Discover Concord Fall 2023

fallWelcome

TThis fall, we’re looking forward to a vibrant arts and music scene, festivals, cider donuts, pumpkin picking, cozy sweaters, and evenings by the fire. There’s a lot going on in Concord this autumn, so don’t miss “19 Things to See & Do” on p. 10 and “Arts Around Town” on p. 70 as you plan your autumn fun.

With the beginning of fall comes a wave of visitors seeking the perfect view of New England’s gorgeous fall foliage. Articles and photo essays throughout the publication provide inspiration as well as information to guide your own search for the ideal Instagram post. We would like to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thanks to the Town of Concord for its support which has allowed the printing of several thousand extra copies of the fall edition to ensure that, as tourism increases, our wonderful visitors have access to all the resources found in Discover Concord – maps on p. 42, a list of where to shop/eat/stay on p. 41, and an easy guide to the locations and hours of all of Concord’s key historic sites on p. 56.

Another important visitor came to Concord – in September of 1824. General Lafayette, the last living general of the American Revolution, was greeted with fanfare we would only see today at a rock concert when he made a point of honoring Concord and Lexington – the hallowed ground where the first battles of the Revolutionary War took place. Read about his legacy and how his visit rekindled a sense of pride in American democracy across the nation, on p. 12.

Speaking of those first battles, did you know that the first colonial casualty at the North Bridge was the captain of the Acton Minutemen? Read about the incredible bravery and inspiring leadership of 30-year-old Captain Isaac Davis, the first commissioned officer to die for our country, in “’I Haven’t a Man Who is Afraid to Go’: The Acton Minutemen on April 19, 1775” on p. 16.

As you explore the communities along the Battle Road from Acton to Arlington (or Menotomy, as it was known then), you’re certain to want to stop in historic Lexington. From the massacre at Battle Green in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775, to the fury of Captain Parker’s revenge later that day, Lexington is home to many important monuments and museums that honor our nation’s beginning. Look to the fold-out insert for a spotlight on what to see and do as you visit Concord’s historic neighbor.

We take you back in time to learn more about the world of Concord in previous centuries through several articles

in this issue. “From English Hay to Asparagus” on p. 18 delves into agrarian traditions and how they have changed over time. “Concord’s Taverns: Social Networking Hubs of the Past” explores the important social and informationsharing role of meeting up over a pint on p. 26. And “Autumn in 1774 in Concord” on p. 28 brings to life the challenge the community faced in preparing for winter while preparing for war.

Life in autumn 2023 is perhaps more lighthearted. We embrace the fun of farm stands, pumpkin patches, and cider donuts – including a list of where to find them - on p. 60. And families will enjoy kid-friendly activities and recipes that celebrate the harvest season on p. 58.

Once you’ve got your pumpkins sorted, get in the mood for Halloween with “The Mystery of Reverend Bulkeley’s Tomb” on p. 52 and “Concord’s Haunted Colonial Inn” on p. 50.

So, welcome fall! And we welcome YOU – to the town we all love so much. Enjoy the sites. Enjoy the foliage. And be sure to enjoy the shops, restaurants, and friendly merchants who are all waiting to help you Discover Concord this autumn!

We’ll see you in the pumpkin patch!

Cynthia L. Baudendistel Co-Founder

Jennifer C. Schünemann Co-Founder

Zur Attias

“When we first met Zur we immediately were taken by his personality and his confidence! Can he be that good at sales? Can he be that good a negotiator? Does he know how to really market a home to a variety of buyers in different areas to maximize exposure?The answer is yes, he is THAT good. We had a lot of choices when looking for a broker to sell our home. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that had we chosen anyone other than Zur we would not have been as successful as we were. I say this honestly, I am always disappointed by people because it’s hard to live up to the “hype” in the sales and marketing business. Not only did Zur and his team not disappoint, they actually exceeded our expectations. A super special shoutout to Katie who is the operations manager and keeps so many things in the air- Katie is as kind as she is competent. I only wish we had more homes to sell.”

“It was such a pleasure working with Tricia Whitlock on the purchase of our beautiful home. From the very start, Tricia came across as a fantastic realtor who was friendly, open, and had an extensive knowledge of the market. She treated us like we were her only client, was extremely responsive, day or night, and gave us the best and pragmatic advice that we could ask for. Throughout the entire process of buying our house, we felt completely stress-free. Every interaction with Tricia was such a pleasure and it helped us fly through the whole buying process knowing that she had our back. When it came to negotiating, Tricia went to bat for us and worked within the parameters that we were comfortable with. In the end, we bought the perfect house for our family at a price point that we could only dream of, thanks to Tricia’s commitment and dedication. Tricia is a fantastic realtor and we highly recommend her!”

“Throughout the entire process, Derek’s professionalism and friendly demeanor made us feel comfortable and supported. He patiently guided us through each step of the home buying process, making sure we understood all the paperwork and legalities involved. His attention to detail was impeccable, and he always went the extra mile to address any concerns we had, making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. Derek’s genuine care for his clients and his dedication to delivering outstanding service truly set him apart, and we are beyond grateful to have had him as our real estate agent. If you’re looking for a real estate professional who will prioritize your needs and make your home buying journey a breeze, Derek Johnson is the one to trust.”

ZUR ATTIAS CEO/Broker

978.621.0734

Zur@Theattiasgroup.com

CEO/Broker at The Attias Group Real Estate

Tricia Whitlock Buyer Agent

Derek Johnson Buyer Agent

FALL 2023

Things

12 Epitomizing Unity in a Time of Devisiveness: The Inspiring Legacy of General Lafayette BY

16

JULIEN ICHER

“I Haven’t a Man Who is Afraid to Go” The Acton Minutemen on April 19, 1775 BY STEVE

CROSBY

18 From English Hay to Asparagus BY

RICHARD SMITH

20 The White Cottages of Church Green BY

JIM SHERBLOM

22 Honoring the Sacrifice of George Washington Dugan BY JOE

PALUMBO

24 Concord Festival of Authors BY

LARA WILSON

26 Concord’s Taverns: Social Networking Hubs of the Past

BY ABBY WHITE & EMERSON WHITE

28 Autumn 1774 in Concord: Preparations Begin BY ANNE

LEHMANN

30 West Concord Fall Celebrations BY JENNIFER

C. SCHÜNEMANN

insert Visit Lexington: The Birthplace of American Liberty

34 Painted Leaves BY RICHARD

SMITH

Contents Continued on Page 6

BY ANKE VOSS

BY JODY WEINBERG KOTKIN

BY JAIMEE JOROFF

EMILY MARINELLI

JAN TURNQUIST

CYNTHIA L. BAUDENDISTEL

BAREFOOT BOOKS

Contents Continued on Page 8

Concord’s Proven Real Estate Experts

In a competitive market, selecting the right real estate team is crucial to ensure optimal results. The Ridick Revis Group are top real estate producers armed with over a century of combined experience, providing unparalleled market insight and expertise. Whether you seek to buy or sell, The Ridick Revis Group delivers personalized attention and top-tier service to help you attain your real estate goals.

CO-FOUNDER

Cynthia L. Baudendistel

CO-FOUNDER

Jennifer C. Schünemann

ART DIRECTOR

Beth Pruett

DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR

Wilson S. Schünemann

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Olga Gersh

SUMMER INTERN

Emily Marinelli

ADVISORY BOARD

Patricia Clarke SARA CAMPBELL

Barbara Evangelista CONCORD

Kathleen Fahey

McGonigle

M. T. SANCHEZ

David Wood

Robert A. Gross

COVER PHOTO: First Parish, Concord, MA

© Richard Smith

AUTHORS/CONTRIBUTORS:

Cynthia L. Baudendistel

Pierre Chiha

Steve Crosby

Julien Icher

Stewart Ikeda

Jaimee Joroff

Jody Weinberg Kotkin

Anne Lehmann

Emily Marinelli

Joe Palumbo

David Rosenbaum

Brigitte M. T. Sanchez

Jennifer C. Schünemann

Jim Sherblom

Richard Smith

Jan Turnquist

Anke Voss

Abby White

Emerson White

Lara Wilson

Dave Witherbee

PUBLISHED BY:

19 Things to See & Do in Concord this

1 Concord Ag Day is a highlight of the fall calendar! This annual farmers’ market celebrates local agriculture and is your chance to meet the men and women behind Concord’s extraordinary farms. Join in the games, enjoy great food, and take home the season’s freshest produce. September 9 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. in downtown Concord at the intersection of Walden Street and Main Street. visitconcord.org/events

2

Explore the Elm Brook Hill Battle Site with Edmund Foster. Edmund Foster, a militiaman from Reading, MA, (portrayed by park volunteer Ed Hurley) will lead a tour to the Elm Brook Hill (Bloody Angle) Battle Site where he fought on April 19, 1775. He will be joined by Lincoln, MA, historian and author Don Hafner. Meet at the Hartwell Tavern. September 16 at 1 p.m. nps.gov/ mima/planyourvisit/special-event.htm

3

The Taste of Concord is back! Enjoy a lively evening of flavors from our local Concord restaurants, bakeries, and food establishments at the Nashoba Brooks School gymnasium! While you’re there, join in a guided tasting experience with over 50 wines, craft beers, and artisanal spirits. Sip, taste, enjoy! September 19 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. concordchamberofcommerce.org/ event/the-taste-of-concord-is-back

4

Immerse yourself in poetry and the beauty of the outdoors. Join the New England Poetry Club in the open-air tent at The Old Manse for free poetry readings on select Sunday afternoons. Take a stroll around the orchard and along the banks of the Concord River before or after the reading. You can even bring a picnic to enjoy on the grounds! September 24 and October 22. 2 – 3 p.m. thetrustees.org/ event/87240

Fall

5

It’s time for Porchfest! The streets surrounding West Concord Village will once again fill with music for the fourth annual West Concord Porchfest. Porchfest is a free, all-ages grassroots community music festival that has become a tradition across the country as musicians, story tellers, poets, and anyone with a talent performs on porches, driveways, and stoops. September 23 from 1 – 5 p.m. (rain date: September 24) sites.google.com/view/west-concordporchfest/home

6

Spend the day with our feathered friends at the Fall Migration Bird Walk. Head outdoors for a 1.5-mile bird walk and enjoy the beauty of fall as you learn to identify birds in their more subtle fall plumage at Minute Man National Historical Park. The event is free, but registration is required. September 28 from 8 – 10 a.m. friendsofminuteman.org/events/#fallbird-2023

