Author Archive

Summertime in Lowell, 1960s By Leo Racicot See Leo’s photo gallery at the end of this article. Every year, when the month of June rolled around, our teachers would give us a Summer Reading List. This was a list of books to be read over the long vacation. Book reports…

A People’s Map of Lowell By Robert Forrant A People’s Map of Lowell grew out of my work with the authors of A People’s Guide to Greater Boston, Joseph Nevins, Suren Moodliar, and Eleni Macrakis. The book (2020) reveals stories and places central to people’s lives over centuries. It takes…

I delivered the following remarks at the city of Lowell Memorial Day observance at Lowell City Hall on Saturday, May 31, 2025. History of Memorial Day By Richard Howe Good afternoon. My topic today is the history of Memorial Day. To understand that, you must begin with the American Civil…

The Bridge Street bridge – (PIP #72) By Louise Peloquin Bridges, all kinds of bridges, must be built, used, fixed. L’Etoile – October 30, 1924 HEAVY TRAFFIC ON BRIDGE STREET BRIDGE      We can perceive the volume of traffic on the Bridge Street bridge knowing that last Sunday, between 8…

Tuesday’s Lowell City Council meeting mostly involved adopting the city’s fiscal year 2026 budget. Today, I’ll highlight some of the discussions that took place and otherwise share some thoughts on city finances. For those who want more granular information, City Manager Tom Golden’s overview of the budget and the detailed…

Of Karma, Cass and Mary’s Records By David Perry The lifeblood of the record store is used vinyl. Buy it in bulk. Trade for it. Every now and then, some kind soul donates it. Just walks in and gives it to you. The Great Vinyl Revival that began just shy…

Memorable Teachers By Leo Racicot See photos at end of story.  Mr. Trull was a terrifying man. For one thing, to our young freshmen minds, he looked like he was a hundred years old. This was confirmed for me when I came home and my mother asked me how my…

Fraternité: Jack, Zach, and Saint Jean Baptiste By Cameron DaCosta May 8, 2025. Four thousand miles away from Lowell, the eyes of the world turn to Vatican City. Within the hallowed walls of the Sistine Chapel, beneath the masterful handiwork of Michelangelo, Cardinal electors gather in seclusion to elect a…

“Onto the other side” –  (PIP #71) By Louise Peloquin Visitors traditionally gather at cemeteries during Memorial Day weekend to pay homage to loved ones passed “over unto the other side.” (1)      Last year, a “peek into the past” covered the 1917 procession which gathered thousands at St.-Joseph Cemetery.…

The Lowell City Council met Tuesday and covered several issues deserving of comment. Councilor Corey Belanger moved that the city “work with community partners to organize a regional fundraiser to benefit the Lowell Folk Festival Foundation.” Addressing the council on this motion, Art Sutcliffe, the Foundation chair, explained that the…