Street and the Windy City one was at 195 Wabash. There were piano factories in this area, so perhaps Emerson had one at this spot. I'd love to know more about this.</P>
<P>Across the parking lot from the Wabash sign, I discovered a sign the old fashioned way: complete dumb luck.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Yr9Xd83vJehyE0qCn1bG15fDoVBZjyc5ohL-OEj2OMtqCJ4VhZR-4j5JqiEQc-xP6aiav0wotEIF8bAHC_R5cSJtNnbTolEYA-0wkkSJvebZA-Vncr4UuJ-zpXfxPc7f2m71aT1KPvnBFGPWBQ5oICtbY2S5IzMMCrAUkx6EfvfHXkqjKs5_7jZRVQ93/s5494/SoWa%20ghost%208.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="5494" data-original-width="3663" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Yr9Xd83vJehyE0qCn1bG15fDoVBZjyc5ohL-OEj2OMtqCJ4VhZR-4j5JqiEQc-xP6aiav0wotEIF8bAHC_R5cSJtNnbTolEYA-0wkkSJvebZA-Vncr4UuJ-zpXfxPc7f2m71aT1KPvnBFGPWBQ5oICtbY2S5IzMMCrAUkx6EfvfHXkqjKs5_7jZRVQ93/s400/SoWa%20ghost%208.jpg"/></a>
<P>Painted on a building that’s near the <a href="https://www.sowapowerstation.com">SoWa Power Station</a> complex in Boston’s South End, this one required some detective work to decipher. And that’s part of the attraction in this hobby: blowing up photos on my computer, editing the photo in an effort to highlight certain words or pictures. Not quite as romantic as working in a dark room, perhaps, but it can still be a painstaking process. The words "wise one" at the bottom were the key, as that is part of a tag line for Just Suits cut plug tobacco. And I could make out the words "real tobacco" at the top.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqL3NnTgDUIBqmDT9PfFWVan9x4NI7cLpSmdDSXrI0QySeTJkj-XAXBVLg8w8xjdYPPJif8d2IeW_m3PIZEickPyVBYvVKawSmnMv9idZmdySg5DFg1kblGAwmh6h_VP1wvKGvbhxMbq0MPIn28-jwoFJZU3LoVARJiJX44AN68OmtUstWXzTHYWrB7a3/s5613/SoWa%20ghost%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3742" data-original-width="5613" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghqL3NnTgDUIBqmDT9PfFWVan9x4NI7cLpSmdDSXrI0QySeTJkj-XAXBVLg8w8xjdYPPJif8d2IeW_m3PIZEickPyVBYvVKawSmnMv9idZmdySg5DFg1kblGAwmh6h_VP1wvKGvbhxMbq0MPIn28-jwoFJZU3LoVARJiJX44AN68OmtUstWXzTHYWrB7a3/s400/SoWa%20ghost%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>Moving on to another Boston neighborhood. Even with all the changes that have taken place in the Seaport in recent years, there are still some signs in that area.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kS7pv1RT-maS4g8TrJHru7mYzeA007TIGBsjLfdc8mRx6UOne0gz5W5iMGdvt6gUO3jO9eWs6WdbgAzgppO-ensb_gs9NJRk5KbRkqYOIg7tTbfHTWwporC-5dzXEivMQvpItu4qLPESTbzBM89Zs9DqS9aLpdanaezfw5EvTqIXkoaJwvBMGm-aV4eF/s4838/Congress%20St%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="4838" data-original-width="3225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kS7pv1RT-maS4g8TrJHru7mYzeA007TIGBsjLfdc8mRx6UOne0gz5W5iMGdvt6gUO3jO9eWs6WdbgAzgppO-ensb_gs9NJRk5KbRkqYOIg7tTbfHTWwporC-5dzXEivMQvpItu4qLPESTbzBM89Zs9DqS9aLpdanaezfw5EvTqIXkoaJwvBMGm-aV4eF/s400/Congress%20St%20ghost.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>This one is at the corner of Congress and A streets. It advertised Berman & Sons, which was involved in the metal fabrication industry. Close by, on A Street, is the palimpsest seen below.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdcBDbIVkETSaMZ5ugwugi1ZJ4JBaXoQ_0AIeEOzk0WAZ0z0KY3zyroyqaXkwlrPehuYjsUwj0RRzd7r0Ki0mKWKWZxhiFnfJWEoK5EJPp2pvuKnfKL__rPNlTzBNrLQS22bsrYUKXxaHzFSg28eG677o47ZKdvdVFwq2ZRxnP8Hlqxf74uCygiA5ucsC/s4032/2018-12-15%2013.30.46.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdcBDbIVkETSaMZ5ugwugi1ZJ4JBaXoQ_0AIeEOzk0WAZ0z0KY3zyroyqaXkwlrPehuYjsUwj0RRzd7r0Ki0mKWKWZxhiFnfJWEoK5EJPp2pvuKnfKL__rPNlTzBNrLQS22bsrYUKXxaHzFSg28eG677o47ZKdvdVFwq2ZRxnP8Hlqxf74uCygiA5ucsC/s400/2018-12-15%2013.30.46.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>"What the deuce is a palimpsest?" you may be asking. Dictionary.com puts it this way: a palimpsest is "something that has a new layer, aspect, or appearance that builds on its past and allows us to see or perceive parts of this past." In the photo above, there are at least two layers of old painted signs. I can make out the Terkelsen Building, which was home to the Terkelsen Machine Co., which, according to a Flickr photo I found online, manufactured "spiral washing machines."</P>
<P>I have a "before and after" located in Boston to show why it's important to document these signs, before they are painted over, their buildings are knocked down, or high-rise towers obscure them.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB6s7OnOe9SlyJnuhIGDLbKb8I9lVr6NRyfhR4iIxVv9OZGZqTs0cMzRdaUf4_QNtQ2OJGXFQd7kgq8atM6P5Ox--e_kD23fEP_WVdB37gt-kgbWorV3RsIxl__itLHb-jnOpd54IfH444R9m8CBtFfUK9Vq-VXWEv7kPk_IdYWDQZp1gfxkpnvbXDTYi/s2048/7625226242_0787f560d2_k.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkB6s7OnOe9SlyJnuhIGDLbKb8I9lVr6NRyfhR4iIxVv9OZGZqTs0cMzRdaUf4_QNtQ2OJGXFQd7kgq8atM6P5Ox--e_kD23fEP_WVdB37gt-kgbWorV3RsIxl__itLHb-jnOpd54IfH444R9m8CBtFfUK9Vq-VXWEv7kPk_IdYWDQZp1gfxkpnvbXDTYi/s400/7625226242_0787f560d2_k.jpg"/></a>
<P>This is a sign for plumbing supply company Braman & Dow (thanks random Flickr person!), on Medford Street near the TD Garden. I took this several years ago. More recently I was in this area and wanted to find this sign and it took me a little while to figure out that a new Courtyard Marriott was hiding part of the sign. But I persevered and found it.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZqUujCjwwbCgohXeQIOAYgKVAyPM_Feca-LIhphnk7SWMO6I_jKGm-v3IbWHgfoI3lAY2KaEPP0tn2p-_7yn-tLIuEIu-VonecrC2KMmjcfwdD8uzActDRahXFcNpVO8sMlCWGtjBQcCCWzW8fWmKECRsASNYU5Fbo5TZhWNP8JraiPlkR_ztNfKIoTx/s4032/20180317_145928.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaZqUujCjwwbCgohXeQIOAYgKVAyPM_Feca-LIhphnk7SWMO6I_jKGm-v3IbWHgfoI3lAY2KaEPP0tn2p-_7yn-tLIuEIu-VonecrC2KMmjcfwdD8uzActDRahXFcNpVO8sMlCWGtjBQcCCWzW8fWmKECRsASNYU5Fbo5TZhWNP8JraiPlkR_ztNfKIoTx/s400/20180317_145928.jpg"/></a>
<P>I will not be denied.</P>
<P>How about a bank sign?</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfrPAcYGfvDl60lkGuXaURQHP4ZX3D5Ge9gUzdQJZCd3PgpNxzN4jwQWL0DiaeKwWKa24QS_RYP3RT2x0WG_CWgPYAf0G-6y96fpBvKhttWmZHXJq_53fmKBMPqMpAVBtbcOcL5GRwOkr8iYdwB2PVqXkycRl0KAAYrtbZbrKWJJDlOFn3XuLWk-EDbn-/s5267/Stable%20ghost%20N%20End.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3511" data-original-width="5267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQfrPAcYGfvDl60lkGuXaURQHP4ZX3D5Ge9gUzdQJZCd3PgpNxzN4jwQWL0DiaeKwWKa24QS_RYP3RT2x0WG_CWgPYAf0G-6y96fpBvKhttWmZHXJq_53fmKBMPqMpAVBtbcOcL5GRwOkr8iYdwB2PVqXkycRl0KAAYrtbZbrKWJJDlOFn3XuLWk-EDbn-/s400/Stable%20ghost%20N%20End.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Does anybody else look at this and see “Danca Stable”? That’s what I searched and searched for, to no luck. Then when I was reviewing Boston-area ghost signs on Flickr, I found someone else’s shot and learned that this is an old ad for Banca Stabile, a bank located in both New York and Boston that served Italian immigrants of the early 20th century.</P>
<P>The last two in the miscellaneous category are in Newton, where I have lived for the past 20 years.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g1N778fqgp09YA12m33T2q2441f0fIHNn-F1mph8CGJ6L2xQgPrY8QhoVYIYHQUbTw1BC_zAEhytKwvwZ-K2LUmadQrK9rDDhaAtPXp1SYX6zs41fwzmqgukKlCB2l_xnIoDZ7UnnOBJVUu0-LOXiMKyZZ-is-P6JScjVaqJISlpMAt37sYYeeHNsdow/s2048/Supplies%20ghost%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1g1N778fqgp09YA12m33T2q2441f0fIHNn-F1mph8CGJ6L2xQgPrY8QhoVYIYHQUbTw1BC_zAEhytKwvwZ-K2LUmadQrK9rDDhaAtPXp1SYX6zs41fwzmqgukKlCB2l_xnIoDZ7UnnOBJVUu0-LOXiMKyZZ-is-P6JScjVaqJISlpMAt37sYYeeHNsdow/s400/Supplies%20ghost%20sign.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>This sign isn’t very interesting, but it represents a time gone by, as well as a building gone by. I don’t know what sort of supplies this old store sold. Perhaps art. This is one of several buildings on Washington Street in Newtonville that were torn down and replaced by <a href="https://www.trionewton.com">Trio Newton</a>, three apartment buildings of four and five stories. I shot photos of the entire complex before it was razed. That’s a big part of what I do: document history before it is knocked down, changed or falls apart.</P>
<P>The other sign is still visible in Newtonville.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqQPuY-cCHLHaIvvz_VMsRp8pZ-S8dHZILVtAEPiLq-xpptwSvnESPgSMPvHacqch0G_kbFj6kc4BH7jsCn1XNC_9W0d_NkbMd52pXwN9yPg9lqxd1mk6cziIeWUJ38vGAOe_Jd5eIuTvwHdJuF9jOTJsWztl0LqMc0NKY_if465RiPqexBkjXV_kYhX9/s2048/25987317206_e53703e4c0_k.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwqQPuY-cCHLHaIvvz_VMsRp8pZ-S8dHZILVtAEPiLq-xpptwSvnESPgSMPvHacqch0G_kbFj6kc4BH7jsCn1XNC_9W0d_NkbMd52pXwN9yPg9lqxd1mk6cziIeWUJ38vGAOe_Jd5eIuTvwHdJuF9jOTJsWztl0LqMc0NKY_if465RiPqexBkjXV_kYhX9/s400/25987317206_e53703e4c0_k.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Debbie’s Petland was a Newton institution for years. I don’t know how long ago it closed. It was succeeded by Newtonville Pets for many years, but that store also went under. The space on Walnut Street has been vacant for years.</P>
<P>Let’s move on to:</P>
<center><b>WAREHOUSE + STORAGE BUSINESSES</b></center></P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uXRYeqAWUhnQkcBKE3Jbm3OWMTa2RD01jN74cSvFgrRd3yLRj0MGoSeRvq_W5ELXKD99l-45TMCevHYqYDR0oS9bg3pAjMTnc2-s_V1DcnDu1BiFCdcsmgPDkz8CxaM5jCo7ByGtktwLudJE1XMABmu7HusOpSQnRoq6YRNUUl7LZXFU5bHN1QmJvzqR/s3145/2018-05-17%2014.04.44.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3145" data-original-width="2359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9uXRYeqAWUhnQkcBKE3Jbm3OWMTa2RD01jN74cSvFgrRd3yLRj0MGoSeRvq_W5ELXKD99l-45TMCevHYqYDR0oS9bg3pAjMTnc2-s_V1DcnDu1BiFCdcsmgPDkz8CxaM5jCo7ByGtktwLudJE1XMABmu7HusOpSQnRoq6YRNUUl7LZXFU5bHN1QmJvzqR/s400/2018-05-17%2014.04.44.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>A view like this one gets my heart pumping. I know, that’s a really nerdy thing to say. I was walking through Porter Square in Cambridge, just wandering and looking for things of interest. I had no idea this sign was here. I walked closer and made some more shots.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4gxuHxO0iadM_GSvBpR4vjEsQQ2ovOBvapvIDvlUdUNfmvX_aVaSFc_ty53adgLl8iH61Kbl3VHidjQdT8RGqBuWcFBlq8TPnmbOEnzJzZtWg9ZA5QYW1PTtIc3Dll2rH0sWvVoiJP5YzJDnUlgY9vwTmHIbKVxETAsLZktm_YI1QMHunTkxxfAoLpJX/s3562/20180517_140534.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3562" data-original-width="2672" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE4gxuHxO0iadM_GSvBpR4vjEsQQ2ovOBvapvIDvlUdUNfmvX_aVaSFc_ty53adgLl8iH61Kbl3VHidjQdT8RGqBuWcFBlq8TPnmbOEnzJzZtWg9ZA5QYW1PTtIc3Dll2rH0sWvVoiJP5YzJDnUlgY9vwTmHIbKVxETAsLZktm_YI1QMHunTkxxfAoLpJX/s400/20180517_140534.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>The other one is in the Fields Corner area of Boston's Dorchester neighborhood.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-u9ljz5uNL-iWTMpzRab6VPaohWKDrZ-HrpBKglguLTImrgtszAyuZlbu9YCMgLb-vxvt1khDvF5k_S0jLUm-Yi_IcVwLnBtdas5gKYTfewGrw79_PX81H5PgIuE4slwsCQUEc-hkvxi4uQp_niSTqpV5td8i63OmiAbDy4iZ0GUungvnohgKr8hhtww/s3739/Dorchester%20Storage%20Ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="2503" data-original-width="3739" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-u9ljz5uNL-iWTMpzRab6VPaohWKDrZ-HrpBKglguLTImrgtszAyuZlbu9YCMgLb-vxvt1khDvF5k_S0jLUm-Yi_IcVwLnBtdas5gKYTfewGrw79_PX81H5PgIuE4slwsCQUEc-hkvxi4uQp_niSTqpV5td8i63OmiAbDy4iZ0GUungvnohgKr8hhtww/s400/Dorchester%20Storage%20Ghost.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>As I reported back in <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2019/01/going-afield-in-dorchester.html">January 2019</a>, this is the former O'Hearn Storage warehouse. It is now a post office. The building is actually made up of three buildings: a Federalist-style house built for Isaac Field, and two commercial buildings, including one that once housed the Dorchester Music Hall on the second floor, according to the <i>Dorchester Reporter</i>.</P>
<P>Now on to:</P>
<center><b>LAUNDRY SIGNS</b></center>
<P>First, the quiet, unassuming one.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCYN3Pox9OO1b-xEWDEdK9HgPu6_cYLZqRNIWtEFvUizPFiClJ2J5HxFN8NNgKFMHuy52tbdoaYXqcc3RByvLhn7plAvCe8RHdyShyaI9sCrypYPQTlLBQRrtuiCV6NtjXNUt7-6kUWiGvCUDNy1xXPuDIEVXh-OXUfMR1FHRlr6BJp8jBeV192ZX0iAo/s3263/2019-02-05%2013.40.16.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3263" data-original-width="2447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqCYN3Pox9OO1b-xEWDEdK9HgPu6_cYLZqRNIWtEFvUizPFiClJ2J5HxFN8NNgKFMHuy52tbdoaYXqcc3RByvLhn7plAvCe8RHdyShyaI9sCrypYPQTlLBQRrtuiCV6NtjXNUt7-6kUWiGvCUDNy1xXPuDIEVXh-OXUfMR1FHRlr6BJp8jBeV192ZX0iAo/s400/2019-02-05%2013.40.16.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>This one is located along Concord Avenue in Cambridge; the little building is now occupied by an architect, I think.</P>
<P>And now the big, brash one.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv4W9snwCs7NDDVPaApwW1AzK9t7UglrSTpupuAMkOmLOyLvGvBeDP5hwOCw9YcAWILaKXSOv7CEhtmtwlqcWHIRAFQbhCQb0oIyFFl8LSDOxTAjYIKgcduLAWmvNysMayUs60Lj6forq__yvsZjxlcqx5F66Lli57UKV5Qu1XahjKIPLW9YsUvxvB0jD/s2048/French%20Cleaning%20sign%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhv4W9snwCs7NDDVPaApwW1AzK9t7UglrSTpupuAMkOmLOyLvGvBeDP5hwOCw9YcAWILaKXSOv7CEhtmtwlqcWHIRAFQbhCQb0oIyFFl8LSDOxTAjYIKgcduLAWmvNysMayUs60Lj6forq__yvsZjxlcqx5F66Lli57UKV5Qu1XahjKIPLW9YsUvxvB0jD/s400/French%20Cleaning%20sign%202.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>This big old ghost is located on the corner of Hampshire and Norfolk streets, just outside Cambridge's Inman Square.</P>
<P>Now let's peruse some;</P>
<center><b>FURNITURE STORES, APPLIANCE SHOPS AND RELATED BUSINESSES</b></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzI_qUzIiOI6_JvV-9-LqnnrF3UO1D1PPFtUTvtU-iqFw44LDWPdmowKMcB05IlZhWw_gzrKNQnE0WbPiG9ZAkDyek815OILOh4wQ21WGYiX1FgJ7XUQ72YFLvUFFW554ylTU26riSFy0ueVwgLBrGWgg_ziRPjO6feVt0aZtliAv21lCu6SfnQUupt-Y/s3835/20180616_171105.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3835" data-original-width="2876" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzI_qUzIiOI6_JvV-9-LqnnrF3UO1D1PPFtUTvtU-iqFw44LDWPdmowKMcB05IlZhWw_gzrKNQnE0WbPiG9ZAkDyek815OILOh4wQ21WGYiX1FgJ7XUQ72YFLvUFFW554ylTU26riSFy0ueVwgLBrGWgg_ziRPjO6feVt0aZtliAv21lCu6SfnQUupt-Y/s400/20180616_171105.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>This beaut is located along Friend Street in Boston's old West End neighborhood. The hardwood flooring company Holt & Bugbee launched nearly 200 years ago in Charlestown. The company moved to Tewksbury years ago and also operates in Pennsylvania.</P>
<P>Nearby, on Canal Street, are massive signs for the former chairmaker Allen, Thompson & Whitney.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PLPjhdKwmjZNusTgGaCkuIDh_5qNRimlSG0O4XYnubHBFN6BPoP5qBosAjksUiy1_L8Z5oifZPy1IbuwB6UjbfB316toObgeSRC6aSw79dgKq2xUXKBaGsqUcQqkukX-Oepdy6bF8SfIRUGuJekAILOm5YTx5MqHvf16Vb52rUA_-rB3OR97AxOuA-pl/s5852/Canal%20St%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3901" data-original-width="5852" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2PLPjhdKwmjZNusTgGaCkuIDh_5qNRimlSG0O4XYnubHBFN6BPoP5qBosAjksUiy1_L8Z5oifZPy1IbuwB6UjbfB316toObgeSRC6aSw79dgKq2xUXKBaGsqUcQqkukX-Oepdy6bF8SfIRUGuJekAILOm5YTx5MqHvf16Vb52rUA_-rB3OR97AxOuA-pl/s400/Canal%20St%20ghost.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>In Charlestown, near Sullivan Square, I saw this sign on the back of a building on Spice Street.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAa-_JT-DF8Mtu-GiGSXbsSiK33DDtzSBL7hnQTDzuxB5dWbYA2MZE2kenwsfn3PCUrhHthF3gffqHPeZ_J8Ke9t7UAu2A9Rkbp9xcx3mq4ldI_D3rymLiJurZd6LRncIwpwyfLVUuUeFrlnL0b55Oo44tV3k8fbGrpWtxr0ugzzrFUmRNP9D27FAbyMbF/s5497/Charlestown%20ghost%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="3665" data-original-width="5497" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAa-_JT-DF8Mtu-GiGSXbsSiK33DDtzSBL7hnQTDzuxB5dWbYA2MZE2kenwsfn3PCUrhHthF3gffqHPeZ_J8Ke9t7UAu2A9Rkbp9xcx3mq4ldI_D3rymLiJurZd6LRncIwpwyfLVUuUeFrlnL0b55Oo44tV3k8fbGrpWtxr0ugzzrFUmRNP9D27FAbyMbF/s400/Charlestown%20ghost%20sign.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>I’m not positive, but I believe this relates to Medford Appliance Repair, which may or may not be at this location any more.</P>
<P>The final sign for this category, and for this post, is pretty impressive.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jdc_51NQhJX4633gwSQED5EJW6Sdufcs8KtPlyaipNHf6-E0ALlhy2_SMrDWnfvPqCb15SLDAlvnE6eYIYKBgEqphKG-FeBn7uYIJwKOenRyVI1bwAZTMS2TMEmSYX7Brhgkk4i10EUWXX5GIfOXHXVBIZQiR8iw7t6weTrN1a4ANRcIM9cx60z14Ck7/s2610/Crawford%20Ranges.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2610" data-original-width="2362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jdc_51NQhJX4633gwSQED5EJW6Sdufcs8KtPlyaipNHf6-E0ALlhy2_SMrDWnfvPqCb15SLDAlvnE6eYIYKBgEqphKG-FeBn7uYIJwKOenRyVI1bwAZTMS2TMEmSYX7Brhgkk4i10EUWXX5GIfOXHXVBIZQiR8iw7t6weTrN1a4ANRcIM9cx60z14Ck7/s400/Crawford%20Ranges.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Located across from the Bertucci's on Centre Street, this sign eluded me for more than a decade of living in Newton. One day I drove through Newton Corner, as I had plenty of times before, looked up, and there it was. Son of a bitch.</P>
<P>Make sure to check back for the third and final part of my ghost sign series, which will feature old advertisements related to entertainment, hospitality and more.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-57996240253877870772023-12-16T08:07:00.000-05:002023-12-16T08:07:36.128-05:00Ghost-Sign Busting Around Boston, Part I: Introduction, Inspiration and Indoctrination<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<center><b>INTRODUCTION</b></center>
<P><i>In June of 2020, I gave a Zoom presentation about Boston-area ghost signs to the Historic Resources Committee of the <a href="https://www.architects.org">Boston Society of Architects</a>. The committee's chairman, Jack Glassman, had enjoyed <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/2019/09/30/right-there-bloggers-instagrammers-search-boston-for-ghost-signs/DEWt4D3JpN2WDmKEQvDmPJ/story.html">Nora McGreevy's article</a> about these relics of the outdoor advertising world in the</i> Boston Globe <i>from October 2019, in which I was featured. Over the course of a few months, bit by bit, I put together a PowerPoint about these signs, which I document here on the blog (and on the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thebacksideofamerica/">Backside Instagram</a>) whenever I spot them.</P>
<P>I'd never done anything of this sort before, so I was honored that Jack had tracked me down and made the offer. I've decided to serialize that presentation for my blog readers. While I post about these signs with some frequency, this series gives me an opportunity to share some of the history of the sign-painting industry, along with photos and context.</P>
<P>Many local photographers love these old signs as much, if not more, than I do. And most of them make better photos. But because of the volume of material I've cranked out here over the last 13+ years, for a brief period, I became the go-to guy for the old ghosts. I was also featured in Danny Mortimer's 2022 video about old Boston signs.</i></P>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3hfQ7Vs6xrE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<P><i>Without further ado (and a little bit of editing), here's part one of my Zoom presentation:</i></P>
<center><b>INSPIRATION</b></center>
<P>When I was a kid I collected several things: beer bottle caps, coins, baseball cards, pimples. The cards I collected mainly because my older brother did, and it was fun to take special trips to the small department store in my hometown -- Leaders -- that stocked everything from TVs and radios to candy cigarettes, posters, toys, small appliances and, of course, baseball cards.</P>
<P>I loved baseball, but unlike my statistics-obsessive brother, unless the cards featured Red Sox players, I didn’t care that much about them.</P>
<P>The coins and bottle caps were more important to me. They were mysterious. I couldn’t get them at the store. I had to hunt for them. And that meant walking around the neighborhood, the elementary school behind my house, the Little League fields where I played baseball, the nearby park where the volunteer firemen held their annual summer carnival.</P>
<P>My favorite bottle caps were from faraway places: England (Watney’s), Canada (Red Cap), Hawaii (Primo), Norway (Ringnes). They were much more exotic than the Piel’s caps that my dad popped off those little brown bottles once in a while.</P>
<P>Coins, however, became my true passion. My obsession began in elementary school one day, when I got a penny from Trinidad and Tobago in the change I received when buying milk. I was further inspired when I dug in the dirt behind a Little League field and unearthed a Mercury dime. Once I discovered a cache of old European coins among my dad’s Army stuff in the basement, I was totally hooked. I learned to check every penny to see if it was a “wheat,” which meant it was minted between 1909 and 1956. I closely monitored my change to see what other surprises would pop up.</P>
<P>My grandmother regularly mailed me old pennies. Before long, I had a box full of coins from countries including England, Germany, Russia, India and Canada, and American coins such as buffalo nickels, JFK dollars, Indian Head pennies and a seated Liberty dime, one of my prized possessions to this day.</P>
<P>This gives you some background on my longstanding interests in both collecting things and learning about history. While I still look for interesting coins in the decreasing amount of change I receive at stores, my current collecting obsession is shooting photos of the backside of America.</P>
<P>As regular readers known, the backside of America is where you’ll find collapsing factories, old railroad trestles, abandoned rail beds, historic named buildings, rusting cars in the woods, historic plaques and, of course, ghost signs.</P>
<center><b>INDOCTRINATION</b></center>
<P>From the late 19th century into the middle of the 20th, <a href="https://grafik.agency/insight/mural-advertising/">large-form murals painted on the sides of brick buildings and barns</a> boldly advertised everything from soft drinks to cereal, restaurants to furniture businesses, tobacco products to livery stables, and much more. They were relatively inexpensive and were guaranteed to catch the eyes of folks walking and, increasingly, driving by.</P>
<P><a href="https://www.billboardconnectionadvertising.com/history-billboard-advertising/">Mass-production billboards</a> competed with these more singular, single-business advertisements. By the middle of last century, electric signs began coming into vogue. And, after that, signs printed on vinyl were introduced. These were more economical and easier and quicker to install.</P>
<P>But as you’ll see later in this series, hand-painted signs are having a resurgence.</P>
<P>Being that they were painted, these older ads began to fade and peel in the elements. Or they were painted over or demolished along with whatever building they happened to be on.</P>
<P>Hunting them down has become something of an obsession with me and many other folks around the world. Any place there are old brick buildings or barns with large blank spaces, you might find an old advertisement, a fossil from a previous marketing age. For me, these faded signs are a connection to a more personal form of art. They offer a sense of mystery and intrigue: What does the sign say? Does that product still exist? What long-gone business used to be in that building?
