A Word about the Natives

Just so you know, the following are (apparently) Massachusetts law, so be careful not to do any of them while you are here. When in Rome…

1. No one may cross the Boston Common without carrying a shotgun in case of bears.
2. It is illegal to deliver diapers on Sunday.
3. It is illegal to eat peanuts in court.
4. It is illegal for anyone at a wake to eat more than three sandwiches.
5. It is against the law for taxi drivers to make love in the front seat during their shift.
6. It is illegal to kiss in front of a church.
7. All PDA (Public Display of Affection) is illegal on Sunday.
8. It is legal to allow one’s livestock to graze on public grounds except on Sunday.
9. It is illegal to have frog-jumping contests within the city limits.
10. Duels to the death permitted on the common on Sundays provided that the Governor is present.

Some other pieces of information you can enlighten your friends with…

1. Most of what we now know of as Boston is on landfill. The Boston Commons used to be on the Shore.
2. Joy Street on Beacon Hill was so named because it was the street where the brothels were.
3. One of the most recognizable weather vanes in town is on top of Faneuil Hall – a grasshopper.
4. The Boston Marathon, America’s first annual race, began in 1897, with 15 participants
5. The Boston University Bridge (on Commonwealth Avenue) is the only place in the world where a boat can sail under a train driving under a car driving under an airplane.