Last Thursday marked the first time in its modern history that the entirety of Newbury Street was shut down to automobile traffic in order to host a fashion-fine automobile extravaganza.
Herb Chambers, the automobile tycoon and fashion maven, showed what he is all about, bringing to the street about 40 of his finest automobiles, a collection without peer in this state.
What we learn from this experience is that others just like it during the warmer months will draw much larger crowds of shoppers, tourists, and interested Boston residents than just about anything else.
And it is a possibility that if Charles Street took the cue, merchants, tourists, shoppers and residents might all benefit from the experience.
It is hard to imagine that with the suspension of automobile traffic on Newbury Street, the street is allowed to come alive.
And again, the same would likely be true of Charles Street in the same circumstance.
Without the traffic, the street could hold tens of thousands more strolling around, shopping, eating, taking in the pleasure of the street.
Mayor Menino was there on Newbury Street. He noted the difference. So, too, did the merchants and everyone else who had a great time on a pleasant evening in the city.
This is the type of event that should be replicated – and soon.
And it might not be a bad idea for Charles Street or at least for merchants and residents to discuss the possibility.