<P>I’d like to share with you some of the signs I’ve found in Boston and surrounding cities and towns. I’ve separated the signs into 10 categories, with some sub-genres included within that list. To finish up this first post, I'm going to focus on <b>Drinks and Food</b>, followed by <b>Markets, Grocery Stores and Liquor Stores</b>.</P>
<P>Coca-Cola ads are fairly popular as far as ghost sign subjects go.</P>
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<P>This sign was on the side of a former dive bar in Waltham called Michael J’s. I don’t know how long it was there or whether it pre-dated the bar. Unfortunately, it was painted over a few years ago when the bar closed and Michael J's space was converted to apartments.</P>
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<P>This ad is along Main Street in Watertown. It is located on the side of a building that for years housed Jack’s Smoke Shop. I don’t know whether the sign was related to the store or not. Nowadays, the space is occupied by <a href="http://www.bluemoonsmokeshops.com">Blue Moon Smoke Shop</a>.</P>
<P>The next two signs combine Coca-Cola with restaurants, although the specific names of the eateries aren’t displayed.</P>
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<P>This one is located in Boston’s South End. It is for a Southern fried chicken restaurant whose name has perhaps been lost to time.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElhLlj8o3MTq72On52NXxSa2ce0oEbedTxTC7eNp7JmXU-IJUmZsLkUPsQ6z7ipR-kglSiW6CxhstKPlUDF32SnsYg0dtZdCc8-7KeLGOws-6kfpxK9sq0mdgLmIS8WVKi3SEAg8p4UFoBJkj0BLDK35wNeQ9q6WkWF6djC0lT7TvQhAcCk3BljJjtY65/s3506/Union%20Sq%20Coke%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3506" data-original-width="2630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElhLlj8o3MTq72On52NXxSa2ce0oEbedTxTC7eNp7JmXU-IJUmZsLkUPsQ6z7ipR-kglSiW6CxhstKPlUDF32SnsYg0dtZdCc8-7KeLGOws-6kfpxK9sq0mdgLmIS8WVKi3SEAg8p4UFoBJkj0BLDK35wNeQ9q6WkWF6djC0lT7TvQhAcCk3BljJjtY65/s400/Union%20Sq%20Coke%20ghost.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>This sign in Somerville's Union Square is an example of a ghost sign that has been restored. And then defaced, as you can see.</P>
<P>The next sign is different than what we traditionally think of as a ghost sign.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kDQVRHIrT-TMBgk1NTYBGrAVADKKIXItEi0qukMbE23UmIL2AKlkhOIj36am2LNwLeuoUSdG2kIn8Iz1xAksrlz96ii0G9kkvs5wLbeyDx3m0pegGTcsijALlwYmuZJhdEb7yOCKfrv5HgDnL4xppuZ9R19QwpmKQzNK_fdetXEO1UxqeMoSvq4R5hwi/s3066/Ice%20Cream%20Works%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3066" data-original-width="2300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6kDQVRHIrT-TMBgk1NTYBGrAVADKKIXItEi0qukMbE23UmIL2AKlkhOIj36am2LNwLeuoUSdG2kIn8Iz1xAksrlz96ii0G9kkvs5wLbeyDx3m0pegGTcsijALlwYmuZJhdEb7yOCKfrv5HgDnL4xppuZ9R19QwpmKQzNK_fdetXEO1UxqeMoSvq4R5hwi/s400/Ice%20Cream%20Works%202.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>This isn’t a painted wall ad, but it’s still an advertisement of sorts from times gone by. Ice Cream Works operated in Brookline, Newton and Boston going back at least 30 years. This store is in Brookline. I’ve found out little about the mini-chain of stores. Subsequent to Ice Cream works, this space was home to an Emack & Bolio’s store. It’s now a veterinarian’s office.</P>
<P>As I've stated before on this blog, I document old signs and store names to preserve the past, to bring back people's fond memories of the hazy past. The next two signs, located in Cambridge, are some of the most iconic old ads in Greater Boston.</P>
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<P>Located in Central Square, the Quaker Oats ad is a favorite of ghost sign junkies. The Quaker Oats trademark of a man in "Quaker garb" was registered with the U.S. Patent Office in 1877, according to <a href="https://www.quakeroats.com/about-quaker-oats/quaker-history">the cereal maker's web site</a>. The company eventually grew to a nationwide behemoth, and signs such as the one in Cambridge cropped up everywhere. There used to be one in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, on Tremont Street.</P>
<P>The other Cambridge stand-out is one that has been restored almost to the point where I hesitate to call it a ghost sign.</P>
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<P>Founded in 1888 in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood, Squirrel Brand is still a going concern. The company, which makes a variety of nut products, moved to Cambridge in 1899; it is now part of John B. Sanfilippo & Son out of Elgin, Illinois. The former factory was converted to 20 units of permanently affordable housing in 2002.</P>
<P>Let's wrap up this installment with some signs for <b>Markets, Grocery Stores and Liquor Stores</b>.</P>
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<P>Mansfield Market once stood at the corner of Mansfield and Washington streets in Somerville’s Union Square, and sold Royal Crown Cola. I wish all ghost signs were this self-explanatory and easy to read. This space is now occupied by another small store.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5Sjnt1qfuNLNFDPOXbDa1DZdw7iuMBl4AjyczwVIk1412dTDL-GZ_9XDzM1PyTc2zKJ3q0GSQTUnabABqBcShC4T_7mNli_nxIeRQMHIXpPnqMMSGosznHnmmb7q2ukuxwze72ZzZLgnA6gLeQz9deXAOJt5tXLyFtR4tvBxfpwSYtS_Qxi2ssuFSY_W/s3850/Dartmouth%20Street%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3850" data-original-width="2887" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5Sjnt1qfuNLNFDPOXbDa1DZdw7iuMBl4AjyczwVIk1412dTDL-GZ_9XDzM1PyTc2zKJ3q0GSQTUnabABqBcShC4T_7mNli_nxIeRQMHIXpPnqMMSGosznHnmmb7q2ukuxwze72ZzZLgnA6gLeQz9deXAOJt5tXLyFtR4tvBxfpwSYtS_Qxi2ssuFSY_W/s400/Dartmouth%20Street%20ghost.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>The sign above is on Dartmouth Street in Boston's Back Bay, and is also fairly easy to read. I’m not sure whether D.A. Keefe & Company was located at this address, or somewhere else nearby.</P>
<P>Not all ghost signs are painted relics from 90+ years ago. I have no idea what the name of the next store was, although if I read Chinese I might.</P>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAbMfnY2hZ-KiDcoHvqx_PtVr75N1VadePUBuJ_6LCZ0dojpK3K0gwQuGXvy3tJ3T3pOMNhr6zpS1SaFGc-nsjNG5ZotWT2FnzGuAV5uEhbBjwGB3Pk-x55rinjLwcQertyyNVg7no8u5IcMLsWZQXIGIyYdkyA-S6X_Fxf_VtRUXRF9An9jQ4AYKfThH/s3470/2019-02-19%2013.39.37.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="3470" data-original-width="2603" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAbMfnY2hZ-KiDcoHvqx_PtVr75N1VadePUBuJ_6LCZ0dojpK3K0gwQuGXvy3tJ3T3pOMNhr6zpS1SaFGc-nsjNG5ZotWT2FnzGuAV5uEhbBjwGB3Pk-x55rinjLwcQertyyNVg7no8u5IcMLsWZQXIGIyYdkyA-S6X_Fxf_VtRUXRF9An9jQ4AYKfThH/s400/2019-02-19%2013.39.37.jpg"/></a></div>
<P>Located in Boston's Chinatown, this market is next to a restaurant that has also shuttered in recent years. I recall walking by this store in the early ‘90s, when I worked in the Leather District, and seeing fresh fish flopping out of buckets of ice onto the sidewalk. That’s a cool thing about ghost signs: they can connect you with memories of places you once shopped or ate or walked by or wondered about.</P>
<P>In the course of working on this presentation, I discovered the great utility of Flickr, the online photo-sharing community. There, I found people who had done more research into, or had prior knowledge of, many of the ghost signs I was unable to identify. The one below is in the Field’s Corner area of Boston's Dorchester neighborhood.</P>
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<P>I didn’t know what it said until I checked Flickr. It advertised Hackett & Company’s store, which sold groceries and liquor.</P>
<P>In Boston’s West End, I found a similar sign, along Friend Street.</P>
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<P>Here again, I turned to Flickr. A user there who’d posted a shot of this sign identified it as The Old Marlowe Wine Company. Further, I found a user at another web site who provided additional information: “Bald Eagle Whiskey / Old Marlowe Wine Co. - Medicinally Pure”</P>
<P>Fascinating, right?!</P>
<P>In the next segment of this series, I will feature ghost signs for automotive/transportation companies, miscellaneous and unknown businesses, warehouse/storage operations, laundry outfits and more.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-17945791172463380582023-12-09T07:38:00.000-05:002023-12-09T07:38:12.900-05:00Une Belle Surprise Along the French River<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>I explored Webster, Mass., recently, and the most impressive thing I stumbled across was in neighboring Dudley (see December 2, 2023, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/12/webster-founded-by-famous-industrialist.html">"Webster: Founded by a Famous Industrialist, Named for a Well-Known Statesman"</a>).</P>
<P>As I walked along Main Street in Webster, making photos of the many great late-19th century buildings, my gaze drifted up and to the west, toward two imposing gray towers rising in the near distance. "Is that a prison up ahead?" I wondered. "Or a Scottish castle?" I'd driven into Webster from that direction, but hadn't noticed that building, whatever it was.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWhQHz37H3OJcN4_2e_7cf1RiSum26_8gySnfNacF2YsAcTyFI-MTDDnKKX24K_oowsl_sdcJ_-3gMgf1uxmL_36_Xz4n5qoPv48xPx2GAGC8EqUHaDE-LCVK1F8MiexF-upNgUhHeA6ezwOGaG7t-_HHW_GIKBxH9X973wG4JkEM8WwyasiG8jB8Xa3Q/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%205.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQWhQHz37H3OJcN4_2e_7cf1RiSum26_8gySnfNacF2YsAcTyFI-MTDDnKKX24K_oowsl_sdcJ_-3gMgf1uxmL_36_Xz4n5qoPv48xPx2GAGC8EqUHaDE-LCVK1F8MiexF-upNgUhHeA6ezwOGaG7t-_HHW_GIKBxH9X973wG4JkEM8WwyasiG8jB8Xa3Q/s400/Stevens%20Linen%205.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvGTcRdPMu5EpFYZ92lDE8L0H6s6a1DKRzjGVEPaHlvA0URUmzWwCqWi6YMU4aT7lSuwX7cgQuJLppmnQ3K2rhWc22uxnGjmtaXzUYPWRUty6MyevA3NM51uPPR1Xer5RGIID8DoJyfKXIG0Aa2WfqaS_v4_Y4X-nUm9YipZOw3NXHlGavhmxt5piR_z4/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%2010.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnvGTcRdPMu5EpFYZ92lDE8L0H6s6a1DKRzjGVEPaHlvA0URUmzWwCqWi6YMU4aT7lSuwX7cgQuJLppmnQ3K2rhWc22uxnGjmtaXzUYPWRUty6MyevA3NM51uPPR1Xer5RGIID8DoJyfKXIG0Aa2WfqaS_v4_Y4X-nUm9YipZOw3NXHlGavhmxt5piR_z4/s400/Stevens%20Linen%2010.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ50TdoCUmAhkOfWvMigyQQs_OzYqWKlXvQzsvNtCfYXU2Z3IyCJovdzQltQVX2c8ReWCv_LbSwTXPIVztvd-S3ls7AseS3wOEUD-6gisNbI3KEpukmwSlBjFC3dzVjTEi-VqkfvgVJFmJxECVf46OHxPygUh1oVk-teKfZbyRrlWYwQ6jeXmJ1w2FioPa/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%2011.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1775" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ50TdoCUmAhkOfWvMigyQQs_OzYqWKlXvQzsvNtCfYXU2Z3IyCJovdzQltQVX2c8ReWCv_LbSwTXPIVztvd-S3ls7AseS3wOEUD-6gisNbI3KEpukmwSlBjFC3dzVjTEi-VqkfvgVJFmJxECVf46OHxPygUh1oVk-teKfZbyRrlWYwQ6jeXmJ1w2FioPa/s400/Stevens%20Linen%2011.jpg"/></a>
<P>It was, of course, an old mill, the one-time Stevens Linen complex, located on the western banks of the French River, right on the town line with Webster.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8fOn4Yfm3J0j8z1q-DpqjrUmnJ9KQde7Va7nJnEXDJMsdNNknz9aZYmsPCHFNWcBv7sweCCfAEsjYsXhW15C2DYFoMl6_gfXJPX-LFx9j5LMrnOi_GAsjEnqEolQ-f0Z1d1CHtmkVHzWGTVagqfK4kk6USTZYAVDj-AvyyrwuxJDBqb9R-gXLZP3YhRA/s2048/Steven%20Linens%2012.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1615" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8fOn4Yfm3J0j8z1q-DpqjrUmnJ9KQde7Va7nJnEXDJMsdNNknz9aZYmsPCHFNWcBv7sweCCfAEsjYsXhW15C2DYFoMl6_gfXJPX-LFx9j5LMrnOi_GAsjEnqEolQ-f0Z1d1CHtmkVHzWGTVagqfK4kk6USTZYAVDj-AvyyrwuxJDBqb9R-gXLZP3YhRA/s400/Steven%20Linens%2012.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleVBqihuB_FgKLlk8Nen-myl4PIGAsufVBnhXh-zG05wDMlrs51utX1mn6YoWd3lajMOXg1vqS3nWj_Rrq2IrZ29YEZKR_e8CGVQHLF3YDsyE6wfDWpdc7hU0a2ET6oA6J4lOUvT-NxX4VvxA7arW-DgIlbOR90hvygzWzaB-i2YHVU4CZAcy3osYWvLD/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleVBqihuB_FgKLlk8Nen-myl4PIGAsufVBnhXh-zG05wDMlrs51utX1mn6YoWd3lajMOXg1vqS3nWj_Rrq2IrZ29YEZKR_e8CGVQHLF3YDsyE6wfDWpdc7hU0a2ET6oA6J4lOUvT-NxX4VvxA7arW-DgIlbOR90hvygzWzaB-i2YHVU4CZAcy3osYWvLD/s400/Stevens%20Linen%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBy96wcNB0xPAxWqeeNldyrJYSc0cTYHBsa4RG3vv3mfW7WVm-LgSLXoWfJEQ6iiMpzyWMOJTTfLMYGC0FmB9q7n7vU-_jyc_-yJuaLnD66ksIAdkh7tWMdDo-aS0FdJigrz821wFYT5lE16EyPe-4Dq9inUUvGM6n1YN2mrLJq0RFv--uvj_ri0UJaya/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%204.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBy96wcNB0xPAxWqeeNldyrJYSc0cTYHBsa4RG3vv3mfW7WVm-LgSLXoWfJEQ6iiMpzyWMOJTTfLMYGC0FmB9q7n7vU-_jyc_-yJuaLnD66ksIAdkh7tWMdDo-aS0FdJigrz821wFYT5lE16EyPe-4Dq9inUUvGM6n1YN2mrLJq0RFv--uvj_ri0UJaya/s400/Stevens%20Linen%204.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9TV3accrzv81AyKP-b8noe6NTCY_RUDdawEnOeJfudlDDI88IJWzPjZ45k5CZoFi9Qr-_7Drf_EIp5ZcGqlTgYehxPz6-7EheBzDWi5KqNxn_STgUZm4I5QgKPtGcQ4y5z2nDe4paxvnT5rED6fggVlIUE8wM1dvd4SKZoC4FrhwkwwWULIFp7FGt_zb/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1510" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9TV3accrzv81AyKP-b8noe6NTCY_RUDdawEnOeJfudlDDI88IJWzPjZ45k5CZoFi9Qr-_7Drf_EIp5ZcGqlTgYehxPz6-7EheBzDWi5KqNxn_STgUZm4I5QgKPtGcQ4y5z2nDe4paxvnT5rED6fggVlIUE8wM1dvd4SKZoC4FrhwkwwWULIFp7FGt_zb/s400/Stevens%20Linen%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>Founded in the 1840s by Henry Hale Stevens, the linen production company was built on the site of the former Merino Woolen factory, which rose in 1812, according to MACRIS. "The Merino Woolen Factory was one of the earliest textile manufacturing concerns established in the United States. It was a contemporary of Samuel Slater's mills established on the Eastern side of the French River in present day Webster."</P>
<P>I believe parts of the Merino mill were incorporated into the Stevens facility.</P>
<P>More from MACRIS: "The Steven's Linen Works prosperity and expansion (by the early 20th C. it was the largest enterprise in the United States devoted to the manufacture of linen towelling) is largely responsible for the decidedly urban character of East Dudley." According to the National Register of Historic Places registration form for the former mill's historic district, the Stevens facility was the "first, and last, factory in the United States to spin flax and weave linen cloth by machine."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQo2AZR13tViHE8BlXPkQcvrMUsE8nHldl1LIwbmI1WKQ__rYzuJ5xhuzNeHtaqoKL4e9S0MJj7O5jB6XQH5LyPkPngK_FOW5YNHjMk7egVILg_jHk14VAJiVeZsSpB9VO0RVixo1KJ0sFX2tWp_ehPFfsy6R4aGQYFjmDmDFuQRCFnlAEc1q_0J3ifIV/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%206.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQo2AZR13tViHE8BlXPkQcvrMUsE8nHldl1LIwbmI1WKQ__rYzuJ5xhuzNeHtaqoKL4e9S0MJj7O5jB6XQH5LyPkPngK_FOW5YNHjMk7egVILg_jHk14VAJiVeZsSpB9VO0RVixo1KJ0sFX2tWp_ehPFfsy6R4aGQYFjmDmDFuQRCFnlAEc1q_0J3ifIV/s400/Stevens%20Linen%206.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61x3sfL5hh-wtUH6MoqSpYpYaUNZU57oF7ecIEbq37aw3jv2uqkOLuEejv_QXSfNe77StRzOSRaZdGOLIiVJlXMu0zUTaI7i4LQ7ZbjptyjXOAOJkqgVG4cP99NJs9yHOL2LfVeUoh_nqR3J7_1V-nLe_iJnauZC1Niun55WpFEGlKlY8N-_LglMPUwl2/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%207.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh61x3sfL5hh-wtUH6MoqSpYpYaUNZU57oF7ecIEbq37aw3jv2uqkOLuEejv_QXSfNe77StRzOSRaZdGOLIiVJlXMu0zUTaI7i4LQ7ZbjptyjXOAOJkqgVG4cP99NJs9yHOL2LfVeUoh_nqR3J7_1V-nLe_iJnauZC1Niun55WpFEGlKlY8N-_LglMPUwl2/s400/Stevens%20Linen%207.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EI53obxEpFC2cUbSEQ9a4Wxj1-a_hL27F2EGdVoRLLboPlX1w2Rd44S_H5dLo0o80g5cDjC4NnCWK-dOVFO_RP-qSmpkIoIu8C1cQLN0RxR3JuGMnRSJkKAZ8HKVcBtzWHHFhVOIDHfDDvfvE65FH3hdsT-_7C2qqpEpJYBhGRgs29n1eOgGQOalPATk/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%208.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EI53obxEpFC2cUbSEQ9a4Wxj1-a_hL27F2EGdVoRLLboPlX1w2Rd44S_H5dLo0o80g5cDjC4NnCWK-dOVFO_RP-qSmpkIoIu8C1cQLN0RxR3JuGMnRSJkKAZ8HKVcBtzWHHFhVOIDHfDDvfvE65FH3hdsT-_7C2qqpEpJYBhGRgs29n1eOgGQOalPATk/s400/Stevens%20Linen%208.jpg"/></a>
<P>The mill, which operated under other names, but by the Stevens name for the longest time, is slated for redevelopment, I was pleasantly surprised to find out. I wrote that sentence after reading <a href="https://www.dudleyma.gov/town-administrators-office/news/press-release-historic-stevens-linen-mill-set-renovation">this press release</a> from the Town of Dudley, which was issued in February of this year. Further research, however, leads me to believe I might need to put a pin in my above statement about a new life for the old mill.</P>
<P>In August 2020, property owner "Stevens Mill Owner LLC of Columbia, SC, bought the 6.95-acre property and its 267,000-square-foot mill at 8 Mill Street," according to the press release. "Project developer Camden Management Partners, who holds Stevens Mill Owner LLC, proposed a $43 million plan to renovate the mill into 156 apartments, a public event space, a possible tap room, and a river walk along the adjoining French River."</P>
<P>Sounds good, right? But despite a quote in the release from a financial consultant indicating, "The project isn’t at risk," and that "The delays up to this point are normal and customary as it related to making sure we have an accurate historical renovation," I saw no signs of anything happening at this site. And online searches for Camden Management Partners and its financial consultants, Weddle Real Estate Investments, didn't overwhelm me with confidence. The former has no web site, while the latter's indicated that the connection isn't private, and I was warned that the site might be an imposter. Here's hoping things move forward with this project.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMh1vrB82DT9CS2ytMEV1SqgJLyX68sigOISdfH_3pTh2sLecOpcT9zsMkUwppbjv-wZveBhtcVR_ICW0A6yFXM0uOf5e61OJlnKTYT-2QzKecA-BccZBfC_CA0DqftS6toI4-xQ02kYH-xjs2hRTuxvNrwAJreopFRvHPvW2NsUEh3-Yo5K3J1jklUKL/s2048/Stevens%20Linen%209.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqMh1vrB82DT9CS2ytMEV1SqgJLyX68sigOISdfH_3pTh2sLecOpcT9zsMkUwppbjv-wZveBhtcVR_ICW0A6yFXM0uOf5e61OJlnKTYT-2QzKecA-BccZBfC_CA0DqftS6toI4-xQ02kYH-xjs2hRTuxvNrwAJreopFRvHPvW2NsUEh3-Yo5K3J1jklUKL/s400/Stevens%20Linen%209.jpg"/></a>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-53837402452053660882023-12-02T09:10:00.000-05:002023-12-02T09:10:20.200-05:00Webster: Founded by a Famous Industrialist, Named for a Well-Known Statesman<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>Thanks to a tip from a loyal reader of the blog, I recently checked out <a href="https://www.webster-ma.gov">Webster, Mass.</a>, a former mill town located in south-central Worcester County along the Connecticut border. A town of just under 18,000 people, Webster was once home to numerous thriving factories, and is populated by many great old buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.</P>
<P>From Wikipedia: "The area that is now Webster was the ancestral home of the Nipmuc people for thousands of years. It was first settled by Europeans in 1713 and was officially incorporated on March 6, 1832. The area forming the town had previously been divided among the town of Dudley, the town of Oxford and an unincorporated gore <i>(an irregular parcel of land -- DB)</i>. The primary founder was the manufacturer <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Slater">Samuel Slater</a>, who came to the area after his celebrated activities in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and founded several textile mills, one of which was taken over by the Cranston Print Works in 1936. He named the town after his friend <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Webster">Daniel Webster</a>."</P>
<P>Well, that's quite a nice gift from one friend to another.</P>
<P>I started my tour at the former Slater Woolen Mill, which is located off South Main Street, near the intersection with East Main Street. I hit a lot of sites in Webster, so strap in for a long post.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9cevjSzEGfswR8ld9nz6C3CyrR3YsQ6lCuibv0zrv7JANBsq5kZrr__DrEq1UNq3LnSOjnG4WH1u3p4Y7zLA5V4v0sWAFzhrrm_uSCnO72gXTPwk-ZiNdfPPncsQ_GmPD_lVIwYdKNdGclfy5ZwDudImdoPB9f6-x6NN2w1S8xjJMGI0tGu_JHBHg4LO/s2048/Webster%20Old%20Mill.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9cevjSzEGfswR8ld9nz6C3CyrR3YsQ6lCuibv0zrv7JANBsq5kZrr__DrEq1UNq3LnSOjnG4WH1u3p4Y7zLA5V4v0sWAFzhrrm_uSCnO72gXTPwk-ZiNdfPPncsQ_GmPD_lVIwYdKNdGclfy5ZwDudImdoPB9f6-x6NN2w1S8xjJMGI0tGu_JHBHg4LO/s400/Webster%20Old%20Mill.jpg"/></a>
<P>The building above was the spinning and carding mill, which was built in 1876, according to MACRIS. Carding is "a mechanical process that disentangles, cleans and intermixes fibres to produce a continuous web or sliver suitable for subsequent processing," according to Wikipedia.</P>
<P>These days I believe there are a few small manufacturing companies occupying the building shown above.</P>
<P>Known as the Father of the American Industrial Revolution, Samuel Slater was born in England and came to Rhode Island in 1789 at the age of 21. <b>Long story, short</b>: he caught on with a pair of industrialists in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where he brought his knowledge of cotton spinning gathered as an apprentice in England. He eventually designed the first textile mills in America, was quite successful in his adventures in Lil Rhody, and moved to Webster to do more of the same.</P>
<P>Slater died in 1835, and his sons, George and Horatio, took over the business, according to <a href="https://www.webster-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8866/An-Architectural-and-Historical-Survey-of-Webster">An Architectural and Historical Survey of Webster, Massachusetts</a>, issued by the town's historical commission in 1979. "The Slater Company continued to prosper throughout the 19th century," the report continues. "The sale of cloth for uniforms contributed in a large way to this prosperity. Since the days of the Civil War, the Slater Woolen Company's profits due to the sale of uniforms had been on the increase."</P>
<P>The mill was in operation until 1954, the final 31 years under the name American Woolen Co. Other businesses eventually moved into the property, but a fire in the late 1960s destroyed many of the buildings. Well, that's a bummer for the company, the town and urbex enthusiasts like me.</P>
<P>As for the spinning and carding mill, it "was built on the site of the old brick mill which had been built in 1824 and which was the
nucleus of the manufacturing activities in the South Village," per MACRIS. "Designed by the prominent Worcester architectural firm, Eldridge
Boyden and Sons, in 1876, the building has an ornamental clock tower as well as corbelled brickwork and crenellations."</P>
<P>Unfortunately, the clock was removed from the tower at some point in the last 40 years.</P>
<P>Workers at the mill in its later days would likely have eaten regularly at the nearby diner on South Main Street.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKRspK719uh1iNPClsZAmdfHR0SyRyudA0NWQ6J-q4KRYyuQX-FQCwtTSr5e32oRreC0Os5ZfpUSEVk9R1X7NHsbPnAtMkMsn_avS93OMNKPOvXyXVR7efSDrhsSVjfDoLQh5snnia836X2dTX8hRz20VNnK3YLQgsg2cK88T7YEK4ywRjz0ZS90JHWvQ/s2048/Mama%27s%20Kitchen.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyKRspK719uh1iNPClsZAmdfHR0SyRyudA0NWQ6J-q4KRYyuQX-FQCwtTSr5e32oRreC0Os5ZfpUSEVk9R1X7NHsbPnAtMkMsn_avS93OMNKPOvXyXVR7efSDrhsSVjfDoLQh5snnia836X2dTX8hRz20VNnK3YLQgsg2cK88T7YEK4ywRjz0ZS90JHWvQ/s400/Mama%27s%20Kitchen.jpg"/></a>
<P>Known for years as Nap's Diner, this Worcester Lunch Car Company eatery is currently operating as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Mamaskitchen595/">Mama's Kitchen</a>, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The diner car was moved to this site "about 1941," per MACRIS, after the company redid the exterior. The diner was built as Worcester #682 and was originally located in Drury Square in Auburn. Nap's was in business until sometime this century.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVbsR_RlvHsv8JXk3Px7VPRGctuhu9bSolJIu686pm7RYp_I6NnPhrm3uPh6HOBrDB4RcG1TuwYT3GWCqlhMwwYzBLB4v1ujnTAzqlNxreModPEhxjTe6y-Q-p7yNrouSwaLZKY6U1Q75suvKn0RI-XlMmznGQdxL7ZbZc1AChPAFh-YL90Tw9zsVHFG5/s2048/Mama%27s%20Kitchen%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgVbsR_RlvHsv8JXk3Px7VPRGctuhu9bSolJIu686pm7RYp_I6NnPhrm3uPh6HOBrDB4RcG1TuwYT3GWCqlhMwwYzBLB4v1ujnTAzqlNxreModPEhxjTe6y-Q-p7yNrouSwaLZKY6U1Q75suvKn0RI-XlMmznGQdxL7ZbZc1AChPAFh-YL90Tw9zsVHFG5/s400/Mama%27s%20Kitchen%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>A rear kitchen annex was built in the 1940s, MACRIS speculates. The brick building next door is part of the restaurant, and predates the diner at this location. Under that brick is a wooden structure that was originally a house.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndq0H8D4PjEoJhav9x_k7uOnTehu-f1Lx_VCDWKsDbNfZfpE73-XMkEuotA3-YVznTnGTNfgQK0raAaxowYpIYwsaqderUegSTKy_bKWp1C81mGWSJJ9je0q5HrA62gNowisJUFCFQXBViYq9KXzJq4Q48lj_ZkvbY59OHyPTZZHFFjftXSOeu5BoKyjA/s2048/Mama%27s%20Cafe%20sull%20shot.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndq0H8D4PjEoJhav9x_k7uOnTehu-f1Lx_VCDWKsDbNfZfpE73-XMkEuotA3-YVznTnGTNfgQK0raAaxowYpIYwsaqderUegSTKy_bKWp1C81mGWSJJ9je0q5HrA62gNowisJUFCFQXBViYq9KXzJq4Q48lj_ZkvbY59OHyPTZZHFFjftXSOeu5BoKyjA/s400/Mama%27s%20Cafe%20sull%20shot.jpg"/></a>
<P>A short distance south from the diner is <a href="https://petes-tire-oil.hub.biz">Pete's Tire & Oil</a>, which has been in business since 1988. Although the sign is newer, I really dig it.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeoXh8TRSviT8DpR5Bn4r7pmFFQHYU2Pg2w0Kn6R12ll4ry5yloQhXV36JizY3YvSMzeGXyQFOXZ5qoErTby1LSfDlzb6A8rcmIgtQ3ApxyXX7_JO_V1-UiuGVcgK785-PWoziz60GbPd2Rk-cTj4abg9dDdrgkrmjKCrEx1UMCaNZFCyGAIdLMnyDWME/s2048/Pete%27s%20Tire%20&%20Oil.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1608" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzeoXh8TRSviT8DpR5Bn4r7pmFFQHYU2Pg2w0Kn6R12ll4ry5yloQhXV36JizY3YvSMzeGXyQFOXZ5qoErTby1LSfDlzb6A8rcmIgtQ3ApxyXX7_JO_V1-UiuGVcgK785-PWoziz60GbPd2Rk-cTj4abg9dDdrgkrmjKCrEx1UMCaNZFCyGAIdLMnyDWME/s400/Pete%27s%20Tire%20&%20Oil.jpg"/></a>
<P>Continuing south, I was happy to see Serenity Hall, as I'd stumbled across this odd-looking joint on Google Maps when doing some "presearch" before hitting Webster (I can't believe I've never thought to use that made-up word before).</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_bYHCFco4wsumjWChuD0GV-7Qvgmk2VnCDyL_1Rw9t9_tjBb7OA_YgcoztqqHFt0zICqXNkp53Fb8Tf6cqaZ9ETgEYR3ubHaViLrsEgjGfhnKEPY9WKtfqHsmwLye9UmrERI3xeaRZd4tZStL34zOu8gxHN3PsKigkmBGvBZw0PeivIJLZoheZxvO7BP/s2048/Serenity%20Hall%204.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1252" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_bYHCFco4wsumjWChuD0GV-7Qvgmk2VnCDyL_1Rw9t9_tjBb7OA_YgcoztqqHFt0zICqXNkp53Fb8Tf6cqaZ9ETgEYR3ubHaViLrsEgjGfhnKEPY9WKtfqHsmwLye9UmrERI3xeaRZd4tZStL34zOu8gxHN3PsKigkmBGvBZw0PeivIJLZoheZxvO7BP/s400/Serenity%20Hall%204.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjI3DF03WwysKOGEDjJLqzdSKlrZdxm9v-FjCwJOVqG91R0OBWkoYHF7UWFPbmAUAKVzQ8V-w8EFDKxnaEimfY7cKJd8ePxyMVpgKyJdNSqXJdlP1rttSGxppGhmbrgBuosn9fkUc6EYzlvA3R6R5HByi6Nqw9jK8Jj8-qDhHUPVQZBFh-rUqB-ixtxZti/s2048/Serenity%20Hall%205.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1559" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjI3DF03WwysKOGEDjJLqzdSKlrZdxm9v-FjCwJOVqG91R0OBWkoYHF7UWFPbmAUAKVzQ8V-w8EFDKxnaEimfY7cKJd8ePxyMVpgKyJdNSqXJdlP1rttSGxppGhmbrgBuosn9fkUc6EYzlvA3R6R5HByi6Nqw9jK8Jj8-qDhHUPVQZBFh-rUqB-ixtxZti/s400/Serenity%20Hall%205.jpg"/></a>
<P>This one is a real head-scratcher. On Google Maps Street View I was able to look back to 2007 - and this building looks the same, except the colors are a bit more muted. Back then, this space was occupied by a place called Closet Classics. Nowadays, at least part of it is home to Alcoholics Anonymous, and the building is known as Serenity Hall, after the AA prayer ("God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change / The courage to change the things I can / And the wisdom to know the difference").</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR9zWPs77Rr3U-W5InC2WqSohD1GI41EiCRmUlu4xWsi3oZwhFwA4VEAM7nSJolWcTCbt6RVVzNQnXu9t2S7cVmLdSYmjqrESy-arZr_Mz98F4qLY7Q9ZPY6Je_mc7OltgXWqLWQNiknS6T6YzS7QH560AUZIoqCMz5GOMrDTFMbicVs_fihckrAuk52K/s2048/Serenity%20Hall%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR9zWPs77Rr3U-W5InC2WqSohD1GI41EiCRmUlu4xWsi3oZwhFwA4VEAM7nSJolWcTCbt6RVVzNQnXu9t2S7cVmLdSYmjqrESy-arZr_Mz98F4qLY7Q9ZPY6Je_mc7OltgXWqLWQNiknS6T6YzS7QH560AUZIoqCMz5GOMrDTFMbicVs_fihckrAuk52K/s400/Serenity%20Hall%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeMZ70tqUVx6BxPTlpRY1J_j1YUZX_1XemiRWpYVGi-IP3eI5Ak5YCB9t4rHflvQ10XgqyOKxw21uCLDGi6czWvT39p_FJkpobxcGEFkjydZXAqGRHgP_0UXuDy5miLUUKiasm5O3kZlqzpcDmQ27f64b204yZEKxoQpt77qXvmo4FVurH17d8qJegpKu/s2048/Serenity%20Hall.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeMZ70tqUVx6BxPTlpRY1J_j1YUZX_1XemiRWpYVGi-IP3eI5Ak5YCB9t4rHflvQ10XgqyOKxw21uCLDGi6czWvT39p_FJkpobxcGEFkjydZXAqGRHgP_0UXuDy5miLUUKiasm5O3kZlqzpcDmQ27f64b204yZEKxoQpt77qXvmo4FVurH17d8qJegpKu/s400/Serenity%20Hall.jpg"/></a>
