Author David Kruh Revives Old Days of Scollay Square

Boston, MA—NEW DATE: On Monday, October 21 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at The West End Museum, sneak backstage and settle into the cushioned seats of Scollay Square’s famous—and infamous—theater, The Old Howard. Author and historian David Kruh will regale attendees with tales of Boston’s legendary Square and reveal largely unknown stories of famous inventors, Civil Rights activists, and future presidents who had a role in the Old Howard’s history. Admission is free for Museum members and $10 for non-members. Pre-registration is required at the Museum’s website. (Media note: download hi-res images here.)

A former New Yorker born just a few years before Scollay Square fell in 1962, Kruh first became interested in the area through his uncle. A WWII sailor and doctor who’d spent “liberty time” in Boston, Kruh’s uncle told many stories about the notorious “playground.” Kruh’s first book, “Always Something Doing: Boston’s Famous Scollay Square,” came out in 1990. In 2004, Arcadia Publishing released Kruh’s “Scollay Square” as part of its “Images of America” series. The book featured nearly 200 never-before-seen photos of the Old Howard Theatre, Howard Casino, and more.

Kruh has also written works for the stage, including “The Curse of the Bambino,” about the fateful 1920 sale of Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees by the Boston Red Sox, and the team’s subsequent decades chasing the World Series championship. The musical premiered in 2001 at Boston’s Lyric Stage and broke all box office and attendance records.

NOTE: This event was originally scheduled for October 24.

Also coming to The West End Museum:

• Oct. 16, 7:00-8:30 p.m.: Film screening – “Lady of Burlesque” starring Barbra Stanwyck
• Oct. 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m.: Exhibit reception – “The Old Howard Theater”
• Nov. 16, 7:00-9:00 p.m.: A Night of Burlesque Music with the John Licata Band & Tatum Harvey

About the West End Museum:
The West End Museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation and interpretation of the history and culture of the West End  neighborhood. The Museum’s permanent exhibit, “The Last Tenement,” highlights the immigrant history of the neighborhood through its decimation under Urban Renewal in 1959; two additional galleries feature rotating exhibits. The Museum is located  near North Station at 150 Staniford St. Suite 7. Hours: Tuesday – Friday 12:00pm – 5:00pm; Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm. Admission is free.