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The Life From The Roots blog topics have changed several times since I began this blog in 2009. I initially wrote only about the family history I had been working on for 20 years. Years later, I was into visiting gardens, historical homes, churches, libraries that had genealogical collections, historical societies, war memorials, and travel/tourism places. I also enjoy posting autographs and photos of famous people I've met or have seen.

Along with my New England roots, other areas include New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada.

Please check out the labels on the right side for topics (please note, they need work). Below the labels and pageviews is a listing of my top nine posts, according to Google. Four of them pertain to Lowell, MA. These posts change often because they are based on what people are reading.

Monday, September 12, 2022

Let's Take the Train to Boston from Lowell...Wait Until You See the Changes

In spring, there were several local Facebook friends discussing how much they wanted to take the train to Boston but didn't know how to do it or they had a lot of questions. Fortunately, I have been in quite a few times this year and have enough photos from previous years to show you the changes.

First, you can get to the station by driving, walking, riding a bike (they have a huge rack), or taking one of the many buses. Parking is $8.00. The fare is $10.50 for seniors, round trip, and $21.00 for all others. No idea about children. You can pay the fee from a conductor on the train. If you have any questions, go to the MBTA website at www.mbta.com.

Waiting room, above. The area for the buses is below.

The schedules are on the wall, but you can also get them online. This one is for weekends. Notice the two-hour timeframe.

First, you walk up or down some stairs to reach the overpass enclosed walkway. Then walk down some stairs. They do have an elevator.

The above and below pictures would be nicer if the windows weren't so filthy.

Walk to the concourse. It can be a pretty long walk.

The concourse can be almost empty or packed with people, especially when the Celtics, Bruins, a top singer, or a special event has the floor.
Don't worry about these ticket kiosks yet. I finally found out what they were for this past Friday (last photo explains the reason).


To get to the trolley lines you go to the left (almost to the end) and you'll reach the closed doors as shown below. No more crossing the street. It is all undergrown.
Currently, there are plenty of these signs to take you to the shuttle bus. This is temporary and you need to be aware. In a few weeks, I assume the trolleys will be back to normal.
This is the entrance to the Orange and Green lines. There is just tape across the entrance, no signs with an explanation. When I was there, I felt so sorry for some tourists.
If you continue going out of the building you will see this eatery. I usually cut right through it to Causeway Street. This is one of several exits.

Another exit will bring you to this spot.

Three years ago, there was a major change to the entire exterior front of the North Station complex. See below.



2019 As you can see, the huge parking lot is gone.
April 2022


Looking out at Causeway Street. and the Custom House in the distance.

So getting back to what you saw before the two trolleys closed for repairs.
When you are able to take the two trolleys, these pictures give you an idea of what you will see.
There is a nice map, and a lot of walking, as you can see.

I went to Boston two Fridays in a row, and I was really happy to chat with the contractor at the station the other day. He explained what these machines are for. These machines are going you enclose the concourse on the three sides, not where the trains are. Only people with paid tickets will use these entrances to get to their trains. No more relaxing or loitering.

So what did I do on these trips? If curious here is my next post. https://lifefromtheroots.blogspot.com/2022/09/to-copps-hill-burying-ground-cemetery.html

Thursday, July 7, 2022

Hudson Public Library, Hudson, Massachusetts (Resources for Genealogists)

Hudson Public Library
3 Washington Street
Hudson, MA 01749
978-568-9644

I looked forward to visiting this library and city for a long time. A Facebook friend lived in this town over 35 years ago and misses it. We met through our Canadian genealogy research about 22 years ago.


I love anything old and original in a Library, so I was very pleased with this gem. Immediately, I went to the oldest section of the library on the second floor, now used mainly for the reading room.








The three photos below show genealogy books to borrow.




Below the Reference sign are three shelves of wonderful resources for doing Hudson research. Among these books are Persons Listed Hudson, MASS  1914-2017.





The file cabinet has film from 1862 to 1984.
Children's room.


Side view and path behind the library to the parking lot. The weather was beautiful, so I enjoyed walking by the lake.



History of the Library
"The Hudson Public Library has served the residents of Hudson and the surrounding area since 1867. By 1903 the library had outgrown its location in the town hall and needed a larger space. In response to this growing need, Grace Whittemore, the librarian, corresponded with Andrew Carnegie and requested funds for a new building. Mr. Carnegie donated $12,500 to the town to build a new library building. The current building at Wood Square was opened to the public in November 1905." "In 1929 a second floor was added to the building. This space is the current reading room, housing magazines, the Tavares Meeting Room, and the library's tech service office."  two-story addition was added in 1966.

Online Database for Genealogy (copied below)

Heritage Quest
Ancestry Library Edition ***Available IN LIBRARY only***
New England Ancestors ***Available IN LIBRARY only***


The town also has the Hudson Historical Society founded in 1916 is located in the Hudson Mill Building, 43 Broad Street, 4th floor on certain days. Apparently, they have a large collection of artifacts, print, and digital materials. The nice website is HudsonHistoricalSociety.org.


Below are a few local photos.