World’s Oldest Train Driver Is An 81-Year-Old Boston Blue Line Driver

Helen Antenucci is an 81-year-old grandmother, and is now a Guinness World Records holder. She is now a record-holder for the world's oldest train driver. She's a Blue Line driver for the MBTA right here in Boston.

Helen Antenucci is 81-years-old and has been driving on the Blue Line since 1995. The Blue Line runs through the north-east area of Boston. Helen was 53 when she started her career as a train driver. She had five daughters and told Guinness World Records that, "It was a way to get me out of the house and get some peace and quiet."

She trained for a few months in the rail yard, and that's where she learned how to operate the trains. Then under the supervision of an instructor, she started driving trains with actual passengers in them. When she started, Helen said that there were only a couple other female drivers. She said that fortunately she didn't experience any discrimination from riders or co-workers. She said, "I came from a well-known Italian family in east Boston, so no one dared to disrespect me,” Helen revealed. “Besides, when I worked, I did my job well and earned my place in the organization." (GWR website)

The world's oldest train driver says that her favorite stop is Aquarium Station. She's actually an unofficial ambassador to the New England Aquarium. Why does she love it so much? Helen says, "The majority of people that get on or off my train there are families with children that are going to have a happy experience." She goes on to say, "The children are all excited; first about riding the train, and second, going to the aquarium. It’s so fun and heartwarming to see their happiness.”

Is the world's oldest train driver about to retire? She says not yet, or ever. She says that she'll take her passengers where they need to go until they tell her she can't, but doesn't see that happening anytime soon. For Helen, she says every day she gets up, she gets to do what she loves, and not many people get to say that at her age.

On The MBTA's Facebook page, when they made the announcement, there were hundreds of likes and comments for Helen. Here's some of what people had to say.

"She’s awesome!!! I used to catch the train with her operating every morning!" - Robert

"I ride the blue line 5 days a week so I do hear her sometimes. Her announcements are kind and welcoming. Thanks for your service." - Andres

"Seeing everyone smile after hearing Helen’s announcements on the train is always a fun experience. Now she’s in the record books!" - Jennifer

"Congrats!! This is awesome!! Love when Helen is driving the train on my way to work. She's makes the morning more bearable with her cheeriness and positivity! " - Jen

"When I heard her voice (and wonderful Boston accent) for the first time after my Covid commuting hiatus, I burst into tears, all would be right in the world! So nice to learn more about her and happy that she is getting the recognition she deserves. Thank you Helen for bringing joy to so many, including this weary commuter." - Jennifer

Looks like Helen has lots of Jen & Jennifer fans!

Congratulations Helen! The world's oldest train driver is right in our backyard and we couldn't be more proud!

The best fried clams in Massachusetts are definitely plentiful. We have tons of options to choose from to get our fix of those crispy, juicy, nuggets of deliciousness.

According to Wikipedia, the modern deep-fried, breaded version of fried clams is generally credited to Lawrence "Chubby" Woodman from Essex, Mass. It's said that he created the first batch on July 3, 1916 at his small restaurant by the road that's now Woodman's of Essex. At the time, one of his specialties was potato chips, so he had that big vats to deep fry. For the fried clams, he collected the clams himself from the mud flats of the Essex River, which was close to where he lived.

This may be controversial, but if your fried clams don't have bellies, you're eating fried rubber bands. Argue with the wall. This is a pro-bellies post. "Clam strips" will not be part of this discussion. Now that that's out of the way, let's talk actual delicious fried clams.

This may be my opinion, but I think we can all agree that the best fried clams are crispy without being overdone. They're delicious but let the clam flavor shine through. And the #1 reason why you need bellies, they have to be juicy. For me, the bigger the belly, the better. If they don't have all three, they're not on the list.

What better way to find the best fried clams in Massachusetts than to ask for recommendations. So we polled our Facebook friends to find out where their go-to spot is for their summer fix. Safe to say, people are very serious about their fried clams, and came out strong in defense of their favorites. The following list is a small representation of the responses we received. Each of these selections got multiple votes. Here are our picks for the best fried clams in Massachusetts.

Since it's the creator, it would have to go first. Woodman's also got multiple votes from our listeners. They also have $5 kids meals, as well as daily specials. They also got bonus points for their gluten-free menu that Danny said was the best around. And Jenn said that "they are fried to perfection not too greasy and full of flavor."

Now open for their 60th season, Tony's Clam Shop is located at 861 Quincy Shore Drive in Quincy. I've eaten there on several occasions over the years, and can definitely vouch for their fried clam goodness. Located on Quincy's historic Wollaston Beach, you can take your fried clams on their ocean front patio or backyard garden.

Also located on Wollaston Beach in Quincy, The Clam Box got several votes of approval from listeners. About The Clam Box, Nick said, "clams are always fresh lightly battered.. onion rings are to die for. Good services. Huge portions and a great view to the beach across the road."

A mention for my hometown Kool Kone in Wareham. Personally, I've never gotten a bad meal at Kool Kone, and the portions are huge. Megan's a fan and says, "I’ve never been disappointed! Large plate, always fresh - pair it with their clam cakes and a chocolate/vanilla swirl for dessert!"

Several votes for Captain John's in Lowell. Nay Mum Lin says, "I’ve tried a lot of places mentioned here but Captain John’s in Lowell takes the cake. Best fried scallops and they only do whole belly clams. Slaw is very good. They could use better shrimp but maybe there’s an option and up charge for larger shrimp. Also, this place is a complete DUMP but can’t deny the food." Not sure we needed the dump review, but I guess it's good to manage expectations. Lol  Tammy said, " price is great, good portions and coleslaw and tarter is amazing !!!!"  And Michelle said, "just look at this plate . The best you will ever have!!! Cash only!" 

Jennifer Anne recommended three:  "I've got 3 lol their all so fresh and have a "sweetness" to them...whole belly class are the way to go!!"

Krista Roy recommends Gene's Famous Seafood in Fairhaven… "I’ve been going there since i was a kid! in my opinion it has not changed.. they been in business for 61 years for a reason!"

Justine Baez recommends:  "Essex Seafood for SURE. This is a fisherman’s platter but you can see some clams. Big portions, love the staff, very clean restaurant, good parking. I love it."

Kimball Farm - 3 Massachusetts and 1 New Hampshire locations. Morgan said, "hands down. Huge portions too."

Park Lunch in Newburyport was recommended by Holly.

Colonial House on Savin Ave in Norwood recommended by Emma Lee - has the BEST clams & scallops!!! The seafood is always fresh, the batter taste amazing!! The onion rings are also homemade and are the best I’ve had!! The clam chowder is also really good & made from scratch!!! If you’re in the area, deff give them a try!! I actually just had some last night Wood's Seafood in Plymouth was recommended by Felicia. She said "nothing like whole belly deep fried buttery clams !!!"

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/clam-shack-salem

Ohhh yes! When you can see the bellies! The Clam Shack Salem Willows - where witches fly and clams fry! Love that. About Clam Shack, Nick said, "Clam shack Salem willows. Thank me later." And according to New England Travel Today, "The clams are sweet, tender, and crunchy, and they come from local clam beds in Essex and Ipswich, considered by many to be the best in the world.”