Councilor Edwards to honor Maverick Street Mothers through Annual Scholarship Fund

(BOSTON, March 6, 2018) - Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards kicked off March as “Women’s History Month” by announcing an annual scholarship paying tribute to the Maverick Street Mothers awarded to local parents attending Boston-area colleges. 

"In honor of Women’s History Month, we celebrate the contributions of leaders who continue to inspire us, whose shoulders we stand on, and who helped shaped the history of East Boston. Today, we celebrate East Boston advocate Anna DeFronzo and all Maverick Street Mothers for their activism in fighting against airport expansion in the 1960's,” said Councilor Edwards.

"Tomorrow, we want to make sure that their legacy is never forgotten,” continued Edwards. "Therefore, I'm proud to announce a Maverick Street Mothers Scholarship Fund to be given in the fall for local parents seeking assistance to attend college."

Maverick street mother and longtime community activist Mary Ellen Welch is excited to see the next generation of leaders receive support through Edwards scholarship. "It’s been on the minds of activists that we needed younger generations to take on causes that were so important to the community back then and that are still prevalent now," said Welch.

"Councilor Edwards’ scholarship will provide the opportunity for young people to learn the importance of standing up for what is right, formulating principals around neighborhood cohesiveness, and allowing communities to have self-determination."

The Maverick Street Mothers organized community protests in the 1960’s against the Massachusetts Port Authority and the proposed expansion at the time. The protest was widely publicized as both women and men from the community formed a blockade using baby carriages to stop construction and delivery trucks on Maverick Street.

In order to be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be a local parent and resident of East Boston and attending, or planning to attend, a Boston-area college within one year. Each applicant must supply a letter of recommendation and a typed essay of no more than five-hundred (500) words describing the importance of civic engagement and community activism. Semi-finalists will then be asked to complete and in-person interview.

To find out ways to support the Maverick Street Mothers scholarship fund, please call (617) 635-3200 or e-mail gabriela.coletta@boston.gov.

Source: The Office of Councilor Edwards 3/6/2018.


Editor's note: Here's the obituary of one of the original Maverick Street Mothers, Betty Mazzarini
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Something to remember this July Fourth: The Battle of Noddle's Island, Hogg Island and Chelsea Creek

A historical thought on this July 4 from local historian Michael Laurano:


The Fourth of July is a good time to remember another great American misnomer - the oxymoronic term, the so called "Battle of Chelsea Creek" which in all truth was the "Battle of Noddle's Island, Hogg Island and Chelsea".

The series of skirmishes encompassed by that term which took place in late May of 1775 between the Americans and the British was never until the very late 19th century at the very earliest referred to even as the "Battle of Chelsea " nor until 1906 as the "Battle of Chelsea Creek". That was for good reasons. The bellicose actions took place on Noddle's Island (East Boston), Hogg (or Hog) Island (Orient Heights) and Chelsea (today's Beachmont, Revere, Winthrop and Chelsea), in 1775 Sales Farm, Rumney Marsh, Pullin Point and Winnisimmet.

Some of the fighting and the culmination by the burning of a British vessel, The Diana, certainly did place along the shores of the intervening waterway between present day East Boston and Chelsea now known as "Chelsea Creek". That body of water was not however known as "Chelsea Creek" in 1775 nor for a half century afterwards. The term "Chelsea Creek" name was affixed to "Chelsea Reach" in the 1830s by Gen William H. Sumner the principal behind the development into "East Boston" of once bucolic Noddle's Island, an oasis of culture and gracious civility in Boston Harbour burned and rendered barren by the bellicose events of 1775

"The designation "Chelsea Creek" appears on no legitimate contemporaneously drawn map of 1775 and nowhere else until the 1830s. No person actually at Noddle's, Island Hogg Island or Chelsea who participated in the fighting in 1775, American or British, left written recorded reference to the "Battle of Chelsea Creek". 1775 newspaper accounts of the skirmishes which sent an electrifying shock of courage throughout the rebellious American Colonies made reference only to the events "on Noddles Island", or "on Hogg (sometimes spelled "Hog") Island" or "at Chelsea" and never "Chelsea Creek" The American "rebels" who participated as belligerants there so recorded and 1775 British Admiralty records read the same as well.

That said, it is also true that on account of the determined efforts of some folk who have partisanly picked up on what was a mistake (one would like to think it was that, born only of ignorance and not deliberate) first made in 1906 by a New Hampshire magazine writer named Lamb have tenaciously promoted the "Battle of Chelsea Creek" mantra. Though that may be a rightful exercise in American free speech it is however still not the truth. Perhaps the erroneous term was first conceived in a spirit of compromise. In 20th century terms it would be an easy mistake perhaps to make.

