bostonzest

Category: City Life

  • The Long Lost, South Boston, City Point Head House

    The photo below is the best one I could find of the long lost, South Boston, City Point Head House. Yes it is possible to grieve for something you have never seen or known. How I would have loved to have seen and photographed this building.

    5393662572_d269eea632_z

    Photo titled "South Boston, Mass. Head house, Marine Park, E. M. Wheelwright, architect" from the Boston Public Library's photo collection. 

    When Reddit Boston put up a photo of this architectural gem, I was immediately in search mode to find it and learn more about its history.

    Sm 5333540641_52b54a9073_o copy

    This 1925 Fairchild Aerial Survey photo, from the Boston Public Library's collection, shows where is was located. You see Castle Island directly across Pleasure Bay from the building that was called the City Point Head House. 

     4a13563v

    "Head house, City Point, South Boston, Mass." Library of Congress photo.

    The Head House was designed by Architect Edmond Marsh Wheelwright and built circa 1897. Wheelwright is one of the most important names in Boston's architectural history. While this gingerbread gem is gone, his work survives in landmarks throughout the area. (Some of his papers are in the BPL Fine Arts Department Haven and Hoyt Collection.)

    4a13562v

    "Bathing at City Point, South Boston, Mass." Library of Congress photo.

    Very Popular in Its Day

    Histories of South Boston refer to the popularity of this beach and this building. In addition to restrooms, changing rooms, and offices, the building contained restaurants.

    6243977535_482d2f049f_z

    This 1928 photo, "Crowds at Pleasure Bay, City Point, South Boston" is from the BPL Collection.

    A partly covered pier extended out into the bay. I've been trying to determine if ferries served this pier. 

    What Happened to the Head House?

    Both the pier and the building were damaged in the Hurricane of 1938. In the early morning of December 5, 1942, a 2-alarm fire at the building damaged it further, and what remained was torn down.

    For more information on other elements missing from this bit of shoreline, see this post from the great site, And This Is Good Old Boston.

    Do you have bits of lost Boston you wish you could have seen? 

    Related articles:

    Tidbits About William Lloyd Garrison & His Statue on the Commonwealth Avenue Mall
    Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence

    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  

  • Pick a Park and Go Dog Watching! A Sunday Dog Lover Activity

    Boston has a wonderful array of parks and a few of them are dog-friendly. These are the places we love to go to sit on a bench or spread out a blanket and spend a bit of time enjoying dog watching, one of our favorite pastimes.

    IMG_0101

    Christopher Columbus Park on the waterfront is a great destination for this game. You'll see dog walkers with packs in tow.

    IMG_0112

    People running with their dogs.

    IMG_0137

    Frisky frolickers like this little bit of a dog who was the fastest pup in the park during our visit. Zoom! Zoom!

    IMG_0135

    Dogs and people who disagree on the direction of their stroll.

    IMG_0093

    Pauses for sniffs while the person on the other end of the leash enjoys the view. 

    This park gets lots of bonus points from us for:

    IMG_7177

    This is a great activity for hot days when moving around is taxing on everyone. And remember that the trip to a cooler waterfront location can be made on the MBTA with your dog – outside of rush hour.

    June is a great time to take a ride with your dog if this will be a new experience. As you can see in the photo above, off-peak hours often find the trains fairly empty.

    Our Poppy has all the details about riding the T here: 

    Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

     

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Pick a Park and Go Dog Watching! A Sunday Dog Lover Activity

    Boston has a wonderful array of parks and a few of them are dog-friendly. These are the places we love to go to sit on a bench or spread out a blanket and spend a bit of time enjoying dog watching, one of our favorite pastimes.

    IMG_0101

    Christopher Columbus Park on the waterfront is a great destination for this game. You'll see dog walkers with packs in tow.

    IMG_0112

    People running with their dogs.

    IMG_0137

    Frisky frolickers like this little bit of a dog who was the fastest pup in the park during our visit. Zoom! Zoom!

    IMG_0135

    Dogs and people who disagree on the direction of their stroll.

    IMG_0093

    Pauses for sniffs while the person on the other end of the leash enjoys the view. 

    This park gets lots of bonus points from us for:

    IMG_7177

    This is a great activity for hot days when moving around is taxing on everyone. And remember that the trip to a cooler waterfront location can be made on the MBTA with your dog – outside of rush hour.

    June is a great time to take a ride with your dog if this will be a new experience. As you can see in the photo above, off-peak hours often find the trains fairly empty.

