Arbor Day 2020 Special: Arlington’s Streets Named for Trees Note: This is a revised version of an article from Richard A. Duffy’s series in the Arlington Advocate, “History of Arlington … Continue reading Arbor Day 2020 Special
Category Archives: Blog
Flag Day
This year’s “Throwback Thursday” coincides with Flag Day, and features the thematically attired Edward H. H. Bartlett of 216 Pleasant St. He was born in England in 1861 and immigrated … Continue reading Flag Day
Town Meetings in the Northwest Precinct of Cambridge, 1736-1795
One of the earliest and purest forms of Democracy in the United States took place at “town meetings”- a practice established in Massachusetts and distinct to the New England region. … Continue reading Town Meetings in the Northwest Precinct of Cambridge, 1736-1795
Moxie: “It’s a drink for those who are at all particular”
It’s the official soft drink of Maine, but Moxie has Arlington connections. Moxie’s originator, Dr. Augustin Thompson (1835-1903), came from Union, Maine and set up his medical practice in Lowell, … Continue reading Moxie: “It’s a drink for those who are at all particular”
Commemorative Plates
Ceramic objects in the AHS collection span centuries while telling local stories. Of these ceramics, several plates uniquely celebrate and document Arlington history. These pieces are known as commemorative or … Continue reading Commemorative Plates
Ballad of the War of 1812
On Tuesday, April 24, 1917, Nina Winn wrote about attending a Historical Society event in which “Aunt Sue read a poem & Elizabeth Smith wore the ball dress she wrote … Continue reading Ballad of the War of 1812
1964: Views of Arlington Center east of Mystic Street
It’s 1964. Comets could be seen streaking down Massachusetts Avenue. The Comet automobile, that is. Some likely purchased at Arlington’s Bonnell & Stokes Lincoln-Mercury-Comet dealership located between the Center … Continue reading 1964: Views of Arlington Center east of Mystic Street
In memory of Nina Winn at Christmas
An excerpt from the diary of Miss Nina L. Winn, December 23, 1916: No flowers at [florist David] Duncan’s & Mrs. Duncan there because he is so poorly, [to] cemetery … Continue reading In memory of Nina Winn at Christmas
60 years ago: “Stop & Shop” building opens
In 1956, many housewives in Arlington were enjoying their first Thanksgiving shopping experience in the “ultra-modern” Publix supermarket that had opened to great fanfare just six months earlier at 905 … Continue reading 60 years ago: “Stop & Shop” building opens
Kimball Farmer House
This fall the Kimball Farmer House at 1173 Massachusetts Avenue, recently renovated to create three affordable-housing units by the Housing Corporation of Arlington, welcomed all of its tenants to their … Continue reading Kimball Farmer House