Location: 311 Essex St, Salem, MA (about 30 mins northeast of Boston, MA)
Universally Accessible: No
Cost: $40 ($50 if you buy ticket on day of tour)
Parking: There are several parking lots and garages and metered on street parking in Salem.
Summary: The Kinsman home has multiple Christmas trees, interesting art and decor and a lot of history!
Another home that I have walked past while marveling at its design is the Joseph Kinsman house. Some of the homes on this tour look like something you’d see in a movie. Wait until we get on to Chestnut St.
The Kinsman House has a long history of owners and changing locations. In 1850, Eliza Fiske sold her property which included her house on the corner of Essex and Summer Streets to John Kinsman, Superintendent of the Eastern Railroad, and his wife Nancy Fogg. The house, which was originally numbered 311 Essex St and later renumbered 309 after the Second Empire-style house was constructed, was demolished by the 1950s to make way for the expansion of Summer and North Streets (the streets adjacent to Essex St). Kinsman, after getting remarried to his second wife Martha Lord, sold his property to Caroline E and Joseph F. Dane, a shoe and leather dealer, on 1864, the lot already had two brick houses. Dane and his wife lived in 309 Essex St and rented out 311 Essex St to various tenants.
After their parents deaths in the early 1900s, the Dane children divided the property between the two buildings, selling 311 Essex St to Dr. George K. Blair, a renowned physician and surgeon in Salem. Madeline, his wife, lived at 311 Essex St until her death in 1983.
The tour guide for the home had some horns growing. He should have that looked at!
The entryway was decorated with some traditional Christmas decorations.
The spacious bedroom had a lot of character and pretty decor.
This painting of the house, done by a local artist, hung on the bedroom wall.
These colorful curtains were from high end decorators Cole & Son.
The decor on the fireplace mantle and table were emblematic of the aptly named “Boughs and Blossoms” tours. And, no, they are not decorated this way all year long! I did ask!
I’m always intrigued by the lighting fixtures at these historic homes.
The owner of the home is a connoisseur of whisky and other fine liquors. But, the tour guide assured us there was no liquor in this drink (wink, wink).
This so called “blessed buck” is indeed a real buck.
The home had various works of art and other types of decor around the home. I especially liked the painting in the middle. But, it is a house in Salem, So, of course, there was a skeleton and what appears to be a dragon in the group of paintings. This is what I like so much about these home tours. It’s interesting to see what they look like on the inside. And, it’s fun to see how different each of the home owners decorate.
There were quite a few trees in the home. One in the bedroom.
And in the kitchen.
And one outside
Some of the visitors dressed up for the event. These guys wore some festive headwear!
And these ladies wore their best hats! This is just another reason to love these tours! The people you meet are both interesting and fun to be around!
Location: John Ward House, 148 Washington St, Salem, MA (about 30 minutes northeast of Boston, MA)
Universally Accessible: No
Cost: $40 per ticket ($50 if you purchase day of tour tickets)
Parking: There are several parking garages in Salem, as well as metered on street parking.
Summary: The Joshua Ward House, rumored to be haunted, is said to be Salem’s oldest Federal style brick building. It was the first home on the Christmas In Salem’s Boughs & Blooms historic homes tour.
Salem’s not just a Halloween destination anymore and the throng of crowds at the Christmas In Salem historic homes tour, titled “Boughs & Blossoms, is proof of this. The event, which included tours of 12 historic homes, and a bonus tour of a tiny home, attracted thousands of visitors to the Witch City. And it seems to be a bigger event each year.
While you can visit the homes in any order you choose to, a list is provided of the homes on the tour and the Joshua Ward House was the first house on this list. I found most of the information for these blog posts in the guide book given to each person on the tour. But, all of the info about the homes aren’t just in the guide books. The tour guides also provided additional information not included in the guidebook which I am including in these posts.
Like many of the countless people who walk past this grand home, I always wondered what it looked like inside. So, it was very exciting to finally see the interior of this mysterious building.
