An Open Letter to the Yankee Community from Mel Allen
I am writing this on a blue-sky morning, the day before the first day of spring. In an ordinary year, that would be a touchstone for all of us. Time to plan gardens, to think about summer trips. But this is not an ordinary year. We are all at a place where we are feeling […]
By Yankee Magazine|Mar 18 2020|
A resting place for Monhegan’s visitors for more than a century, the Island Inn is situated on a bluff that provides a commanding view of the harbor and a front-row seat for sunsets.
Photo Credit: Mark FlemingI am writing this on a blue-sky morning, the day before the first day of spring. In an ordinary year, that would be a touchstone for all of us. Time to plan gardens, to think about summer trips. But this is not an ordinary year. We are all at a place where we are feeling our way, day by day.
Here at Yankee’s office in Dublin, New Hampshire, we have just sent the May/June issue to the printers and are starting work on July/August. These two issues have long been a way for many readers to explore summer in New England, even if only from their living room sofa. Now it seems as if those issues were conceived in a different time — and yet, in a way, they have never been so needed.
For 85 years our magazine has been an essential part of New England. Our stories about the people and places of this region — which more than any other belongs to the collective memory and spirit of our nation — have entertained, inspired, informed, and moved our readers.
Today our storytelling goes far beyond the printed page. On our website you will find a seemingly endless array of stories and photographs that show off New England to people everywhere. Our daily e-newsletter, our outreach on Facebook and Instagram, and our Weekends with Yankee PBS television show carry the simple reassurance that we are all connected. Bonding with others around a beautiful image or a comforting recipe is not a trivial pursuit: We know the importance of community and continuity when the ground is shifting so suddenly beneath our feet.
For the foreseeable future, many of us will be spending more time in our hometowns — and, of course, in our homes. More than ever, we at Yankee want to stay a part of your lives. We have removed the paywall from all content on our site so that the storytelling that has endured throughout our years as “New England’s magazine” is available to all. We’ve also made the first three seasons of Weekends with Yankee available to stream for free; the fourth season premieres soon on public television stations nationwide.
We know that so many of you will be putting travel on hold for now. Travel has always been an antidote to routine, the calm after the storm. In these days of hunkering down, you can explore hundreds of the places we have discovered when you visit our site or our social media channels, or queue up some episodes of our TV show. In these ways, the New England that you know — or the New England that you hope to find one day — can come into your home.
The beauty of the region remains, with all its fascinating places to see. We are here to give you images to dream about: puffins, whales, lighthouses, dramatic lakes, villages so pretty they live forever in your heart. They will be here when you are ready. When all of us are ready.
Photo Credit : Mark Fleming
Before closing, I want to add my personal perspective. Yankee has been my work home for four decades. I have seen New England recover from two deep recessions; a terrorist attack that began partly in Portland, Maine, and Boston; wars that sent tens of thousands of New Englanders to Iraq and Afghanistan; and a bombing at our cherished Boston Marathon. And always, the people who live here tapped into the resilient spirit that defines this region.
One day I found myself in Caribou, Maine, known as the coldest spot in a state that does not fear cold. There, a woman told me a story that had been passed down through her family like an heirloom. The date was February 13, 1861. It was 36 degrees below zero with a vicious wind, she said, when a mailman named Bubar was preparing for his rounds. He trekked by snowshoe 12 miles to the town of Presque Isle, collected his load of mail, and started back. When the wind forced him to stop, he cut down a cedar tree and kept a fire going all night to stay alive. “The next day,” the woman said proudly, “he brought the mail.” In my career I have gotten to know many Bubars — tenacious people who do not flinch in the face of adversity.
Every day I hear a new story about how people are helping neighbors, looking after each other. Caring. In our hallways here, we talk about how we can continue to be useful and even put a smile on our readers’ faces, even as we look after each other. We will stay connected with you today, tomorrow, weeks from now. New England is not going away. We are not going away. Tomorrow is spring.
Let us know in your comments and messages what more we can do for you. And remember: Every time we hear from you, it keeps us going.
