Did Boston’s Back Bay always exist? No! It was largely the brainchild of David Sears, the same visionary behind Sears’ Crescent and Sears’ Block Building. These two structures, nestled along Cornhill, whisper tales of a bygone era. Sears’ Crescent, born in 1816 as a row of Federal-style townhouses, later embraced a graceful curve and Italianate flair around 1860. Right across, Sears’ Block, completed in 1848, stands as a rare example of granite post-and-lintel construction. These buildings are more than just brick and stone. They are survivors, the last remnants of Cornhill’s original path, a street swallowed by time and urban renewal. Look closely at Sears’ Block. Perched proudly is the “Steaming Tea Kettle,” a quirky relic from 1873. Originally commissioned by the Oriental Tea Company for their Court Street location, the kettle found a new home on Sears’ Block after its original building met the wrecking ball in 1967. Even this iconic kettle has faced its share of drama, damaged and then lovingly restored after a mishap with a truck. Sears’ Crescent itself had a modern revival in 2016 when Chevron Partners breathed new life into its historic walls. Today, Sears’ Crescent and Sears’ Block Building stand as a testament to Boston’s ever-evolving spirit, a blend of old and new. They offer a glimpse into a city shaped by visionaries like David Sears, a city where history and progress dance hand in hand.
Rumney Marsh Burial Ground
A chill wind whispers through the aged headstones. This is Rumney Marsh Burial Ground. This historic cemetery dates back to