Category: Boston:101

  • Kilachand Hall, Shelton Hall … 91 Bay State Road, Then and Now

    Today 91 Bay State Road (map) is a Boston University dormitory for Kilachand Honors College students. Since September 2012 it has gone by the name Kilachand Hall. Over the years it has had other names and an interesting history.

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    Postcard from the Boston Public Library's collection.

    It was opened in 1923 as the Sheraton Apartment Hotel. It was one of the popular "apartment hotels." 

    V_12_HotelShelton_001

    In his book, Built in Boston, architectural historian Douglass Shand-Tucci explained how these differed from commercial hotels, "… apartment hotels did not seek transient guests." He added, "… they were popularly described as the habitats of the 'newly wed and the nearly dead.'"

    Bu today

    BU Today published a story, "One Address, Many Stories: Shelton Hall’s stately, swinging past" on the history of the building in 2012. 

    If you click over and read this article, you'll learn:

    • The Sheraton Hotel chain was named after this building when new owners acquired it in 1939 and unified their holdings under the Sheraton moniker.
    • The rooftop was famous as a place for society entertaining.
    • In 1950 new owners created the name Shelton possibly as a money saving measure.
    • Some say the building is haunted by the spirit of Eugene O'Neill who died on the 4th floor. 
    • BU bought the building in 1954 and renamed it Shelton Hall and used it as a female dormitory.

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    When you approach the building from Bay State Road, it's easy to forget that it stands on the banks of the Charles as shown in this postcard.

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Kilachand Hall, Shelton Hall … 91 Bay State Road, Then and Now

    Today 91 Bay State Road (map) is a Boston University dormitory for Kilachand Honors College students. Since September 2012 it has gone by the name Kilachand Hall. Over the years it has had other names and an interesting history.

    2380176643_8e4ef1e1bb_z

    Postcard from the Boston Public Library's collection.

    It was opened in 1923 as the Sheraton Apartment Hotel. It was one of the popular "apartment hotels." 

    V_12_HotelShelton_001

    In his book, Built in Boston, architectural historian Douglass Shand-Tucci explained how these differed from commercial hotels, "… apartment hotels did not seek transient guests." He added, "… they were popularly described as the habitats of the 'newly wed and the nearly dead.'"

    Bu today

    BU Today published a story, "One Address, Many Stories: Shelton Hall’s stately, swinging past" on the history of the building in 2012. 

    If you click over and read this article, you'll learn:

    • The Sheraton Hotel chain was named after this building when new owners acquired it in 1939 and unified their holdings under the Sheraton moniker.
    • The rooftop was famous as a place for society entertaining.
    • In 1950 new owners created the name Shelton possibly as a money saving measure.
    • Some say the building is haunted by the spirit of Eugene O'Neill who died on the 4th floor. 
    • BU bought the building in 1954 and renamed it Shelton Hall and used it as a female dormitory.

    06_10_000107

    When you approach the building from Bay State Road, it's easy to forget that it stands on the banks of the Charles as shown in this postcard.

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Summer in the Back Bay: Then and Now

    Today, in summer, green is the color of the Back Bay. Trees form canopies of shade to protect walkers from the heat of the sun. Glorious gardens add a back beat of color to the scene. But all that green is a 20th Century addition to a 19th Century neighborhood.

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    From the Boston Public Library Collection, this is the "Residence of C. H. Dalton" on Commonwealth Avenue. Notice the lack of garden or trees except on young sapling on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. 

    As Barbara W. Moore and Gail Weesner wrote in their book, Back Bay a Living Portrait

    “By the 1870 summering had become fashionable, and most Back Bay houses were used only as winter residences – from nineteenth-century reminiscences, one senses that the seasonal Bostonian often considered his country house the family's true home; the town house was merely a snug accommodation during the fall weather of the social season.”

    IMG_7348

    Today the streets of the Back Bay are lined with carefully designed and cultivated gardens.

    IMG_0198

    Street trees add cooling shade as we walk along the sidewalks.

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    Even in this rare summer photo circa 1878 – 1910, from the BPL Print Department, only the park is planted. 

    IMG_7299

    Plantings like this Kousa Dogwood are treasured as neighborhood amenities.