Joshua Ward, a merchant and privateer, built the house shortly after the Revolutionary War. It is said to be the oldest Federal high style brick house in Salem. The house was built adjacent to Ward’s business activities by the waterfront and would have extensive views down to the harbor. It was built with the assistance of famed Salem architect and wood carver Samuel McIntyre. In fact, you will see Samuel’s handywork or influence in many of the homes in the tour.
For all of the gearheads out there, I used my Canon 5D Mark IV DSLR with a 24 mm while photographing this and all of the houses. Except, I did use my 90D Canon with a 18 to 400 mm lens for the photo of the exterior of the house so I could fit the entire exterior of the house in the frame. I also had to use a 1.4 aperture for most of the photos of the interior because of the low light environment.
The entrance to the home was decorated tastefully.
I thought this light was pretty unique.
While many inns, homes and other historical dwellings claim “George Washington slept here”, he really did sleep in the Joshua Ward home. When Washington visited Salem in 1789, diarist William Bentley recorded that Washington requested to sleep in the Joshua Ward house. He is said to have slept in the second level, southeast front bed chamber. When the home was turned into a hotel in the 19th century, it was known as the Washington Tavern in recognition of Washington’s visit. This bust was made in George’s honor.
Ok, now to address the elephant, or ghost, in the room. Since this is Salem, of course there is a connection to ghosts. The house has been widely said to be haunted. The house is said to be haunted because the home was built on the land where where High Sherriff George Corwin had his house. George Corwin was the person who issued the arrest warrants for the people accused in the Salem Witch trials. He is also the person who is said to have placed the stones on Giles Corey’s body to force his confession of being a witch. Giles never confessed. Instead, he’s alleged to have cursed Corwin and the city of Salem. His and the victims of the trials spirits are said to reside in the home. For whatever it’s worth, the tour guide at the house chuckled and told me he has never seen or heard any paranormal activity (although he did tell me he’s seen UFO’s or UAP).
The home has been refurbished and turned into a boutique hotel. It is also a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The work of art above the fireplace is called See No Evil.
The hotel has some luxurious accommodations. As long as you don’t mind sharing them with some uninvited guests!
Universally Accessible: This home was universally acceptable. But, many of the homes on the tour were not.
Cost: $40 per ticket ($50 if you purchase day of tour tickets)
Parking: There are several parking garages in Salem, as well as metered on street parking.
Summary: As part of the of the Christmas In Salem tour, the tour included a tiny home. The “Not So Tiny Home” gave a glimpse into a different type of home.
Christmas In Salem is known for the ornate historic homes in Salem, MA. But, this year there was a special home on the tour.
Considered a “bonus home” on the Christmas In Salem “Boughs and Blooms” historic homes tour, the “tiny home” on Broad St is part of the Peabody Essex Museum’s exhibition, “Not-So-Tiny Home.”
The creation of the New England couple Chloe Barcelou and Brandon Batchelder, the “Not So Tiny” home is a custom-built, 300-square-foot steampunk caravan. The tiny home was built to resemble a fairy-tale cottage, pirate ship and Victorian adventure.
Most of the inside of the home was built using recycled film sets, thrifted finds, and salvaged materials. The home is filled with secret compartments, fold-out furniture and other creative spatial solutions.
The tiny home was not open for tours. So, I was not able to take photos from inside the tiny home. But, I was able to find this photo of the inside of the tiny home on msn.com. Looks like a home I could get used to!
This is just a preview of the Christmas In Salem historic homes tour. There are many more homes on the Boughs and Blooms historic homes tour that I will post as soon as I can edit them!
Location: Shelburne Falls, MA (2 hours northwest of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Parking: Free parking was available at various lots in the city. On street parking was available in the city. Shuttle service was provided if you parked in one of the lots.
Summary: Shelburne Falls celebrated their 40th annual Moonlight Magic festival near the Bridge Of Flowers. Musicians, clowns and, of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus were just a few of the people who walked in the parade.
A trip to the Bridge of Flowers usually involves looking at, and photographing lots of beautiful flowers! But, this trip to the bridge was different.
