Saturday, October 2, 2010

If This House Could Talk


It rained all week -- very little got done on the house -- so the sun was a welcome visitor today which is Cambridgeport History Day.  There are a great number of history related events throughout the weekend...



...but my favorite is the "If This House Could Talk" tour.


The tour is created by the residents of the neighborhood who volunteer to write just a few simple interesting sentences about their house.


It could be anything about the house or its residents, past or present.


It's also a great opportunity to get out and enjoy the last of the fall flowers...


...and maybe "see" a few things you might not notice when you're walking on your way to work.

I love these old plaques in the sidewalk above some of the storm drains.


How can you not love this?


It might seem like a odd time for me to put my house on a tour of homes but when a neighbor invited me to participate, I thought it would be a good opportunity to highlight my restoration.


The tour revolves around Dana Park which is centered in the middle of the neighborhood.  A map of the 105 participating homes is available as well a variety of historical maps so residents can find their home, and former owners' names, on the old maps.


This particular map from 1830 is just as the neighborhood was being developed.  All of the darkened areas were tidal swamps along the Charles River.   These were prolific oyster beds at the time. 


All of the tidal swamps were filled, new streets were laid out and homes were built.


Many of the residents of the lower 'port say they still find oyster shells in the ground when they dig in their yards.


I love this event not only because it's easy for everyone to become involved but it raises awareness of the rich history of our neighborhood and makes residents aware that they're part of that history.


The event lasts through next weekend.  What a beautiful day it was to kick it off.



9 comments:

  1. Cool Steve. If I was around this weekend I'd definitely check it out. Will try to catch next week!

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  2. This is definately an event I would love to attend. What a great way to get everyone involved in preserving your town's history. I would want to go in and tour the inside of the homes as well!
    I love all your front door/porch shots...each house is more charming than the next. Cambridge is definately on my list to visit -soon.

    btw...I've been using Picnik with all my photos. I've become addicted I think!

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  3. I love this idea for a tour! You certainly live in a lovely area where the residents care about their homes and their history. I wish more areas were so inclined.
    Also, we did get the storm but none of the weather outlets up here knew it was coming!

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  4. hey steve,

    i love this idea of a walking tour and getting to know a little more about houses that you drive past each day.

    i think this would be a great idea for redlands too.

    i adore those plaques, so charming.

    i love seeing snippets of your little town.

    ~janet

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  5. What a fascinating post. So happy I checked in today!
    D.

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  6. If I could, I'd be taking that tour - what a neat idea! Oh, I do miss living in Cambridge.

    Claudia

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  7. How nice to live in an area that has so much history and charm attached. Here, 100 year old houses are very rare. What fun this tour must be. I love your opening shot of the morning glories. Lovely(-:

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  8. Interesting post on a great idea. Lovely, simple blog. Fanned and following now...K

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  9. Hola Steve, hope your house has progress a lot since the wrong vinyl siding!!! So good to see you walk around getting some inspiration from your beautiful neighbourhood.
    cariños,
    maria cecilia

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