Monday, September 16, 2013

Sept. 11, 2013

Salem, MA

Another short drive to another Elks lodge.  They are turning out to be pretty handy in this area.  Parked and then off in the car to see Salem and surroundings.

Salem is known for several things.  Most famous is Witch Trials.  It is also the location of the actual House of the Seven Gables.  We started with the house.

The House of Seven GablesThe House of Seven Gables, Front Door

The House of the Seven Gables is situated on the shore overlooking the water and Salem harbor.  Original house in original location.  There are three other houses on the grounds that have been moved there as part of a preservation program.  One of the three is the house where Hawthorn was born. (We have now seen his birthplace and his grave.)  The other two are typical of the time.  The Gables house is shown by guided tour.  Very good tour.  Guide gave lots of information about the history and construction of the house and about Hawthorn’s connection to the house.  Tour covers just about every room in house including a secret staircase and attic room.  Amazing construction durability.  Heavy timbers were not nailed or bolted together, they were joined with wooden pegs.  Joints are as solid and tight now as when they were made-maybe more so.

Nathaniel Hawthone's Birthplace

Hawthorn birthplace.

Second stop Salem Witch Museum.  Typical tourist trap but with a different twist.  Outside of building looks like it might have been a church at one time.  Church like architecture but now different look.  Inside is a large open room with bench seats near the edge.  ‘Tour’ is actually a forty minute  presentation telling the story of the Salem Witch Trials using a series of diorama frames around the room.  Each set is lit at a part in the story.  Good job of telling how twenty people died because some girls wanted to play a joke.  Sad.  After the presentation there is a second room that tells about witches from colonial times to today.  Gift shop actually had some clever items beyond the standard mugs and tee shirts.

Salem Witch Museum

After the witch museum we drove along the coast to Marblehead and then to Manchester.  Lots of old homes, many dating to revolutionary times.  Also, lots of newer and very expensive homes with private clubs and yacht clubs mixed in.

Marblehead



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