Somerville Massachusetts in the Olden Days

Lately I've been gathering photos and postcards that I see posted on the Facebook group 'Somerville in the Olden Days.' I particularly like the 19th century photos, but the ones from the 1940s thru the 1960s are interesting too. My family's history in Somerville begins in the 1930s. 

St Ann's Church Winter Hill

Broadway

I'm pretty sure this is Highland Ave., right before Cedar St.

Prospect Tower

Somerville Theater, Built in 1905 or so

Davis Square 1940s

Davis Sq. 1960s. My mom's first job was working in Gorin's

Be Chairful Where You Sit

This year several friends and I participated in a fundraiser for the Arlington Public Arts, "Be Chairful Where You Sit." This event was held in Arlington, Massachusetts, on July 22-24 in Whittemore Park, Arlington Center. 

     My friends Amy, Jen and Jonathan had participated before, but this was my first time!

     The idea is to find an old chair, even trash, and re-purpose it into a work of art. In past years there have been some great chairs. In fact my friends Steph and Amy won the 'People's Choice' in 2014 with their "Throne of Games" chair.
     

"Throne of Games"

     
After viewing all the entries over the years, I wanted to participate. 

The genesis of my idea was to create a feminist statement about women's work. In other words: "Have a seat. You work too hard." I thought about doing a collage of women's work, mainly from yesteryear. The inspiration for my theme was the cover of an IKEA pillow I had, with a photo of a woman from the late 1800's. I turned this pillow cover into a seat cushion. 

My Chair "A Woman's Work is Never Done."

I had fun creating my chair, and spent many 'zen' hours. I was dis- appointed, though, that my chair did not sell.   

After the exhibit two friends made the comment that 'sitting on her face'  would be awkward.


LOL!  I was so enthused about using her in the piece that I didn't even think of that, but I guess it's a good point! 

  

Jonathan with his 'Merritt Parkway' chair