In 1775 I shared in the same spirit of comprise at the BiCentennial celebration and referred to the "Battle of Noddle's Island and Chelsea Creek". However, given the 21st century internet's revolutionary access to early maps and documentation from and contemporaneous with 1775 to allow this transgression to continue unchallened would be only be to continue to give license to a wrong. A truthful and accurate account of American history deserves better.

Many recent writers while acknowledging the many indisputable facts of the matter still continue to repeat this grave misnaming error which flies in the face of accuracy and truth.

One such recent writer of American history while accurately attesting to the focus of these events as having happened on Noddle's Island judiciously says (the battle)..."has come to be called the Battle of Chelsea Creek". To that this writer would add with emphasis...The Battle of Noddle's Island, Hogg Island and Chelsea" vs. the "Battle of Chelsea Creek" is not over yet !

On this Fourth of July holiday of 2016 a salvo in this naming battle is issued in the form of the following threefold challenge to anyone who wishes to persist in promoting the misnamning error of the "Battle of Chelsea Creek":

First: Produce a legitimate map of from the 1775 era drawn prior to the 1830s designating the tidal waterway flowing between what is now East Boston and Chelsea as "Chelsea Creek".

Second: Produce a legitimate recorded account by any person who was actually there and participated in the skirmishes between the Americans and the British in 1775 that makes reference to "Chelsea Creek".

Third: Produce a legitimate 1775 newspaper account of the events that took place on Noddle's Island, Hogg Island and at Chelsea that made reference to "Chelsea Creek".

Happy Fourth of July to all.
    
Michael A. Laurano
malauran (at) aol.com

June 7: EB Museum & Historical Society Launches Speaker Event: Master Storyteller John Christoforo of the Post Gazette to speak

(EAST BOSTON May 12, 2016)--The organizers of the East Boston Museum & Historical Society will launch a Speaker Series from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, at the Maverick Meeting House, 31 Liverpool Street, East Boston.

A master storyteller, Christoforo captives audiences weekly throughout the United States with his column, Nanna & Babbononno, which depicts the trials and tribulations of four generations of his family in the United States.

Christoforo will take you on a journey back in time to East Boston in the 1940s and 50s. He will share childhood stories that all ages and backgrounds will enjoy. It is a time of mom and pop stores, the Gem and Seville Theatres, Lombardo’s meat market, Gertie's Lunch, Sabo’s Men’s Store, Fine’s Men’s Shop, the 5 and 10, Goldenberg’s Department Store, Manny’s Men’s Store, John Sava's Market, Benbrock Pharmacy, and so much more!

The event is free and is open to the public.

Establishing a museum that celebrates the rich and diverse history of East Boston has been a dream for residents for years. East Boston’s historical significance ranges from its days as home to master shipbuilder Donald McKay, who built some of the world’s fastest clipper ships to its status as the second-busiest port of entry for immigrants.

While the board of the East Boston Museum project searches for a permanent location, it is looking at several temporary options. However, events such as the Guest Speaker Series allows visitors to see the museum’s potential.

For more information contact:
Theresa Malionek
617-784-9298
board@eastbostonmuseum.org
www.eastbostonmuseum.org

What we saw at the EB Public Library July 16

About 75 Friends of the East Boston Library showed up in the Thomas Menino Community Room to unveil the refurbished Queen Mary painting by Frederick Leonard King which was created with the support of the Works Progress Administration. With great pride song and community, the Friends restored what always belonged to East Boston. (photographs by Diane Modica).

Re-enacting the Battle of Noddle Island: May 25 with Community Boat Parade

This just in:

Dear Neighbors and Friends, 

Join us for The Battle of Noddle Island Regatta and Re-enactment: An East Boston Memorial Day Event (May 25)!

The Battle of Noddle Island Regatta and Re-enactment will commemorate the Battle of Noddle Island, fought on May 27 and 28, 1775 in and around present day East Boston and Chelsea Creek. In this battle, the American forces, acting for the first time under unified command as the Continental Army, clashed with British Marines and naval vessels, unleashing the first live small arms fire, canon fire and causing the first casualties on Boston soil of the American Revolutionary War.

A fun family regatta will retrace the British Naval pursuit of the Continental Army’s 1st New Hampshire Regiment as they raced to remove livestock from Noddle Island (modern-day East Boston) to help break the British Naval Blockade of Boston Harbor.

This historic Revolutionary War battle will play out in a fun interactive re-enactment as American and British forces fought on land and at sea ending in America’s first Naval Victory with the boarding, plundering and destruction of the British armed schooner the HMS Diana. This victory provided desperately needed morale in the Colonies and happened right here in East Boston and on the Chelsea Creek!

