Our delightful guide, Reed, from Oklahoma. He is a second year Harvard student studying economics with aspirations for a legal career which is all but certain. Too cute!The “pearly gates” but no pearls.
Reed told us there is a “curse” to these gates. Students are only to go through them on their first day. and then upon graduation to ensure good luck.
All must know as saw only the side entrance used.
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The Gate House inside the gates is the most expensive piece of Harvard property as it had to be historically correct. It cost $57 grand by the time all parties approved the plans, and it was built.This is where the Harvard president lives. Each year the president hand picks 15 students to live in his home for their freshman year.The front of the homeHarvard – was begun 153 years before the constitution in 1636 and in 1638 Harvard, a farmer, gave his land and book collection for the university if they named the university after him, which they did. The statute is a rendering of an unknown as all pictures of Harvard were lost in a fire along with his book collection.
However, if you touch the toe of the Harvard statue good luck is to fall upon you. And truth be told something very lucky 🍀 fell to me hours after touching his toe.
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There was so much shared on this tour, and Reed was phenomenal. This young man fromOklahoma will be lighting the world on fire 🔥 someday soon. Above is the dorm where Zuckerberg created Facebook. When he was in Boston he knocked on his former dorm room for another look 👀 saying hello, and signing the desk where Facebook was created.Natalie Portman and Matt Damon’s dorm, however, Matt did not graduate, but Natalie did.National Lampoon House – oh the stories told about Conan O Brien and his tenure here. Another Harvard grad and Mark Twain award recipient. See the recent show for a 🦉.
What an amazing tour and what lucky young folks to have this opportunity!
Since I knew I would be exploring Harvard University decided to arrive early to check out other attractions nearby. Found this lovely park and statue from the Prime Minister of Ireland.
And a tribute to the Union soldiers with Grant and Lincoln represented.
The area held many churches.
Along with cemeteries filled with fallen soldiers and early Americans.
Christ Church
Beautiful interior
Display on front lawn – The Red Dress Project honors murdered and missing indigenous women and girls. There are thousands of girls and women missing throughout the world.
Not only was today Cinco de Mayo it was also a playoff game for the Celtics. What a season of green folks had donned for their team!
They sure take their sports 🏀 seriously
And once through the crowds found..
Walked about buying Italian cookies 🍪 and checking out the area.
Meals run about $30., and all looked sublime…
Famous Regina’s pizza 🍕 But wasn’t in the mood for 🍕 So settled on a small placeEggplant over ziti- yum!
Then checked out St Leonard’s prayer garden..
And the church..
Next Faneuil Hall..
They are updating..And Quincy Market
And back through the North End
Don’t forget Boston is on the sea..Paul Reveres home and across the street a Park dedicated to to Rachel Revere – nice touch.And a final goodbye to the North End..
Here for 3 days. Lived in Boston working as a nurse from 1979 to 1981 at the Joslin Clinic, and returned 7 years ago for a brief visit. Decided it was time to visit again.
Since I am unsure what our reception would be in the EU with our current prez feel it best to stay stateside.
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Was shocked how pricey B town hotels were so went with a hostel that Expedia recommended, and am quite pleased thus far.
The Found on South Charles St.The BunksThe bath 🛀 that’s me in the mirror Nice lockers
On the way to the hotel did some exploring on Charles St., so much has changed in 40 years!
What cute shops!And the homes majestic..
Then the Gardens.,
Nice 🌷 The swan boats and bridge
And a closeup of the boats..
Gee, I’ve worked up an appetite. Time to go to the North End for some Italian food..
Think I’ll do this blog pictorially. The flowers say it all.
The Entrance – all gates close at 4 to protect from 🦌
I was fortunate to hook on for the garden tour by the volunteer docents. Most days at 12 or 1. Call ahead for specifics, as what a wealth of information they hold.
What a phenomenal place- this is the back of the home. Homes in this area always more gorgeous in the back as they are overlooking water or gardens. However, I felt the front of the home equally lovely.