<P>I haven't been able to find any history of the building. I'd love to know what it looked like when it was built, and who decided to change it so drastically.</P>
<P>From the parking lot behind Serenity Hall, I made a shot of what I thought was a ghost sign in Webster. Turns out it's an active business, and it's actually located over the line in the town of Dudley.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULYTvhz5TZ2AvdrP0kW-MAs6-ny_tkBepi327DsboM8Cm_GH0ktBMMHlyoq03H9si-qkaDQJ4FxfM6a40fqd_oaUjP_TuRRX-4IIVGvOzvt7fUScnXUZt8feuCFIdWWIsc1l-IayE1_a7GiPg0xmDi86RramTlsNMX0wueNNcWSm1YSX7HTk54hUoWfEl/s2048/Shield%20Packaging.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjULYTvhz5TZ2AvdrP0kW-MAs6-ny_tkBepi327DsboM8Cm_GH0ktBMMHlyoq03H9si-qkaDQJ4FxfM6a40fqd_oaUjP_TuRRX-4IIVGvOzvt7fUScnXUZt8feuCFIdWWIsc1l-IayE1_a7GiPg0xmDi86RramTlsNMX0wueNNcWSm1YSX7HTk54hUoWfEl/s400/Shield%20Packaging.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://www.shieldpackaging.com">Shield Packaging</a>, which formulates and packages aerosol and liquids for household, automotive and industrial applications, has been in business since 1956. I believe the building was once part of the Slater/Anerican Woolen complex. MACRIS indicates it was built sometime between 1900 and 1905. There are a few other buildings featured below that may be remnants of the old mill as well.</P>
<P>I continued along South Main Street until it became Main Street, where I saw some livestock.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI96MWgS8r8-9hpwgCT6gKK2Xe-tNFujV1PSLO_JxHEiEiUmVQq7b9Th6PPe5AJwPgwZi3dyDqcbqQLFUXfG8VotWrE5W4F6ywG4ah8fJna3qKMAtIo0Wpq41htLSx7Pm658eXkFtxPQo2jemOl_GkJpOTyBwxW0Q46nWL1MjmPJzX51POc_rfNQHZRbB/s2048/Webster%20sheep.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1621" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXI96MWgS8r8-9hpwgCT6gKK2Xe-tNFujV1PSLO_JxHEiEiUmVQq7b9Th6PPe5AJwPgwZi3dyDqcbqQLFUXfG8VotWrE5W4F6ywG4ah8fJna3qKMAtIo0Wpq41htLSx7Pm658eXkFtxPQo2jemOl_GkJpOTyBwxW0Q46nWL1MjmPJzX51POc_rfNQHZRbB/s400/Webster%20sheep.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Qakpgv2YODYW7va48jdFD_maZweHLtPsF9EhCwHZYYq0nF1cI5yrUPArDPw0m4hUDzQka8R_QYELxOsQ1x4wCS-5Kz5JMCOqjgtvStR257cerEX0olk8h-RV-5gDZgW3KqpKtr1bd5j-BfQ-tB7pDKaidBdZL0K7zWrD6akTOqN_R7gvqVOeYI7J0mS7/s2048/Slater%20sheep.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1501" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Qakpgv2YODYW7va48jdFD_maZweHLtPsF9EhCwHZYYq0nF1cI5yrUPArDPw0m4hUDzQka8R_QYELxOsQ1x4wCS-5Kz5JMCOqjgtvStR257cerEX0olk8h-RV-5gDZgW3KqpKtr1bd5j-BfQ-tB7pDKaidBdZL0K7zWrD6akTOqN_R7gvqVOeYI7J0mS7/s400/Slater%20sheep.jpg"/></a>
<P>Installed a few years ago to promote the opening of Webster's <a href="https://samuelslaterexperience.org">Samuel Slater Experience</a> museum, the sheep (I'm not sure how many are spread around town) are made of fiberglass and clear-coated for longevity. The one in the top photo features an ad for JV Mechanical Contractors (artist: Dave Laabs), while the other is sponsored by Bennett and Carol Smith (the artists are Jenny Gatzke and Gus McGarry).</P>
<P>The <a href="https://samuelslaterexperience.org">Samuel Slater Experience</a> is located in the former Webster Armory, and focuses on textile manufacturing and the life and work of Samuel Slater. Based on the Experience's web site, the museum appears to mix tours through recreations of mills with videos produced with actors portraying Slater and other characters.</P>
<P>There is no shortage of homage to Slater in Webster. At the corner of Main and Davis streets there is a large mural on the side of a building featuring a nice rendering of downtown, as well as the visages of Daniel Webster and Samuel Slater.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd97f0XpNTaWGBldwPl1BlglkOL62ZrMsZYJP7JTfg6dIb2M3UTEQyER67xbkDSIDcvBzJSBA3YoY416uxhlysQ2iycouq7PL3zYYPY3hHZ11aj_DdSVhy1kBrP22vkDdSLrW0ojFTSDoiDx2esY0JHTDXCi_T_Yu-eQi8Fe8er-4HBHHGXwkfbaovLXmZ/s2048/Webster%20mural%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1529" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd97f0XpNTaWGBldwPl1BlglkOL62ZrMsZYJP7JTfg6dIb2M3UTEQyER67xbkDSIDcvBzJSBA3YoY416uxhlysQ2iycouq7PL3zYYPY3hHZ11aj_DdSVhy1kBrP22vkDdSLrW0ojFTSDoiDx2esY0JHTDXCi_T_Yu-eQi8Fe8er-4HBHHGXwkfbaovLXmZ/s400/Webster%20mural%202.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Samuel Slater)</b></P>
<P>This work was also done by Dave Laabs, owner of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theairbrushshack">Airbrush Shack</a> in Thompson, Connecticut.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHxw1F-f8Pev3j887pK_i8IoOZzCEuG5tyrQh3MAQ_3MwxnrQks9Y8fhlaJxkvNbeouXA27_en5gawo58voiY4Wbb6wWivNRwsCpJBlpT407uCa84VKHVTUvz5vK1DV-89mhjveOCG-paW1vqkK6tTE2BwRn5XchLL3Vk77kBLjCxK0oM3pFjfoxH8BPS/s2048/Webster%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1961" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkHxw1F-f8Pev3j887pK_i8IoOZzCEuG5tyrQh3MAQ_3MwxnrQks9Y8fhlaJxkvNbeouXA27_en5gawo58voiY4Wbb6wWivNRwsCpJBlpT407uCa84VKHVTUvz5vK1DV-89mhjveOCG-paW1vqkK6tTE2BwRn5XchLL3Vk77kBLjCxK0oM3pFjfoxH8BPS/s400/Webster%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(Daniel Webster)</b></P>
<P>This brings me to downtown, which features a great collection of old buildings. First up is the Hall Block at 274 Main Street.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdKS2hIF3iBNc0G2DHpILk5bd3kFMP2na6IfE5wJjZCERVfOjCRUGoycKhm6KXm1Z5GdrPB1pC-XqZDov0r72ItQGZFu9VcWLCRCmBOrXpoxeJYNS3wzWBZWeChPjdBA5R7h4G_Cq6fgtyBdiGlRPamAiFYr7mug6t5nvhohJ44ClfezEsL7SrgYOfaAn/s2048/Snack%20&%20Smoke%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixdKS2hIF3iBNc0G2DHpILk5bd3kFMP2na6IfE5wJjZCERVfOjCRUGoycKhm6KXm1Z5GdrPB1pC-XqZDov0r72ItQGZFu9VcWLCRCmBOrXpoxeJYNS3wzWBZWeChPjdBA5R7h4G_Cq6fgtyBdiGlRPamAiFYr7mug6t5nvhohJ44ClfezEsL7SrgYOfaAn/s400/Snack%20&%20Smoke%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>MACRIS provides scant detail, other than that this place was built in 1915. <a href="http://charniakinsurance.com">Charniak Insurance</a> has been in business for 50 years. The brilliantly named Snack & Smoke, alas, is out of business (this store reminds me of an idea I hatched many years ago to launch a chain of Nap & Snack stores).</P>
<P>Next door is the Hall Block's fraternal twin.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssv28Us5LjNk3859mTFvbBg0qNyonjXPWpGexHFPi98MIbkEPVb9Gibalxt9MxuGs4Tx7cjjBTIqTUUyAfGJRia1Fwin3n0ucN6cIEZj-KjElDaxshNjmWxKUdDmHt96t7lBIMr_9zxF6sTPZda47J9J7vbm7OZqHJGS0c7WS5O49NPwK_RWBOn6hpccp/s2048/Iglesia%20Cristiana.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1712" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssv28Us5LjNk3859mTFvbBg0qNyonjXPWpGexHFPi98MIbkEPVb9Gibalxt9MxuGs4Tx7cjjBTIqTUUyAfGJRia1Fwin3n0ucN6cIEZj-KjElDaxshNjmWxKUdDmHt96t7lBIMr_9zxF6sTPZda47J9J7vbm7OZqHJGS0c7WS5O49NPwK_RWBOn6hpccp/s400/Iglesia%20Cristiana.jpg"/></a>
<P>This place also dates to 1915. Paradise Family Jewelers seems to have been in business until fairly recently, but when I happened by, the space had a FOR RENT sign up. Its neighbor is Iglesia Cristiana, a Spanish-language church.</P>
<P>At this point, I cut north down Tracy Court, which dead-ends at a closed-off bridge over the French River. On the other side, located in Dudley, I spied a former Webster Lens facility.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHw9g3jxP1s8qp7YoMy2e0utNIxZi5Gnb6sECCt_O6hm4RImONEsN8LofEOb862CbmajgOyqZr817GIqpuxQW6UL23jhQfgPBpHgDQ9aOhEf0bHRUE1i6caohsuu8XNdaYBggJrvo4VpURVRdv_b_NDuvspEG_HbhPhsfsb2jQ4umWH38LylGiWO7evEx/s2048/Webster%20Lens%20Co.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1787" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibHw9g3jxP1s8qp7YoMy2e0utNIxZi5Gnb6sECCt_O6hm4RImONEsN8LofEOb862CbmajgOyqZr817GIqpuxQW6UL23jhQfgPBpHgDQ9aOhEf0bHRUE1i6caohsuu8XNdaYBggJrvo4VpURVRdv_b_NDuvspEG_HbhPhsfsb2jQ4umWH38LylGiWO7evEx/s400/Webster%20Lens%20Co.jpg"/></a>
<P>I haven't found out much about Webster Lens, other than that a Commonwealth of Massachusetts report covering the years 2004-2008 and the French River watershed specifies that this industrial property is/was a hazardous waste site. This property is close to the aforementioned Shield Packaging site, so may also be part of the former Slater mill operation. Below is another building that may have been part of Webster Lens.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS5UUXTFGkWOJTZORS7xf8Kma3P9uZB3l3U-DieyhlUUcnIwLWaxRNqZE6xqAQPTFjNm10KZmtR9K_PWt4onjbXBNoub1z8a4mA8RXtd53qT2L8xOpTkXDY7DaeLpTzJ3oR2Uk1_xKiil9gdhn7EC-edcQN2ohQZnZWNmu9Lq75PVxwjd8Lvd1GbnWzTw/s2048/Webster%20Lens%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS5UUXTFGkWOJTZORS7xf8Kma3P9uZB3l3U-DieyhlUUcnIwLWaxRNqZE6xqAQPTFjNm10KZmtR9K_PWt4onjbXBNoub1z8a4mA8RXtd53qT2L8xOpTkXDY7DaeLpTzJ3oR2Uk1_xKiil9gdhn7EC-edcQN2ohQZnZWNmu9Lq75PVxwjd8Lvd1GbnWzTw/s400/Webster%20Lens%203.jpg"/></a>
<P>Nearby is a nice old train trestle spanning the French River.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWEsD_eUpsF5neIIDdHTuFg8EHl63nPmNTzshSQusvjf9yXsljIP_R1y5dAfVC62R2WSn37Meir6hH1KiS4afyQwgFk5MP52bs8hP70AQJxQF4smzJk5T2J4taWedtSZ9cx_TIOE9eWsX_LP4CEL0ecTscAX5jNPxxKW9kjsnZnLwXu_8nANdsraAcMLT/s2048/Webster%20train%20trestle.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGWEsD_eUpsF5neIIDdHTuFg8EHl63nPmNTzshSQusvjf9yXsljIP_R1y5dAfVC62R2WSn37Meir6hH1KiS4afyQwgFk5MP52bs8hP70AQJxQF4smzJk5T2J4taWedtSZ9cx_TIOE9eWsX_LP4CEL0ecTscAX5jNPxxKW9kjsnZnLwXu_8nANdsraAcMLT/s400/Webster%20train%20trestle.jpg"/></a>
<P>Back on Main Street, I continued to shoot buildings on the south side. Below is the Columbia Block, which dates to 1892, and has a connection to the Slater family.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGMCeTBGsOy18EnNeiYMk1I9GxrBJiw8bidFUvp1rVj6QlC847bOCk_2mlwUGHgakiLN0Vz0Mv49Y_Xv_c9Zyb1WXyjFO6Ch5M1BuviJ2Eb-rfgBoVsL5TVY3R_PxYVIAWFK2y0T4P5Qhk89a9c98mcg8wrGIu5f5ehAr0Ks9ruGNdH32FbMYDaqXT4kr/s2048/Webster%201892%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGMCeTBGsOy18EnNeiYMk1I9GxrBJiw8bidFUvp1rVj6QlC847bOCk_2mlwUGHgakiLN0Vz0Mv49Y_Xv_c9Zyb1WXyjFO6Ch5M1BuviJ2Eb-rfgBoVsL5TVY3R_PxYVIAWFK2y0T4P5Qhk89a9c98mcg8wrGIu5f5ehAr0Ks9ruGNdH32FbMYDaqXT4kr/s400/Webster%201892%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>From MACRIS: "In the Summer of 1891, Charles Lueth bought this property...and began digging a cellar on August 24. He planned an elegant hotel for the site with '30 rooms, wired and with steam heat and an elevator.' The walls were completed except for the front, the roof was on, and the name 'Elm House' (named for the great elm [sic] which had stood on the property) was cut in a stone on the front, when the work was stopped.</P>
<P>"On April 25, 1892, the unfinished building was purchased at auction by S. Slater and Sons. Shortly afterwards, the inscription 'Elm House' was changed to '1892.'....Frank Upham, a builder altered the plans and finished the work for Horatio N. Slater (grandson of Samuel Slater) at a cost of $25,000 to 30,000. Slater opened a dry goods and fancy goods store, The New York Store on March 19, 1893. The building also contained three upper floors, the top floor being an elegant hall, Columbian Hall."</P>
<P>Other tenants over the years have included the Webster Public Library, Woolworth's and Aubuchon's Hardware. Currently, at least part of the space is occupied by a mental health clinic.</P>
<P>The Columbia Block has a few ghost signs, which I was excited to see.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJY5lS9zIVqg3rgQYJ3W8wLweCmxCnXCYvY4M-D7AJyuaUUBe1i7hOhV4Y-QEyCgY9-A8hqzNPvRuVMRUhVTIJ8q93FRBG_zlWLZuAGwDEfluSGL6gus9kMibIwmmOC2iozS70lGWDIY7kS9ZAyazwiRXUcL4pS55raAfvFn6stplH4IGjiP2Hf7ifXEZ/s2048/Webster%20ghost%20sign%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOJY5lS9zIVqg3rgQYJ3W8wLweCmxCnXCYvY4M-D7AJyuaUUBe1i7hOhV4Y-QEyCgY9-A8hqzNPvRuVMRUhVTIJ8q93FRBG_zlWLZuAGwDEfluSGL6gus9kMibIwmmOC2iozS70lGWDIY7kS9ZAyazwiRXUcL4pS55raAfvFn6stplH4IGjiP2Hf7ifXEZ/s400/Webster%20ghost%20sign%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGj0MdGXp8Gtdbu0s0RTsk9xbKYRT8W_IMesK0viAMD42_bN5NqGpFwCn02owTDwgwFCTHB2MIGT8pxHDteIh7N95YFZrGAS-6GWoC-3JSgbB9cuu4VGlraHA51c6Cwz3-6EOCj4EAQDdPlAziFKL7e2qN0OMNZYQNhPITgoGxdXkFgXBCvPjSfRDtfwR/s2048/Webster%20another%20ghost%20sign%20shot.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGj0MdGXp8Gtdbu0s0RTsk9xbKYRT8W_IMesK0viAMD42_bN5NqGpFwCn02owTDwgwFCTHB2MIGT8pxHDteIh7N95YFZrGAS-6GWoC-3JSgbB9cuu4VGlraHA51c6Cwz3-6EOCj4EAQDdPlAziFKL7e2qN0OMNZYQNhPITgoGxdXkFgXBCvPjSfRDtfwR/s400/Webster%20another%20ghost%20sign%20shot.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Coca-Cola ad was retouched fairly recently. Racicot Brothers was located in a nearby block, which I will detail below.</P>
<P>At 174 Main Street is the Richard J. Murphy Building, which rose in 1939.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8Xrt8GeAWnrxoxJuyLOv5SUQzgudh7tVw-8-A8gSDF7RNsEXT3qiAdR0NxpTtTKX69L-whbisE2FOlct5JkQ1sp-wB4WJ6jyKSxFtCaT49DobTgucAy_uuNjw5HJ3S14lUuhxZIGwau8Ua4F3Q_P5cbOxYJo0eaOYG9m1Rfh1ey-IGYsXZn3hJAE_-Ao/s2048/Richard%20Murphy%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik8Xrt8GeAWnrxoxJuyLOv5SUQzgudh7tVw-8-A8gSDF7RNsEXT3qiAdR0NxpTtTKX69L-whbisE2FOlct5JkQ1sp-wB4WJ6jyKSxFtCaT49DobTgucAy_uuNjw5HJ3S14lUuhxZIGwau8Ua4F3Q_P5cbOxYJo0eaOYG9m1Rfh1ey-IGYsXZn3hJAE_-Ao/s400/Richard%20Murphy%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Businesses located here include <a href="https://foodfit4u.com">FoodFit4U</a>, which prepares gourmet meals for pickup or delivery, and <a href="https://www.openingthewordwebster.com">Opening the Word</a>, a peer recovery center.</P>
<P>I wandered west along Main Street and off in the distance, spied something that drew me in like ants to a picnic...but you'll have to wait to read about it, because it was over the border in Dudley, and will get its own post in the near future.</P>
<P>After chatting with some random guy about how hot it was (this was over the summer) and how he took a dip in some reservoir, I checked out some old train cars along Davis Street that I believe belong to the Providence and Worcester Railfan Club Museum in Webster.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE7GXgNj0_cOxcnt_dRaNgTvjZMvTi3-oStHFgtMQW7nTjDr0Rg9DW8cuKQtUM83UqKfVRKhCryFqPoVeItwWlONgzJwJ2DtjsGTdMxo0jTuLOCP8P_7Scbm1J4uut6mj_Sb5UmPRGkayfeNCxvg90ZpJrlDtczHBH6sp5AwfB8Q4kWYPLu-FTLhZVmzU/s2048/Seaview%20RR%20train.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE7GXgNj0_cOxcnt_dRaNgTvjZMvTi3-oStHFgtMQW7nTjDr0Rg9DW8cuKQtUM83UqKfVRKhCryFqPoVeItwWlONgzJwJ2DtjsGTdMxo0jTuLOCP8P_7Scbm1J4uut6mj_Sb5UmPRGkayfeNCxvg90ZpJrlDtczHBH6sp5AwfB8Q4kWYPLu-FTLhZVmzU/s400/Seaview%20RR%20train.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(A boxcar from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaview_Transportation_Company">Seaview Railroad</a>, which operates in Rhode Island.)</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHO8MdDhWir1KPG03P8nktkpSdbP_mNVtvsKTCccw7yqFe9cp_ykBQFHtCF0J_oBuEZqSXoqVX-9lNg1lvgL-KHFCtW-V9kUmnoxf1igrIVxOvLB5bRrff0y1r92iVzHv6ClKBcZcUamSguGb-atvXJSHeXUHguyX4xyUtXTl7y3tGqCyi0WwaF_8fVrm/s2048/The%20Milwaukee%20Road.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmHO8MdDhWir1KPG03P8nktkpSdbP_mNVtvsKTCccw7yqFe9cp_ykBQFHtCF0J_oBuEZqSXoqVX-9lNg1lvgL-KHFCtW-V9kUmnoxf1igrIVxOvLB5bRrff0y1r92iVzHv6ClKBcZcUamSguGb-atvXJSHeXUHguyX4xyUtXTl7y3tGqCyi0WwaF_8fVrm/s400/The%20Milwaukee%20Road.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(A flatcar from <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Road">the Milwaukee Road</a>, officially known as the "Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad...[which] was a Class I railroad that operated in the Midwest and Northwest of the United States from 1847 until 1986," per <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_Road">Wikipedia</a>.)</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgSm-_TpBlqRn8gwXnocl-MGsCA5p8SelDS4VK_G_8622Q4izy_0eXp3WsHQhCi0xoq-FZcYshpTCmiNV6tIftL_9XmAwpicFjYajLKC8ihX06QcYOjWzuf3WDNw8hPNCNffTa-GJvmfoGdfO50YE9r7FfA46HvJ0HZ_x530fvPlWm4MLFNJ-5NiSZeFS/s2048/Mini%20train%20car.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1523" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDgSm-_TpBlqRn8gwXnocl-MGsCA5p8SelDS4VK_G_8622Q4izy_0eXp3WsHQhCi0xoq-FZcYshpTCmiNV6tIftL_9XmAwpicFjYajLKC8ihX06QcYOjWzuf3WDNw8hPNCNffTa-GJvmfoGdfO50YE9r7FfA46HvJ0HZ_x530fvPlWm4MLFNJ-5NiSZeFS/s400/Mini%20train%20car.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(An adorable little rail car.)</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBIPF4kt-jR4_mlecpzNQlnLKXz6F4bu-8L16WF0ibrFk0bWKQlDFaWs3Akod6VWg1a-MTRq_WcqN3QybrYJlGZeWJAzcBEmcTNzeEiGpCuo7cDgzrf8J0-QImAwRQ7Vf-uvUuGOJiNyJo-57rgBF2WJlBh0l1lHe63vxO2PtkgkIT5K20wH-sMB6DaWX/s2048/New%20Haven%20engine.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidBIPF4kt-jR4_mlecpzNQlnLKXz6F4bu-8L16WF0ibrFk0bWKQlDFaWs3Akod6VWg1a-MTRq_WcqN3QybrYJlGZeWJAzcBEmcTNzeEiGpCuo7cDgzrf8J0-QImAwRQ7Vf-uvUuGOJiNyJo-57rgBF2WJlBh0l1lHe63vxO2PtkgkIT5K20wH-sMB6DaWX/s400/New%20Haven%20engine.jpg"/></a>
<P><b>(New Haven engine.)</b></P>
<P>Across from the train collection is 8 Davis Street, which was most recently home to the Beauty Bar and B. Kind Cafe. I don't believe either is in business here anymore.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXMEByYJqCbqgxxFUJZFwQN_PE2oYtP7sxnAdipr6du3qJcinyhLBgSqrjwWUyMGBSxlPwDjaOM4rmO0vw80rQ9hX35aH8E5L68nUUX7TEV5VS_FC4fQSQ49xswFSjSxb2V8rJtaUUDb6TU9e-nwpW0VU4mjVtFpH7GQOz8fdVixbC4OWTQFeSJnHc38T/s2048/Beauty%20Bar%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1573" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOXMEByYJqCbqgxxFUJZFwQN_PE2oYtP7sxnAdipr6du3qJcinyhLBgSqrjwWUyMGBSxlPwDjaOM4rmO0vw80rQ9hX35aH8E5L68nUUX7TEV5VS_FC4fQSQ49xswFSjSxb2V8rJtaUUDb6TU9e-nwpW0VU4mjVtFpH7GQOz8fdVixbC4OWTQFeSJnHc38T/s400/Beauty%20Bar%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>I wish I'd seen two other buildings that used to stand along Davis Street: the City Hotel, which was built in 1897, and Edmunds Opera House, which rose in 1867. They were demolished at some point.</P>
<P>Nevertheless, I found plenty of great buildings as I headed back east on Main Street. Below is the Shumway Block, located along Main Street where the train tracks cross.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xIlWyMtAVI6zFmpZGUw08ytTXakv9eR_mn65YaUQTVkZgM67w4bTKKvNyyHhD9AcDrvr9nnJMY_1yoR3wd9Xtkfj7NaRbdHlR_d_TH9Wt-eUaUZ3eucM-E6kPijF2zo7O921DVfGXVXgxI5Iz7opWIaOV8JnjHKLukKTr5_npNpxgyp9AOeW4IZgJstM/s2048/Webster%201886%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1511" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xIlWyMtAVI6zFmpZGUw08ytTXakv9eR_mn65YaUQTVkZgM67w4bTKKvNyyHhD9AcDrvr9nnJMY_1yoR3wd9Xtkfj7NaRbdHlR_d_TH9Wt-eUaUZ3eucM-E6kPijF2zo7O921DVfGXVXgxI5Iz7opWIaOV8JnjHKLukKTr5_npNpxgyp9AOeW4IZgJstM/s400/Webster%201886%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>This Victorian Eclectic building replaced the Merchants Block, which was built in 1866 and burned down 20 years later.</P>
<P>Across Main Street is the Eddy Block, a High Victorian Gothic building that dates to 1878.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_Oaa3f5jzAhh59TV9u6hKBtlsrEuR8aa97u2d32O1Z3wDUhYs6E_C8K8UsJ3YJECoRkUJcqub6B9ArYSkRqrLp9uxzApqUOY2SGbKW64CJM21Ay2KtdTUhaBWmxxasAT4rIoFz4yRXTzEJ9hLcLVtYYPoliNcEhH0xeX7ASOguL0aHUIavTWASmRrJg-/s2048/Webster%20Eddy%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH_Oaa3f5jzAhh59TV9u6hKBtlsrEuR8aa97u2d32O1Z3wDUhYs6E_C8K8UsJ3YJECoRkUJcqub6B9ArYSkRqrLp9uxzApqUOY2SGbKW64CJM21Ay2KtdTUhaBWmxxasAT4rIoFz4yRXTzEJ9hLcLVtYYPoliNcEhH0xeX7ASOguL0aHUIavTWASmRrJg-/s400/Webster%20Eddy%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>From MACRIS: "The L.R. Eddy Block...has been a commercial building since it was erected in 1878. It was built on the site of the Mechanic Block, which burned on September 30, 1876." Tenants over the past 145 years have included the post office, a men's clothing store, an insurance company and a smoke shop. Current tenants include Clippin' Tymes Barber Shop and <a href="https://thestaveandstill.com">Stave & Still</a>, which offers handcrafted cocktails, modern fare and Southern hospitality, per its web site.</P>
<P>I took a quick detour down School Street to check out the building currently housing Sight Centre, a "one-stop family eye care" shop.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwn2d5smh_KlBeR-JxmywmMR-Mvab1eOdtONunNpTmfX_xGojtiOjFTt0GGNLLhi4liL3srZ3pQ0StgTLrzSnz484ePM1vwlC-HJ5I2urWbnHNAEaRFUp1G_7ZhZPsN8qOZxeTCRE04zOgI1_0MS392vpY3hpGjCY25P8FgUilIVQJ-LOROUpu_WWORWg/s2048/Webster%20Sight%20Centre.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1502" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwn2d5smh_KlBeR-JxmywmMR-Mvab1eOdtONunNpTmfX_xGojtiOjFTt0GGNLLhi4liL3srZ3pQ0StgTLrzSnz484ePM1vwlC-HJ5I2urWbnHNAEaRFUp1G_7ZhZPsN8qOZxeTCRE04zOgI1_0MS392vpY3hpGjCY25P8FgUilIVQJ-LOROUpu_WWORWg/s400/Webster%20Sight%20Centre.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in the 1885-1887 range (MACRIS is a little unclear), the Bates Block (no, no that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv88ASiLmgk">Bates</a>) was initially a hardware store and sheet iron workshop. After A.J. Bates and Sons was sold, another hardware store occupied this space for many years. MACRIS references more recent tenants (from the late '70s), Barre's Toys and Plastecs Co., the latter of which evidently manufactured "sun powered novelties and toys" on the second floor.</P>
<P>Continuing back on Main Street, we next come to the English Revival Spaulding Block (on the left, below).</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG21KhFUV2Bz0Vk4f-gYoOIjtZtFCVNT7H6bW401UtiGwKqSlQo8PbYZb0rAXOLS-w_TqYAdqjdJOejuUQmNSszTDSYgp2kqaNtprjemlu4-jAhCt55J6W44zlhlS9k0roeNLDBvIASGjUblQrvlxYz7wpZDl1m1NHbVGB3T1F4-PRhvWzFhBMGY1IDSiT/s2048/Webster%20Crown%20Supply.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1591" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG21KhFUV2Bz0Vk4f-gYoOIjtZtFCVNT7H6bW401UtiGwKqSlQo8PbYZb0rAXOLS-w_TqYAdqjdJOejuUQmNSszTDSYgp2kqaNtprjemlu4-jAhCt55J6W44zlhlS9k0roeNLDBvIASGjUblQrvlxYz7wpZDl1m1NHbVGB3T1F4-PRhvWzFhBMGY1IDSiT/s400/Webster%20Crown%20Supply.jpg"/></a>
<P>From MACRIS: "One of the oldest block buildings in the downtown section of Webster, the Spaulding block, was built by Cyrus Spaulding in 1866 to house his hardware business," which he'd taken over from his father. In addition to stores on the ground floor, the block was also home to the printing office of <i>The Webster Times</i>, as well as a Masonic Lodge and the Webster Sigel Lodge, a German-American fraternal organization. I believe the building is currently part of the neighboring <a href="https://www.crownsupply.com">Crown Supply</a> business.</P>
<P>Bouncing back across to the south side of Main Street, I spied a sign that immediately grabbed my attention: JOSLIN HOUSE APARTMENTS circa 1844.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsVncBPXjaZ8Lj1a0NRhM88ST38K_KbqL2tEg7WuPp1zuYa5n6ePJg8y3bo1p9vSEisS8sRr7bribdnkOujAGecmYVr7DMyvFIn8QmxI67xRwaUKEFZbMH7a1EOmYhqkCI04GXNZLzHZhN4brC6BsqHToqv5Y2-zwk-g0vjt_j3Qn494u_uXOCUN-7XRq/s2048/Joslin%20House%20apartments.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTsVncBPXjaZ8Lj1a0NRhM88ST38K_KbqL2tEg7WuPp1zuYa5n6ePJg8y3bo1p9vSEisS8sRr7bribdnkOujAGecmYVr7DMyvFIn8QmxI67xRwaUKEFZbMH7a1EOmYhqkCI04GXNZLzHZhN4brC6BsqHToqv5Y2-zwk-g0vjt_j3Qn494u_uXOCUN-7XRq/s400/Joslin%20House%20apartments.jpg"/></a>
<P>That date is somewhat misleading, as the brick building that now stands at 168 Main Street replaced the original wood-frame hotel that rose in 1844, and which was "[f]or many years one of the most well known and most frequented hotels in Webster," according to MACRIS. Originally called the Webster Temperance House, the hotel was operated by Nathan Joslin. "Details from early prints and postcards of the building show it to have many federal style features and set far back from the street," MACRIS indicates. "The building was enlarged and altered many times until by the late 19th century it looked radically different. A verandah and bandstand were added at sometime after 1850 with gatherings and band concerts held there fpr many years."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNe6gf1nI2PmDrBHxVpnAXeKl8wHC8QWm6k1E3-RY_CogU37kyFBvbiWtjfhMDcYb_N05NFeyI2CBv3tDUgD2alfAHbt0oIDlvzyL1lapaiOvLvhD8w5Cm6shyNTgtjzU5PeOqZtBCvocD-sURigMUDGZ3g5VV4QN-vUq-fGcs9Fh3LuTDpAYDvo4fnohf/s2048/Joslin%20House.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNe6gf1nI2PmDrBHxVpnAXeKl8wHC8QWm6k1E3-RY_CogU37kyFBvbiWtjfhMDcYb_N05NFeyI2CBv3tDUgD2alfAHbt0oIDlvzyL1lapaiOvLvhD8w5Cm6shyNTgtjzU5PeOqZtBCvocD-sURigMUDGZ3g5VV4QN-vUq-fGcs9Fh3LuTDpAYDvo4fnohf/s400/Joslin%20House.jpg"/></a>
<P>After changing hands several times, the building was eventually acquired by James Ryan in 1923. "During Mr. Ryan's ownership the hotel had its worst fire (October 1939) which leveled the entire wooden structure . The following year the hotel was rebuilt of brick by Emil Dupont, a local builder and this structure stands on the site today."</P>
<P>Back across to the other side of Main Street, to the Gilles Block.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOAbnsdCnywDKpEZMglkNnMSFoIwK9hIWaOXncJdeafBH2Pw_s6cHeLf3hI6OuPoHTR3SFGdhz1ea9QVqo5RMV4KFuHOCRo_RtxhVYZ2By152CW25rBxV4rZgnNPTtv-RhYHX5vHHXWi0bl_ecl5_-lGZoW2ECLtlEE9Cd0soJ6V94PoIRj5p_0tEtowo/s2048/Gilles%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1564" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbOAbnsdCnywDKpEZMglkNnMSFoIwK9hIWaOXncJdeafBH2Pw_s6cHeLf3hI6OuPoHTR3SFGdhz1ea9QVqo5RMV4KFuHOCRo_RtxhVYZ2By152CW25rBxV4rZgnNPTtv-RhYHX5vHHXWi0bl_ecl5_-lGZoW2ECLtlEE9Cd0soJ6V94PoIRj5p_0tEtowo/s400/Gilles%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Rebuilt in 1925 after a serious fire the year before, the Gilles Block has over the years been used as a jewelry store, a meat market and an optician's store, according to MACRIS. When I visited Webster, I assumed that Wine Studio 51 was in business (with a nice mural on the side of the building as an advertisement, seen below). But when I looked closer at the photo, I noticed the smaller sign indicating COMING SOON TO WEBSTER MA CALI-RITO'S BURRITO GRILL.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFeWiVjjU91teeSLs1aNQ2TFPUBQPGmW4lxKk44Zzu0wraP3tVsb2j9pKVOVNdt1ws_0OtwQSn0iOs7fbYfPJo9spRMWFBbTagqnRxiPWPOmO23OOX3iKQ0Ur-STcQIGqHtCqkSXUQKFlj8gpy_AuNG_qWH_iEDtyYVXrj1aitLl8HweYnDxp1czGnh1I/s2048/Wine%20Studio%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1461" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCFeWiVjjU91teeSLs1aNQ2TFPUBQPGmW4lxKk44Zzu0wraP3tVsb2j9pKVOVNdt1ws_0OtwQSn0iOs7fbYfPJo9spRMWFBbTagqnRxiPWPOmO23OOX3iKQ0Ur-STcQIGqHtCqkSXUQKFlj8gpy_AuNG_qWH_iEDtyYVXrj1aitLl8HweYnDxp1czGnh1I/s400/Wine%20Studio%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://caliritosburrito.com">Cali-Rito's</a> has two outlets in New Bedford, and one each in Worcester and Northborough. As for the wine bar, I'm not sure it ever opened. In June 2021, the "forthcoming" Wine Studio 51 was issued a $10,000 grant from the Town of Webster, along with a $10,000 refundable tax credit from the state, according to <a href="https://www.wbjournal.com/article/two-downtown-webster-businesses-granted-40k">this Worcester Business Journal article</a>.</P>
<P>Adjacent to the Gilles Block is the Tiffany Block, which features a great example of a storefront church, something I always keep an eye out for while backsidin'.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWjFds6Lwrqv6Hs8Mo5oyC_U0zeYbKzUozpj7BRnzOcoZfODlLkMQGE67MsB4b9RorD4Nl7TVFSopip07zqqWpa8f9iAl_XHNCxkLmNJ3tBx_vGSlIthGlsNajp4BK2Sf0F_XCvEAWuex3ccq4ZlkNF77p584TiIwiC8WA44N2p6Jjc_hbkdKAgZurRLX/s2048/Tiffany%20Bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1754" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWjFds6Lwrqv6Hs8Mo5oyC_U0zeYbKzUozpj7BRnzOcoZfODlLkMQGE67MsB4b9RorD4Nl7TVFSopip07zqqWpa8f9iAl_XHNCxkLmNJ3tBx_vGSlIthGlsNajp4BK2Sf0F_XCvEAWuex3ccq4ZlkNF77p584TiIwiC8WA44N2p6Jjc_hbkdKAgZurRLX/s400/Tiffany%20Bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Erected in 1926 by Luman H. Tiffany...The building was originally built to house the J.C. Penney Store with apartments on the upper floors," per MACRIS. "After the J.C. Penney store closed the street level was occuppied by the A.M. Kouri Company, a clothing store." In more recent years, this space was occupied by The Party Planner and Vee's Furniture and Mattresses. As you can see, the tenant nowadays is Iglesia Misionera Ciudad Santa, a Spanish-language church.</P>
