Today's history post about the hotels that have stood at 275 Tremont Street in Boston came about because of a question directed at Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub over on Twitter.
I took a quick look at some old maps superimposed on today's google view and saw that the building was once the Hotel Bradford.
Originally it was the Elks Hotel, designed by the architectural firm of McLaughlin & Burr and dedicated in 1926. It was in the heart of Boston's Theatre District because it served as the headquarters of the Boston Lodge 10 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. This organization began as a fraternal group for the entertainers who would be working in this area.
(image from a private collection)
While I did not find any images or postcards, the Bradford Hotel became Tremont House and then was converted to a Courtyard by Marriott. You can see that today in this Google Streetview.
Katie responded with a nice thank you and brought the subject of music into my quest. Yes, Katie, this building did have an important place in the world of music, but it was jazz rather than opera. I'll tell you about that tomorrow with a link to a great three part interview that provided confirmation and a primary source for what I found mentioned elsewhere. (Here's the link to that part of the story!)
Update 01/15/16: The folks over at Back Bay Houses contributed the image of this postcard to add to our post.
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 Images: as credited under each one.
Today's history post about the hotels that have stood at 275 Tremont Street in Boston came about because of a question directed at Adam Gaffin of Universal Hub over on Twitter.
I took a quick look at some old maps superimposed on today's google view and saw that the building was once the Hotel Bradford.
Originally it was the Elks Hotel, designed by the architectural firm of McLaughlin & Burr and dedicated in 1926. It was in the heart of Boston's Theatre District because it served as the headquarters of the Boston Lodge 10 of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. This organization began as a fraternal group for the entertainers who would be working in this area.
(image from a private collection)
While I did not find any images or postcards, the Bradford Hotel became Tremont House and then was converted to a Courtyard by Marriott. You can see that today in this Google Streetview.
Katie responded with a nice thank you and brought the subject of music into my quest. Yes, Katie, this building did have an important place in the world of music, but it was jazz rather than opera. I'll tell you about that tomorrow with a link to a great three part interview that provided confirmation and a primary source for what I found mentioned elsewhere. (Here's the link to that part of the story!)
Update 01/15/16: The folks over at Back Bay Houses contributed the image of this postcard to add to our post.
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 Images: as credited under each one.
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 18, 2016. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.
Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
Liquor Stores: Open
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 United States closed. International markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.
Boston Trash and Recycling:
The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to thecity site and look up your specific addressin order to get information.
Street Cleaning: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."
MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, 2016:
For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link.
Here's a quick overview of what is planned for 2016:
Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will operate on a Saturday schedule and there will not be late-night service.
The Silver line will operate on a weekday schedule.
Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Boat service – Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules.
The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, (TTY 617-222-5146), or go to www.mbta.com
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 18, 2016. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.
Retail Stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose
Liquor Stores: Open
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 United States closed. International markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts Boston
If you're looking for something to do on this holiday, the MFA has a full schedule of special events and invites the community to visit for free that day.
Boston Trash and Recycling:
The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to thecity site and look up your specific addressin order to get information.
Street Cleaning: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."
MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 18, 2016:
For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link.
Here's a quick overview of what is planned for 2016:
Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will operate on a Saturday schedule and there will not be late-night service.
The Silver line will operate on a weekday schedule.
Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule.
Boat service – Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules.
The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule.
For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, (TTY 617-222-5146), or go to www.mbta.com
We've been asking a lot of friends this question lately because Penny was researching background for an article on toast and the topic ran away with her. There is so much to say about toast that we may very well dedicate this winter to exploring toast options.
We've already shared our love for things on toast on BostonZest over the years. Above, you have the photo from our impromptu creation of Bacon, Parsley & Tomato Bites one evening.
Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2015 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2016.
What's closed? Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules? We have the answers for you, all organized in one post!
Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but others, especially those in the hospitality business, stay open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.
Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2016 – New Year's Day
Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Convenience stores:Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
Liquor stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose
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.
More after the ad…
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!
Make your own holiday wish come true. Find the gift you really want on Amazon! And, by starting from here, you'll be supporting BostonZest and keeping the information flowing your way.
Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the United State closed. Some international markets are open.
Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply.
Boston Trash Collection:
Boston Trash Collection for Christmas
The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to thecity site and look up your specific addressin order to get information.
MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day
The MBTA has full information on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.)
Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Thursday, December 31, 2015
The Red, Orange, Blue, Green lines and Mattapan Trolley will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional trains operating at rush-hour levels of service throughout the evening from 3 p.m. until approximately 2 a.m.
The Siver Line will run on a weekday schedule.
The Commuter Rail will run on a modified weekday schedule with additional service provided – the last trains out are listed here. Also check that link for restrictions on bicycles on commuter rail on the 31st.
Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a regular weekday schedule.
Boats will operate a regular weekday schedule.
The Ride will operate on a regular weekday schedule with extended hours until 2:30 a.m.
Here are the important points for New Year's Day, Friday, January 1, 2016
The Red, Orange, Blue, Green, and Silver lines, and Mattapan Trolley will run on a Sunday Schedule.
Some Commuter Rail lines will run on a Sunday schedule which means the Needham line will not operate.
Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with a long list of buses not operating. Check those here.
Boats will not operate.
