BostonZest

What Was There before the Prudential Center and Its Tunnel?

The current repair work on the Prudential Center Tunnel has traffic tied up on weekends and getting around the area on the minds of drivers. Those of us who walk the neighborhood are more likely to think about the architecture that is there now and what was there before.

From the City of Boston Archives, here's a photo of Boylston Street looking Easterly from October 4,1912.

The Lenox Hotel is the first building you see at the end of the train tracks. And along the left side, you can spot Engine33 and Ladder 15's Fire Station and the Racquet Club (both still standing today) at the corner of Hereford Street.

This aerial photo is from MIT's Kepes-Lynch Photograph collection. It was taken by photographer Nishan Bichajian, May 4, 1957. That is Massachusetts Avenue and the Harvard Bridge running from the upper left to the bottom. Boylston Street runs from the lower left to the center of the right. And, you can see the beginning of the railyards, where the Prudential Center and the tunnel are today, in the middle to lower right.

Here's a view (circa 1930) from the Boston Public Library Collection. This one is looking North from around Huntington Avenue with another view of the Lenox hotel in the upper right.

One final view from the City of Boston Archives looking West from Lenox Hotel. This was taken June 14, 1912 and is part of the Public Works Department photograph collection.

Don't miss any photo opportunity. This Canon PowerShot G15 camera will give you what you need to take stills and video of your Easter celebration. Canon's G series is our all-time favorite for everyday cameras. We own the G10 and G11. They're a little bigger than the compacts most people use, but let you shoot with automatic settings or easy-to-use manual controls that please the many pros who use them as second cameras. And, if you are ready to turn pro, follow our lead. Ed Shoots with the Nikon D7000 Digital SLR too and Penny loves her Nikon D600.

 

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Words: Penny Cherubino

Photos: As noted and all used under this creative common's license

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RUFF Dog Park Proposal for the Greenway

RUFF (Responsible Urbanites For Fido) has a proposal for a dog park on the Greenway in the North End.

This is a group that makes every dog owner proud. They have served their community, addressed the issues of less responsible people, and they keep moving forward in a smart and successful manner.

Thanks to Matt Conti over at NorthEndWaterfront.com, you can see the presentation that RUFF made to the Resident's Association.

This group deserves the support of dog guardians throughout the area.

Click over and sign and add your name to their online petition.

Keep an ear open for the fund raising effort to make this park a possibility and lend a hand, even if this is not your neighborhood. They will be setting an example for other groups on how to do this and making new contacts with state and city government for all of us.

You'll find the latest information on this effort on the RUFF Facebook page.

 Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Map Image: courtesy of RUFF

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TED Talks: Sample This One with Dan Barber

It still surprises me when I meet someone who has not discovered TED.com. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design and spreads ideas, and I think wisdom, from great minds.

Since so many of our readers are food lovers and environmentally responsible people, I picked one of Chef Dan Barber's Ted Talks as a sample. This one is, How I Fell in Love with a Fish.

In his allotted 18 minutes, Barber tells a wonderful story full of his philosophy of sustainable foodways.

From there, you are on your own. Sample these videos by topic or hit the suprise me button.

Tickets to the TEDx conferences sell out quickly so if you want to attend keep an eye on upcoming dates.

I find the talks to be a great way to take a mental break when I've been working for hours. You can pop over and listen while you wait for an appointment or enjoy them with your coffee in the morning. I'm sure you'll find more than a few that intrigue you.

Inspiration and education is just a click away!

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Screenshot courtesy of TED.com

In Memory of Two Firefighters Lost, They Served Us Well

We Served You Well …

 

When duty called with striking bell …

We did our best …

We served you well …

 

Through raging flame and pits of hell ...

We were there ...

And served you well ...

 

As soldiers of smoke ...

We fought ...

We fell ...

Know our love ...

We served you well ...

 

From the Vendome Memorial Program, June 17, 1997

 

Cornelius J. O’Brien Deputy Fire Chief, Retired, Cambridge Fire Department

 

Rest in peace and thank you for protecting our neighborhood.

 

Lieutenant Edward J. Walsh and Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy

 

For those who come upon this at a later date, here is the story of the fire that took their lives.

Fraternity Brothers Cleaning Up

Last weekend, we met a group of brothers from a BU fraternity who were picking up litter on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

While I may be quick to complain when college neighbors act out and become annoying, I also want to give credit where it is due.

These young men were picking up every little item they could find.

And, they are not the only fraternity to give back to the community. Each year, the MIT fraternities lend their members to the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay's Alley Rally.

Thanks for the helping hands!

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Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Ed Cherubino  

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From the City Archives: Government Center Station 1964-1968

Once again, the Government Center Station is under contruction. Here's what it looked like the first time around.

These photos are from the City of Boston Archives. The one above shows the station still under construction. All are used under this creative commons license.

Here's a peak at the early escalator. If you'd like to read the warning signs, click over to the original. Riders are warned that to prevent injury, dogs should not take the escalators. Another advises that you should carry your umbrellas and luggage rather than put them on the stairs. A third asks people not to run up and down the escalator or sit on the moving handrail.

Here's the finished product with the sign that reads, "Government Center Station, MTA Rapid Transit, Connections to All Stations."

Update Bonus:

The Walking Bostonian posted this look from 1973:

The Friends of Government Center

And, a conversation on the topic with one archive photo over on Universal Hub:

What goes up, must come down, Government Center edition

Let us know how your first commute without this key station progressed. Was it better or worse than you expected?

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

Sunday Dog Remi, Making Friends with City Life

 

You can almost read his thoughts, “So, this is Boston.” Our Sunday Dog Remi is making friends with city life. And, there’s so much to see and do in his new home!

 

Poppy and I met this handsome three year old the other day as he was enjoying a walk in the park. Remi’s jet black coat glistened in the mid-day sun as he bounded up to us (I could tell Poppy was impressed).

 

 

This athletic-looking pup, who has energy to spare, may also have some Weimaraner in his background. He certainly shares that breeds lively, happy nature.

 

 

And, this inquisitive charmer is very friendly, although not quite sure of how to react to a camera lens.

 

Welcome to city life, Remi. You’re off to a great start.

 

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

 

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Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Ed Cherubino  

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