    Our Poppy has all the details about riding the T here: 

    Dogs on Public Transit, Boston: 101

     

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino 

  • Concerts in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library for 2016

    Once again the Boston Public Library comes through with free entertainment for those of us who take advantage of the endless ways this Boston resource serves the public. The Concert in the Courtyard series for 2016 began this week and will continue through August 31st.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c791e447970b-800wi

    Here's what the folks at the BPL have told us about this season.

    "Boston Public Library’s free Concerts in the Courtyard series returns June 1 and runs through August 31, featuring a variety of artists and musical genres in the library’s iconic courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour. Wednesday concerts are presented in partnership with Berklee College of Music."

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73df9e8f1970d-800wi

    June Schedule:

    • Rodolfo Arteaga, Wednesday, June 1 ● 6 p.m. Rodolfo Arteaga is a singer-songwriter and cellist from Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela.
    • Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, June 3 ● 12:30 p.m. Cocek! Brass Band’s original music is based on the sounds of Eastern European brass bands and blends dance music with improvisation and inspiring melodies.
    • Samuel Batista, Wednesday, June 8 ● 6 p.m. Samuel Batista is an alto saxophone player from Panama City, Panama.
    • Moody Street Sound, Friday, June 10 ● 12:30 p.m. Hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts, Moody Street Sound is a sextet specializing in jazz, soul, and the blues.
    • Harshitha Krishnan, Wednesday, June 15 ● 6 p.m. Harshitha Krishnan is a vocalist of Indian origin from Lagos, Nigeria.
    • Duo Esplanade, Friday, June 17 ● 12:30 p.m. Duo Esplanade explores the flexible sounds of flute and clarinet, both as solo instruments and as part of different instrumental combinations in the various styles of standard classical repertoire, new music, and original arrangements.
    • Eduardo Mercuri, Wednesday, June 22 ● 6 p.m. Born in Curitiba, Brazil, guitar player Eduardo Mercuri has performed at the Panama Jazz Festival, Beantown Jazz Festival, and the 2013 Latin Grammys. 
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 24 ● 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a jazz combo made up of five members with an average age of 18.
    • Kristin Corpuz, Wednesday, June 29 ● 6 p.m. Kristin Corpuz is a singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer from Tampa, Florida, who currently attends Berklee College of Music as a 2013 Presidential Scholar.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019104fc4104970c-800wi

    July Schedule 

    • Phil Berman, Friday, July 1 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • luhx., Wednesday, July 6 ● 6 p.m.
    • Castle of our Skins, Friday, July 8 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • MIXCLA, Wednesday, July 13 ● 6 p.m.
    •  Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 15 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Dear June, Wednesday, July 20 ● 6 p.m.
    • Isabel Stover and Molly Flannery, Friday, July 22 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Shirhan Agabeyli, Wednesday, July 27 ● 6 p.m.
    • Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 29 ● 12:30 p.m.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340192acc5503c970d-800wi

    August Schedule 

    • Kyle Thornton & The Company, Wednesday, August 3 ● 6 p.m.
    • Kenn Morr Band, Friday, August 5 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Njoki Karu, Wednesday, August 10 ● 6 p.m.
    • Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 12 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • James Fernando, Wednesday, August 17 ● 6 p.m.
    • Yi David Yang, Friday, August 19 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Honeysuckle, Wednesday, August 24 ● 6 p.m.
    • Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 26 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, August 31 ● 6 p.m.

    Concerts in the Courtyard are generously supported by the Library Programs Fund at the Boston Public Library Foundation. Concerts will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. 

     

    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: © 2008-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Concerts in the Courtyard at the Boston Public Library for 2016

    Once again the Boston Public Library comes through with free entertainment for those of us who take advantage of the endless ways this Boston resource serves the public. The Concert in the Courtyard series for 2016 began this week and will continue through August 31st.

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401b7c791e447970b-800wi

    Here's what the folks at the BPL have told us about this season.

    "Boston Public Library’s free Concerts in the Courtyard series returns June 1 and runs through August 31, featuring a variety of artists and musical genres in the library’s iconic courtyard at the Central Library in Copley Square, located at 700 Boylston Street. Concerts are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and on Fridays at 12:30 p.m. All the concerts are free and last approximately one hour. Wednesday concerts are presented in partnership with Berklee College of Music."