Each year for the past 40 years, Shelburne Falls has been hosting the Moonlight Magic event. Held the day after Thanksgiving, technically along the Iron Bridge located next to the Bridge of Flowers, the event includes clowns, a Buddy look-alike (or the real one?) who was very happy to see Santa and the main event; the Parade of Lights!
On cue, as the festival began it began to snow. The bridge, city scape and water gave a great backdrop for some late night photos, especially with the snow.
Before the parade began, visitors were welcome to visit the diverse group of stores and vendors on the street. What visit to the area would be complete without a visit to see Boswell at Boswell’s Books? Technically Boswell the 5th, he seemed a little worn out from all of the pats and traffic in the store!
There were lots of decorations, lights and candles lit in bags that illuminated the city and stores and gave off a real Christmas feel.
While I was setting up for the parade, I came across this big fella named Goose (a one year old Irish Wolfhound).
Although he’s only 1, this dog is almost as tall as his dad who is 6 feet 4!
As the sky grew dark and people began to congregate along the parade’s path, I made my way to the start of the parade. Initially, I was going to photograph the participants as they crossed the bridge. But, it was too crowded and dark. So, I settled under a street light near the starting point of the parade.
The parade started with lighted decorations!
Following not far behind were some cute Great Pyrenees dogs!
These “chickens” were clucking as the rode by.
Those weren’t the only animals in the parade. These miniature horses also walked in the parade!
There were also some musical participants!
The Melha Shrine Clowns also made an appearance!
This lit up vehicle featured a light up Rudolph whose nose blinked!
The vehicles weren’t the only things all lit up. These spectators were adorned in colorful lights for the parade!
And what parade would be complete without Santa and Mrs. Claus!
The Christmas spirit was certainly in the air during Moonlight Magic!
Location: Witch City Mall, 186 Essex St, Salem, MA
Cost: $15 for Adults
$9 for Children 12 & under
Hours: The International Monster Museum opens at 11:00 am daily (call for closing times, as they change seasonally).
Parking: There is parking available in the parking garage at Witch City Mall. There are additional parking lots and garages as well as metered on street parking in the city
Summary: Dozens of monsters, trolls and other scary creatures come alive at the International Monster Museum
Salem, MA, isn’t just known for witches. In fact, one stroll down the Essex Street Pedestrian will reveal monsters, zombies and goblins, And not just during October.
The International Monster Museum on Essex St has become one of the hotspots to see some of these spooky creatures.
Upon entering the museum, you are struck by a variety of famous and not so famous characters.
The attention to detail in the making of the monsters is impressive.
There were also artifacts such as this vampire hunter kit.
And this bottle of vampire blood.
Once you enter the dimly lit maze of monsters (don’t worry, they give you a lantern to help you see), you are surrounded by creepy characters of all kinds. Be ready, though, as some of the statues and figures are animatronics.
The life like statues come in all shapes and sizes.
It can be scary at the museum. So, don’t lose your head during your visit!
Not all of the figuresd are standing upright!
There are many twists and turns in the museum. And you never know what you’ll find around any of those corners! Some of the statues, like this one of a werewolf, have signs that give a description and the origins of the creature.
Old person alert. I always think of Wolfman Jack whenever I see depictions of a werewolf, especially when he’s dressed.
I like how the used the lighting to both give you light to see while still giving an eerie feel.
The museum thought of all of the different types of monsters, creepers and whatever these are!
Fans of the movie Leprechaun, both of you, may enjoy these statues!
As random as it may seem, this ghoul is supposed to be eating the entrails of Edgar Allen Poe, Uhm, yuck.
Just when you think you’re about to leave and the horror has ceased, these monsters lurking by the exit!
Even though I visited in September, the museum had a real Halloween feel to it. Halloween season is beginning sooner each year it seems. In fact, I mentioned to one of the staff that September is basically “pre-Halloween season.” Before you know it, they’ll start decorating and celebrating in August!
If you missed the museum this past Halloween season, don’t worry it is open all year round. Because it’s always spooky season in Salem!
