Shunpiking with Ray

A SUGARING WE WILL GO — 2 April 2014

Posted on April 2, 2014 by Ray Boas

Last summer when Gretchen and Herb graciously toured me through Gretchen’s ancestral lands in Alstead and Acworth, New Hampshire Herb said to me, “I will have to show you the activity during “Sugar Season.” He has constructed and maintains all the equipment for the 5th largest producer of maple syrup in the US in of all places Acworth, New Hampshire. They showed me the grounds of that facility last summer, but not the inside.

Yesterday Gretchen called me and said, “Ray, would you like to see my brother’s Sugar House tomorrow, and maybe Herb can afterwards tour us through Bascom’s.” Was it a hard decision? NO, and I asked if friend, Lucille could join us.

I am not going to go into all the fascinating details of the “three hour tour” because you know what they say about a picture (you don’t want to read thousands of my words right now!) Gretchen’s brother’s sugar house is hidden off in the woods (and even the revenuers have not found it) and is maybe 100 years old with some of the wood reclaimed (at that time) from a 100 year old structure. Just too much fun. And after Peter and his wife, Debbie, graciously explained everything to us we headed to Acworth and met Herb where he toured us though the 5th largest producer of maple syrup in the US – yes, over 700 labels produced here — same stock, different brands, and shipped all over the world.

Ninety percent of maple syrup comes from Quebec, Canada. About 3% (if I remember correctly) of the sap this plant utilizes comes from New Hampshire. The property is at about 1400 feet elevation with fantastic views and is simply a hidden gem. What an afternoon. So, here are some pictures to tell the story going back into time (no images of the new facility)

Traveling into the woods to discover

Here is Peter’s truck unloading sap into the century old Sugar House

As we approached I said, “I expect Little Red Riding Hood inside.” And then Debbie came out to greet us.

Debbie is working with the evaporator

and, here she is showing Lucille the various grades.

The water has been boiled off, the specific gravity is correct, and the finished Maple Syrup is drawn off.

And then it is filtered out through mesh before filling up the bottles

And, that is the way it has been done for generations. And, next we got to tour the facility hidden in the Acworth hills with 50 mile views. Owner Bruce entertained us with sugaring and family stories going back generations.

Only in New Hampshire — for the lucky few. Thank you Gretchen and Herb !!!

Posted in Miscellaneous Musings | Tagged sugar house, Sugaring | 5 Comments

AWAKE FROM HER SLUMBER – AND HOME – 25 March 2014

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Ray Boas

Guess who came home today for the first time? LADY RAB

Purchased way back on 4 December 2013, and delivered on Friday 6 December, but sadly about a mile away and sitting in friend’s barn for the past 109 days. They have been gracious, but soon need the space back, so Ray thought, “let me give her a try today.” Since it has been cold, and almost four months, and since I have never started nor driven LADY RAB, I was a tad concerned she may not cooperate and come to life. She has not run since being tucked in on that Friday, but today LADY RAB started on second turn (all the way up to 35 degrees out), and down the hill she came home (in second gear to be safe – you probably do not know about mechanical brakes).

So, now, let the summer begin !!!

Above, awaiting to be tucked in, and below comfy with her stable mate, BLACK BEAUTY

And just to complete a wonderful day, I again asked David at world renowned SPORTS CAR SERVICES in Westminster West, Vermont, to please pick up BLUE BELLE to replace her corroded petrol tummy. He replied and said, “will pick her up in the morning if no snow.” On 29 July 2013 the debris in her innards finally kept her from starting preventing Alex and I taking her out. “But grandpa,” Alex said, “we still have BLACK BEAUTY.” And, off we went that day. I have been after David for BLUE BELLE’s repair for eight months, but he knew I still had BLACK BEAUTY for play. But soon I will be loaning my van to a friend, and in possible iffy weather would prefer to tool around (all bundled up – convertible tops are NOT to be used in convertibles) in BLUE BELLE I told David instead of BLACK BEAUTY. In case of heavy rain or snow, I can use LADY RAB – she has a top and roll up windows – wow, in 1931.