7 Explore Concord Museum’s new exhibition, “Interwoven: Women’s Lives Written in Thread,” highlighting needlework produced by young women in New England, with a specific focus on the extraordinary collection of eighteenth and nineteenth century samplers at the Concord Museum. September 29, 2003 – February 25, 2004 (Curator Gallery Talk: September 29) concordmuseum.org

Courtesy of Minute Man National Historical Park

Hallowe’en at The Wayside

8

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Concord Free Public Library. Gather at the Town House to hear Town leaders declare October 1 as ‘Concord Free Public Library Day,’ followed by a reenactment of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s dedication speech for the Library given on October 1, 1873. Afterwards, there will be a parade, cake, live music, and activities for all ages on the Main Library Lawn at 129 Main Street. Free. October 1 at 2 p.m. concordlibrary.org

9

Join the Concord Museum and recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a program and performance by the Wampanoag Nation Singers and Dancers, a group of musicians and artisans from the tribal communities of Mashpee on Cape Cod and Aquinnah on Martha’s Vineyard. October 9 from 10 – 11 a.m. Free. concordmuseum.org

10

Prepare for war! In 1774, the preparation for winter was also a time of preparation for war in Concord. Colonial militia mustered to train their soldiers and scrambled to secure military supplies. Local families brought in their harvests to be preserved as food sufficient to feed their family through the coming year. This was one of last year’s most popular events – you won’t want to miss it! Meet at the Hartwell Tavern. Free. October 14 and 15 from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/specialevent.htm

11

Lend your support to the new makerspace at the Library. The Main Library comes alive with After-Hours @ the Library; a mix of music, art, puppetry, theater, and storytelling. Proceeds will benefit the new makerspace, Workshop @ the Library. October 14 at 7 p.m. concordlibrary.org

12 Think disobediently. In his new book, Henry David Thoreau: Thinking Disobediently, esteemed Thoreau scholar Lawrence Buell details the complexities and contradictions of Thoreau’s life and work; perfect for readers unfamiliar with this author, agitator, naturalist, and sage, this book is packed with new insights sure to interest seasoned scholars as well. October 19 at 7 p.m. thoreaufarm.org

13

Celebrate the written and spoken word at the 31st annual Concord Festival of Authors. This year’s Festival will include dozens of authors and events. Whatever your literary passion, you’re sure to find an event that will inspire! October 20 –30. concordfestivalofauthors.org

14

Don’t miss Discover West Concord Day! Spend an afternoon strolling the charming streets of West Concord and finding great bargains at the sidewalk sales. Bring the family and enjoy arts and crafts, food, live music, face painting, and more. October 21 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. visitconcord.org

15

Join in the spooky fun at Hallowe’en at The Wayside: Home of Authors! Head over to The Wayside for an evening of eerie history. Learn about the superstitions of Hallowe’en in the late 19th century and enjoy the haunting words of selected Nathaniel Hawthorne short stories. Free.

October 21. 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. nps.gov/mima/ planyourvisit/special-event.htm

16Celebrate Halloween at Hartwell Tavern. Do you believe in ghosts? Do you like history? Then join the Friends of Minute Man National Park at Hartwell Tavern. Share ghostly folklore and explore Hartwell Tavern. Candy will be available for trick-ortreaters of all ages, so don your costumes and come trick-or-treating at an 18th century tavern! Free. October 28. 5:30 – 9 p.m. (rain date: October 29) nps.gov/mima/ planyourvisit/special-event.htm

17Trunk or Treat! Bring your little ones to the Beede Center parking lot for a fun, and safe, trick or treat event. Free. October 29 from 2 – 3:30 p.m. concordrec.com/1453/Trunk-or-Treat

18Follow Henry David Thoreau’s excellent example and saunter this fall. Join evolutionary ecologist Amity Wilczek and historian Richard Smith for the Thoreau Sauntering Society’s Saunter at Thoreau Farm to explore the biological and historical importance of the Virginia Road landscape. October 29 at 2 p.m. Registration required. thoreaufarm.org/saunter

19Head over to West Concord for a pajama party! Anyone in the door at Debra’s Natural Gourmet by 9 a.m. gets 20% off everything (even sale items). And if you show up in your PJs, you’ll even get a free muffin. It’s a fun community event, with dozens of other merchants joining in the excitement. Stock up for the holidays and have a great time – there’s even “pajama story hour” for the kiddos at 9 a.m.! November 18 from 5 – 9 a.m.

Courtesy of Minute Man National Historical Park

Laurence Buell Courtesy of Thoreau Farm

Courtesy of the Concord Museum

Wampanoag dancers

Epitomizing Unity in a Time of Divisiveness

The Inspiring Legacy of General Lafayette

BY JULIEN ICHER

As the country prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the beginning of the American Revolution, many communities are planning celebrations to honor the singular story of the United States and commemorate the meaning of what it means to be an American. This effervescent environment presents a great opportunity to revisit the legacy of some of the historical figures that marked early American history by helping to establish the political foundations that have sustained the American experiment for 250 years. One of those pivotal figures is General Lafayette, a French-born hero of the American

ARevolution, whose legacy continues to be the recipient of the affectionate curiosity of the American people.

Lafayette was a French aristocrat who volunteered with the Continental Army, defying the will of his family to pursue what his heart commended him to do. His commitment to the American cause continues to be a powerful reminder of the universal appeal of the American Revolution. By the summer of 1775, at age 17, Lafayette was already an inducted member of the freemasonry and was imbued with the ideals of the western Enlightenment. Lafayette valued the noble

character of fighting to elevate the human condition. He was deeply convinced of the transformational character of the American Revolution.

In his view, the conflict represented the single greatest chance of establishing a nation founded on enlightened principles that could challenge the dominance of European authoritarian systems. Lafayette placed his trust in American leaders to forge a government serving the best interest of mankind. His selfless support for the formation of the United States lives on in the form of a continued remembrance of his life and values.

George Washington preparing his troops for the seminal siege of Yorktown, Virginia, that effectively ended the American Revolution, with Lafayette by his side.

LAFAYETTE IN THE UNITED STATES

Lafayette visited the United States four times in his life. He first arrived in South Carolina in 1777. Having returned to France in 1779, he made a second trip back to the U.S. aboard the Hermione, which landed in Boston in April 1780 with welcome news that military support from France was en route. Following the victorious end to the American Revolution, Lafayette returned to North America for the third time in 1784. During that trip, he traveled across most of the Atlantic states as far north as Portsmouth, NH, and as far south as Yorktown, VA. While in the north, he participated in the peace negotiations with the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy leading to the Treaty of Fort Stanwix in October 1784. In Virginia, he reunited with his friend George Washington at Mount Vernon.

More than 40 years later (at the invitation of Congress), Lafayette effectuated a triumphal tour of the United States from August 16, 1824, to September 7, 1825 - visiting all 24 existing states, and DC.

The country had changed greatly since Lafayette was last seen in the U.S. It had grown more polarized. The French Revolution had led to an ideological split within Washington’s Cabinet. Napoleon’s transatlantic ambitions agitated the Caribbean and stressed the U.S. diplomatic corps in Europe. Following the Louisiana Purchase, assimilating the populations living in Louisiana was a major preoccupation that lasted throughout the Jefferson administration. The War of 1812 had a devastating effect on American commerce, although a short-lived post-war nationalism gave the illusion that the U.S. was uniting again. It was a mirage. By 1820, the country was back on a dividing path. Northern industrial interests were ever more at odds with southern cotton exports. More states had joined the Union, as the economy looked increasingly West rather than overseas. Some of these new states welcomed slavery. Others prohibited it. The 1820 Missouri Compromise provided a temporary measure to preserve national unity. However, it concomitantly exposed the incapacity of the nation to resolve its differences on the subject. Finally, the developments of the 1824 presidential election fragmented the country even further. With a generation of Revolutionary War leaders dying out, the burden of ensuring the survival of the spirit of the American Revolution fell on Lafayette in 1824. He was decades younger than most of his brothers-

in-arms and was still able to serve as a reminder of that pivotal generation. For more than one year, he was a traveling exhibit of the Revolutionary War. Youngsters could see the great Lafayette, the intrepid Frenchman who had fought alongside Washington all those years ago.

Lafayette contributed a much-needed boost of confidence to the American people at a time when many doubted that their country would be more than just a short-lived experiment. He resuscitated awareness in the foundations of the country. He provided a platform for people to emphasize what they shared instead of what drove them apart.

With Lafayette among them, Americans celebrated the political and social results of the American Revolution and developed a desire to memorialize the foundations of the country. Arches were erected across the country in tribute to Lafayette. By honoring the Frenchman, the country was truly honoring itself and the progress it had made since its seminal revolution.

LEXINGTON AND CONCORD – UNITED IN HONORING LAFAYETTE

As part of his Farewell Tour to the United States, Lafayette visited Lexington and Concord on September 2, 1824. Lafayette was the epitome of the American Revolution, and the birthplaces of the conflict rose up with majesty to honor him. A spirit of friendliness, patriotism, and pride presided over the celebrations. Both towns vividly remember Lafayette’s visit to this day. Their connection to Lafayette cultivates an

environment of collaboration between all the communities whose story is woven together by the final journey of the Frenchman in the United States.

The Lafayette Trail, Inc. works closely with communities to honor the memory of Lafayette’s 1824-1825 Farewell Tour to America. To date, 122 markers have been installed in sites where Lafayette visited. Lexington, MA, will celebrate the 200th anniversary with a reenactment of Lafayette’s visit in September 2024. Concord, MA, has also been invited to include a marker to honor this ardent friend and supporter of the United States.

In many ways, our modern society is experiencing a moment that is reminiscent of what Lafayette witnessed in 1824. Political polarization is rampant, and trust is sorely lacking. However, just like in 1824, the country can be reminded that it possesses in its national institutions the resiliency necessary to bounce back from divisiveness. Furthermore, there are icons like Lafayette in our shared national history who poured all their energy into ensuring the formation of this country. Their sacrifices cannot be forgotten or overlooked.