I have been reading and reviewing books about New England or written by people from New England. Today’s review is about a book that has recently turned into a movie; The Long Walk by Stephen King (339 pages). I read the story from the Bachman Books, a collection of Stephen King book. But, you can also purchase the book as a stand alone.
On its surface, the plot for The Long Walk seems both cruel and unpalatable. And it is both of these things. But, in Stephen King fashion, it is also very readable. The name basically says it all. I did find it hard to believe I could be so engrossed about a story of this nature.
Summary: On Essex St in Salem, MA, there is a hidden gem; a special, hidden gnome village on Essex St.
If you’re not looking for it you could easily miss a special village in Salem, MA. But, this place is not any city, town or hamlet in the city. In fact, sometimes it doesn’t even stay in one area!
While the village does indeed stay in one area, figurines, homes and other parts of the village are moved from time to time. Or, maybe they move on their own!
The villagers like to relax with their instruments.
But, it’s not all fun and relaxation at the village. Keeping up the village takes a lot of work. So, the gnomes are hard at work watering plants and flowers and doing other upkeep!
Although I’m not exactly sure, I think these gnomes began appearing a few years ago when the city had a gnome or fairy trail. Small displays were placed in various locations around the city and people were encouraged to find them all. It appears this village has lived on from that earlier display.
Sometimes, the gnomes get up to some questionable behaviors! But, we all like to cut loose sometimes.
The gnomes have a simple, happy life except for one luxury. They do like their castles and specialty homes! These may look like simple, small dwellings. But, with the price of rent these days, I’m sure they are not so cheap!
I am not sure how long the gnomes will remain in their present location. So, you may want to see them before they go south for the winter!
Parking: There is both metered parking and parking garages and lots in the area.
Summary: 17 new works of art adorn the walls on Peabody St in the “punto” area of Salem, MA
Salem, MA, is a diverse community . And the “El Punto” (“The Point”) neighborhood is proof of this diversity. Comprised largely of Latinx and other new immigrants, El Punto is the sight of many art projects by the Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM), a program of North Shore Community Development Coalition.
The Roots/Raices mural art project is meant to reflect on the layered histories of place and people. The aim of the project is to honor both the original inhabitants and the newer generations who have made Salem home.
The project, which is presented in partnership with Salem 400+, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and the Peabody Essex Museum, unites arts, history, and community to honor Salem’s past while envisioning its future. Selected artists received a $1,000 stipend to create 8-by-8-foot mural works that will become part of PUAM’s semi-permanent outdoor collection. Artists were asked to share their stories and to seek out and bring together their different experiences and beliefs.
These murals are usually painted every year or few years. In fact, I photographed the last group of murals there which were part of a project called A Dream Called Home. The works of art do not have titles. But, most of the artists left their Instagram or other contact info in the artwork.
From the Old Salem Depot, the old Salem train that used to run through the center of the city, to the famous lighthouse (Fort Pickering Light) and the trolley which takes its passengers past all of the historical sites in Salem, some of the works of art pay tribute to parts of Salem and its history.
Location: Salem Commons, N, Washington Square, Salem, MA (about 40 mins northeast of Boston)
Cost: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Summary: People enjoyed dancing, music, lawn games, classic cars and a vintage marketplace at Salem Commons earlier this month.
The annual Salem Lawn Party was the tops! People celebrated in their best vintage clothing and dusted off their dancing shoes! In fact, if you didn’t know any better, you might think it was the 1920s. But, the biggest attraction wasn’t the dancing nor was it the other activities such as the lawn games. No, one other thing took center stage.
The cars are always a popular attraction at the event! People love to walk around the cars, sometimes even being able to sit in them. So, it took me a long while to be able to take this photo without people being in the way.
What would a vintage lawn party be without some swinging music? Annie and the Fur Trappers provided the musical entertainment and kept the party going.
People were dressed to the nines in their finest vintage wear.
One of the more nattily dressed people at the party was Moustache Mike. Mike’s suit was slightly different than most suits, though. People could write on his suit. In fact, he encouraged it!
