Salem - Trip 1

Yesterday we travelled to Salem to see what we could turn up about my family tree. When we arrived in Salem, we headed for the Peabody Essex Museum, which houses many of the original documents related to the Witch Trials of 1692. First, we made a stop next door to the Visitor's Center, run by the National Parks Service. I wanted to know if they had some good suggestions for things to see, places to start in order to get a good historical picture of the times. I was amazed at their ignorance - they directed us to all sorts of amusement-type attractions, but mentioned that I might also try the Phillips Library and the Nurse Homestead in nearby Danvers.

We did in fact head over to the Phillips library which was closed to visitors that day. Phillips is a research library specializing in genealogy and local history. While we were standing in front of the building taking down times (so we could make plans to return another day), one of the curators spotted us and invited us in. He asked what our interest was, and I explained that I was doing genealogical research. He was kind enough to let all 7 of us have a snoop around at some of the exhibits, including 3 hand-written depositions from the Witch Trials and some personal artifacts of principal players. We left with a handful of information and an invitation to return and an assurance that the research into my families was already done, and probably bound and ready to take on home!

We decided to have lunch and discuss where to look next. On the way to lunch, we took a slight detour to view the Witch Memorial. It was dedicated in 1992, the 300th anniversary of the Trials. The memorial was dedicated by Nobel Laureate Elie Weisel. Situated at the edge of the Old Burying Point Cemetary, it is a beautiful contemplative spot comprised of a stone wall with 19 granite slab benches, each bearing the name of a victim. Down the center of the small park is a grassy strip planted with trees. I was touched by the flowers that had been lain on some of the benches. As you enter the space, you will notice several stone blocks inscribed with the final words of some of the victims. Truly moving

After our visit to the Memorial, we headed to lunch at a wonderful pizza shop on the Museum Place Mall. The pizza was fantastic, as was the service and the prices were right on (a surprise considering it's location and proximity to tourist attractions). We decided to visit the Witch Museum after luncheon, based upon the brochures we'd collected from the Visitors Center. It looked like we might get an accurate portrayal of the events and hopefully some background information on the victims. I was gravely disappointed. After dropping $24 to get in, we walked up a flight of very dark stairs and into what used to be the sanctuary of a church. There is no handicapped access, in case you're wondering. We were instructed to sit in our seats and wait for the presentation to begin. There followed a light and sound show with life-sized vignettes and an audio narration of the events of 1692. It was very brief and, consequently, not terribly informative. When the presentation ended, a young man entered the room and ushered us on to the next portion of the presentation. We were rushed through an exhibit called "Witches: Evolving Perceptions". The presenter spoke as fast as any country auctioneer, slapped a few buttons on the wall activating more audio presentations and then tipped us out into the gift shop.

I found the second portion of the Witch Museum an offense to the memory of the men and women who were killed the summer of 1692. We were treated (and I use the term loosly) to an introduction to hollywood witches, followed by some solid information about Pagan Midwives, back to Hollywood, then on to a historical timeline of Witchcraft and Christianity. We finished with an explanation of modern witches and modern witch hunts. It had nothing to do whatsoever with the citizens of Salem Village, their lives, the reasons for the accusations, or their legacies. I'm sure they'd have been appalled - these are people who had nothing whatever to do with witches - real or imagined - and didn't want to be associated with them. The "Museum" is nothing more than an amusement for tourists. Don't waste your money.

If you want to know what really happened and to truly honor the victims of the Witch Hysteria, visit the Phillips Library and the Rebecca Nurse Homestead. The Towne family descendents have an association which meets annually. Check the Towne Family Association.

test

Shakin' the Family Tree

I love genealogy. I've spent the last year or so researching both my family and my husband's family. last night I took a little trip down one of the branches. Charlton had a prominent family by the name of Towne. I knew that I was also decended from a family of Townes in the same general area and wanted to see if an how we were related. No connection is evident so far, but here is what I did find:

Many, many thanks to distant relations who did all the work and were willing to share!

