Beacon Hill: The Life and Times of a Neighborhood

by Moying Li-Marcus

Since Boston's Legendary Beacon Hill was first settled nearly 400 years ago, the neighborhood's spirited residents, generation after generation, have created and maintained a unique environment that is both timeless and forward looking. They have responded to social, economic, and political changes over the centuries by integrating the best legacies of the Hill's past into plans for the community's future growth and vitality.In this well-crafted and lavishly illustrated work, Moying Li-Marcus takes the reader on a fascinating tour of the historic yet vibrant district of cobblestone streets, red brick sidewalks, gas lamps, and elegant Bulfinch architecture. Weaving together the personal reminiscences of dwellers with compelling narrative, she captures the essence of this special community in the heart of Boston. Here one meets both renowned and long-forgotten Beacon Hillers -- Puritans, Brahmins, bohemians, and immigrants -- who have shaped and defined this culturally rich and diverse neighborhood. Here, too, one relives memorable moments in the Hill's long and colorful saga, including the traditional candle-lighting and caroling on Christmas Eve, the annual Window Box Contest, battles to save the cherished brick sidewalks, the Charles Street Fair, the Mothers March against Storrow Drive, and the persistent problems with traffic, parking, zoning, and housing. The vital and sometimes controversial role of the Beacon Hill Civic Association, one of the nation's oldest and most tenacious neighborhood groups, in forming the area's living history is also thoroughly discussed.

Published on the eightieth anniversary of the Civic Association's founding Beacon Hill will delight Bostonresidents, tourists, and historians.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published October 17, 2002

Reviews

[W. Nikola-Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm interested in the history of Beacon Hill, and Li-Marcus's book fills in some of the details. However, it is a bit cursory, and probably has to be as it covers a lot of terrain. The addition of archival photographs adds to the book's appeal. You won't learn a lot about current Beacon Hill, but if you're interested in its history this isn't a bad place to start.