Boston Public Library

 

The Grand Staircase dedicated to Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry 1861-1865 

For those who hold libraries reverently, the Boston Public Library is among those stately buildings that can rightly be called a temple of knowledge. The McKim building opened in 1895, after its cornerstone was laid in 1888. It is touted as the first free, urban, municipally funded large public library, which seems to be a lot of qualifiers, but its historical importance is not in doubt.

Architecturally stunning, the building is a monument to the importance of learning and knowledge to late 19th-century American life. Although today we may disagree on what should be known, or even how we know, the dedication to, and glorification of, information is stunning. As such, I always consider the library as one of my top destinations while in Boston.  

The Abbey Room

On the second floor of the library, the Abbey Room features murals by Edwin Austin Abbey. Installed between 1895 and1902, the paintings are based on Sir Galahad’s quest for the holy grail. Abbey used as inspiration Alfred, Lord Tennyson’s version of the story contained in the epic poem, Idylls of the King. The explanation of the room argued that most library patrons of time, would have been familiar with the poem. The fin-de-siècle American art reflects more a romantic vision that contemporaries in Europe, but gives one conveys the mood of the library.  

“The maidens welcome Sir Galahad”

“Sir Galahad becomes king of Sarras and builds a Golden Tree. He achieves the Grail and his spirit ascends from earth.”

Bates Hall is an example of a reading room that most people think of when thinking about a classic library. Although perhaps not as grandiose as the reading room at the New York City library, it is still awe inspiring, and made me want to sit down, pull out my notebook, and start studying or writing.

 

Bates Hall

The third floor of the library houses, the “Triumph of Religion,” works by John Singer Sargent installed 1885-1919.

 

Old South Church

Old South Church is one of the famous building in the Copley Square area of Boston. The current structure dates from 1875; however, the congregation was formed in 1669. I made a visit to the church on the Saturday following Easter. It was one of the first nice days of spring after a tremendously difficult winter. The church was still decorated with Easter flowers and the sunlight shone brightly through the beautiful stained-glass windows.

The church is an example of the true meaning of sanctuary: some quiet time for myself; a respite for an unfortunate woman taking a nap in a pew. The quietness of such a large space is inspiring. While inside it is difficult to imagine that just a few feet away crowds of people hurrying and bustling through their busy lives on a Saturday afternoon. It was hard to remain absolutely silent, however, as the wooden floor creaked and groaned under the stress on my shoes as I walk around the church.

Among the parishioners of the church was Samuel Adams (1722-1803), a familiar name in Boston. The memorial to him reads: “To give his history at full length would be to give a history of the American Revolution.” The church was also near the finish line of the Boston Marathon and the church witnessed the tragic bombing that unfolded just two years before.

Longfellow Bridge

Every other November, I have the opportunity to take long, cold walks across the Longfellow Bridge. This year, construction is taking place to rehabilitate the bridge that crosses the Charles River and links Boston with the city of Cambridge. The bridge connects the two cities by foot, subway (The T) and automobile and is a great piece of architecture that provides travelers with a beautiful view of the skyline. The bridge was originally constructed in 1908 and is referred locally to the “Salt and Pepper Bridge” because the granite towers at the center remind people of tableware. I am unsure of the plans; however, I hope the cast iron fences that line the sidewalks, admittedly in bad shape, survive the restoration of the bridge.

Historic Matthews Arena

Matthews Arena, Boston

What is it that attracts us to old sports facilities? In an era when virtually every major sports team (and many minor ones) clamor for modern facilities, many knowledgeable fans seek out and celebrate classic venues. Perhaps it is those of us trying to recapture the pure thrill of competition and sports we experienced as children. 

When one thinks about historic sports venues in Boston, the natural first thought is Fenway. Yet, the old city has more hidden treasures. Opened in 1910, Matthews Arena is the nation's oldest multifunction sports facility and the oldest sheet of ice in hockey. Since 1930 it has been the home of the Northeastern University Huskies hockey team. Previously, however, it was the original home of the Boston Bruins (1924-1928) and the only "Original Six" arena still extant. Other tenants have included the Boston Celtics (basketball, 1946-1955) and the New England Whalers (1972-1973) of the World Hockey League.

Obstructed view seats

Although the arena has been renovated several times there are some distinctive features. The ceiling of the barn is made of planks of wood. There are numerous obstructed-view seats, especially in the top level of the arena. Rather than side-by-side, the benches are across the ice from one another. 

With an arena this old, it is hard to avoid a sense of nostalgia. The photographs in the lobby contains team pictures dating back to 1929. Banners in the rafters tell of a great tradition, but limited success in conference play and at the national level. But this is not the grandeur of the arena. Instead, it is in the bricks and mortar, the seats and the memories of over a decade of entertainment, joys and sorrows, friendship and comradery.