Julien P. Icher is a 30-year-old French national. He is the founder and president of The Lafayette Trail, Inc., a nonprofit organization with the mission to document, map, and mark General Lafayette’s footsteps during his Farewell Tour of the United States in 1824 and 1825. Visit lafayette2024.org

© Julien Icher

A Lafayette Trail Marker, Honoring Lafayette’s Visit to Lexington, Massachusetts, on September 2, 1824

Where Concord’s History Begins

The Concord Museum’s sixteen new galleries feature the stories of this remarkable town. Founded in 1886, the Museum has over 45,000 objects in its collection, including the world’s largest collection of Henry David Thoreau’s belongings.

• Experience the day – April 19, 1775 – when the American Revolution began.

• Immerse yourself in the world of Henry David Thoreau through video and sound media.

• Learn about Concord’s enslaved and free African-Americans.

• Meet the People of Musketaquid, whose continuing culture began 12,000 years ago.

• Read about the women of Concord, including Louisa May Alcott, and their efforts to abolish slavery.

September 29, 2023

February 25, 2023

Explore the Concord Museum’s exceptional collection of 18th and 19th century needlework samplers to learn how young women captured the stories of their lives in thread.

On view September 29, 2023 – February 25, 2024

Thoreau’s Desk

“One if by land, and two if by sea”

Concord Museum, Gift of Mrs. Richard D. Boyer; T18.

“I Haven’t a Man Who is Afraid to Go”

The Acton Minutemen on April 19, 1775

BY STEVE CROSBY

The Acton Minutemen were formed at the end of 1774 at a town meeting. Tensions with England had grown to a boil, and towns everywhere were responding by training their men to fight. The town of Acton, which had previously been part of Concord, chose their best men from their existing militia units to form the new Minute Company, and those men voted 30-year-old Isaac Davis as their Captain.

It was the law of the land that every man between the ages of 16 and 60 was required to serve in his town’s militia. They were not paid and met twice each year to conduct marching and musket drills. By contrast, Minute Companies were paid and met twice each week to drill and train and were arguably among the best trained soldiers in the area when hostilities broke out in April of 1775.

On the evening of April 18, 1775, about 800 British regulars (soldiers) set out from Boston on a march to Concord, a trek of about 16 miles. Their objective, by order of

TGeneral Gage, was to find and destroy war materials they had learned were stockpiled there. Along the way, they hoped to also capture the leaders of the local uprising, John Hancock and Sam Adams, in Lexington. Their spies had told them that cannons, musket balls, barrels of flour, dried fish, canvas, and all manner of war supplies were being hidden all about Concord. Gage intended to stop any insurrection by the locals by confiscating their military goods before they had a chance to use them. But the local provincial towns and government had their own spies and got wind of the plan before the column even left Boston. Indeed, the word of their march was being spread through the countryside during the early hours of April 19 by the likes of Paul Revere, William Dawes, Samuel Prescott, and many other alarm riders prearranged to spread news of military movements by the British Army stationed in Boston. Throughout the night, cries of “the regulars are out of Boston and heading to Concord” could be heard in every town and village.

In Acton, the alarm arrived at the home of East Militia Captain Joseph Robbins, and he had his 13-year-old-son saddle up his horse at about three a.m. and head off across town to wake up Captain Isaac Davis, as well as the officers of Acton’s West Militia Company, and rally them to march to Concord. They had rehearsed this event a month earlier with other local towns, marching to Concord and meeting on a hill overlooking the North Bridge, where they jointly conducted musket drills and planned a response should the British Army move on Concord. So, when Isaac Davis and the other Acton officers got the word, they were ready. Alarm shots rang out across Acton in the wee hours of the 19th, the signal for individual militia and minutemen to grab their gear and head off to the home of their unit’s captain and be ready to march.

At Isaac Davis’ home, Isaac’s wife Hannah made an early morning breakfast for the men and helped them powder their wigs. Men rolled cartridges and prepared themselves for whatever might come their

All photos Courtesy of the Acton Minutemen

way. These men were farmers, shopkeepers, tradesmen—common citizens. They were not professional soldiers, even though they were trained, and many had been in the French and Indian War years earlier. In fact, 22 of the 38 men of Isaac Davis’ unit were veterans of that war. They knew that if they were to meet the British regulars in Concord or elsewhere, they wanted to be ready. Hannah Davis would later say that Isaac was very serious that morning. He had his men and his family to think about. When the unit was all formed up and started off, he halted the column and went back to Hannah, saying only “Take good care of the children,” before turning and heading off to Concord.

When the Acton Minutemen arrived at the hill in Concord overlooking the North Bridge, a number of other town militia and minute companies were already there and a meeting of the officers was in progress, which Isaac joined. While they were talking, a column of smoke was seen rising from the town center of Concord (accidentally lit by the British soldiers). One man yelled “Will we let them burn the town down?” to which a cry of “No!” rang out. It was decided to

move immediately on the bridge and the British soldiers guarding it. Isaac Davis and his Acton Minutemen were asked to lead the column, to which he stated, “I haven’t a man who is afraid to go.”

With bayonets fixed, the column swung around and headed down the hill, marching straight at them, with Concord’s Major Buttrick, the overall commander on the field at the time, at Isaac’s side. Next to Davis on the other side was young Abner Hosmer, a private in the Acton Minutemen. As they advanced, they were pinned in by stone walls capped by wood rail fences on both sides of them. As they approached the bridge, the British were attempting to pull up boards, but abandoned that task and ran across to the other side, where their fellow soldiers fired a volley at the column. The first shot missed everyone, but a second volley burst forth from the regulars, hitting Isaac Davis squarely in the heart and killing him instantly. Major Buttrick yelled “Fire, fellow soldiers! For God’s sake, fire!” The return volley killed two British soldiers, and after another minute or two of additional volleys, the British broke ranks and ran. The action

was over, and Acton took the brunt of it. Isaac Davis lay dead, and by his side, young Abner Hosmer lay dying with a head wound. Later in the day, another Acton man, James Hayward, would also be mortally wounded in Lexington. All three are now buried together under a large obelisk in Acton Center, never to be forgotten.

Acton’s deeds that day, along with those of men from Concord, Bedford, Lincoln, and many other towns in the area, were nothing short of heroic. It was the opening salvo of the American Revolution, which would rage on for six years, culminating in the formation of our great nation. Isaac Davis was the first commissioned officer to die for our country, and West Point cadets to this day learn his name.

Steve Crosby is the present captain of today’s Acton Minutemen. He grew up in Acton, living at various times in Patriots’ Hill, Minuteman Ridge, on Revolutionary Road, and directly on the Isaac Davis Trail itself. He has been a reenactor for 22 years and loves teaching the story of Acton’s own heroes to the greater world!

LEFT: Mike Sutila, Bob Stiles and Mike Audette of the Acton Minute Men wait in the woods for the arrival of the British column at Battle Road 2023.

ABOVE: The men and women of the Acton Minutemen reenactor unit in 2019

RIGHT: The alarm is delivered in Acton by David Loda to Colonel Francis Faulkner (played by Steve Crosby) during the 2022 Robbins’ Ride event

OPPOSITE PAGE: The Acton Minutemen fire a volley from the hill at NARA Park Winter Carnival 2017

From English Hay to Asparagus

By the middle of the nineteenth century, Concord had just turned 200 years old and had a population of around 2,000. Always a farming town, by the 1840s, Concord’s agricultural economy was in flux, and the crops and farms that had been so important to the town in its first 200 years were evolving. By the dawn of the twentieth century, Concord agriculture had changed in many ways, from the people who were farming to the crops they were growing.

In the 1820s, Concord was at the forefront of agricultural reform. The recently formed Society of Middlesex Husbandmen and Manufacturers promoted “the encouragement or improvement of agriculture,” and membership included not only the landed gentleman farmers but the working farmers that historian Robert Gross calls the “bone and gristle” of the town. The Society began holding its annual cattle shows in 1820, including agricultural exhibits and competitions in the county courthouse, with local farmers like Ephraim Wales Bull showing off their agricultural marvels.

By the 1830s, urban markets like Boston were starting to dictate what the farmers in the country were growing. The completion of

Bthe Middlesex Canal in the early nineteenth century meant that Concord farmers could now get their products to Boston faster and more efficiently. Life had changed for them; the ways their fathers and grandfathers had tilled the land were no longer effective or efficient. The old methods of farming “by halves – half-farming, half-cultivating, and half-manuring” – may have worked in 1775, but techniques were changing. It was time, agricultural reformers beseeched, “to break the power of habit and the charm of hereditary custom.” The modern farmer began to consult agricultural periodicals devoted to new farming methods, and they adopted the best new practices. New tools, such as the cast-iron plow, and agricultural techniques, like the use of chemical fertilizers, brought Concord’s farmers squarely into the modern nineteenth century.

The main problem facing Concord was an increasing lack of tillable land. What had been farmed for more than a century was wearing out, and a growing population was using up almost all available farmland. Concord’s agricultural system was based on the usage of grasses, cattle, and manure, and Concord’s pastureland was declining

BY RICHARD SMITH

in productivity. As an old adage stated at the time: “No grass, no cattle. No cattle, no manure. No manure, no crops.” Meadows and grasslands were essential to Concord farmers. Upland hay fields (the so-called English Hay) and lowland meadow grasses fed their cattle year-round, and collecting these grasses throughout the summer and into the fall was a time of almost continuous hard work, sweat, and worry. Henry Thoreau would comment in his journal, “There is no pause between English and meadow haying.”

Another important aspect of a farmer’s property was his woodlot. Not only did it provide firewood for the family, but it was also used as wooded pasture for cattle, sheep, and even pigs. Surprisingly enough, the vital importance of these woodlots does not mean that they were managed in a thoughtful or careful way. The constant need for firewood had thinned these lots by the nineteenth century, and, as a result, firewood was becoming scarce. Thoreau reported that he could not go anywhere day or night without hearing the sound of an ax, and by 1850 only 10% of Concord was wooded. “Thank god they cannot cut down the clouds,” Thoreau would write.

Making Hay by Winslow Homer; 1872

Another problem that faced Concord farmers in the decades before the Civil War was an exodus of young people from the country into the growing urban areas. Why toil away at a small farm in Concord when the textile mills in Lowell and Lawrence offered better wages? The west was also draining laborers away from New England. The farmlands of Concord and Massachusetts just couldn’t compete with the rich soil of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. As historian Robert Gross would note, by the 1840s “western grains were already winning the day in Boston markets.”

