Tag Archives: Massachusetts

October 29, 2017

Halloween Decorations (Kittery, ME, Portsmouth, NH & Salem, MA)

Date Of Visits: Throughout October, 2017

Locations: Kittery, ME, Portsmouth, NH & Salem, MA

Over the years, businesses and people have both embraced Halloween as being much more than just a day to pull pranks and dress up in crazy costumes.

Halloween has become a season rather than a day and there may be better place to experience the spirit of the Halloween season than in New England.

Below are just a few of the Halloween decorations I have seen in my travels in New England these past few weeks.

Every year during the Halloween season, the owner of this house on Derby St decorates his or her home. The decorator also has a place to donate money to the Lion’s Club.

When I stopped by October 1st, there was only a few decorations up.

However, the next time I visited, the following week, there were a lot more decorations up. This home is another staple of the Halloween season. Frankly, it would feel weird walking past the home this time of the year without seeing the elaborate display. The bugs really creep me out!

To see the display from last year, you can click on my blog post from last year.

There was a special visitor in the yard during my visit. A neighbor was walking her cat in the yard.

This house on Hawthorne Blvd always has some interesting decorations and nick knacks on it property. This tree was decorated with a variety of bird feeders.

Many of the homes in Salem get into the Halloween spirit. These are a few historic homes and private residences that were decorated for Halloween.

Many of the businesses in Salem decorate for the busiest season of the year.

Witch’s Brew Cafe (156 Derby St) decorates their windows each year with different popular horror characters.

Mercy Tavern (148 Derby St) also had some fun artwork on their windows.

Dave Engs Flowers ( 136 1/2 Derby St,) put some spooky statues on his building.

These customers at Rockafella’s (231 Essex St,) must have been waiting a very long time for a table.

Witch Tees ( 172 Essex Street Suite 127) had a very useful mirror.

The Purple Scorpion Body Piercing & Tattoo (140 Derby St) dressed up their shop for the holidays.

I am actually not sure if Fivehands Curiousity Shoppe dressed up their store storefront for the season or if it always looks like this.

So, contrary to some people’s opinion. I am not a vampire. The person that looked in the mirror before me, though!

You might expect people and businesses in Salem to decorate their homes and buildings. But, Salem isn’t the only place people like to decorate.

Of course, it’s hard to pull over some places to take photos of decorations and it’s not usually worth it if you’re in a hurry.

But, I was able to pull over to the side of the ride on a quiet road in Kittery, Maine.

Cause nothing says “Happy Halloween” like creepy dolls that look like zombie children.

These creative “pumpkin people” were on display throughout Portsmouth, NH.I found these particular decorations on State St in Portsmouth.

At least they look very happy.

I also noticed this witch on a telephone pole in Salem, MA. It’s one of my favorites but I think it’s up all year long.

This lucky dog, Dolly, got carried around the mall!

2 Comments | tags: decorations, dogs, Halloween, Maine, Massachusetts, New England, new hampshire, photographs, photos | posted in decorations, Halloween, Maine, Massachusetts, New England, new hampshire, Salem, Uncategorized

October 28, 2017

Pumpkin Patch (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 21, 2017

Location: Salem Common, Salem, MA

Cost: Free

Highlights: pumpkins decorated by kids in the Salem area

Tip:

The Pumpkin Patch will most likely be taken down this weekend

When you ask people about the biggest attractions in Salem, especially this time of the year, you’re bound to hear responses like the Salem Witch Museum, the Essex Street Open Market and, of course, The House Of The Seven Gables. Yet, sometimes it’s the little things that bring you the most joy.

I used to stop by this rather nondescript “pumpkin patch” for kicks to view the pumpkins decorated by students and children from the Salem area.

Now, it is more of a tradition. A habit if you will. What would Halloween be without this display? I know one day it will not be set up and, while many people may not even notice, I’ll feel a twinge of disappointment. But, for now, I’ll enjoy it while it’s still there.

Roughly 150 students participate in this annual contest. The entries are sectioned off by grade or age level and winners are selected. According to the news outlet Patch.com, the Pumpkin Decorating Contest is held every year and sponsored by the Salem Beautification Committee. Prize money is usually donated by Fiesta Shows.

