Category: Transportation

Messing About in Boats, 1939 Style

“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” ― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

In this image, photographer Leslie Jones captured sailors messing about in boats on Boston Harbor in 1939.

In the background, you see Pier 4 and the railroad buildings that lined the harborside.

Here is a map from the 1919 Bromley Atlas that shows Pier 4 at the bottom and the rail lines coming into the shipping docks.

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 the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Map courtesy of the State Library of Massachusetts.

June 25, 2015
What’s Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2015 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

This year July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

Update 06/25/15:

From the State Police- Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events

Update 06/30/15: City of Boston Traffic Advisory.

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 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash: from the City Site:

"Independence Day Week Friday, Monday, June 29 – Saturday, July 4, 2015 NO DELAY of residential trash and recycling collections in all sections of the City."

Update 06/30/15 : Eater Boston has prepared a list of the restaurants that are open on July 4th. Great job Rachel! This took a ton of work. What's #OpenInBOS on July 4?

Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck.

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 Schedule Changes is updated as of 06/26/15:

The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

Subways and the Silver line will "…operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday.

The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.

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

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

The Ride will run on a Saturday Schedule.

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

Download MBTA July 4th

MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande 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 be free after 9:30 p.m.

Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly.

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

June 19, 2015
What’s Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on July 4th, 2015 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

This year July 4th falls on a Saturday. According to the official holiday information on the Secretary of State's website this will not be a three day weekend because, "All holidays falling on Sunday must be observed on Monday, under state law. Saturday holidays are observed on Saturday."

The city of Boston is taking a different approach. The holiday page on the city website reads:

Friday July 3rd Independence Day- City Holiday

"City offices closed. Sunday parking rules in effect. BCYF Community Centers are closed. The Mirabella and Clougherty Pools will be open regular hours. Please Note: All Boston Public Libraries will be open on July 3rd."

Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference.

Update 06/25/15:

From the State Police- Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events

Update 06/30/15: City of Boston Traffic Advisory.

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 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash: from the City Site:

"Independence Day Week Friday, Monday, June 29 – Saturday, July 4, 2015 NO DELAY of residential trash and recycling collections in all sections of the City."

Update 06/30/15 : Eater Boston has prepared a list of the restaurants that are open on July 4th. Great job Rachel! This took a ton of work. What's #OpenInBOS on July 4?

Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck.

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 Schedule Changes is updated as of 06/26/15:

The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will be free after 9:30 p.m."

Subways and the Silver line will "…operate a Sunday schedule with rush-hour levels of service beginning at 2 p.m. to accommodate holiday ridership and will operate extended late-night hours as Fourth of July is on a Saturday.

The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule. The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below.

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

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

The Ride will run on a Saturday Schedule.

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

Download MBTA July 4th

MBTA tips for those attending the Esplande 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 be free after 9:30 p.m.

Customers should also note that all MBTA parking garages and the Wellington Station lot will be pay-on-entry and cash-only on the Fourth of July in order to ensure all customers exit in a timely manner. Due to heavy parking demand, some MBTA parking garages and lots may fill more quickly than normal. Customers planning to park in an MBTA garage or lot should plan accordingly.

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

June 19, 2015
Coming Soon, Giant Government Center Billboard!

I've heard people ask, "Why did they build the new headhouse for the Government Center MBTA Station so high?" And, my answer has been, to make sure the billboards can be seen from far and near.

I wonder how many sides will be covered and how many different ads the MBTA will sell on this billboard stand? I hope they are priced high enough to help reduce the MBTA's debt.

Universal Hub posted an aerial view and the readers added their thoughts earlier this month.

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: © 2015 Penny Cherubino

June 11, 2015
Coming Soon, Giant Government Center Billboard!

I've heard people ask, "Why did they build the new headhouse for the Government Center MBTA Station so high?" And, my answer has been, to make sure the billboards can be seen from far and near.

I wonder how many sides will be covered and how many different ads the MBTA will sell on this billboard stand? I hope they are priced high enough to help reduce the MBTA's debt.