So, all is well here (and wonderful), and soon the Shunpiking will resume. Trust all is well with you all. Yours, RAY

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

TAKE ONE GUESS – (Hint – STOCKBRIDGE) – 5-6 February 2014

Posted on February 7, 2014 by Ray Boas

AN UNEQUALED UPDATE Friday, February 7th — Ever wonder how I come up with some of my exploration ideas? MAPS, good old fashion maps have lots of hidden ideas on them. Well, I will admit that when traveling I search on my IPAD for local maps, and can enlarge them to get the most remote dirt roads (how else could I have found all the remote Canadian border crossings where I would have to wake up the guards?). And then I can save a screen image and carry the maps with me, albeit electronically. In playing with routes to cut across New York State this morning all of a sudden below Amenia I saw SHUNPIKE ROAD off the Sharon Turnpike (US 44). HOW COULD I RESIST!!! – and, that was the chosen route to cut over from Stockbridge to the Taconic State Parkway. I over photographed, but enjoy my thrill clicking on the gallery to enlarge all views. And, another fabulous update – LOOK WHAT BETTY FOUND – what I failed to find after trying. Click here for the history of this road.

: Follow that sign !!!

: At the corner of the intersection.

: The most unique sign I have ever seen. Made of concrete, old and letters falling apart.

: other side of the concrete sign.

Where to begin? I have been writing, but not shunpiking writing to share with you. But it is time to get started again, and the image below is a pretty good hint where I am.

Yes, snow storm was due in Wednesday the 5th, but was supposed to be moving out by noon, and that is when I moved out also. I-91 was still snow covered, I kept my speed to 45-50, and there were no crazies out, in fact hardly anyone was out. I arrived at The Red Lion Inn just before check-in time, and got my key. (remember to click on a gallery image to view full size – and you can do that on any of my images:

: MY SPOT

: My room this trip complete with gas fireplace.

: And the balcony outside my room. Tad cold to sit here this trip.

And then it was time to plant myself in MY SPOT in the lobby next to the fireplace with a commanding view of the lobby, dining room, and my favorite staircase. I came with no plans for my two night stay other than to do some research for a book project I am completing, and to write a couple of my “Did You Know That…?” articles for The Walpole CLARION. And that is what I worked at Wednesday afternoon and evening.

Thursday morning I headed to the lobby with laptop and IPad, again with no plans for the day. Well, the plan was to look at maps on my IPad, and see what jumped out at me. I have been exploring this area for decades, still have not been on all the back roads, but each season is different, and so too is the scenery if you go in an opposite direction. Soon a voice said, “Millerton, New York — cross to Sharon, Connecticut, and follow the Housatonic River retracing my favorite route in the world not having been up that stretch in a good number of years. I screen saved some detailed maps to my IPad and off I went at 10AM.

So, map time – get yours out to follow. Circle routes are best to avoid retracing, so I picked back roads west of US Route 7 to head south, and

CHESTERWOOD entrance

then come back to Stockbridge on US 7. I left Stockbridge towards Great Barrington on 183 passing the Norman Rockwell museum, but I turned onto a small road to see Chesterwood – the country home of Daniel Chester French – don’t recognize the name? Think Lincoln Memorial. A visit there is planned when it is open during a visit here.

Continuing a tad further I took a loop road back to Stockbridge I had never before been on traveling through the golf course, and some lovely estates. I back tracked to 183 to head to Housatonic, Massachusetts, but first past this old power plant that I first explored in the early 1960s when it was abandoned — yes, I was in my 1929 Model A Ford roadster and drove her right up to the front door.

Housatonic is a village of Great Barrington which is an old mill town with fascinating brick mills, railroad depot, some shops. It has seen its day, but is struggling to come back as an artist area. As you can see below, there is some wonderful architecture to be seen, thus worth the side excursion (really not even out of the way).

Picking up my US Route 7 in Great Barrington I headed south to Sheffield and turned right on a side road to pick up 41 to head south towards Salisbury, Connecticut and Lakeville. Don’t think I had ever headed south on this route before, only headed north. Fantastic views, snow covered fields — too much fun, and just too hard to properly capture in any images. In Lakeville I picked up US 44 to my destination for the day – Millerton, NY. In Millerton I enjoy the antique center there, and scored again with a fantastic candelabra, and one book which when sold will pay for a few trips (I have not lost the touch).

The Oakhurst Diner was open (this exterior image is from my trip

Oakhurst Diner – Millerton, NY

through last May). Back at the Inn I read the reviews on TripAdvisor which were either horrible or wonderful, so I debated, but said to Ray, “you are here, it is open, you love diners, and most people are crazy.” I went in, and had a fantastic experience. I was cordially greeted, made welcome, and my roasted vegetable sandwich was amazing.

To head back to US 7 in Connecticut I crossed over to Sharon on another road I had never taken before. I followed NY 62 out of Millerton which becomes 361 in Connecticut. Sharon is another “old haunt” where I picked up CT 4 over the hills to Cornwall Bridge, and heaven. When you come down the hill approaching US 7 you have to turn left to head north. This is the start of Housatonic Meadows State Park along the river.