It’s funny how some things that may seem inconsequential and even silly like this trailer full of pumpkins can have so much sentimental value to others. It’s funny how little things can have so much meaning.

I thought these pumpkins looked pretty cool.

Do you have any favorites?

Of course, Salem is overflowing with dogs, particularly since we’ve had such a mild fall thus far. Charley, a 4 year old T Cup Chihuahua, got into the spirit of the season with his bumble bee outfit.

He also had a toy that went with his outfit.

4 Comments | tags: Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, pumpkins, Salem, Uncategorized

October 27, 2017

Fall Pumpkin Float (Boston, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 20, 2017

Location: Frog Pond, Boston Common, Boston, MA

Website: 2017 Fall Pumpkin Float

Highlights: family friendly pumpkin festival, carousel, bouncy house and other activities for children (and adults)

Nothing says Halloween like costumes, candy and floating pumpkins. Yes, floating pumpkins.

That is what was on display at Frog Pond last weekend as we ushered in the Halloween season.

But, these “floating pumpkins” weren’t floating in the air. No, these pumpkins were floating on Frog Pond at the Boston Common.

Visitors who wanted to participate in the pumpkin float were asked to bring a hollowed out 8 inch or smaller carved pumpkin.

The carvings and designs on the pumpkins ranged from spooky to funny.

The organizers of the event encouraged visitors to come to the event in costume. And they were not disappointed.

If you haven’t attended a pumpkin float before (it was my first time as well) and you want participate in the float event, each person drops off their pumpkin at one of the booths located by the pond. At the booth, one of the volunteers inserts an l.e.d. light bulb. I think it would have looked cooler with a candle. But, since it is going into water, well that wouldn’t work out too good. Then, the pumpkin is put on a piece of wood and pushed into the water so they all coalesce. Periodically, a worker walked in the water to make sure they all group together.

As the sun set, the lights from the jack o’ lanterns began to light up Frog Pond.

There was also a carousel, the Frog of Frog Pond, a d.j. from a local radio station, a bouncy house, bubbles, policemen on horses who took photos with visitors and other types of entertainment.

The Pumpkin Float, which was held at Pope John Paul Park in the past, was a dog friendly event. And, some of the dogs came in costume!

Porter is a 9 year old lion, I mean pit terrier.

Tiny is a 3 year old Chihuahua.

Winnie is 18 months old.

Bijo is an 11 year old mixed breed. Bijo is wearing a boot because one of his nails was injured.

Below is a video of the “bubble man” at Frog Pond. The kids loved popping the bubbles.

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8 Comments | tags: Boston, dogs, family friendly, Frog Pond, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, pumpkins | posted in Boston, dogs, Frog Pond, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Pumpkin Float, Uncategorized

October 26, 2017

Faint Of Art – Part II (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 8, 2017

Location: The Bridge at 211, 211 Bridge St, Salem, MA

Hours: Hours may vary

Cost: Free

Parking: There is limited parking available at the location. There is also metered street parking throughout Salem.

Highlights: art created by local artists

Tips:

Exhibit is up until October 29

As if the Faint Of Art art display wasn’t scary enough, the Bridge at 211 isn’t done yet. While not technically part of the “Faint Of Art” exhibit, the Bridge at 211 also has a collection of other art, both spooky and otherwise, on display in their art display rooms.

Ranging from humorous to downright spooky, you are bound to find something that catches your eye.

As you enter the rooms with all of the art carefully placed displayed, it is easy to be overwhelmed with the sheer volume and quality of the art around you. Where to start? Was the first thought that came to mind. After collecting my bearings, I noticed this interesting lamp.

Mad Hatter by Jane Saunders. Ceramic.

The works of art got stranger and stranger as I walked around the exhibit.

Hungry by Jack Walsh. Found objects.

Old NYC by Kevin Kusiolek. Oil on canvas.

Frederique by Dianne McAllister. Sculpture.

Taste For Flesh by Greg Moutafis. Print.

Electrified by Greg Moutafis. Print.

Jack The Ripper Rabbit by Diane <cAlister. Paperclay sculpture.

