Last year, The Liberty Hotel, which is a phenomenal example of repurposing historic architecture, opened in Boston to a flurry of publicity and romanticism. Once the notorious Charles Street Jail, the building now offers guests from around the world luxury boutique accommodations.
If only my great Uncle Francis had had such an experience. He died there, not as a guest, but as an inmate nearly sixty years ago. Why was he there? Apparently, a proto-beat nik, he stole a car when hitchhiking didn’t pan out. How did he die? Officially an accident. Possibly a suicide. Some thought murder. I’ll never know, but I do know that I am not the only person who will now be able to explore unfortunate family history while enjoying the hotel – and that’s pretty cool.