COVERED BRIDGE – WEST CORNWALL, CONNECTICUT

I love the drive along the river, and have since my first trip 50 years ago been mesmerized and then tantalized approaching West Cornwall and its covered bridge into the village. I would make special trips there to horse trade with Bruce who had an antique shop in the old toll house. I even sold him a Model A Ford that I bought from Leland for $25. I kept the radiator shell (it is hanging in my garage still, and still waiting to be made into a shadow box for my Models of Yesteryear). Think Bruce paid $50 for the Model A, but my Dad had to deliver it when I was back at college.

: Train Station now a residence.

: Where I visited Bruce at Toll House Antiques.

: Compare this image to my earlier ones on my website.

And for comparison, please visit “Some things Never Change” on my book website. Click on the link above.

Heading back to the Inn, I planted myself in the lobby and visited all afternoon and evening with friends on the staff, and new friends who were guests. That continued through the evening after dinner, and one young lady commented when she struck up a conversation, “it looks like you are holding court here.”

And, now Friday morning, I am finishing writing to you. Again I will leave about noonish and head to Julie’s house to visit with she, Dave and the kids for the weekend. It is going to be a very busy spring, but I promise at least some day trips to share with you. As always, yours, RAY

Posted in Day (or maybe two) Trips, The Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge, Massachusetts | Tagged Covered Bridge, Housatonic Meadows State Park, Red Lion Inn' Stockbridge Mass, West Cornwall Connecticut | 5 Comments

End of the Year and John Singer Sargent – 27 December 2013

Posted on December 27, 2013 by Ray Boas

As the year begins to wind down I hope you take the time to reflect back at all the wonderful things that have happened in your life the past year, and remember to thank Him for your blessings. One of the reasons I “document” things here, is so I can go back and read and re-enjoy.

On Christmas Eve I journeyed to David’s house to spend the holiday with him, Mari, Lisa and Alex. At about 7:30 we headed over to their very good friend’s, Greta and Stefano, for a traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner. Roughly translating to the meal of seven fishes, dinner lasted several hours with multiple courses. A delightful experience and wonderful company which included Stefano’s parents, whom I met in November, and Greta’s cousin who teaches at the Culinary Institute of America, and recently opened a gelato shop in Rhinebeck, NY. I now know a great deal about making gelato, Mauro, who grew up in Genoa in the family’s restaurant business was a fascinating man.

Christmas day was delightful, relaxing and fun. Much time on the couch with a few movies. Gary stopped for awhile on his way to Julie’s house, and Greta and family stopped by.

On Boxing Day the plan was to head to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston specifically to see the John Singer Sargent Watercolor Exhibit. Since the museum is open until 9:45 we arrived with Greta’s family about 3 PM and spent almost four hours in the museum. Timing was good because since it was later in the day there was no queue for the exhibit and it was not crowded. (Please remember to click on small images, or the gallery, for larger images to appear)

At the entrance, a large rotating projection

So, I wanted to just share a tad of the exhibit with you, but more importantly the “deal” membership at the museum can be. Before we left the house I visited the museum’s website, of course, and learned that by becoming a contributor I could take David, Mari, Lisa and Alex in with me, and we would also receive discounts at the gift shops and restaurants as well as on parking. Membership paid for itself in this visit alone, and I have a full year coming to return with others.

John Singer Sargent’s work is amazing and the exhibit was broken in different periods based upon where he was working at the time. Thus there was an Arab Encounter, time in Venice, Mountain Heights, and Italian Gardens, and more. Born in Italy of American parents, and living from 1856 to 1925, he lived as an expatriate. This exhibit consisted of works exhibited in New York in the early 20th century in two exhibits that were bought in their entirety by the Brooklyn Museum and MFA. I enjoyed looking at (and making mental notes) of how he worked with light and shadow, texture, and composition. What I saw and read about reinforced the approach I take with some my my photography, which I hope to do more of. In most of his works instead of the big picture he would focus in on part of the scene. So, here is a quick look at the exhibit, and if you can make it before it closes on January 20th I encourage you to do so — and buy a membership – it pays for itself.

I always take images of an exhibit’s words so I can learn and remember. Here are the ones I took images of, and open the gallery by clicking if you wish to learn what I wanted to remember about Sargent.