Sacred Tools I by Heather Stewart. Acrylic on canvas.

Sacred Tool II by Heather Stewart. Acrylic on canvas.

#81 by Jim Motta. Mixed Media and found objects.

Glass Skull by Jack Walsh.

The Barber’s Revenge by Lisa Folger. Mixed Media.

Towers of Trepidation by Maria Sciuto Fontaine. Assemblage.

The Bride Of Frankenstein Mummy by Diane McAlister. Paperclay sculpture.

Whoa, now, that’s scary! Prez Dispenser by Brian Best. Wood and papier mache.

Edgar Allen Poe by Maria Sciuto Fontaine. Assemblage.

Crime Scene by Mary Taddie. Tile, marble, lettering, enamel, grout.

Wanting by Susan Schrader. Ink, acrylic.

Trick Or Treat by Adrian Rodriguez. Ink on rag paper.

Chucky by Kevin Kusiolek. Oil on panel.

We Wanna See Too!by Charles Lang. Acrylic.

Skull by Kevin Kusiolek. Oil on panel.

The Summoning by Charles Lang. Arcylic.

Time Out by Brian Best. Assemblage.

The Asylum by Timothy Donovan. Photograph.

Snake Hat by Linda Mullen. Plastic bottles, paper, paint.

Healing Monkeys (King And Queen) by Therese Devoe. Mixed Media.

Salem Magick Gris Gris Dollsby Rev. Therese M. Devoe.

Fire Monkeys (King And Queen) by Therese Devoe. Mixed Media.

During my travels in Salem I saw these two cuties! Look at those smiles!

Rocky (on the left) is an 11 year old Akita and Lab mix. Joey (on the right) is a 2 and a half year old Golden Doodle.

2 Comments | tags: art, dogs, Faint Of Art, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in art, Bridge at 211, dogs, Faint Of Art, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 25, 2017

Faint Of Art – Part I (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 8, 2017

Location: The Bridge at 211, 211 Bridge St, Salem, MA

Hours: Hours may vary

Cost: Free

Parking: There is limited parking available at the location. There is also metered street parking throughout Salem.

Highlights: art created by local artists

Tips:

Exhibit is up until October 29

Art and Halloween are the perfect combination for Salem. With a thriving art community and its dark history, the Salem Arts Association, “Faint Of Art” exhibit makes for a great display for this time of the year!

The exhibit, being displayed at the Bridge at 211, consists of art created mostly by people from Salem and the neighboring towns and cities such as Lynn and Peabody.

While there is more than just the Faint Of Art display at the Bridge, the Faint Of Art display is located in the foyer or hallway of the building.

The art mostly consists of mostly paintings, photographs and sketches. Some of the works had a glare reflecting off the glass they were framed in which I couldn’t avoid capturing unfortunately. Consequently, had to take some of these photos from unusual angles to cut down on the shadows and glare.

The first work I noticed was very scary and set the tone for the rest of the exhibit.

Nightmare is by Anne Benecke.. It is an oil on canvas painting.

Hera by Joey Phoenix. Color photograph.

Into The Night by Leo Vincent. Reverse oil painting on paper.

It’s Harvest Time by Charles Lang. Acrylic.

Heretic by Adrian Rodriguez. Ink on rag paper.

Masks by Adrian Rodriguez. Ink and watercolor on rag paper.

Gates Of Freedom by Raymond Gilbert. Oil on canvas.

It’s Alive by Kevin Kusiolek. Pastel.

One of my favorites is Here Comes The Bride by Carli Kusiolek. Yes, she is married to Kevin. That’s a lot of talent in one family.

History Of Flights And Fancy: Fish Food For Wild Thoughts by Brian Gordon. Cut paper, sewn zippers and thread.

Girl With The White Dress by Elizabeth Sheehan. Oil and cold wax.

Haunting also by Elizabeth Sheehan. Acrylic on canvas.

Nevermore by Sheila Farren Billings. Mixed-media.

Frighteningly Friendly by Cindy Allen. Acrylic. (Honorable Mention)

She Laughed by Maura McGonagle. Ink on paper.

