Alterations???

This storefront does not lend a prosperous look to downtown Wollaston and has looked like this for a many years.  At the very least, it could use some alterations to those windows.  I am sure some local artists could add interesting murals to the windows to make it a little more welcoming to the community.  Here is a picture of this building from 6 years ago.  I wonder why this has been vacant for so long?

"Curtains" for the Wolly

The final stage of demo at the Wollaston Theater is the stage/screen area.  This theater was built in 1926 and originally staged vaudeville acts before changing to a film venue.  My friend's father was the manager and projectionist at the Wolly, so it was great fun going upstairs to the candy closet and helping ourselves.  Then we would head over to the trapeze swing, a leftover from vaudeville days, and try out our gymnastic skills.  Please share any memories you might have.

Just a Facade!

The Wollaston Theater marquee and facade are still standing.  I wonder if the 2 blue "Wollaston" neon signs will be available at the auction?  They used to be perched above the marquee in very distinctive script style.  One would work nicely in the Quincy Historical Museum.

Lights Out at the Wolly

Many people are sad to see the Wollaston Theater, fondly known as "The Wolly," come crumbling down this week.  The demo crew told me that the fixtures will be auctioned off at some point.  Maybe the historical society or the mayor's office will talk Mr. Fang (the property owner) into donating one of the fixtures as a museum piece or perhaps the chandeliers could be repurposed somewhere in Wollaston.  I will post a short series on the WollyTheater in coming days.  I encourage people to comment and share your stories about this special Wollaston landmark that bit the dust this week.

Knead A Massage?

Over the last year or so I have noticed a preponderance of massage parlors popping up in the Wollaston Center area.  Either "Wolly" women are well pampered and ache-free or we have market saturation or perhaps something else.  I have had my "spies" looking into this and the interesting thing is that we hardly ever see anyone frequenting many of these massage establishments which leads me to think that there isn't a need for 8 of them.   Wouldn't you think that if there wasn't a customer base then the business would close after a time?

Red Train Coming!

This train is arriving at Wollaston station, heading intown.  Some day I would like to capture trains on all 3 sets of tracks.

Strip Mall 1920s Style

This commercial building at 663-683 Hancock Street on the corner of Beale Street has seen many small businesses come and go since it was built in 1920. The dress shop on the corner was for many years the site of Blackwood Pharmacy. I don't think there are any corner drug stores remaining in Quincy. Are there any in your town?

I'll be traveling south for a few days but the magic of Google will keep a photo a day coming your way. Enjoy!

Thursday is "This Old House Day"

I have enjoyed looking at this red house at 15 Blake Street near Wollaston Center for quite some time. Built in 1894, the shiny red shingles of this house really invites your eye to it and gives the house lots of character.

Sunny Side of the Street

The handsome Walker Apartment building at the corner of Greenwood Avenue and Beale Street in the Wollaston neighborhood was built in the early 1930's. This four story brick apartment building was built in a simple, traditional style with enough decorative details to create visual interest in the facade. It is a fine example of an early 20th century brick apartment building in Quincy.

This sunny apartment building has a great location being sandwiched between the Wollaston Branch library and the Wollaston train station.

Reservations Not Required

[click image to enlarge]

The booths, tables, mahogany wall panel, and sconces are all vintage decor at this Brighams in Wollaston Center. The present owner, who was camera shy, has kept this gem polished for 31 years.

The Scoop

[click image to enlarge]

Brigham's Restaurant has been scooping out the richest creamiest ice cream on Beale Street in Wollaston for many decades. It was the place to go before or after taking in a movie at Wolly Theater located just across the street. Brigham's developed a reputation for generous portions and rich, creamy cones and sundaes; the hot fudge was to die for. Here come the cravings . . .

The businesses in Wollaston seem to be turning over, so I thought it might be a good time to document this old time favorite. It might not look too interesting from the outside but come back tomorrow for a photo of the vintage mahogany interior, truly a gem.

Waiting For Spring

[click image to enlarge]

I couldn't help but notice the tulip banner juxtaposed with the snowy scene at the corner of Hancock and Beale Streets in Wollaston, the former site of Wollaston's Five and Dime store.

Sushi anyone?

[click image to enlarge]

The Fuji Restaurant on Hancock Street in Wollaston is one of a few sushi bars located in Quincy. Do you like sushi?

Wikipedia notes that the basement of this restaurant was the original rehearsal room for the Dropkick Murphys when the popular Irish-influenced punk band was starting out in the mid-'90s.

Theater Revival

[click image to enlarge]

The Boston Globe reports that a purchase and sale agreement for around $1.4 million was recently signed for “Wolly Theater.” The arts community is interested in restoring this gem of a building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, for use as a movie theater and community arts venue. This mosaic is one of the many details of this 1926 edifice which is one of the last intact single-screen theaters in Greater Boston and is widely regarded as a local treasure. I will continue to revisit “WT” and share updates.