Event Highlights:
• Community Boat Parade along the historic East Boston shoreline battle route from a Central Square launch point to the Condor Street Urban Wild (launch time 10 am)
• Historically-based interactive community family re-enactment of the movements and events of the Revolutionary War Battle at the Urban Wild site  including a Grand Union flag-raising
• A Cook out at the Urban Wild
• Music and activities at the Urban Wild
• Free public kayaking on the Chelsea Creek at the Urban Wild

A Feb. 12 lecture on Eastie's past by architect Antonio Di Mambro

History of People, Places, and Plans that Shaped East Boston
Wed., Feb. 12, 2013, 6:00 p.m. Boston Public Library Copley Square.

Antonio Di Mambro, FAIA, discusses the events and economic and technological transformations that have defined the multiethnic neighborhood of East Boston and the challenges and opportunities that could shape its future.Mr. Di Mambro is president of Antonio Di Mambro + Associates, Inc. He has practiced architecture, city planning, and urban design in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Italy since 1971. He has taught at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Pratt Institute, the University of Miami, and the International Laboratory of Architecture and Urban Design at the University of Urbino in Italy.

Book Discussion on Oscar Handlin, historian, at the East Boston Branch of the BPL, April 4

Eastboston.com 3/9/2011: Upcoming events at the East Boston Library

CORRECTION THIS IS A BOOK DISCUSSION. THE HISTORIAN WILL NOT APPEAR.

Book discussion on the works of the noted historian, Oscar Handlin and immigration at the East Boston Branch of the Public Library on Monday, April 4.

Eagle Hill Civic Association launches "East Boston: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow," with noted historian

amazon coverNext Wednesday, March 2nd,2011the Eagle Hill Civic Association lifts off "East Boston: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" with Anthony Sammarco speaking on the history of East Boston. Everyone, from all parts of East Boston, is encouraged to come. 7 pm @ East Boston High School in the Lecture Hall. The purpose of this series is to promote community pride and to clean up this town! Bring your friends, family and neighbors. (Source EHCA email)

Local veterans to honor the late Brig. General John White, a "Son of East Boston"

This coming Saturday local veterans and the East Boston community will honor the late Brig. General John F. White at a ceremony at 9 a.m. in Maverick Square. An honor guard from East Boston High School will be in attendance. City Councilor Sal Lamattina will speak and the pastor from the Logan Airport Chapel will offer an invocation. The ITAM on Meridian Street will be hosting a reception. 

(The following was based on material submitted by John White's son, Stephen).

John F. White was a lifetime resident of East Boston. He owned and operated White's News which employed many of the neighborhood's youth including current city councilor Sal LaMattina.

Each year, White organized and officiated at the Memorial Day Services at East Boston’s Central Square He was Past President of the East Boston Little League Association; a Member of the East Boston Chamber of Commerce; The Grand Marshall of East Boston’s Columbus Day Parade in 1980. He was an active member of the East Boston Athletic Board and advocate for the Junior ROTC at the Umana School here in East Boston. For 25 years, he was the Grand Marshall and Master of Ceremonies for the City of Boston’s City Hall Fourth of July Parade. 

His Military accomplishments and associations began when he enlisted in 1944 in the U.S. Army Air Forces, being deployed with the Eight Air Force in Europe as a B-17 Bombardier. From there he joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard’s 102nd Fighter Group at Logan Airport, Commanding its Supply Squadron at the time of his retirement.

Governor Edward King appointed him Brigadier General and Military Aide de Camp to the Governor.

He also served city government as a special assistant to the Commissioner of Veteran Affairs. For the Commonwealth of Massachusetts he was Chairman of the Soldiers Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke.

White graduated from the University of Massachusetts with a four year degree in 1992 and made himself available as a substitute teacher at the Umana Middle School and the East Boston High School.
 

As the United States Air force Academy Liaison Officer for Massachusetts, he encouraged and recruited East Bostonians as viable candidates to enter the academy to become Officers in the United States Air Force.

The following organizations are just a few of the many involvements he dedicated his life to be a part of:

• Past President of the local ITAMS Post 6, East Boston;
• Member of the Beachmont Revere VFW
• Member East Boston’s Vietnam Veterans Post;
• Founding member for the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans on Court Street in Boston;
• Patients' advocate at the Veterans Administration Hospitals;
• Chairman & Board member of the Armed Forces YMCA Constitution Inn, Charlestown Navy Yard;
• Lifetime member and three-time President of the Massachusetts Air Force Association;
• And member of the Military Order of World Wars and an advocate for “Gold Star Mothers”

John as a family man, an athlete; a dedicated military man; a son of East Boston who always was willing to pitch in to help his Community.

Should you have had the occasion to call his home and he was not there, you would have heard his voice mail say the following: “Hi, I am not available to take your call right now, I am out enjoying Life!!!!!!

And indeed he did! 

Remembering Brig. General John Francis White of Eagle Hill.

An East Boston eulogy for Abraham Lincoln

Now online at eastboston.com a eulogy on file at the Lincoln Room of University of Illinois. The eulogy, delivered on Elbow Street in 1865, was brought to my attention by East Boston historian, Michael Laurano.