Ghost Ship 2 by Rod Parker. Photograph.

I make that face a lot, too. Man In The Mirror by Leo Vincent. Reverse oil painting on paper.

Jenny by Joey Phoenix. Acrylic on canvas.

The Gargoyle by Nancy Barnes. Pastel.

Another one of my favorites. Monsanto by Heather Stewart. Acrylic on canvas.

Gargoyle Palace by Roberta Will. Sumi stick wash, pen, ink.

Raymond Gilbert. Oil on canvas.

Godzilla by Peter Grimshaw. Mixed-media.

The Creature From The Black Lagoon by Peter Grimshaw. Mixed-media.

Anything You Want But Nothing You Need by Raymond Gilbert. Oil on canvas.

Til Death Do Us Part by Carli Kusiolek. Watercolor, pen and ink.

Untitled by Heather Meri Stewart. Pen and ink.

While this concludes the photos from the “Faint Of Art” collection, there were many more works of art displayed in the other rooms at the Bridge at 211 which I will include in my next blog post.

Which one did you like best? Let me know in the comments below!

6 Comments | tags: art, Faint Of Art, Halloween, horror, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, The Bridge at 211 | posted in art, Bridge at 211, Faint Of Art, Halloween, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 24, 2017

Derby Wharf (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Dates Of Visits: October 1 & 22, 2017

Location: 174 Derby St, Salem, MA

Hours: open daily, sunrise to sunset

Parking: there is some metered street parking available (good luck this time of the year) and two main parking garages on Congress St. and Church St. Parking this time of the year is $20 for the day, regardless of how long you stay there if you park in most of the garages and lots in Salem during the month of October. After Halloween it is much more affordable.

Handicapped Accessible: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

Highlights: historical wharf, pretty views, great place for dogs and children to play

Tips:

great place to catch sunrises and sunsets if you can plan it
don’t forget to look along the side of the trail to the lighthouse for signs with historical info about the wharf
don’t forget to visit the cute shops and dining establishments at nearby Pickering Wharf

Once the site of an active trade port and a thriving market area that included warehouses with goods from around the world, Derby Wharf is just as busy and thriving but not because of its imports and trade.

Built during the 1760’s by Richard Derby, Derby Wharf, the wharf attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year (if not more), each year to learn about its rich history, get some exercise and, mostly, enjoy the views from the wharf.

The first thing you’ll notice at Derby Wharf, after the marker signalling the Salem Maritime National Historic site, is the Pedrick Store House. The Pedrick Store House is a three-story building, constructed around 1770, is a historic rigging and sail loft, which was relocated to the Salem Maritime National Historic Site from Marblehead, MA in 2007. They don’t allow visitors inside. At least they didn’t during my visits to the area.

The ship The Frienship is usually docked next to Pedrick House. But, now, for some reason, it was anchored a little farther away from the wharf.

Perhaps the highlight (no pun intended) of the wharf is Derby Wharf Light.

Built in 1871, Derby Wharf Light was meant to “mark the main channel leading into this anchorage, with the view to its becoming a harbor of refuge which may be safely entered at any time,” The lighthouse is about twelve feet square and about 20 feet high to the top of the cupola.

Derby Light originally used an oil lamp shining through a Fresnel lens (a lens with a large aperture and short focal length). The lighthouse is now solar powered and the light flashes red every six seconds.

During my second visit to the lighthouse this month (I always make a trip there whenever I visit Salem), some of the workers were painting the door of the lighthouse and they were kind enough to let me shoot a photo of the inside from the outside of the lighthouse (visitors are not allowed inside).

Recent archaeological research has shed some light on how the wharf was built. in 1992, the archaeological dig revealed that Derby Wharf was built by laying timbers on the mud flats at low tide, and then filling between the timber walls with dirt and stones. Later in the 19th century, the wharf was encased with large granite blocks.

The main goods which were imported to Salem, often arriving at Derby Wharf, are indigo, textiles (mainly silk), spices (particularly cinnamon), ceramics and decorative arts and artificial flowers.

The pier at Derby Wharf includes a roughly half mile walk to the lighthouse along a flat, wide dirt trail.

