Ball Square facts for kids
Ball Square is a fun neighborhood. It's mostly in Somerville, Massachusetts. A small part of it reaches into Medford. You can find it where Boston Avenue and Broadway meet. It sits between Powder House Square and Magoun Square. Ball Square is mostly a place where people live. But it also has many shops and restaurants along Broadway.
This area is close to Tufts University. So, Ball Square has businesses that serve both students and local families. You can find popular breakfast spots like Kelly's Diner, Sound Bites, and Ball Square Cafe. There's also True Grounds, a coffee shop, and Taco Party. Don't forget Lyndell's Bakery, which has been around for a long time! You can also enjoy food from House of Kebab or Avenue Kitchen and Bar.
The Brown School is in Ball Square. It opened in 1900 on Willow Avenue. This school teaches children from kindergarten to fifth grade. It is the only K-5 school in the Somerville School District.
Ball Square was once home to the famous Willow Jazz Club. In the 1990s, a fire damaged some businesses on Broadway. As new shops opened, the area started to change. This change continues today. Old businesses like Lyndell's Bakery (from the 1800s) are still there. Next to them are newer places like Ball Square Fine Wines and Liquor. You can also find hair salons like Salon Cu and Lindsay Griffin.
Soon, Ball Square will have a new train stop. The Ball Square station is part of the Green Line expansion. This project is by the MBTA. It will make it easier for people to travel to and from Ball Square.
The Story of Ball Square
Ball Square got its name from a man named John Nichols Ball. He lived from 1835 to 1901. John followed in his uncle's footsteps. In 1883, he opened a factory. It made shoe insoles at 686 Broadway.
John was a respected businessman. He decided to get involved in local government in 1895. That year, he joined Somerville's Common Council. In 1897, he was elected to the Somerville Board of Aldermen. By the next year, he was the Board President. People even thought John might run for mayor.
Instead, he chose to work in state politics. In 1900, he successfully ran for Representative. He served the 7th Middlesex District. John was well-liked in his first term. So, he was reelected to the House in 1901. Sadly, his growing political career ended too soon. He passed away that October when he was 56 years old.
