One Hundred Dollars a Month reader Heather and I were emailing back and forth about chickens and gardening recently when I told her my family would be headed to Boston for spring break. Heather lives just outside the city and suggested we check out Faneuil Hall.
For those of who don’t know, Faneuil Hall was built in 1742 by Boston’s then wealthiest merchant, Peter Faneuil. He built it as a gift to the city. Originally, it was used for merchants, fisherman, meat and produce sellers to peddle their wares. It is also home to the famous protests to the Sugar Act, where colonists coined the phrase: “No taxation without representation.”
In 1826, Quincy Market was added. It served as an expansion to the already popular Faneuil Hall. Both Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall were vital business hubs until the mid 1900’s, when they fell into such disrepair that most of the buildings stood empty.
By the 1970’s, plans to demolish the buildings were underway. Luckily, a group of forward thinking Bostonians rallied to save the buildings, and by 1976, a massive renovations renewed the Faneuil Hall and revitalized downtown Boston.
There is a grasshopper weather vane that sits on top of Faneuil Hall. Many people consider it a symbol of Boston. During the Revolutionary War, people suspected of being spies were asked to describe the weather vane. If they could, they were set free–proving themselves as Bostonians. If not, they were considered British spies. {You can’t argue with water-tight logic like that.}
Street performers began performing in Faneuil Hall until the 1970’s–when they performed to entertain the construction workers who were revitalizing the buildings. The street performers never left, and now are a huge part of the Faneuil Hall culture. We had no idea what this guy was doing, but the crowd sure loved him.
In addition to 14 restaurants and pubs, there are also 36 international food vendors as well. In fact the Qunicy Market has the largest food hall in New England. We bought a Boston Cream pie {of course} and it was delicious.
Call me a history nerd, but we loved Faneuil Hall.
~Mavis
Amanda says
I like it as well. When I worked in downtown Boston, I would sometimes go on my lunch break in the summer months or go shopping after work. Apparently locals tend to stay away (and I admit I can sometimes get annoyed by tourists), but I enjoy the atmosphere, the shops and the food. Haven’t been for a while now though, since I no longer work there. Where else did you go in Boston?
Karina says
Faneuil Hall is also where new attorneys are sworn into the Massachusetts Bar. Pretty cool experience for me and my upstate New York family. I am glad you were able to experience Boston and that you are all safe.
Amanda says
My friend also became a US citizen in Faneuil Hall. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to go to the ceremony.
Deb R says
I have been enjoying your story for about a year -(since the CNN story link) and my family is just a bit older than yours (one graduated college – one third year). Enjoy them. I live about 1 hour south of Boston in the Plymouth area and we are all pretty shook up about the Marathon. Today the manhunt is happening with all the news streaming 24 hours a day. Glad everyone is safe in your family. I had a friend also at the finish line because a relative was running and had not yet finished. They are also all safe but shook up and will not be the same again. Look forward to more gnomes and have fun with Lucy and the chickens and the garden – she will be a handful.
Jen says
So what on earth are you doing today? Are you still in the city? We’ve been watching coverage all day. The poor city streets are empty. Here’s hoping you were either on a plane last night or set to come back another day, since the lockdown persists.
I worked at the Revere house for a couple of years; I know it well. My husband and I lived there for many (me 8, him 12) when I was in grad school and afterward. It’s been really hard to watch this all happen to one of my homes.
Susan says
I love Faneuil Hall, the Revere House and did the Freedom Walk,too.
Even though I am a native of Massachusetts , I did not realize the history of Faneuil Hall – especially the ’70’s history! Interesting!!!
My family is still there, so when we go we stay with my youngest sister.
Did you get a chance to explore other areas? Like Sturbridge Village??
Sandy Frankel says
I hope you got a chance to eat at Wagamama, my favorite restaurant from London. Crossing my fingers that they come to the west coast someday.
Sandy Frankel says
I hope you got a chance to eat at Wagamama, my favorite restaurant from London. Crossing my fingers that they come to the west coast someday.
Mavis says
We ate there and it was delicious! I hope they come to the west coast too. 🙂