Along the path to the lighthouse, there are signs and displays with various fun facts about the history of the wharf and Salem.

Because of its storied past, all of the people who died at sea or on the wharf and the role it played in the slave trade, the Wharf is said to be haunted.

However, Derby Wharf mainly serves as a peaceful place to go for walks, run or ride your bike. It is also a nice place to sit and look out at the views.

Derby Wharf is a great place to take the dog and let him and her play. We have been fortunate to have some really nice weather fecently. So, there have been dogs everywhere these past few weekends in Salem!

Tiro is a 5 year old mixed breed dog. I had a lot of fun photographing him. He was very playful!

Cody is a 9 year old Tri-Color Collie. Look at those colors!

I also saw several dogs while I was walking to and from the wharf.

Bradley is a 4 and a half year old mixed breed. I was so very impressed with how Bradley and all of the other dogs posed for me. There are a lot of distractions in Salem, especially this time of the year. Yet, they all posed wonderfully.

Luna (on the left) is a 6 year old Sato from Puerto Rico. I am very glad Sato is here and not caught up in the aftermath of the hurricane. Grimm (on the right) is a 2 year old American Bulldog.

2 Comments | tags: Derby Wharf, dogs, Massachusetts, neew england, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, wharf | posted in Derby Wharf, dogs, historical, lighthouse, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 21, 2017

Howl-O-Ween 2017 (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 8, 2017 (usually the second Sunday in October each year)

Location: Derby Square, Salem, MA

Highlights: dogs and other pets dressed in costumes

Salem went to the dogs earlier this month with the 2017 Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade.

In the midst of costumed humans, out-of-towners and frazzled merchants, it’s refreshing to see dogs get into the spirit of the season!

The annual Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade was held earlier this month to let pets and their parents showcase their costumes. In the past, there used to be winners selected. I stayed until the end and I did not see a vote or any awards presented(hence the name “pet parade” and not “contest”). I think it is good, though, since they are all winners to me.

So, without further delay, the dogs of Salem…

Maverick, a 5 month old Black Shepherd, was dressed as a cute little pumpkin.

This cute little bumble bee is Louie, a 6 year old Gordon Setter.

Calling Dr. Wolf…Zirka (Ukranian for “Star”) is a Sheltie with German Shepherd and other breeds. He told me to take two bones and call him in the morning.

Cheers to Raglan, a 7 year old Berne Doodle (Burmese Doodle mix). Bottom’s Up, Raglan!

Oliver (“Oliversauarus”) is a bit of a celebrity. You can find his Instagram page here. He is part Great Dane, part Great Pyrenees, part Labrador, American Staffordshire Terrier. Or, as his mom calls him, a “super mutt.”

Nora, the mummy is a 7 year old chihuahua.

Bismarck, a 10 month old Shepherd, arrested me with his beauty.

Clara The Witch is a 1 year old Morkie.

Freyja the Rabbit is a 7 month old Australian Shepherd.

Shiver my timbers! Tink The Pirate (a rescue dog) is a 2 year old Pointer/Lab mix. Kudos to Tink’s mom who made the costume just before the pet parade!

Seamus The Shark is an 11 year old Black Lab.

Diesel The Lion is a 2 and a half year old French Bulldog.

Lulu, dressed as a caterpillar, is a 1 and a half year old French Bulldog.

Belle is a 10 and a half year old Boxer/Greyhound/Butterfly mix.

Finn (from the show (Adventure Time) is a 1 year old Beagle.

Princess Evy is a 6 month old Newfie.

Keeping with the royalty theme, Prince Cain is a 1 year old Pitt bull.

Sparky, a 2 year old Pomeranian mix made a special delivery at the parade.

Ben the Pumpkin is a 14 year old Yorkie.

Jett (get it…Bennie and the Jetts) is a 4 year old Yorkie.

Murphy the Dinosaur is a 3 year old Beagle.

Blue and Lucy are 9 year old Pomeranians.

Herbert, 6, (in the front of the truck) and Ruby, 14 (In the back of the truck) are Japanese Chins.

Opie is a one and a half year old Mini Daschund.

Lana is a 1 year old Beagle mix.