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401a73df9e8f1970d-800wi

    June Schedule:

    • Rodolfo Arteaga, Wednesday, June 1 ● 6 p.m. Rodolfo Arteaga is a singer-songwriter and cellist from Ciudad Ojeda, Venezuela.
    • Cocek! Brass Band, Friday, June 3 ● 12:30 p.m. Cocek! Brass Band’s original music is based on the sounds of Eastern European brass bands and blends dance music with improvisation and inspiring melodies.
    • Samuel Batista, Wednesday, June 8 ● 6 p.m. Samuel Batista is an alto saxophone player from Panama City, Panama.
    • Moody Street Sound, Friday, June 10 ● 12:30 p.m. Hailing from Lowell, Massachusetts, Moody Street Sound is a sextet specializing in jazz, soul, and the blues.
    • Harshitha Krishnan, Wednesday, June 15 ● 6 p.m. Harshitha Krishnan is a vocalist of Indian origin from Lagos, Nigeria.
    • Duo Esplanade, Friday, June 17 ● 12:30 p.m. Duo Esplanade explores the flexible sounds of flute and clarinet, both as solo instruments and as part of different instrumental combinations in the various styles of standard classical repertoire, new music, and original arrangements.
    • Eduardo Mercuri, Wednesday, June 22 ● 6 p.m. Born in Curitiba, Brazil, guitar player Eduardo Mercuri has performed at the Panama Jazz Festival, Beantown Jazz Festival, and the 2013 Latin Grammys. 
    • Properly Unprepared, Friday, June 24 ● 12:30 p.m. Properly Unprepared is a jazz combo made up of five members with an average age of 18.
    • Kristin Corpuz, Wednesday, June 29 ● 6 p.m. Kristin Corpuz is a singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer from Tampa, Florida, who currently attends Berklee College of Music as a 2013 Presidential Scholar.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019104fc4104970c-800wi

    July Schedule 

    • Phil Berman, Friday, July 1 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • luhx., Wednesday, July 6 ● 6 p.m.
    • Castle of our Skins, Friday, July 8 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • MIXCLA, Wednesday, July 13 ● 6 p.m.
    •  Amaryllis Chamber Ensemble, Friday, July 15 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Dear June, Wednesday, July 20 ● 6 p.m.
    • Isabel Stover and Molly Flannery, Friday, July 22 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Shirhan Agabeyli, Wednesday, July 27 ● 6 p.m.
    • Boston Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Intensive Community Program, Friday, July 29 ● 12:30 p.m.

    6a00e54fc42bb888340192acc5503c970d-800wi

    August Schedule 

    • Kyle Thornton & The Company, Wednesday, August 3 ● 6 p.m.
    • Kenn Morr Band, Friday, August 5 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Njoki Karu, Wednesday, August 10 ● 6 p.m.
    • Hiroya Tsukamoto, Friday, August 12 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • James Fernando, Wednesday, August 17 ● 6 p.m.
    • Yi David Yang, Friday, August 19 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Honeysuckle, Wednesday, August 24 ● 6 p.m.
    • Boston Lyric Opera, Friday, August 26 ● 12:30 p.m.
    • Aliya Cycon Project, Wednesday, August 31 ● 6 p.m.

    Concerts in the Courtyard are generously supported by the Library Programs Fund at the Boston Public Library Foundation. Concerts will be moved indoors in the event of inclement weather. 

     

    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: © 2008-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Open and Closed on Memorial Day 2016 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 30, 2016. 

    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!

    Sm Beach House and Gusto IMG_9714

    Will you stay in the city or enjoy a holiday weekend at a great beach house like these on the harbor in Provincetown? Or will you put the boat in the water and get out on your favorite bay?

    Restaurants, bars: Open

    Convenience stores: Open

    Supermarkets: Open

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    CHE_0501

    Plan ahead if you need wine, beer, or spirits for your holiday event.

    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 311 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 city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information. 

    DSC_0410 - Version 22011-02-03MBTA Arlington station © 2011 Penny Cherubino© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    MBTA Memorial Day Schedule Changes:

    (05.20.16) Update:

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

    MBTA Memorial Day 2016 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. 

    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: © 2011-2016 Penny Cherubino  

    Related articles

    Petie Prances & Kicks Up His Heels with the Joy of Spring
    Roses for Sarmiento

  • Grease Can Covers – Free, Money Saving Offer from Boston Water and Sewer

    You can save money for your home, building, and the city by not pouring grease and oil down the drain and properly disposing of them in the trash. Boston Water and Sewer is offering a free, reusable lid that will fit a variety of cans to help you with safe disposal.

    NOTICE_GREASE_LID copy

    All the reasons that the city has for not wanting grease and oils in the city sewer system also apply to your home and your building. Here's a page full of reasons for jumping on the no grease or oil down the drain bandwagon. Anyone who has suffered a sewer back up into their home can tell you that they never want it to happen again. 

    If you are someone who prefers watching a video to reading, the FOG Prevention team has also prepared this video.

    IMG_5827

    Penny heard about the program, went to this link on the Boston Water and Sewer website, and soon found the items above in our mailbox.