    IMG_7357

    Annuals add accents of color and variety to even small, narrow spaces. 

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    This 1880 photo of Marlborough Street taken from the Public Garden shows few trees and a much barer park. From the Boston Public Library Collection.

    IMG_7387

    These days we walk Marlborough Street to enjoy the lush gardens. And, while some of the residents of the Back Bay relocate to summer homes, many stay here and enjoy the quieter months in the city. This June has been an ideal month to enjoy this wonderful neighborhood. 

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino and Boston Public Library collection as noted in the captions.

     

  • Summer in the Back Bay: Then and Now

    Today, in summer, green is the color of the Back Bay. Trees form canopies of shade to protect walkers from the heat of the sun. Glorious gardens add a back beat of color to the scene. But all that green is a 20th Century addition to a 19th Century neighborhood.

    5494301953_3024d014f4_z

    From the Boston Public Library Collection, this is the "Residence of C. H. Dalton" on Commonwealth Avenue. Notice the lack of garden or trees except on young sapling on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. 

    As Barbara W. Moore and Gail Weesner wrote in their book, Back Bay a Living Portrait

    “By the 1870 summering had become fashionable, and most Back Bay houses were used only as winter residences – from nineteenth-century reminiscences, one senses that the seasonal Bostonian often considered his country house the family's true home; the town house was merely a snug accommodation during the fall weather of the social season.”

    IMG_7348

    Today the streets of the Back Bay are lined with carefully designed and cultivated gardens.

    IMG_0198

    Street trees add cooling shade as we walk along the sidewalks.

    5494893660_444b335ff4_z

    Even in this rare summer photo circa 1878 – 1910, from the BPL Print Department, only the park is planted. 

    IMG_7299

    Plantings like this Kousa Dogwood are treasured as neighborhood amenities.

    IMG_7357

    Annuals add accents of color and variety to even small, narrow spaces. 

    5516909225_d1005a972d_z

    This 1880 photo of Marlborough Street taken from the Public Garden shows few trees and a much barer park. From the Boston Public Library Collection.

    IMG_7387

    These days we walk Marlborough Street to enjoy the lush gardens. And, while some of the residents of the Back Bay relocate to summer homes, many stay here and enjoy the quieter months in the city. This June has been an ideal month to enjoy this wonderful neighborhood. 

    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: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino and Boston Public Library collection as noted in the captions.

     

  • Congratulations! Edible Boston Summer 2016 Issue Is Their 10th Anniversary!

    The arrival of a new preview issue of Edible Boston in my mailbox always makes me smile. As I read the Ilene Bezahler's letter to her readers, my smile grew from ear-to-ear. This is their 10th Anniversary and a new publication will be added to the family. (More on that below.)

    Edible Boston Summer 2016

    Celebrate with Edible Boston as they welcome a new season of food and spotlight the businesses that support fresh and local food in our community. 

    20090820DSC_0012 - Version 2

    Be sure to read John Lee's, "Farmers Diary: Ten with Edible Boston" for his thoughts on the progress the local food movement has made in the past decade.

    (Penny profiled John over on Serious Eats a few years ago. Here's more about this intelligent, thoughtful man.)

     KnGcVifY

    That Sibling Publication: "To Market"

    I'm very excited about the expansion of the Edible Boston talent bank into the regional food policy topic. As Ilene describes it, "To Market will take a regional approach to local food but with the added impact of tackling policy issues, exploring trends across state lines and how the New England states interact to form a vibrant, regional food economy." More about it in a report from Boston Business Journal.

    In September, you'll find more about it on the new website, and you can follow along now on Facebook and Twitter.

    Support publisher Ilene Bezahler and her talented team

    First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and, in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Covershot & Photos: photographer Michael Piazza Courtesy of Edible Boston (If you love great photography, always pick up an Edible Boston issue!) John Lee photo ©2009, Penny Cherubino

  • Congratulations! Edible Boston Summer 2016 Issue Is Their 10th Anniversary!

    The arrival of a new preview issue of Edible Boston in my mailbox always makes me smile. As I read the Ilene Bezahler's letter to her readers, my smile grew from ear-to-ear. This is their 10th Anniversary and a new publication will be added to the family. (More on that below.)

