Old Restaurants and Stores Dot the City
Contrary to Stories, Revere Wasn't the Man

Overcast skies and finally drizzly greeted the first arriving attendees of the 66th annual conference of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) in Boston. The first day generated a steady stream of members to the Hynes Convention Center in the Back Bay section of the city, where they registered and received their attendees materials bag, which included a 10-minute long-distance calling card from SNET and a 24-exposure roll of film--donor unknown.

Actually, conference activities began on Thursday with a frequency coordination meeting, followed by two and three--day courses in supervision, training officer, 911 comm center manager and liability, and an executive board meeting. There were also Sunday special activities for members and their families, including a whale watching trip, a Duck Tour and slide show. In the evening, there was an attendee welcome party in the convention center ballroom, with snacks and a band.

Outside the convention center street entrance, there was a nice welcome banner, and also an unusual greeting--an electronic highway sign flashing, "Welcome."

Inside the convention center, there were displays of the association's annual award winners, and the runners-up. The registration area was smallish this year, but was elaborately designed and staged. One convention center entrance leads to a shopping mall, where hundreds of Sunday locals trooped to make their purchases--and some families sat down to rest.

On Boylston Street alongside the convention center there are lots of interesting shops, restaurants and coffee houses to keep APCO attendees occupied--when they're not actually attending the conference.

Taking a quick tour of Boston, one finds that it's a mix of architecture--some very old buildings, some more recent, and some very modern. In Boston you'll find the oldest continuously operated restaurant, the first free lending library, and many other "firsts." You'll also find the fourth largest Chinese population, and historic Faneuil Hall, site of a popular marketplace that is jammed with locals and tourists on weekends, and Quincy Market with scores of food outlets [oyster bar]and merchandise carts. The inside of Faneuil Hall oozes history--it was constructed in 1742 and was the site of many Revolutionary War meetings.

Of course, Boston is an ocean town, and ships and boats are a common sight. There are many old wharfs, tour boats and water-side buildings.

Before we called it a night, we saw Engine 33 and Ladder 15 take a run from the city's oldest firehouse, just opposite the convention center. When both units returned to quarters, we felt safe heading to our hotel.

Tomorrow: First general session, award presentation and guest speaker John Bunnell. Opening luncheon and first seminars and education sessions.