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1) Trinity Church (206 Clarendon St.)
http://bostonlitdistrict.org/venue/trinity-church/ “During the early 1870s, as America rebounded from its destructive Civil War, Boston-based Reverend Phillips Brooks was developing a reputation for his spellbinding sermons at Trinity Church, drawing sizable crowds to the old parish building at Downtown Crossing. When the Great Boston Fire of 1872 ravaged the neighborhood, the church leadership set its sights on the new Back Bay neighborhood, which had recently been developed as a land-filled marsh, and “starchitect” Henry Hobson Richardson deliberated over a building design that could function as an “envelope for Brooks’ voice” (in the words of Wellesley College historian James F. O’Gorman).” 2) Khalil Gibran Plaque and Memorial (201-227 Dartmouth St) http://bostonlitdistrict.org/venue/khalil-gibran-memorial/ “The Khalil Gibran Memorial depicts the Lebanese-born poet, philosopher, and painter in his characteristically reflective state, staring off into the distance and likely pondering one of the many weighty themes that characterized his work, including his seminal book, The Prophet (1923), which is displayed prominently in his lap. The plaque, dedicated in 1977, was designed by Gibran’s nephew, and is in part a testament to the McKim building across the street, where Gibran educated himself as a young immigrant living with his mother and siblings in Boston’s South End. “It was in my heart to help a little, because I was helped much,” the plaque reads, excerpted from a letter that accompanied Gibran’s generous bequest to the Boston Public Library.” 3) John Singleton Statue https://friendsofcopleysquare.org/john-singleton/ “John Singleton Copley was born in Boston in 1738 to poor parents of Irish immigrants, Richard and Mary Singleton Copley. At the age of 14 he painted the earliest of his known portraits, a painting of his half-brother Charles Pelham. He became famous for his portraits of aristocratic elegance and grace. In addition to oil paintings, Copley was one of America's first pastel artist. Building upon his success in America, he desired to expand his reputation to Europe. Artist Benjamin West, urged him to come to London. He sailed to London in 1774. He painted his first important work in 1778, Watson and the Shark, which became a forerunner of 19th century Romantic art depicting the struggle of humans against nature. Copley never returned to America. He died in London on Sept. 9, 1815. “ - Waymarking.com 4) Old South Church (645 Boylston St) http://www.oldsouth.org/ Ben Franklin was baptized here. “The “other” church overlooking Copley Square was constructed in the Gothic Revival architectural style in 1875, features stunning Venetian mosaics and 15th-century style stained glass windows, and is now a National Historic Landmark. Watch out for your ears as its tower bell, weighing a remarkable 2,020 pounds, peals loudly for services and special occasions. Participate in a variety of worship services, from informal to expressive festival-style to candlelit jazz worship to healing worship.” – Wheretraveler.com 5) Boston Public Library (700 Boylston St.) www.bpl.org “When the Copley Square building, the crown jewel of the Boston Public Library system, was first unveiled in 1895, architect Charles Follen McKim described it as a “palace for the people.” The concept may sound trite today, but during the 19th century, the BPL presented a radical concept about what role public libraries might play in America, acting as bastions of knowledge for the common good. The library’s foundation in 1848 marked the first time that citizens could borrow books and materials for free, a revolutionary concept at the time. The BPL was also the first library to establish a branch system, opening over 20 locations between 1872 and 1900, serving diverse populations across the city’s many neighborhoods.” |
Two great restaurants within walking distance include:
Precinct Kitchen and Bar 7 minutes walking, .3 miles, (154 Berkley St.) http://www.precinctkitchenandbar.com/precinct-kitchen-bar-dinner-menu.html Parrish Café 9 minutes, .4 miles (361 Boylston) http://parishcafe.thelowerdepths.com/menu/ For a really great meal, really close, in an upscale atmosphere, try the OAK Long Bar and Kitchen at 138 James Street, located in the Fairmont Copley Hotel. The food is great and the wine list is extensive. http://www.oaklongbarkitchen.com/dinner/ For casual American pub food, burgers and sandwiches with a solid beer selection, try Bukowski Tavern at 50 Dalton Street. It’s a 14 minute walk and just .7 miles, but they are cash only. http://bukowski.thelowerdepths.com/boston/menu/ Other City HighlightsBoston Aquarium
http://www.neaq.org/ Museum of Science https://www.mos.org/ USS Constitution https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/ Faneuil Hall https://ussconstitutionmuseum.org/ Interesting Neighborhoods
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