Category Archives: history

October 11, 2015

Witch Trial Memorial (Danvers, MA)

When most people think of the witch hysteria that gripped the New England colonies in 1692 and 1693, they are likely to think it began and took place exclusively in Salem. However, although they are known as the Salem Witch Trials and Salem largely takes the infamy of the witch hunt, Salem does not hold that infamous title.

Salem Village, now known as Danvers, has the infamous distinction of being the beginning of the Salem witch hysteria. It is here in Danvers, Massachusetts, where a somber memorial stands as a constant reminder to remember this past and to never let something like this happen again.

Erected in May, 1992, the monuments lists the 20 people who were executed during the witch trials.

Each slab lists a quote of innocence from each victim.

The rays spilling in from the top of the memorial was a nice touch.

Some of the more poignant quotes listed on the wall are:

“Well! burn me or hang me. I will stand in the truth of Christ…” – George Jacobs, Sr

“Amen. Amen. A false tongue will never make a guilty person.” – Susannah Martin

The memorial also has a sculpture of “The Book Of Life” on top of a table that has a tribute etched in the base.

Attached to each side of the book are chains. Stark reminders of the pain they endured.

Someone left a flower at the memorial, a common occurrence at this memorial, particularly during this time of the year.

The memorial site has many pretty views to photograph from a variety of angles and the foliage added a nice touch. The foliage gave a serene feeling in contrast to the moving memorial.

In front of the memorial, there is monument that lists the generous donors who made the memorial possible. You may notice the red door on the house in the background. This is not unusual for the area. The houses in Danvers and the surrounding area were beautiful in their understated uniqueness and pretty yet rustic nature.

A sign, inconspicuously posted by the side of the road explains the origins and history of the site and surrounding area as well as the meaning behind the memorial.

3 Comments | tags: Attraction, Danvers, Fall, foliage, Historical, history, Massachusetts, memorial, monument, New England, road trip, Site, Witch, Witch Trials | posted in attraction, Danvers, Fall, foliage, historical, history, massachusetts, memorial, monument, New England, photography, photos, site, witch, witches

September 29, 2015

Wayside Inn Colonial Faire (Sudbury, MA)

By New England Nomad

When one reminisces of a simpler time they rarely think of muskets,militias and mills. But, that is what they have at the Wayside Inn Colonial Faire.

You don’t have to be a history nerd, I mean buff, to enjoy the faire. But, it helps. The main attraction, all year round has to be the Grist Mill.

The inside of the mill is just as cool as the outside. Inside the mill, a reenactor shows how bread was made.

One of my favorite attractions is the schoolhouse. Ironic, because in the past I would avoid schools like they were the plague.

The teacher told an interesting story about how Mary Sawyer was the inspiration behind “Mary had a little lamb”. A stone outside the building bears the rhyme.

Another big attraction at the Wayside Inn is the Mary Martha Chapel with its gilded banner weather vane.

Every year, hundreds of reenactors come dressed in their best colonial era attire.

Despite being armed to the teeth, the only surprise attacks were the occasional Colonial era photo bombs.

The highlight for the reenactors came when they all lined up on the main road and marched in their groups.

On the fairgrounds, there were tables where you can buy kettle corn, furs of unknown origin and other merchandise. There were also colonial soldiers, tents, tepees and entertainment.