Center Of The Universe Goes Bananas
Oliver Wendell Holmes referred to Boston as the "hub of the universe." Actually, he called it "the hub of the solar system" but over time the phrase lessened. The exact center of the universe is located in downtown just outside the entrance to a heavily trafficked and much treasured department store.
Filene's Basement has the proud distinction of being the retailers at the center of the universe. For those unfamiliar with the store, it is sort of like a Sears, only without the power tools. Each year they have a bridal sale where future queens for a day trample each other to scoop up armfuls of formals. A bronze circular plaque just outside Filene's front door marks the celestial cornerstone on the sidewalk. A fruit stand tends to obscure the view. I asked the man peddling his goods if he realized where he was standing and in true Boston posture he acted less than enthused. Clearly, the woman buying bananas was a bigger priority in the grand scheme of things.
Center Of The Universe |