Universal Hub posted an aerial view and the readers added their thoughts earlier this month.

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: © 2015 Penny Cherubino

June 11, 2015
What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2015 In Boston + MBTA Schedules
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day – Monday, May 25, 2015.

We publish these reminders before a holiday to give our readers a nudge to finalize their holiday plans. This is the first big weekend of the summer. Get going on some fun plans! And, plan your shopping for adult beverages because this is one of those Blue Law holidays!

Will you stay in the city or enjoy a holiday weekend at a great beach house like this one on the harbor in Provincetown?

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are 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 U.S. closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters on Monday. Other parking rules apply.

Street Sweeping: The city site says: "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We had many years of use from an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model. It was amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only used it for picnics, but also grabbed it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works states:

"Monday, May 25 – Saturday, May 30, 2015"

"No Delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and South End
Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

(5.18.15) UPDATE:

For a few days before each holiday, the MBTA schedule changes will show up at this link.

MBTA Memorial Day 2015 Service Schedules Quick Look –
- The Red, Orange, Blue, Silver, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
Complete MBTA Details Here

For more information:
Go to www.MBTA.com. Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2015 Penny Cherubino

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May 18, 2015
Steamers Leaving for Bass Point and Nahant from Lincoln Wharf

Once upon a time, you could enjoy a quick getaway from Boston by water. In 1899, you could catch a steamer from Lincoln Wharf and sail to coastal destinations for a day or longer. (This photo courtesy of Boston Landmarks Commission image collection, Collection 5210.004, City of Boston Archives.)

Here's another look from above. (This photo courtesy of Boston Landmarks Commission image collection, Collection 5210.004, City of Boston Archives.)

Here's an illustration of the Steamboat Massachusetts, one of the vessels that once served this route. Circa 1820, it ran "… from Boston to Beverly touching each way at Nahant, Marblehead and Salem for passenger and light freight." (That was according to the book, "Some Account of Steam Navigation in New England" by Francis Boardman Crowninshield Bradlee.)

Wouldn't it be nice …

If mass transit in Boston included lots of waterborne options in season.

I couldn't find how long the trip took, back then, but it certainly must have been a more pleasant voyage than we would have today on mass transit. Today, you would have to make your way to North Station to catch the Newburyport line and then connect with a bus to reach Nahant. Google estimates an hour and a quarter. I think that would be under the most perfect conditions. And, that's on a weekday. Weekends would be another matter.

While we can't go to Nahant by ferry, we can go to Salem. The Boston Harbor Cruises Fast Ferry to Salem begins service again on May 21st. (This photo by massmatt. Here's his photostream on Flickr.)

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: Photo credits as noted and used under this creative commons license.

May 11, 2015
Steamers Leaving for Bass Point and Nahant from Lincoln Wharf

Once upon a time, you could enjoy a quick getaway from Boston by water. In 1899, you could catch a steamer from Lincoln Wharf and sail to coastal destinations for a day or longer. (This photo courtesy of Boston Landmarks Commission image collection, Collection 5210.004, City of Boston Archives.)

Here's another look from above. (This photo courtesy of Boston Landmarks Commission image collection, Collection 5210.004, City of Boston Archives.)

Here's an illustration of the Steamboat Massachusetts, one of the vessels that once served this route. Circa 1820, it ran "… from Boston to Beverly touching each way at Nahant, Marblehead and Salem for passenger and light freight." (That was according to the book, "Some Account of Steam Navigation in New England" by Francis Boardman Crowninshield Bradlee.)

Wouldn't it be nice …

If mass transit in Boston included lots of waterborne options in season.

I couldn't find how long the trip took, back then, but it certainly must have been a more pleasant voyage than we would have today on mass transit. Today, you would have to make your way to North Station to catch the Newburyport line and then connect with a bus to reach Nahant. Google estimates an hour and a quarter. I think that would be under the most perfect conditions. And, that's on a weekday. Weekends would be another matter.

