Boston
 

So I spent a week in Boston for a big series of executive meetings. Of course, I brought the camera along to join in the fun.

Did the camera get to drink as much beer as you?

Thankfully, no.

Why are there so many pennies around Revere's grave?

Those are some pretty dramatic shots. Love Them!



(oh, and the last time I was in Boston was 1976 - Yikes!)

I know that pennies are left at Franklin's grave too (I've always assumed it was inspired by the "penny earned is a penny saved" thing).

If there was a rational reason for it starting with Revere my guess is that it would do with the fact that Revere was, for decades, the dominant person in American copper production (though he is more popularly known for his silversmithing) and so pennies are a cheap connection.

But I'm just guessing without looking anything up. I imagine most people do it because there are already pennies there and people seem to like throwing coins at things even when there are 500 signs saying "please stop throwing pennies."

I did some looking when I recently visited Boston and saw that, and no one seems to have an answer. Probably someone's spare change fell out of their pocket when they rudely took a seat on the stone years ago, prompting the next person to inexplicably throw near-worthless change at it, and so on.

It's similiar to the Jewish tradition of leaving rocks on a grave, to show that you've been there and paid your respects. There were a few rocks atop the headstone as well.

Now I want to see if I can start that "tradition" somewhere.

Perhaps by Kilroy at the WWII memorial, or at the base of the Lincoln memorial.