Only In Boston

@onlyinbos.bsky.social

Informational. Genuine. Local. Versatile.

Memorial Drive in Cambridge was originally called Charles River Road. It was renamed in 1923 to honor Massachusetts soldiers who served and died in World War I. More than 100 years later, the 3.9-mile road still runs along the Charles River.

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Fried clams as we know them were invented in Essex, Massachusetts. Lawrence "Chubby" Woodman is credited with creating the first batch in 1916 at what is now Woodman's of Essex, helping turn fried clams into a New England icon.

Boston has unveiled a major redesign of Blue Hill Avenue. The plan includes center-running bus lanes, 6 miles of rebuilt sidewalks, 200 new trees, more parking and a protected bike path. Route 28 trips could be 10-15 minutes faster. Construction starts in 2028.

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Boston is offering FREE swim lessons to hundreds of kids across the city. More than $114,000 is funding beginner lessons and water safety programs expected to reach about 700 youth, on top of thousands of free lessons already offered at city pools.

Massachusetts has an interactive map that lets you find farms, farmers markets and agricultural activities near you. Search by location for farmers markets, farm stands, pick-your-own farms, maple sugar houses, orchards, Christmas trees and more. massnrc.org/farmlocator/...

Massachusetts Grown Map of Farms

Your gateway to Massachusetts farms, farmers markets, and fun ag-tivities! A Map of farms, farmers markets, agricultural fairs, CSA, pick-your-own, agritourism, and more!

massnrc.org

Boston’s North End was once almost entirely Italian. By 1930, the neighborhood’s Italian population had grown to 44,000, representing 99.9% of its population. That history helped create the Italian restaurants, bakeries, shops and feasts the North End is famous for today.

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Blank Street Coffee is taking over Allston’s iconic Twin Donuts location. The coffee and matcha chain plans to keep the legendary Twin Donuts neon sign and introduce exclusive menu items paying tribute to the diner’s 70-year history.

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Boston is getting another major residential tower. Wentworth Institute of Technology is building a $200 million, 18-story dorm for 972 first-year students, marking the largest capital project in the university's history. Expected to open in 2028.

The chocolate chip cookie was invented right here in Massachusetts. In the 1930s, Ruth Wakefield created it at the Toll House Inn in Whitman after mixing chunks of Nestlé chocolate into cookie dough. One of the world's most iconic desserts started in the Bay State.

20 years ago today, Facebook introduced the News Feed. On September 6, 2006, Facebook launched the constantly updating stream of friends’ activity that changed social media forever. Users initially hated it, calling it intrusive and even threatening a boycott.

Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings has deep Massachusetts roots. 📍Born in Boston 🎓Attended Buckingham Browne & Nichols in Cambridge Before changing how the world watches TV, he got his start in the Bay State.

How much are you willing to pay in HOA fees every month? An HOA, or homeowners association, charges owners a recurring fee to maintain shared spaces, amenities and other community expenses. $0? $100? $500? $1,000+?

Norwood's first MBTA Communities housing project is officially underway. The former industrial site at 259 Lenox Street will become a 145-unit transit-oriented development just steps from Norwood Central Station, with the first residents expected to move in during 2027.

Google was founded 28 years ago today. The tech giant was founded on September 4, 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin. Fun fact: The name “Google” originated from a misspelling of “googol,” the number 1 followed by 100 zeros.

Buying or selling something from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or OfferUp? Boston has 24/7 Safe Exchange Zones at every police station where you can meet to complete transactions under security cameras. A good reminder to never meet strangers alone.

Three Massachusetts universities rank among the 25 highest-paid college presidents in America (FY2023 compensation): 🏫 Boston University: $3.25M (#6) 🏫 Harvard: $3.04M (#7) 🏫 Northeastern: $2.00M (#25)

Looking to meet new people in Boston? Join a run club. Whether it's November Project, Tracksmith, Midnight Runners, L Street Running Club, Marathon Sports, or Frontrunners Boston, there's a group for every pace and experience level.

20 years ago today, the world lost Steve Irwin. The legendary “Crocodile Hunter” died on September 4, 2006, at just 44 years old after being struck in the chest by a stingray while filming at the Great Barrier Reef. His passion for wildlife inspired millions. 🐊💚

Harvard is turning the Yard into an EDM festival. Swedish DJ Alesso will headline Harvard’s annual Crimson Jam on Friday night. The Grammy-nominated DJ will perform outdoors in Harvard Yard following the first week of classes.

Boston Public Schools launched the first Haitian Creole-English dual-language preschool program in the United States in 2017, helping students become bilingual in Haitian Creole and English.

The high schools that sent the most students to Harvard, MIT, and Princeton from 2018–2022: Stuyvesant HS (NYC) - 84 Phillips Academy Andover - 77 Boston Latin School - 67 Phillips Exeter Academy - 56 Lexington High School - 47