The Seven Distinguished Grand Bostonians
Mayor Kevin H. White list from 1976
In 1976, Mayor Kevin H. White of Boston released a list of seven distinguished grand Bostonians. These individuals were recognized for their contributions to the city and their respective fields, highlighting their impact on Boston's cultural, political, and social landscape. In this blog post, we will discuss who these seven individuals were and what made them so distinguished.
Joseph Lee
Joseph Lee was a philanthropist and social reformer who focused on improving the lives of children in Boston. He founded the Outdoor Recreation League, which provided opportunities for children to participate in outdoor activities and organized sports. Lee also advocated for the establishment of public playgrounds and helped to create the Boston Metropolitan Park System. His work had a lasting impact on Boston, and his legacy can still be seen in the city's parks and recreation areas.
Isabella Stewart Gardner
Isabella Stewart Gardner was an art collector and patron who founded the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. She was known for her eclectic taste in art and her willingness to support emerging artists. Gardner's museum remains a cultural landmark in Boston, and her legacy as a patron of the arts continues to inspire philanthropists and art collectors to this day.
Henry Lee Shattuck
Henry Lee Shattuck was a businessman and philanthropist who played a significant role in shaping Boston's economy. He was a leading figure in the development of the city's financial district, and he helped to establish the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Shattuck also made significant contributions to the city's cultural institutions, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Museum of Fine Arts.
John Collins
John Collins was a politician who served as the mayor of Boston from 1960 to 1968. He was known for his commitment to civil rights and his efforts to promote economic development in the city. Collins was instrumental in the creation of the Boston Redevelopment Authority, which was responsible for revitalizing Boston's neighborhoods. His leadership had a lasting impact on the city, and his legacy continues to be celebrated by Bostonians today.
Louise Imogen Guiney
Louise Imogen Guiney was a poet and literary critic who was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. She was known for her contributions to the literary community in Boston and her work as an advocate for women's rights. Guiney's poetry and literary criticism are still studied today, and her legacy as a pioneering female writer continues to inspire women in the arts.
James Michael Curley
James Michael Curley was a politician who served as the mayor of Boston for four terms. He was known for his charisma and his ability to connect with working-class Bostonians. Curley was also a successful author, and his autobiography, "I'd Do It Again," remains a popular read among Bostonians. Despite his controversial political career, Curley is still celebrated by many in Boston for his contributions to the city's history.
Edward M. Kennedy
Edward M. Kennedy was a senator who represented Massachusetts in the United States Senate for almost 47 years. He was known for his commitment to civil rights, his advocacy for healthcare reform, and his work on immigration issues. Kennedy was also a champion of education and worked to increase funding for public schools. His legacy as a statesman and advocate for the people of Massachusetts lives on today.
Conclusion
Mayor Kevin H. White's list of seven distinguished grand Bostonians represents some of the most influential and impactful individuals in the city's history. From philanthropists to politicians to artists, these individuals left their mark on Boston and helped shape the city into what it is today. Bostonians continue to celebrate their legacies and honor their contributions to the city.