Thor (on the left is an 11 year old York Terrier. Oreo, (On the right) is a 13 year old Pekingnese.

Riley (on the left), a 15 year old Poodle, was dressed as Bert.

Simon (on the right) , a 7 year old Poodle mix, was dressed as Ernie.

You can see the heads and shirts of them in the first photo.

Dogs weren’t the only pets who came to the pet parade.

Scout is a 5 month old domesticated bat. I mean cat.

Bagheera The Bengal looked cool and chill, even if there were dogs all over. You can find Bagheera’s website here.

And his Instagram account here.

And there was this really big cat!

As the event wore on, the pets that showed up became more and more unusual.

Meet Strider the Lizard!

Below is a video of the pet parade.

Stay Tuned for more fun in Salem!

Please stop by my Facebook page to see additional photos and videos I didn’t post on my blog! Thank you!

15 Comments | tags: costumes, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in costumes, dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 19, 2017

2017 Zombie Walk (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Event: October 7, 2017 (usually the first Saturday in October each year)

Location: Collins Cove Park, E. Collins Rd, Salem, MA

Parking: street parking can be found on Collins St. and the surrounding neighborhood

Website: Salem Zombie Walk

Handicapped Friendly: Yes

Dog Friendly: Yes

The zombies have invaded Salem, MA. And I don’t just mean the ones engrossed with their phone screens wandering through the streets.

No, these zombies are participants in the annual Salem Zombie Walk.

There were zombies of all ages, attire and degrees of scariness. It’s never too early to get into the Halloween spirit and these people were definitely in the spirit of the season!

But, my favorite zombies have to be the families and children who have dressed up for the walk. After all, the families that stalk together stay together.

There’s nothing cuter than “zombie kids!”

The zombies arrived in a variety of different vehicles. “Witch Taxi.” How appropriate. Was her broom broken?

After a quick game of zombie kickball, they all got lined up and began the walk.

Although there weren’t any dogs in the zombie walk (although they are welcome), I did see these cute dogs on the way to the park.

Gatsby is a 1 year and 3 month old Golden Retriever.

Baloo (named after the character in The Jungle Book) is a 5 year old Pomeranian.

These two friends watched the parade from the window of their home. Perhaps I’ll see you next year…if the zombies don’t get you first!

Below are some videos from the festivities at the zombie walk.

7 Comments | tags: dogs, family friendly, fun, horror, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem, zombie walk, zombies | posted in dogs, Massachusetts, New England, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized, zombie walk

October 15, 2017

It’s Alive! Part III (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 8, 2017

Location: Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St, Salem, MA

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 5:00. Closed Monday

Cost:

Adults $20, seniors (65 and over) $18, students (with ID) $12, Youth (16 and under) and Salem, Mass. residents (with ID) admitted free*. (*Does not apply to youth in student/tour groups.) For late nights, $12 after 5 pm.

*events and some exhibits may be have a separate fee*

Parking: there are several parking garages in Salem ($20 to park the entire day this time of the year), The best one to park at for this exhibit is the Museum Place Mall parking garage on Church St as it is directly across from the Essex St entrance of the mall. You may also find limited street parking if you’re lucky for .75 an hour, 4 hour max.

Dog Friendly: No

Website: Peabody Essex Museum

Highlights: collection of movie posters and memorabilia from vintage sci-fi and horror films, videos and music of Kirk Hammett and Metallica

Tips:

The entrance is on Essex St (not Charter St)
You can view the impressive Yin Yu display at the museum for an extra $6 a person charge. It is worth the extra fee (and you will see why soon)
This exhibit is running until Nov. 26, 2017

Welcome to the third, and final, installment of my photos and observations from the It’s Alive! horror and sc-fi movie collection exhibit.

In case you missed it, you can find part I here and part II here.

Welcome back to my photo blog of the It’s Alive! monster movie memorabilia collection.

AS I mentioned in the previous posts, there is so much more than just posters at this exhibit.

One of the more nostalgic parts of the exhibit are the toys, figures and books. While I never had any of these specific toys or memorabilia growing up, I had similar toys and memorabilia. I had to stop myself from playing with them.

