Boston Starbucks

At the beginning of the semester I traveled to Boston to visit one of my best friends from high school who attends Boston College.  I had never been to Boston so I wanted to see as much of the city as I could in one long weekend.  We decided to go on about a 15-mile bike ride so I could get a true feel for the historical city.

            One of the many sites I visited on our journey was the Steaming Kettle in Government Center. The Steaming Kettle periodically has steam rising out of the spout. The kettle was built in 1873 for the Oriental Tea Company. Hicks and Badger, the city's largest coppersmiths, built the kettle for the company. In 1875, a contest was held to have people guess the capacity of that kettle. More than 10,000 spectators filled the square that day.  A city inspector carefully checked each amount poured into the kettle. A judge was present to observe the process to ensure the contest was fair. A large blackboard was updated after each measure, and it took more than an hour to fill the pot. The answer is engraved on one side: 227 gallons, 2 quarts, 1 pint, and 3 gills. The Oriental Tea Company lasted in the location until the 1940s.

            When Starbucks bought the location it was an excellent decision for business.  The legendary teapot attracts numerous tourists each year and even though it an ordinary Starbucks that sits below the kettle consumers feel the urge to step in for a cup of coffee.  During my visit, which was in late September the coffee shop was packed.  This golden steaming teapot has provided Starbucks with phenomenal advertising.