My gret- great-grandfather Edmund Towne b. 1860 in Ware, MA was married to Arabelle Fostena (my Nana's namesake) going backwards from there on the Towne side:

- John T. Towne b.1816 in Dana, MA - m. 1. Susan (deceased), 2. Eunice (mother of Edmund)

- Reuben Towne b. 1771 in Dana, MA - m. Mary Polly Thayer b. 25 April, 1779 in Dana , MA

- Samuel Towne b. 1717 in Topsfield, MA - m. Eunice Emmons b. 1733 in Brookfield, MA

- John Towne b. 1678 in Topsfield, MA - m. Abigail Stanley b. 1688 in Topsfield

- Jacob Towne b. 1669 in Topsfield, MA - m. Phebe Smith b. 1661 in Boxford, MA

- Jacob Towne b. 1632 in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England m. Catherine Symmonds b. 1630 in Gt. yarmouth (Brian and I lived within 30 minutes of Great Yarmouth) Immigrated with his parents and siblings to America in 1637 - they fled persecution from the COE because they were Puritans

- William Towne b. 1599 Gt. Yarmouth - m. Joanna (Jone) Blessing (also spelled Blyssynge) b. 1595 in Gt Yarmouth. Joanna Blessing Towne and three of her daughters, Rebecca, Mary and Sarah were accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials. Rebecca (Nurse), and Mary (Estey) were hanged... Joanna was never brought to trial. Sarah sued for the wrongful death of her sisters and the movie Three Sovereigns for Sister Sarah is about her. http://www.angelfire.com/mi4/polcrt/SalemTrials.html

- John Towne b. 1575 in Gt. Yarmouth - m. Elizabeth Clarke b. 1578 in Blundeston Suffolk (also quite close to where we lived!)

- Leonard Towne b. 1540 in Haydor, Lincolnshire - m. Ellen Greene b. 1544 in Haydor, Lincolnshire

Beyond that, it looks like the family's name was changed from "Thomas" which is a Welsh name.

Be careful shaking the family tree - you never know what kind of nuts will fall out!

Happy Birthday!

We had a wonderful time celebrating Sophie's First Birthday. Everything was beautiful - ven after it started bucketing with rain, forcing us into the world's least tidy kitchen for the remainder of the party. We had a lovely time and Sophie received wonderful gifts from people who love her - and was helped by her godsister Kay and older sis Catherine. She needed a little help blowing out the candle too. She still isn't quite sure what that's all about! However, Sophie enjoyed eating her bright pink strawberry cake - encouraged by her godmother Tina.

Above are photos of the buffet table before the rain began to fall, the cake, and the birthday girl with Kay - wearing the beautiful crocheted headband that Catherine made her.

We had a good laugh at the weather, ate heartily, and went back outside when the sun returned. Now all that's left is a pile of dishes and lots of lovely memories!

Of Butterflies and Birthday Cakes

Sophie turns one year old tomorrow. This is our busy time of year with birthdays from April through July. Then we'll get a break until October when our family starts all over again!

We put up our lovely big screened tent yesterday, which will be decorated with pink and green tulle and sparkly butterflies. The kids are all busy making her gifts:

Jack made a beautiful pink crystal bracelet with a butterfly charm.

Catherine is working on a pale blue headband crocheted in a granny square pattern.

Caroline is making a kerchief with pink butterflies and a sparkly "S".

William and I will be painting a wooden picture frame with a cut-out butterfly later on. This will hold a photo of Sophie and the kids.

Brian is picking up the high chair that I will paint later on with a garden scene on the tray.

The cake is in the oven and cookies will be mixed and baked. A pillowcase dress and antique hankie kerchief are waiting to be finished.

Tomorrow afternoon we'll welcome godparents and grandparents to have a picnic to celebrate. Let's pray for good weather! I can't believe my baby is already a year old. It has flown!

I love how family-centered living offers opportunities like this. We can really take the time to just focus on doing something really special for someone else. We can work together to help get the job done and really truly celebrate life's little wonders!

Ad Altare Dei

Jack received his Boy Scout Religious Award today at St. Paul's Cathedral in Worcester. The ceremony was lovely - complete with incense (how I love the smell!). The cantor and choir were amazing and the HUGE pipe organ was very impressive both in size and sound! In all 13 boys from our church were awarded religious medals. Unfortunately the Bishop could not be present, but sent his deep regrets. Father Reidy, the diocesan youth co-ordinator stood in and did a beautiful job. In addition to the boys and girls, three adult received awards including our friend, Bill Shea.