This toy figure is a must for any fish tank.

A replica of what many of the television rooms of that day where millions of families congregated to watch the movie of the week, the late late show or the aforementioned “Creature Double Feature” is set up at the exhibit.

There are also masks from classic movie monsters.

This mask is the mask Lon Chaney wore in the film Bud Abbott & Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948). The mask was made by Bud Westmore. It is made out of plaster with hair, glass, paint, sheltac and clay.

This mask is a gill-man prop head from Revenge Of The Creature (1955). It was also created by Bud Westmore. It is made from latex, rubber, paint, metal and glass. A hose was connected to the mask which supplied air to the actor’s mouth and another hose was connected to the gills to make them look as though they were opening and closing. Westmore was also credited with creating the design of the monster in The Creature From The Black Lagoon.

One of the coolest parts of the exhibit is the do-it-yourself monster movie poster machine

Last but certainly not least, there is a collection of Kirk Hammett’s guitars and guitar cases, particularly the cases that are designed in the horror motif.

Videos of Kirk being interviewed and playing the guitar are shown on a loop by his display of guitars. There are also quotes of his that are posted throughout the exhibit.

At the end of the exhibit, near the exit, there is a book visitors can sign, leave feedback and add their own art work!

Dogs aren’t the only four legged cuties in Salem during my visit. Wiggy (The Piggy) is a 1.5 year old Juliana pig. He was very friendly and he even gave his guardian kisses.

I hope you have enjoyed this tour of the It’s Alive! exhibit! Below are some videos of the video clips they show on the walls of the exhibit and one of the figurines on display.

2 Comments | tags: Massachusetts, New England, Peabody Essex Museum, photographs, Photography, photos, Salem | posted in Massachusetts, New England, Peabody Essex Museum, photographs, photography, photos, Salem, Uncategorized

October 15, 2017

It’s Alive! Part II (Salem, MA)

By New England Nomad

Date Of Visit: October 8, 2017

Location: Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex St, Salem, MA

Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 5:00. Closed Monday

Cost:

*events and some exhibits may be have a separate fee*

Dog Friendly: No

Website: Peabody Essex Museum

Highlights: collection of movie posters and memorabilia from vintage sci-fi and horror films, videos and music of Kirk Hammett and Metallica

Tips:

The entrance is on Essex St (not Charter St)
You can view the impressive Yin Yu display at the museum for an extra $6 a person charge. It is worth the extra fee (and you will see why soon)
This exhibit is running until Nov. 26, 2017

Welcome to the second installment of the It’s Alive! exhibit…if you dare.

There’s no better way to get yourself in the Halloween spirit than being in Salem, MA and viewing horror/sci-fi movie memorabilia. It doesn’t hurt when you have the melodic sounds of Metallica playing in the background.

If you missed Part I you can find it here.

Now that we’ve covered most of the notorious movie villians (Dracula, Frankenstein, et al), let’s get to view some heroes of these film genres. Just kidding, here’s more villians! Below are some famous stories with a different twist.

In this unusual take on a Shakespeare story, Hamlet (1921) has a more violent twist.

Belle at la Bete (Beauty And The Beast) (1946).

Cats, especially black cats, play a significant role in horror movies, and not usually in a good way.

From left to right: Tomb Of Ligeia (1965) and Mysteriet Svarta Katten (“The Black Cat) (1941)

These movie posters all have a unhealthy relationship (for instance, Norman certainly loved his mom).

Clockwise from the top left: I Married A Monster From Outer Space (1958), Psycho (1960), The Horror Of Party Beach: The Curse Of The Living Corpse (1964), Island Of Lost Souls (1932), The She-Creature (1956) and The Disembodied (1957)

The following movie posters all seem to deal with the demonic or demented

From left to right: Repulsione (1966), Rosemary’s Baby (1968), The Exorcist (1973), Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (1962)

The following movie posters have to deal with sci-fi and alien monsters

Clockwise from left to right: Barbarella (1968), It Conquered The World (1956), the original art work for The Day Of The Triiffids (1963) The Day Of The Triffids (1962), Doctor X (1932)

These movie posters are for Creatures (people from New England, especially Massachusetts and New Hampshire, may remember from the Creature Double Feature movie shows on channel 56 on television) .