Cattle continued to be the mainstay of Concord’s farmers: salt beef and tanned hides were still in demand outside of Concord, especially in Boston. Once the railroad came to town in 1844, beef, butter, cheese, and milk could be shipped to Boston much faster, and by the 1850s, Concord was a town of dairy farmers. But with the increase of cattle came the increased need for English hay to feed them, and Concord’s grasslands were being expanded by clearing wetlands and woodlots.

Thoreau specifically made a point of making his bread out of cornmeal and rye, the old johnnycakes of the eighteenth century. Why spend money on wheat flour, he wondered, when you can make bread from crops meant for cattle and pigs? He saw the effect the railroad had on Concord’s agriculture: the influx of food items from other parts of the country led New England farmers to become increasingly specialized in what they could offer to outside markets.

As Concord’s farms became more dependent on these markets, it became

for growing it, and it became an important crop in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. According to farmer Steve Verrill, “the railroad came through Concord to Boston making for quick and easy delivery of the very fresh, early spring crop to a lucrative market. At one point, Concord produced 50% of the Massachusetts crop, and it was the leading producer of asparagus in the entire country.”

By the 1890s, the agricultural landscape of Concord was virtually unrecognizable from how it looked in 1800. Dairying and market-gardening, including the growing of asparagus and strawberries, became important specialties in Concord, and smaller farms were replacing larger ones as usable pastureland continued to shrink. As wood and farm products diminished in importance, land-use trends were reversing. Pastures shrank, and woods expanded onto stony sites covering 40% of Concord by century’s end. Along with these increasing woodlands was an increase in wildlife; animals that Henry Thoreau never saw, like deer, turkey, and beaver, began reappearing in Concord’s slowly regrowing woodlands.

By the second quarter of the nineteenth century, Concordians began farming crops primarily for outside markets, a massive change from the subsistence farming of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Whereas corn and rye were grown in abundance in the eighteenth century, the railroad was now bringing affordable wheat flour to town. While living at Walden Pond,

essential to hire more farm labor. In the years after the Civil War, most native-born Yankees were not willing to work on farms, but new immigrants from Ireland, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Italy were. And along with those new immigrants came new produce. Among those new crops was asparagus. The rich, fertile, well-drained soil of the Sudbury River valley was well-suited

By the end of the nineteenth century, Concord exceeded its carrying capacity. The town became so densely populated that its residents could no longer live sustainably on its 25-square-mile land. Concord went from a relatively self-sufficient community to a town highly dependent on outside resources. This was the world Concordians faced at the dawn of the twentieth century.

Richard Smith has worked as a public historian in Concord for 24 years, specializing in Henry David Thoreau, the transcendentalists, the anti-slavery movement, and the Civil War. He has written six books for Applewood Books.

Ephraim Wales Bull and his original Concord grapevine commons.wikimedia.org

Public domain

Central Part of Concord, Massachusetts by John Warner Barber; 1839.

The White Cottages of Church Green

BY JIM SHERBLOM

CColonial Concord was a small subsistence-level farming community. By the eighteenth century, provincial Concord was three times larger (1,500 people) and six times wealthier due to a rapid rise in commerce and manufacturing. The white cottages on the church green reflect Concord’s transformation.

#1 Church Green dates from the mid-eighteenth century when Captain John Adams built a shop here opposite his house at 57 Lexington Road. It was a craft shop displaying the various manufactures of local craftspeople, and it was said Captain Adams was up for a game of checkers night or day—and he generally won. He was elected to the board of selectmen, an unpaid role, but he could eat or drink for free at the Wright Tavern during council meetings. His unpaid role may have cost the town of Concord dearly.

#7 Church Green is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Concord, dating back to the mid-seventeenth century. In the early nineteenth century, it was the home of William Munroe, a cabinet maker building furniture and mahogany cases for his brothers’ clock shop on the Milldam. Before the War of 1812, even paper and pencils were imported from England. Following the war, Munroe developed a proprietary pencil-making process. He moved his family to larger quarters and eventually gifted Concord our Free Public Library. In the late nineteenth century, #7 Church Green was the home and workshop of a woodcutter named Joseph White. When he died, First Parish bought the house to use as the residence for its sexton and other transient workers.

#23 Church Green was built around 1800 by a carpenter and builder named Nathan Hosmer and served as his home and shop. In 1846, wheelwright Isaac Thayer bought it for his home with his shop a short walk away. Over the years this house was occupied by various merchants and craftsmen who rented here until they either were successful enough to buy a bigger house or else failed and moved on. These small white cottages are a testament to Concord’s growing nineteenth century commercial culture and how a small New England town adapted to the housing needs of its rapidly evolving culture.

#25 Church Green was also built in the early nineteenth century and occupied in the mid-nineteenth century by Nehemiah Ball with his wife, Mary Merriam. They were both descendants from old Concord farming families but not well suited to the farming life, so he worked in Deacon Vose’s tannery, a smelly and difficult business several yards from his front door, and buried himself in his books. He and Mary raised seven children, five girls and two boys, in this small house. He rose to be Concord’s constable and collector of taxes for several years, debated in the Lyceum, became superintendent of the First Parish Sunday school, a deacon of the church, town clerk, and justice of the peace. An auspicious life.

Jim Sherblom is a transcendentalist, amateur historian, retired Unitarian Universalist minister, and resident of Concord.

All photos ©Jim Sherblom

#1 Church Green

#7 Church Green

#23 Church Green

Honoring the Sacrifice of George Washington Dugan

BY JOE PALUMBO

CConcord is proud of its history. Concord, like many communities, is trying to do a better job of telling the full history of the town and looking to recognize the stories of people who may have been ignored or forgotten. Today, many Concordians are working hard to ensure that the town’s history includes the stories of all the people who have been a part of its fabric. For many years, the focus of Concord’s cultural heritage has focused on the “minutemen and muskets” involved in the early fight for American democracy, as well as the literary greats that influenced the Transcendentalist movement. Busts and paintings of Emerson, Thoreau, and Hawthorne abound. Yet, many do not know about the important contributions of Concord’s Black residents and the indigenous people who lived here for thousands of years before the English arrived.

This is starting to change. This year, for the first time in 160 years, the town paused to honor and celebrate the story of its Black native son, George Washington Dugan.

Dubbed “GLORY for George,” this celebration engaged visitors and locals alike to honor the legacy of George Washington Dugan on the 160th anniversary of his heroic sacrifice as a member of the 54th

Massachusetts, the first all-Black regiment of the Civil War.

George was born in Concord and spent his life here. His father, Thomas Dugan, a selfemancipated enslaved person from Virginia, had made his way to Concord and lived here as a farmer introducing the innovation of the Rye Cradle to local residents. George worked at the Middlesex Hotel in Concord Center. He was also a farmer, owned land, and paid taxes. Even though, as a Black man, he was denied equal rights as a citizen in the 1857 Dred Scott Decision, he remained loyal to the nation. George was moved to volunteer to serve in the first all-Black regiment of the Union Army, the 54th Massachusetts. When he enlisted on February 20, 1863, the 43-year-old widower was one of the two oldest men in Company A.

The 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment

was one of the first Black regiments to serve in the U. S. Civil War. Prior to 1863, no concerted effort was made to recruit Black troops as Union soldiers. The adoption of the Emancipation Proclamation in December of 1862 provided the impetus for the recruitment of free Black men as soldiers and, at a time when state governors were responsible for the raising of regiments for federal service, Massachusetts responded with the formation of the Fifty-fourth Regiment.

The formation of the regiment was a matter of controversy and public attention from its inception. Although Massachusetts Governor John A. Andrew believed that Black men were capable of leadership, others felt that commissioning them as officers was simply too controversial. The decision was made to maintain white officers, even as they enlisted black men to serve.

Any Black officers up to the rank of lieutenant were non-commissioned and reached their positions by moving up through the ranks. On May 28, 1863, upon the presentation of the unit’s colors by the governor and a parade through the streets

of Boston, spectators lined the streets with the hopes of viewing this experimental unit. The regiment then departed Boston for the coast of South Carolina, where they fought at Battery Wagner as memorialized in the film Glory.

Along with many of the 54th Massachusetts, George lost his life in the battle at Fort Wagner that summer and never returned to his hometown of Concord. The valiant efforts of those men were credited with inspiring more than 180,000 Black soldiers to enlist in the Union Army – a boost in manpower and morale that President Lincoln credited with turning the tide of the war towards victory and, ultimately, defeating the rebellion and eradicating enslavement throughout the United States.

Even with this storied history, Concord has never formally recognized its native son. As with many of his fallen unit, George’s body was never recovered. He was originally listed as “missing in action” rather than killed in battle. One hundred and sixty years after his death, citizens of the town, visitors, and military units from across the country joined in an emotional ceremony and celebration, providing formal military honors for George with the placing of a cenotaph at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.

Historian Marvin Alonso Greer spoke on the history of George Dugan’s contribution as well as the role that Black soldiers played in the Civil War. Black soldiers, in general, were not paid equally to their white peers,

and George Washington Dugan was never paid any amount for his service in the war. Nonetheless, Greer described George as “a man who fought for a country that did not fight for him.” Indeed, George risked everything for a town and a nation that would wait 160 years to fully acknowledge his ultimate sacrifice.

As our country wrestles with a more complicated yet complete understanding of its past, places like Concord can be at the forefront of sharing that history with the public and ourselves. In the middle of a wider conversation about race, justice, the mistreatment of indigenous peoples, and the

legacy of enslavement in the United States, Concord continues to reckon with its part in that history.

This memorial to George Dugan allows for public visibility and exposure – and a chance to learn about and honor a history that may be new to some but is essential to our collective understanding of Concord.

Joe Palumbo, born and raised in Concord on a farm along Battle Road, works as an interpreter and tour guide locally. He is focused on sharing both the well-known and the lesser-known local narratives as we work to broaden the story of all the people in our town.

All photos ©Edward Feather Photography

BY LARA WILSON

Concord’s literary legacy and natural beauty have inspired countless writers and readers to explore the art of storytelling. The 31st annual Concord Festival of Authors (CFA) celebrates the written and spoken word this fall with dozens of literary events throughout town on October 20 – 30. Managed by the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library, this year’s CFA also honors the library’s 150th anniversary as a community home for readers of all ages.