<P>The major downtown Webster tenant is <a href="https://www.mapfreinsurance.com">MAPFRE USA</a>, which is located in the Racicot Block, whose rose in 1905.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEURfYI0mbhWWYQqaQ-hTQ9oiA9QE95kPv7GFIGgnqGP65iljaGlOA3ZU0IK8a19hLXVsR5XGRqqYLIDr90GclhkQY9J6s3UrVdSllRaAIysejpx9oHcaMj7xEbwy4BVew6dbTnrdnlumPBGO4EAoOim4V6jNn_YQ7tPvx__ZrMvjiqXu0t1DCZQDC35x/s2048/Racicot%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1635" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjEURfYI0mbhWWYQqaQ-hTQ9oiA9QE95kPv7GFIGgnqGP65iljaGlOA3ZU0IK8a19hLXVsR5XGRqqYLIDr90GclhkQY9J6s3UrVdSllRaAIysejpx9oHcaMj7xEbwy4BVew6dbTnrdnlumPBGO4EAoOim4V6jNn_YQ7tPvx__ZrMvjiqXu0t1DCZQDC35x/s400/Racicot%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>The North American division of a Spanish multinational insurance carrier, MAPFRE USA is headquartered elsewhere in Webster but maintains a significant presence downtown. As for the Racicot Block, it was once the headquarters of a homegrown business empire that, according to MACRIS, for "many years remained one of the leading business firms in the town."</P>
<P>Racicot Brothers was founded in 1897. From MACRIS: "In the days when the horse was surpreme, the Racicot Bros. maintained a stable of 22 horses, and from Webster as a center, these horses, attached to the well-remembered 'Racicot Bros.' wagons radiated to the four points of the compass every day. Twenty-five men were employed, most of them on the road, selling tea, coffee and furniture in towns of three states [Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island]."</P>
<P>By 1901, the brothers, Alexander and Arthur, had acquired a furniture company and combined that venture with tea business, moving into a building across Main Street -- the one with ghost sign pictured above, I believe. Other businesses were located in the building, as was a hall for events. Eventually, younger family members joined the operation, and opened an undertaker business on site.</P>
<P>In 1927, a W.T. Grant store opened in the Racicot Block - how many times have I written about those former department stores?! At some point, Grant's moved elsewhere in town and The House of Bargains moved in, according to MACRIS.</P>
<P>Next on our survey of downtown Webster is the Larchar-Branch Block, which dates to 1912.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlV-ycIJNIBSceTFmdXvRgi-hxPKNvgYiLt1VNIToHIPg5Q1bX6he7IGHv4_BU_v19OQjR9w28-N-Ak17joPZfKMfQ9-d0zgEClC-AVkIQAJRn-ZRdWk2-hPO6RZ8-g21ooAbmAhU_3qETx2UsKDPVIWHBOIgsRl_P54fl-YpC-aAOqEuQVTYGnnGZ5dkt/s2048/Webster%20L-B%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1634" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlV-ycIJNIBSceTFmdXvRgi-hxPKNvgYiLt1VNIToHIPg5Q1bX6he7IGHv4_BU_v19OQjR9w28-N-Ak17joPZfKMfQ9-d0zgEClC-AVkIQAJRn-ZRdWk2-hPO6RZ8-g21ooAbmAhU_3qETx2UsKDPVIWHBOIgsRl_P54fl-YpC-aAOqEuQVTYGnnGZ5dkt/s400/Webster%20L-B%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently home to <a href="https://www.luk.org">Luk, Inc.</a>, a "not-for-profit social service agency...dedicated to improving the lives of youth and their families....[offering] a full spectrum of programs addressing mental health, trauma, addiction and substance abuse prevention, homelessness, and more," the L-B Block was within three years of its opening greatly enhanced by the addition of a theater.</P>
<P>From MACRIS: "In 1915 a 'modern theatre building' was built into the ground floor of the building and named the Steinberg Theatre after Henry Steinberg, who was one of the theatre's first owners as well as its first managers." MACRIS continues: "In 1954 the theatre, now known as the State Theatre, was closed for nearly one year for modernization, and reopened with cinemascope (sic) and vistavision (sic). This same theatre...was closed in 1967."</P>
<P>Next is the large and impressive Holden Block, which was built in 1921.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZFyZ1U6Rd5cE7s4IFYYZRHqzaOcXjtzMLOZfbtDV9p-pUxKRtdYDY2DZ4gl7eQOoXJ4-BQxv8kegTMQ1-CWo10sNHZsAqYrS1uj-lOgKjQIsTbHcVND3fvRWZL3maejCC-dhjAKvpC3FBcyXAlfQmzCsB9QAu16vg-s3Xwupd87iTamL-ysoRbf5UDfM/s2048/Holden%20Bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHZFyZ1U6Rd5cE7s4IFYYZRHqzaOcXjtzMLOZfbtDV9p-pUxKRtdYDY2DZ4gl7eQOoXJ4-BQxv8kegTMQ1-CWo10sNHZsAqYrS1uj-lOgKjQIsTbHcVND3fvRWZL3maejCC-dhjAKvpC3FBcyXAlfQmzCsB9QAu16vg-s3Xwupd87iTamL-ysoRbf5UDfM/s400/Holden%20Bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>This place was quite a hub of activity in its heyday, with eight storefronts on the ground floor, pool tables and bowling alleys in the basement and a grand hall on the second floor. From, who else, MACRIS: "Surrounded by a gallery that had a seating capacity of 500,the floor space beneath provided room for 500 couples. A splendid dance floor was installed and a stage erected which was available for entertainment and
later on, for motion pictures. This hall occupied the entire second floor of the building, which was 76 feet deep and had a frontage of 120 feet. Checkrooms, refreshment stands, smoking room, and everything for the convenience of patrons had been embodied in the hall."</P>
<P>It's hard to imagine now that in downtown Webster 100 years ago there were two (or perhaps more) theaters so close to each other. In more recent years the grand hall was occupied by a roller-skating rink.</P>
<P>Current tenants include Webster Asian Bodywork, <a href="https://www.robroyhairsalons.com">Rob Roy Hair Salon</a> and Liberty Tax.</P>
<P>The penultimate building along Main Street that I want to highlight is the Patenaude Block.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGMwmqPBw-8wo5Cth-nkpA0rDHz0VFsN9jtvk3DjUhuYkadkyuwYvfOia6Z4q15SlmbBzVuEEWPs58hgS9VKFLoJGK0D9MCoVIqRQjsJpX1DVviGHh3ArSmomFdwCODt7yCNZB_0uHdphEbgW7W36c7XaHmOnzUGdBrwdTtElDoup3JEaWqrTgcgM3C9P/s2048/Patenaude%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1666" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGMwmqPBw-8wo5Cth-nkpA0rDHz0VFsN9jtvk3DjUhuYkadkyuwYvfOia6Z4q15SlmbBzVuEEWPs58hgS9VKFLoJGK0D9MCoVIqRQjsJpX1DVviGHh3ArSmomFdwCODt7yCNZB_0uHdphEbgW7W36c7XaHmOnzUGdBrwdTtElDoup3JEaWqrTgcgM3C9P/s400/Patenaude%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently home to Webster's Choice Barber Shop (New World Studios does not appear to be in business, at least not at this location), the building dates to, ahem, 1900 per the Webster assessor's office. That's all I've been able to find out about this place.</P>
<P>The last stop on this part of the tour presents the smallest building of the lot.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3uSazx7ilDWhArWz0agW_F14b6GMArhQRz5jiRgc19PaUgYO5wTa8FdpF_5CSoHCKjlfQPhNPtqB6Zf1CH_DaafMODnYThTlkr5I226xa7cMneCAcBIc7A_c3fjtV2iIRAUgBD27ECL14BiqaamycSagHHC2STkyK3aHJsjq6cl3YJDdZl1K7A9qOrKe/s2048/Dugan%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq3uSazx7ilDWhArWz0agW_F14b6GMArhQRz5jiRgc19PaUgYO5wTa8FdpF_5CSoHCKjlfQPhNPtqB6Zf1CH_DaafMODnYThTlkr5I226xa7cMneCAcBIc7A_c3fjtV2iIRAUgBD27ECL14BiqaamycSagHHC2STkyK3aHJsjq6cl3YJDdZl1K7A9qOrKe/s400/Dugan%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Dugan Block rose in 1922 and was originally home to a drug store. That store was in business until at least the late 1970s, per MACRIS. The current tenant is <a href="https://masisstaffing.com">Masis Staffing Solutions</a>.</P>
<P>At this point, I veered off Main Street and headed east on Lake Street. There, I saw the Pastime Cafe.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGmMkhvW7KQy5ALwag-u1CREtp9ITqnCyqeCgFfAgRdtI-7_1fHs1_0unyTUHa184zim5MsMUGTQ6g9H2HPN-qudkoQpJlg_hJrFlHvSS_LfjjwZYKj_Cdt1PWTtNWCHsHqxyZH437Kdp_q35j9sp-eWZJVX0nuYN9ntOwTI2Ysrk47m09apNFcDrxYZk/s2048/Pastime%20CAfe.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGmMkhvW7KQy5ALwag-u1CREtp9ITqnCyqeCgFfAgRdtI-7_1fHs1_0unyTUHa184zim5MsMUGTQ6g9H2HPN-qudkoQpJlg_hJrFlHvSS_LfjjwZYKj_Cdt1PWTtNWCHsHqxyZH437Kdp_q35j9sp-eWZJVX0nuYN9ntOwTI2Ysrk47m09apNFcDrxYZk/s400/Pastime%20CAfe.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located on the ground floor of a residential building, the cafe appears to be past its time. I haven't been able to find out when it opened or when it closed.</P>
<P>Just up the street is Holy Trinity Parish.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R03STOn1Xu_nNKQuux037WewbzzuA99Gz7_w_Gf01pUUE3VBiPJVqRaUgy-iCfMQPGKSq7iaLgZ-1m8hSrdcB35FSBzdKAhBwD3PPDKBMpPylgS59giIh4OBj0T7VYmDVG24ZMM49R4mdQu8vbFKFGWD9YeowsCvsIduljBk0SocdBCCM8bGcy2uXqEI/s2048/Polish%20Church%20Webster%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7R03STOn1Xu_nNKQuux037WewbzzuA99Gz7_w_Gf01pUUE3VBiPJVqRaUgy-iCfMQPGKSq7iaLgZ-1m8hSrdcB35FSBzdKAhBwD3PPDKBMpPylgS59giIh4OBj0T7VYmDVG24ZMM49R4mdQu8vbFKFGWD9YeowsCvsIduljBk0SocdBCCM8bGcy2uXqEI/s400/Polish%20Church%20Webster%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6RNGyS6VamdzMTy9ML-iQx_8Rvh_0hrXlukhafZbWoQZdAf4o4HMhe3_gHBZPsPJF0HQwHYdT_fK4V38NaJ-AvbmnGktm_KUKrm-AZoydFUTd2eIN9I0KKxppI8QX7hdlj-J0Yy-MEqNK-uBNqE3ZDXzh7X4NR0bnoAqjpyhnpZ_u-th7wzHnq5D99Yc/s2048/Polish%20church%20Webster.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT6RNGyS6VamdzMTy9ML-iQx_8Rvh_0hrXlukhafZbWoQZdAf4o4HMhe3_gHBZPsPJF0HQwHYdT_fK4V38NaJ-AvbmnGktm_KUKrm-AZoydFUTd2eIN9I0KKxppI8QX7hdlj-J0Yy-MEqNK-uBNqE3ZDXzh7X4NR0bnoAqjpyhnpZ_u-th7wzHnq5D99Yc/s400/Polish%20church%20Webster.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1903, the Gothic Revival church was originally affiliated with the Polish National Catholic Church (and may still be). "The Polish National Catholic Church was established on March 14, 1897 in Scranton, Pennsylvania," according to <a href="https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/polish-national-catholic-church#:~:text=The%20Polish%20National%20Catholic%20Church,property%2C%20and%20other%20administrative%20issues.">Encyclopedia.com</a>. "It came into existence as a result of the resentment of Polish Catholics to the lack of Polish-speaking clergy and disputes over legal, property, and other administrative issues. Its origins go back to the turn of the century when thousands of Poles arrived in the U.S. and, like most national groups, tended to settle among their own countrymen in Polish-speaking communities located in Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin."</P>
<P>As I headed out of town, I stopped by <a href="https://moheganbowl.com">Mohegan Bowl</a>, just to see the sign.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHP_-TpUWuWGL-CLoVuaRRvas13smDWEZPhyg8xTPRpeAdUeD2z92J2cYjQR6OF0Lcz6J7YUViEJxj58A6qBFrbWWvBQ6ixQh52loARdYIFoxDApkwlSJgdEBdXcitzzjHEm5mEZig2c252tQWNTnl0xvNedLl-VCnMcEh1V0VCHLnL2t47wJBd4_fQdK/s2048/Mohegan%20Bowl%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1793" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNHP_-TpUWuWGL-CLoVuaRRvas13smDWEZPhyg8xTPRpeAdUeD2z92J2cYjQR6OF0Lcz6J7YUViEJxj58A6qBFrbWWvBQ6ixQh52loARdYIFoxDApkwlSJgdEBdXcitzzjHEm5mEZig2c252tQWNTnl0xvNedLl-VCnMcEh1V0VCHLnL2t47wJBd4_fQdK/s400/Mohegan%20Bowl%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>I discovered this old bowling alley during my pre-trip online research. First opened in 1958, Mohegan came under new ownership in 2012, when "Ed & Kelli Kinsley relocated from Southern California" to renovate the place, according to the web site. I'm not sure whether the lanes were closed at some point before 2012. "Since the purchase, the center has undergone major renovations including 6 new ten pin lanes and 14 candlepin lanes, a state of the art game room, a pizza and appetizer menu, and an assortment of over 30 beers and wines, with 7 beers on tap. The most recent addition was a 5,000 sq ft laser tag facility."</P>
<P>Sounds pretty great.</P>
<P>To wrap up this post, I'm doing something that I don't think I've ever done. I'm going to offer brief write-ups of places that I had on my list to explore, but that I couldn't fit in due to a time constraint.</P>
<P>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/TSKK-Members-CLUB-100053556288472/?paipv=0&eav=AfYAQTyz_WdLYsJM8-znQtpVd3WgXUhjR3Gas21odKORXKQJChFGZs6kJB0jvBoO9A8&_rdr">TSKK Club</a> is located at 21 Harris Street. Y'all know I love a good social club, but unfortunately, there are many zones in Webster where Google Street View isn't offered, so I can't provide a photo. As for the club, it was established in 1909 and is a Polish association whose acronym translates into English, roughly, as "The company of Saint Casimir the Prince." According to Wikipedia, "Casimir Jagiellon (...3 October 1458 – 4 March 1484) was a prince of the Kingdom of Poland and of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania."</P>
<P>The Polish-American Citizens Club (<a href="https://www.paccma.com">PACC</a>) is also located on Harris St., in a no-Street View zone. From the club's web site: "The club formed originally in 1907 under the name of Polish Political Club and was incorporated the following year in 1908. its original purpose was to help Polish immigrants in the Webster-Dudley area find housing, work and engage in local politics and the community. In 1926 the decision was made and paperwork was filed to officially change the name of the club to...the Polish American Citizens Club. While most of its original mission remained the club took on a more social role acting as a gathering grounds for the established Polish community in the local area. It allowed members and the community to gather and discuss issues while also allowing members to have a sense of belonging. The current building that houses the P.A.C.C....was authorized and constructed was finished in 1956.</P>
<P>The <b>Snow's Corner Horse Trough</b> is located along Church Street, at the side of town hall. "The monument located on the Western (sic) side of the Webster Town Common is in actuality an old horse-watering trough, used many years ago before 'horse power' was invented," according to MACRIS. "It was taken from 'Snows Corner' on upper School Street in 1953 by the Webster-Dudley Garden Club and placed at its present location. It is a small reminder of the way things used to be in past years."</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1697761772319!6m8!1m7!1swIcyIKXB4tikBK-xZncNwg!2m2!1d42.04907765907968!2d-71.88109676282178!3f40.87493073031571!4f-9.058455556226065!5f2.299968626952992" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P><b>(The old horse trough.)</b></P>
<P>The Perryville Road Trolley Car Station is located at 7 Perryville Road, near the intersection with School Street, on the property of M&M Excavators. From MACRIS: "This unassuming brick structure was the cause of much excitement when it was built in 1898. On July 15th of that year the electric trolley car route, which had run from High and Main Streets to Beacon Park (an amusement park on Webster Lake), was extended to the top of School Street at its junction with Perryville Road. This building was the substation for the trolley car route."</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1697762392362!6m8!1m7!1sExF6KypucbatkhtUOorQ5Q!2m2!1d42.02676413498936!2d-71.87915167446104!3f151.02462938276201!4f1.9159269856389756!5f2.299968626952992" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P><b>(The old trolley car station.)</b></P>
<P>Trolley service in Webster ended in June 1927.</P>
<P>At 132 High St is the former Sigel Hall, also known as Congregation Sons of Israel Synagogue.</P>
<P>"Sigel Hall was built in 1875 to house the activities of Sigel Lodge, D.O.H., a benevolent order of german (sic) citizens (with lodges in eveyy state)," according to MACRIS. "More specifically , the organization was founded in New York City i n 1847 for the purpose of 'mutual support in sickness and death, and for the promotion of the interests of the german (sic) population of this country generally."</P>
<P>More from MACRIS: "In April 1919 the building and hall were sold to the Jewish community, who had been holding services in the hall for several years, by Charles Gerber, a trustee of the german (sic) society."</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1697763066325!6m8!1m7!1sFa__tCssdP3Fj-nt1kzd0w!2m2!1d42.04720901633851!2d-71.88492936563753!3f277.85678204633507!4f5.137152226878214!5f0.7820865974627469" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P><b>(Sigel Hall. Notice the Stars of David above top windows.)</b></P>
<P>I'm guessing the old lodge and synagogue is a residential building now.</P>
<P>Where North Main Street curves west to meet Cemetery Drive, there is an old train trestle.</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1697819997216!6m8!1m7!1sVkJpgNpE4fOXWjD33AV9MA!2m2!1d42.0650821885911!2d-71.87875939842861!3f16.036637504260938!4f-1.3821057704196704!5f1.9587109090973311" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P>The B and A Railroad Bridge was built around 1888 and spans the French River as well as active tracks of the <a href="https://www.gwrr.com/pw/">Providence and Worcester Railroad</a>. The bridge has evidently been modified and shortened over the years.</P>
<P>The final two sites are near the Price Chopper shopping plaza, close to I-395: the Slater Sunday School monument, and the Samuel S. Slater and Son Green Mill Bell Tower.</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1701195359045!6m8!1m7!1sUh-OsaI3FGUayWoZlrf2zg!2m2!1d42.06044222761344!2d-71.86191721083887!3f134.13416873986765!4f-7.095369166313546!5f3.325193203789971" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P>Across East Main Street/Route 16 from Price Chopper, the plaque above is situated close to where "it is believed Samuel Slater built the first Sunday School for workers' children in this area of Massachusetts," according to MACRIS. "The school itself was built about 1815."</P>
<P>Just west of that marker, at the intersection of East Main Street and Worcester Road, is the bell tower.</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!4v1697824307461!6m8!1m7!1shmXl9mXPk7e0gbmMtcUOlA!2m2!1d42.06033176457646!2d-71.86367820132993!3f66.99114787790595!4f-3.970225468180743!5f0.7820865974627469" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P>Again, from MACRIS: "The monument is a reconditioned bell tower built prior to 1870 which was used to summon workers to the mill, announce lunch and the end of the working day. It is the oldest remaining section of the Slater cotton mill in the East Village, and is near the site where Slater first erected mill structures in about 1812. The Slater family sold their manufactoring concerns in Webster in 1923."</P>
<P>So there you have Webster! Make sure to check back soon for my write-up about a factory just over the line in Dudley.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-53219351592794094712023-11-25T07:26:00.000-05:002023-11-25T07:26:54.002-05:00Mmm...Old Sandwich<P>From Dave Brigham:</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQjiNXdGMFZOVtzqTB3zALsZ2-bYcbRPhMlVA1Liq3eAGL9MxKHcZ31txKSTl9EgXGNqFtn7IDYgDSHxx-1uQD47gJ4KXNeU-0IJ_qLGkoOVuaH88IgcIvygsYof2UpJ06dgmwdbzREubixl_PleXHgRxZMbAHm9YV1JMGgD5m5rfsAHA5atm3tNfUnMC/s2048/That%20Dam%20Trail%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZQjiNXdGMFZOVtzqTB3zALsZ2-bYcbRPhMlVA1Liq3eAGL9MxKHcZ31txKSTl9EgXGNqFtn7IDYgDSHxx-1uQD47gJ4KXNeU-0IJ_qLGkoOVuaH88IgcIvygsYof2UpJ06dgmwdbzREubixl_PleXHgRxZMbAHm9YV1JMGgD5m5rfsAHA5atm3tNfUnMC/s400/That%20Dam%20Trail%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>Helpful, humorous and hued in a homey fashion, the directional arrow above wasn't all that necesary on my short exploration of the Upper Shawme Dam in Sandwich, Mass., but I really appreciated it.</P>
<P>As often happens in advance of an adventure, I started on Google Maps. Zeroing in on the dam, which is located between Route 130 and Grove Street, I realized I could also take in the nearby Old Town Cemetery during my quick outing.</P>
<P>The dam is situated within the 40.6-acre Cook Farm Conservation Lands, which the Sandwich Conservation Trust acquired in 2003 from members of the Cook family. "This acquisition allowed the town and Commonwealth to rebuild the deteriorated 1812 dam which Samuel Wing and his brothers built for their cotton spinning mill – the first factory on Cape Cod," per <a href="http://www.sandwichconservationtrust.org/2013/12/">the conservation trust's web site</a>.</P>
<P>Sandwich is the oldest town on Cape Cod, having been colonized in 1637 by settlers from Saugus, Massachusetts, per <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandwich,_Massachusetts">Wikipedia</a>.</P>
<P>My short walk from the small parking lot along Route 130 was quite pleasant, as the path is plenty wide and there are a few relics hiding in the brush.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga13xfbwTJLHTE77NLRu5l-zdvYgWRzn-DD8d-SZJdheVgst2rp7COLuhaU6Z6hteHX_gN0OHm6xuB3DY4-HrRhjiVTO9H38dpzc0EVkRLGNJyrCfgcLtLlXvUXAFeelXitlwwxh4-URPcQfuCYlveWCyawuM1y3YxVsL6MoEk1bW0oE-oiNS_ps8NlnW3/s2048/Shawme%20Dam%20path.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga13xfbwTJLHTE77NLRu5l-zdvYgWRzn-DD8d-SZJdheVgst2rp7COLuhaU6Z6hteHX_gN0OHm6xuB3DY4-HrRhjiVTO9H38dpzc0EVkRLGNJyrCfgcLtLlXvUXAFeelXitlwwxh4-URPcQfuCYlveWCyawuM1y3YxVsL6MoEk1bW0oE-oiNS_ps8NlnW3/s400/Shawme%20Dam%20path.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaLbkVuvqsZQ74co7fyHD9U5kEnL2yLAQ6lH9B4EQWq3OUcY5MidG6ZW7zdRro7t5aCGMS3T-fjh0K3Z-Dd6rDUiLpciWzmvFqoHiw_vhbbP6Igbs-cjsghygERh2QsVydElPLeZu9TxGWGSaDn8s07o77jqCx1cSgDU1m5dfpxcEYUq8yGwFmkavwfyR/s2048/Shawme%20path%20old%20wheel.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiaLbkVuvqsZQ74co7fyHD9U5kEnL2yLAQ6lH9B4EQWq3OUcY5MidG6ZW7zdRro7t5aCGMS3T-fjh0K3Z-Dd6rDUiLpciWzmvFqoHiw_vhbbP6Igbs-cjsghygERh2QsVydElPLeZu9TxGWGSaDn8s07o77jqCx1cSgDU1m5dfpxcEYUq8yGwFmkavwfyR/s400/Shawme%20path%20old%20wheel.jpg"/></a>
<P>Before long, I was approaching the dam, which holds back Upper Shawme Lake from Shawme Lake, the latter of which eventually drains down to the Dexter Grist Mill near the center of Sandwich.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7wkChZbrvLz3FEhtFcWCjAH-KuV-y74YbSQxCqN6meB5mjpin0CCo09MUplcJKX2crX9bA35CFyY_1_A94TbWq15Y6SDcLMMkv7S8jWQhazaFYUCU5-cxXTjF2xaszey0kiFQ0Xq6iEU2o96BLeHLpyemXFJxo-bnza_SGtMHJ9RL7lR425jSZHF4iG1/s2048/Upper%20Shawme%20Lake%20.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ7wkChZbrvLz3FEhtFcWCjAH-KuV-y74YbSQxCqN6meB5mjpin0CCo09MUplcJKX2crX9bA35CFyY_1_A94TbWq15Y6SDcLMMkv7S8jWQhazaFYUCU5-cxXTjF2xaszey0kiFQ0Xq6iEU2o96BLeHLpyemXFJxo-bnza_SGtMHJ9RL7lR425jSZHF4iG1/s400/Upper%20Shawme%20Lake%20.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErEBtffhgQouHlaAbC0cjhGngQXMXnCne3vNXCQtQSIoJwI7J2H0BaXRUeCxd7_vJtIyqAr0WdJhuPUcE2euC_2upkQkHvhz49jU9dgDxnfpWAjItRrXP7x9NES-N7PE6-JJ12BqBtKJS0l8eL3Rtjo7ybUZyAd6Ba9t1g4ZWD49SA133mtEb-mTehBhS/s2048/Cook%20Farm%20water%20falling.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiErEBtffhgQouHlaAbC0cjhGngQXMXnCne3vNXCQtQSIoJwI7J2H0BaXRUeCxd7_vJtIyqAr0WdJhuPUcE2euC_2upkQkHvhz49jU9dgDxnfpWAjItRrXP7x9NES-N7PE6-JJ12BqBtKJS0l8eL3Rtjo7ybUZyAd6Ba9t1g4ZWD49SA133mtEb-mTehBhS/s400/Cook%20Farm%20water%20falling.jpg"/></a>
<P>In order to rebuild the dam, conservators needed to remove "cedar logs and sheathing that made up the original outlet structure," according to the <a href="https://archives.lib.state.ma.us/bitstream/handle/2452/603838/Sandwich-2009.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y">2009 Annual Reports of the Town Officers of the Town of Sandwich</a> (scroll down to page 92). The logs were found to "be intact and a fresh cedar scent emanated from the freshly-cut butt ends," the report continues.</P>
<P>In addition, the report estimates that the accompanying concrete fish ladder was installed in 1910.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tVBX5VU90KgOlimuGor4c4jn-bDssUseXVfUbu89B8vKgGtxERGfwFFdxw0ShWctbNNqO-zg1zbJ5HAcb3pywH4L2cdkAn0rfhoJNRXj0PL-FKKEROH3hJ-Uv0-Lw307PB1O3ECoEYcRpWiqMrdXxRBNqQUo5_MF3Sz0rar9cD6pZMb4Xuwmn9J-upse/s2048/Cook%20Farm%20Dam%20spillway.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tVBX5VU90KgOlimuGor4c4jn-bDssUseXVfUbu89B8vKgGtxERGfwFFdxw0ShWctbNNqO-zg1zbJ5HAcb3pywH4L2cdkAn0rfhoJNRXj0PL-FKKEROH3hJ-Uv0-Lw307PB1O3ECoEYcRpWiqMrdXxRBNqQUo5_MF3Sz0rar9cD6pZMb4Xuwmn9J-upse/s400/Cook%20Farm%20Dam%20spillway.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ0MMp27DV6_MWfta_jKJu2sAwng5fPzIzcOQiF_Q4TqNU3SKXi1IfBgsz6Jz8yM8OQW7strH1YX8BNvkru3u7vSdgIjoZcQ5wil2LGqZiwy-obV1O0oRy3HZKsOTXuJ8Kg4rPKqystcbfwhzfnUQgpSevC6rozPRRnHgL5AldH0QRkQYffRSsrZRVt37/s2048/Cook%20Farm%20fish%20ladder.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ0MMp27DV6_MWfta_jKJu2sAwng5fPzIzcOQiF_Q4TqNU3SKXi1IfBgsz6Jz8yM8OQW7strH1YX8BNvkru3u7vSdgIjoZcQ5wil2LGqZiwy-obV1O0oRy3HZKsOTXuJ8Kg4rPKqystcbfwhzfnUQgpSevC6rozPRRnHgL5AldH0QRkQYffRSsrZRVt37/s400/Cook%20Farm%20fish%20ladder.jpg"/></a>
<P>Near the dam is a small boulder with a poem on a plaque, along with a tiny frog sculpture.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPPpMUBHwdsVJ9iyj3b9Xh8AWPs4J_QYk5XjROTrMCFdD28Zy3He1oOty6NlmjXUJoiehuWpbQiArCrpp7KezU8yMj0WuViQ-riVIVxTZIPxNJUwzfcrBGb9F98hEN-aXWx7H3ti15LHQuw-g4cjub3yrPb27z_FAS898rB8lnR2I__1RliGl144rqtMn/s2048/Cook%20Farm%20frog.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1391" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDPPpMUBHwdsVJ9iyj3b9Xh8AWPs4J_QYk5XjROTrMCFdD28Zy3He1oOty6NlmjXUJoiehuWpbQiArCrpp7KezU8yMj0WuViQ-riVIVxTZIPxNJUwzfcrBGb9F98hEN-aXWx7H3ti15LHQuw-g4cjub3yrPb27z_FAS898rB8lnR2I__1RliGl144rqtMn/s400/Cook%20Farm%20frog.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VU6vcq5vLD54WCO6INV7ferVIST30OKjlCGrpCpCfzInvqVQgUZX1xBEMSzJHXbG90dlQ76kr7558sHeP6l-shpk_FeZEXjkjOKjfGtx_KpbeQesbycnY1P7M5gnaYMmYULiiO1BsVNx_ZmvTfppy_uCCYM0_Y9RAGW9KURIrda0y8-kp8mcBWnnD-Dt/s2048/Frog%20poem.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VU6vcq5vLD54WCO6INV7ferVIST30OKjlCGrpCpCfzInvqVQgUZX1xBEMSzJHXbG90dlQ76kr7558sHeP6l-shpk_FeZEXjkjOKjfGtx_KpbeQesbycnY1P7M5gnaYMmYULiiO1BsVNx_ZmvTfppy_uCCYM0_Y9RAGW9KURIrda0y8-kp8mcBWnnD-Dt/s400/Frog%20poem.jpg"/></a>
<P>The poem (click on the photo to enlarge it) is by Hilaire Belloc, a "Franco-English writer and historian of the early 20th century," according to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilaire_Belloc">Wikipedia</a>. "Belloc was also an orator, poet, sailor, satirist, writer of letters, soldier, and political activist."</P>