From left to right: King Kong (1933), Mothra (1962), Tarantula! (1955) and (of course) Godzilla, King Of The Monsters! (1956)

These zombie movies came out before the current Walking Dead craze began.

Clockwise from the top left: The Walking Dead (two movie posters from 1936), White Zombie (1932), Zombies: Dawn Of The Dead (1980), Night Of The Living Dead (1968) and I Walked With A Zombie (1943)

The remainder of the movie posters fell into a “miscellaneous” category.

Clockwise from the top left: The Cabinet Of Dr. Caligari (1920), The Beast With 1,000,000 Eyes (1955), The Crawling Eye (1958), Metropolis (1927), The Old Dark House (1932), The Whispering Shadow (1933), The Invisible Ray (1948), King Kong Vs. Godzilla (1977), Murders In The Rue Morgue (1932), Mystery Of The Wax Museum (1933), Attack Of The 50 Foot Woman (1958), I Was A Teenage Werewolf (1957), Barnum (Freaks) (1932), The The Return Of Chandu (1934) and Notre Dame de Paris (circa 1924)

Now, lest how you think that is all that is on display at the It’s Alive! exhibit, think again.

There are also a number of statues, figures and oh, well, I don’t want to give it all away straight away.

Similar to the movie posters, the prints and artwork of the movies are displayed in a separate section. Now, these, to me, are the real art of the exhibit. While the movie posters are impressive and cool, the prints have so much detail and you can see the craftsmanship involved. I loved them.

Clockwise from the top left: The Mummy by Basil Gogos, 1969, Lon Chaney as Phantom Of The Opera also by Basil Gogos, 1958, Dracula by Basil Gogos, circa 1970, Vampyr by Erik Aaes, 1932, Dead Of Night by Frank Frazetta, 1964, The Berserker by Frank Frazetta, 1967 and Dracula Meets The Wolfman by Frank Frazetta, 1966

There are also suits and clothing from these vintage movies as well as life-like, real sized statues of movie stars and characters.

The mannequin above is a statue of Bela Lugosi. The mannequin is wwearing the jacket and vest Bela wore in The White Zombie (1932). The figure of Bela Lugosi was made of silicone by Mike Hill in 2010.

What a scary suit! This prop suit was from the movie Invaders From Mars (1953). It was made by Norman Koch, Olive Koenitz and Gene Martin of the Western Costum Company. It is made of plush cotton, zippers, metal, painted papier mache and wool. It is 7 feet in length.

This “saucer-man” figure from Invasion Of The Saucer-Men (1957) was made by Monster Effects in 2011. It is made of paint, metal and fiberglass. Paul Blaisdell created this pop collar on the suit.

Mike Hill created this Boris Karloff figure in 2010 out of silicone. The suit is the same suit Karloff wore in The Black Cat (1934).

Quite a collection, huh? Well, believe it or not, there’s more! Please join for the third and final installment of this series coming soon!

Salem was teeming with dogs during my visit (you’ll soon see why). I saw Bella (on the left), a 1 and a half year old Akita, dressed as Batman and Seger (on the right), a 2 and a half year old Cattle dog mix, dressed as a prisoner after I left the museum.

Below is a video of the It’s Alive! exhibit courtesy of Derek Millen. He’s a pretty funny guy! The video portion of the It’s Alive! exhibit begins at around the 3:13 mark of the video (I have set up the video to start at the It’s Alive section of the video).

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New England Nomad

Tag Archives: Massachusetts

Halloween Decorations (Kittery, ME, Portsmouth, NH & Salem, MA)

Pumpkin Patch (Salem, MA)

Fall Pumpkin Float (Boston, MA)

Faint Of Art – Part II (Salem, MA)

Faint Of Art – Part I (Salem, MA)

Derby Wharf (Salem, MA)

Howl-O-Ween 2017 (Salem, MA)

2017 Zombie Walk (Salem, MA)

It’s Alive! Part III (Salem, MA)

It’s Alive! Part II (Salem, MA)

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