    Edible Boston Summer 2016

    Celebrate with Edible Boston as they welcome a new season of food and spotlight the businesses that support fresh and local food in our community. 

    20090820DSC_0012 - Version 2

    Be sure to read John Lee's, "Farmers Diary: Ten with Edible Boston" for his thoughts on the progress the local food movement has made in the past decade.

    (Penny profiled John over on Serious Eats a few years ago. Here's more about this intelligent, thoughtful man.)

     KnGcVifY

    That Sibling Publication: "To Market"

    I'm very excited about the expansion of the Edible Boston talent bank into the regional food policy topic. As Ilene describes it, "To Market will take a regional approach to local food but with the added impact of tackling policy issues, exploring trends across state lines and how the New England states interact to form a vibrant, regional food economy." More about it in a report from Boston Business Journal.

    In September, you'll find more about it on the new website, and you can follow along now on Facebook and Twitter.

    Support publisher Ilene Bezahler and her talented team

    First, pick up a copy of Edible Boston at one of these locations. In fact, pick up two copies and share one with a food-loving friend or leave it where someone might discover it among lesser publications and become a new fan.

    May I suggest that you let their sponsors know you saw them in the magazine and grab an extra copy and get it to someone else who cares about supporting the local food movement. Also, if you have a blog, twitter account, or facebook page, write about them, link to them, follow them, retweet their tweets, like them on facebook, and, in general, spread the word about this great asset to our community.

    And, to be sure you never miss an issue, you can subscribe over on their website!

    What's on your Food Lover's shopping list? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny Cherubino
    Covershot & Photos: photographer Michael Piazza Courtesy of Edible Boston (If you love great photography, always pick up an Edible Boston issue!) John Lee photo ©2009, Penny Cherubino

  • What’s Open on July 4th, 2017 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

    Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

    Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference. This page will remain our ongoing resource for this holiday with updates added as needed in future years.

    IStock_000006838249XSmall

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.

    Liquor stores: Open

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities: Closed. This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices – often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.

    Boston Parking: Sunday Parking rules apply. You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.

    Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.  

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 311 for exact details."

    Boston Trash: You now have to type in your specific address into this page on the city site to see what is happening with holidays in your neighborhood.

    Boston Transportation Department July 4, 2017 road closures and parking restrictions for events citywide.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd2b4e42970b-800wi

    Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck

    Here is the link to information about the July 4th concerts and fireworks on the Charles River Esplanade.

    Update 06/29/17 from the Massachusetts State Police

    "Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events

    The following documents contain important information regarding this year’s July 3rdand 4th  Fireworks Show and Concert on the Esplanade in Boston. Open the documents to view information about prohibited items, road closures and traffic restrictions, pedestrian access points into the Esplanade, boating restrictions and guidelines, Text-A-Tip line for reporting suspicious activity, and UAV (Drone) Prohibition.

    For more information on these and other guidelines, please view the accompanying documents.

    Related Posts

    Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles River, and the Esplanade …

        How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

        Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

        Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

    MBTA Service Schedule for Monday, July 4th, 2017:

    The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m.

    "Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected on the Subway, Bus, Commuter Rail, Ferry, and the RIDE, after 9:30 p.m."

    The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule except the Fairmount line which will run on this holiday/special event schedule.

    The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below. Before using the Commuter Rail, check the most recent schedules.

    Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate and

    Some bus routes may operate on detour due to Fourth of July events and parades. Please check T-Alerts for details.

    Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a Weekend schedule. 

    The Ride will run on a regular Saturday Schedule.

    You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here: 

    Download MBTA July 4th 2017 schedule

    MBTA tips for those attending the Esplanade Concert and Fireworks:

    "Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

    As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

    Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m."

    "Alewife Garage will operate as pay-on-entry on the 4th of July. All other parking facilities will operate as usual with parking ambassadors available to assist customers with payment and other event related questions.

    "Customers parking in MBTA Parking garages should prepay garage tickets before returning to vehicles in order to expedite exit by using the parking payment kiosks located in the station lobby."

    Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. We love Arctic Zone Coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have a version of the Arctic Zone Ultra 50 can model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping. 

