World-class Boston

[PaulC]

Just wanted to quote this. For a great read that more or less confirms what czsz is saying I recommend Invented Cities: The Creation of Landscape in Nineteenth-Century New York and Boston by Mona Domosh.
It basically spells out how and why the two cities which were more or less equals up until the turn of the 19th century took completely different paths in city building.

I just finished that book two week ago.

 

[JaysonL]

I would argue that Harvard, MIT, Beacon Hill\Back Bay, the Museum of Fine Arts, Fenway Park, and Symphony Hall are all highly respected world-wide in each of their respective categories.

Many of the other places mentioned here are simply great for American standards. What?s that called, anyway? American elite-class?

 

[ablarc]

^ Bush league?

 

[ablarc]

The ol? silversmith wonders why no one thinks his digs are world-class.

 

[czsz]

It's just a house. Samuel Johnson's house in London and Victor Hugo's in Paris wouldn't make the list, either, even if their personages would. And those houses are, unlike Sam's, originals.

 

[ablarc]

And those houses are, unlike Sam's, originals.

Paul. His name was Paul.

 

[czsz]

Oops, dumb slip.

I have to admit, the image of Paul with his silver brought to mind this:

 

[Ron Newman]

On the other hand, Peter Paul Rubens' house in Antwerp is a famous tourist attraction. So is Beethoven's house in Bonn, though I think less so than Rubens'.

 

[tobyjug]

It's great the way he did Pee Wee without an accent.

 

[czsz]

On the other hand, Peter Paul Rubens' house in Antwerp is a famous tourist attraction. So is Beethoven's house in Bonn, though I think less so than Rubens'.

Comparatively less to see in Antwerp and Bonn, though. They're star attractions for little cities, sure.

 

[blade_bltz]

^ Kinda like the Mark Twain house in Hartford.

Though I think Twain's digs would find popularity even in a far greater city.

 

[bdurden]

Comparatively less to see in Antwerp and Bonn, though. They're star attractions for little cities, sure.

One must not forget the most famous house attraction of all, Anne Frank's in Amsterdam. Amsterdam or not, it pulls in the crowds.

 

[Lrfox]

True, Ann Frank's house is the star of the show over there. I actually skipped it on my only trip to Amsterdam in favor of liquid refreshment with a lady. I've been told I'm going to hell for that. I did walk by it though, does that count?

Anyway, you can't forget about the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River ( http://www.lizzie-borden.com/ ). Any place voted Travel Channel's "creepiest destination" has to be a winner, right? Certainly screams, "World-Class" to me.

 

[Chessplayer]

^ Kinda like the Mark Twain house in Hartford.

Though I think Twain's digs would find popularity even in a far greater city.

Hartford's world class attributes (they exist) are almost sad - bygone reminders of vibrancy, class, importance, optimism, confidence.

For that reason I chose those whose absence would lend that sepia tone to the rest of the choices - its principal intellectual/economic engine (Harvard), its best and most unique neighborhood (Beacon Hill), and its only truly world class shopping street (Newbury).

Take away everything else but leave those - Boston is still a fine and functioning city.

 

[ablarc]

^ That way, it would perhaps resemble Cambridge, England.