Amazingly, one of his paintings (there were some oils in the exhibit) touched me greatly – DOLCE FAR NIENTE. You may remember the phrases that helped me through my loss – ACCEPT and ADJUST, and the corollary that I developed CONTENT and COMFORTABLE. Life is precious, and you have to learn how to enjoy it. The museum’s description translated Dolce Far Niente to “Pleasant Idleness.” Mari translated for me as “Pleasant Doing Nothing.” Google searches provided “Delicious Idleness” and “Sweet Doing Nothing.” Please think about it, and act accordingly.

DOLCE FAR NIENTE

And, following are a few images as we experienced the museum — but I have much to see upon return.

GARDEN WALL – this work help reinforce how I like to compose my photo images

Another of his oils in the exhibit.

Glass Centerpiece in the Shapiro Family Courtyard

In the Contemporary Gallery. And, done with mirrors.

In the Rotunda of the museum, Sargent painted murals.

I have no definite travel plans for 2014 yet, but do have some ideas and am anxiously awaiting to see how things evolve. HAPPY NEW YEAR, as always, yours, RAY

BUT – When I got my mail today, LADY RAB’s certification was awaiting so she can traverse the highways. She (and friends) are ready for “Dolce Far Niente.”

PS — that is an “antique” registration — RAB is NOT an antique !!!

Posted in Miscellaneous Musings, Uncategorized | Tagged Boston, Brooklyn Museum, Christmas, Dolce Far Niente, John Singer Sargent, Master of Fine Arts, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, New York City | 5 Comments

PLYMOUTH NOTCH, VERMONT 15 DECEMBER 2013

Posted on December 15, 2013 by Ray Boas

You by now know that I cannot get enough of the birthplace and home of our 30th President, Calvin Coolidge.

View into “town” from the Cheese Factory

I have visited this Vermont Historic Site six times in 2013, and each visit has been totally different. Both BLACK BEAUTY and BLUE BELLE have made the trek just for a road-trip, or to enjoy the quintessential Fourth of July Celebration that I will never again miss (unless out of the country). I traversed but an hour to attend a day archeology lecture/tour, and again just to see the fall colors. This historic site closed for the season on Columbus Day, but was open this one day for a holiday open house. Having

RAB and Tara

completed last evening our benefit production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (with over $20,000 now raised in 6 years for area food shelves) my co-director and I escaped that pace to enjoy the serene and bucolic setting that is Plymouth Notch. It was a treat to get to chat for a few moments with the site director, Bill Jenney, who even remembered our emails, postings, and he recalled BLACK BEAUTY. Well, joining BLACK BEAUTY and BLUE BELLE to Plymouth Notch next year will be their new stable mate, LADY RAB, a 1931 Model A Ford Tudor Sedan.

Instead of inundating you with history and details I am just going to present you with a selection of the almost 70 images I took today during our visit. Enjoy, and do visit this most wonderful of spots in the country. But, then again, stay away so it remains the peaceful way of 19th century life. – PLEASE – remember to click on images to see them in a larger size.

: Looking towards “town” with the President’s father’s general store.

: Another view of the general stores – if you know me, you know I love 18th century general stores

: View from our luncheon table

: What I saw from lunch. Note the mittens drying by the fire.

: Yes, you saw this Rocking Chair Study, albeit without snow, a few months ago

: and, again.

: The Summer White House – 1924

: Room where Calvin Coolidge was born.

: And, General Stores, a passion of mine.

: Tara is learned about Calvin’s building the counter tops.

Coolidge home where Calvin was sworn in as our 30th President.

: View from the church back to the Wilder House and historic barns.

: Concert on the original Estey Organ in the Church

: Cheese Factory – open year round – fascinating

: Farm museum barns and historic marker.

Real horse drawn sleigh rides.

View looking back as leaving visitor center towards “town”

Color contrast from parking lot was “too” fantastic.

And on the way home outside Ludlow, Tara I found out is as good as an explorer as I am. “What is that,” she yelled out. “turn around, let’s find out what that Castle is all about!” And we toured the Castle Hill Resort and Spa. A fantastic 1905 mansion of a former Governor, the exquisite appointments are inviting. We were too early for dinner, but were invited to get comfortable in the library for a drink, wine, or tea. Not this time, but it is now “on the list.”

Too early tonight for dinner.

Entrance way at the Castle Hill Resort and Spa

I will probably say hi again before the holidays, but if not, MERRY CHRISTMAS. As always, yours, RAY

Outside the Castle — now, how can this compare to anywhere else??

Posted in Day (or maybe two) Trips, Plymouth Notch, Vermont, Thanksgiving and Christmas | Tagged Calvin Coolidge, Calvin Coolidge National Historic Site, Plymouth Notch, Vermont | 6 Comments

ANNOUNCING THE ARRIVAL OF [name to be determined] — 4 December 2013

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Ray Boas

Scroll all the way down for the 6 December arrival pictures.