    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:

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: Penny Cherubino and istockphoto.com

  • What’s Open on July 4th, 2017 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

    Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

    Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference. This page will remain our ongoing resource for this holiday with updates added as needed in future years.

    IStock_000006838249XSmall

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.

    Liquor stores: Open

    City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities: Closed. This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

    Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices – often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.

    Boston Parking: Sunday Parking rules apply. You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th. We'll add updates as they are published.

    Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.  

    Street Sweeping: The City says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 311 for exact details."

    Boston Trash: You now have to type in your specific address into this page on the city site to see what is happening with holidays in your neighborhood.

    Boston Transportation Department July 4, 2017 road closures and parking restrictions for events citywide.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a3fd2b4e42970b-800wi

    Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck

    Here is the link to information about the July 4th concerts and fireworks on the Charles River Esplanade.

    Update 06/29/17 from the Massachusetts State Police

    "Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events

    The following documents contain important information regarding this year’s July 3rdand 4th  Fireworks Show and Concert on the Esplanade in Boston. Open the documents to view information about prohibited items, road closures and traffic restrictions, pedestrian access points into the Esplanade, boating restrictions and guidelines, Text-A-Tip line for reporting suspicious activity, and UAV (Drone) Prohibition.

    For more information on these and other guidelines, please view the accompanying documents.

    Related Posts

    Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles River, and the Esplanade …

        How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

        Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

        Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

    MBTA Service Schedule for Monday, July 4th, 2017:

    The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m.

    "Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected on the Subway, Bus, Commuter Rail, Ferry, and the RIDE, after 9:30 p.m."

    The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule except the Fairmount line which will run on this holiday/special event schedule.

    The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below. Before using the Commuter Rail, check the most recent schedules.

    Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate and

    Some bus routes may operate on detour due to Fourth of July events and parades. Please check T-Alerts for details.

    Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a Weekend schedule. 

    The Ride will run on a regular Saturday Schedule.

    You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here: 

    Download MBTA July 4th 2017 schedule

    MBTA tips for those attending the Esplanade Concert and Fireworks:

    "Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

    As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

    Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m."

    "Alewife Garage will operate as pay-on-entry on the 4th of July. All other parking facilities will operate as usual with parking ambassadors available to assist customers with payment and other event related questions.

    "Customers parking in MBTA Parking garages should prepay garage tickets before returning to vehicles in order to expedite exit by using the parking payment kiosks located in the station lobby."

    Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. We love Arctic Zone Coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have a version of the Arctic Zone Ultra 50 can model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping. 

    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:

    Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: Penny Cherubino and istockphoto.com

  • Windy Day Swan Boat Assist

    Sometimes on a windy day, the hard-working crew members peddling Boston's Swan Boats need a bit of an assist.

    IMG_2498-1

    That's when you'll see a first mate standing beside the captain with an oar in hand. That oar will be used to pole the boat around a turn when the wind is pushing it in the wrong direction.

    As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Good job by the Swan Boat Crew!

    Have you taken a Swan Boat ride lately?

    I know that we are long overdue. Here's a page with all the information you need about the when, where, how, and how much for an inside tour of the Public Garden Lagoon.

    While they say, "The Swan Boats are open every day, weather permitting. We cannot operate in rain, high winds or extreme heat," we can see that on windy days they do make an effort to keep their guests gliding along smoothly.

    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: © 2016 Ed Cherubino  

  • Windy Day Swan Boat Assist

    Sometimes on a windy day, the hard-working crew members peddling Boston's Swan Boats need a bit of an assist.

    IMG_2498-1

    That's when you'll see a first mate standing beside the captain with an oar in hand. That oar will be used to pole the boat around a turn when the wind is pushing it in the wrong direction.

    As Henry Ford said, "Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." Good job by the Swan Boat Crew!

    Have you taken a Swan Boat ride lately?

    I know that we are long overdue. Here's a page with all the information you need about the when, where, how, and how much for an inside tour of the Public Garden Lagoon.

    While they say, "The Swan Boats are open every day, weather permitting. We cannot operate in rain, high winds or extreme heat," we can see that on windy days they do make an effort to keep their guests gliding along smoothly.

    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: © 2016 Ed Cherubino