Brighton Allston Historical Society

08/26/2026

A cool little "First" for our neighborhood- apparently what was once the First Parish Church of Brighton up on Chestnut Hill Avenue was the location of the very first "Wayside Message" on a church bulletin board in America- the practice of having a short inspirational message on a church outside bulletin board, so common today throughout the U.S. The idea was created by Reverend Henry Sanderson in 1919 when he was the minister of the church at 203 Chestnut Hill Avenue. This parish was originally the first one in Brighton, founded in 1744 on the corner of Washington and Market Streets, with a second church building built on the same site in 1807 (photo seen here). In 1896 the parish moved to the new building on Chestnut Hill Avenue (photos also seen here). The building is now home to the American Buddhist Shim Gum Do Temple, which has beautifully restored the historic structure.

08/16/2026

08/05/2026

A century ago, it wasn't unusual to see wagons loaded with fresh produce rolling through Brighton—or herds of cattle headed for the famous Brighton stockyards. Agriculture wasn't just part of Brighton's landscape; it was the foundation of the community's economy and identity.

Today, that tradition lives on through the Brighton Farmers Market.

As the market celebrates its 10th anniversary, we're reminded that supporting local farmers has deep roots here. While today's market looks very different from the farm stands and livestock markets of the 18th and 19th centuries, its spirit is much the same: bringing neighbors together, supporting local agriculture, and connecting people with fresh food.

The Brighton Allston Historical Society congratulates the Brighton Farmers Market on this wonderful milestone and thanks the organizers, vendors, volunteers, and shoppers who have made it such a valued community tradition over the past decade.

Happy 10th Anniversary to the Brighton Farmers Market! Here's to many more seasons of celebrating Brighton's agricultural heritage while building community for generations to come.

07/26/2026

This Saturday, get ready to dance 🎷 The Nightflies bring their 10-piece Steely Dan tribute to Riverstage — tight three-part harmonies, horns, deep cuts alongside the hits you know. Free, outdoor, and built for dancing.

📍 Riverstage at Herter Park, 1175 Soldiers Field Rd, Allston
🕐 Sat, Aug 1 · 7-9pm

RSVP at the link in bio so we can reach you with any weather updates

06/28/2026

Do You Remember Allston-Brighton Field Day?

For generations of neighborhood children, there was no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than spending the day at Allston-Brighton Field Day.

Every summer, families gathered at Smith Field for a day filled with foot races, decorated bicycles and doll carriages, games, pony rides, music, prizes, ice cream, hot dogs, and plenty of patriotic spirit. For many children growing up in Allston and Brighton, it wasn't just another summer event—it was a tradition and a highlight of the year.

The newspaper clippings we're sharing today offers a glimpse into a celebration that brought the entire neighborhood together. Looking through them, you'll spot familiar faces, local elected officials, dedicated volunteers, community organizations, generous local businesses, and countless children whose smiles tell the story better than words ever could.

Like so much of Allston-Brighton's history, Field Day was made possible by people who cared deeply about this community and gave their time so neighborhood families could enjoy a free day of fun.

Now we'd love your help preserving this history.

Were you there? Did you race, volunteer, win a ribbon, march in a parade, help serve food, or recognize someone in these clippings? Share your memories in the comments and tag anyone you remember. Every story helps preserve another piece of Allston-Brighton's history for future generations.

Happy Fourth of July from the Brighton Allston Historical Society! 🇺🇸