The CFA was created and run for 25 years by former bookseller and Concordian Rob Mitchell, who brought literary luminaries to town such as Noam Chomsky, Alice Hoffman, Gish Jen, Jamaica Kincaid, Dennis Lehane, and Barack Obama, among hundreds of others. Upon retiring, Rob ushered in new collaborative festival leadership for the CFA’s Bridge Year: Dawn Rennert, owner of the Concord Bookshop; Kerry Cronin, former library director; and Lara Wilson, founder of Concord’s mindful wellness non-profit, Be Well Be Here. The Bridge Year featured 40 literary events hosted by multiple Concord organizations, a challenging program to orchestrate with a team of volunteers. The following year, Rob officially handed the CFA management to the Friends of the CFPL, and Lara Wilson was appointed curator. Ultimately, the Friends and the CFA planning team decided that the end of October was ideal for a robust, inclusive literary festival in Concord.

During the pandemic, the CFA shifted from in-person events to an online model. Although this involved a steep learning curve for the organizers, the festival attracted global interest, featuring Keynote Speaker Jennifer Haigh and Miller Award recipient, Jill Lepore, to name a few. Larger virtual and in-person audiences gathered in 2021 for CFA Keynote Speaker Dr. Clint Smith, Miller Award winner Heather Cox Richardson, Thoreau Prize winner Robin Wall Kimmerer, and actor Chris Cooper in conversation with Orchard House Director Jan Turnquist. Over the next two

Cyears, hybrid livestreaming models accompanied experiential programs and outdoor events, such as writing workshops, Concord literary tours, and living history presentations.

The 2023 CFA kicks off with Keynote Speaker Jennifer De Leon, who will discuss The Power of Storytelling on Friday, October 20 at the Concord Free Public Library. In celebration of the library’s 150th anniversary, the CFPL Corporation presents award-winning author and Boston College professor Elizabeth Graver, on October 27 in the Goodwin Forum. The popular CFA Breakfast with the Authors returns to the Colonial Inn this year on Saturday, Oct 28, featuring longtime moderator and Concord resident Dr. Suzanne Koven with esteemed authors Julie Carrick Dalton (The Last Beekeeper), Marie Myung-Ok Lee (Hurt You) and Sandeep Jauhar (My Father’s Brain: Understanding Life in the Shadow of Alzheimer’s). Tickets will be available at the Barrow Bookstore and Concord Bookshop.

The CFPL will also feature the Friends of the CFPL’s Ruth Ratner Miller Memorial Award for Excellence in American History, the Leslie Riedel Memorial Lecture for Young People, The Stories of Us LIVE Storytelling, a Poetry Panel, and the CFA closing event, Mystery Night. Other organizations offering programs at the CFA 2023 include Barefoot Books, Barrow Bookstore, Concord Museum, Orchard House, The Robbins House, Thoreau Society, Transcendentalism Council of First Parish, and The Umbrella Arts Center.

Lara Wilson, curator of the Concord Festival of Authors and founder of Be Well Be Here, devotes her life to exploring the intersection of personal narrative and mindful wellBEing. Her short stories have been published in The Kenyon Review, StoryQuarterly, American Fiction, and Confrontation, among others. She received a 2010 Massachusetts Cultural Council Fellowship in Fiction, and scholarships from the Sewanee and BreadLoaf Writers’ Conferences.

“Books are the treasured wealth of the world and the fit inheritance of generations and nations.”

—Henry David Thoreau, Walden

Concord’s Taverns: Social Networking Hubs of the Past

In the early 1600s, the first taverns opened in New England to serve refreshments, specifically alcoholic beverages, to locals and travelers. Many taverns also served food, and some, designated as inns, provided shelter and beds to travelers passing through. In these early years of New England, taverns became an essential part of social life. With nothing remotely close to Facebook, texting, or even phones to talk to neighbors, people relied on in-person socializing to pass information. Taverns fulfilled a wide range of human needs, combining the basic requirements of food and shelter while satisfying a hard-working population’s craving for refreshments and social interaction. The taverns facilitated people’s need to connect, plan, and commiserate and provided a platform for people to be seen and heard.

In Concord’s early days, taverns and inns were vital stopping places for residents and travelers to assemble and seek shelter.

BY ABBY WHITE AND EMERSON WHITE

HConcord’s Colonial Inn, one of the more recognizable historic buildings in town, has been used as an inn and tavern for centuries. However, like many old buildings, the Colonial Inn has a history of other uses as well. During the American Revolution, which began with the historic battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, one section of Concord’s Colonial Inn was used to store weapons. Another portion, serving as the residence for a local doctor, was quickly converted into an infirmary, operating room, and morgue for fallen soldiers.

The Wright Tavern, located just across Monument Square, also played a key role at that time. It was used as a meeting place for Committees of the Provincial Congress when it met in Concord and as a rallying point for the minutemen in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775.

Hartwell Tavern was built in Concord as a residence and was later converted into a tavern by Ephraim Hartwell and his wife,

Elizabeth. By this time, the land had become a part of Lincoln. Regardless, the tavern remains important to Concord’s history as it reminds us that Concord’s community and history reach beyond the borders we know today. As Paul Revere was riding through Lincoln early on April 19, 1775, to spread the news that the British troops were on their way, he was captured. Dr. Samuel Prescott escaped and rode on past the area of Hartwell’s tavern, and onwards. The Hartwell family helped to continue spreading the alarm and the same day, Ephraim Hartwell and a few of his sons went to fight in the battles of Lexington and Concord. Families such as the Hartwells, who opened their doors to outsiders, helped build and maintain the community we enjoy today.

Centuries later, understanding the history behind these taverns allows us to connect with the structures and their original uses. Hartwell Tavern is now part of Minute Man National Historical Park and has been

© Emerson White

Hartwell Tavern

restored and staged to look as it did in the 1700s. Over time, the Wright Tavern has continued to function as a meeting place, although its modern uses are less public. Now owned by First Parish, the space is used for private offices.

In contrast, the Colonial Inn remains just as much a tavern and inn as it once was, with rooms for visitors, function spaces in which to gather for events, and several restaurants, including the Village Forge Tavern, which was a storeroom for supplies during the American Revolution. Some are familiar with popular ghost stories about the Inn, which is said to be haunted. Whether or not these stories are true, tales such as these prompt us to consider the past and understand the tragedy and dark times that accompany our town’s history. Perhaps this is another reason our predecessors found such value in taverns as an antidote to isolation and winter darkness. We still seek these comforts of community, warmth, and refreshments centuries later.

History repeats itself as sharing a drink and socializing in a small-town community remain a central part of life and culture for many Concordians and visitors. Stop by one of Concord’s restaurants and bars any night of the week to witness this firsthand. Concord has grown and developed with the times but holds true to certain ideals. The townspeople of Concord thrive on connection and community. Resilience through adverse conditions, like winter storms and bitter political times, demonstrates the strength of face-to-face connection. Tavern and inn owners have faced numerous challenges over the years, including wars, the National Prohibition Act of 1920, and the recent

COVID pandemic. The demand and desire for community and connection have won out time after time. Emotionally, physically, and socially, we need each other as a community. With new developments in technology and social media, it has become too easy to ignore our neighbors and slip into virtual life. The craving for true human connection prevails. The first Concordians, whether consciously or not, found ways to stay connected in-person. Today, we do the same, although with each Zoom call and take-out order, we risk losing the strong community connections on which Concord was founded. Public spaces, to be truly in front of one another, are vital to the history and culture of Concord and our surrounding community. So don’t forget to take time to slow down, go out to eat, talk to your neighbors, and refresh yourself in Concord’s taverns, inns, and restaurants of today.

Abby White grew up in Concord in the 1970s and 80s. She has a Master’s in Education and School Psychology from Tufts and has worked in residential real estate for 20 years. She is currently the Regional Director of the Concord LandVest office.

Emerson White is a 2020 graduate of Concord-Carlisle High School and a current Senior at Colgate University where she is studying Psychology, Sociology, and Education.

Public domain. Courtesy of the Longmeadow Historical Society

Concord’s Colonial Inn

Wright Tavern in 1904

Autumn 1774 in Concord: Preparations Begin

BY ANNE LEHMANN

IIn the autumn of 1774, colonists in Concord were preparing for the cold winter months and a potential military conflict with the British Army. This particular winter was quite difficult due to a domino cause and effect of events. As Jim Hollister, a park ranger with Minute Man National Historical Park, notes, “As a result of the Boston Tea Party in 1773, Parliament decided to make an example of Massachusetts Bay.” General Thomas Gage, who already commanded all British forces in North America, was appointed military governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1774. As one of his first official acts, Gage oversaw the closing of the port of Boston. He then executed Britain’s order to disband the elected local council and replace it with a council appointed by the King.

The effects of these decisions tipped the first of the dominos, and the rest fell

quickly. Colonial leaders began to organize and grow their militias by stockpiling arms, ammunition, and provisions to equip 15,000 men. Militia duty was now mandatory for any man between the ages of 16 and 60. Hollister says, “As they were preparing to go to war, many towns raised companies of volunteers who trained twice per week and would be ready at a minute’s notice, hence they were known as minute men.” In addition, colonists were laying out money for stockpiles of gunpowder, provisions, weapons, and firearms and creating special units to support the countryside areas. While the Boston Tea Party was planned and executed in the Boston area, colonists in the countryside felt the impact of the port closures. In October 1774, the First Continental Congress called for a boycott of British goods. Women began to produce

necessities at home instead of purchasing imports. This altered their workload as they sought to clothe and feed their families. Everything now was truly made in America.

As the weather turned cooler and then dropped to freezing temperatures, the need for warm winter clothing became critical. As David Robinson notes in his article, “Coping with Cold,” “Mothers took time to teach their children, usually their daughters, to spin fibers into threads. This was done so yarn could either knit a warmer sweater, to darn socks, or repair clothes that had become worn.”1 In addition, hoods were added to heavy cloaks to shield wearers from the bitter winds. Given the lack of imports, women were creative and looked for any cloth scraps and worn-out clothing they could find and turned the fabric into quilts or coverlets. Any other fiber available

All photos courtesy of the Friends of Minute Man National Park

was frequently quilted into coats to keep colonists warm.

Farmers knew the importance of selecting the right crops and succession planting to ensure that food was available throughout the long winters. Crops that lasted the longest were planted later in the spring as they could remain in the root cellars until well past the last snowfall. These were mostly root crops such as parsnips, carrots, turnips, and beets. Other crops that spoiled a bit easier were canned to add to the longevity of their freshness; cucumbers became pickles, apples became applesauce or apple butter, or the apples were pressed to make cider. Fruits and nuts were dried in the summer heat and provided an important source of nutrition during winter. Meats were either salted or smoked, turning them into beef jerky or smoked bacon. Grain from the fields was processed to for making bread or for animal feed. Finally, seeds were picked and stored in a dry area of the root cellar to be planted in the spring.