The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
For more information, call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."
Recently, Ed said, "I could have been dropped here from another planet and I'd know the time of year from the wine ads on TV …" Many of those ads try to convince you to buy a mass market, low cost wine for holiday gifts or serving at parties. Don't fall for it!
Here's our little Poppy girl guarding our solution to the question of what to serve and gift as a holiday wine. We had Brix Wine Shopdeliver a case of Nino Franco Rustico. We'll have it on hand for guests, last minute gifts, and if we enter January with a few left over, we'll enjoy it ourselves.
Last year, we posted this piece about Nino Franco and gifts of wine:
Our main message was, "Please don't give your clients, business associates, and friends most of the wines you see in TV ads as holiday gifts. A good wine shop can recommend a good wine value that you can give with pride. And, it will be one that will please both the occasional sipper and wine aficionado."
You may be looking for a special high-end wine for a special gift. Recently, one of our favorite food scouts MC Slim JB sought opinions from other food and wine fans for a special purchase over on Chowhound. He asked for comments on: "Favorite Boston-area wine shops for Champagne?"
This turned into a wonderful conversation about styles of Champagne, shops that carry great bottles, and favorites among the group.
As I read, I added a couple of shopping stops to our New Year's Eve Wine shopping list and everyone learned a bit more about high-end bottles. Best of all, many of us were able to give a bit back to a forum member who has led so many of us to great food for so long.
Our motto for buying a gift of wine has always been, "Give a wine you will be happy to have in your own wine rack for a special moment." Or, buy an extra bottle or two and ensure there will be one when the time comes for you to celebrate.
Recently, Ed said, "I could have been dropped here from another planet and I'd know the time of year from the wine ads on TV …" Many of those ads try to convince you to buy a mass market, low cost wine for holiday gifts or serving at parties. Don't fall for it!
Here's our little Poppy girl guarding our solution to the question of what to serve and gift as a holiday wine. We had Brix Wine Shopdeliver a case of Nino Franco Rustico. We'll have it on hand for guests, last minute gifts, and if we enter January with a few left over, we'll enjoy it ourselves.
Last year, we posted this piece about Nino Franco and gifts of wine:
Our main message was, "Please don't give your clients, business associates, and friends most of the wines you see in TV ads as holiday gifts. A good wine shop can recommend a good wine value that you can give with pride. And, it will be one that will please both the occasional sipper and wine aficionado."
You may be looking for a special high-end wine for a special gift. Recently, one of our favorite food scouts MC Slim JB sought opinions from other food and wine fans for a special purchase over on Chowhound. He asked for comments on: "Favorite Boston-area wine shops for Champagne?"
This turned into a wonderful conversation about styles of Champagne, shops that carry great bottles, and favorites among the group.
As I read, I added a couple of shopping stops to our New Year's Eve Wine shopping list and everyone learned a bit more about high-end bottles. Best of all, many of us were able to give a bit back to a forum member who has led so many of us to great food for so long.
Our motto for buying a gift of wine has always been, "Give a wine you will be happy to have in your own wine rack for a special moment." Or, buy an extra bottle or two and ensure there will be one when the time comes for you to celebrate.
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!
And, since it was popular last year, we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2016 with friends and family around a brunch table.
We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
Are you looking for a place to ring in 2015 with a happy crowd?
Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
Is a walk to view skating on the Frog Pond more your style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.
You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.
The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.
We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.
We Do Recommend!
There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputations on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
Select Oyster Bar will serve a 7-course tasting menu. There are still a few seats left for a 6pm and 9pm seating.
Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and that kindness puts them high on our list.
Row 34 will serve their regular menu with a special addition: "Caviar and Champagne are the name of the game this New Year's Eve. Ossetra caviar and NV Krug Grand Cuvee are available for enjoying at cost …"
Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 AM to come up with our recommendations.
Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day.
Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang.
Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine on New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!
And, since it was popular last year, we're adding a few places we think might be great for starting off 2016 with friends and family around a brunch table.
We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.
Are you looking for a place to ring in 2015 with a happy crowd?
Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration?
Is a walk to view skating on the Frog Pond more your style?
We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like.
You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.
The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day. We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.
We'll add updates with other lists, as they become available, from trusted sources around town. Please remember that when we provide a link to a list, we are just giving you a resource. It doesn't mean we are recommending the restaurants on that list. These summaries often include places we love, but since other publishers have different standards, their list may include restaurants we would never recommend.
We Do Recommend!
There are restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputations on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.
Select Oyster Bar will serve a 7-course tasting menu. There are still a few seats left for a 6pm and 9pm seating.
Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and that kindness puts them high on our list.
Row 34 will serve their regular menu with a special addition: "Caviar and Champagne are the name of the game this New Year's Eve. Ossetra caviar and NV Krug Grand Cuvee are available for enjoying at cost …"
Bistro du Midi is offering two seatings at two prices with two prix fixe menus.
Open Table did not have a New Year's Day Brunch list when we prepared this post. We put a request in for a table at 11:30 AM to come up with our recommendations.
Craigie on Main decided to do away with their regular Sunday brunch, but they will have brunch on a few selected holidays like New Year's Day.
Petit Robert Bistro would be a great place to enjoy the beginning of a new year with a gang.
