WALPOLE OLD HOME DAYS 2014 – Full Schedule 25-29 June 2014

Posted on June 25, 2014 by Ray Boas

Walpole OLD HOME DAYS 2017
June 21 through June 25, 2017
2017 Schedule of Events now on Line
CLICK ON THIS LINK

In the past few days I have had a large number of “search hits” on SHUNPIKING WITH RAY with people looking for information on this year’s Old Home Day celebration.  That was because my mention of it in my posts for AS IT WAS…AND STILL IS… WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

So, to help, I woke up this morning saying, “Ray, post the full schedule for out-of-towners looking for details to enjoy our weekend.”  So, below is the full schedule.  And when in town, do stop by a take a look at AS IT WAS…AND STILL IS… WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

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Walpole Old Home Days 2014

Schedule of Events

(Note: $$ indicates that tickets need to be purchased or cost involved. Otherwise, events with no symbol are free)

 Wednesday June 25th

WALPOLE OLD HOME DAYS 2014 – Update 11AM — the Block Party tonight will be on the Common and in the Town Hall … and, CORNELIA will make her “popping debut” right along with the festivities tonight.  See you there.

 5:30pm – 8:30– Block Party
hosted by Connecticut River Bank, N.A. & The Walpole Foundation
Connecticut River Bank Parking Lot with music by “The Illusion”
TOWN HALL in case of rain

Thursday June 26nd

 Walpole Players — “A Long Weekend in New Hampshire”
Doors open at 6:30pm, curtain rises at 7:00pm.       $$

Friday June 27th

 9am to 8pm    Walpole Community Pool, Free to all

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4pm to 6pm    Farmers Market
 ~Kids games and activities ~Local Vendors
Ray Boas’ book will be available then

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5pm to 8pm    Talent Show sponsored by the Savings Bank of Walpole
Congregational Church
Awards given right after performance.

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5:30pm  Strawberry Shortcake by Tom Murray
In front of Murray’s Restaurant        $$
To benefit the Helen Miller Theater

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6pm to 11pm Friday Night Street Dance
sponsored by The Burns Family
Savings Bank of Walpole parking lot, across from the Tavern
Two Sets: First set 6-8pm
Music by local Country Musicians;
“Will Buchan, Shawn Keniston and Dwight Smith”
Second Set 8-11pm
Music by Rock and Roll Group  “Turn it Loose” 

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 6pm to 10pm American Legion food booth   $$
Hamburgers and Hot Dogs

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9:30pm  Fireworks
                             sponsored in part by Theodora Berg and Applied Bolting
Shot from North Road over Village

Saturday June 28th

 7am-9am Academy Breakfast

for all who attended the Academy and spouses.
Prizes for youngest, oldest, longest distance travelled
Tent on Historical Society lawn

 *****

7am to 9am “McGrange’s”
Breakfast Sandwiches by The Grange     $$
Town hall

 *****

8:30am 5K Race and Children’s Race (12 and under)
sponsored by Kris and Bill Tyson

Start/Finish at Walpole Town Hall, prizes       $$
(to benefit Fall Mountain running and skiing teams)

 *****

9:00am  Walpole PTG — Coffee, muffins          $$

 *****

10am to 8pm Walpole Community Pool, Free to all

 *****

10am PARADE

Sponsored by John and Carol Hubbard  Foundation
Starts at Walpole School

Prizes for Most Humorous, Best Historical,
Best use of “Country” Slogan, Best Action,
Best Youth Exhibit, Best Business Entry

 ***** 

MUSIC AFTER THE PARADE:

Hills Band Wagon
East Bay Jazz Ensemble
Keene American Legion (Bandstand)

 *****

10am to 4pm  4-H Petting Zoo — Walpole Common

 *****

10am to 4pm Common displays for Walpole Non-profits…
educational, fundraising and food, Kid’s activities

American Heritage Tour  Bake Sale, Hot Dogs
FM Scholarship Fund  Ice Cream
Cub Scouts  Bake Sale
Fire/Auxiliary  Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Drinks
First Congregational Church Pie Sale
Walpole 4-H Clubs  Petting Zoo
Hooper Hill Hoppers  Fried Dough,  Sausage, Hamburgers, Fries, Onion Rings, Drinks
Hooper Preservation Fund Tee shirts, totes
Walpole PTG  Cheeseburgers, Grilled Cheese, French Fries
Pinnacleview 4H Rootbeer Floats, Milk, Hotdogs, water
Girl Scouts Bake Sale
Swim Group Strawberry Shortcake & Face Painting
Walpole Village School Shaved ice
Women of Walpole Gift Baskets, silent auction
Many more info booths on the common!

