Category: Architecture

  • 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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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?

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

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

  • Genealogies of Back Bay Houses: Our Friday Link

    Have you ever walked the streets of the Back Bay and wondered about the people who lived in these buildings over the years? Now there's a website, www.backbayhouses.org, that provides insight into the ownership records and genealogy of the residents.

    Back Bay Houses

    The hardworking team at Back Bay Houses say:

    "A great deal has been written on the history of the Back Bay and the architecture of the houses.  A number of outstanding resources exist and more information is being added all the time through the work of historians, preservationists, and others.

    Many people, and especially those who live in the Back Bay, are interested in the personal histories of the houses – who lived in them and how they were used over the decades.  This website is designed to provide at least an entrée to that information.  In essence, it attempts to provide what might be called a genealogical history of the houses."

    We say: Bravo, Bravo! This is an outstanding new resource for residents, visitors, preservationists, genealogists, and historians.

    The site is the results of years of hard work and diligent research. And, the team is open to and will appreciate additions, corrections, additional photographs, and documentation that will add to and refine this resource.

    Dart-306-peabody-stearns-dartmouth-elev

    One recent update added the original plans of 306 Dartmouth as drawn by Peabody and Stearns in 1871.

    Click around, explore the information, and learn more about the neighborhood that is considered an outstanding achievement in urban planning for the 19th century.

    Here is the contact page, if you can provide new information or refine what they have.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of www.BackBayHouses.org; Peabody and Stearns scan courtesy of the Fine Arts Department of the Boston Public Library; scans provided by Hamady Architects LLC and First Boston Realty.

  • Genealogies of Back Bay Houses: Our Friday Link

    Have you ever walked the streets of the Back Bay and wondered about the people who lived in these buildings over the years? Now there's a website, www.backbayhouses.org, that provides insight into the ownership records and genealogy of the residents.

    Back Bay Houses

    The hardworking team at Back Bay Houses say:

    "A great deal has been written on the history of the Back Bay and the architecture of the houses.  A number of outstanding resources exist and more information is being added all the time through the work of historians, preservationists, and others.

    Many people, and especially those who live in the Back Bay, are interested in the personal histories of the houses – who lived in them and how they were used over the decades.  This website is designed to provide at least an entrée to that information.  In essence, it attempts to provide what might be called a genealogical history of the houses."

    We say: Bravo, Bravo! This is an outstanding new resource for residents, visitors, preservationists, genealogists, and historians.

    The site is the results of years of hard work and diligent research. And, the team is open to and will appreciate additions, corrections, additional photographs, and documentation that will add to and refine this resource.

    Dart-306-peabody-stearns-dartmouth-elev

    One recent update added the original plans of 306 Dartmouth as drawn by Peabody and Stearns in 1871.

    Click around, explore the information, and learn more about the neighborhood that is considered an outstanding achievement in urban planning for the 19th century.

    Here is the contact page, if you can provide new information or refine what they have.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of www.BackBayHouses.org; Peabody and Stearns scan courtesy of the Fine Arts Department of the Boston Public Library; scans provided by Hamady Architects LLC and First Boston Realty.

  • Genealogies of Back Bay Houses: Our Friday Link

    Have you ever walked the streets of the Back Bay and wondered about the people who lived in these buildings over the years? Now there's a website, www.backbayhouses.org, that provides insight into the ownership records and genealogy of the residents.

    Back Bay Houses

    The hardworking team at Back Bay Houses say:

    "A great deal has been written on the history of the Back Bay and the architecture of the houses.  A number of outstanding resources exist and more information is being added all the time through the work of historians, preservationists, and others.

    Many people, and especially those who live in the Back Bay, are interested in the personal histories of the houses – who lived in them and how they were used over the decades.  This website is designed to provide at least an entrée to that information.  In essence, it attempts to provide what might be called a genealogical history of the houses."

    We say: Bravo, Bravo! This is an outstanding new resource for residents, visitors, preservationists, genealogists, and historians.

    The site is the results of years of hard work and diligent research. And, the team is open to and will appreciate additions, corrections, additional photographs, and documentation that will add to and refine this resource.