<P>Next I made my way to Grove Street and the aforementioned Old Town Cemetery.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QoDMLkuvrx4pbzay7AqK9XJrHOQbfPhPuP551H85NWp6IUE33_nSUFss9dGu_GfRad-uNJ0A68eDBoxeiZurB4KXfzWynMBa8-SH8b1chjyf1SQD3aVJBLgwkwY34RyRrLqcTksnhgWFPhSKa2hv8yo-wxFralK3XwlwPnZh_lOctDs2wDWDcU_epwke/s2048/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%2010.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QoDMLkuvrx4pbzay7AqK9XJrHOQbfPhPuP551H85NWp6IUE33_nSUFss9dGu_GfRad-uNJ0A68eDBoxeiZurB4KXfzWynMBa8-SH8b1chjyf1SQD3aVJBLgwkwY34RyRrLqcTksnhgWFPhSKa2hv8yo-wxFralK3XwlwPnZh_lOctDs2wDWDcU_epwke/s400/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%2010.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwTmtmxMvyngZYYIwJAQoplGcE3YW0q2642leDHERty5ZZAVfRXcBo8IQXuetnJb-8P3tlgUY0XSKHOzjhbO_gY87-wJLz9XdE8zkxJew2Rp2lCGJ-YXRswYsvmsbomtXAqyVQwyyWco9wJ74h094TUoZd3SurNgyuWbI-7CzMMmILTMGsn27LfGdagJR/s2048/Old%20Town%20Cemetery.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwTmtmxMvyngZYYIwJAQoplGcE3YW0q2642leDHERty5ZZAVfRXcBo8IQXuetnJb-8P3tlgUY0XSKHOzjhbO_gY87-wJLz9XdE8zkxJew2Rp2lCGJ-YXRswYsvmsbomtXAqyVQwyyWco9wJ74h094TUoZd3SurNgyuWbI-7CzMMmILTMGsn27LfGdagJR/s400/Old%20Town%20Cemetery.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVSd8FrDTTOPlcK1dkoVjyWN_XDe5Snzu5mCxm_pCvPn_vfiuDbuFcaVAk081hJt_JLe6cHibsXLnA3qLkbnFJfitfOe_5Rq3MVdgVUDIxkavWR3RU-uOfD996csd2nWWZ35ilCslCTSIwyZLOTDx3-M90fnWDNNKY76JR_mKbM__6uZQ-jjBu9L6lMb4/s2048/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVSd8FrDTTOPlcK1dkoVjyWN_XDe5Snzu5mCxm_pCvPn_vfiuDbuFcaVAk081hJt_JLe6cHibsXLnA3qLkbnFJfitfOe_5Rq3MVdgVUDIxkavWR3RU-uOfD996csd2nWWZ35ilCslCTSIwyZLOTDx3-M90fnWDNNKY76JR_mKbM__6uZQ-jjBu9L6lMb4/s400/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>Opened to great fanfare in 1663 (well, probably not), the boneyard contains approximately 200 memorials, according to a minimalist MACRIS manuscript. The last burial here occurred in 1939, according to this <a href="https://sandwich-ma-geocaching.weebly.com/old-burial-groundold-town-cemetery.html">Sandwich MA Geocaching web page</a>, which is a Girl Scout Gold Award Project.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-WZ-VlsxYReU2kXixmM-BlocOYZzdhiPL4VNMp3ihE609NWNTFPXG2la_iAXD_pHm0xhDdgsqiYSOgfy7QavBwQOF3xB2RVDpXrNrBrN3JNx-Sv4WWy1lzrsHSU_8a2oA2qXmYZwMuQJMXJmL1ofu8YlXQmeE__T880jae6NmwAYHUSTSxjxBPftxx7p/s2048/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-WZ-VlsxYReU2kXixmM-BlocOYZzdhiPL4VNMp3ihE609NWNTFPXG2la_iAXD_pHm0xhDdgsqiYSOgfy7QavBwQOF3xB2RVDpXrNrBrN3JNx-Sv4WWy1lzrsHSU_8a2oA2qXmYZwMuQJMXJmL1ofu8YlXQmeE__T880jae6NmwAYHUSTSxjxBPftxx7p/s400/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%203.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyOCV4yMAN1zCev70IKEhxuG85C1qBl0OzbWiGnRy_5xg65TY_TIWfW_qgCqRCStOsTf0EJPJSWg2zYUzVRd-ze6nHxHxr7rSgpkdwqsI31RGTZpCFI2pE4G0H0h93TmNfaJxjYzsTalNrRWR0NNej04uL4KPe7KLyDsJUWvt7Qkn4d92lmReBK1jZ4vL/s2048/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%205.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1577" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyOCV4yMAN1zCev70IKEhxuG85C1qBl0OzbWiGnRy_5xg65TY_TIWfW_qgCqRCStOsTf0EJPJSWg2zYUzVRd-ze6nHxHxr7rSgpkdwqsI31RGTZpCFI2pE4G0H0h93TmNfaJxjYzsTalNrRWR0NNej04uL4KPe7KLyDsJUWvt7Qkn4d92lmReBK1jZ4vL/s400/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%205.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDd0PYkB7AD790EuSlgxm5RI0xC8mBtEaOgxt9d1Ds_uQFcVYjS-OVEMPBZlDBD8-G0CCkfkxRTIou1M-2vSZjWuzBUjaHdrt94l80vWBm4FMGDvlRGxCTI2nDU1yrJluXXbxYBezdaX2sbSWmhtm_tJQxpJdyvajNLt6yUXipfOVtQ762I5dq1F5dKZ8L/s2048/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%206.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDd0PYkB7AD790EuSlgxm5RI0xC8mBtEaOgxt9d1Ds_uQFcVYjS-OVEMPBZlDBD8-G0CCkfkxRTIou1M-2vSZjWuzBUjaHdrt94l80vWBm4FMGDvlRGxCTI2nDU1yrJluXXbxYBezdaX2sbSWmhtm_tJQxpJdyvajNLt6yUXipfOVtQ762I5dq1F5dKZ8L/s400/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%206.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlw4pBM0t4wsgdFc4RCUlNKqKWpdWmJDl1HZzk1f5QHy0O_WEr9d0uHKwg9cRuScL4gDSB_0RLzi0cOT-WVCrg1X2-fJdRh63ZAxuwrFwhBkJRTKbvY9lHJdIxrhCtZD4kJUU3TAR4oKaUH7KPTQNUdd9AgoZU8ukYg9UnzEX7Fr8C06AMi5Ho6JFBULw/s2048/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%207.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZlw4pBM0t4wsgdFc4RCUlNKqKWpdWmJDl1HZzk1f5QHy0O_WEr9d0uHKwg9cRuScL4gDSB_0RLzi0cOT-WVCrg1X2-fJdRh63ZAxuwrFwhBkJRTKbvY9lHJdIxrhCtZD4kJUU3TAR4oKaUH7KPTQNUdd9AgoZU8ukYg9UnzEX7Fr8C06AMi5Ho6JFBULw/s400/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%207.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4t41_Mzt5XR9VW7C_zxHDc2CB79zZ2fNWVYV3iiKXgvx0F7kQWCblru3O4_xxnkJzMN-xcHZjmrL1AMR0LOwkYiyXFUF8vKbfgTY02K7LgpgHpCiBRRG6mXtYpZzDLgZd0njo8LI54Cjmh7gYyVx-UvHZkUwH0r4CFHG5k3pfB_AgLXhNZ7gtqILwVqf/s2048/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%208.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK4t41_Mzt5XR9VW7C_zxHDc2CB79zZ2fNWVYV3iiKXgvx0F7kQWCblru3O4_xxnkJzMN-xcHZjmrL1AMR0LOwkYiyXFUF8vKbfgTY02K7LgpgHpCiBRRG6mXtYpZzDLgZd0njo8LI54Cjmh7gYyVx-UvHZkUwH0r4CFHG5k3pfB_AgLXhNZ7gtqILwVqf/s400/Old%20Town%20Cemetery%208.jpg"/></a>
<P>Among the well-known Sandwich residents buried here, according to the Girl Scout page, are: Thomas Tupper, founder of Sandwich; Edmond Freeman, founder of Sandwich; Thomas Burgess, grandfather of author <a href="https://thorntonburgess.org/who-was-thornton-w-burgess">Thornton Burgess</a>; and Benjamin Fessenden, owner and proprietor of the Fessenden Tavern, known today as the <a href="https://danlwebsterinn.com">Dan'l Webster Inn and Spa</a>.</P>
<P>For more posts about Sandwich, check these out:</P>
<P>July 23, 2021, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2021/07/in-sandwich-no-bread-just-dead.html">"In Sandwich, No Bread, Just Dead"</a></P>
<P>May 28, 2021, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2021/05/bradys-island-was-once-whole-bunch.html">"Brady's Island Was Once a Whole Bunch Bigger"</a></P>
<P>March 6, 2021, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2021/03/a-historic-life-change-on-cape-cod.html">"A Historic Life Change on Cape Cod"</a></P>
<P>October 6, 2018, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2018/10/scratching-around-flea-market.html">"Scratching Around the Flea Market"</a></P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-77619649752692540742023-11-18T06:52:00.000-05:002023-11-18T06:52:37.289-05:00Yodeling in Yarmouth (Not Really)<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>Spanning from Cape Cod Bay at its northern point to Nantucket Sound at its southern end, <a href="https://www.yarmouth.ma.us">Yarmouth, Mass.</a>, was named for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Yarmouth">a seaside town</a> along the eastern coast of England. According to the Cape Cod town's web site, it's unclear why the name Yarmouth was chosen for the settlement in 1639, although there is speculation. "Yarmouth, England, during the age of the Pilgrims, was an important seaport on the Yare River. Across the North Sea from Yarmouth, to the east is the Netherlands - the former home country of a portion of the Mayflower passengers. These Dutch passengers arrived in England via the port of Yarmouth, and therefore the naming of the new Cape township appears to be the tip of the cap to the English seaport."</P>
<P>I explored Yarmouth once before on a trip to the Cape (see July 26, 2015, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2015/07/cavalier-attitude-about-motels.html">"Cavalier Attitude About Motels"</a>), so this past summer I decided to check out a bit more. Did I yodel my way through town? No, I didn't. But I did enjoy myself.</P>
<P>I chose my first destination after a friend mentioned the site in passing on Facebook, and from there I took a "let's see what I can find" approach.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1Gl-TVjRlTZIy5L9PXxRp8gPSYCmPH3m0uKt1rFFydiE7z9Bxoku0AbXNMIxfHslNzxQmnPbrpXUlneAdCzjB3yMBju0nsXaDtRyCtsVVeTgSAEs9yr8R7cSCw2cVSonAzdQLIJKrHvV8og5xJXwTPxXxgrRxJbPJZRLp09dC8eyT8ORMxlYqXzIAq4J/s2048/Cape%20Abilities.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1306" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1Gl-TVjRlTZIy5L9PXxRp8gPSYCmPH3m0uKt1rFFydiE7z9Bxoku0AbXNMIxfHslNzxQmnPbrpXUlneAdCzjB3yMBju0nsXaDtRyCtsVVeTgSAEs9yr8R7cSCw2cVSonAzdQLIJKrHvV8og5xJXwTPxXxgrRxJbPJZRLp09dC8eyT8ORMxlYqXzIAq4J/s400/Cape%20Abilities.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in the late 1950s as a gift shop called The Barefoot Trader, this midcentury A-frame building along Route 28 in West Yarmouth is now home to the <a href="https://www.capeabilitiesthrift.org">Cape Abilities Thrift Shop</a>. The store "is a social enterprise started by Cape Abilities, a nonprofit providing jobs, homes, transportation, social and therapeutic services for people with disabilities across Cape Cod," according to the thrift shop's web site. "Our thrift store exists to provide employment and training for individuals of all abilities, promote awareness of the Cape Abilities mission, and raise revenue for all Cape Abilities programs."</P>
<P>As for The Barefoot Trader, it was a shop "described as a 'Polynesian Paradise' and sold gifts, sportswear, and even food 'that have been collected from the wide, wide world,'" according to <a href="https://www.historiccapecod.org/barefoot-trader-yarmouth">this Historic Cape Cod article</a>. The Barefoot Trader closed in the late 1980s.</P>
<P>The Cape Abilities shop and its large parking lot are situated at the southern tip of a cranberry bog. When I spotted the old truck and RV shown in the photos below, I thought they were just relics of times gone by. But I was wrong.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dSn3r5uTUGNIB9jfWlMweIuDaRdObOO4VVD86AhaY1Cepkzz34FLY4naibFAulAyGastISCgX1We8dRCXH2O41snKZLwx2trvUfU6L_EKhI3jQOXXNktdAnOeSgmlGUmhpZH-CbaeuHmy0R660uR1X5KrTLYn2Yuca6MA38oFLivC4x9XtGHhSSOmGkA/s2048/Yarmouth%20old%20pickup.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dSn3r5uTUGNIB9jfWlMweIuDaRdObOO4VVD86AhaY1Cepkzz34FLY4naibFAulAyGastISCgX1We8dRCXH2O41snKZLwx2trvUfU6L_EKhI3jQOXXNktdAnOeSgmlGUmhpZH-CbaeuHmy0R660uR1X5KrTLYn2Yuca6MA38oFLivC4x9XtGHhSSOmGkA/s400/Yarmouth%20old%20pickup.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP4cHNH4XdwxSF5LYL0xsqxCCYbzGyMWbbIYs_c9QI5aQLXdBBd_qeqpy4mjN4nbDmSOSKIkldpmyc1F8w1oVciW3Y2cgmH5uOoNQrmmBKsOfKj-ajAU63xcXsR7QxDrmjfYMOFfOh-4QMMtpa2XDhqRFFhb4MLKO7s6CefnZILTjeit3XmBHpPswcLrE/s2048/Yarmouth%20old%20RV.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLP4cHNH4XdwxSF5LYL0xsqxCCYbzGyMWbbIYs_c9QI5aQLXdBBd_qeqpy4mjN4nbDmSOSKIkldpmyc1F8w1oVciW3Y2cgmH5uOoNQrmmBKsOfKj-ajAU63xcXsR7QxDrmjfYMOFfOh-4QMMtpa2XDhqRFFhb4MLKO7s6CefnZILTjeit3XmBHpPswcLrE/s400/Yarmouth%20old%20RV.jpg"/></a>
<P>An outfit called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StayFreshFarms/">Fresh From the Vine</a> harvests and sells cranberries from this site, using these vehicles to both showcase and sell its products.</P>
<P>From that point, I headed east along Route 28. I really liked the water wheel installed inside <a href="https://www.yarmouthhouse.com/">The Yarmouth House</a> restaurant.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIObKyad4IL5GpHOrwvjU1LdZRIA3CyMpv27u2tJvv8BOBjNwRpCMsH5FEbBCWLNaLG8A5nQFopRrymQwBHkwhokw5sZtAa9fwvhZr0wzRJU0jdVG1FYdzWDGugPrLBXwh6b3q5yUihZupoOpwNQk7HFedSyqMMleBMJ_AlQ2sCOvfgOSOyh4X2CJvEA7g/s2048/Yarmouth%20House.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIObKyad4IL5GpHOrwvjU1LdZRIA3CyMpv27u2tJvv8BOBjNwRpCMsH5FEbBCWLNaLG8A5nQFopRrymQwBHkwhokw5sZtAa9fwvhZr0wzRJU0jdVG1FYdzWDGugPrLBXwh6b3q5yUihZupoOpwNQk7HFedSyqMMleBMJ_AlQ2sCOvfgOSOyh4X2CJvEA7g/s400/Yarmouth%20House.jpg"/></a>
<P>The restaurant was opened in 1978 by Gerry Kounadis, a Greek immigrant who made his way to the Cape by way of Montreal, where he and his wife, Bessie, had operated a restaurant for decades. The Kounadis family continues to run this place, along with two other restaurants. As for the paddle wheel, Kounadis found one on the property when he bought the site. All these years later, the original wooden one has been replaced by a metal one, according to Kounadis's daughter, Angie Zambelis, quoted in <a href="https://www.capecodtimes.com/story/entertainment/dining/2020/07/16/cape-cod-restaurants-yarmouth-house-water-wheel-still-turns-amid-many-changes/42644029/">this <i>Cape Cod Times</i> article</a>.</P>
<P>Next door to the restaurant is <a href="https://sys-rsrv.com/yarmouth-resort/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0bunBhD9ARIsAAZl0E3Y-B6YO9nG9dCsnSwc5xhdtyjXN-9e_gPVTBs3lsrplCJVHddAVncaAr5gEALw_wcB">Yarmouth Resort</a>, which I believe is a residential operation these days, rather than a hotel.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqj0c6d82A4A_KGpbpbAgnss0YdYhXsWNZ4z5_1Lew_1foqVtScjvPZJkp-s1XZ-icoypcW8iuXpt7j2ol63d6HfM-Cc78-sCKGkIRmtEFVPBLodsu-0pojI7ze15p4ZL87zp-Ry2qc6qZ2R9xBhV5GhVlMbhePOS6NwDRb6pp-kA8-GH10YaNqAFrWHC/s2048/Yarmouth%20Resort.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1467" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqj0c6d82A4A_KGpbpbAgnss0YdYhXsWNZ4z5_1Lew_1foqVtScjvPZJkp-s1XZ-icoypcW8iuXpt7j2ol63d6HfM-Cc78-sCKGkIRmtEFVPBLodsu-0pojI7ze15p4ZL87zp-Ry2qc6qZ2R9xBhV5GhVlMbhePOS6NwDRb6pp-kA8-GH10YaNqAFrWHC/s400/Yarmouth%20Resort.jpg"/></a>
<P>After walking around a bit more, I decided to hop back in my car and head east and see what I could find. Within about a half mile, I stumbled across something safari-worthy.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9f6T88JIL6fNQb5cgdtO5u4BeGJVEOkv0lo_fSC6p6H1FL8HaYesyqPdWL0OJx2K1lZkB7pEiQ7fe16nXf4fms7KWKQ-g_PnEDiH2V9oEx_AWWmtHZHPSPUqrkWFCPCJk0Yu4yimjocyyp15VIRCVCHzs0_eZSbIadeSzZhW1na01l5rxzjbMAU-RaXMn/s2048/Big%20&%20Tall%20Elephant.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9f6T88JIL6fNQb5cgdtO5u4BeGJVEOkv0lo_fSC6p6H1FL8HaYesyqPdWL0OJx2K1lZkB7pEiQ7fe16nXf4fms7KWKQ-g_PnEDiH2V9oEx_AWWmtHZHPSPUqrkWFCPCJk0Yu4yimjocyyp15VIRCVCHzs0_eZSbIadeSzZhW1na01l5rxzjbMAU-RaXMn/s400/Big%20&%20Tall%20Elephant.jpg"/></a>
<P>Located in the parking lot of the shuttered India Big & Tall Shop ("Up to 9XL"), Tommy the Elephant was created by Tommy Neil, "who built the 5,000 pound pachyderm out of concrete and steel in 1979," according to <a href="https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/56963">this Roadside America entry</a>. "Tommy's upraised trunk mimics the hooked shape of Cape Cod."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJefRMFc3n9s9GkPEPem5dxHQB6ecCPu6oWYEaXuYTM1koeo7mnYuJnqp9LekHkDNYVcrTT65K2BWRNqVKRh7tU72k7nyOwfB4iF0WxHq5l8iC7qWNAqcHFlFZV52bXHbB_cmRiMoaChg-PWEgC6ltL7EMRoNxkHTPBwpqicqdwj14tg9DVGAAJIwq_Eg/s2048/Tommy%20the%20Elephant.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJefRMFc3n9s9GkPEPem5dxHQB6ecCPu6oWYEaXuYTM1koeo7mnYuJnqp9LekHkDNYVcrTT65K2BWRNqVKRh7tU72k7nyOwfB4iF0WxHq5l8iC7qWNAqcHFlFZV52bXHbB_cmRiMoaChg-PWEgC6ltL7EMRoNxkHTPBwpqicqdwj14tg9DVGAAJIwq_Eg/s400/Tommy%20the%20Elephant.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm not sure if this was Tommy's original location.</P>
<P>Continuing east for a little bit, I had to stop at the <a href="http://www.thelobsterboatrestaurant.com">Lobster Boat Restaurant</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl7GDab0NRLUIIhvQH3zfm5QBXHrJB25x5R9fKMYopIgYTLNvwSs45ZI6e4XL8-bqyHQ0epzmbh-A7pRIsELFuag193DFjOoE6j2FmAXoN5TvcjLjZZb5W3cfdexlXoSkuuZtkGbOdlly-bcnPY4zEh-VQVlCSUIeeHuQKpQIYzGtzgDlcKGxSyFFYtnC/s2048/Lobster%20Boat%20restaurant.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1476" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl7GDab0NRLUIIhvQH3zfm5QBXHrJB25x5R9fKMYopIgYTLNvwSs45ZI6e4XL8-bqyHQ0epzmbh-A7pRIsELFuag193DFjOoE6j2FmAXoN5TvcjLjZZb5W3cfdexlXoSkuuZtkGbOdlly-bcnPY4zEh-VQVlCSUIeeHuQKpQIYzGtzgDlcKGxSyFFYtnC/s400/Lobster%20Boat%20restaurant.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyBmzRRfPO_K5tcXUj5Q8gvoSKM_M4xt-t9QRUMn_mRusVguliYNvytjjEdrdryOyPhqfkX5tjZAjTjZ02ba8EPVyhr11iPRJnKJIlOfY6FobJ182QrhpKZk5nBqbiUgAcPPNRPwBTyiMlS-TnwSsTAqLCu2Ws9SoI9BjPJayLAjgOSMxujiwqqRORBKu/s2048/Lobster%20Boat%20restaurant%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMyBmzRRfPO_K5tcXUj5Q8gvoSKM_M4xt-t9QRUMn_mRusVguliYNvytjjEdrdryOyPhqfkX5tjZAjTjZ02ba8EPVyhr11iPRJnKJIlOfY6FobJ182QrhpKZk5nBqbiUgAcPPNRPwBTyiMlS-TnwSsTAqLCu2Ws9SoI9BjPJayLAjgOSMxujiwqqRORBKu/s400/Lobster%20Boat%20restaurant%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>Overlooking the Parker River, the seafood joint has been in business for more than 30 years. The business also operates a wholesale operation next door, featuring a crusty old lobster boat in front.</P>.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1MLkEWGlFU8oNIvEHW2eO3eblnGJKX2Fmpg_LkitikF3fkrQFv_seUhLg04cImNmHzZnzZipBndKAfIoSUoLTz52Tx8A--nOxpdSzhiB5dEX9xITIG-Lu_E7kHa1OFxtKXYk_GerVmC83xryeO-eAiQOsfAS9lg5zKT_bXm8U8d2fWSvT3QhlGPs9a6t/s2048/Lobster%20Boat%20market%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1MLkEWGlFU8oNIvEHW2eO3eblnGJKX2Fmpg_LkitikF3fkrQFv_seUhLg04cImNmHzZnzZipBndKAfIoSUoLTz52Tx8A--nOxpdSzhiB5dEX9xITIG-Lu_E7kHa1OFxtKXYk_GerVmC83xryeO-eAiQOsfAS9lg5zKT_bXm8U8d2fWSvT3QhlGPs9a6t/s400/Lobster%20Boat%20market%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-osRoxHCCyKBOa322PCrxw8-C-M__EU4JIzdafeCWZDdYWttiXu3NuCPgAkGyAyLOgTbNCr8gJH1zJeHm2DqD9-qXpeWd8_eMSkTMEDqVR830OnIGcBo6b6GMmWkG-hRUJLMJICNFZ3Vmz1AYj_GyHD82P-0oT1gslR5jNy0N334t8gJTqFeewK2BakY/s2048/Lobster%20Boat%20Market.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1194" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw-osRoxHCCyKBOa322PCrxw8-C-M__EU4JIzdafeCWZDdYWttiXu3NuCPgAkGyAyLOgTbNCr8gJH1zJeHm2DqD9-qXpeWd8_eMSkTMEDqVR830OnIGcBo6b6GMmWkG-hRUJLMJICNFZ3Vmz1AYj_GyHD82P-0oT1gslR5jNy0N334t8gJTqFeewK2BakY/s400/Lobster%20Boat%20Market.jpg"/></a>
<P>For the final stop on my journey, I doubled back from the Lobster Boat to check out a closed eatery that I'd passed on the corner of Route 28 and West Yarmouth Road.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXGjV4TvaDo20w9LHJjFUvAnE08K9nhxm9JW72gmtN8TxT17zrQbwOXXedLLrasygh24xF7gAguOBiTf-UL0OZfG8jpA6hekgVOGkdWw_-pa5xWAZTeLVd0WFy7tOCOH4mQihgZ7oT1d0wdGuzibBDB74K8ELiWEskyj5Why06ke7YD9ZbAFmnx9ekugc/s2048/Salty%27s%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXGjV4TvaDo20w9LHJjFUvAnE08K9nhxm9JW72gmtN8TxT17zrQbwOXXedLLrasygh24xF7gAguOBiTf-UL0OZfG8jpA6hekgVOGkdWw_-pa5xWAZTeLVd0WFy7tOCOH4mQihgZ7oT1d0wdGuzibBDB74K8ELiWEskyj5Why06ke7YD9ZbAFmnx9ekugc/s400/Salty%27s%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViqoYDeYD982--JKdPM6aiVnqHZrZsze2931hiPe9LjO446VZq9LFRsE1DWi8sqj8cWd5xj0xi93syrKvqTb1CQBvJpGRbvg_7ZC2TdOMGBtKDEnEJzLehw9hckpgN55uUozFzmvZRJhuVwXD4pSRn6aFc1MbCT_-CdHgjmK9j8Pq24tGtEb3HZU4B8oS/s2048/Salty%27s%20restaurant%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgViqoYDeYD982--JKdPM6aiVnqHZrZsze2931hiPe9LjO446VZq9LFRsE1DWi8sqj8cWd5xj0xi93syrKvqTb1CQBvJpGRbvg_7ZC2TdOMGBtKDEnEJzLehw9hckpgN55uUozFzmvZRJhuVwXD4pSRn6aFc1MbCT_-CdHgjmK9j8Pq24tGtEb3HZU4B8oS/s400/Salty%27s%20restaurant%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>Opened around the turn of this century, Salty's appears to have gone out of business sometime in 2021.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-t9jJmxrVdhGDr55OdkQ9szSKfvDGXhKflI4azcfdNWYz2j6623SyQUjsKzHWblrYVCiy9ZYSv2UCFMY4UMbQ5CnUia3ARa9Vf3mDGZWHkUqnvXmzKZJ7hZs00qIWSHeS3jgo0KfupfuzI7HG2u_jMmQ_TWcCgZACL3muJdy-aW04yBNza-rBZkOO_Rr/s2048/Salty%27s%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj-t9jJmxrVdhGDr55OdkQ9szSKfvDGXhKflI4azcfdNWYz2j6623SyQUjsKzHWblrYVCiy9ZYSv2UCFMY4UMbQ5CnUia3ARa9Vf3mDGZWHkUqnvXmzKZJ7hZs00qIWSHeS3jgo0KfupfuzI7HG2u_jMmQ_TWcCgZACL3muJdy-aW04yBNza-rBZkOO_Rr/s400/Salty%27s%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBIdY7RCy0wzkxNr58eUkZHPAcEWQPEZcIYrSjga7FnRm4hD4qLMpxmZ8l6S9ysuk3AETfbh-AqIOPK5GfHnGUY6SxASi4sopNAurzcXM12Sb_YJt5Bb0VvUL2PdFVJ_nhJACwllnSMsOchQSVO5F6WI51CydDH-FE90DHuy-BMc3_Fk16s5aOhF6WC7Y/s2048/Salty%27s%20restaurant.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBIdY7RCy0wzkxNr58eUkZHPAcEWQPEZcIYrSjga7FnRm4hD4qLMpxmZ8l6S9ysuk3AETfbh-AqIOPK5GfHnGUY6SxASi4sopNAurzcXM12Sb_YJt5Bb0VvUL2PdFVJ_nhJACwllnSMsOchQSVO5F6WI51CydDH-FE90DHuy-BMc3_Fk16s5aOhF6WC7Y/s400/Salty%27s%20restaurant.jpg"/></a>
<P>That's it for Yarmouth. Make sure to check back in the near future for a post about another Cape Cod town, Sandwich.</P>Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-27611236619976028842023-11-11T07:24:00.000-05:002023-11-11T07:24:05.139-05:00In Which I Learn About West Medford's Slave Wall and a Related Estate<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>Having spent a bit of time in West Medford Square (see October 14, 2023, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/10/i-went-to-west-medford-square-by.html">"I Went to West Medford Square by Mistake...But That's OK"</a>), I was searching Google Maps for more sites to explore in that neck of the Massachusetts woods, when I stumbled across "The Cistern," which I wrote about recently (see November 4, 2023, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/11/cisterns-are-doing-it-for-themselves.html">"Cisterns Are Going It for Themselves"</a>). Less than a mile away from that place on Lower Mystic Lake is the other map pin that intrigued me: Pomp's Wall.</P>
<P>I find a fair amount of cool historic stuff using this method. Located on Grove Street, across the commuter rail tracks from Playstead Park, Pomp's Wall is one of the few relics of Medford's slaveholding past. Built by a slave named Pomp (aka Pompeii or Pompey) in 1765, it is also known as The Slave Wall.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFlZzc4_H0YA5dxk4Zkmm9EJUIq9fibF-1I9F0tAbwIOpVJbM4axkaqx7EMrdFWIpem4htgmcoTJsNfauGrJsnKvTbd5h7kGde5Lw8RQw0ni3tfboILnM2df-mN_e7HWr3zv3kN8-0I2hp7JSVNxV1IoS-NESPayVqcSQpJXdkzbRtk2ki56ufhMkTQKw/s2048/Slave%20Wall%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFlZzc4_H0YA5dxk4Zkmm9EJUIq9fibF-1I9F0tAbwIOpVJbM4axkaqx7EMrdFWIpem4htgmcoTJsNfauGrJsnKvTbd5h7kGde5Lw8RQw0ni3tfboILnM2df-mN_e7HWr3zv3kN8-0I2hp7JSVNxV1IoS-NESPayVqcSQpJXdkzbRtk2ki56ufhMkTQKw/s400/Slave%20Wall%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>The inscription on the plaque reads, in part that Pomp, "a slave owned by Thomas Brooks" built the wall "as part of a decorative entrance to his house. This site was part of the estate of the Brooks family, which was first occupied in 1679 and once included some 400 acres of land."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6Sq0aN5Z7iwNjvUPgDslFbpfqFNK9d6W-l80UlS4QqPo0pHxkBwSAeAFpIeChG2poXr2uSbdyk-Z50Irt_02WEqfxA3UlB_DWDtRvH7O1Vilf9U1sNl4pzBF3Q4NyZt4gREF8QbFK3CXUdeJnj3TCmyQr4xv2zSyEPi1rJ5X5ficmB1xF5Ft6LYIxjAf/s2048/Slave%20Wall%20again.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6Sq0aN5Z7iwNjvUPgDslFbpfqFNK9d6W-l80UlS4QqPo0pHxkBwSAeAFpIeChG2poXr2uSbdyk-Z50Irt_02WEqfxA3UlB_DWDtRvH7O1Vilf9U1sNl4pzBF3Q4NyZt4gREF8QbFK3CXUdeJnj3TCmyQr4xv2zSyEPi1rJ5X5ficmB1xF5Ft6LYIxjAf/s400/Slave%20Wall%20again.jpg"/></a>
<P>A restoration of the wall was completed earlier this year, according to the <a href="https://medfordhistoricalcommission.org/2023/04/24/thomas-brooks-park-update-2-0/">Medford Historical Commmission</a>. "The wall is laid in Flemish Bond, a decorative brick pattern that can now be seen clearly. Much of the wall is original 18th century brick and the mason [did] everything he [could] to preserve the hand made features....The bricks were stored to document their exact location so the wall [could be] rebuilt exactly as it was."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT1LJ81JZqNNKAL2hMqdRmZd5VnZn_ox8lPdMmgZ-0KB78gukFUuHX46zAMriNBUQbRCrXPRUE03wYWGSfpbVgizboknMRrOEYYGxhM90YjPlDSaRB7y5_qdmHSyT1b51wIh5ardNEm9t8YKF7wXKU6gmfbIaGkmaKUWLYj049i5BPxfrEcxQmAy9z-d5/s2048/Slave%20Wall%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFT1LJ81JZqNNKAL2hMqdRmZd5VnZn_ox8lPdMmgZ-0KB78gukFUuHX46zAMriNBUQbRCrXPRUE03wYWGSfpbVgizboknMRrOEYYGxhM90YjPlDSaRB7y5_qdmHSyT1b51wIh5ardNEm9t8YKF7wXKU6gmfbIaGkmaKUWLYj049i5BPxfrEcxQmAy9z-d5/s400/Slave%20Wall%203.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Brooks family farmed their land and may have also owned a mill. MACRIS provides details about the wall and the family that owned Pomp, collected from a genealogy in the collection of the Medford Brooks Estate Land Trust Archives. "The Brooks family were large landowners in Medford beginning in the late 17th century. In 1660 Thomas Brooks...with his son-in-law Timothy Wheeler purchased 400 acres east of the Mystic Lake and River in Medford for £404....According to this genealogy, subdivisions of this land passed to several subsequent generations of the family, including Thomas’ grandson Samuel Brooks (1700-1768) and great grandson Thomas Brooks (1732-1799)."</P>
<P>"The park behind the Slave Wall was donated to the City of Medford in 1924 by the Brooks family," according to the plaque. <a href="https://medfordhistoricalcommission.org/category/thomas-brooks-park/">Thomas Brooks Park</a> is shown in the two photos below.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-jxnMcEDjizuk4uj4-ZIxR1KJYOlOZ98Avs2wVsgNPzEfNoIMtWck59y-45fWv2I95AGg5yeFPRsojCY89LVCwReZeNYkNoJKYWQWzVbe-hrLhGfnKLMfhyQKPs5_rRfUCPhotJY_2kY-RUlHF4NRa8j_shxUIN93RCxRyovgqJmInRGC7LUrTBdsJ4p/s2048/Slave%20Wall%20path%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-jxnMcEDjizuk4uj4-ZIxR1KJYOlOZ98Avs2wVsgNPzEfNoIMtWck59y-45fWv2I95AGg5yeFPRsojCY89LVCwReZeNYkNoJKYWQWzVbe-hrLhGfnKLMfhyQKPs5_rRfUCPhotJY_2kY-RUlHF4NRa8j_shxUIN93RCxRyovgqJmInRGC7LUrTBdsJ4p/s400/Slave%20Wall%20path%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ7lIzJ6qQ1RqPVOh2yDe_dBzSWOR3MfSuxCfvYyQyA0smzjLFb8w5sAOgiNohPX7-B4NEJpd4xDNrhcuVS-IAlHKOgKNzezdE0Z2xk_r9v9E12hi04DheILydALlYN_W2ii_Wwh-3DYFj2MT7XTfzO4iHl0T3THNrXQrnoLFLxBpnOuu8HTaKruGzOR7/s2048/Slave%20Wall%20property.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ7lIzJ6qQ1RqPVOh2yDe_dBzSWOR3MfSuxCfvYyQyA0smzjLFb8w5sAOgiNohPX7-B4NEJpd4xDNrhcuVS-IAlHKOgKNzezdE0Z2xk_r9v9E12hi04DheILydALlYN_W2ii_Wwh-3DYFj2MT7XTfzO4iHl0T3THNrXQrnoLFLxBpnOuu8HTaKruGzOR7/s400/Slave%20Wall%20property.jpg"/></a>
<P>A fieldstone wall along the property line was also restored.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7TELqNJTI1JEOiKF5df_SFsU1XST7rpo7XNL34vTKIk-oN7zbL_Lxt7Gv-LzrbZfF0xHM8oPQuglHv9_0hCPFaxcg3zfyIjsbLBoqVCyioM4-axgv_GK5023UJBbMPLEWI6ZgzgGU66HrPuDgzoePBLJvyaZxScWM0DjQ35K9CfGZOpGvV72gw45JDJh/s2048/Slave%20Wall%201.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk7TELqNJTI1JEOiKF5df_SFsU1XST7rpo7XNL34vTKIk-oN7zbL_Lxt7Gv-LzrbZfF0xHM8oPQuglHv9_0hCPFaxcg3zfyIjsbLBoqVCyioM4-axgv_GK5023UJBbMPLEWI6ZgzgGU66HrPuDgzoePBLJvyaZxScWM0DjQ35K9CfGZOpGvV72gw45JDJh/s400/Slave%20Wall%201.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH4Bv6k2ef5c6CqTusDUnPH8cXZG-3EJu48g0zdaIN4tyHyZWd6Zo6cIOUMZoEJngg2O-1bEqi-bWMfG6cOZYUwNYH29rFO22vA0y9j_JHHOmsIfWu5jFycnOBFsAaXNtB1ONbTq-uWDMABDebh7ri0FBr0JitL8-cKfagU3nt9OEclujild3HuWVRLs1/s2048/Slave%20Wall%204.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzH4Bv6k2ef5c6CqTusDUnPH8cXZG-3EJu48g0zdaIN4tyHyZWd6Zo6cIOUMZoEJngg2O-1bEqi-bWMfG6cOZYUwNYH29rFO22vA0y9j_JHHOmsIfWu5jFycnOBFsAaXNtB1ONbTq-uWDMABDebh7ri0FBr0JitL8-cKfagU3nt9OEclujild3HuWVRLs1/s400/Slave%20Wall%204.jpg"/></a>
<P>More from the wall plaque: "By 1765 Medford’s population included 49 slaves, many of whom were tied to the infamous Triangle Trade. Only Boston and Cambridge had larger slave populations. Nonetheless, Medford was an early center of anti-slavery activity. In 1783 Massachusetts became the first state to abolish slavery. Today the Slave Wall and the Slave Quarters at the Royall House are the only remaining physical reminders of slavery in the city. When Slaves were freed, many settled in West Medford which is today considered among the oldest continuous African-American communities in the United States."</P>
<P>Less than a mile north along Grove Street is the Shepherd Brooks Estate, which features a gorgeous Queen Anne-style home situated on expansive grounds adjacent to Oak Grove Cemetery. The large brick home was commissioned in 1880 by a descendant of the slaveholding Brooks family.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fg2QYUjpaXBvEJ4cXU5p68yJgXjey337Bh1ehjd7Qz5OIseqvDr_zOeItKIs0SylP5VLeQ-7RYro2ZSiU21pncS8D_vEz_dTelphktwkPg3X303R4UK_xmcT76bEwztTYXtQonfTymG5oXgUCN-Gty1UT1Z3CwhMgzAMprGUmXOFwQHbhcrH4-_PStsn/s2048/Brooks%20Estate.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fg2QYUjpaXBvEJ4cXU5p68yJgXjey337Bh1ehjd7Qz5OIseqvDr_zOeItKIs0SylP5VLeQ-7RYro2ZSiU21pncS8D_vEz_dTelphktwkPg3X303R4UK_xmcT76bEwztTYXtQonfTymG5oXgUCN-Gty1UT1Z3CwhMgzAMprGUmXOFwQHbhcrH4-_PStsn/s400/Brooks%20Estate.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Oda5fhkpyW0rgGRjANsT868yRGFRZUzlSOD3JvwJpicmHjxr0mB87-s6cejq00aNvByGUCDgC23d-lTrm9j_cyrG94_Vu-nvo25YmaBF1KGl9q3p7mvrsLO8hoKFPGsmp2ulhuqr-h589XJUOBBAWhfYQsQpyZrV95k4mRz1_z9utGw52INmXNSczfFE/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Oda5fhkpyW0rgGRjANsT868yRGFRZUzlSOD3JvwJpicmHjxr0mB87-s6cejq00aNvByGUCDgC23d-lTrm9j_cyrG94_Vu-nvo25YmaBF1KGl9q3p7mvrsLO8hoKFPGsmp2ulhuqr-h589XJUOBBAWhfYQsQpyZrV95k4mRz1_z9utGw52INmXNSczfFE/s400/Brooks%20Estate%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jNjERheuOtLA2qhbYFSqAU0IIQcfPKk4FCFk3UFgrd4nQ8d8KH2f9tFvlunbFVFj86iIWkr07Bj9nlfc7wMqwvgLcCI_QE0TQIK9AFMtT64XMdc_1qcBX-Ea3AbyeqQuaVoNoYjAa7a6ozCC28ou8mzx7MN-MyRDT2BoiDIuWkHMjROegfIsli7IApIZ/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7jNjERheuOtLA2qhbYFSqAU0IIQcfPKk4FCFk3UFgrd4nQ8d8KH2f9tFvlunbFVFj86iIWkr07Bj9nlfc7wMqwvgLcCI_QE0TQIK9AFMtT64XMdc_1qcBX-Ea3AbyeqQuaVoNoYjAa7a6ozCC28ou8mzx7MN-MyRDT2BoiDIuWkHMjROegfIsli7IApIZ/s400/Brooks%20Estate%203.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc7UDMdoO93ZddTsVHfl5VpsqhguE9mQPbgraLh4AABj2Ex-5BrdUdaVx-bFTQ6jSjquEAyve8y6ciWaPdkIGet8oxQsw6ruqT7jjUQrkLRZFPsposhGkXIWUuFox_v_hNyPSaXBeUM89mrnKRLgdiPBlcBlqG2VtAsQCNV1MRAzML8Uvb6Z7H2Y0eWH_/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%204.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivc7UDMdoO93ZddTsVHfl5VpsqhguE9mQPbgraLh4AABj2Ex-5BrdUdaVx-bFTQ6jSjquEAyve8y6ciWaPdkIGet8oxQsw6ruqT7jjUQrkLRZFPsposhGkXIWUuFox_v_hNyPSaXBeUM89mrnKRLgdiPBlcBlqG2VtAsQCNV1MRAzML8Uvb6Z7H2Y0eWH_/s400/Brooks%20Estate%204.jpg"/></a>
<P>I was excited to learn that the estate grounds are free to roam, so I could get some great photos of the outside of the house, which was designed by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peabody_and_Stearns">Peabody and Stearns</a> the well-known Boston architectural firm of the late 19th and early 20th century.</P>
<P>From MACRIS: "The Shepherd Brooks House is among the most architecturally distinguished late nineteenth-century 'summer residences' extant in Medford and the only estate to survive with extensive acreage of undevelopped land. Sheherd Brooks (1838-1922) lived in Medford during the summers from 1880 to 1922; during the rest of the year he resided at 90 Beacon Street in Boston. Brooks graduated from Harvard in 1857 and pursued throughout his life an interest in farming and horticulture for which his West Medford estate was well known along the East coast."</P>