A steady supply of firewood was critical to surviving a New England winter, and with the need to house family, refugees, and soldiers, keeping everyone fed and warm was a priority. Enormous piles of firewood were cut

and stacked during dry springtime months. It was important that they prepared enough firewood to last the entire winter and early spring. This allowed for the wood to dry so it would burn cleaner and longer. Once the fire was started at the beginning of the season, it was continually fed to keep consistent heat throughout the winter.

Most colonists lived in cabins made from long timbers or logs. The logs were long but not always straight, so insulating the gaps was something they did to prepare for the wintertime, using whatever was available, mud, cloth, or even grass. Cows were needed for their milk, chickens for their eggs, and pigs for their meat. As a result, repairs to the barns, fencing, and outbuildings happened much as they did for the cabins. Fencing and barns were repaired, new hay was laid for nesting, and stalls were cleaned out to shelter as many animals as possible.

Preparing for the winter months in New England always entailed planning, hard work, and frugality, but the fall and winter of 1774 brought the added challenge of preparing for war. Concordians banded together to meet

whatever obstacles arose and not only survived but helped create a new nation.

Anne Lehman is a business consultant, journalist, and freelance writer. She has written for the Boston Globe and a number of other metro west publications.

1David Robinson, “Coping With Cold,” Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Accessed November 14, 2022. research.colonialwilliamsburg.org/Foundation/journal/Winter09/cold.cfm

West Concord Invites you to Celebrate With Family Friendly Events This Fall!

BY JENNIFER C. SCHÜNEMANN

West Concord is fully embracing fall fun, with events and activities for the whole family this year. From live music around the neighborhood to the village’s biggest annual birthday bash, you won’t want to miss the chance to discover what makes West Concord such a vibrant place for shopping, eating, and exploring.

Porchfest 2023 (September 23 from 1 - 5 p.m.) is a great way to get to know the neighborhood through the joy of live music. More than four dozen musicians and bands - playing everything from bluegrass to reggae - are matched up with hosts who transform their front porch into a stage for the day. Everyone is invited to listen (and dance!) to these fun-filled concerts. New this year, there will be an acoustic village for minimally amplified acts. To make the most of the day, pick up picnic goods at Concord Teacakes, Debra’s Natural Gourmet, Nashoba Bakery, Saltbox Kitchen, or bring a blanket or a beach chair, and make it a moveable feast! After the show, keep the evening going with drinks and dinner at Woods Hill Table, Adelita, or the West Concord Village Tavern. Or maybe grab a nice bottle of wine at Vintages or West Concord Wine and Spirits to bring home.

The foundation of Discover West Concord Day (Oct 21 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) is the annual birthday bash for Debra’s Natural Gourmet. This tradition has been going strong for more than 30 years – and like any great party, it’s more fun with friends! You are warmly invited to be a part of a fun-filled day

of celebrating the character, charm, and family fun vibe that makes this part of town so special.

Activities include sidewalk sales, arts and crafts, face painting, pumpkin decorating, food, live music, and even treats for kids wearing Halloween costumes! Reflections holds a sidewalk sale with some of their lowest prices of the year. Joy Street is always up to something fun. And many other merchants offer product demonstrations, samples, and great deals.

If you’re looking to support a great cause AND add to your art collection, you won’t want to miss the ‘sacrifice sale’ at A New Leaf.

Art for All has teamed up with local artists to offer beautiful artwork, art supplies, and equipment for sale at incredibly low prices – half of which goes to support the work of the Art for All Abilities program.

The shops and restaurants of West Concord invite you to participate in the “Love Local” campaign –an easy and fun way to shop local and support the creative and dedicated business owners who make West Concord such a thriving part of our community. Through October 4, simply shop at any West Concord business and ask for a stamp on your “Love Local” passport. Once you’ve shopped at six establishments, turn in your passport at visitors@concordma.gov or at the Fowler Library at 1322 Main Street and be entered for a chance to win prizes! A grand prize drawing will take place on October 4 – so be sure to show the love, locally!

© Debra’s Natural Gourmet

© Maia Kennedy Photography

WWest Concord Porchfest

VISIT LEXINGTON the Birthplace of American Liberty

From the first shots fired, that fateful morning in April 1775, to the vicious fighting of “Parker’s Revenge” that afternoon, the events that took place in Lexington, Massachusetts are forever etched in America’s history. As you explore the Battle Road and delve into the stories of the first battles of the American Revolution, we invite you to take in the many fascinating sites in Lexington that bring those stories to life. Here you will find our curated list of the ‘must see’ destinations in Lexington. For more information on each, simply scan the QR code next to the listing. Or better yet, take a walking tour with a traditionally costumed guide – or hop aboard the Liberty Ride Trolley Tour for a fun and fascinating journey into the very first battles that shaped this nation.

BATTLE GREEN

It was here, on the morning of April 19, 1775, that “the first blood was spilt in the dispute with Great Britain,” as George Washington wrote in his diary. In this first skirmish, 77 Lexington militia, often called Minutemen, faced 100 members of Major John Pitcairn’s advanced company of British Regulars. Although both sides had been ordered not to fire, the first casualties of the day took

place on this hallowed ground. Eight Minutemen lost their lives and 10 were wounded. Two British soldiers were also injured. After the battle, Samuel Adams exclaimed to John Hancock, “What a glorious morning for America!”

The Battle Green is a National Historic Landmark, and is considered consecrated ground, both for the blood shed on it and for the Minutemen who are interred here. It is one of only seven places in the United States where the U.S. flag is authorized by Congress to fly 24 hours a day. Take time to explore the Battle Green monuments:

• The iconic Henry H. Kitson Minuteman Statue

• The Revolutionary War Monument, a granite obelisk erected in 1799, where the remains of seven militiamen killed in the battle are buried

• Captain John Parker monument inscribed with: “Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon, but if they mean to have a war, let it begin here.”

• The Old Belfry, which sounded the alarm on April 19, 1775, calling the militia to the common

• The Old Burying Ground where Captain John Parker, ministers John Hancock and Jonas Clarke, and an unknown British soldier are buried

BUCKMAN TAVERN (CIRCA 1704-1710)

The oldest tavern in Lexington, Buckman Tavern was licensed to serve drovers in 1713, and served as a place for churchgoers during the Sunday nooning. Here, the Lexington Minutemen and militia gathered

© istock

Peter Blottman

in the early hours of April 19, 1775 to await the arrival British regulars. The interior today is much the same as it was when the tavern was the headquarters of the Minutemen. Among the many items on display is the Tavern’s old front door with a bullet hole from the 1775 Battle of Lexington.

To the left of the tavern is the Memorial to the Lexington Minutemen of 1775, erected in 1949, and containing the names of the Minutemen who died on the Green in the first battle of the Revolutionary War. The inscription reads “these men gave everything dear in life Yea and Life itself in support of the common cause.” Across from the Lexington Battle Green at 1 Bedford Street.

MINUTEMAN STATUE

A renowned symbol of American spirit and the tenacity with which the colonists fought for liberty, the Lexington Minuteman is a life-size bronze figure of a colonial farmer with musket by Boston sculptor Henry H. Kitson. It stands at the southeast corner of the Lexington Battle Green, facing the route of the British advance. Originally a functioning drinking fountain and watering place for men, horses, cattle, and dogs, it was unveiled on April 19, 1900, at the 125th anniversary of the battle.

The man atop the fieldstone base is honors Captain John Parker, leader of the Lexington militia in 1775, although no images of him exist. Medford resident Arthur Mather, among others, served as a model for the sculptor.

HANCOCKCLARK HOUSE (CIRCA 1698)

Home of the Hancocks and the Clarkes, this house was the destination of Paul Revere on the night of April 18, 1775, as he and William Dawes rode from Boston to warn the sleeping Samuel Adams and John Hancock (first signer of the Declaration of Independence) of the coming of British troops. The house contains period furnishings and portraits, William Diamond’s drum, and British Major Pitcairn’s pistols. A barn behind the Hancock-Clarke House serves as the Society’s Fire Equipment Museum. Location: 36 Hancock Street

LEXINGTON DEPOT

Built in 1847, the Depot building was once the social center and ceremonial heart of Lexington. At one time, as many as nineteen trains stopped there each day to transport passengers to and from Boston. This historic building has been renovated to serve as the headquarters of the Lexington Historical Society. You can visit this beautiful building, sign up for a tour of Lexington’s historic sites, and walk in the footsteps of John Hancock, Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and George Washington! Location: Lexington Center at Depot Square

Although called the “Minuteman,” the statue is intended to represent a member of the Lexington militia, local colonists who had volunteered to be first responders to military and other threats. The actual Minutemen were an elite subset of this group, young and fit and able to respond quickly. Captain Parker witnessed the horror of the British regulars firing upon his men, the morning of April 19, 1775. He also rained down fury on the soldiers as they fled back to Boston after the battle in Concord, in a heated battle known as “Parker’s revenge.” Location: Intersection of Bedford Street and Massachusetts Avenue, at the southeast corner of the Battle Green

MUNROE TAVERN (CIRCA 1690)

More than 300 years old, this former tavern served as a temporary headquarters and field hospital for British Brigadier General Earl Percy and his 1,000 reinforcements on the afternoon of April 19, 1775. Fourteen years later, President Washington dined at the tavern when he visited the Lexington battlefield in 1789. The tavern contains artifacts from his visit and many articles used by the Munroe family when they ran the tavern from 1770 to 1827. Location: 1332 Massachusetts Avenue

Courtesy of Freedoms Way

istock John Blottman

North Photography

Hancock-Clark House

Lexington Depot

Munroe Tavern

Muniuteman Statue

Buckman Tavern

© istock River North Photography LIMITED VISIBILITY AREA... 0.25” FROM BIND EDGE

THE OLD BELFRY

Originally built on its present site in 1762, the Belfry was moved to the Battle Green in 1768. From there the bell summoned people to worship, warned them of danger, tolled on their deaths, and sounded the alarm on April 19, 1775. After the original structure was lost to fire, this exact reproduction was built in 1910 on the Belfry’s original site on Belfry Hill. A plaque marks its previous location on the Battle Green. Location: The Belfry is located atop the hill at Massachusetts Avenue and Clarke Street — to your left as you face the front of the Minuteman Statue.