BLACK BEAUTY and BLUE BELLE are pleased to announce their adoption today of a new young Lady to be their stablemate — a 1931 Model A Ford Tudor Sedan. Their father is overjoyed that a couple years search was such a joyous occasion today.

I have owned Model A Fords for half of my life. For over 20 years my trusty Belzebuth – a 1929 Roadster – served me well, and when I returned to Connecticut I bought a 1930 Pickup Truck in 1996. But it was not the same as my roadster, so soon I got a 1930 Roadster.

But, I always had wanted, since they were new, a Triumph TR3, and you probably know how BLACK BEAUTY came into my life in 2010. But I thought I could not drive two cars at once, and a friend was hounding me for the roadster, so she went back to Connecticut. To be truthful, her sale helped ease the pains BLACK BEAUTY was causing my wallet. But I missed having an A!!! Even if just to look at. A half hearted search began, and I knew that I wanted to die with a 1930 or preferably a 1931 Tudor Sedan – and black as Henry made them. And then BLUE BELLE joined BLACK BEAUTY in June, 2012. I found out you can drive two cars at once, well almost. You pull one into the garage and back the other one out. The quest for a Tudor was rekindled, and the intensity of the search would ebb and flow. The tide has been rising the past few months.

I make my checks of Ebay, Craig’s List and Hemming’s Motor News in cycles – hey something to do. Last weekend I contemplated running to Pittsfield, Massachusetts to look at a ’31 Tudor, but it did not “grab me.” Two days ago another showed up on Ebay in Waterbury, Connecticut, and looked good in the pictures, but pictures can be deceiving. I placed in a respectable bid, and remained the high bidder even though the reserve was not met. But after rehearsal last night I thought, “what the heck,” and sent this message at 11:27 PM last night to the seller via Ebay:

Tonight got away from me, so could not call. Have had Model As half my life, but sadly sold my 1930 Roadster when I restored my TR3A – thought I could only drive one car at a time. WRONG – got an MGA, and all you have to do is park one, and back the other out. So, need another A, and decided I want to die with a 30/31 Tudor Sedan. I am a Connecticut native, and who knows, I may even have seen the car. Would like to visit possibly. If I brought cash along what would it take to close a deal? Thanks, yours, RAY PHONE NUMBER (just off I-91 28 miles north of Massachusetts line).

This morning at about 8:30 the phone rings, “this is Steve about the A.” We talk, and I like the way he sounds. “Yes I will sell it now and stop the auction, but it is a firm $10,500.” Think fast Ray, “alright, I have one errand in Bellows Falls, Vermont, but I will stop at the bank first (always have some shekels at home) and be there by noon.

“But, Ray,” my teller tells me when I go to withdraw $9,000, “we had one big withdrawal this morning, and we don’t keep that much cash here. I could give you lots and lots of $5 and $10 bills though.” But, as you may know, business in the real world is done in $100 bills, and they only had $4,000 left. So I took those 4o bills and she talked me into taking a cashier’s check for the five. I left a voicemail for Steve to that effect.

Cruising down I-91 my stupid low tire pressure comes on. Always been a problem, and friend Scott can confirm that. More about this idiot light later (I am dating myself calling it an idiot light – remember Oil and Water lights on the dash of your 1957 Ford Fairlane or my 1956 Chevy Two Door Hardtop?)

I arrive at Steve’s shop at 11:45, barely 12 hours after I sent the email message. (Ironically it was a Steve I bought my 1930 Roadster from at his shop in New Milford, Connecticut — strange omens — or meant to bes). And he is a talker and we have fun talking cars and experiences. Then he tells me the fellow next door is Ralph Stein’s son, “do you know of Ralph Stein?” asks Steve. “Of course, he was one of the preeminent writers on old cars in the 50s and 60s.” John Stein comes in, and soon we are sharing stories of Henry Austin Clark and his LI museum, and Peter Helck and his “old Number 16.” — Did I tell you I was having fun? Eventually we go to inspect the Tudor, I had peered at it from afar already.

Well, “a bird in the hand…” and here was a nice clean driver, just what I want, and price within the ballpark (actually on the low side). Well, the upholstery is not exactly correct, but nice, clean and serviceable for my life. What may appear to you as hasty decisions by Ray are really well calculated thought processes and researched over time, and thus when the time is right you can react instantaneously. “Done,” says Ray. “The title is at my house,” Steve says, “let’s go get it.”