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10am to 4pm  Children’s Play Area and Equipment Displays

sponsored by Cold River Materials Savings Bank of Walpole Parking Lot.

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11am to 4pm Antique Vehicle Show
Historical Society Lawn
People’s Choice Award

 *****

12pm – 4pm Firefighters Challenge — Stone Church Field
Walpole Volunteer Fire Dept.

*****

12 noon Pet Show
Sponsored by Bonnie and Charles Casserta
Children’s categories: l argest pet, smallest pet, longest tail, costume class, owner pet look alike, most enthusiastic pet owner, cutest pet, judges choice award
Adult categories:  oldest pet, costume class, owner pet look alike, most enthusiastic pet owner
Roxy Memorial Trophy

*****
12pm-3pm Hay rides around town provided by John Tarmey Jr.

 *****

6:30pm Baseball Game at the Hubbard Fields
Walpole Wild Blue vs. Claremont Cardinals
Free to the public
Concession stand will be open $$

*****

6:00-8:15pm  Voting/Sampling for the Cookie Bake off — Hastings House

 7:30pm Lou Andreoli Memorial Jazz Concert        $$
Featuring: Atlas Soul
Hastings House Ballroom, two sets and refreshments available

*****

Walpole Players

A Long Weekend in New Hampshire”
Doors open at 6:30pm, curtain rises at 7:00pm. $$

 Sunday June 29th

 7:30am-11am  Pancake Breakfast – Town Hall
To benefit Walpole Village School   $$

 *****

8:30am  Walpole Old Home Days Golf Tournament
Hooper Golf Club
To benefit Save the Hooper Committee         $$

*****

Church Services:

8:30am St. Peters Catholic Church, North Walpole
10:00am First Congregational Church, Walpole
10:00am  St. John’s Episcopal Church, Walpole
10:00am  Walpole Unitarian Church, Walpole

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10am – 8pm   Walpole Community Pool – Free to All

 *****

1:00pm  Amazing Race
Solve clues, perform challenges and tour the town
as you compete for prizes in the Walpole Amazing Race
in support of Walpole Village School.
Starts on the Common at 1pm             $$

*****

4pm till sold out  Chicken Barbeque First Congregational Church     $$

*****

5:00pm  Band Concert
Sponsored by the Boy Scouts of Walpole
“The Walt Sayre Orchestra” – Featuring “Rebecca Holtz”
Donation basket will be passed
Refreshments available    $$

***Presentation of parade awards and other drawings at intermission***

 

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WALPOLE OLD HOME DAYS – 2014

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Ray Boas

Walpole OLD HOME DAYS 2017
June 21 through June 25, 2017
2017 Schedule of Events now on Line
CLICK ON THIS LINK

 

Are you looking for some good old-fashioned New England fun?  The first Old Home Days celebration was in New Hampshire in August, 1899, to encourage former residents and friends to come home to visit, and maybe stay.  Walpole has held Old Home Days celebrations since that time — 115 years.  Now held every three years – this is the year.

Four days of festivities begin on Wednesday June 25th with a Block Party “downtown.” The curtain rises on The Walpole Players production of “A LONG WEEKEND IN NEW HAMPSHIRE” on Thursday, and Friday there is a street dance and fireworks.  Saturday is THE DAY with one of the largest New England parades you would ever want to see, events on the common and around town.  The festivities continue on Sunday.

Just as the week begins, Jan Kobeski and I will give a talk, “The Making of AS IT WAS…AND STILL IS…   WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE.”  I will discuss my collecting and the beginning of the idea, and Jan we talk about his design process.  So, join us at The Walpole Historical Society on Tuesday the 24th

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My book is $20, and is now available, and I will be around town with it starting at The Walpole Farmers Market this afternoon, June 20th at 4PM

Cornelia will make her “popping debut” next week, but will cross over to the common this afternoon to hold the books.  So, please stop by, today’s weather will be ideal, and next week is so far looking good.

CORNELIA---Done

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UPDATE – THE LAST COUPLE MONTHS – Posted Flag Day – 14 June 2014

Posted on June 14, 2014 by Ray Boas

I know, I know, you have not heard very much from me.  The first half of 2014 has been great, and fun with LADY RAB (1931 Model A Tudor Sedan), CORNELIA (1906 Cretors Sidewalk Popcorn Wagon Replica), and my book.  The impetus for completion of my projects has been Walpole’s 2014 Old Home Days the end of this month.