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Haven’t been here in 40 years, and the universe gave me another perfect day for this visit. Was so thankful!
Where do we start with this visit? I believe a little bio on the family is appropriate.
The Entrance
The Phipps Union was a happy one with 4 children, 3 boys, 1 girl. They were married over 50 years and even slept in the same bedroom!
Dining Room
Marjorie was a Brit, the child of a shipping magnet, and he an American who inherited 40 million from the Carnegie steel sale.
Not a bad way to start a marriage..
All chandeliers were Waterford Bedroom Quite a looThey were avid dog 🐶 lovers, philanthropists, horse breeders, and racers. They owned polo grounds, tennis courts, swimming pools, and remain one of the 50th wealthiest families in America 🇺🇸.Rooms were beautiful and comfortable The windows led to a balcony sitting area
During WWII Marjorie housed 30 of her nieces and nephews from the EU in the home.
And in each room there was a flower 🌼 arrangement from the gardens.
And we’ll end our tour with a closer look at one of the many splendid chandeliers.
Need I say this is a must see and wait till you see the gardens..
On this pristine day, the last day of April, drank in the beauty of this Park, and the exceptional Museum attraction.
Let’s start with the outdoor sculpture park.
Unsure of sculptures, but enjoy.My favorite An odd one, an oxymoron?
There also is a studio where classes are held. Wish I lived closer, they have great offerings…
Now I’m off to the real reason for the visit, The Art Deco exhibit.
This was a remarkable exhibition, well done, and kudos to the Museum.
Art Deco is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The movement actually began in Europe, but quickly caught abroad. It began after the then pandemic, and World War I.
20th Century Rendering
But actually…
The Flapper EraNote in the background Louis Comfort Tiffany’s lamp, and his son’s picture of Gaza.An Art Deco Cabinet between flappers.Note 🎵 the beauty of the room. This mansion was the home of Henry Frick’s son, Charles.Another beautiful piece of this room, hand carved 🚪.The staircase, sadly once again, house tours only weekends.Side of the fireplace
Back to the exhibit..
More flappers Guys were also in this era, of note Clark Gable.Then there are the buildings coast to coast over 200 of them, and my favorite Radio City Music Hall.Some artwork indicative of the era.
Also at the Museum was an extensive collection of young Tiffany, (son of Tiffany), art. Here are some, and they are truly lovely in oils, and watercolors.
Charles was a traveler.
Then there is dad’s art work. Tiffany lived on Long Island so understandably his works were grabbed up by the wealthy Gold Coast folks.
His Lamp
His Vase
And they even managed to have a Picasso and Chagall here.
Go if you can, take time to walk the grounds, and as always, Enjoy!
One of the most beautiful gardens I’ve ever seen, and what a perfect day for my visit.
The universe smiled on me for this visit. The day was literally perfect as I said earlier. Flowers were in bloom, the sun shown brightly, and there was a slight breeze as I enjoyed the fragrant smells, and beautiful colors.
Here are the flowers..
Rose 🌹 ArborPool with children dipping their 👣 Passage between the boxwoods to a secret 🪴Children’s PlayhouseTulips Bridal Photos Don’t forget to visit the bird areaLovelyVarious Magnolias Another VersionPink Lilacs – never before sawWeeping Cherry TreeCherry tree
The Azaleas and Rhododendrons
Color beyond belief Bleeding HeartHysteriaView all the signs to ensure you visit all.
Planting fields was the home of the Coe’s. The mistress of the house was a Standard Oil heiress, and Mr. Coe was in Marine insurance, then later railroads, etc., etc.
They were philanthropists of the arts and their home was Tudor style having 65 rooms. Sadly, the home is only open on the weekends so I was unable to tour, however, I did manage to peek in the windows and it is beyond words.
Here is the home..
Above door is the symbol for Planting Fields which is a name the local Indian tribes used for the area.
What a wonderful day!
You never know what you’ll find when you travel!
This would have been my father’s 101st birthday 🎁.