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Boston circa 1906. "Hotel Lenox." A number of hazards to look out for here. 8x10 inch dry plate glass negative, Detroit Publishing Company. View full size.
Could that lion be one of the lions that are now in front of the Copley Plaza Hotel? Sure looks like him.
I like the "No Short-Cuts" fence at the corner of the building at left.
The placard on the streetcar states Chestnut Hill was the final destination. Portions of the trolley car run were on the final miles of the Boston Marathon and still are today. The Chestnut Hill trolley, I believe, dead-ended across from Norumbega Park, which has been highlighted here in the past. The Lenox for years was the unofficial home of the Boston Marathon, especially the day of the race and after finishing the run. Many a dehydrated runner came wobbly-legged out of the Lenox after the Marathon!
sign refer to "paint," or to the name of the horse across the street? And yes, I do see that hurtling streetcar bearing down the avenue.
The Lenox Hotel is still in operation, although its surrounds have been much altered. The lion has moved on, I think - there's now a modern office building where he was standing. The side of the Lenox that's on Boylston Street (where the streetcar is) has been extensively remodeled and now serves as the main entrance. I wonder why the original entrance was on Exeter (the side street), unless it was to permit more convenient access for carriages.
Everything looks so idyllic - obviously a large, well-made, high-class hotel. Yet the streets are almost deserted. They must have taken this on a winter Sunday morning, when most were still asleep!
[I count at least six people in this time exposure. - Dave]
In 1906 the Lenox was located in the middle of Nowheresville being bound by Exeter St. (front entrance) and Boylston St. The other two sides were bound by railroad coach yards. You can see just a hint of a railroad shed to the left of the hotel. Since the photo was taken the ground level has been extensively reworked to include shops and an alternate entrance on the Boylston St. side. Perhaps someone can find a contemporary photo for comparison.
The Lenox was home to Boston Celtics Coach Red Auerbach during basketball season.
1. Wet paint sign
2. Trolley car
3. The lion sentry
4. Fresh horse dookie
what else?
I see a couple Ghosts getting on the Trolly, headed for the Holyhood Cemetery no doubt.
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