I did take two breaks at The Red Lion Inn, and still have to tell you about the last one including the homes of two Hudson River School artists: Thomas Cole and Frederic Church’s Olana.  And I also experienced an overnight at The Woodstock Inn located in Woodstock, Vermont, and the half day I spent at the Billings Farm & Museum.  All museums highly recommended by RAB.  But I will get to that eventually, and eventually will get to traveling again after Old Home Days.

But you know about LADY RAB  (have now clocked over 140 miles in her), but let me just fill you in on CORNELIA and AS IT WAS… AND STILL IS… WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

CORNELIA – DONE – 14 JUNE 2014

This week I traveled to Lawrence, Massachusetts to buy popcorn supplies and learn how to use my machine.  And, just now I attached the last item — the original style crystaline art glass POPCORN sign.  Earlier today I saw Stacey at the Post Office, and with a smile she said she has followed my Facebook popcorn posts, and could not wait.  So, once I have a few “guinea pigs” over for the first popping test I shall take a video, complete with calliope music, popcorn cascading, and Toastie the Clown cranking away.  Too much fun, don’t miss visiting CORNELIA this summer.

CORNELIA---Done

AS IT WAS…AND STILL IS…WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE

by Ray Boas
design by Jan Kobeski

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Ray Boas’ new 128 page book, AS IT WAS…AND STILL IS – WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE, tours the reader through more than 125 years of history shown through 350 rarely seen images creatively displayed, all in full-color.  Based on Boas’ collection of postcards and stereoviews started over a decade ago, the book has been completed for publication in conjunction with Walpole’s 2014 Old Home Days celebration. The main section of the book divides the town into five sections each beginning with a map.  The postcards and stereoviews, with historical captions, are keyed to the maps.  Also included is a collection of historical articles written by Boas for THE WALPOLE CLARION, and a brief history of postcards further illustrated by Walpole postals.

Below are some sample pages, followed by a review of the book by Tara Sad that was published in the June 2014 WALPOLE CLARION.  Available at $20 a copy, shipping is available ($4 per mailing address) for out-of-town gifts.

Mail orders can be sent to Ray Boas, PO Box 757, Walpole, NH 03608 Phone 603 756-4545 –   email: rayboas@comcast.net Payment may be by check or Paypal.

The book ARRIVED – 3 June – and hidden away (hard to do) until release.

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Boas and Kobeski will present an illustrated talk, “The Making of AS IT WAS…AND STILL IS… WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE” at the Walpole Historical Society on June 24th at 7 PM.  Plan to attend this fun evening.

FOLLOWING ARE THREE SAMPLE PAGES
The full-color book measures 11 inches by 8 1/2 inches

 

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Tara Sad’s book review published in THE WALPOLE CLARION June 2014

AIW-9Again, available at $20 a copy. Shipping is available ($4 per mailing address) for out-of-town gifts.  Mail orders can be sent to Ray Boas, PO Box 757, Walpole, NH 03608 Phone 603 756-4545 –   email: rayboas@comcast.net Payment may be by check or Paypal.

Hope you got this far.  Now you know what has enjoyably consumed my time.  And, soon I may be able to share new adventures.

Yours, RAY

 

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HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND – 25 May 2014

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Ray Boas

I enjoy my quiet times at home, and have to remember to be productive and “tick” things off the list(s).  I am making progress and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.

Off and on I watched the Indy 500 (now over) and have been working on CORNELIA. For the first time since I bought her 13 1/2 years years ago I put on the canopy frame, and then opened the new canopy I bought 13 years ago and put it on. Next I will reinstall 3 metal panels I restored and repainted. Making progress, and only 32 days until her debut at Walpole’s 2014 OLD HOME DAYS.

Be safe if you are out and about, and remember why we have this “long weekend” – to celebrate and thank all those who have sacrificed the most so we may be free.

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And, playing away (that is fun work) again on Memorial Day the 26th.  Finally I have put my Roastie Toastie Clown to work.

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I TRAVEL IN THE RIGHT COMPANY – FENWAY PARK ON THE FIELD WITH THE RED SOX – 22 MAY 2014

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Ray Boas

Yes, I do travel in the right company.  Last week Rob asked me, “do you want to go to a Red Sox game, I have been given some tickets.”  If you know me, I am not sure if Red Sox are baseball and kick the ball or use a stick to hit a puck.  But, hey, a fun time out doing something you otherwise would not do.  I am in.  Rob owns the fantastic WALPOLE CREAMERY, and one of his vendors offered the tickets.