In addition to all of the positive and fun messages on his suit, there was some signatures from some very popular with ties to Salem. The famous Addams Family of Salem signed his suit!
Of course, there was also dancing! As someone with two left feet, I’m always impressed with their agility, grace and talent.
Even dogs like to dance!
There were also lawn games such as Cornhole, bocce and outdoor bowling!
The vintage market sold items that were popular during the olden days!
The party isn’t just for humans. Dogs like Penelope, a 5 year old pit mix, had fun at the party!
Cats also liked the event! Sal, a 2 and a half year old Maine Coon cat, had a fun time, while still keeping an eye out for the dogs!
While this year’s party is over, there’s plenty of time to work on your dance moves for next year’s party!
Location: Palmer Cove Park, 38 Leavitt St, Salem, MA (about 40 minutes northeast of Boston, MA)
Cost: Free
Universally Accessible: Yes
Dog Friendly: Yes
Parking: There is a small parking lot at the park for about 7 cars. There is also local on street parking and several parking lots and garages in the area.
Summary: 7 “faceless dolls” (Muñeca Sin Rostro) have been installed at Palmer Cove Park and Pioneer Terrace, Salem, MA. And, a special path has been installed to view the statues and reflect.
The Punto Urban Art Museum (PUAM) have found a way to mix art with an education. The seven 12 foot fiberglass statues were painted by a group of artists who used the statues for expression and storytelling.
The ceramic Muñeca Sin Rostro (“faceless dolls”) were originally created by Liliana Mera Lime in 1981. Liliana, a pottery worker in the town of Moca, a province in the Dominican Republic, wanted to depict a small figure of a woman. However, she lacked the tools and molds to make a small ceramic figure. This would prove to be a blessing in disguise. The doll was handcrafted by hand on a potter’s wheel with elements like ruffles, baskets and hats and one distinct feature, or lack of a feature. The dolls all had a head with no facial features. These full-sized dolls, which were originally smaller figurines, have been replicated with each artist’s interpretation and messages.
There are 7 statues at Palmer Cove Park. I did have a hard time finding the 7th one on my list. In fact, I had to make 2 visits to find them all. So, don’t forget to go to the area by the public garden to find them all!
Another special part of the park is a walkway that was installed earlier this year as a memorial to those lost from Covid-19.
Salem
The first Muñeca Sin Rostro is fittingly called “Salem.” Created by painter and sculptor Ramon Santiago, a native of the city of Moca, Espaillat province in the Dominican Republic, “Salem” is a representation of the city bearing the statue’s name. Ramon said his work of art is dedicated to the hardworking people of Salem. Examples of the hardworking people of Salem can be found not only in elements of people working at a job, in their yards and, most importantly, with their families. The various bold colors are meant to represent how diverse and vibrant the city is.
Los Ninos Y El Carnaval
“Los Ninos La Carnaval” represents children and their participation in the Dominican Republic’s carnival. The statue, made by Luis Rivera, a native of San Cristobal, displays the most representative costumes from different regions of the country: the Lechones of Santiago, the Ecol Devils of San Cristóbal, the Devils of La Vega, the Plátanus of Cotuí, and the Taimácaros of Puerto Plata, among others. The flowers represent the joy of the Dominican people. The flowers symbolize the diversity and racial mix that define us as a nation which is a fusion of Indigenous, African, and Spanish heritage. A graduate of the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo and the Escuela de Diseño de Altos de Chavón, Luis has developed a versatile artistic style that spans sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, and carnival costumes. Luis is the co-creator of Urbelconica, a project that has helped reimagine the traditional Muñeca sin Rostro, beloved Dominican symbol of resilience and shared heritage, into large-scale public sculptures brought to life through the talent of many Dominican artists.
Oswald’s Ocean
“Oswald’s Ocean” was created, or at least conceived, by a 4 year old; Oswald. The artist, Yixuan Zeng, was captivated while reading Oswald’s design for the doll. Yixuan said the faceless doll designs reminded him of Chinese porcelain figures. Yixuan was inspired by Oswald’s passion for the color blue and sea life. He enjoyed making the sea creatures Oswald had described and envisioned the dress as being a dynamic sea scene beneath the waves.