    Dart-306-peabody-stearns-dartmouth-elev

    One recent update added the original plans of 306 Dartmouth as drawn by Peabody and Stearns in 1871.

    Click around, explore the information, and learn more about the neighborhood that is considered an outstanding achievement in urban planning for the 19th century.

    Here is the contact page, if you can provide new information or refine what they have.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Courtesy of www.BackBayHouses.org; Peabody and Stearns scan courtesy of the Fine Arts Department of the Boston Public Library; scans provided by Hamady Architects LLC and First Boston Realty.

  • 83 Charles Street Is Now Fastachi, But in 1965 It Was…

    PC2_2313 - Version 22014-03-08-fastachi-charles-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The brand new Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street is filled with bins of nuts, gift packages, nut butters, and all the wonderful sweet and fruity gourmet goodies we've grown to love at their farmers' market stands and their original Watertown shop.

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    Back in 1965, this address was the home of Ski Hut as you can see in this photo from the City of Boston Archives.

    When Penny found this photo, the Beacon Hill Fastachi was just in the planning phase. She saved it to share with fans of this fabulous, family business when the shop finally opened.

    PC2_2326 - Version 22014-03-08-fastachi-charles-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Bins of nuts welcome you when you step inside this address today.

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    They also carry our favorite almonds roasted in their shells. We are addicted to these!

    PC2_2325 - Version 22014-03-08-sparrows-marlborough-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, at the back of the store are some of the nuttiest chocolates you'll find anywhere.

    Today, 83 Charles Street is a must-see stop. Drop by when you need a gift, to stock up on healthy snacks for home, or to pick up a scoop of freshly roasted nuts to take on your walk through the Boston Common, Public Garden, or the Charles River Esplanade.

    Thanks to everyone who clicks over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012-2014 Penny Cherubino, 1965 photo from the City of Boston Archives used under this creative commons license.

  • 83 Charles Street Is Now Fastachi, But in 1965 It Was…

    PC2_2313 - Version 22014-03-08-fastachi-charles-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The brand new Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street is filled with bins of nuts, gift packages, nut butters, and all the wonderful sweet and fruity gourmet goodies we've grown to love at their farmers' market stands and their original Watertown shop.

    10297495283_e132ca1eba

    Back in 1965, this address was the home of Ski Hut as you can see in this photo from the City of Boston Archives.

    When Penny found this photo, the Beacon Hill Fastachi was just in the planning phase. She saved it to share with fans of this fabulous, family business when the shop finally opened.

    PC2_2326 - Version 22014-03-08-fastachi-charles-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Bins of nuts welcome you when you step inside this address today.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834014e8a2fab91970d-800wi

    They also carry our favorite almonds roasted in their shells. We are addicted to these!

    PC2_2325 - Version 22014-03-08-sparrows-marlborough-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, at the back of the store are some of the nuttiest chocolates you'll find anywhere.

    Today, 83 Charles Street is a must-see stop. Drop by when you need a gift, to stock up on healthy snacks for home, or to pick up a scoop of freshly roasted nuts to take on your walk through the Boston Common, Public Garden, or the Charles River Esplanade.

    Thanks to everyone who clicks over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012-2014 Penny Cherubino, 1965 photo from the City of Boston Archives used under this creative commons license.

  • 83 Charles Street Is Now Fastachi, But in 1965 It Was…

    PC2_2313 - Version 22014-03-08-fastachi-charles-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    The brand new Fastachi shop at 83 Charles Street is filled with bins of nuts, gift packages, nut butters, and all the wonderful sweet and fruity gourmet goodies we've grown to love at their farmers' market stands and their original Watertown shop.

    10297495283_e132ca1eba

    Back in 1965, this address was the home of Ski Hut as you can see in this photo from the City of Boston Archives.

    When Penny found this photo, the Beacon Hill Fastachi was just in the planning phase. She saved it to share with fans of this fabulous, family business when the shop finally opened.

    PC2_2326 - Version 22014-03-08-fastachi-charles-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Bins of nuts welcome you when you step inside this address today.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834014e8a2fab91970d-800wi

    They also carry our favorite almonds roasted in their shells. We are addicted to these!