While we can't go to Nahant by ferry, we can go to Salem. The Boston Harbor Cruises Fast Ferry to Salem begins service again on May 21st. (This photo by massmatt. Here's his photostream on Flickr.)

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: Photo credits as noted and used under this creative commons license.

May 11, 2015
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. When you move your car think ahead.

If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off-the-route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue eliminated more than 70 spaces, so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.

Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point.

And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.

Saturday, April 18, 2015 – The B.A.A. 5K, Invitational Mile, and Relay Challenge

Again, this year, there are weekend races prior to Monday's marathon.

Thousands of runners are expected to compete in the 5K (3.1 mile) race two days prior to 119th Boston Marathon. This race is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. by the Boston Common and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay ending back at the Common. Here's a link to the B.A.A. 5K course map.

Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile 2015.

And, the B.A.A. Relay Challenge is also scheduled on Saturday (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

For the full press release with more details, Click Here.

Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Monday, April 20, 2015

Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.

Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.

PARKING ADVISORY AND STREET CLOSING SCHEDULE

From the City site: Traffic Advisory for Boston Marathon 2015 is at this link.

In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).

Related Posts & Helpful Links:

What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 20, 2015 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weeken 2015

Views from Hereford Street 2009

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

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: Ed Cherubino

Photo: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

Runners Already Preparing For Boston Marathon

Ryan Hall explains withdrawal from Boston Marathon

Team BMC for the Boston Marathon: Help Support Our Mission!

April 14, 2015
Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2015

Now's the time to plan where you'll park for Marathon weekend, so your car doesn't end up on a flatbed! And, be warned, the city does tow every car left in the way of the racers. When you move your car think ahead.

If you normally park on the streets along the route of the weekend races, you may want to begin looking for spaces off-the-route. If you can do without your car for a few days, consider stashing it in a safe spot before everyone else has the same idea. And, remember, the bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue eliminated more than 70 spaces, so finding on-street parking will be more difficult than ever.

Here's a Google map that locates public parking facilities using the Boston Marathon Finish Line as the central point.

And, if you'll need your car on Monday, you should make sure it's on the side of the Marathon route where you can reach it and get to your planned destination.

Saturday, April 18, 2015 – The B.A.A. 5K, Invitational Mile, and Relay Challenge

Again, this year, there are weekend races prior to Monday's marathon.

Thousands of runners are expected to compete in the 5K (3.1 mile) race two days prior to 119th Boston Marathon. This race is scheduled to start at 8 a.m. by the Boston Common and cover a route through parts of the Back Bay ending back at the Common. Here's a link to the B.A.A. 5K course map.

Plus, there are the Invitational Mile races that will also be held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 (10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) For details, including streets impacted by this event, go to B.A.A. Invitational Mile 2015.

And, the B.A.A. Relay Challenge is also scheduled on Saturday (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.)

For the full press release with more details, Click Here.

Street Closures and Parking Restrictions for Marathon Monday, April 20, 2015

Parking restrictions for the Marathon often begin on Boylston Street five or six-days before the event. From this point, until the last runners are safely across the finish line, you'll see more and more "No Parking/No Stopping" signs popping-up along the marathon route and some adjacent streets.

Remember, many streets in the Copley Square area will be impacted by the marathon. The best advice is to park your vehicle and walk and/or take public transportation.

PARKING ADVISORY AND STREET CLOSING SCHEDULE

From the City site: Traffic Advisory for Boston Marathon 2015 is at this link.

In case that page disappears you can: Download City of Boston Traffic Advisory Boston Marathon (2015).

Related Posts & Helpful Links:

What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 20, 2015 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2015

Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weeken 2015

Views from Hereford Street 2009

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

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: Ed Cherubino

Photo: © 2014 Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

Related articles

Lost Boston: Bicycle Club at 152 Newbury Street

Runners Already Preparing For Boston Marathon

Ryan Hall explains withdrawal from Boston Marathon

Team BMC for the Boston Marathon: Help Support Our Mission!

April 14, 2015