THE OLD BURYING GROUND

The gravestones on this site, dating from 1690, are the oldest in Lexington. Burials here include many Revolutionary and Civil War soldiers and veterans, including a British soldier wounded on the British retreat from Concord on April 19, 1775, who died three days later in Buckman Tavern. Location: The Old Burying Ground is located off Massachusetts Avenue, west of the Lexington Battle Green. Walk in from Harrington Road at the stone marker next to the church.

SCOTTISH RITE MASONIC MUSEUM AND LIBRARY

Established, in 1975, this unique museum tells the story of Freemasonry and fraternalism in the context of American history through exhibitions, collections, publications, and programs. They aim to foster knowledge and appreciation of America’s past and culture, with a focus on United States history. Many interesting online and in-house exhibits of Americana. Location: 33 Marrett Rd.

Raising the Stars and Stripes for the first time in home waters, Painting by F. Muller

Lexington Welcomes YOU!

Lexington has much to offer, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our historic town. Stop by our visitors center at 1875 Massachusetts Avenue, across from the Lexington Battle Green, and let us help you plan your day in Lexington with information about the town and the surrounding area, tours, a gift shop, and more.

A great way to take in all the sites is to take a tour with one of our costumed guides! Get up close and relive history with through fascinating insights into colonial life – meet a reenactor, see the places where American history was made, and walk in the footsteps of those whose actions led to the creation of a new nation.

Another great way to see the sites of Lexington AND the neighboring sites of the Battle Road and historic Concord is to hop aboard the Liberty Ride Trolley Tour! This ninety-minute narrated tour lets you see more and experience the full range of the battles of Lexington and Concord.

USS LEXINGTON MEMORIAL

A moving tribute to the five ships named for Lexington and the people who served aboard them. They include a 1776 Brigatine, an 1825 Sloop of War, an 1861 Timberclad, and a 1925 and 1942 Aircraft Carrier. The bell from one of the ships is also on display at the Lexington Visitors Center. Location: Next to the Visitors Center

For more information, or to book your tour, please visit the Visitors Center or scan the QR code. We look forward to welcoming you!

1875 Massachusetts Avenue

Open Daily 9am to 4pm Tel. 781-862-1450

© istock/Peter Blottman

© istock/Dan Logan

Courtesy of the Lexington Visitors Center

The Old Befry

The Old Burying Ground

Painted Leaves

BY RICHARD SMITH

O“October is the month for painted leaves,” Henry Thoreau wrote in 1860. “Their rich glow now flashes round the world.” And while it’s true that other parts of the world experience autumnal tints every year, they seem to be brighter and more vivid in New England. The annual parade of “leaf peepers’” who visit the Concord area attests to that.

But it’s not just tourists who ohh! and ahh! over our colorful leaves. When it comes to spotting a tree ablaze with color, I’m as giddy as any tourist and instantly pull off to the side of the road to click away with my cellphone camera like I’ve never seen the leaves change before. And I’m guilty of this every single year.

Devoted Thoreauvian that I am, Henry’s “Autumnal Tints” essay is never far from my mind when October rolls around. Red maples, sugar maples, scarlet oaks; whenever I see their fall colors, I immediately wonder what he had to say about each particular tree and its colorful leaves. As soon as I’m done clicking away, my pictures appear on my social media pages, along with the appropriate Thoreau quote, of course! And I wonder how Henry ever got along without a smartphone.

Concord has many extraordinary places to enjoy the yearly “Autumnal Tints.” Thoreauvian or not, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to leaf peep around town and beyond. Here are some of my favorite places for autumn color.

Minute Man National Historical Park has a walkable trail from Lexington to Concord, and the sheer variety of colorful trees every year is breathtaking. As you stroll along looking at the colors, you almost forget you’re walking along a battlefield.

Leaving Concord via Route 117 takes you to forested Concord and Lincoln Conservation Land for your autumnal fix.

Above: Walden Pond

Right: Old Hill Burying Ground in Concord

All photos © Richard Smith

Walden Pond is just one of several ponds around Concord; Goose Pond, White Pond, Flint’s Pond, and Farrar Pond in Lincoln offer rich colors every fall. No wonder Thoreau called this “the lake-country of New England.”

Concord has great cemeteries, and the trees in them are spectacular in the autumn. Thoreau found a particular irony in the beauty of the dying leaves covering the graves of his fellow townsmen, writing “These leaves teach us how to die…How beautifully they go to their graves!” Transcendentalist that he was, Thoreau couldn’t help but comment on the circle of life that we witness every October.

There are many sites online that track fall foliage each year. Visit one of these sites to discover when the foliage will be at its most colorful:

• almanac.com/fall-foliage-color-map-whenpeak-foliage

• leafpeepers.com/newengland.htm

• npr.org

This beauty is available every fall and best of all, it’s free! All you have to do is drive down the road, take a walk in the woods, or just look out your window. Whether you’re in Concord or elsewhere, I hope you get the chance to get out and experience the beauty of what Thoreau called our “annual show.”

Richard Smith has worked as a public historian in Concord for 24 years, specializing in Henry David Thoreau, the transcendentalists, the anti-slavery movement, and the Civil War. He has written six books for Applewood Books.

Above: Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Concord

Left: My favorite tree sits at the intersection of Lexington Road and Route 2 in Minute Man National Historical Park.

Minute Man National Historical Park along Lexington Road

As the Concord Free Public Library celebrates its 150th anniversary, we reflect on some important historical moments.

William Munroe (1806-1877) was the son of pencil maker and cabinetmaker William Munroe (1778–1861) of Concord. He was also the founder and primary benefactor of the Concord Free Public Library. The younger William was born in Concord in 1806 and entered the dry goods and textile business in Boston, New York, and abroad, where he made his fortune. Just before the Civil War, William retired and returned to Boston but spent time at his family’s home on the corner of Main Street and Academy Lane in Concord every summer. At this time in his life, the idea of a new library took shape, one that would build on the long tradition of libraries in Concord.

Concord’s first library, the Charitable Library Society, was formed in 1795 and was a subscription library supported by membership fees. In 1821, the collection and membership were absorbed into the new Concord Social Library. The new library was a proprietary model owned jointly and operated by shareholders—a model common in New England then.

BY ANKE VOSS

A Concord Free Public Library Celebrates 150 Years

In 1851, the Commonwealth passed an act to authorize Massachusetts cities and towns to establish and maintain public libraries. Concord approved the creation of the Concord Town Library, its first public library, that same year. Without a permanent location, the Library kept its collection, which began with approximately 1,300 books from the Concord Social Library, first in the Court House and then in the Town House on Monument Square.

The Concord Town Library was a modest operation. At its most significant, it consisted of 7,000 volumes and did not have a building of its own. William Munroe initially thought to provide for the Concord Town Library in his will. As time passed, though, Munroe felt that Concord, with its rich historical and literary heritage, deserved something better.

Munroe concluded that the Library would need to sit near the center of town if it were to be the center of Concord’s culture and history. However, a house built by James Holden in 1740 and occupied by one of Concord’s most prominent residents, lawyer Nathan Brooks, his wife, abolitionist Mary Merrick Brooks, and their son, George Merrick Brooks, stood on the lot that Munroe preferred. Munroe bought the central part of the library lot at the Main Street and Sudbury Road intersection from George Brooks in 1869 for four thousand dollars. Brooks soon moved his family’s home to Hubbard Street, where it still stands today.

The lot provided a central and accessible location for the planned Library building as Munroe had envisioned and allowed for future expansion. To that end, Munroe also purchased land behind the Brooks property, made the necessary legal arrangements with abutters to prevent new construction between their homes and the library lot, and

All photos courtesy of the Concord Free Public Library

Concord Free Public Library (front of building) 1873 by Augustine H. Folsom

Concord Free Public Library reference department, 1873 by Augustine H. Folsom

arranged for specific road improvements connected with the project—in particular, the widening of Main Street from the corner of Walden Street west to the library site.

Having solicited plans from several respected architects, Munroe chose the Boston firm of Snell & Gregerson to design the Library. Construction began in 1872 and the Library was dedicated on October 1, 1873, featuring a keynote address by Ralph Waldo Emerson at the Town House and other festivities. The Fowler branch of the Concord Free Public Library, designed by architect Harry B. Little, was dedicated in 1930.

Munroe devoted much effort to planning a form of management that would ensure his Library’s viability and long-term growth. He was directly responsible for setting up the administrative structure by which the Concord Free Public Library is still governed today. The Library is supported by a combination of public and private funding

and managed through the mutual efforts of a nonprofit corporation and a municipal library committee. Furthermore, from the beginning, the Library has been committed to fulfilling

functions well beyond the traditional definition of what a public library does, including maintaining valuable manuscripts, archival records, books, photographs, and artwork (what we now know as Special Collections).

Even as the Concord Free Public Library has changed, there has been a continuing recommitment to the high standards of its founder and the idealistic aims that informed its establishment. William Munroe understood that growth and change were vital to long-term institutional health, and he had the foresight to provide for them strategically and financially. Thanks to William Munroe’s vision, the last 150 years attest to the fact that, with sufficient planning, valued resources and services may be preserved and transformed.

Anke Voss is curator of the William Munroe Special Collections at Concord Free Public Library.

William Munroe (1806-1877)

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Reaching New Heights with the ASL Choir at Kerem Shalom

BY JODY WEINBERG KOTKIN

The cantor’s final notes echoed through the sanctuary, and a hush fell over the congregation while the rabbi continued conducting—guiding the ASL Choir as they gracefully delivered an additional piece of liturgy, bringing the prayer to its completion.

Living their values—community, joy, and respect for the dignity of every person—is what Kerem Shalom, a progressive synagogue in Concord, MA, is all about. Being inclusive is at the heart of all they do, and there is a heartfelt belief that there can only be true community when all are included, and all programming is accessible.

When Rabbi Darby Leigh (affectionately known as Rabbi Darby) joined the community ten years ago, he became one of only two U.S. rabbis who are deaf to lead hearing congregations. “I thought it would be wonderful to serve a synagogue where there was enough American Sign Language (ASL) awareness that we could lead some community prayers through ASL,” shares

All photos courtesy of Kerem Shalom

TRabbi Darby Leigh signing

Rabbi Darby Leigh directing the ASL Choir

Leigh. “Sing and sign include the same letters. They’re very similar. I thought this community would appreciate that instead of your voice being the instrument of prayer— you literally put the words of liturgy into your hands, arms, face, and shoulders.”

