Thursday, January 24, 2013

Day 18 of the 365 Days of Blogging

The author, Dane F. Baylis

Tell About My Hometown

I was born and raised in Boston and the South Shore area of Massachusetts. I've lived all over the U.S. and the world but there are few places like that town. To be specific I was born in Dorchester which is part of Greater Boston and at that time was an Irish-American bastion. Then and now that part of the town enjoyed what was known as stoop society. The "stoop" is a colloquialism for the front steps in front of the apartment buildings that line the streets. During the warmer weather people would gather on the stoop and socialize and swap gossip.
 
Another great slang term was one applied to the apartments themselves. These three-deckers (buildings constructed in three floors each of which housed a family) were often referred to as Irish battleships. Mostly the term was applied by law enforcement when they had to respond to domestic disturbances.
 
If I were to draw comparisons between cities in this country I would compare Boston and San Francisco. They both have a certain eclectic style that mixes blue-collar, upper crust and intellectualism. Boston still has more institutions of higher learning per square mile than anywhere else I've ever been. This isn't saying that deep thought and debate is limited to ivy covered halls. Even in a neighborhood bar you might want to be fairly well versed in current affairs on a local, national and international level. A little behind on your newspapers and weeklies...Then just nod and agree.
 
There is a tremendous art scene, literature is alive and well, music from symphony to head banger and a vibrant fashion district make the place a constant adventure. The people are friendly and think you're the one who talks funny. From Haymarket to the brownstones of Beacon Hill, the U Mass campus to Newbury Street, it was a great place to grow up, be from, and return to from time to time.
 
 
Still accepting submissions for the Your Work/Your Love page. There are gadgets on the right margin that allow you to follow or subscribe and I entertain any comments critiques or questions at the bottom of the page.
 
 
As usual, remember...live, love, write.
 
 
Dane F. Baylis

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