<P>The home and carriage house are not open to visitors, as far as I can tell. The property, which is owned by the City of Medford, has been undergoing restoration with an eye toward "continued community benefit," per the <a href="https://brooksestate.org">estate's web site</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUt162tG3U0e9FSJP7qUCazp1RqlLvCecKv-mRhxIYNJJO9ay2cK9o3NuX9hpzJbF0PhrXXtu7xs2UhtfHCcVGoes8AN_XWApLZJ95QLLyaCOCf8pc7VWZYoabgN2kXr5ExCo2JwsRW9cE40TjZtERk5yMbE65I2TbhM0h38KX-DlQMq--Oo8q-i-nplH/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%206.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUt162tG3U0e9FSJP7qUCazp1RqlLvCecKv-mRhxIYNJJO9ay2cK9o3NuX9hpzJbF0PhrXXtu7xs2UhtfHCcVGoes8AN_XWApLZJ95QLLyaCOCf8pc7VWZYoabgN2kXr5ExCo2JwsRW9cE40TjZtERk5yMbE65I2TbhM0h38KX-DlQMq--Oo8q-i-nplH/s400/Brooks%20Estate%206.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUsCndIpdP20d-4dVQnoRQaODQTXdXy3vKW_CYAmLe8IAOWtmMBd37sCrqTEYfEwy1bnDssmPBwAz1PIbsyJRN5KNrTa7iMzWCQmCBE2JidR87fpzPfUIuWjienKIwz02QLvhjBxI511C7klFz8djJPmkSn3La-N-0xzWL-N8FvAg7Hev_x0plxUmU11u/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%207.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcUsCndIpdP20d-4dVQnoRQaODQTXdXy3vKW_CYAmLe8IAOWtmMBd37sCrqTEYfEwy1bnDssmPBwAz1PIbsyJRN5KNrTa7iMzWCQmCBE2JidR87fpzPfUIuWjienKIwz02QLvhjBxI511C7klFz8djJPmkSn3La-N-0xzWL-N8FvAg7Hev_x0plxUmU11u/s400/Brooks%20Estate%207.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyLT_yt05W0-9Ouc8ABb7fXI_wQy_tVsUpvabBFgyoT-fZ9ZF5u1adJKv-lqPDhrmoQ15AgLyL04_-mzCfOYPBjMJaT6hHbQOa3H42IypAY0atmgnSOGbqi8QcmGQ1j3U-RGebY6SfmRv5gjLRJLoaHDGzkLwaSZ5RLcQUwHPRddF6ekjC6EKyHS26KQX/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%208.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyLT_yt05W0-9Ouc8ABb7fXI_wQy_tVsUpvabBFgyoT-fZ9ZF5u1adJKv-lqPDhrmoQ15AgLyL04_-mzCfOYPBjMJaT6hHbQOa3H42IypAY0atmgnSOGbqi8QcmGQ1j3U-RGebY6SfmRv5gjLRJLoaHDGzkLwaSZ5RLcQUwHPRddF6ekjC6EKyHS26KQX/s400/Brooks%20Estate%208.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qgwPYnCJrg3YRnVXHi3JyVj16Jujx6zTCSdrSySnVSm8yEClOKdD6ZzUP7v--OGEF9tqXWWXORH11yXsjTC6VyFoGfIgQ1N1x1y-U-GAOkw0F2fRU-BORzQaYxn0OwyCZWCrilYKO0sSeBGvjulKpbpb-RBTpyj4U5ex9fxHhmdGOnKMMx_lIp-xGQsw/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%20alarm%20box.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_qgwPYnCJrg3YRnVXHi3JyVj16Jujx6zTCSdrSySnVSm8yEClOKdD6ZzUP7v--OGEF9tqXWWXORH11yXsjTC6VyFoGfIgQ1N1x1y-U-GAOkw0F2fRU-BORzQaYxn0OwyCZWCrilYKO0sSeBGvjulKpbpb-RBTpyj4U5ex9fxHhmdGOnKMMx_lIp-xGQsw/s400/Brooks%20Estate%20alarm%20box.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVJohavEzopkvSDBxH9aLS9v1PJgbTb5pBaFrBpqH3kw8tSlg7VeDL-RStca5Fdgqjbz92t3LyjVzfCU4ojPu1m9i6JddYyGq5az3vAXX4p4s7Eu67asuWOkHbRasXtrbsQFTiYlDX_D_4F2PJoctnEsiVNpG-RP32DQK_6kEw0jkwbCvbb-8KbmW9Okn/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%20Carriage%20House%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXVJohavEzopkvSDBxH9aLS9v1PJgbTb5pBaFrBpqH3kw8tSlg7VeDL-RStca5Fdgqjbz92t3LyjVzfCU4ojPu1m9i6JddYyGq5az3vAXX4p4s7Eu67asuWOkHbRasXtrbsQFTiYlDX_D_4F2PJoctnEsiVNpG-RP32DQK_6kEw0jkwbCvbb-8KbmW9Okn/s400/Brooks%20Estate%20Carriage%20House%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtxsiGBy-2oAF5nfYPCx7liRgUYQ4Xyo5ji20hpqq4iLlO22vHR7u0llj_qnw09zgQKJ1K1wYmxsrDvFJjB3RN1KUcM2qb6pcrIRMOG6p3QmWQkxmCOV9YIxyL-kd41tQqF-wE_Bellz0FqHCxdbIR5W8YCcVLbyxqs1TxnVPGtys3X6xZLPDShgRbbA8/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%20carriage%20house%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggtxsiGBy-2oAF5nfYPCx7liRgUYQ4Xyo5ji20hpqq4iLlO22vHR7u0llj_qnw09zgQKJ1K1wYmxsrDvFJjB3RN1KUcM2qb6pcrIRMOG6p3QmWQkxmCOV9YIxyL-kd41tQqF-wE_Bellz0FqHCxdbIR5W8YCcVLbyxqs1TxnVPGtys3X6xZLPDShgRbbA8/s400/Brooks%20Estate%20carriage%20house%203.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FucpkUEh914X-s9f2SpRe5oSbaGX7gaPIvL6hH-rFc8eZ1D9IQDUgYs3kqt6lWIJvZJcnLrT-WznRKfV8zuLLxjGtTo6UFcgYduznnz3LTZX8MEraOrR0uIrqxBTr6I5vnjURQPI_nkOoeJpRRv020e8SnECzwiWnCuDxT2KJ4h8XZ-8KAaG-pt6xpct/s2048/Brooks%20Estate%20Carriage%20house.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3FucpkUEh914X-s9f2SpRe5oSbaGX7gaPIvL6hH-rFc8eZ1D9IQDUgYs3kqt6lWIJvZJcnLrT-WznRKfV8zuLLxjGtTo6UFcgYduznnz3LTZX8MEraOrR0uIrqxBTr6I5vnjURQPI_nkOoeJpRRv020e8SnECzwiWnCuDxT2KJ4h8XZ-8KAaG-pt6xpct/s400/Brooks%20Estate%20Carriage%20house.jpg"/></a>
<P>I hope you enjoyed this post. I'm always excited to learn about connections to the shameful parts of American history.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-34442571654435637782023-11-04T09:07:00.000-04:002023-11-04T09:07:40.069-04:00Cisterns Are Doing It for Themselves<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>Cistern: Middle English origin (1250-1300); a reservoir, tank, or container for storing or holding water or other liquid. So says Dictionary.com. I've known this word for years, but when I saw "The Cistern" pop up on Google Maps in West Medford, Mass., I was confused. Why is a holding tank at the southern end of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mystic_Lakes_%28Boston%29">Lower Mystic Lake</a> pinned on a digital map?</P>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d1524.3898532606363!2d-71.1440204598365!3d42.422706047562286!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x89e37701cc1ddb5b%3A0xefbfa5c420de434b!2sThe%20Cistern!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1693494057195!5m2!1sen!2sus" width="600" height="450" style="border:0;" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade"></iframe>
<P>I can't say I have a good answer.</P>
<P>Located at the point where the lake empties into the Mystic River, the cistern is marked on a rounded spit of land just west of the Mystic Valley Parkway, spilling over the border into Arlington. I'm unsure whether the term "cistern" refers to a holding tank located under the site, or to the funnel-shaped area where the lake drains into the river.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyS56CK3DxZRZF_G_6rn_gJuvV3mcBHc2dhCYXD9WPqm2v3G2chtiBmVslDxyGQ0Y_AK6w5sw5U4GI0IX9SUxZs0hT0yYc4uZEQD9cBN9PE1BChJLEpysTDlWL5QJlm2rOj3cd6jcGW1Z_hr3itWvF0JA2y2OpTRqGWYNjzKqWYki2yUUvLOktKzh4WT4/s2048/Cistern%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUyS56CK3DxZRZF_G_6rn_gJuvV3mcBHc2dhCYXD9WPqm2v3G2chtiBmVslDxyGQ0Y_AK6w5sw5U4GI0IX9SUxZs0hT0yYc4uZEQD9cBN9PE1BChJLEpysTDlWL5QJlm2rOj3cd6jcGW1Z_hr3itWvF0JA2y2OpTRqGWYNjzKqWYki2yUUvLOktKzh4WT4/s400/Cistern%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>There is obviously something under this parkland, which includes picnic areas and walking paths.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeM-zxVeuFX68ejzCpuUjdHF3VzwnI1TiXCPPvILahL2hqh4UcsfvUUdApycMuBDIIwF4Z-cAXQ0MwyBXnmJPvaxHe2KY_GRIKSkMKY-1AJ6ceQCCYXiJZRI7uwRfs3HCczKGyhICxwOMRv2jCWqNaxdtFDbYuoTE-jfLHtwoXkfuSbj_2rDR7T2-hyui/s2048/Cistern%204.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSeM-zxVeuFX68ejzCpuUjdHF3VzwnI1TiXCPPvILahL2hqh4UcsfvUUdApycMuBDIIwF4Z-cAXQ0MwyBXnmJPvaxHe2KY_GRIKSkMKY-1AJ6ceQCCYXiJZRI7uwRfs3HCczKGyhICxwOMRv2jCWqNaxdtFDbYuoTE-jfLHtwoXkfuSbj_2rDR7T2-hyui/s400/Cistern%204.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLU_gE1K8y95bQ_eqSsV-9lHWlQduKbBQ3tDAjQXR41hsDji8pS3yqp_xVdZh9vGjFXspqFnIm9n5fw7V0edeAjMQv7UseA4Hj-rdJ9fRf0Y_fFijrpX0RvuXZBk-M34ZR3jw6aLWEBV-GTmIqpkNbUiNeF4OiFY00rfdbgnJRlZfJW3PJ9f-yQsPrcSu/s2048/Cistern%201.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLU_gE1K8y95bQ_eqSsV-9lHWlQduKbBQ3tDAjQXR41hsDji8pS3yqp_xVdZh9vGjFXspqFnIm9n5fw7V0edeAjMQv7UseA4Hj-rdJ9fRf0Y_fFijrpX0RvuXZBk-M34ZR3jw6aLWEBV-GTmIqpkNbUiNeF4OiFY00rfdbgnJRlZfJW3PJ9f-yQsPrcSu/s400/Cistern%201.jpg"/></a>
<P>According to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cistern">Wikipedia</a>, "Present-day cisterns are often used only for irrigation due to concerns over water quality. Cisterns today can also be outfitted with filters or other water purification methods when the water is intended for consumption. It is not uncommon for a cistern to be open in some manner in order to catch rain or to include more elaborate rainwater harvesting systems. It is important in these cases to have a system that does not leave the water open to algae or to mosquitoes, which are attracted to the water and then potentially carry disease to nearby humans."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjKkEbuaLyO7nnQoWy4IQK4LrjMkAXebxp9JxNKrzI7trhx4sV7pz2r74I-sKih0BBMc37RlRPpRv0sAY6yGr1Ds3d_Sd_YCLMQ_sBbY7Mf78zqA32v8DWQU5C0hc06v9uvNBRN10JmHrh-9AZPO_7kTVxBpD9mwxkN5V7mRPYnGR3IWrrQPtp53RHb1-/s2048/Cistern%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjKkEbuaLyO7nnQoWy4IQK4LrjMkAXebxp9JxNKrzI7trhx4sV7pz2r74I-sKih0BBMc37RlRPpRv0sAY6yGr1Ds3d_Sd_YCLMQ_sBbY7Mf78zqA32v8DWQU5C0hc06v9uvNBRN10JmHrh-9AZPO_7kTVxBpD9mwxkN5V7mRPYnGR3IWrrQPtp53RHb1-/s400/Cistern%203.jpg"/></a>
<P>Perhaps the cistern is a relic from the days when the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middlesex_Canal">Middlesex Canal</a> was in operation along the eastern shore of the Mystic Lakes from 1803 to 1851, part of the route connecting Lowell to Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. By the way, make sure to check back in the near future for a post about a former canal towpath located in neighborning Woburn.</P>
<P>If anybody can tell me more about The Cistern, I'm all ears.</P>
<P>Here's your headline explainer:</P>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/drGx7JkFSp4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-74656226048499750642023-10-28T09:10:00.001-04:002023-10-28T09:10:31.305-04:00Why Does Medford Square Have a Shipyard Way? And Other Questions<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>How do you pronounce the word "Medford"? This is the first of many questions I have pinballing around my head as I write this post about this city of nearly 60,000 people about seven miles northwest of Boston. Some locals pronounce it "Medfid" or "Mefid," but <a href="https://patch.com/massachusetts/medford/meffa-medfid-mefid">allegedly not</a> "Meffa." For a boy born and raised in Connecticut, it's "Medfurd."</P>
<P>In digging through the Backside archives with my team of interns, I discovered only one post prior to this year about Medford, from September 10, 2018: <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2018/09/a-boneyard-within-cemetery.html">"A Boneyard Within a Cemetery."</a>
<P>More recently, I'd skirted around the edges of Medford, while writing about Somerville. After all these years, I decided it was time to check out this city more thoroughly. My first stop was West Medford Square, which I mixed up with the subject of today's post (see October 14, 2023, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/10/i-went-to-west-medford-square-by.html">"I Went to West Medford Square by Mistake...But That's OK"</a>). I exhausted the backside there pretty quickly, so I continued on to Medford Square.</P>
<P>Medford was settled in 1630 by white colonists as part of Charlestown, on land that had been home to the Naumkeag people for thousands of years. In the square, I found a lot of great old buildings, a palimpsest ghost sign, an armory (as well as a building next door that I originally thought was an armory), a mural dedicated to an aviation legend and plenty more.</P>
<P>One of the big questions bugging me on my tour here was, "Why does Medford Square have a Shipyard Way?" I'll answer that question below. Let's start with the multi-layered ghost sign and the building it was painted on.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGqmXtlakNKwx--RIAWxDzWqtztFddGXHe_7GJ3mWB52oYOxIWzlX6kND46TiRWK-Xx2UK1NwB4eHdoemG5I1mTy9C51gP5F0Oy4OMGUO4FuSuGtDxz4Q6ssLhc_5myNWKGt0Oa1Ur491DjVAv0-4Z8Mye6R1tG8DvmNwHxFDSca4BQhPzy_3qQrdbA/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20ghost%20bldg%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1516" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGqmXtlakNKwx--RIAWxDzWqtztFddGXHe_7GJ3mWB52oYOxIWzlX6kND46TiRWK-Xx2UK1NwB4eHdoemG5I1mTy9C51gP5F0Oy4OMGUO4FuSuGtDxz4Q6ssLhc_5myNWKGt0Oa1Ur491DjVAv0-4Z8Mye6R1tG8DvmNwHxFDSca4BQhPzy_3qQrdbA/s400/Medford%20Sq%20ghost%20bldg%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>I was fighting the sun on this day, as you can tell. Located at the corner of Main Street and Clippership Drive, this old brick Italianate building dates to around 1850, according to MACRIS. Uses over the years have included buusiness office, commercial block, doctor or dentist office (which it might still be), a grist mill, laundry service, a lawyer's office, a market or grocery store, a meeting hall, a pool or billiard hall and a warehouse, MACRIS continues.</P>
<P>"The Green Block, later known as the Bigelow Block, at 28-32 Main Street was constructed prior to 1855 as a dedicated grain mill, elevator and warehouse," MACRIS indicates. "It is an exceptionally rare and well-preserved example of this form of building....The first record of any commercial activity at the site was 1855. George Green and his son, Darius A. Green, were 'wholesale and retail dealers in flour, grain, meal, oats, etc.' and operated a 'grain elevator and mills.'"</P>
<P>Once Henry Bigelow acquired the building, it was used by "a 'Chinese' laundry (specifically identified as such on the contemporary Sanborn atlas) and fruit stand; and later, in 1892-1903, a meat market, offices, a billiard room, and a function hall," per MACRIS.</P>
<P>As for the ghost sign, it is an overlay for three businesses, I believe: Leahy's Men's Shop; Hubbard's something or other; and perhaps an insurance agency.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Zoa18NKoySduoll2xXf6uNZEREviriitJhVIR_1OZDgH63I11ih03K7jKHrfQBY6KvTsuxCG9_P9rph7ocNMXirIur2UKCLkgJzj3RnkeztrF-Cr9IBD4XHUbNnReRPzmQwaUGHzqE4hcNa0odBR1fpxWPn9K7GjnGnZr1j3ic5DOy42ah73YYJ9Q/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20ghost%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1Zoa18NKoySduoll2xXf6uNZEREviriitJhVIR_1OZDgH63I11ih03K7jKHrfQBY6KvTsuxCG9_P9rph7ocNMXirIur2UKCLkgJzj3RnkeztrF-Cr9IBD4XHUbNnReRPzmQwaUGHzqE4hcNa0odBR1fpxWPn9K7GjnGnZr1j3ic5DOy42ah73YYJ9Q/s400/Medford%20Sq%20ghost%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wGhe18jjYLnCF0ImLyqkZyVcmWEfnPDovYEQ5S2V9Azc3Rlgc3fLWlpgJ4Z-6Be914OJ9UIBgFITONZZC0mXmux3pCazzp4Ycupf-m6v5s-8CzgqDwzQhDk8DaoRBQ9az2UzsUNX9m-3KwP1ycN-9mDK-I67yidlQGBOe5FLNnSbkBKGIKszMzemGQ/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20ghost.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wGhe18jjYLnCF0ImLyqkZyVcmWEfnPDovYEQ5S2V9Azc3Rlgc3fLWlpgJ4Z-6Be914OJ9UIBgFITONZZC0mXmux3pCazzp4Ycupf-m6v5s-8CzgqDwzQhDk8DaoRBQ9az2UzsUNX9m-3KwP1ycN-9mDK-I67yidlQGBOe5FLNnSbkBKGIKszMzemGQ/s400/Medford%20Sq%20ghost.jpg"/></a>
<P>I headed east down Riverside Avenue next, and spied a building that I knew had once been...something.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG_oRoH0o2bKi81xZ9AYzVkpjH4gjoSQBIygw2XuC3GaE5o8ADhup3qJCPo1HJB6K-LrH_2fj2SZTovpapIwaUusaZYj_66D-ISD75ixDDwdPwLlikyIoI6D6XoIwDeylUiLth6K4f8qzCd3VWutw1ECqpd_t11Qw9RBmVBv4i55kby_YB6pmGIunkg/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Riverside%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1302" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIG_oRoH0o2bKi81xZ9AYzVkpjH4gjoSQBIygw2XuC3GaE5o8ADhup3qJCPo1HJB6K-LrH_2fj2SZTovpapIwaUusaZYj_66D-ISD75ixDDwdPwLlikyIoI6D6XoIwDeylUiLth6K4f8qzCd3VWutw1ECqpd_t11Qw9RBmVBv4i55kby_YB6pmGIunkg/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Riverside%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Was it formerly a theater? Or a car dealership? Currently known as Riverside Square and home to Winchester Hospital Medford and other businesses, 75 Riverside Avenue was built in 1942, per MACRIS. The Medford assessor puts a date of 1958 on it. Who the hell knows? As for its original purpose, I've been unable to figure it out.</P>
<P>I next ventured north a short way to Salem Street. There I saw <a href="https://www.eltacuba.com">El Tacuba</a>, a tequila bar that was on the cusp of opening when I walked by.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNi3GYmcaQZO89rhTkt0C9UaLPzEJ-LuASMp29xpCjeJX4CGVgd2mThMX1uSEdRb2U7ytO0F_mF7KInK51fc_wJsO5B7E_kGqCmizsyhkqQiOhEMg7vvqL-IhteisrTJvgq5CMEQHpfvNQxBiBxL2Ks79Evihfl72C3OgSGNjCgJey2fJzNQl9s07-w/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20El%20Taco.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1780" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNi3GYmcaQZO89rhTkt0C9UaLPzEJ-LuASMp29xpCjeJX4CGVgd2mThMX1uSEdRb2U7ytO0F_mF7KInK51fc_wJsO5B7E_kGqCmizsyhkqQiOhEMg7vvqL-IhteisrTJvgq5CMEQHpfvNQxBiBxL2Ks79Evihfl72C3OgSGNjCgJey2fJzNQl9s07-w/s400/Medford%20Sq%20El%20Taco.jpg"/></a>
<P>Across the street is the Dyer Building, currently occupied by an <a href="https://www.elizabethgrady.com">Elizabeth Grady</a> salon on the ground floor, and apartments above.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizfXdNl1-KAIMrgOZe2wIVCdtrRCBVSHyekclCGIuvCrf6i5dMgQ1dv29px0Fc-ePN42t1EH7uID8Z4KyrmBhT6Ws8i1c1p1En86Xk6kW0M0Ni48DXKhItVCHGXzqKu-VGHKDpXokHA7sbHmjasHi6dKefJ89YKMObgQaFA91C7PYRzAgJUpvcd6cjg/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Dyer%20Bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1376" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizfXdNl1-KAIMrgOZe2wIVCdtrRCBVSHyekclCGIuvCrf6i5dMgQ1dv29px0Fc-ePN42t1EH7uID8Z4KyrmBhT6Ws8i1c1p1En86Xk6kW0M0Ni48DXKhItVCHGXzqKu-VGHKDpXokHA7sbHmjasHi6dKefJ89YKMObgQaFA91C7PYRzAgJUpvcd6cjg/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Dyer%20Bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1915, the Dyer has an interesting history. "As built, the building housed not only a theater and a meeting room, but also two commercial spaces on Salem Street," according to MACRIS. "In 1919 George J. Hackett and Ewen and George A. Ramsdell purchased the theater from Dyer, renaming it 'Colonial Hall'.... While the theater...was built to show both live theater productions and movies, it was found that the movies were much more profitable, and the group...chose to exclusively show movies. The movie theater continued to operate until 1984, eventually being spilt into space for two and later three screens. In the late 1980s the theater portion of the building was removed, truncating the building at the lobby and leaving the two storefronts and the meeting hall above. The storefronts are still in use today."</P>
<P>What a shame that a beautiful old theater was severed from the rest of the building.</P>
<P>Next door to the old theater building is a structure known historically as Mystic Congregational Church.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWbcMx8WODTd-rLoMbapohC60B528qQo9ZCbCv7KBCAi6eBEid20aRn9-uhAN0YbGWn5JSIOqkdHYjYwaddnrz8GPIgFsk4CFO8aYxp2ohNnSJInNdiWiS9wkFabLoH4nWugYszJD2cZGdAP_qnB5kVmyD_LuNYUFHGAYS8shbmeHFmvXwuINYtnWJw/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20church.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWbcMx8WODTd-rLoMbapohC60B528qQo9ZCbCv7KBCAi6eBEid20aRn9-uhAN0YbGWn5JSIOqkdHYjYwaddnrz8GPIgFsk4CFO8aYxp2ohNnSJInNdiWiS9wkFabLoH4nWugYszJD2cZGdAP_qnB5kVmyD_LuNYUFHGAYS8shbmeHFmvXwuINYtnWJw/s400/Medford%20Sq%20church.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1848, the building has undergone a number of changes over the decades. "Today the building is covered in aluminum siding installed in 1961, obscuring its original finish," per MACRIS. "The remains of a square steeple at the southeast corner signifies the building’s use as a church....The steeple was removed in 1990, having been damaged by the 1938 hurricane, and leaning ever since."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFxi8nrP_a5KnIi23sLzvhRY0bYqpOsx53sEAsG448CybUaNYnDLhpbDGYorUwBQ1e90NeNQxj60KR_iiYVumAzRPQLnfkTMPWzACd9E5Dr1WpMZ4pz9dPrEUYfS02Tr1TuR6RqDLzYc77svN3vuFuAjHJaACE0ZakjKyRBNn2vae4LMxIuv6Wc8kYw/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20church%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1569" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdFxi8nrP_a5KnIi23sLzvhRY0bYqpOsx53sEAsG448CybUaNYnDLhpbDGYorUwBQ1e90NeNQxj60KR_iiYVumAzRPQLnfkTMPWzACd9E5Dr1WpMZ4pz9dPrEUYfS02Tr1TuR6RqDLzYc77svN3vuFuAjHJaACE0ZakjKyRBNn2vae4LMxIuv6Wc8kYw/s400/Medford%20Sq%20church%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>The current tenant is <a href="https://www.nebcmedford.com">New England Baptist Church of Medford</a>.</P>
<P>Back across Salem Street, I immemdiately thought of a joke from "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" (rest in peace, Paul Reubens). If you know, you know.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXJ6wVTXO85yB2un9e6mr_kknZwakoRX0TECW6ZCi66NVRbybGJH0_fIauawzXd6aA-IR-5Yw0LMP45VJgxBX6VXQOtTVa2B1n3BpvnBnxAZ6bf6ZzzxyaSn3DOwOUj8ktg1-yVqTEXmwXxQy6E6igxONFGanTF3Cmv10j8qSqhLMU_kdHT7Oz6HdLw/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Alamo%20roast%20beef.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgXJ6wVTXO85yB2un9e6mr_kknZwakoRX0TECW6ZCi66NVRbybGJH0_fIauawzXd6aA-IR-5Yw0LMP45VJgxBX6VXQOtTVa2B1n3BpvnBnxAZ6bf6ZzzxyaSn3DOwOUj8ktg1-yVqTEXmwXxQy6E6igxONFGanTF3Cmv10j8qSqhLMU_kdHT7Oz6HdLw/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Alamo%20roast%20beef.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://www.alamomenu.com/?utm_source=gbp&gclid=CjwKCAjw_aemBhBLEiwAT98FMmGoqoIeSFI33CFO4bWDzOYdFnop99kHH2l0P982siwnMw-U0dqLURoCoJsQAvD_BwE">Alamo Roast Beef & Seafood</a> also sells pizza. This one-level retail strip dates to the 1920.</P>
<P>The most impressive building in Medford Square is the Bigelow Block.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d6-3jEjQx2SY5AO2exmgsO7qoENmD86VA7sKiU049MW08kpcfseGXPUac2JcNJTFHZCrElnLhH_Yo4lFS65sQzIIrO7cWaJVaiLi19twtGeAGm0hVq0ykuD9RBq4-RDHmMhs2pdLdVG6GqUpR9ue7-EBPuj6ffsCoTBmyJkDFZE2O4-1bVGDj9ymJg/s2048/Medford%20Square%201886%20bldg%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1725" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_d6-3jEjQx2SY5AO2exmgsO7qoENmD86VA7sKiU049MW08kpcfseGXPUac2JcNJTFHZCrElnLhH_Yo4lFS65sQzIIrO7cWaJVaiLi19twtGeAGm0hVq0ykuD9RBq4-RDHmMhs2pdLdVG6GqUpR9ue7-EBPuj6ffsCoTBmyJkDFZE2O4-1bVGDj9ymJg/s400/Medford%20Square%201886%20bldg%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzRzDdw_zU3uYktBVjD5NSAstnjAKs_ctvQBodLDf4SExkd1gHDF3IwZZblW3Y1fqtcShaqL2MzwEy_v0GKjkM-kUbq3ArIBa1Mg-at3B15flgDbsuHVKDL8BPJyqIS5YPZi1bHSr0sM2OIeb92vkGzRsM9X9SSP9Mg2bgOQdcBjqoIeIlyqyk35OBA/s2048/Medford%20Sq%201886%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtzRzDdw_zU3uYktBVjD5NSAstnjAKs_ctvQBodLDf4SExkd1gHDF3IwZZblW3Y1fqtcShaqL2MzwEy_v0GKjkM-kUbq3ArIBa1Mg-at3B15flgDbsuHVKDL8BPJyqIS5YPZi1bHSr0sM2OIeb92vkGzRsM9X9SSP9Mg2bgOQdcBjqoIeIlyqyk35OBA/s400/Medford%20Sq%201886%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>This Queen Anne-style stunner was built in 1886 by the Bigelow family, which owned a wallpaper manufacturing company in Boston, according to MACRIS. "The Bigelow’s (sic) principal long-term tenant was P. Volpe & Sons. Previous research...indicates the Volpes purchased the subject property in 1925. Pasquale Volpe, a native of Naples, Italy who immigrated in 1874, in partnership with his son, Angelo C. Volpe operated a fruit, vegetable and grocery store in the building until as late as 1940. Other tenants during the 1920s included the dry goods store of Mrs. Roberta G. Fraser, the shoe store of David Sahl, an office of the Western Union Telegram Company and the law office of Winthrop I. Nottage."</P>
<P>Current tenants include Dunkin' Donuts, Moreno Barber Shop and C.E. Farnam Insurance.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwU6Jei7oDXvY64_WqjL5Ni0Nq1CxVFGhg5D6GNho4bB3nq-P_n0nDeLT3boZglKSEavwvjBhTx3lpQv9x1ZFqDor3kTmYDtLW3A6QA-cKQf52bRzfqqiq3bIEzQIYMDalL4SO-oZGOzJeXvETNOK64qAbVmfdDEWFx9FtSDbWcyadefbgIF7f4q1Mw/s2048/Medford%20Sq%201886%20bldg%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwU6Jei7oDXvY64_WqjL5Ni0Nq1CxVFGhg5D6GNho4bB3nq-P_n0nDeLT3boZglKSEavwvjBhTx3lpQv9x1ZFqDor3kTmYDtLW3A6QA-cKQf52bRzfqqiq3bIEzQIYMDalL4SO-oZGOzJeXvETNOK64qAbVmfdDEWFx9FtSDbWcyadefbgIF7f4q1Mw/s400/Medford%20Sq%201886%20bldg%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>I dig the square's clock, too.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHYKZkO84EmbEpp7dVKFCjiffAtVWTO6vjvsXTCN-YVpa0jNw1MKbwydpZlMTKHZw8owTZtCW0QxIIZlC_BFyTCN7wJpiY3lQujD4H9LNr7kKgb_juvErLp2Z7Nqe1vRdh0X4X3K2iVa2buCBWDXiuFW-FPQ6oT7zsL4HQhELFnOMv9MHRY5g9uvi2g/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20clock%20and%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHYKZkO84EmbEpp7dVKFCjiffAtVWTO6vjvsXTCN-YVpa0jNw1MKbwydpZlMTKHZw8owTZtCW0QxIIZlC_BFyTCN7wJpiY3lQujD4H9LNr7kKgb_juvErLp2Z7Nqe1vRdh0X4X3K2iVa2buCBWDXiuFW-FPQ6oT7zsL4HQhELFnOMv9MHRY5g9uvi2g/s400/Medford%20Sq%20clock%20and%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>It was installed in 2000 by the local Rotary Club.</P>
<P>On the side of a small building on Forest Street, I spied an unusual ghost sign.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoC0jR62pUWOHVbU68DfJqaalPloqMy9svtXzd80IpGk7lSwvY9i9me5z4xMc3wRF_ePgRNLtHhYCsdNw9U2akhJu8tGRAuN71AFZiblfhsEUZQyn2gUyiwUXGuWrYKbxdVkvO__UjCcvb89RmCbzN58zP8sxb_Mq0rqdr_A0qP5mtSnqer8AGGHQdw/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Falafel%20Palace.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKoC0jR62pUWOHVbU68DfJqaalPloqMy9svtXzd80IpGk7lSwvY9i9me5z4xMc3wRF_ePgRNLtHhYCsdNw9U2akhJu8tGRAuN71AFZiblfhsEUZQyn2gUyiwUXGuWrYKbxdVkvO__UjCcvb89RmCbzN58zP8sxb_Mq0rqdr_A0qP5mtSnqer8AGGHQdw/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Falafel%20Palace.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1930, the one-story retail building is currently home to <a href="https://www.tomyumkoong.net/?gclid=CjwKCAjw_aemBhBLEiwAT98FMpDwz1IaxHKH6-yEtfAsj-sdF2AMKZ08932EOKLQyQwSLjJLqgUaBhoCHlIQAvD_BwE">Tom Yum Koong Restaurant</a> and <a href="https://forestdrycleaners.wixsite.com/medford">Forest Street Dry Cleaners & Tailoring</a>. But at some point, I guess it was home to Falafel Palace.</P>
<P>From there, I headed west on High Street, where I quickly spied a relatively new historic marker.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgjcIQQA9S0ttEbo1IerJZs62dJ5RN1MEZXSUmlVPF7G29V81h4K4zEB7DR-6cnVpYev4O1mbFc5Kn0lY6okWk366m_NkBK0pIp4HYzxmYfoRS50wTVOwBlyDIqDAQoJvZPad9Ke6F-dnKpAKr8LZzk196FoIH1QM6VVMJAVTYqvINEVlCHsNCKGB_A/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Lafayette%27s%20tour.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsgjcIQQA9S0ttEbo1IerJZs62dJ5RN1MEZXSUmlVPF7G29V81h4K4zEB7DR-6cnVpYev4O1mbFc5Kn0lY6okWk366m_NkBK0pIp4HYzxmYfoRS50wTVOwBlyDIqDAQoJvZPad9Ke6F-dnKpAKr8LZzk196FoIH1QM6VVMJAVTYqvINEVlCHsNCKGB_A/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Lafayette%27s%20tour.jpg"/></a>
<P>"LAFAYETTE'S TOUR," reads the sign, which was installed on September 12, 2022, outside Members Plus Credit Union. "On August 28, 1824, General Lafayette dined here at the home of former Massachusetts Governor John Brooks prior to returning to Boston." The plaque was installed by the <a href="https://www.wgpfoundation.org">William G. Pomeroy Foundation</a> of Pennsylvania, a "nonprofit organization whose mission [is] to document, map, and mark French General Lafayette’s footsteps during his Farewell Tour of the United States in 1824 and 1825," according to <a href="https://www.cacheinmedford.org/event/lafayette-trail-marker-dedication/">this Medford calendar web site</a>.</P>
<P>The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_du_Motier,_Marquis_de_Lafayette#Grand_tour_of_the_United_States">Marquis de Lafayette</a> (aka Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette) "was a French aristocrat, freemason, and military officer who volunteered to join the Continental Army, led by General George Washington, in the American Revolutionary War," per Wikipedia. "Lafayette was ultimately permitted to command Continental Army troops in the decisive siege of Yorktown in 1781, the Revolutionary War's final major battle that secured American independence. After returning to France, Lafayette became a key figure in the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830 and continues to be celebrated as a hero in both France and the United States."</P>
<P>As for <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Brooks_%28governor%29">Massachusetts Gov. John Brooks</a>, he "was an American doctor, military officer, and politician from Massachusetts. He served as the 11th Governor of Massachusetts from 1816 to 1823, and was one of the last Federalist officials elected in the United States," per Wikipedia.</P>