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So, off Rob, Whit, Jerry and I headed today about noon for Boston.  It was raining, actually pouring – but we were confident and not concerned.  We parked at the end of Route 2 and hopped onto the T.  Arriving downtown we caught a bite to eat – actually a great deal to eat – oysters and big burgers, and then headed to Fenway Park to see the Toronto Blue Jays take on the Boston Red Sox.

We had box “membership only” seats.  And, as you can see in the pictures and movies were as close as you can be.  My internet search revealed that these seats run from $400 to $600 — and that is PER GAME not season.  Yes, I travel in the right company, and now will share the views I had from  almost on the field.

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Click to start the video

 

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Seventh inning Stretch – “the happy foursome!!!”

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Yes, this close !!!

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Thank you, Rob, for including me !!! And, thank you WALPOLE CREAMERY and its premium ice cream.

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And, here is a bonus video, but before I say “good night” I owe you a big and long travel story from Stockbridge, Massachusetts to Stockbridge, Vermont from 14-20 May.  Lots to tell you, just cannot get it all done.  But you will get my email.  Bye, and thanks for getting this far, yours, RAY

Again, click to start the video

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POPCORNMAN RAY — “ON THE LIST FOR OVER 50 YEARS” – 12 MAY 2014

Posted on May 12, 2014 by Ray Boas

If you tell everyone you are going to do something — then you have to do it.  My book went to the printer Thursday afternoon, and that waiting game begins.  I have another big project in the works with Barbara and her sister, but that will not fully commence until maybe six weeks.  So, what do I do???  Impetus to get the book done was Old Home Days the end of June.  I have had another project attempted for the last two Old Home Days, and even earlier for a 4th of July parade in 2001.  So, now this is the year!!!

In 1962, when first traveling  US Route 7 in my 1929 Model “A” Ford Roadster, I discovered in Great Barrington, MA, a Cretors Model “D” Horse Drawn Popcorn Wagon. APopcorn7 few more miles north another wagon was popping corn in front of the bank in Pittsfield, MA, where it had done so for decades.  A lifetime fascination began. The Model “D” is a very large machine, but Cretors made smaller sidewalk units.

Popcorn4In the summer of 1965, high school friends and I attended a “stock car race” in South Carolina.  Outside of an “old country store” I spotted a turn of the century Bartholomew “Boss on Wheels” Peanut Roaster.  I bought it, and arranged to have it shipped back to Connecticut.  I have had it since, mainly in storage. But used it often in the 1980s in parades and school functions, dispensing Popcorn.  It is in my blood!!

I found my replica Cretors No. 2 Popcorn Wagon on Ebay in January of 2001.  It was in Indiana, and of course Cathy encouraged me to get what I had always wanted.  The auction ended, I had won, and Cathy said, “alright how do you get it home.”  I immediately called the friend of our neighbor whose husband had his own small trucking firm.  “You want him to get what and where,” she asked.  “I just talked to him, and he is about 50 miles east of there now, let me catch him and turn him around.”  And, my popcorn wagon was “home” two days later before my check even got to Indiana.

There had been modifications over the years, but I knew the company that made these Popcorn3authentic replicas was still in business, and soon I had purchased everything I needed to have my machine as it left the factory new.  The plan was to have it ready for the small 4th of July parade in our little village of New Preston, Connecticut — but that did not happen, nor the next year because we had begun our transition to New Hampshire.  The popcorn wagon was one of the first things moved to NH, but relegated to storage in the garage surrounded by boxes, and boxes of books.  But in the last 5-6 years those boxes have dwindled, and I could find the machine again.  Many times in the past I offered it to the local bank who sponsored a “block party” during Old Home Days to give away popcorn, “if I get it done.”  But getting it done did not happen.

Popcorn1But when I redid the garage this winter to make room for LADY RAB along with BLACK BEAUTY and BLUE BELLE, all of a sudden there was room to admire my popcorn machine, and even to work on it.  So yesterday “she” came out center stage (guess she needs a name also) and all the pieces I had disassembled 5-6 years ago sorted through to refresh my mind with what I was planning to do at that time.

 

10AM Monday update — suggestions are flying in:  Carol suggested “Cornelia” and Barbara came in with “Maizie.”  Barbara then said – “I vote for Cornelia.”  We may have an immediate winner!

