This Is Framingham

Any title I had for this post was going to be tacky so I didn’t even bother finishing it.
As part of my job at the History Center I get to look through lots of boxes with all sorts of artifacts in them.  I recently came across a box that had a bunch of old cocktail stirrers from old restaurants.  I got a kick out them and thought some of you might too. 

From left to right is Ken’s Steakhouse, Finnerty’s (Wayland), Maridor, Timothy’s Too, Framingham Motor Inn, Framingham Liquors and the Knaughty Knights Lounge- whatever that was.   It must have been where Molly Mallone’s is now at the Sheraton Tara.  Not sure if it was a regular restaurant or more of a “gentlemens” bar but anyone remembers that place, I’d love to hear what it was like.

It’s finally here!  My work, the Framingham History Center, is holding their monthly History Roundtable discussion and this month we’re discussing the sorely missed original Shoppers World.

Saturday, December 5
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Edgell Memorial Library (3 Oak St.)

Tell you own stories or listen to others and check out the display of photos and artifacts, including the old route 30 sign which was “fun” for my gracious volunteer crew to move into the display area:

We’ll be serving “Jordan Marsh” blueberry muffins provided by the culinary students at Keefe Tech and Panache coffee will graciously be supplying the joe.  So before you go to battle route 9 to do holiday shopping at the current stupid “Shoppers World”, stop by and remember the original!

A thoughtful reader wrote to me about an artist she follows Flickr who created some designs based on our sorely missed Shoppers World.
Brandon Schaefer makes insanely creative images that are mostly retro-inspired re-designs of movie posters, book covers and miscellaneous subjects, like Shoppers World and made these fantastic designs:

Of course I had to write to Brandon and ask him how he got to making these, what inspires him when designing images and what his background is.   Being the nice guy that he is, he answered all my questions and told me about his work.  Brandon is a 25 year freelance graphic designer who has been designing since high school.  While various subjects inspire him, he has an appreciation for American Modernism during the 40’s and 50’s which clearly comes through in his style.  He has a special place in a his heart (like most of us do) for the old Shoppers World, which I think is great for someone so young.  If you like what you see, you can buy it by clicking here. And if you like these, be sure to check out the rest of his work at http://www.seekandspeak.com, it’s just fantastic stuff- enjoy!

Last month I started my awesome new job at the Framingham History Center and we recently began a monthly event called “History Roundtable Discussion”.  I suggested having one about the old Shopper’s World and my boss was very supportive of the idea.  So now I’m looking for any old photos and artifacts to display (I love my job!).

We’d love it if people would loan or donate anything for this event, a few people have already submitted some great old photos and items but there’s always room for more.  We’ll also be showing the old neon sign that was on route 30 and serving Jordan Marsh blueberry muffins!  The event will be December 5th so I’ll be posting again as we get closer, but if anyone wants to contribute you can email me at: michelle@framinghamhistory.org

A while back someone gave me some video footage of a ride down route 9 which featured a blurry shot of Mister Donut.
 I haven’t seen or heard from Mister Donut since I last saw him in Framingham but a few days ago I was in in New York and came across thiscup left in a potted plant:

Who knew he was still around.  Nice to see he’s kept the hat and bowtie too!  I know this post isn’t exactly Framingham based but I thought any other former fans of Mister Donut might be interested to know he’s alive and living in Manhattan now.

A nice reader sent me a photo of the train station during it’s construction in 1885-86.  If you click on it you can see a larger version and some nice details.
Below is Ethan’s photo he took a couple of years ago when he did his post about the history of this building.

There a couple of guys who have a myspace page dedicated to their efforts on making a film about our beloved V66.  I made a post about “The V” a while ago but I just wanted to post about this in case anyone has contributions they’d like to make.

There is a short video on their page explaining their mission.
http://www.myspace.com/v66documentary
They also have a regular site: www.lifeonthev.com