<P>Across High Street from the marker is The Lighthouse Cafe, which appears to be a local landmark.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQbE_Ohr8HDOfu-KH2I7CieGWUBhXwCAafO8kR_YHghLSE1SkSirL2eCsDGIlqbARiYuXyXfO5sGKxCoqY9FcFK_Y26xlJ8ohSVnpYQutJdQh4pujWpRjRLoG4EKbrM0fq1LCx2Ndcrt0BGTLDCqXL6jNN78dHxY0wmY7ZJXgp0n3MNvMEcTSjFj2Ow/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20The%20Lighthouse.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQbE_Ohr8HDOfu-KH2I7CieGWUBhXwCAafO8kR_YHghLSE1SkSirL2eCsDGIlqbARiYuXyXfO5sGKxCoqY9FcFK_Y26xlJ8ohSVnpYQutJdQh4pujWpRjRLoG4EKbrM0fq1LCx2Ndcrt0BGTLDCqXL6jNN78dHxY0wmY7ZJXgp0n3MNvMEcTSjFj2Ow/s400/Medford%20Sq%20The%20Lighthouse.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TuzkqLbxyRrynkMHj9LVrzg-cD9mAthxd3XSMJ0Uc9VjwJxNzABN_V94DvK5rVuWEWjkbY11FOM5zjF7YcfSWSeCw_Yp2dFO8GPlEP3FAJRagGjDtQsh_Q_xkPCaRlYpWUmK2BOVfVBgSYKsc1tyN-qxGHazKZ4JxWzL_caMg8wx1w3UvhFPneK3cw/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Lighthouse%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TuzkqLbxyRrynkMHj9LVrzg-cD9mAthxd3XSMJ0Uc9VjwJxNzABN_V94DvK5rVuWEWjkbY11FOM5zjF7YcfSWSeCw_Yp2dFO8GPlEP3FAJRagGjDtQsh_Q_xkPCaRlYpWUmK2BOVfVBgSYKsc1tyN-qxGHazKZ4JxWzL_caMg8wx1w3UvhFPneK3cw/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Lighthouse%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>The eatery's front entrance is graced by what appears to be a wood carving of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eddystone_Lighthouse">Eddystone Lighthouse</a>, which "is located on the Eddystone Rocks, 9 statute miles south of Rame Head in Cornwall, England," per Wikipedia.</P>
<P>The cafe is located in a former Odd Fellows hall, which, according to MACRIS, has been altered beyond recognition. "Although greatly altered through the removal of its upper two-and-a-half stories, complex hipped roof, and corner tower in the wake of two major fires, one preceding 1912 and the other between 1936 and 1950, the building retains some of its original finishes."</P>
<P>"The Odd Fellows Block, after 1900 known as the Opera House, was constructed in 1886 for use by its eponymous organization," MACRIS continues. Next door to the Lighthouse Cafe building is the Usher Block, a much more impressive building, which has a historical connection to its neighbor.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJID3ONl64qcRzq0IpK-LGpOzUqWsVihUAY8oCszJRledzuY9W7o5ZlVFWxdGkmYmqt4WoSfCU_TbVfE0lPk9ay8pw3O2zchIUTXAd44K2T8g7C8HlPQUFZfDJitl5RnEBf2acxwMCyaSXFiTQq_ts1XgYVxSVgdXp0Z4GUCZ5mfKcu2HhUJLRQhKp7g/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20cool%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJID3ONl64qcRzq0IpK-LGpOzUqWsVihUAY8oCszJRledzuY9W7o5ZlVFWxdGkmYmqt4WoSfCU_TbVfE0lPk9ay8pw3O2zchIUTXAd44K2T8g7C8HlPQUFZfDJitl5RnEBf2acxwMCyaSXFiTQq_ts1XgYVxSVgdXp0Z4GUCZ5mfKcu2HhUJLRQhKp7g/s400/Medford%20Sq%20cool%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>"Known during the 19th century as the 'Usher’s Building,' or Usher Block, and later known as Masonic Apartments, the building was constructed prior to 1855 for Boston publisher James M. Usher," according to MACRIS. "In addition to publishing numerous books related to religion, including <i>Questions on Select Portions of the Gospels, Designed for the use of Sabbath Schools and Bible Classes and Commentary on the Revelation of St. John, The Divine</i>, [Usher] published several titles by the Universalist leader and co-founder of Tufts University, Hosea Ballou, who resided on Water Street in Medford," MACRIS continues."</P>
<P>The building is also known as Masonic Apartments - Medford, and the Odd Fellow's Harmony Lodge.</P>
<P>"By 1889 24-30 High Street had been sold to John D. Small....The building’s principal tenant, between its 1869 founding and 1889, was the Medford Savings Bank, which afterward moved to its own dedicated headquarters building across the street....The subject building’s current name is something of a misnomer, as, until c. 1886 when the organization built its own hall at 16-22 High Street, it housed meetings of the Odd Fellows’ Harmony Lodge. The Masons, specifically the Mt. Hermon Lodge, did not meet in the building until after 1900."</P>
<P>At the corner of Governor's Avenue and High Street, on the side of an ice cream shop that I'll talk about in a minute, is a fantastic mural that completely took me by surprise.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOclCHOhpPceOFojs_JS83cmZvRJxLqac8XIH_Lg6LZZgzmCJuapj4rEeBzkzabaK2gexP8Iw7xI7qFJYzlmIQjnjuyq1Xy3TPkiXJ7TToasEt1lSal3Z23m83yn46a8eDeUl972RrNnu4eHPu6HL8bm0IRDKbazYkc4ss4JbqNf7cE5RhD0dws-O0g/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Amelia%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzOclCHOhpPceOFojs_JS83cmZvRJxLqac8XIH_Lg6LZZgzmCJuapj4rEeBzkzabaK2gexP8Iw7xI7qFJYzlmIQjnjuyq1Xy3TPkiXJ7TToasEt1lSal3Z23m83yn46a8eDeUl972RrNnu4eHPu6HL8bm0IRDKbazYkc4ss4JbqNf7cE5RhD0dws-O0g/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Amelia%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://www.ameliaearhart.com/biography/">Amelia Earhart</a>'s name is woven into the fabric of American history. From Wikipedia: "Born and raised in Atchison, Kansas, and later in Des Moines, Iowa, Earhart developed a passion for adventure at a young age, steadily gaining flying experience from her twenties. In 1928, Earhart became the first female passenger to cross the Atlantic by airplane (accompanying pilot Wilmer Stultz), for which she achieved celebrity status.</P>
<P>"In 1932, piloting a Lockheed Vega 5B, Earhart made a nonstop solo transatlantic flight, becoming the first woman to achieve such a feat. She received the United States Distinguished Flying Cross for this accomplishment. In 1935, Earhart became a visiting faculty member at Purdue University as an advisor to aeronautical engineering and a career counselor to female students. She was also a member of the National Woman's Party and an early supporter of the Equal Rights Amendment."</P>
<P>Before achieving all of that, and prior, of course, to disappearing on an attempted circumnavigational flight around the globe with navigator Fred Noonan in 1937 and entering into the annals of greatest mysteries in American history, she lived for a time in Medford with her mother. The pair had traveled across country following the elder Earhart's divorce from Amelia's father, and eventually landed in Boston, where Amelia underwent a needed sinus operation.</P>
<P>While living in Medford, Earhart worked in Boston as a teacher and a social worker. More from Wikipedia: "When Earhart lived in Medford, she maintained her interest in aviation, becoming a member of the American Aeronautical Society's Boston chapter and was eventually elected its vice president. She flew out of Dennison Airport (later the Naval Air Station Squantum) in Quincy, Massachusetts, and helped finance its operation by investing a small sum of money. Earhart also flew the first official flight out of Dennison Airport in 1927."</P>
<P>As for the mural, it was painted by artist <a href="https://www.lastlightart.com">Adam LoRusso</a>, who was born and raised in Medford. Also a tattoo artist, LorRusso "used the technique of Stippling, the act of using little dots to create shading, to create value, and provide different shades of light and dark," according to <a href="https://www.medfordartscouncil.org/mac-blog/amelia-earhart-mural">this Medford Arts Council web page</a> about the artist and the mural. "For materials, he utilized exterior masonry, such as brick paint and exterior post paint."</P>
<P>More from the arts council site: "The idea for the mural emerged when LoRusso was approached by Kolin Burgoyne, chef and owner of Colleen’s, about adding artwork to the expansive brick wall along the left side of the shop. LoRusso and Burgoyne grew up together and have known each other for quite some time. LoRusso explained that he and Burgoyne went back and forth on ideas until inspiration sparked for the muralist. What about a mural of someone who lived in Medford?"</P>
<P>So let's talk about <a href="https://colleensmedford.com/index.html">Colleen's</a>, an ice cream and sandwich shop located on the corner of High Street and Governor Avenue.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgigIRSdlta2N8ChsllYiThqx91DRmxdEt7fQijeleIQZFCfm8hXc0qu-72y_0T0J-VRJvvqi5nuEQYETS-8nTyYz_rgLqFsmdN3mJNodmE_ZpsLLtrjW4SQ0dm6B-MGyikAjqcm6Vv5t1-rXS7VUVWNCt6mbjnW7_Yf0Q2MSXNB6TylWHPXGFwz1Qg/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Colleen%27s.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKgigIRSdlta2N8ChsllYiThqx91DRmxdEt7fQijeleIQZFCfm8hXc0qu-72y_0T0J-VRJvvqi5nuEQYETS-8nTyYz_rgLqFsmdN3mJNodmE_ZpsLLtrjW4SQ0dm6B-MGyikAjqcm6Vv5t1-rXS7VUVWNCt6mbjnW7_Yf0Q2MSXNB6TylWHPXGFwz1Qg/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Colleen%27s.jpg"/></a>
<P>From the store's web site: "This Mom (Vicki) + Pop (Kolin) shop has been in Medford Square since the 1990s. It was previously owned by the late Colleen Hallisey. Colleen turned a former Brigham's Ice Cream Shop into Colleen's and built a family-friendly, neighborhood space for people to enjoy for decades....Fun Fact: Kolin grew up in Medford and worked for Colleen throughout high school and college!"</P>
<P>I love that story. And I really like the clock out front of Colleen's.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy2LKn8Ge3ThV8iGBZBgdqcbwFMOkS8a6ggIoDhmZ_W2Joi2jvKRGGECwek0a8JbnNeq8g2O74hoTV9p8qVdHEbF8XM3ijeOXBcjUgagQcPB06jJtnzzOL6jPy23lrM997ieEs6tZRLBy5IyuNYMMCFDyhtyyee1CsWI5kT79fESNAMnCBw7qPDSQ2Q/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Colleen%27s%20clock.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqy2LKn8Ge3ThV8iGBZBgdqcbwFMOkS8a6ggIoDhmZ_W2Joi2jvKRGGECwek0a8JbnNeq8g2O74hoTV9p8qVdHEbF8XM3ijeOXBcjUgagQcPB06jJtnzzOL6jPy23lrM997ieEs6tZRLBy5IyuNYMMCFDyhtyyee1CsWI5kT79fESNAMnCBw7qPDSQ2Q/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Colleen%27s%20clock.jpg"/></a>
<P>Colleen's is located at 55-61 High Street, which was built in 1938, per MACRIS, and renovated in 1949 and 1953.</P>
<P>Continuing west along High Street, I spied a building that I figured might be an old armory.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKYOAIrMU-sB--9usb29IViUSlluJyEVex7S6f6DTPg00Lr4IPsxRUqDp4ICZohgeXEzQkxtkj6C4zZQNQ-yUSgvn9jOMI0NMpDd6wA8xZsedBp3Mstp2hq2CYmo0cDo7kjSErSAdJYcU6YpZY6J_OzSu_ZzweoEbF2_5cBhFSS3mADdeDT8klYU8CA/s2048/Medford%20Sq%2084%20High%20St.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKYOAIrMU-sB--9usb29IViUSlluJyEVex7S6f6DTPg00Lr4IPsxRUqDp4ICZohgeXEzQkxtkj6C4zZQNQ-yUSgvn9jOMI0NMpDd6wA8xZsedBp3Mstp2hq2CYmo0cDo7kjSErSAdJYcU6YpZY6J_OzSu_ZzweoEbF2_5cBhFSS3mADdeDT8klYU8CA/s400/Medford%20Sq%2084%20High%20St.jpg"/></a>
<P>But I was wrong. "Number 84-86 High Street...is a recently developed office condominium constructed in 1988," according to MACRIS. "The three-story, three bay, flat-roofed stucco building houses 10 offices. It stands in sharp contrast to its immediate neighbor to the west constructed 88 years before (the Lawrence Light Guard Armory, 90 High Street...), which it attempts to mimic through the use of details such as rounded bays, corner coins and arched windows, resulting in a highly characteristic expression of Post Modernism."</P>
<P>Well, at least I was in the ballpark. Below is the entrance to the <i>actual</i> old armory.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VwdCxws7HTO4UeSvfXP7QpU3bbcur-LEovl5ztJOeaSQV2h512UHXQkytyp5CCFtQcSeXdrfkdef9IdX72gfKuPqXEeh48tfiaiQt3v8HPVYTCaYGHUybllkOKfE1zVrPkOgjaIP0CJ56ZLc6A6jgiVc4ZpIWYePvKB88wnqFPWgV9KC3pzbLjEF_w/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20armory%20entrance.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VwdCxws7HTO4UeSvfXP7QpU3bbcur-LEovl5ztJOeaSQV2h512UHXQkytyp5CCFtQcSeXdrfkdef9IdX72gfKuPqXEeh48tfiaiQt3v8HPVYTCaYGHUybllkOKfE1zVrPkOgjaIP0CJ56ZLc6A6jgiVc4ZpIWYePvKB88wnqFPWgV9KC3pzbLjEF_w/s400/Medford%20Sq%20armory%20entrance.jpg"/></a>
<P>I wish I'd made a shot of the entire facade, because it's quite stunning. Below is a Google Street View image of the building.</P><br>
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<P>From MACRIS: "The Lawrence Light Guard Armory at 90 High Street is a tour-de-force of Romanesque styling in the guise of robust fortress architecture. Constructed in 1900, the building is massed in a seven-bay, three-story, hip-roofed 'T' with the top facing High Street at a slight setback. The main mass of the building is defined stylistically by its vigorous rusticated trim, while the body of the building is constructed of complementary buff brick. The recessed central entrance bay is flanked by full-height rounded bays that terminate in crenelated parapets with deep embrasures."</P>
<P>The old armory is home to many businesses these days.</P>
<P>As with the Amelia Earhart mural, the sign below stopped me in my tracks, not because of its stunning beauty, but because it confused me. "Why does Medford Square have a Shipyard Way?" I wondered.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR2lGqYtunK2fSUWVe87wjAfC5ejUKQALjFgI4QV9wQLwN-Ch_976BJgKRMaa9JxeXl5kGzj1tgg7CPUGsz09-Ud9gmjDQ4PZC6UYOEh1tSEeRRSTA4oezMCpyZUEP6Q16lTK-VP90cIv0M7Z_WskAQePw9ekvXaSUXm7yLAeoIsO2N3G_0lpEkz7lA/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Shipyard%20Way.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1421" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR2lGqYtunK2fSUWVe87wjAfC5ejUKQALjFgI4QV9wQLwN-Ch_976BJgKRMaa9JxeXl5kGzj1tgg7CPUGsz09-Ud9gmjDQ4PZC6UYOEh1tSEeRRSTA4oezMCpyZUEP6Q16lTK-VP90cIv0M7Z_WskAQePw9ekvXaSUXm7yLAeoIsO2N3G_0lpEkz7lA/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Shipyard%20Way.jpg"/></a>
<P>From the <a href="https://www.medfordhistorical.org/mapping-medford/walking-tours/brick-by-brick/">Medford Historical Society</a>: "Ship building began on Riverside Avenue, formerly known as Ship Street as early as 1631. The first shipyard in Medford was founded in 1802 by Thatcher Magoun of Pembroke. From 1802-1873, Medford Shipbuilders worked in 10 shipyards and built a total of 568 ships. By 1879, the shipping industry had died out and the street name was changed. The location for the ship yards was chosen because of its passage to Boston Harbor and its high tide depth could accommodate up to a 2,500 ton vessel."</P>
<P>Well, hot damn! The historical society indicates that there is a memorial to this shipbuilding past near Hormel Stadiium, southeast of the location of Shipyard Way. There were many other shipyards extending east from Medford Square along the Mystic River. Below is a shot of a foot bridge across the waterway, at Shipyard Way.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW_ic-8YzLvLTtjCbqFBT71Nje93N9NpDjNwAt7bICLBGSs8auNY-UPydvAYurAmhh_yKeyYPBjh2VjNHMkfbcZ4VzovkrxliCNE-tso6tyYPJGWMUvPSmT5eYprgnd-pHHzL9RGsb_TQQLKjM3zxjq_FyiC49e4PoT4EskqLBH1HugQ0QxB0jriybQ/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20Shipyard%20Way%20bridge.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW_ic-8YzLvLTtjCbqFBT71Nje93N9NpDjNwAt7bICLBGSs8auNY-UPydvAYurAmhh_yKeyYPBjh2VjNHMkfbcZ4VzovkrxliCNE-tso6tyYPJGWMUvPSmT5eYprgnd-pHHzL9RGsb_TQQLKjM3zxjq_FyiC49e4PoT4EskqLBH1HugQ0QxB0jriybQ/s400/Medford%20Sq%20Shipyard%20Way%20bridge.jpg"/></a>
<P>Below is a faded mural of ship under construction (I think), painted on the side of a retail building that faces Riverside Avenue and backs onto Clippership Drive.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUVu0T0dXbS2W220N9bK3jW0G5oub1bjHGxWZYtZ_AphAAiy2G3B_eLO0vyLwVEodhxVj_QacO0FyNQWdgpH3XuxA2wljAYlHd8FgrIDVn3XiOmayHOKFwDq_01Gh7JQT83cLuNtJgoDkmD-V4DYF9WZUlWAo6Lec7yV-SwOtWgopGPbMryxD1rcObw/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20ship%20mural.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUVu0T0dXbS2W220N9bK3jW0G5oub1bjHGxWZYtZ_AphAAiy2G3B_eLO0vyLwVEodhxVj_QacO0FyNQWdgpH3XuxA2wljAYlHd8FgrIDVn3XiOmayHOKFwDq_01Gh7JQT83cLuNtJgoDkmD-V4DYF9WZUlWAo6Lec7yV-SwOtWgopGPbMryxD1rcObw/s400/Medford%20Sq%20ship%20mural.jpg"/></a>
<P>In addition to the Mystic River, the Medford of olden times was serviced by the <a href="http://www.middlesexcanal.org">Middlesex Canal</a>. From the historical society: "In the beginning, Medford was to be the natural terminus of the canal. Boats and barges would continue down to Boston by the Mystic River. Later, when the canal was extended to Charlestown, the Medford supporters pushed for a direct connection to the river. So the branch canal was built in 1804. This made it possible for lumber from New Hampshire forests to come immediately into the village for the use of the new ship-building industry. This important industry flourished in Medford for a quarter of a century after the passing of the canal.</P>
<P>"Brick from the Medford brickyards went up the canal and helped to build mills in Lowell and New Hampshire. Who knows how many private houses up-country were built with these same bricks which came out of Medford’s claypits? Thus the Middlesex Canal played a significant part in Medford’s economic history during the nineteenth century.</P>
<P>I'm going to finish with two unsatisfying images of the the old Medford Square post office.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFwJNRM6YmBqq_N4x-GWFOZRjBysnM5ayIRzc4qe0xXsTS5-qri6oyngEJFF4OAm79Vpy2tSz8vTz4GyYXdmjVqfYI9QGR1EYjeyA8TL02zK4wpWPiOZEHDaRxsn1F6iEfXPllOqf0fU9C6aZw0J__uo5r_yW4uIZSdX_LzVy7w2-jLGvgB5g5-2inw/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20former%20PO.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFwJNRM6YmBqq_N4x-GWFOZRjBysnM5ayIRzc4qe0xXsTS5-qri6oyngEJFF4OAm79Vpy2tSz8vTz4GyYXdmjVqfYI9QGR1EYjeyA8TL02zK4wpWPiOZEHDaRxsn1F6iEfXPllOqf0fU9C6aZw0J__uo5r_yW4uIZSdX_LzVy7w2-jLGvgB5g5-2inw/s400/Medford%20Sq%20former%20PO.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkwklNGxotRJbgMKEQb2p-odSKORjpXItsRtIkasw0w07MogOxt48g81cA2ZqS89HVf2og3Zi52MJCQVwSBmhKwDFe5v_nZMpj-Yb2xhyrcksoCMCTyWQPQYpoHWzMggmpdEMwlbdsSUGIralv3ZJpJz8aZX1k_Jl-B8GbErEqxb8RL3X6Xd1EhVn2A/s2048/Medford%20Sq%20old%20PO.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigkwklNGxotRJbgMKEQb2p-odSKORjpXItsRtIkasw0w07MogOxt48g81cA2ZqS89HVf2og3Zi52MJCQVwSBmhKwDFe5v_nZMpj-Yb2xhyrcksoCMCTyWQPQYpoHWzMggmpdEMwlbdsSUGIralv3ZJpJz8aZX1k_Jl-B8GbErEqxb8RL3X6Xd1EhVn2A/s400/Medford%20Sq%20old%20PO.jpg"/></a>
<P>Currently home to several small businesses, the old post office dates to 1921, according to MACRIS. "This privately-constructed store and office building originally housed the Medford Post Office....The post office was not a tenant in this building for long. In the summer of 1938 the agency moved to a new WPA-financed building on Forest Street. Later that year owner Samuel Glass spent nearly $2000 converting the building to a store. Three years later owner Edward Nathanson added a one-story addition and new storefront to the front of the building. For many years in the late 20th century the building was occupied by the Lad and Lassie clothing shop."</P>
<P>And there you have Medford Square! Stay tuned for a few more posts about Medford.</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-41805701488237339562023-10-14T07:08:00.000-04:002023-10-14T07:08:52.274-04:00I Went to West Medford Square by Mistake...But That's OK<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P>I'm gonna be straight up with y'all. After walking around West Medford Square for a short while, I realized that I'd meant to go to Medford Square. Regardless, I found some interesting stuff in this neighborhood before making my way to the more hip and happening heart of the city of roughly 60,000 residents.</P>
<P>I wrote about the coolest building in West Medford Square many years ago (see December 26, 2018, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2018/12/rise-of-house-of-usher.html">"Rise of the House of Usher"</a>), although honestly I don't remember why I didn't explore the area more. No matter.</P>
<P>Let's start with that building, since I now can offer more, and more accurate, information about it, thanks to my pal MACRIS.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3XNZvq_fbFH0AasI6jQ91_Ye1rlae6o-AzrGxd4MjQi0UrgeHBFZBVYEcxP1vDgNXuffmtfvq3RCMsdP1Q3RWB3iBN90TXUdhNSxDrJQhh19LKLE22KNcQsb4780O0HSFuUSc8P0plr4t2OABspWL_y_QwjNXwyMTAY_Xcn6UrC5w56ypb-oYpGJw/s2048/W%20Medford%20Usher%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAX3XNZvq_fbFH0AasI6jQ91_Ye1rlae6o-AzrGxd4MjQi0UrgeHBFZBVYEcxP1vDgNXuffmtfvq3RCMsdP1Q3RWB3iBN90TXUdhNSxDrJQhh19LKLE22KNcQsb4780O0HSFuUSc8P0plr4t2OABspWL_y_QwjNXwyMTAY_Xcn6UrC5w56ypb-oYpGJw/s400/W%20Medford%20Usher%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>When I wrote about the Usher Block in late 2018, I speculated that the building was named for Henry Usher, a Medford resident who served in the Civil War. I believe I based that guess solely on a Google search for "Usher Block" and "Medford Ma" that brought up an article from the Medford Historical Society about Usher's unit, the Lawrence Light Guard.</P>
<P>It turns out that my speculation was wrong. "By 1893 the Usher Block was situated in its current location and ostensibly owned by James Usher," according to MACRIS. "By 1898 the property remained in the Usher family but was under the ownership of Elizabeth A. Usher....This building, visually prominent to rail passengers, is considered to be the 'most notable building' in West Medford and it is credited with stimulating an era of commercial development in the neighborhood....The Usher Block was designed by architect Edward P. Morse and built by James Usher....Morse was an architect of at least regional note. Between 1893 and 1900 Morse designed at least 17 buildings, 11 in Boston, five in Brookline and one, the Usher Block, in Medford."</P>
<P>Perhaps Henry was related to James and Elizabeth.</P>
<P>Looking southwest from the Usher Block, beyond the commuter rail tracks, you will see two nice old buildings along Harvard Avenue.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgpe6ouOmCYlOTMNGWU0l1bdXzVPvttM43GSi7Yf4yyftkg8K4eU8t6ghOEaezgUFSRjBUsZa5xUwkk72JZtN71PZPzQMT9LkiUmJLtGjD32MTkNPfR3qiMKdtszUx-FNfqBHScPF5oOApBcgJDz40FY9NiSHRkMQ17UagQnDi2x6-fLZzNLgfC6NVA/s2048/W%20Medford%20Sq%20two%20bldgs.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1186" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMgpe6ouOmCYlOTMNGWU0l1bdXzVPvttM43GSi7Yf4yyftkg8K4eU8t6ghOEaezgUFSRjBUsZa5xUwkk72JZtN71PZPzQMT9LkiUmJLtGjD32MTkNPfR3qiMKdtszUx-FNfqBHScPF5oOApBcgJDz40FY9NiSHRkMQ17UagQnDi2x6-fLZzNLgfC6NVA/s400/W%20Medford%20Sq%20two%20bldgs.jpg"/></a>
<P>On the left is the Holton Block, which was built in 1875; on the right is the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) Building, which dates to 1897. The former is named for Samuel S. Holton, "a proprietor of the land company selling lots and constructing dwellings in the Smith Estate subdivision between High Street and Mystic River," according to MACRIS. The building is the oldest surviving commercial building in the area.</P>
<P>As for the I.O.O.F. Building, it was also built by Holton's outfit for the local chapter of the <a href="https://odd-fellows.org">fraternal organization</a>. "Its yellow brick façade is textured and decorated in a highly stylish manner with an arcade of windows on the top story representing the location of the lodge hall," according to MACRIS. "There were three stores on the first floor along with a distinctive arched entry at the south end of the façade that provided access to the stairs leading up to the lodge. Apparently meeting halls were in great demand for lyceums, church services, fraternal organizations, and entertainment."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFytob-Ui4VuXBaMwQwO0oIPVPpeas7Ktq2F1ESjM0C1UPzC7ASlP0HLdm4g6c7UM5V_K_RDF-GBYQDd-Alkhe4HNArKBbc3d3kjshMTsX8UzNVjCnvs6oLFPNIxvfnBvm21sdUQAkRbGOdYXaSi4lkUmOUxhJi5L66rKwgNY6VCTyTo2FXwtwQ3zHA/s2048/West%20Medford%20Sq%20building.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFytob-Ui4VuXBaMwQwO0oIPVPpeas7Ktq2F1ESjM0C1UPzC7ASlP0HLdm4g6c7UM5V_K_RDF-GBYQDd-Alkhe4HNArKBbc3d3kjshMTsX8UzNVjCnvs6oLFPNIxvfnBvm21sdUQAkRbGOdYXaSi4lkUmOUxhJi5L66rKwgNY6VCTyTo2FXwtwQ3zHA/s400/West%20Medford%20Sq%20building.jpg"/></a>
<P>The Holton Block appears to be apartments now, while the Odd Fellows building is home to Medford Shoe Repair, Serenity Spa and, presumably, other small businesses.</P>
<P>Back on the north side of the railroad tracks, at 17 Playstead Road, is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089435352651">Lola's Coffee and More</a>, situated in an adorable little building.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtg897I79HTIYr6bm9vQbPVlATWuAZ1qPadKW8V5SelrKDgGyPYJmE9icobPqlorlrtWH99t07jTQbL187iXn5MqHs_mwQT8d0leOzYxZChIw8hiBhu-zRekDAJqjIv6bcx5ZY7RwVTcSx78H-EUz6djSL8GrAxX_zaesHGLUg_IfG6bM-_lo_zWnwjw/s2048/W%20Medford%20Lola%27s.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtg897I79HTIYr6bm9vQbPVlATWuAZ1qPadKW8V5SelrKDgGyPYJmE9icobPqlorlrtWH99t07jTQbL187iXn5MqHs_mwQT8d0leOzYxZChIw8hiBhu-zRekDAJqjIv6bcx5ZY7RwVTcSx78H-EUz6djSL8GrAxX_zaesHGLUg_IfG6bM-_lo_zWnwjw/s400/W%20Medford%20Lola%27s.jpg"/></a>
<P>Medford's assessor's database indicates this building, which is an outbuilding of the home at 1 Irving Street, dates to 1975, but I'm dubious. The home was built in 1900, supposedly. The Lola's spot has been home to a juice bar and a laundry service in recent years. I'd like to think it was a bus shelter or small train station at some point.</P>
<P>Along High Street, just to the east of the Usher Block, is the former home of West Medford Auto & Hardware.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGTUhFe3uRu8EEf97xaMiv5MKFbLbDpXKMgUse7XmtAyX0YbTlTYisoF2w88jIuExxnnxVp9uLRFowqRIRg4DKgBf8XTVLNp4oCCwgmCbiXqLKUNm4eiQrguK7KM7--y8BYEZPLv_OOKjc2onmIUzgPgDAUOdHhhm5VLExFWnG4WfR-mFy_78zt5USA/s2048/W%20Medford%20hardware%20front.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmGTUhFe3uRu8EEf97xaMiv5MKFbLbDpXKMgUse7XmtAyX0YbTlTYisoF2w88jIuExxnnxVp9uLRFowqRIRg4DKgBf8XTVLNp4oCCwgmCbiXqLKUNm4eiQrguK7KM7--y8BYEZPLv_OOKjc2onmIUzgPgDAUOdHhhm5VLExFWnG4WfR-mFy_78zt5USA/s400/W%20Medford%20hardware%20front.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFw8dGSP_fEIGYCd2ggOukCky0VDpNKVSFWrBS9fm7gjgJBYfZhzExbAwG63hsL6NhwpJ25apA-mYu6ZPKOis_UrgpFkNzTo8JibOJNNJzvOgw7U7ZzmLCmPQVjgtcA05WWZ1SXt_WSM7c-prsTiVv5p3lJKTzJ9YFVs63tQPVRK5YKzn3UG4n0c2NQ/s2048/W%20Medford%20old%20hardware%20AC%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihFw8dGSP_fEIGYCd2ggOukCky0VDpNKVSFWrBS9fm7gjgJBYfZhzExbAwG63hsL6NhwpJ25apA-mYu6ZPKOis_UrgpFkNzTo8JibOJNNJzvOgw7U7ZzmLCmPQVjgtcA05WWZ1SXt_WSM7c-prsTiVv5p3lJKTzJ9YFVs63tQPVRK5YKzn3UG4n0c2NQ/s400/W%20Medford%20old%20hardware%20AC%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm not sure how long the place was in business, but I'm guessing quite a long time. I don't know when it closed.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsQSWpsy0MPRorfZ5wpQ-gQfDjUH3LV0Rrm0ddtls4KQF4HGYqDcGC8aZnUAVExqwkEsR4UtcPoOYj-DMzWLvA2wTj8_0qqtpjbX0E5_hHK_C7qlk_5fjLaMqu1XAHDXFwQVHegsPEuXTryxQp8N0JwnPcueZni6qIJI8P0X3xvaiQOkRChBrM5jNYg/s2048/W%20Medford%20old%20hardware%20AC.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsQSWpsy0MPRorfZ5wpQ-gQfDjUH3LV0Rrm0ddtls4KQF4HGYqDcGC8aZnUAVExqwkEsR4UtcPoOYj-DMzWLvA2wTj8_0qqtpjbX0E5_hHK_C7qlk_5fjLaMqu1XAHDXFwQVHegsPEuXTryxQp8N0JwnPcueZni6qIJI8P0X3xvaiQOkRChBrM5jNYg/s400/W%20Medford%20old%20hardware%20AC.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTdxCM0iGGky54TW396MusAf6AwbsFFeU3aRR48tss8yKMiMi8ajiv1r0X-UOaYpULd04ChhZ5pkRsxV7D1LWyHWp6n4MDlnyf9YWi89B3ngOkRlS0X9g8LxU7Dgt_K4jcenm0wTxCoTHxjkeGVGedsLUo0b6b4GbwdIZiG5jysOuS5tCBrEVzskR-w/s2048/W%20Medford%20old%20hardware%20store%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkTdxCM0iGGky54TW396MusAf6AwbsFFeU3aRR48tss8yKMiMi8ajiv1r0X-UOaYpULd04ChhZ5pkRsxV7D1LWyHWp6n4MDlnyf9YWi89B3ngOkRlS0X9g8LxU7Dgt_K4jcenm0wTxCoTHxjkeGVGedsLUo0b6b4GbwdIZiG5jysOuS5tCBrEVzskR-w/s400/W%20Medford%20old%20hardware%20store%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>The building dates to 1928, and is still home to the <a href="https://gouldingschoolofirishdance.com">Goulding School of Irish Dance</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jBgLbLmq7vHjstH_Fi8GhzhYX2pIave700adElQcose_9xBNVrpIlql6DlQh9tTHm4Fnb3D_kEO0VYkmyAIjhjmErsfJr4DNsJ9oQa3s8uqv5opxlFbneRrgk07LcrwcPuVQRdvC7TzWDP892UtWgYRZv5ltIX8D77k5r8xDuXxx6SXQ82HFTjc4Lw/s2048/W%20Medford%20old%20hardware%20store.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jBgLbLmq7vHjstH_Fi8GhzhYX2pIave700adElQcose_9xBNVrpIlql6DlQh9tTHm4Fnb3D_kEO0VYkmyAIjhjmErsfJr4DNsJ9oQa3s8uqv5opxlFbneRrgk07LcrwcPuVQRdvC7TzWDP892UtWgYRZv5ltIX8D77k5r8xDuXxx6SXQ82HFTjc4Lw/s400/W%20Medford%20old%20hardware%20store.jpg"/></a>
<P>A few doors down, at the corner of High and Warren streets, is <a href="https://paulrevererestaurant.yolasite.com">Paul Revere Restaurant</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOROaR4_SXKX8UT38gUw9sg858Je3CpABzMQYdqDBoytzrE7C7zirhZgKo-Keh-qsHStqtCTPrNMqLE8YSWlGXGIvagpYORr282nxbsxq3QvHGp8YEUgZbsVkxPRpgaRm_1S2KgL5KuFr-wmZvftISa08UUtXuCyALVEKWrQ5DIb5nA9PbwYB7C6WK3g/s2048/W%20Medford%20Revere%20restaurant.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOROaR4_SXKX8UT38gUw9sg858Je3CpABzMQYdqDBoytzrE7C7zirhZgKo-Keh-qsHStqtCTPrNMqLE8YSWlGXGIvagpYORr282nxbsxq3QvHGp8YEUgZbsVkxPRpgaRm_1S2KgL5KuFr-wmZvftISa08UUtXuCyALVEKWrQ5DIb5nA9PbwYB7C6WK3g/s400/W%20Medford%20Revere%20restaurant.jpg"/></a>
<P>The one-story building, which includes several other storefronts, dates to 1916, according to MACRIS. As for the eatery, as of 2012 it retained "interior fixtures that appear consistent with the construction period," per MACRIS. I hope that's still true.