 

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There are six weeks to Old Home Days and the various events that I can give away popcorn (with a donation can for the local food shelves), it could be used to attract attention at Barbara and Rob’s Walpole Creamery, and then there is our big Labor Day event that is in the works (that is what you call a teaser).

And the fun continues.  More to come, of course, as always, yours, RAYPopcorn5

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This is a reproduction of the Cretors No. 1 Sidewalk Unit – the next size larger than my Cretors No. 2.  This particular machine was in use in the Frontier Area of Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, Ohio, in the 1980s.  My daughter, Julie, is making an important purchase of popcorn – circa 1982.

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“AS IT WAS… AND STILL IS…” WALPOLE, NEW HAMPSHIRE”

Posted on April 30, 2014 by Ray Boas

A pictorial tour through Walpole with 300 historic images.
Look for the full-color, 11 inch by 8 1/2 inch, 128 page
book by Ray Boas
during Walpole’s Old Home Days this June.

Available at $20 a copy  (shipping $4 per mailing address) for out-of-town gifts. Mail orders can be sent to Ray Boas, PO Box 757, Walpole, NH 03608
Phone 603 756-4545 –  email: rayboas@comcast.net   Payment may be by check or Paypal.

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Above – Front Cover

ClarionBookAd

 

Above – advertisement in May issue of THE WALPOLE CLARION

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EENY, MEENY, MINY, MOE — 24 April 2014

Posted on April 24, 2014 by Ray Boas

“I want to go, I want to go!!!”  “Please me,  please me,” each of my ladies said in unison.  “It is my turn, my turn to feel the wind in my face and get tears in my headlights.”

And, they each had a turn today.  Actually BLACK BEAUTY and BLUE BELLE were due for their every other year safety inspection.  And, they passed with flying colors obtaining their new stickers from Paul Jr. up at Tole’s on the hill.  LADY RAB due to her age does not require a NH Inspection sticker.  But we still need to keep her safe.  I found a broken wire under her hood, and there is a charging problem, so I am just waiting to get her up to the fellow in the next town for some minor care (just need to find a ride back home, and I will be all set).

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A full day, where do they go.  Things just happen, and while all of the ladies were out of the stable I thought, “gee, let me do the rewiring in the garage now.”  You may recall when I made space, tearing down a wall, so I could get the three ladies into a two car garage, I had to put in a temporary wire to jump what I pulled apart.  Well, two and 1/2 hours later, all rewiring was complete, secure, and no wires hanging.

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And, all is good at “44.”  Now to get serious with Shunpiking !!!

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FIVE HOUR BREAK and 86 BLUE BELLE MILES – 12 APRIL 2014

Posted on April 12, 2014 by Ray Boas

I have been writing all week — pushing to finish all illustration captions for my book going to press the end of the month.  Now, if I am not to be found on a break at the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where would you expect to find me?  Yes, you are right — Plymouth Notch, Vermont, at Calvin Coolidge’s birthplace and home.  One of the most fantastic and bucolic places in New England.

I saw Christie and Tom at the post office before I left.  They have never been (so sad), so I said I would send them links to my most recent visits, but on my “road trip” in BB2 (BLUE BELLE) I decided that I should provide you all links to last year’s visits.  And, since I started earlier this year watch out in 2014:

KIDNAPPED BY BLUE BELLE for 286 Kilometers (178 miles) – 5 May 2013

BORN ON THE 4th of JULY 1872

BACK TO PLYMOUTH NOTCH, VERMONT – 7 September 2013

PLYMOUTH NOTCH, VT and LEAVES – 2 October 2013

PLYMOUTH NOTCH, VERMONT 15 DECEMBER 2013

Lady RAB did not go today because of my concern with her charging system, but I believe I have found a fellow nearby who can address my concern – will check with him this coming week.  So, off BLUE BELLE and I went a tad after noon today.  I must say, even though she has not been on the road since the end of July last year, she is the most pleasurable drive and ride that I have ever owned.  And that has nothing to do with the fact that she is the least expensive “toy” in my stable – she is just a joy to drive and cruise in.

Two weeks ago I read about a special open house at the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, VT, and have planned all week that this would be my “reward” for working hard.  So, off I went for the presentation on HATS!  Earlier this week I read an article on 1920’s clothing with the historical impacts changing clothing styles, so I “was primed” for this.  Since I have told you so much in the past about Plymouth Notch I will just be brief with pictures and some captions (of course, captions – that has been what I have been writing the past four days).

We arrived and parked.

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Upon entering the visitor center I greeted Bill Jenney, the director of the site.  He is so personable, and I have enjoyed my talks with him the past year.  He and I talked about the fascinating furniture in the lounge area.