Following the ceremony, Father took time with each child who was having a picture with him to remind them of their responsibilities now that they had achieved their medals. It was wonderful to see how important our diocese views the efforts of kids to earn their faith.

Life Begins when the Season Starts?

Not mine... Don't get me wrong I adore baseball. I am an enthusiastic convert to baseball fanaticism. HOWEVER, this year we have three children playing ball, Brian is not only coaching, but assisting one team AND is the league director of T-Ball and Pony Leagues. Saturday mornings start early with a check of the weather, and perhaps a trip to the field to check conditions. I have it on good authority that some dads make midnight trips to the ballfield for condition checks. Then if all is a go, it's egg breakfast for all (protein helps a lot on game day!), get 5 kids, mom and dad dressed and out the door by 8:30 for a day of games. Often we have two or three games starting within an hour of each other on different fields miles apart. That was the case today. Add to that 'Picture Day' where hundreds of children are herded to the largest field (which also has the least parking - go figure) 15 minutes before their cross-town game to have their pictures made, first individually (to give the other teammates time to find a space to park) and then as a team. If you have more than one child playing, it's a delicate logistical co-ordination. You've got to take the first one to the photographer (and pose with the team since you're coaching), meanwhile mom has the other two players, drops off the second child for pictures (you quickly change your cap for this child's team photo, hoping you got it right), waits for child#2 to be dropped off at the car while dad dashes like made to the game he's nearly 30 minutes late for. Mom takes child #2 and child #3 to child #2's game, where she finds the field under 6" of water after a week's worth of rain. Since there's no place to park the other three children (not currently playing a game) safely out of the wet, mom finds a place on high ground where she and said kids find themselves in the teeth of a cold spring wind. Two hours of this??? Mom decides to go get the bus, pull it closer and watch the game.

Halfway through, you must leave to bring child #3 to her game on another field. When mom gets there, she is relieved (Deo Gratias!) to find the field under several inches of water and is told the game is cancelled because of safety concerns. Driving back to the original spot of child #2's game, the family watches as two dozen 5 year olds lose interest in playing and begin dancing alone, drawing their names in the sand or acting out scenes from Heaven knows what they've been watching.

Finally child #2's game ends and mom runs to the field where child #1 is playing (and dad has been coaching) only to find that child #1's team is getting completely creamed (22-8!). OK so they're going to be grumpy but at least the games are going to finish an hour earlier than planned, you might get some gardening done this afternoon, perhaps finished clearing up the scrap lumber. But WAIT! It's lunchtime...

An hour later, everyone is outside and ready to go. And it starts to rain... Another day bites the dust. If Life begins when the season starts, I'd rather be in Heaven - its so much more appealing!

*** We actually got a respectable amount of work done despite the utter chaos ***

Crafty!

Those of you who know me even a little bit know that I am all about homemade Christmas (and other gifting ocassions). I just found a place where I can get bulk craft supplies at wholesale prices. You can get one-off pieces for a pretty good price too. Factory Direct Craft has just about everything under the sun - or at least just about everything I could ever want for my projects. It's early yet, but I'm determined not to leave every bit until Advent this year - with a new baby due in October!

Happy creating!

Twelve years ago today...

We welcomed Andrew John into the world. I can't believe he's nearly a teenager. He's been such a joy to us - he has a gentle spirit, despite his recent penchant for teasing his sisters. He's beginning to mature to the point that he's a real help to his father - and a friend. He's so tender with his baby sister that I wonder what a good father he will be, if that is God's plan for him. If he's destined for religious life, he will certainly be a most beloved uncle.

He's been a blessing and I'm proud to be his Mama.

Small pleasures...

Holding a baby in your lap while knitting a pair of tiny socks. It's about as close to heaven as I can imagine. I started a pair of icelandic lace socks for Sophie today. They're made from a gorgeous shade of pink cashmerino that fairly makes your teeth ache it's so sweet. The pattern is on page 28 of "Socks, socks, socks" by Elaine Rowley.

Bliss...

Subsistence Farming Day 2 - In the Beginning...

Forgive the late posting, but the weather was so blissful, we stayed out longer to enjoy it. After all, it is New England and you never know when the rain will come again!