    These covers are perfect for grease that will solidify. In the case of oils that will remain liquid, we save a jam or pickle glass jar and use that to hold liquids. And, while we avoid using paper towels for most purposes, Penny will wipe out a greasy pan with one and toss that in the trash before cleaning it in the sink. 

    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 Cherubino and artwork courtesy of Boston Water and Sewer Commission.

    Related articles
    Dogs in Danger from the Xylitol Around Your Home
    Raspberry Infusion from Silferleaf Farm in Concord
    Trader Joe's Pane Guttiau (Sardinian Parchment Crackers) Are a Hit!

  • The Copley Society’s Fresh Paint Is a Perfect Walk for Sunday Dogs and Their Humans.

    Next Sunday, April 24, 2016, is Fresh Paint Day! Put it on your dog walk calendar because that’s when the talented artists from the Copley Society of Art spread out across the area to create a fresh work of art that will be auctioned off at their May 5th gala.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834016305c750c6970d-800wi

    A few years ago, we had the pleasure of meeting Amber when she was in the Public Garden assisting her own personal artist as he worked on his Fresh Paint contribution.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834011570565a8b970b-800wi

    It’s also a great photo walk for those who love to give their cameras or phones the challenge of recording what’s happening on a day like this. 

    Gather the pack, get a map of where the artists will be from the Copley Society, plan a picnic lunch along the way, and give the dogs a nice long walk while you pick out your favorite piece of artwork to bid on for that doghouse of yours.

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

    Thanks to everyone who Hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support.

     

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photos: ©2011 Penny Cherubino 

    Related articles
    Plan a Fall Photowalk with Your Sunday Dog & Your Dog Pals
    Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend
    The Witch Hazel Thinks It’s Spring!
    Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence

  • Before the Boy and Bird, There Was the Mother and Child: Boston Public Garden History

    Over the years, some of the statues that were once in the Boston Public Garden have been replaced. One with an interesting story was the Mother and Child by sculptor, Isidore Konti.

    8050371293_d3e0dd7b47_o

    Here is a photo of "Mother and Child" taken by Leslie Jones in 1919. (Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.)

    8050371295_d9ff71ca9a_z

    Another view from this wonderful collection that documents so much of Boston's history. 

    I was curious about what happened to this statue and why it was eventually replaced by the Boy and the Bird. 

    From the archives of the Boston Globe, I learned that, “The statue was first placed there by the Art Commission in 1912 as one of a number of ‘fountain statues’ exhibited on the Public Garden that summer.” The Park Commission decided that this marble fountain was too fragile to maintain in an outdoor setting.

    Groups of citizens including the Metropolitan Improvement League and the Boston City Club had tried to raise the $2500 needed to keep the statue but failed. On May 13th, 1916, it was shipped back to Buffalo, NY to the sculptor. 

      CHE_7909 - Version 32015-07-13-boston-public-garden-boy-and-bird-fountain-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Today, if you visit that spot, you'll see the Boy and Bird Fountain by Bashka Paeff.

    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: Leslie Jones as noted in captions and © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

     

    Related articles
    Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence
    The Witch Hazel Thinks It's Spring!

  • Before the Boy and Bird, There Was the Mother and Child: Boston Public Garden History

    Over the years, some of the statues that were once in the Boston Public Garden have been replaced. One with an interesting story was the Mother and Child by sculptor, Isidore Konti.

    8050371293_d3e0dd7b47_o

    Here is a photo of "Mother and Child" taken by Leslie Jones in 1919. (Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.)

    8050371295_d9ff71ca9a_z

    Another view from this wonderful collection that documents so much of Boston's history. 

    I was curious about what happened to this statue and why it was eventually replaced by the Boy and the Bird. 

    From the archives of the Boston Globe, I learned that, “The statue was first placed there by the Art Commission in 1912 as one of a number of ‘fountain statues’ exhibited on the Public Garden that summer.” The Park Commission decided that this marble fountain was too fragile to maintain in an outdoor setting.

    Groups of citizens including the Metropolitan Improvement League and the Boston City Club had tried to raise the $2500 needed to keep the statue but failed. On May 13th, 1916, it was shipped back to Buffalo, NY to the sculptor. 

      CHE_7909 - Version 32015-07-13-boston-public-garden-boy-and-bird-fountain-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    Today, if you visit that spot, you'll see the Boy and Bird Fountain by Bashka Paeff.

    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: Leslie Jones as noted in captions and © 2015 Penny Cherubino  

     

    Related articles
    Growing Fond of the Boston Public Garden Fence
    The Witch Hazel Thinks It's Spring!