Let’s all be part of a community looking out for each other.
Mel Allen
Yankee editor
I’ve Always been proud of being a New Englander , a Connecticut native, Noank being my hometown. I grew up reading Yankee magazine as a little girl first enjoying the photos and then growing up to appreciate and understand the articles. They say “you can never go home again” but I don’t believe that. every time I see Yankee magazine on my social media feed it brings a smile to my face, like seeing an old friend. Thank you for always being there it’s nice to know that you can be counted on.
Thank you for your beautiful, uplifting message and generosity in this time of great uncertainty. It surely will be heartwarming to read the wonderful stories on your site. I have long been a fan of Yankee Magazine. With warmest thanks.
Yankee……you’re the best! Thank you for keeping us connected!
I started reading Yankee in the late 70’s when living on L.I. And yes, it helped me dream about New England. That women’s clothing and gift type store (Jennifer House?) that always had the back page ads put me in a New England frame of mind. Of course, the articles and columns added richness to the dream. In 1995 we moved to Vermont. Eventually after getting my 5 seasons right and mud boots on the ground I got involved with helping my community. Really have to give credit to Yankee Magazine (and camping and hiking trips) for presenting, painting the landscape that once a dream is now my life. Thank you for that moving letter. One upside of this horrible disaster is talking to each other, empathy is powerful.
Nicely said, Mel. Hope you all are staying safe up there. Miss New England, but Oregon’s coast has its own pleasure and history. Hugs (virtual) to all. (By the way, when I moved to the coast here in Lincoln City, it turned out my next door neighbors were snowbirds from (drum roll) Dublin! How strange the world can be.
Despite what is written above, the episodes of Weekends With Yankee are NOT unlocked for all to watch–only the <1 minute trailers.
Hi Paul. We apologize for the delay. They should be available to stream by tomorrow (Friday). We appreciate your patience!
Good news! All episodes from seasons 1-3 are now streaming. You can find them here: https://newengland.com/weekends-with-yankee/episodes/
Thank you, Mel. For your words and the beautiful photo of Monhegan (where part of my heart will live forever).
Thank you, Mr. Allen for a delightful reminder of why I read Yankee. I send the very best wishes to you and yours, and the entire staff.
I always love how you see and say things, Mel. This is particularly lovely – and appreciated.
Thank you, Mel. It’s always good to hear your eloquent and heart-felt voice.
Thank you Mel for your encouraging words. Your last words finally broke through my steely resolve, and I cried. Now I am smiling, and looking forward to all that is, and has been.
Thank you to everyone who has taken a moment to read and comment on my words. You truly are what makes coming in every day to do this work matter so much.
Thank you for all the ways you, and everyone at Yankee, keeps the spirit of New England’s communities alive and well.
That you for being you and being there for us.
When my Yankee magazine arrives, I rejoice!
Have not lived in New England for years, but visit often. Your magazine gives me “Home”.
Thank you
This could not have been worded any better. As always Mel, you have a way with words. You don’t just communicate to people, you touch people.
Thank you Yankee!
I have long been a lover of Yankee Magazine for over half a century and it remains at the top of my list even more so in my retirement years. With every issue I share my love of New England with others as we continue to journey through life.
I had the pleasure of being selected to represent Maine in 2015 at the annual National Convention for American Mothers held in Washington DC. I was a proud representative then of my New England heritage and continue to be so now. Thank you for depicting our people and our way of life!
You must be a musician; you struck all the right cords and led us all in a better song. At 76, my song is called “Someday” Is Today !
“Duggie” it was so nice to find you again after all these years. I have such wonderful memories of your entire family. I even have a Pekingese like David’s, but I only have one! Hope you remember me with the fondness of my memories of you.
Renee
I did not know if you take unsolicited articles but I wrote a short story about asparagus in Hadley, MA with a bit about my grandfather who made a living out of it. I live in the historic Hockanum section and I describe it a little. Please send me an email if you would like to read it.