Today was mercifully dry and warm. A perfect day for stripping the sod and beginning the process of digging the temporary vegetable garden which is situated on the north side of the house. Don't worry, there's plenty of good strong sun there, the house's shadow doesn't effect the garden at all. While I reviewed our talking points with the kids today - proper garden prep, organic gardening practices including alternatives to conventional fertilizers and pesticides - Brian laid out the approximately 40'x40' patch.

Despite over a week of rain, the soil was very workable, with no clumping. We are fortunate to have a nice, well-draining soil. We have also just come out of a nasty drought, so the ground really needed the soaking. We showed the children how to strip the sod and weeds from the area, taking care to rake over and remove stray roots and green bits. These were hauled off to the side where they will be composted using black plastic and several weeks of patience.

New England is famous for its crops of stones. We make beautiful stones. They don't do much in the garden, especially for root vegetables. Those larger than a baseball (and there were many!) were piled to one side and will be used elsewhere in the garden as trim for flower beds. The smaller ones were added to the compost pile, where they will likely be screened out later and added to the gravel drive.

After four-and-a-half hours of toil, stopping for a hearty luncheon, we recognize yet another blessing of large families. Many hands truly do make light work - comparatively speaking! Over the next two days, we'll be continuing the clean-up process and the garden prep until both tasks are complete.

Saturday is chicken coop day! We'll be installing a coop that should comfortably hold 2 dozen chickens and hopefully another that will house 10 geese. We hope you'll join us, there's plenty for all to do!

If you'd like resource sheets ($5/set, plus postage) for today's class, email me at nissa.gadbois@navigo-online.com.

Hooray for Democracy!

Last night was our town's Annual Town Meeting. If you're not from the Northeast, the concept is a bit of an oddity. We have a Board of Selectpersons, elected by the citizens, who recommend acceptance or rejection of each of dozens of articles presented before the assembly. These issues range from budgets (salaries, school budgets, capital expenditures like new police and fire vehicles), to changes in by-law phrasing, establishment of new town services like public sewage and recycling, to requests for zoning changes. It's always a hoot to go to the Town Meeting. There are lots of characters among the crowd that act as gadflies - adding to the discussion whatever the article. Here's how it runs:

The moderator brings the Meeting to Order, the list of articles is certified by the Town Clerk and accepted by the assemblage. Then one article is taken at a time. The Moderator reads out the article, a member of the Board recommends either acceptance or rejection of the article, then the floor is opened to discussion by the citizenry - this is where questions are asked, concerns are raised, objections voiced, support given, gadflies entertained. This can be QUITE a lengthy process depending upon how contentious the issue is. Finally the article is put to a vote - by voicing either yea or nay. When it's too close to call, we take a hand count by raising colored tickets. Some articles require a simple majority while others require at least 2/3.

We heard 40 Articles last night, most of which were passed quickly. There was a great deal of debate over the proposed "Pay as you Throw" recycling program. It was soundly defeated and sent back for rewriting. Perhaps next year an improved porposal will pass...

Also on the agenda was an article to re-zone nearly 200 acres of agricultural land to R-40 (Low density residential). Charlton is one of the fastest growing towns in the Massachusetts. Until recently, it was not deemed necessary to create an extensive zoning plan since Charlton had been, since time out of mind, a farming town. Unfortunately, this lack of vision has resulted in a multitude of nasty subdivisions consuming what once was a beautiful dairy town with rolling hills and ponds. The growth has been astounding - the school and public services have been stretched beyond their limits. I had begun to dispair that we would become yet another sprawling suburb for lack of care by the citizenry. I was wrong. Last night we voted UNANIMOUSLY to save a 200 acre parcel of our heritage, setting a precident that I hope will serve to save the remaining farmland from development. In yet another Article, several acres of open space was committed to conservation in perpetuity...

HOORAY for DEMOCRACY!

Subsistence Farming Day 1 - Coming Clean

The skip arrived this morning right at 8 o'clock, in the pouring rain. Will it ever stop?

This morning we discussed Recycling 101 including the 'how-to' and 'why'. We talked about landfills and other final resting places of refuse that is not recycled or recyclable. We talk about ways to reduce and re-use resources and decided that although we have always recycled, or re-used materials, there is still much we can do. It's amazing what you realize about the way in which your family consumes - how much impact one family truly has on its environment. Sharing with other families what we have learned - and will learn - is an important part of what we are doing to make our impact softer.

