The Town House School in Kennebunkport, Maine — a one room structure where generations of children from fishing and working class families were educated until 1950 — is scheduled for demolition in August of 2015. It is a decision that many residents are not happy with, and one that begs the question of how far they’re willing to […]
History
Whether it’s Old Home Days, a 250th anniversary, or the annual Strawberry–Pumpkin–Lobster–Potato Festival, we Yankees love a New England town festival — so much so that we make sure they’re all basically the same.
For me, the most puzzling of New England legends is the one involving Molly Stark. Puzzling because the historic Molly Stark never said or did anything of note. Nothing. And yet she is really big in New England today. For instance, the road between Brattleboro and Bennington, Vermont is called the Molly Stark Trail. A […]
History
New England Directions | HUMOR
Here in New England, losing your way after asking for directions is a recurring rite of passage. You’re invited to an unfamiliar village in New England, and you ask for directions. “Well, it’s about seven miles past the covered bridge, and if you pass the gun shop you know you’ve gone too far. There used […]
In New England, historical plaques are as plentiful as grey squirrels and just as easy to overlook. But sometimes it pays to pause and read over these little shrines to history. Many of them have an interesting story to tell—especially the ones that aren’t true. If you’re looking for a whopper, stop by the John […]
Every region in the country has certain words that reflect its history, its geography – and its personality.
History
The Theft of the Vinegar Bible
Typos happen. When they crop up in a newspaper headline, they’re good for a laugh. When they show up in the Bible, things get more lucrative.
History
The Sacred Cod
Suspended over the public gallery in the Massachusetts House of Representatives is the Sacred Cod —a wooden fish nearly five feet long, its sleek frame held taut by two guy wires strung fore and aft. Carved from a solid piece of white pine, it has graced both the Old State House and the New for […]
Where can a history-loving Yankee go to commemorate the Civil War? These 5 coastal forts are a great place to start.
The Boston Duck Tour was launched in 1994. How much do you know about this iconic New England attraction?
History
The Mayflower | Everyone’s Ship
For better and worse, the Mayflower carried the seeds of the nation we know today in its cramped and swaying hold. What does that mean to you?
It’s black fly season again in New England (as if you didn’t already know). Here’s a humorous take on how to survive New England’s perennial spring pest.