Five Things I Adore about Dorchester

Today is ADORE-Chester! day, a celebration of Dorchester, my home neighborhood where I was born, raised, and live in today. There's many great things about Dorchester, but for today's article we'll talk about five of them. For more great points of Dorchester, check out the other blogs participating in ADORE-Chester! Day.

Dorchester's History

Dorchester is an old place, founded before the City of Boston, filled with historical nuggets and firsts. For instance, did you know Dorchester once literally sprawled over and beyond Greater Boston, coming within just feet of the Rhode Island border?

As noted in my Dorchester Day article for The Dorchester Reporter, Dorchester has staken a claim as the

home of the first free public school in the USA, the first community health center, the first settlement in Suffolk County, and the first government run by town hall meetings

Dorchester's Architecture

Modern and centuries old structures populate Dorchester's landscape. The William Clapp house was built in 1806, the James Blake house is even older built in 1650. And modern buildings are being built as we speak, with the most recent in progress development being the the new Carpenters Center on Dorchester Avenue overlooking I-93. A much needed modern building in a location that makes for a much more inviting welcome into Dorchester coming into the neighborhood from the city.

Dorchester's Diversity

Young and old, rich and poor, people of nearly all nationalities fill the streets of Dorchester. Our diversity is one of our strongest strengths, and creates a populace that learns from and leans on each other, rather than viewing people as different.

The Polish Triangle

Well, I am a Polish-American (born in the U.S.A., by two Polish-born parents), so how could I not list The Polish Triangle, an officially recognized area of Boston that is filled with Polish culture and history. We've got great restaurants, friendly neighbors, and a giant pear. A win for all.

Dot Bike

As a Boston bicyclist, I love that the Dorchester bicycle community is strong and big. Walking, biking, or driving around Dorchester you can spot bicyclists all over the place. The simple bicycle is a great example of how Dorchester is an economical, efficient, and self-powered place where independence is valued and pride in oneself and one's area is strong.

Leonard Nimoy

A bonus point! At the behest of my step-brother, I must add the bonus point that Leonard Nimoy was born in Dorchester. The definitive star trekker began his star tripping in the best neighborhood in Boston, Dot.