Brian and the boys gamely braved the cold and rain filling the skip with items from the basement and yard. Their fortitude will be rewarded by a hearty meal of roast beef, potatoes and all the trimmings. We are taking care of construction materials that were left behind by the previous owner - PVC plumbing, a bedframe, tires. Tires will be saved and used as nests for our future geese. Yard waste like branches and twigs have been picked up and sorted. They will be reused and made into useful objects in the garden such as pea and flower trellis, hurdle fencing, and perhaps a garden chair!
The cleanup part of our project is making way for classrooms/workspace in our basement and will set the stage for clearing the back acre, where permanent vegetable and herb gardens, a livestock area, and orchard will go.

If you missed today's session, we hope you will register to join us for the rest of the project. If you'd like to order today's resource materials ($5 per set, plus postage), please drop me line at nissa.gadbois@navigo-online.com.

Wednesday's class will see the beginning of preparing the temporary vegetable garden with sod stripping and digging. We'll have information on organic preparation practices, layout of a vegetable garden, crop rotation and choosing vegetable plants. The forecast is for sunny spring weather, so we hope we'll see you there. Remember, you need to contact us AT LEAST 24 hours beforehand so that we can prepare sufficient materials for participants.

On a Jelly Roll

36 jars of sticky sweetness. I'm beat! We've got Dandelion - which has been dubbed "Golden Sunshine Jelly" by the children in case dandelion might scare people away- strawberry preserves, paradise jelly and apple jelly. All in two days time. We've had a great time making and tasting. The colors are so beautiful. I doubt we fully appreciate the colors of our foods as much s when the final product has been the work of our own hands. There's another benefit to doing it yourself. We appreciate everything so much more when we truly understand the love and time involved. What a blessing!

My Nana would be pleased.

Oh Those Darned Dandelions!

Wouldn't it be glorious to have a beautifully manicured, weed-free lawn?

NOT A CHANCE! Give me a pretty lawn sprinkled with johnny jump-ups and English daisies anyday. Of course, we don't have English daisies here in Massachusetts. At least, we haven't got wild ones, you need to plant them on purpose. We have dandelions, and LOTS of them. They're practically the same as English daisies in form and proliferation, but a lovely shade of golden yellow - which just happens to be my favorite color.

Have you ever smelled a dandelion? It's beautiful. Rich and warm. Dandelions are wonderful to have around. They are used as a liver tonic in tea, the greens can be eaten in salad or cooked like spinach, it's made into wine and... into jelly. Yes jelly. Some say it tastes like honey. What a wonderfully exotic gift to give a friend - perhaps with some homemade muffins or bisquits. Here's how:

4 cups dandelion blossoms, packed (yellow only - be careful to separate them from any green, which is quite bitter)
3 cups water
4.5 cups sugar (I like natural sugar - it has a lovely golden color and richer flavor)
2 T. lemon juice
1 pkg. pectin.

Bring the water to a boil and add the dandelion blossoms. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain blossoms through cheesecloth and squeeze as much liquid as possible from the blossoms. Add more water to equal 3 cups. Return to pot and add lemon juice, sugar and pectin. Bring to a boil stirring constantly, stirring sugar down from the sides. When sugar is completely dissolved, boild hard for one minute. At this point, you can add a bit of yellow coloring, or yellow and orange. Pour jelly into hot jars within 1/8 in. and seal.

Mmmmm.

A Beautiful Family Centered Moment

It was one of those moments when everything comes together. All is quiet and you feel compelled to look around you.

I was sitting at the sewing machine, Brian was seated at the computer working with his assistant (our 11mo daughter, Sophie) in his lap. They were chattering happily with each other. Andrew and Caroline were sitting in the living room quietly finishing what was left of their lessons. William was sitting at another computer making bears sing and spell, and Catherine sat opposite me completely engrossed in the chain of rosary beads she was making.

There was so much import in that moment. I treasure times like I experienced today. They remind me so poignantly why we chose this lifestyle - and I am filled with joy at the thought of bringing one more child into it.