<P>Across High Street I spied one of my favorite things - a semi-clever salon name: <a href="http://hairskaren.com">Hair's Karen</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihygJ2uAIvpisWcHgXs_QHRwi3ftwx5-KF-QI5lo0cJALQ9G2kEJfmCb6b6Lf1a4fd5aoF4iqGK9ZuCzz-UCXYGfhUBCpW8N_3wbUHPuqViH8sLNYZMIQrLf2-ZOqARxgyynREfaVsexBW92RKb8TQZxucfOYuZDmz-eCDh3KzpHlbpbHSJP7p1Ny11Q/s2048/W%20Medford%20Hair%27s%20Karen.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1374" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihygJ2uAIvpisWcHgXs_QHRwi3ftwx5-KF-QI5lo0cJALQ9G2kEJfmCb6b6Lf1a4fd5aoF4iqGK9ZuCzz-UCXYGfhUBCpW8N_3wbUHPuqViH8sLNYZMIQrLf2-ZOqARxgyynREfaVsexBW92RKb8TQZxucfOYuZDmz-eCDh3KzpHlbpbHSJP7p1Ny11Q/s400/W%20Medford%20Hair%27s%20Karen.jpg"/></a>
<P>The hair cuttery is located in what's known as the Lieberman Block, which either dates to 1925 (MACRIS) or 1945 (assessor).</P>
<P>Heading south from <a href="https://i.redd.it/isi5d7wnunc51.jpg">Karen's place</a> on Canal Street, I spied a cool building at #18.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-85Iq1ktViBx-xPRomq033CBX7Pn8DKwg3X23rqDQ4xjhotFpcQ30OrqKbS5kZqc0M5XegwR3mFHDt0LqWK0jDw1YicyN8NEx3zxqk-U-30z7xCE08cNiLhoe0PRwb5kh0RTn-KW7CpfPKNAjq7LQWnQj3C5-1H9yGR539JOS2Q4MTgaOVILhHcFNGw/s2048/W%20Medford%20blue%20bldg.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1373" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-85Iq1ktViBx-xPRomq033CBX7Pn8DKwg3X23rqDQ4xjhotFpcQ30OrqKbS5kZqc0M5XegwR3mFHDt0LqWK0jDw1YicyN8NEx3zxqk-U-30z7xCE08cNiLhoe0PRwb5kh0RTn-KW7CpfPKNAjq7LQWnQj3C5-1H9yGR539JOS2Q4MTgaOVILhHcFNGw/s400/W%20Medford%20blue%20bldg.jpg"/></a>
<P>This cinder block building started life in 1929 as dwelling, according to MACRIS. It was "adapted and enlarged for a small manufacturing facility identified in 1936 as Hydraulic Development Corp., makers of pipe joint filling for clay sewer pipe lines."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CGRhT60ej1a7ppIg955JVD6i6mSGRiarDi8x_RtQBCqXhoVGZEfdB-Adgp58PyTvbAqExeNfBEZ-kgJ0HCL0M2Zy8J3uOIsArhD3RoxA_y31dGfZntxdnGDpAktR_vFdvnzRs0_Fw66JdxcZ3oO4OrlfNjzBW6fymHreGKWL-kGG7523fpTzcoDK8Q/s2048/W%20Medford%20blue%20bldg%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CGRhT60ej1a7ppIg955JVD6i6mSGRiarDi8x_RtQBCqXhoVGZEfdB-Adgp58PyTvbAqExeNfBEZ-kgJ0HCL0M2Zy8J3uOIsArhD3RoxA_y31dGfZntxdnGDpAktR_vFdvnzRs0_Fw66JdxcZ3oO4OrlfNjzBW6fymHreGKWL-kGG7523fpTzcoDK8Q/s400/W%20Medford%20blue%20bldg%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm not sure what goes on here these days. The building is owned by an outfit named Mass-Flex Research, Inc., which was founded in 1972, and manufactures "helically wound monocoil sheathings that are rugged, flexible, protective casings fabricated with application-specific preferred combinations of materials."</P>
<P>If you can explain that to me, I will pay you one American dollar.</P>
<P>Make sure to check back for my review of Medford Square!</P>
Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-81644010416325994852023-10-07T07:30:00.000-04:002023-10-07T07:30:21.210-04:00Wrapping Up the Christmas Tree Shops<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<P><center><b>Alternatve headlines:</b></center>
<P><i>The Year Without a Christmas Tree Shop</i></P>
<P><i>Do They Know the Christmas Tree Shops Are Closed?</i></P>
<P><i>It's the Least Wonderful Time of the Year</i></P>
<P><i>Happy Xmas (The Christmas Tree Shops is Over)</i></P>
<P><i>Run Rudolph Run (Oh, Nevermind, the Christmas Tree Shops Are Closed)</i></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwB2vyzJyUSjrxqIO69n88LPETz5fmMBXe7vzuv4nlLR1-MawI8a9DuXYUHajaGphpdT1oAZ3Mh9Uny66ytiWOMd7Wf1pwYyV_j0OLhSO-12M2yBVXj06Mupzo1mnxfpTnejN9Ur_SxsMKvHJFNu2QJlB5-VztguiPSRl-PWbpdnqDctgUI82zCcniooy/s2048/Christmas%20Tree%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1402" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwB2vyzJyUSjrxqIO69n88LPETz5fmMBXe7vzuv4nlLR1-MawI8a9DuXYUHajaGphpdT1oAZ3Mh9Uny66ytiWOMd7Wf1pwYyV_j0OLhSO-12M2yBVXj06Mupzo1mnxfpTnejN9Ur_SxsMKvHJFNu2QJlB5-VztguiPSRl-PWbpdnqDctgUI82zCcniooy/s400/Christmas%20Tree%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>Maybe there was a labor dispute with the toymakers of the North Pole. Or a rift between executives about whether to expand their market to include items celebrating <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krampus">Krampus</a>. Maybe it was all due to a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festivus">Festivus</a> celebration that got out of hand. Whatever the reason, the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas_Tree_Shops">Christmas Tree Shops</a> retail chain closed all of its outlets earlier this year.</P>
<P>I never set foot in one of the company's stores -- there were 72 at the peak of success, located in 20 states, mostly in the Northeast. In addition to the expected Christmas-y crap, the store sold bargain items such as food, household furnishings and toys. I drove past perhaps the most iconic of the shops, just over the Sagamore Bridge in Bourne, Mass., many times. I got a kick out of the faux-European barn/chalet architecture, which looked so out of place along Cape Cod Route 6.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RHKulpV1oaDzsqqwxIqumu0GxT0SPEYxEatCp7tNt7KOsGDiScDNSmNSGCVtC7GmrZ7dItoW2FOGAicr_g5ZvN0RYYae6BGHCST35Cy01yqqSLMh4ptuzb6y4fn32RH7hvvj01NTueKSIJ6CxzSIQMeFEFrs6oJf86nfhhDdg7LXHfb3YrdTsr40lTy8/s2048/Xmas%20Tree%20facade.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RHKulpV1oaDzsqqwxIqumu0GxT0SPEYxEatCp7tNt7KOsGDiScDNSmNSGCVtC7GmrZ7dItoW2FOGAicr_g5ZvN0RYYae6BGHCST35Cy01yqqSLMh4ptuzb6y4fn32RH7hvvj01NTueKSIJ6CxzSIQMeFEFrs6oJf86nfhhDdg7LXHfb3YrdTsr40lTy8/s400/Xmas%20Tree%20facade.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvIhJew2_KThQ0Snsa23nGvujILHxIAzCd_1pDXmlwbJqEOQl83gyjyLlp13UsCeIBapc7uvkJuP1K64zr9oP53SSBsWu-cRtUfBytM84GLx42Lq1JuX-nJv8DvKw4ZWwIxB3hDL9Kmc_mRvnQvIbNr1Awfy2dRu97HUVmn4XpbzyeOzdzvTso0B99cK0/s2048/Xmas%20Tree%20odd%20door.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVvIhJew2_KThQ0Snsa23nGvujILHxIAzCd_1pDXmlwbJqEOQl83gyjyLlp13UsCeIBapc7uvkJuP1K64zr9oP53SSBsWu-cRtUfBytM84GLx42Lq1JuX-nJv8DvKw4ZWwIxB3hDL9Kmc_mRvnQvIbNr1Awfy2dRu97HUVmn4XpbzyeOzdzvTso0B99cK0/s400/Xmas%20Tree%20odd%20door.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq2Vll7IIprOTXP-BeKwo1eo5AlJXK88G6jVLm6_ymqqj6A9G1f0ggRfl_hidQEMPACiU8vbJiA8qUgocZirjfo-tiPFhWsnzt1gB7MRD0xyAITA4x67yDDZGoykZW-1a2HotEZw4qJ-AD_Pz4Km2M0Z7CxWO4c_rI2Vh0fUPQY9u3wfmihkw5fWtFRK0/s2048/Xmas%20Tree%20roof%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbq2Vll7IIprOTXP-BeKwo1eo5AlJXK88G6jVLm6_ymqqj6A9G1f0ggRfl_hidQEMPACiU8vbJiA8qUgocZirjfo-tiPFhWsnzt1gB7MRD0xyAITA4x67yDDZGoykZW-1a2HotEZw4qJ-AD_Pz4Km2M0Z7CxWO4c_rI2Vh0fUPQY9u3wfmihkw5fWtFRK0/s400/Xmas%20Tree%20roof%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P>Built in 1984 (a big part of me wishes it was 1894), the store wasn't the flagship of the retail chain, but its design set the tone for how some future outlets would look. The store in Pembroke, Mass., for instance, looks like a fraternal twin to the Bourne outlet. Wikipedia indicates that "[m]ost stores typically resembled older buildings (Colonial, Victorian, or even Old English barn styles, such as in Sagamore and Pembroke, Massachusetts; and Warwick, Rhode Island). Some, such as the Lynnfield, Massachusetts store, were even more conceptualized; that store was known for its lighthouse and fishing village motif."</P>
<P>The Bourne property -- 4.2 acres and including a large parking lot and a windmill (!) -- was assessed at $3.5 million this year.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRKq3Whg8GSsC1Z_WhNdX6eqaGHDj1B2pF4O0fMls_NhZDKCDTwD0x5wG8kyj5EH4JP-GlOeNm_V0AawdII9NzNOBLU3p7s6r0cuJ_DJfx6Yirf2D1Hpw4SrcObY192NX6H1QY9t-MnNhDoFg_lXPxzTl-zHKOe8gSGR3GG5Sp0fZIJzvzzTc0bij7kt_/s2048/Xmas%20Tree%20windmill%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFRKq3Whg8GSsC1Z_WhNdX6eqaGHDj1B2pF4O0fMls_NhZDKCDTwD0x5wG8kyj5EH4JP-GlOeNm_V0AawdII9NzNOBLU3p7s6r0cuJ_DJfx6Yirf2D1Hpw4SrcObY192NX6H1QY9t-MnNhDoFg_lXPxzTl-zHKOe8gSGR3GG5Sp0fZIJzvzzTc0bij7kt_/s400/Xmas%20Tree%20windmill%202.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pdClM6aT4v6BXbq-bUt9BZGo_qcyk67iO5nI6Ls2ZfKP1rzJJ704Es6K1J-V3RkFRI1BCm_U95WNsn8y6Z0VXpz7qTJ2ZO0IQHkRMWD6xtBq7EbshdpwHyX_hLV1IySBuELY3gverEYzVvVNmF7cTWkk30Ej1V09bYC0n-kgYW-s-a_Hz9MWGkKghgHD/s2048/Xmas%20Tree%20windmill%20window.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pdClM6aT4v6BXbq-bUt9BZGo_qcyk67iO5nI6Ls2ZfKP1rzJJ704Es6K1J-V3RkFRI1BCm_U95WNsn8y6Z0VXpz7qTJ2ZO0IQHkRMWD6xtBq7EbshdpwHyX_hLV1IySBuELY3gverEYzVvVNmF7cTWkk30Ej1V09bYC0n-kgYW-s-a_Hz9MWGkKghgHD/s400/Xmas%20Tree%20windmill%20window.jpg"/></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmvjwcDxbpuudUhxV9iKYdAxXo0qEp82JeSCZXLFmJMHcExCWvulz5Z-iuszn0ZeQowcdVOzsGYShbHkbi-42yDSoB9BgrAraBSLcBcSBO8Tu7qwlkQF0orjQzgvYNIUTot0tfbzKEhLTkWjyEZJWSz-P11VHLt8YPAAM8_copgGCzwoeK-2cOA__uweE/s2048/Xmas%20Tree%20windmill.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWmvjwcDxbpuudUhxV9iKYdAxXo0qEp82JeSCZXLFmJMHcExCWvulz5Z-iuszn0ZeQowcdVOzsGYShbHkbi-42yDSoB9BgrAraBSLcBcSBO8Tu7qwlkQF0orjQzgvYNIUTot0tfbzKEhLTkWjyEZJWSz-P11VHLt8YPAAM8_copgGCzwoeK-2cOA__uweE/s400/Xmas%20Tree%20windmill.jpg"/></a>
<P>The windmill added to the rustic European charm, and is remembered fondly by folks at <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/CapeCod/comments/cwb8nr/christmas_tree_shops_on_6_near_the_sagamore_bridge/">this Reddit thread</a>. "As far as I know, it's always been a Christmas Tree Shop and built that way to fit in with the location. I'm now in my 30's and remember watching the windmill turning from the inside when my mom took me shopping there as a kid," recalled moosetopenguin.</P>
<P>At one time, and perhaps still, the topper on the main buildng was the largest thatched roof in the world. The store's owners hired craftsmen from Ireland to do the job, from accounts I've seen online.</P>
<P>The roots of the Christmas Tree Shops are on Cape Cod. "What became known as Christmas Tree Shop began as an idea of Charles and Alyce Matthews of Yarmouth Port," according to the <a href="http://christophersetterlund.blogspot.com/2020/03/in-their-footsteps-cape-cod-history_26.html">In My Footsteps blog</a>. "In July 1946 33-year-old Charles and 37-year-old Alyce came to the Cape from New York. They purchased a home and a small store at the corner of Willow Street and Route 6A in Yarmouth Port that had previously been a grocery store owned by Harry Davidson."</P>
<P><b>(I found <a href="https://bsmib.org/news/how-christmas-tree-shops-got-its-holiday-themed-name/">another write-up</a> about the history of the company, in which the couple is referred to as "Mark and Alice Mathews." Sigh....a quick search turned up a few sources using either set of names, but clearly originating from these stories I've linked above. The In My Footsteps article seems to be more well-researched than the other.)</b></P>
<P>Regardless, here's the quick story after those two people started the business: The husband and wife team expanded the Yarmouth site by taking over some other space, and renaming the new store The Christmas Tree Shop. In 1961 the couple lost the store through a bankruptcy proceeding. In 1970, Charles and Doreen Bilezikian purchased the store, and within a few years had opened other outlets on the Cape. At one point, the company purchased the Cape Cod Coliseum to use as a warehouse (!).</P>
<P>In 2003, the Bilezikians sold out to Bed Bath & Beyond. "Under Bed Bath & Beyond, the chain began to expand beyond New England, arriving in Bed Bath & Beyond's native New Jersey, followed by Delaware and Pennsylvania," according to Wikipedia. "The chain entered the Midwest, with stores in Michigan and Ohio."</P>
<P>In late 2020, BB&B sold Christmas Tree Shops to Handil Holdings, a private company. Wikipedia brings us to the sad ending, the coal in the stocking if you will:</P>
<P>"On May 4, 2023...Christmas Tree Shops announced that it was preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection; the chain and its parent company, Handil Holdings, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy the next day....Ten underperforming stores were closed following the filing, in hopes of allowing the company to restructure operations and emerge from bankruptcy by August. However, after the company defaulted on a loan used for its restructuring, it was eventually announced that unless a buyer could be found for the chain by July 5, the chain would liquidate and close all remaining stores. With no buyer found, liquidation sales began at all stores nationwide on July 7, with gift cards and coupons being honored through July 21."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJSWJOxmUNEw7N0rWr2KDoDKyupAGdAUA4bSFMBnG2MISnPDEiCtPGv1QidPea7MrFRkxkFlwgnG-oP_63A-9nFI_JXtyNopOvkhkd6qj1GU5obt-muGrN0EkTHf49Mdkp-KcGN3By2wBG1PM_YguMTrh-yUQb4K8I8vI0F3LbhlvUibO_i72nzmhiCxR/s2048/Xmas%20Tree%20entrance.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJSWJOxmUNEw7N0rWr2KDoDKyupAGdAUA4bSFMBnG2MISnPDEiCtPGv1QidPea7MrFRkxkFlwgnG-oP_63A-9nFI_JXtyNopOvkhkd6qj1GU5obt-muGrN0EkTHf49Mdkp-KcGN3By2wBG1PM_YguMTrh-yUQb4K8I8vI0F3LbhlvUibO_i72nzmhiCxR/s400/Xmas%20Tree%20entrance.jpg"/></a>
<P>So what has become of this building since it was abandoned by Santa Claus? As Boston.com put it in its <a href="https://www.boston.com/news/business/2023/08/04/iconic-christmas-tree-shops-location-will-become-exactly-what-you-probably-think-it-will/">headline for a story</a> about the new tenant, "Iconic Christmas Tree Shops location will become...Exactly what you probably think it will: Christmas is out, Halloween is in."</P>
<P>Yes, <a href="https://www.spirithalloween.com">Spirit Halloween</a> has replaced wreaths and bows and stockings and non-holiday junk with fake blood, sexy nun costumes and decorations designed to scare the crap out of you.</P>
<P>For more about the town of Bourne, see:</P>
<P>July 23, 2022, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2022/07/bourne-on-7th-of-july.html">"Bourne On the 7th of July"</a></P>
<P>August 11, 2020, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2020/08/what-you-find-when-you-go-down-depot.html">"What You Find When You Go Down Depot Road"</a></P>
<P>July 19, 2020, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2020/07/kickin-it-old-school-house.html">"Kickin' It Old School-house"</a></P>
<P>July 20, 2017, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2017/07/circling-buzzards-bay.html">"Circling Buzzards Bay"</a></P>
<P>October 3, 2016, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2016/10/bourne-identity.html">"Bourne Identity."</a></P>
<P>August 5, 2010, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2010/08/dark-side-of-motel.html">"Dark Side of the Motel"</a></P>
<P>July 28, 2010, <a href="https://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2010/07/two-hearts-beat-as-one.html">"Two Hearts Beat As One"</a></P>Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629858920757220856.post-91078526248354879132023-09-30T09:20:00.000-04:002023-09-30T09:20:22.785-04:00A Nutty Trip to See Some Signs in Everett<P><b>From Dave Brigham:</b></P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyZhDMqYbKQBCvvEFwaFU3Zumsfdc84zviYndrYAFLpMyDc1I4Em1Vm4y6hLqHS1GiJ1TDfir-WlWH4BF6EBVl54w-C615wE7TQhyzSgYg3CnA6tRMBpv4l_jZk3FxU6capi9chcgol-ucezIkV0MHlQpfnf9Vzs84kOd0fiht0C5ShiqPrnT9s6hhA/s2048/Teddie%20No%201.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpyZhDMqYbKQBCvvEFwaFU3Zumsfdc84zviYndrYAFLpMyDc1I4Em1Vm4y6hLqHS1GiJ1TDfir-WlWH4BF6EBVl54w-C615wE7TQhyzSgYg3CnA6tRMBpv4l_jZk3FxU6capi9chcgol-ucezIkV0MHlQpfnf9Vzs84kOd0fiht0C5ShiqPrnT9s6hhA/s400/Teddie%20No%201.jpg"/></a>
<P>Peanut butter is a staple of my life, and has been as long as I can remember. I ate it for lunch all through elementary school and junior and senior high. I eat it most days for lunch as a 50-something. In recent months, I became stuck on <a href="https://teddie.com">Teddie</a> brand peanut butter, particularly the Super Chunky variety. So when I learned that the company that manufactures this nutty delight, the Leavitt Corporation, makes peanut butter and nut products in Everett, less than 15 miles from my house, I knew I had to make a pilgrimage. Seeing folks on Instagram post photos of the company's amazing sign on the rooftop of its factory convinced me to move that trek up my list of places to visit.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9TQp92L0iTqDUjHLxpiDLgMC6Vg3Sd9ERxkJrA9K3MU4adIWudk9jO_vXqRa4Sest5nOp3_TWfBAByDcmEnNOJuMuclYj8yQZOrBVc61iTVTTYoDyMqTDuNPwVfFE7eJnbtw1PKde-NWCQj9gsqhD5B-HVMvXcxDK1e0vYWXgPuG7DP71sJLFVaBGg/s2048/Teddie%20No%203.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9TQp92L0iTqDUjHLxpiDLgMC6Vg3Sd9ERxkJrA9K3MU4adIWudk9jO_vXqRa4Sest5nOp3_TWfBAByDcmEnNOJuMuclYj8yQZOrBVc61iTVTTYoDyMqTDuNPwVfFE7eJnbtw1PKde-NWCQj9gsqhD5B-HVMvXcxDK1e0vYWXgPuG7DP71sJLFVaBGg/s400/Teddie%20No%203.jpg"/></a>
<P>Founded in 1925 in Boston by Armenian immigrant Michael Hintlian, the Leavitt Corporation moved to Everett in 1960. Located near the Malden River in a formerly industrial neigthborhood now populated by craft breweries, a small distillery and new apartments, the maker of my favorite peanut butter is still run by the Hintlian family.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UHRGXnDnKp1Y38huL2Gi_6JOCG9WTUIRMKcYojjtDJHheTM3HTVpPniskZt_1lhZB7TYlZQXNY1Q3ZaO828CtLrMNXsqL3DL2mN33dcASchaUQPLazV6rm_z38535gPQRpo7pFm-zUV_7GJX3MI6bAyN4gRv74sJax9SEQsBsqP6pQpi_w2vOwF35g/s2048/Teddie%20No%205.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1188" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1UHRGXnDnKp1Y38huL2Gi_6JOCG9WTUIRMKcYojjtDJHheTM3HTVpPniskZt_1lhZB7TYlZQXNY1Q3ZaO828CtLrMNXsqL3DL2mN33dcASchaUQPLazV6rm_z38535gPQRpo7pFm-zUV_7GJX3MI6bAyN4gRv74sJax9SEQsBsqP6pQpi_w2vOwF35g/s400/Teddie%20No%205.jpg"/></a>
<P>Isn't that sign just amazing?! I should come back and night and make photos of it lit up.</P>
<P>After paying my respects to Teddie, I wandered east toward Main Street. As I walked along Tileston Street and across the bridge over the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Strand_Community_Trail">Northern Strand Community Trail</a>, I spied an old building that looked promising. And boy was it ever.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhgCCzZ5YvMrIyv-fG0ZGu736mD711Jwgj8k2kDOlfNM7ernGSmTO9jAMbt3AvA_2pFisgMEINX0DWhtyaqKEfNzHKtY4pELtNtTiMm6akPvKOR20Wa4Stln7P-M_0A7mVQ-LvyLsbIWLANL_He9I0dKtRYffETr33_QHPTCrKMWFBa6RzJgHylgkog/s2048/Everett%20ghost%20No%201.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhgCCzZ5YvMrIyv-fG0ZGu736mD711Jwgj8k2kDOlfNM7ernGSmTO9jAMbt3AvA_2pFisgMEINX0DWhtyaqKEfNzHKtY4pELtNtTiMm6akPvKOR20Wa4Stln7P-M_0A7mVQ-LvyLsbIWLANL_He9I0dKtRYffETr33_QHPTCrKMWFBa6RzJgHylgkog/s400/Everett%20ghost%20No%201.jpg"/></a>
<P>I got a great vantage point from an apartment building's parking lot on Laurel Street, but I have no idea what this sign (signs?) says.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9rWD8YXkS3dbnIK2gssf-U1LNtNrbalvaJaXkhcaFzaDAiOa2tRNA-ljE3YIZAQvTX1o0zMl0fXuG5a0M2DcwzzPBY037BmuzVs7lqQ_mWGolYhVztE4lkknxNtqsOIWjA7Ma9JfH5Yy6ezQB9tnxBSyjcevhGnGcP3ReknvfHz-b8rMYg3wQ9YcAQ/s2048/Everett%20ghost%20No%202.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip9rWD8YXkS3dbnIK2gssf-U1LNtNrbalvaJaXkhcaFzaDAiOa2tRNA-ljE3YIZAQvTX1o0zMl0fXuG5a0M2DcwzzPBY037BmuzVs7lqQ_mWGolYhVztE4lkknxNtqsOIWjA7Ma9JfH5Yy6ezQB9tnxBSyjcevhGnGcP3ReknvfHz-b8rMYg3wQ9YcAQ/s400/Everett%20ghost%20No%202.jpg"/></a>
<P>I'm always happy to see a relic.</P>
<P>Main Street in the western quadrant of Everett is filled with small businesses of all sorts, from restaurants and bars to hardware stores and driving schools. I quickly realized that I should focus on signs along this drag. The first one to catch my eye was at <a href="https://brazukastore.com">Brazuka Store</a> at the corner of Parlin Street.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV-_Tky0umMvzfnmNy6Wn77WD38pfP-dd4nVlwKLTlyeIy_I3quIzod5gfBawJd3kTaPahUPwK74D9ODefH4S1Ogyr4RcPJP7jmKFcF_0W_T3dgCqMYUxbFUaZRRYExCJs54Bux-5w35nwTvuWT8uqcFwTjNgjrrw6Q7URcYOTtsNl47mRrCM466Oow/s2048/Everett%20Brazuka%20Store.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkV-_Tky0umMvzfnmNy6Wn77WD38pfP-dd4nVlwKLTlyeIy_I3quIzod5gfBawJd3kTaPahUPwK74D9ODefH4S1Ogyr4RcPJP7jmKFcF_0W_T3dgCqMYUxbFUaZRRYExCJs54Bux-5w35nwTvuWT8uqcFwTjNgjrrw6Q7URcYOTtsNl47mRrCM466Oow/s400/Everett%20Brazuka%20Store.jpg"/></a>
<P>The store's name translates from Brazilian Portuguese as "Arm in Arm." The little shop with the bold color scheme sells bathing suits, perfumes, health and beauty products and more.</P>
<P>At the corner of Bellingham Avenue, I dug the sign for Everett Supply/True Value Hardware.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-nHIx-6HiErPYrspRySXPuhu2gOrCZwqWXtB27SXOsee7IR6El8vijTH2HGd1HkBteDQbPpjTJDCAfhG8T0ahQcKF1miXrlQQ4ADKFqsiqVrb0mGPPr22VVi_N5aurPwyAz03B5ZRg7mteqxIsVDmi13jXn6tPJoqLhFX2K3sJH44MVAqPo8hpa94A/s2048/Everett%20Paint%20Store.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz-nHIx-6HiErPYrspRySXPuhu2gOrCZwqWXtB27SXOsee7IR6El8vijTH2HGd1HkBteDQbPpjTJDCAfhG8T0ahQcKF1miXrlQQ4ADKFqsiqVrb0mGPPr22VVi_N5aurPwyAz03B5ZRg7mteqxIsVDmi13jXn6tPJoqLhFX2K3sJH44MVAqPo8hpa94A/s400/Everett%20Paint%20Store.jpg"/></a>
<P>I like the red and white sign with "Kyanize Paints" at the top. That term caught my eye because while researching varnish companies I mention in a post about a recent jaunt through neighboring Chelsea, I learned that Kyanize Paints once operated a large factory in Everett and was one of the largest and best-known independent makers of paints and varnishes (see September 2, <a href="http://backsideofamerica.blogspot.com/2023/09/i-dont-want-to-go-to-chelseaoh-wait-yes.html">"I Don't Want to Go to Chelsea...Oh Wait, Yes I Do"</a>).</P>
<P>Next up, <a href="https://www.henrysautoschool.com">Henry's Auto School</a>.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv3WB9eIqkO8OEa9KZODMQ15YxZeY-zzI7Iiz-ZsoNXEYXEHBtgXYyBFI5rsrmNZCcWdsbt2zzkX92xkEa341NP75GQcjh_ThCgBkkKU7PCmVTllW6taBTfJR7gjxn76C86wYiLZOFFw23ULwbBO0-h9C0I6ubFIJKa4J7HdUkNyeYXP5wP2obSkhKQ/s2048/Everett%20Auto%20School.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbv3WB9eIqkO8OEa9KZODMQ15YxZeY-zzI7Iiz-ZsoNXEYXEHBtgXYyBFI5rsrmNZCcWdsbt2zzkX92xkEa341NP75GQcjh_ThCgBkkKU7PCmVTllW6taBTfJR7gjxn76C86wYiLZOFFw23ULwbBO0-h9C0I6ubFIJKa4J7HdUkNyeYXP5wP2obSkhKQ/s400/Everett%20Auto%20School.jpg"/></a>
<P>In business since 1938, the company is a third-generation, family-owned operation.</P>
<P>How could I resist the bold and regal sign for<a href="https://www.zuzumomo.com"> Zuzu Momo</a>, a restaurant with the goal of bringing Nepali cuisine to an "increasingly diverse neighborhood."</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrT_x-uytpWtnujAUKDrSuq4-R_RNX-abyItFoDrRX9yIGYYiTcGBO4cZiKGMoD4mIgSMZ4TeZ3NaqWsiNOY9XMkASg6gJTnO5xtJ5CFv036Il-BJYeayb_898ybb7T6HM0fCcHKZCIMb1MVaZS7fvyReBsUNOf1UkMn-8vP1MeJZ3sOtCQ6hMJO1sQ/s2048/Everett%20Zuzu%20MoMo.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigrT_x-uytpWtnujAUKDrSuq4-R_RNX-abyItFoDrRX9yIGYYiTcGBO4cZiKGMoD4mIgSMZ4TeZ3NaqWsiNOY9XMkASg6gJTnO5xtJ5CFv036Il-BJYeayb_898ybb7T6HM0fCcHKZCIMb1MVaZS7fvyReBsUNOf1UkMn-8vP1MeJZ3sOtCQ6hMJO1sQ/s400/Everett%20Zuzu%20MoMo.jpg"/></a>
<P>On the side of <a href="https://www.mainstreetwineimports.com">Main Street Wine Imports</a> is a sign that looks fairly old.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLReZsjcG3vCW5zCLLsqyx7TV3su9jzz6gIldPal8E3HdJr7mw14kenA0D-kXrZ7ysTClgc20ESdQ0WzzGZqJ8s-bX2CGBkffTCRLyN4ABsyjwDq7SayknAvEfRo80EiXNhHie-3Rln__6hm88AEbnTbwRFcG3_PUWhavkKKLa67K8GK2GhEY2f3rVQ/s2048/Everett%20Kappy%27s%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1506" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfLReZsjcG3vCW5zCLLsqyx7TV3su9jzz6gIldPal8E3HdJr7mw14kenA0D-kXrZ7ysTClgc20ESdQ0WzzGZqJ8s-bX2CGBkffTCRLyN4ABsyjwDq7SayknAvEfRo80EiXNhHie-3Rln__6hm88AEbnTbwRFcG3_PUWhavkKKLa67K8GK2GhEY2f3rVQ/s400/Everett%20Kappy%27s%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://kappys.com">Kappy's</a> is a fourth-generation, local liquor-store chain, with 11 locations in Massachusetts. Kappy's doesn't have a store in Everett, but evidently it used to. So I guess that makes that a ghost sign.</P>
<P>I like the inspirational monument and flags in somebody's front yard along Main Street, shown below...</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV_2BZi0ml662fAiBx3oNApoLAFuc3N2bTwMc_XECyGuOV6rM-oKRjSIvGJeFQkzWeMVoOAKSvtsSaZ3qv1nR6NoBcbHerFKGh_7LlXE4lbqU3CqfasgTE0eIikNdEvzrTJwyMDktGandGLjfQbGvDv5tUWcQ6_8uZpSUy9H6vZfxYAoiNbnZrMUKgw/s2048/Emerson%20quote.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxV_2BZi0ml662fAiBx3oNApoLAFuc3N2bTwMc_XECyGuOV6rM-oKRjSIvGJeFQkzWeMVoOAKSvtsSaZ3qv1nR6NoBcbHerFKGh_7LlXE4lbqU3CqfasgTE0eIikNdEvzrTJwyMDktGandGLjfQbGvDv5tUWcQ6_8uZpSUy9H6vZfxYAoiNbnZrMUKgw/s400/Emerson%20quote.jpg"/></a>
<P>...but I'm annoyed a little bit about the inaccuracy. The correct quote from <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/ralph-waldo-emerson">Ralph Waldo Emerson</a> is: “It is not the length of life, but the depth of life." The second half of that quote from the poet and philosopher reads: "He who is not everyday conquering some fear has not learned the secret of life."</P>
<P>I didn't find the sign for <a href="https://lillysfreshpasta.com">Lilly's Fresh Pasta</a> especially attractive, but I like that it's the first time I've seen the word "gastronomia" on a sign.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdjFjNN05M_ryaGBlKYhVdi1ZIbC4hk2UotG9_-sWUThOxjMLNqVmGblcR9_Ns4WhnV7W4EZ6H5TCCfjbxLoEPTpvFPlO57kFYqgtLXovfHH9QfIoNPq_STwtfMZ9FYtybKoK-RbWYwzP5rRE3Q3e2TQcoMfMTD0Enkvc4uIrftOGaQR1l3yfejzDBw/s2048/Gastronomia%20Italiana.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifdjFjNN05M_ryaGBlKYhVdi1ZIbC4hk2UotG9_-sWUThOxjMLNqVmGblcR9_Ns4WhnV7W4EZ6H5TCCfjbxLoEPTpvFPlO57kFYqgtLXovfHH9QfIoNPq_STwtfMZ9FYtybKoK-RbWYwzP5rRE3Q3e2TQcoMfMTD0Enkvc4uIrftOGaQR1l3yfejzDBw/s400/Gastronomia%20Italiana.jpg"/></a>
<P>Italian immmigrant Lilly D'Alelio has operated the store since 1986. I strongly encourage you to read the couple's full backstory <a href="https://lillysfreshpasta.com/lillys-story/">here</a>.</P>
<P>I'm guessing that Regina's Liquors has been around a loooooong time.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh51FJ2SHtoD-PqjvFvzAyKSFt0yxs_vA31UM81FxXin8JcKBMVHehNr1RstYqmDj9rQrWnC1atFPkmJX9WV7JpsN9edbqtKqmEoHVeIttBrv3VBNXgppBlb3nRNm1gorDnlbTSJXfxJ4kLxTBKxIKvVRmXqcEH6EgQo2vq25DJVLdQ8bvZPU_gsXe4Q/s2048/Everett%20Regina%20store.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh51FJ2SHtoD-PqjvFvzAyKSFt0yxs_vA31UM81FxXin8JcKBMVHehNr1RstYqmDj9rQrWnC1atFPkmJX9WV7JpsN9edbqtKqmEoHVeIttBrv3VBNXgppBlb3nRNm1gorDnlbTSJXfxJ4kLxTBKxIKvVRmXqcEH6EgQo2vq25DJVLdQ8bvZPU_gsXe4Q/s400/Everett%20Regina%20store.jpg"/></a>
<P>Seems as though Regina's used to be a market, probably offering food staples and other products, based on the ghost sign underneath.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHUO9V0knDNxt0ah0GaxX0jKIYV54imA_eiGjPD3ykUFiSuIDI5ofEb5JMUtFb6AknL7ghzRreE8dB8M3KJ3M7tRenKMIgcZL1uQ0pNceHqL_UdI0gLBi2ZM15t-TQFFvqJ3zNkcmTGgLc7WV0KucFdkjYQQRetrj_CyBVC_nKkPhLgOBRVSOOpqLCw/s2048/Everett%20Regina%20store%20detail.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOHUO9V0knDNxt0ah0GaxX0jKIYV54imA_eiGjPD3ykUFiSuIDI5ofEb5JMUtFb6AknL7ghzRreE8dB8M3KJ3M7tRenKMIgcZL1uQ0pNceHqL_UdI0gLBi2ZM15t-TQFFvqJ3zNkcmTGgLc7WV0KucFdkjYQQRetrj_CyBVC_nKkPhLgOBRVSOOpqLCw/s400/Everett%20Regina%20store%20detail.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://www.pandaelectricalservice.com">Panda Electrical Service</a> has been around since 1962.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1C9TUmWndnPhcE65viygyGAREYHaCuHTo6PTZ3RvScFM8VM2mJA9Y2xfQlybfXei7h8-sukJg5iNhzNMk24VApgzyPIBRe4OX7Ij0dsiV0QJiRz6QyGXFSSb4kWNR2GZXH4WeidyUBMLuKtBJ9ytnKEPCfa5Uq56KflmknShvD14c3k2TgJ1NMcnPw/s2048/Everett%20Panda%20sign.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS1C9TUmWndnPhcE65viygyGAREYHaCuHTo6PTZ3RvScFM8VM2mJA9Y2xfQlybfXei7h8-sukJg5iNhzNMk24VApgzyPIBRe4OX7Ij0dsiV0QJiRz6QyGXFSSb4kWNR2GZXH4WeidyUBMLuKtBJ9ytnKEPCfa5Uq56KflmknShvD14c3k2TgJ1NMcnPw/s400/Everett%20Panda%20sign.jpg"/></a>
<P>At the southern end of Main Street, near where it hits the rotary at Revere Beach Parkway, I was pretty excited for the <a href="http://santinitube.com">Fishing Finatics</a> store.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ_6_PC3HXWDuEBkIhOBwGAT-NrwQX50B8ETgpkoIdyhAyy6daD0-sPJM4dXfZpUOqthvWC3q-cVtvDhE_tquD0xVkKlYKjtpaQ8QxGG8gaM1Uv_LhwxzxBudFipvIGqy_xmXVHOG8NZzaiBS0wWZPv_cBf0vVIySqiTQRwk4lzXjyo4X7L7UOZhPVg/s2048/Fishing%20Finatics.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1310" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJ_6_PC3HXWDuEBkIhOBwGAT-NrwQX50B8ETgpkoIdyhAyy6daD0-sPJM4dXfZpUOqthvWC3q-cVtvDhE_tquD0xVkKlYKjtpaQ8QxGG8gaM1Uv_LhwxzxBudFipvIGqy_xmXVHOG8NZzaiBS0wWZPv_cBf0vVIySqiTQRwk4lzXjyo4X7L7UOZhPVg/s400/Fishing%20Finatics.jpg"/></a>
<P>As much as I love the patina on the sign, I really fell for this bait on the store's web site: "Fishing is really a bargain when you think of what other activities cost and the benefits are fresh air, sunshine, peace and quiet. You can also put a little dinner on the table. I carry everything you need to catch fresh and saltwater fish."</P>
<P>On my way to my car, I saw one more sign of interest.</P>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP2wHsrdOIxlU-ezPZMzGmBoO0CoFnvjwE6esokYB7gPZ_igspBZjneQoabXktsuSfiFc9vQBUQd7AMmO8fxwgVgFoHuMmmeaS6CkWSunreTbvar1lKQH_X_g7XkzucoO26vH2_Kk_aYLqh5ATB0G_xuFTk3NeGE8-mEgpdXndediAIXFqmdjzexUag/s2048/Short%20Path%20Distillery.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUP2wHsrdOIxlU-ezPZMzGmBoO0CoFnvjwE6esokYB7gPZ_igspBZjneQoabXktsuSfiFc9vQBUQd7AMmO8fxwgVgFoHuMmmeaS6CkWSunreTbvar1lKQH_X_g7XkzucoO26vH2_Kk_aYLqh5ATB0G_xuFTk3NeGE8-mEgpdXndediAIXFqmdjzexUag/s400/Short%20Path%20Distillery.jpg"/></a>
<P><a href="https://shortpathdistillery.com">Short Path Distillery</a> was founded in 2015. I like the simplicity of the sign set against the industrial brick. Watch the video below for an explanation of the distiller's name, and to learn more about the company's spirits and process.</P>
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Dave Brighamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14306851310003858054noreply@blogger.com0