On the way out he says, “you are getting a flat.” When we get back, “pull you car over to the other side of the building.” I do that, and when I get out and look at the rear right tire, there is a nail (but the point) protruding. “I see it,” says Steve as he heads for tools and a tire plug. “Now back it up a tad so I can pull the nail out.” And he does, all four inches of it, and the head had gone in first. How many people can get a flat and have it fixed on the spot without having it removed from the car? I am fortunate with my timing and experiences, and, thank you, God.

Note tool in rear tire inserting tire plug. More good timing and good fortune.

More talk and fun, writing up of a bill of sale, presentation of a cashier’s check and then counting of the real cash, and it is 2:15, and off I head home. Tomorrow as part of the arrangements we will work out the details of his neighbor delivering my new “Henry’s Lady.”

I continued west on I-84 to pick up Connecticut Route 8 to Torrington to travel back roads past Bradley Airport to get back on I-91. Shunpiking to a degree, and familiar “old turf.” I got a late lunch in Thomaston (home of the clocks) and now know where the Railroad Museum is — been “on the list.”

So, there is another adventure filled day in the life of Ray, which will lead to more adventure filled days in the life of Ray. Have already alerted two friends to start packing their picnic baskets and selecting their costumes and accoutrements.

Do not forget A CHRISTMAS CAROL. As always, yours, RAY

UPDATE – Friday 6 December

Earlier today Steve and I arranged that my new “Lady” would leave Connecticut at 5 AM tomorrow, Saturday, and arrive in Walpole about 8 AM. I spent the afternoon visiting around town, but had heard on the news at lunch that snow was impending for Saturday. When I got home there were many phone messages and an email from Steve that they wanted to come immediately because of the snow. I immediately replied, “fine.” Rob and Barbara graciously earlier offered the use of their barn, and also invited me out to dinner this evening. “I would love to go, but this is my last night home for over ten nights and I need to veg out,” I told Barbara. So, when I got home and found my new “toy” was soon to arrive, I called Barbara and said, “and another reason I cannot join you is she is coming now.” Rob called back saying he got the barn ready. At 7PM Steve called, and they were just across the river. I met them on Route 12 and they followed me to Rob and Barbara’s. And below is the unloading and tucking in. Now to get my stable at “44” modified to keep my girls in constant view. The saga continues.

GOOD NIGHT MY DEAR

and you may be “LADY RAB”, or as Becky suggested, “LITTLE DICKENS” Let the voting begin.

Posted in Miscellaneous Musings | Tagged 1931 Tudor Sedan, Model A Ford, Peter Helck, Ralph Stein, Triumph TR3 | 13 Comments

CHARLES DICKENS ARRIVES NEXT WEEK

Posted on December 4, 2013 by Ray Boas

At the Walpole, New Hampshire, Town Hall, starting on Wednesday, December 11th, and

Mr. Charles Dickens

will continue through Saturday, December 14th reading his classic tale, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, while the Walpole Players assist in performing over a dozen scenes transforming Ebenezer Scrooge. The curtain goes up at 7PM when Mr. Dickens arrives for this benefit production for The Fall Mountain Food Shelf and Our Place Drop-In Center. Tickets are free, but attendees are requested to make a cash donation at the door so these two organizations may feed our less fortunate neighbors. In the first five years of this production, audience members have donated over $16,760. Full details and ticket information can be found at www.thewalpoleplayers.org or call Ray at 603 756-4545. Come “Join the Party.”

Posted in Miscellaneous Musings | Tagged CHRISTMAS CAROL, Ebenezer Scrooge, Fall Mountain Food Shelf, The Walpole Playeres, Walpole New Hampshire | Leave a comment

HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY – 28 November 2013

Posted on November 28, 2013 by Ray Boas

On Thanksgiving Day and Christmas I am to be found with a large reading pile with no “work” planned. Just a laid back atmosphere. For today I have a VCR tape on loan from a friend, a DVD of Daniel Day Lewis’ LINCOLN from the library, an Archer Mayor mystery, a booklet on the Alcott’s ORCHARD HOUSE in Concord, Mass. and a book I have had for 20 years that I found in the shop the other day on THE WAYSIDE HOUSE – next to Orchard House, and home to literary families including the Alcotts, Hawthorne, and Lathrops. Almost done with the book (published in 1940), but the author included this list of ideals she found amongst her mother’s manuscripts.