Oswald said he is 4 years old and loves the color blue and sea life. Oswald did contribute beyond designing it. He added blue glitter to the hat.
MariposaCibaeña
Angela Gonzalez, a Dominican artist, wanted to highlight Las Hermanas Mirabal (more commonly known as the “Butterfly Sisters”), the sisters who fought for women’s rights. They were the only women who stood up to the last Dominican dictator. Angela chose to feature the Dominican flag as the main background design. She also added the national plants and, of course, a butterfly.
Angela said her doll represents the flavors, music and nature of the Dominican Republic, The bottom of the dress is made from plantain leaves which were used to make pasteles en hojas, a leaf-wrapped plantain pocket. You may have to look closely, particularly at the bottom of the statue, to see other objects that represent the Dominican Republic such as tropical plants such as coconut, bananas, sugar cane and eggplant. Musical instruments and other foods are also included.
Harmony
The artist for this statue, Vicky Ortega, said her doll was meant to serve as a celebration of those who represent the multiple cultures and as an homage to the strength of our multicultural community. The statue illustrates her own cultural blend by combining traditional Mexican dress embroidery with features of the American flag. Vicky wanted to express the strength of a new identity that draws from multiple traditions.
As a Mexican-American, Vicky often felt she didn’t belong in either culture. However, over time she learned to embrace both her heritage and nationality which helped shape who she is.
Lift Each Other Up
Created by Sheila Farren Billings, My Muñeca, “Lift Each Other Up”, is meant to express how language can either divide us or bring us together. Sheila says it is up to us to use language wisely and well. Sheila included quotes from remarks that neighbors made at a meeting about the project, with translations of course.
La Reyna De La Cosecha
The artists for this statue (Rigo Peralta and Melanio Guzman), said this sculpture honors the deep roots of agricultural labor as well as the cultural legacy of muñecas de tusa, traditional Honduran corn husk dolls. They said the corn husk dolls, which Melanio’s grandmother used to make and sell at Honduras flower festivals, is a reminder of the hard worker of the field laborers. It was fittingly located by the community garden.
Along the newly paved walkway, there is a memorial remembering the 140 Salem residents who lost their lives from Covid-19. The walkway is meant to give people a space to wander, reflect and enjoy the statues and park. It also gives people an easier and more accessible way to enjoy the park. It’s hard to imagine the park was just all grass without paths to allow people an easier access to move around. Benches give visitors a chance to sit and reflect while they enjoy the scenic views of Palmer Bay Cove.
Summary: There is a new multi-use art installation on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway
“Door knockers” or swings? That is what many people have been been asking themselves when they see the new art installation on the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway.
The answer is both!
The artwork, “Big Hoops To Fill”, features two “door knocker” earrings made of steel, resin and fiberglass composite, epoxy paint and polyurethane.
But, this is not just a work of art. People use the “door knockers” as a swing. In fact, that was the highlight of the art. Many people, both young and older, enjoyed swinging on it. This dual function of the art has made it one of the most popular attractions on the Greenway.
According Ja’Hari Ortega, the Boston-based sculptor and jewelry-maker, the “door knockers”, which are cast from fiberglass with steel interior supports, are reminiscent of swings she used to swing on as a child.
The art is also a cultural statement. According to Ja’Hari, this work of art draws upon the cultural weight of bamboo hoop earrings which are considered an iconic style of jewelry worn by many women of color that originated from early hip-hop culture and fashion. Artists such as Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shanté, and Queen Latifah (they were definitely on my playlists or “mix tapes” when I was younger) have been known to include these types of ear rings in their fashion.
According to Ja’Hari, “Big Hoops to Fill” creates opportunities to “heal one’s inner child, cultivate and encourage healthy multigenerational relationships, and foster confidence in one’s identity and culture.”
“Big Hoops To Fill” is set to be on display along the Greenway Until October, 2026. So, stop by for a swing!
New England Nomad 