    PC2_2325 - Version 22014-03-08-sparrows-marlborough-street-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    And, at the back of the store are some of the nuttiest chocolates you'll find anywhere.

    Today, 83 Charles Street is a must-see stop. Drop by when you need a gift, to stock up on healthy snacks for home, or to pick up a scoop of freshly roasted nuts to take on your walk through the Boston Common, Public Garden, or the Charles River Esplanade.

    Thanks to everyone who clicks over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2012-2014 Penny Cherubino, 1965 photo from the City of Boston Archives used under this creative commons license.

  • Then and Now: Thomas F. Galvin’s Flower Shop

    Once, the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Streets was home to a lovely building housing Thomas F. Galvin's Flower Shop.

    Thomas F. Galvin's flower shop

    Click on this image to see a larger version pop up.

    The panoramic photo above is from the Library of Congress Collection. (photo credit E. Chickering & Co.; October 29, 1903)

    Thomas Galvin

    This is Thomas F. Galvin from an article in the 1900 edition of The Successful American. The editors talked about his accomplishments, "…he has created at the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Street one of the most exquisite and charming conservatories to be found in the world." 

    I have to wonder what he would think about what is left of his treasure today.

    CHE_2459 - Version 22013-03-03-boylston-fairfield-building© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When renovations began for a bank to take over his space, I had hopes for something tasteful. Remember when banks were elegant places? I was so hopeful that I tucked away the top photo from a post by And This Is Good Old Boston. (You'll find a lot more about this building at this link.)

    IMG_7298 - Version 42014-03-04-boylston-fairfield-building© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Instead, it became a "bank cafe" with a sign that has become a topic of conversation as a neighborhood eyesore.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013, 2014 Penny Cherubino  

  • Then and Now: Thomas F. Galvin’s Flower Shop

    Once, the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Streets was home to a lovely building housing Thomas F. Galvin's Flower Shop.

    Thomas F. Galvin's flower shop

    Click on this image to see a larger version pop up.

    The panoramic photo above is from the Library of Congress Collection. (photo credit E. Chickering & Co.; October 29, 1903)

    Thomas Galvin

    This is Thomas F. Galvin from an article in the 1900 edition of The Successful American. The editors talked about his accomplishments, "…he has created at the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Street one of the most exquisite and charming conservatories to be found in the world." 

    I have to wonder what he would think about what is left of his treasure today.

    CHE_2459 - Version 22013-03-03-boylston-fairfield-building© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When renovations began for a bank to take over his space, I had hopes for something tasteful. Remember when banks were elegant places? I was so hopeful that I tucked away the top photo from a post by And This Is Good Old Boston. (You'll find a lot more about this building at this link.)

    IMG_7298 - Version 42014-03-04-boylston-fairfield-building© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Instead, it became a "bank cafe" with a sign that has become a topic of conversation as a neighborhood eyesore.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013, 2014 Penny Cherubino  

  • Then and Now: Thomas F. Galvin’s Flower Shop

    Once, the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Streets was home to a lovely building housing Thomas F. Galvin's Flower Shop.

    Thomas F. Galvin's flower shop

    Click on this image to see a larger version pop up.

    The panoramic photo above is from the Library of Congress Collection. (photo credit E. Chickering & Co.; October 29, 1903)

    Thomas Galvin

    This is Thomas F. Galvin from an article in the 1900 edition of The Successful American. The editors talked about his accomplishments, "…he has created at the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Street one of the most exquisite and charming conservatories to be found in the world." 

    I have to wonder what he would think about what is left of his treasure today.

    CHE_2459 - Version 22013-03-03-boylston-fairfield-building© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When renovations began for a bank to take over his space, I had hopes for something tasteful. Remember when banks were elegant places? I was so hopeful that I tucked away the top photo from a post by And This Is Good Old Boston. (You'll find a lot more about this building at this link.)

    IMG_7298 - Version 42014-03-04-boylston-fairfield-building© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Instead, it became a "bank cafe" with a sign that has become a topic of conversation as a neighborhood eyesore.

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013, 2014 Penny Cherubino