“In the early nineteenth century, Dorchester was called ‘the model town of New England…”
Folks might find the previous statement, which serves as the back cover narrative for Earl Taylor’s masterful Postcard History Series of Dorchester, to be quite comical. Dorchester? A model town?
And yet the Dottie Hottie believes Dot has the potential to revive its nineteenth century grandeur. At that time, homes appeared well-maintained. Schools were the models for the rest of the country. Public transportation was outstanding and well-utilized. Jobs were plentiful. Today, we have the diversity, the beauty of architecture and green space, the investment and spirit, oh yes we’ve got spirit, to usher in revival.
If you read through Taylor’s book (and you should if you consider yourself a true Dottie hottie), the call to service is so evident in Dorchester’s history. If you didn’t belong to a church, a women’s group, or the Colonial Club, then it is questionable what business you had loitering around this civic-minded Boston borough.
Photo from Dorchester Postcard History Series
The Dottie Hottie is no polyanna when it comes to Dot’s lack of resources and representation. And that’s what makes the coming election, both for mayor and for city councilors so important. Kind of a ‘You are what you eat’ aphorism. The Dottie Hottie believes you ‘How you vote is how you live.’ If you haven’t checked out DotNews’ Lit Drop, it’s worth your while to take a gander over there and see what you can learn about the candidates.
Photo from Dorchester Postcard History Series