I feel it is worthy of sharing — HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY, as always yours RAY

PROMISE YOURSELF

by Harriett Mulford Stone Lathrop – “Margaret Sidney”

author of THE FIVE LITTLE PEPPERS

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk of health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something to them.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about [the] success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times, and to have a smile ready for [every] living creature you meet.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

To think well of yourself and to proclaim this fact to the world – not in loud words, but in great deeds.

To live to the faith that the world is on your side as long as you are true to the best that is in you.

Posted in Miscellaneous Musings, Thanksgiving and Christmas | Tagged Alcott, Margaret Sidney | 1 Comment

A FULL and FUN DAY — 23 November 2013

Posted on November 23, 2013 by Ray Boas

Remember way back in history on 11 August (yes, just this year) I told you how busy a week I was having with friends and activities? Well, it happened again today compressed into one day. So, here goes briefly.

This is the weekend that the Congregational Church across the street has its Mistletoe Mart, the Episcopal Church on the corner has its Christmas Bazaar, and the Orchard School from Alstead has now changed its Christmas Craft Bazaar to this weekend in the Town Hall. To all that add the farmer’s market in front of my house. I will admit, that today I have never seen so many people in town for well into the afternoon. It was nice, and it was a sunny warm day.

Farmer’s Market today in Walpole.

I cross the common from my house (on left with porch, car and shop) to Congo Church

I always enjoy going to the Mistletoe Mart. No longer need any “stuff” but I always find

MISTLETOE MART

some nice handmade Christmas items or gifts in one section of the mart. Today I did well with some items for grandchildren (I know, I know, too young to have any!!!), another miniature tree for my forests that I set up in the kitchen, and more candleholders – yes I am hooked on candles and candlesticks as a “hopeless romantic.”

Today is also the day that neighboring Marlow has its Christmas about town, and I debated but thought no. But while waiting to enter the mart I was talking with Carolyn and Gretchen and they said they were going later for lunch. The doors opened, I found my treasures and trotted them back home before continuing on the the Episcopal Church and Town Hall.

Walking home I said to Ray, “dummy, if you see Carolyn and Gretchen ask them if you can join them for lunch in Marlow.” I saw them on the common, they said yes, and would stop by once they were done in town. So, off we headed about 11:30 on pretty back roads (Gretchen grew up in the area) with me picking her memory for details of the area.

This neat building is the Methodist Chapel, now the Marlow Historical Society. Lunch is Soup, Bread, Desert, Coffee for $5. I treated the girls.

Marlow Historical Society

And here is “downtown” Marlow, looking west from the historical society. The buildings open for the event all have steeples. And typical of all New England steeples, they look ready to fall over.

Downtown Marlow, NH

My favorite building in town is Jones Hall. Library is on ground floor, and the second floor has the most fascinating theater with balcony, etc. Someday I will try to get in to get some artistic photos. I measured the width of the floor boards – twenty-three inches – barely legal per the King’s edict.

Jones Hall

Ticket window

A couple quick photo studies: one of the two ticket windows on the first floor of Jones Hall prior to going upstairs to the theater, and a window study in the church in the center of the street view. Sorry, no rocking chair studies today.

And, then it was time to head to the Fort at No. 4 for the Harvest Dinner. Last weekend at a benefit dinner auction I won tickets for the event that Cathy and I used to go to. The fort is a wonderful recreated 18th century treasure in Charlestown, just north of me. It has been years since I have been there, and I asked my CLARION cohorts, Rob, Barbara, Jan, and his wife Jean to join me. We all had a grand time.

Wine and cheese was served for the first time in the Parker House. Most folks did not realize this was there, but I read all the detailed information ahead of time — the fires were cozy and, of course, all lighting is by candle. Here are Rob, Jean and Jan.

We had dinner in the Doctor’s House and not the Great Hall. More intimate, even with the cramped tables. From past experience I knew the light level, and impressed everyone when I whipped out this pewter candelabra (from today’s Mistletoe Mart) for added illumination.

And, there was entertainment.

And were we surprised to be greeted with snow on the ground when we went back outside.

It was worse on the way home on Route 12, and there was an accident south of and just outside of Charlestown. And I am now home safe and sound listening to sand trucks drive by the front of the house.