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This was so reminiscent of my trip recently to area sugar houses and seeing items made from sawn sugar maples.

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Here is “Cal” and an early overview of the “notch”

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Guests were encouraged to wear vintage hats – this charming lady was prepared.  One possible origin for the work millenary is from the making of hats in Milan, Italy.

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Bird feathers were popular to decorate hats, but here is a hat made with an entire bird.  Because of the slaughter of birds, Harriet Hemmenway and Mina Hall urged their friends to stop wearing feathered hats.  Their efforts led to the establishment of the Massachusetts Audubon Society in 1896, leading to the national organization.

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When President Coolidge died, his wife, Grace, gave all his clothing away but took all the labels  out so people could not capitalize on what they owned.  She gave his top hats to a magician friend to pull rabbits out of, but blanked out the President’s name.  The son of that magician recently gave the hats to the Coolidge site, and here Bill Jenney is sharing one with the President’s name blanked out by Grace.

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No man would be seen outside without his hat, but by the 1950s hats were losing favor, partially due to lifestyle and for ease getting in and out of autos.

RAB on departure, but a young man who loved MGs and was photographing BLUE BELLE graciously took our picture.  Wearing a hat is not a problem for RAB seen here with one of my sports car appropriate chapeau – this one purchased in London – Heathrow, but I have others purchased in Kinsale, Ireland, and Portugal.  When Kennedy became President, hat manufacturers hoped he would wear a hat, but his refusal to wear hats signaled an end to the industry.

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Usually BB1 or BB2 stop at the general store for a “fill-up” but today BLUE BELLE wanted to stop in front of Calvin’s home.

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We will be back, Plymouth Notch !!!

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A THIRTY MILE TOUR — LADY RAB’S INAUGURAL RUN – 6 APRIL 2014

Posted on April 6, 2014 by Ray Boas

Whenever I am writing, I often need a break to clear my mind and think. And, today I am writing captions for my forthcoming book.  I needed to clear my mind on this and other things.  LADY RAB jumped to the rescue.  The sun is out, the roads are dry, and it is way above 40 degrees.  Those are my requirements for a sports car run, but LADY RAB is a closed car with roll-up windows.  So, no question about touring today.

I backed her out of the garage, added some coolant, checked the oil and headed off to add three gallons of fuel.  Then we tootled up the little hill in town to Tara’s and aaoogha-ed at her door.  A meeting was just breaking up, and she ran out yelling, “let’s go!”  And off we went.  A busy lady we took a short loop of about 6 miles.  Coolant started bubbling out from the radiator cap so I decided to go home rather than head off to the Vermont Country Store in Rockingham – one of my favorite quick drive destinations.  “Maybe I just added too much coolant,” I thought, “the system will have to seek its comfortable level.”

At the Vermont Country Store in Rockingham, VT

At the Vermont Country Store in Rockingham, VT

About an hour later I could not take it any longer, so off we piloted to Rockingham.  Ammeter started discharging, and coolant bubbling, so I pulled over to see if I had lost a fan belt.  No, but it was a tad loose, and upon investigation I noted a weak connection on the generator mounting bracket.  (Amazingly you can look under the hood – bonnet for my English readers – and know what you are looking at with a 1931 Ford).  “Start list – bouncing back and forth from charge to discharge – tighten generator, check charging system, etc.)

Arriving at the Country Store (first visit was in 1963 in my 1929 Model A Ford Roadster) and seeing coolant on the fender I opened the hood.  Looks like it is dripping down between the shell and radiator – “add to the list Ray to investigate!”  I saw oil seeping out from under one spark plug – “put on list Ray.”  But then wisely I wiped part of the oil up, and also wiped coolant off the firewall of the cowl.  “That way I can see what happens from here to home,” Ray said to self.

A few minutes browsing and grazing at this destination I headed back south on US 5 to come back across the Westminster Bridge this time.  LADY RAB cruises and holds the road nicely at 45 to 50 MPH, and that is pretty accurate because my speed was clocked accurately on the speed sign as you enter Bellows Falls.

Redundant, all I had was my iPhone with me - just in case!

Redundant, all I had was my iPhone with me – just in case!

So, home, open hood and see no new oil around the spark plug and no new coolant splashing.  Still items to watch and correct however.

Our run today was 30 miles — just the beginning.  HAPPY SHUNPIKING no matter what your vehicle of choice may be.  You know mine!  As always, RAY

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