When I finally got my air conditioner installed and could leave, I headed to Harold Parker State Forest, just outside of Andover, MA.
The site I had reserved was technically adequate. I would have fit in nicely, if the parking area wasn’t at am acute angle to the roadway or is there hadn’t been quite so many trees. But, I guess forests are famous for trees – at least in this part of the country. After almost an hour of trying to figure out how to get in, I decided that it wasn’t going to happen.
I headed back to the office and told them my predicament. The helpful ranger gave me a map with all the sites that were available and that might work for me. I pulled into this one with no problem. It was level. It had its own water faucet AND it was a pull through!
Ah, but no electricity. That was no problem. The site got enough sun to top off the batteries and I did just fine.
I examined my options, and I decided to take a trip to Salem.
I was amazed at just how slowly the traffic moved. Although the trip was less than 20 miles, it took the better part of an hour to get there. Along the way, I stopped in Danvers to see the memorial to the victims of the Salem Witch Trials that took place in 1692 and 1693.
This park was dedicated in 1992 to commemorate the victims of the trials. The trials, which were held in several towns, resulted in the executions of twenty people. Fourteen of these people were women and all but one of the victims died by hanging. Five others, including two infants, died in prison.
They inscribed the last words of the victims on either side of the memorial.
Just across the street from the memorial was the site of the Salem Village Meeting House. Apparently, the building was dismantled in 1702 and the lumber was stored on the site of the memorial until it eventually decayed and mixed with the soil.
This is the house that occupies the site of the Salem Village Meeting House today.
On I went, to see what I could discover in Salem itself. I was amazed that I found a place to park. The beautiful weather had many people strolling about.
A brochure I had said that this is the oldest structure in Salem with direct ties to the witch trials.
This was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who was called upon to investigate the claims of witchcraft that were made in the area. He served on the court that ultimately sent nineteen people to the gallows.
It is thought that the house was built sometime between 1620 and 1642. Corwin was 35 when he bought the house in 1675 and he lived there for more than forty years.. The house remained in the Corwin family until the mid-19th century.
There was the usual assemblage of period items in the museum, but one thing in particular caught my eye. They had created a little window into the structure of the building. I wonder if all the exterior walls were filled with rock and mortar?
The building was kind of crowded, as they were having a free day. So, after a quick glance around and seeing nothing else remarkable, I decided to see what else there might be in the neighborhood.
I came upon plaques set into the sidewalk for the McIntire District Walkway. It is a stroll through some of the oldest houses in the area. Just follow the arrows!
The building I noticed was Hamilton Hall. We were invited to go inside, according to the sign. The doors were locked, and I decided not to knock.
According to my research, the hall was commissioned by a group of Salem’s Federalist merchant families and cost $22,000 to build in 1805. Originally there were retail spaces on the ground floor. The second level ballroom features a curved balcony and a sprung floor for dancing. Lafayette was a guest of honor at a banquet here in 1824, according to a plaque next to the door.
In researching Hamilton Hall, I discovered that it is still in operation pretty much as its founders had intended. They have a lecture series that is sold out for this season and they a a popular venue for weddings.
I also discovered that I should have called ahead to schedule a visit.
On the opposite corner was the Butman-Waters House. It was built in 1806 by Samuel McIntire.
A little farther down the street was a house built in 1767 by Jonathan Neal, who was proud to call himself a carpenter.
Now, you have to know that a house that was built in 1767 would undergo some changes to reflect the needs of its occupants.
You can see the various additions that have taken place. You can also see that central air wasn’t one of the changes that was made.
This house was built in 1810 for Benjamin Cox, merchant.
This house was built in 1774 by Josiah Woodbury. Oddly enough, he was a mason. I assumed this means he was a stone mason, but perhaps he was a Mason.
I sure he wasn’t a Jackie Mason…
or even a Marsha Mason.
I continued on my way. There were more old buildings to see!
This is the Old Town Hall, which is the earliest surviving municipal structure in Salem. It was built in 1816. The second floor of the building contained a Great Hall, that was used for public meetings, as well as the town offices. The first floor was originally used as a pubic market. Now it is a museum that covers the 400 years of Salem history.
“Did I go in the museum?” I hear you ask. No, I didn’t. The ticket taker told me that it was only $4, which works out to $1 a century. I only had about 20 minutes until closing time, which worked out to about 20¢ minute. From what I could see from the entrance, there was only about $1 worth of exhibits in there, so I continued on my way.
Just outside and to the right of the entrance was this sculpture entitled Tradewind. It honors and celebrates the role that water and wind played in building Salem. According to the plaque next to it, the houses on the rods are designed to spin in the wind and they combine to form the shape of the Old Town Hall. Unfortunately, the wind wasn’t blowing when I was there.
Next to the Old Town Hall was the grand home built for Colonel Benjamin Pickman, Jr. As a merchant, a location right next to the pubic market was a very desirable location.
It was built by Joshua Upham, who as also a mason. Or is that a Mason? I wonder if he knew Josiah Woodbury?
This building has also been repurposed.
It looks as if it has been made into three dwellings.
Back to the main drag, and I came across the old entrance to the Peabody Museum. This part of is was in an old bank building.
Time was ticking away, and I didn’t have time to visit it. I guess I really ought to plan my visits more carefully.
I think I really would have enjoyed this exhibit. Bear in mind that these posts are landing much after the fact. This exhibit wasn’t open yet, so at least I don’t have to feel bad about missing it.
Just down at the corner, there was some art to enjoy!
This installation is by Patrick Dougherty and employs what he calls “Stickwork.” This piece is called What the Birds Know.
This is the Peabody Essex Museum’s first commissioned outdoor artwork.
It was constructed over the course of three weeks in May 2015.
Dougherty and a team of 50 volunteers worked thousands of saplings into forms that suggest dynamic movement.
Speaking of dynamic movement, there were families with young children who were really enjoying running around and through the structures. I kind of wanted to join in the fun.
I settled for having my photo taken with the structures.
Actually, there was a lot of art in the part of the city that I visited. Remember the bicentennial fire hydrants? Well, these electrical boxes provided a much better blank canvas for civic art, in my opinion.
We all know how important bees are.
I like this one because it shows the importance of trade in building relationships. Trade only builds positive relationships when it is mutually beneficial.
This one was just fun to look at.
It was time to head back to the truck. The sun was setting, and I am sure that the traffic was going to be even slower on the return trip.
In a small park near where I left Bart was a Little Free Library. Of course I looked inside. After all, it had my favorite word on it. (Free!) I didn’t see a thing I would read. Still, I like the concept.
And, what homage to witches would be complete without a nod to Samantha Stevens?