Dear Yankee | December 2017
I want to commend the subtle way in which your editing has broadcast the message that the faces of New England cross religious and racial lines; that this part of the country is more inclusive than one associates with its origins. In the November/December issue, there was the Christmas tree story that noted customers were […]
I want to commend the subtle way in which your editing has broadcast the message that the faces of New England cross religious and racial lines; that this part of the country is more inclusive than one associates with its origins. In the November/December issue, there was the Christmas tree story that noted customers were “mixed couples” of different religions, and the picture of Andre and Lela Madoo [“A Movable Forest”]; the story of the Brass sisters [“Baking with the Brass Sisters”]; and the story of Grace and Ian Aldrich [“Baby on Board”], with its accompanying picture—all broadcasting loud and clear that many people can be a Yankee.
Vivian Clayton
Just wanted to drop a line and let you know that while we always enjoy Yankee magazine, “Baby on Board” [November/December] struck a perfect chord. It was so beautifully written, so real and so full of joy, I think I’ll be smiling all day. Congratulations to Ian, Grace, and Calvin, and thanks for making me laugh out loud.
Shirley Miller
Whenever a new issue of Yankee arrives, I always read the editor’s column first. But when I picked up the November/December issue and got to the line “All that changed,” my heart stood still. “Please don’t let that sentence finish with the news of Edie Clark’s passing!” I whispered. Thankfully, it did not. But as her fan since the Chesham Depot days, I knew that she, like so many of us, was looking at the latter days of a long life.
Thank you for sharing the news as well as an upbeat, albeit realistic prognosis. But don’t count her out just yet. My former [Gill, Massachusetts] neighbor Paul Seamans continues to publish his essays, written in an authentic voice much like Edie’s, from his room at a local nursing home.
Many good wishes to someone whose writing has both inspired and comforted this reader!
Mary Ellen Mackin
Editor’s note: In the January 2018 issue of Yankee, we write more about Edie Clark and her historic homestead, Mary’s Farm, which she has loved and written about for more than two decades.
I grew up hearing stories of the Halifax explosion. My father lived in Halifax back then, and at the time of the explosion he was 11 years old and on his way to a store to do an errand for his mother. The large explosion caused him to lose the few coins he was carrying. Coming from a large family where every cent mattered, he worried he would be in trouble for losing the money. Thankfully, no one in our family was hurt, and their home only suffered very minor damage. The family moved to Massachusetts in 1922. Years later, I read how generous the people of Boston were to the people of Halifax. I think the Christmas tree is a wonderful gift and remembrance of that time. —Mary
I loved your story on Mount Katahdin (October 2017)! Over 20 years ago, I climbed about three-fourths of the way to the summit, and even though I was younger (22) I was not physically prepared for the hike. I have made it a personal goal to come and climb again in the summer of either 2018 or 2019. My husband has never seen Katahdin in person and is excited to climb with me. I also stayed at New England Outdoor Center, with Katahdin in view across the lake, and I must say it is the most stunning place to me. The mountain really does speak to me. —Aimee
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