When people hear “Massachusetts” they instantly think of two places: Boston and Cape Cod (and maybe the Berkshires for fall foliage). But for some reason, most don’t know anything about the second largest city in New England.
Worcester.
I was born and raised here, which means I know all the good, the bad, and the ugly. It took me a pretty solid 20 years to appreciate this place, in part because I don’t think it appreciated itself.
I remember my grandfather driving me home from school, looking out the window, & asking why Worcester got all of Boston’s dirty leftovers. I could never understand why one of the biggest cities in New England didn’t do more to advertise that fun fact and attract more visitors.
Worcester is currently going through a renaissance & finally becoming everything I knew it could be. Because of that, I have decided to declare the last Wednesday of the month #WorcesterWednesday. Each month I will feature a different place in Worcester ranging from restaurants to landmarks to annual festivals. For month one, we are just going to go over some fun facts and things to know as new visitors to The Woo.
First of all, let’s talk about how to even say Worcester. It is not “Worchester”. There is no “h”. If you pronounce it that way locals will either turn around and walk away or pretend that they don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s “wus-ter” (though we will accept war-kes-ter for those that don’t know better, just no h!)
Worcester in History
Now that that’s over, let’s got onto some fun historical stuff…
Worcester is the birthplace of the smiley face. Seriously. You know that round yellow face with the black eyes & the black curved line for a smile? Yupp, invented right here in Worcester by Harvey Ball.
According to the Worcester Historical Museum the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence was held here in July 1776. Shockingly, that was something I never learned in school.
My favorite fun fact of Worcester is that it is “the heart of Massachusetts”. When I say this to other fellow Massholes, they often think I’m being sarcastic or that I have a weird obsessive type of love for the city, but it’s true! Worcester is the literal heart of Massachusetts because it is located in the center of the state. This is such a huge part of our city that all of our street signs have hearts on them.
There is of course plenty more to Worcester’s history, but if I told you all of it now there wouldn’t be much point to my later posts now would there?
The Worcester of Today
Worcester is home to both a booming foodie scene and a booming art scene. It is home to five breweries and six museums. We currently have two pretty big sports teams: the Worcester Bravehearts, a summer collegiate baseball team, and the Worcester Railers, a professional hockey team. But the true stars will be arriving in 2020 when Worcester becomes the home of the former Pawtucket Red Sox, the triple A team for the Boston Red Sox. It truly has something for everyone.
While this is all super fun, Worcester has experienced a ton of heartbreak as well. In 1999, we lost six firefighters in what has become known as the Cold Storage Fire. This past year we lost yet another one of our heroic firefighters. Each time tragedy strikes, this community shows its true and beautiful colors. The amount of heart & generosity that literally every single person in this city shows never ceases to amaze me and is easily the biggest reason why I love this place so much.
And the heart doesn’t just show when tragedy strikes. Just last week, when temperatures reached brutally cold temps, hand knitted scarves and hats were placed around the city for those in need.
My heart is overflowing with pride at my hometown’s rededication to living up to the potential I always knew it had, and I truly cannot wait to show you all that it has to offer over the coming months.
*Please note: some pictures in this post have been found using Google and link directly to the original source. If they do not have a link then the picture is my own.
Other #WorcesterWednesday Posts:
February 2019: Worcester Art Museum
March 2019: Redemption Rock Brewing Company
July 2019: 6 Best Coffee Shops in Worcester
August 2019: Best Diners in Worcester
September 2019: The Five Breweries inWorcester
October 2019: Worcester Hauntings
November 2019: Holiday Shopping in Worcester
Josy A says
Hehehe I am glad you included a not on pronunciation. I’m from the UK, so we all know how to pronounce Worcester, but it did make me wonder how you’d say it over on your side of the pond!!
Your photos make your hometown look really chilly at this time of year, but it’s so sweet to know it is the heart of Massachusetts. Plus, if people are leaving scarves out for other chilly folks, you can tell the locals have big hearts. <3
JZollo says
Do you guys say it the same way??? And yes it is freezing here at the moment unfortunately.
Amy says
I love when a city goes through a revitalization! I currently live in Roanoke, Virginia and they have started that as well. I love a good foodie and art scene!! And breweries and museums rank right up beside them in my book! I love how you share about Worcester’s heart and generosity. That’s a great place to spend time. 🙂 I haven’t made it up to New England, but since I’m on the same coast, I really should!!
JZollo says
Oh wow I had no idea! Virginia isn’t too far of a drive, I’ll have to plan a trip! Do you have a favorite brewery in Roanoke?
umiko Silalahi says
I kept waiting for you to mention that Worcester is also the birth place of Worcestershire Sauce. I’m a bit disappointed here. lol. At least it’s a birthplace of the smiley face. Can’t wait to read whet else your city has to offer.
JZollo says
Sadly we are not the birthplace of Worcestershire sauce hahaha
Michelle says
What a fun idea! I love the idea of highlighting your hometown like this. I can’t wait to hear what else you share about Worcester.
Pansy says
omg I’ve been pronouncing the city’s name wrong for so long (in my head at least)! I had no idea it’s pronounced “wus-ter” lol… and thank you for those fun facts about the city, they are pretty impressive, especially being the home of the smiley face!!
Candy says
Now I know the birthplace of the smiley face (it brought back memories of the scene in Forest Gump!). I love that you are appreciating your hometown and love that you gave it an official hashtag 🙂 #WorcesterWednesday
Sarah says
Oh I love local guide’s to anywhere, but especially little cities that no one has ever heard of! It’s also pretty amazing that it’s the birthplace of the smiley face lol.
Sujenne Macaay says
Your pictures show a snow covered place, but the story shows a town with heart and warmth. Leaving a scarf behind for whoever is in need during extreme cold weather, is a deed considered rare in this world. So basically, we have your town to thank for the emojis lol. Great post and thanks for sharing the tips.
Samantha says
I have never heard of this area. I knew the pronunciation was not as it is written, but I still would have gotten it wrong. Thanks for sharing your slice of the world!
Jasmine says
I actually have a coworker from Worchester who gives everyone the correct pronunciation lesson everytime she hears someone say it wrong. Was saying it wrong for 25 years!