Thanks for reading through. A CHRISTMAS CAROL continues, but I never know what else will pop up along the way to share. Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY, as always, yours, RAY

Posted in Miscellaneous Musings, Uncategorized | 5 Comments

WHAT DO YOU DO BETWEEN WALKING TO SCHOOL AND CELLO LESSONS? — 12 November 2013

Posted on November 12, 2013 by Ray Boas

First you check your National Park Service APP, and then you check the “HISTORY HERE” APP to “Explore the History Around You.” Did not need to go with Alex to the third grade, but I sure do need to continue my education. The Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation in an old mill in Waltham jumped out at me. Did not know about it, nor the area. Checking WAZE (APP Gary introduced David to, and then David to me – now me to you – yes, of course free) I was provided 3 ways to get there. Fastest route by a minute is heading back up to the interstates and around for twenty miles. But the shortest route – 9.1 miles – is a few minutes more, and a straight line through suburbs I am still trying to learn. Is there a choice? They open at 10AM – free to retired military – and all is secure here so I will leave shortly to explore and learn, leaving plenty of time to pick up Alex and get him to his cello lesson.

NOTE TO RAY: — Websites may be out of date. — I did not call first to verify if the museum would be open because I wanted to arrive when it opened, so who would answer the phone beforehand. Sign on door CLOSED MONDAY/TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY — Website did not say that. Looked in windows, looks really nice as did the website – perfect three generation excursion at a later date, but now what to do?

I checked History Here APP – then thought, “the Larz Anderson Auto Museum is close by.” But that too can wait for a multigenerational visit. Fast thinking mind said, “Wayside Inn in Sudbury,” and I plugged it into WAZE. I had a wonderful overnight there in 2008, great dinner and worked on ACC. It was time to see it again, and I could have lunch there.

It was essentially a straight shot west on US Route 20 – The Boston Post Road at this point. I passed through Weston for the first time, but avoided the bypass turning in to see the town itself. It is the right zip code, and I encourage you to see Weston also. Next came Wayland with its own historic center of beauty.

Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts, is a gem to be experienced, and I am glad that I did it again. I cannot wait to share a return visit. Originally built in 1716, Henry Ford acquired it in 1923 to develop the area as a living history museum – just as he did later in 1929 establishing Greenfield Village in Michigan. In 1929 he commissioned a grist mill built, and added a colonial church and school house. To further preserve the original appearance of the area The Boston Post Road was rerouted south of the property. Sadly in 1955 the inn was almost a total loss due to fire, but extensive restoration brought it back to 18th century grandeur. The front rooms of the main structure are furnished as they would have been in an 18th century tavern, including a second floor ball room. Several dining areas, including the tap room where I had lunch, too are appropriately furnished. But it is the overall grounds and setting that make a stop a must for the history lover or couple who enjoys a gentile way of life. Here is a galley of the inn — click on any image to get a slideshow of much larger images.

: My table in the Tap Room for lunch.

: Front “museum room” set for Thanksgiving Day dinner.

: Upstairs sitting room for overnight guests – mirror reflection

: Room above the bar room where drovers would spend the night.

: Front bedroom upstairs.

: View into the bar from the center hallway.

: Outside the front door

: Grist Mill built for Henry Ford in 1929.

: If you knew me in 5th Grade, you knew I was hooked on water wheels, and have been so since.

Leaving Sudbury I decided to take back roads to Concord which I always enjoy along with following the Battle Road drive from Concord to Lexington. I turned down a few back roads in Concord that were new to me, and soon passed Orchard House, Home of the Alcotts.

ORCHARD HOUSE – Home of the Alcotts – Concord, MA

So many times I have traveled past Orchard House exploring between Concord and Lexington, but other than going into the gift shop, never had the time to tour the house. But, turning around, today I did. Allow at least an hour and a half because the docents are excellent and well versed to discuss Louisa May Alcott her father, Bronson, and their famous literary neighbors. Even if you have not read LITTLE WOMEN, you get a feel for the Alcott’s life for 20 years in this 17th century home that

Home made desk where LITTLE WOMEN was written.

Bronson repaired for his family. He even built a curved desk for Louisa between two windows (really nothing more than a shelf – sorry no photos allowed inside – found this one on-line to share with you) where she wrote LITTLE WOMEN. This home museum is now in its second century, and the furnishings are mainly from the Alcott family assembled by relatives when the museum opened in 1911.

I continued towards Lexington on the Battle Road through the national park. What is fascinating here is the fact that over the years the National Park Service has acquired the properties returning them to their 1775 appearance so you truly get a feel for those historic events in context. On my next trip there I will provide a full report — in the meantime – GO.

Back to David’s in time, pick up cello, pick up Alex, go to cello lesson, “my Dad always get me ice cream next,” said Alex, ice cream on way home, dinner, homework, getting him to do his reading, and soon I will read some to him, and off to bed.

RAY RECOMMENDS:

Experience Longfellow’s Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts
Plan many, many trips to Lexington and Concord, and be sure to take in Orchard House, home of the Alcott family for 20 years.