Kerem Shalom began offering ASL classes as a precursor to creating an ASL Choir, as choir participants were required to have at least a rudimentary knowledge of ASL. Starting in 2017, choir members began to sign their first prayer, an undertaking that has evolved into an annual tradition. Each year, Rabbi Darby preselects a few pieces of liturgy that he plans to use over the High Holy Days. Choir members choose a prayer and then translate it from Hebrew into English and then into ASL. “ASL is a language with its own grammar and syntax. We are really trying to capture the meaning

of the liturgy and not create a word-for-word translation.”

Once the choir has committed the ASL translation to memory, Kerem Shalom Cantor Rosalie Gerut introduces an additional layer by infusing the prayers with her melodious voice, following the choir’s ASL, striving to achieve harmony through synchronization. “If we can get the timing right—that’s magic,” exclaims Rabbi Darby. And then, each fall, during High Holy Days services, the choir unveils a brand new ASL translation, which becomes part of their repertoire. “Witnessing the transcendent beauty of the ASL movement of hands, arms, and fingers during the musical chanting of our Judaic prayers is deeply inspiring,” says Gerut.

Rabbi Darby is especially proud that Kerem Shalom walks the talk. They’ve not only made inclusiveness part of their mission,

20

they’ve taken it to the next level. From the ASL Choir taking part in many Shabbat services throughout the year, to interpreters at numerous services and events, to Hebrew School Reimagined students learning to sign a Hebrew folk song at the end of every community gathering—”It’s part of living our values.” Rabbi Darby hopes the ASL Choir inspires others in the community to study ASL and even consider joining the Kerem Shalom Choir!

Learn more about Kerem Shalom offerings at keremshalom.org

Jody Weinberg Kotkin is the owner of Mass Communications Concepts, a marketing and communications firm in Greater Boston, specializing in internal and external communications, website content and development, and social media.

Celebrating the written and spoken word with a global audience for over 30 years!

This year’s Concord Festival of Authors highlights the Concord Free Public Library, which celebrates its 150th anniversary in October! The CFA is planned under the auspices of the Friends of the Concord Free Public Library in partnership with Library staff, and with financial support from the Library Corporation.

“…instead of your voice being the instrument of prayer—you literally put the words of liturgy into your hands, arms, face, and shoulders.”

Concord’s Haunted Colonial Inn

BY JAIMEE JOROFF

There are some tales that have so seeped into a place that it is best to leave them be or risk upsetting the spirits who dwell within. But sometimes, even if you mind your own realm, the spirits come out and find you. Such is the case in Concord’s Colonial Inn, which sits in the town center overlooking Monument Square.

The Colonial Inn tops the Historic Hotels of America’s list of Most Haunted Historic Hotels. Television shows such as Ghost Hunters have filmed episodes in the Inn, and professional paranormal investigators and enthusiasts continue to be drawn here by reports of unusual happenings, such as disembodied voices, glimpses of ghostly children roaming the halls, apparitions of Revolutionary War era soldiers, blinking lights, and banging noises in empty rooms. But how did the Inn, the home of these spirits, get here, and what summoned them here?

TTo find out, we travel back through the mists of time to the town of Saffron Walden in England, where we find ourselves surrounded by a haze of smoke rising from a dreadful funeral pyre. The year is 1555; “Bloody Mary,” the eldest daughter of the recently deceased King Henry VIII, is now Queen of England and wreaking revenge across the country, burning Protestants at the stake as she tries to restore the Catholic faith her father rejected when he divorced her mother and proclaimed himself the head of the Church of England. In Mary’s reign, over 300 protestants are burned alive, including in Saffron Walden. Previously known as “Weala-denu” (the Old English word for “Valley of the Britons’’) the town gained fame in the 1400s for its cultivation of the saffron plant whose dye produced the royal purple color seeped into fabrics worn by kings, queens, and aristocrats, and the town name was modernized to Saffron Walden.

In this community, wearing the simple garb of yeoman, we find members of the family Minot. Church records show that they, too, had joined King Henry’s Church of England but, luckily for them, seemed to have escaped the wrath of Bloody Queen Mary. By the early 1630s, King Charles I was heavy-handedly ruling, and an English Civil War was brewing. In the upheaval, thousands of English families began sailing for the new world. Among them, from Saffron Walden, came George Minot. It is believed that Minot and his young family landed in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1633 and settled in Dorchester.

Shortly behind them, in 1635, aboard the Susan & Ellen, escaping from King Charles I’s religious restrictions on Puritans, traveled Puritan minister Peter Bulkeley. Upon arrival, Reverend Bulkeley forged inland and became one of the founders of Concord,

“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

- Sherlock Holmes (creation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, writer, and paranormal investigator)

Massachusetts. Bulkeley owned many properties around the town center, some of which his widow sold in 1660 to another early Concord settler, Timothy Wheeler. Twenty years later, Timothy Wheeler’s daughter, Rebecca, married George Minot’s grandson, James Minot, when he moved to Concord to work as a doctor, minister, and justice of the peace. When Timothy Wheeler died, James and Rebecca inherited some of the land he had purchased from Bulkeley’s widow and, sometime before 1716, they likely built the first home on the property. This structure would become the oldest part of today’s Colonial Inn. If you look at the front of the Inn today, it is the section to the right on the east side of the building.

James willed the house to his son, James Minot II, a lieutenant colonel in the French and Indian War who was instrumental in devising strategies to defeat the French. Upon James II’s death, his son, Ephraim, inherited the house. A few years later, Ephraim sold it to his first cousin, Timothy Minot Jr., a doctor who lived a few doors away in Concord Center and owned several other houses in town. During Dr. Minot’s ownership, a second building was constructed to the left of the first house. (Today, this is incorporated into the middle portion of the Inn). It is believed this new building was a storehouse for military supplies that colonists had moved to Concord to hide from the confiscating grasp of British forces stationed around Boston.

As recorded by Dr. Timothy Minot in a sworn deposition, on the morning of April 19, 1775, word reached Concord that the Regulars were headed there to find and seize arms and provisions and had fired upon Lexington men. “Fearing that hostilities might be committed at Concord,” Minot took his family from town. He was returning “towards my own dwelling”

when he arrived at the North Bridge just in time to witness the Regulars firing “one gun, then two, then three more” on the colonists and the colonists returning fire. A swift battle followed, leaving two colonists dead and four wounded, and three Regulars dead/dying and nine wounded.

British commander Lieutenant Colonel Smith had come from Boston without surgeons or transport wagons to manage battlefield casualties. In dire need, injured colonists and British soldiers were brought to Dr. Minot and fellow doctor John Cuming; by all accounts, the injured were treated with dignity and to the best of the doctors’ abilities.

In 1789, Dr. Timothy Minot sold the storehouse to Deacon John White (who added another building to the left) and sold the original Minot home to his son-inlaw Ammi White, a cabinet maker whom conflicting legends suggest used a hatchet to finish off a suffering British soldier left behind at the North Bridge after the battle. Ten years later, Ammi White sold the house to Henry David Thoreau’s paternal grandfather, John Thoreau, a merchant who had been thrown upon American soil in a shipwreck and made his fortune as a privateer plundering British ships during the American Revolution. The house stayed in the Thoreau family for forty years; Henry’s aunts ran it as a boarding house, and he lived there between 1835-37 when he was home from studies at Harvard –eight years before he moved to Walden Pond.

Over the decades, the property and three buildings changed hands and appearance several times until all three buildings fell

under one owner, were connected, and opened as a hotel in 1897. Stories from Concord’s past and the infamous events of April 19, 1775, rose from the ashes of time and were pulled by an unknown force into the Colonial Inn. Like saffron dye, these tales seeped through the winding passages of the interconnected buildings, permanently saturating the Colonial Inn.

As guests came and went through the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, enjoying the Inn’s rooms, afternoon tea, fine dining, and firelight in the Village Forge Tavern, reports of curious incidents were shared by innkeepers, guests, and staff. Tales began to spread that Concord’s Colonial Inn was haunted, its lore eventually transforming the Inn into one of America’s most haunted hotels. To this day, the Inn is a welcoming place for all. And should you wish to have an elegant meal in the Merchants Row main dining room (named for privateer/merchant John Thoreau), a cup of tea in the Thoreau Room (named for Thoreau’s aunts), enjoy a pint by the fireplace in the eighteenth century style Village Forge Tavern, or perchance seek a spirit or two on your own or with a paranormal tour, Concord’s Colonial Inn is the place for you.

A Concord native, Jaimee Joroff is manager of the Barrow Bookstore in Concord Center, which specializes in Concord history, transcendentalism, and literary figures. She has been an interpreter at most of Concord’s historic sites and is a licensed town guide.

All photos © Jaimee Joroff

The Mystery of Reverend Bulkeley’s Tomb

BY EMILY MARINELLI

Upon my first visit to the Old Hill Burying Ground, the first established cemetery in Concord, I noticed the trees hanging low over the gravestones. The branches looked heavy, as if they were too full of water. Each leaf dipped towards the ground, begging to fall, and when they did, I was shocked to see they fell gently. They looked so strange that I thought they would hit the ground hard like a weight. It’s odd the effect death has on the living things surrounding it.

The Old Hill Burying Ground certainly lives up to its name, with its first marked gravestone dating back to 1677 and its last not reaching the twentieth century. The headstones are so old that they jut out of the ground in jagged positions, with most of their writing illegible.

Many graves are unmarked because the cemetery was established during a time of great tension between the settlers and the Indigenous population. After the town was founded, the settlers did not want to appear weak to the native people, so they hid their

Udeaths from them. Settlers would bury their dead in unmarked graves and make quick work of the burial.

However, within this graveyard of the nameless dead, there is a tomb that stands out. While there are many tombs on the grounds that house famous people, this one is unmarked. Many believe the town founder and ancestor of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Reverend Peter Bulkeley, is buried here with his family.

According to the town records of the local graveyards, in the 1960s, the Cemetery Committee of the time, comprised of Charlie Dee, Ruth Wheeler, Barr Wood, and Charlie Voigt, was commissioned to repair the mysterious brick tomb. The town records contain a letter from Charlie Dee to Ruth Wheeler describing the tomb’s contents. According to Dee, there were six coffins, but two were crushed under the weight of the caskets on top of them.

One coffin was large enough to accommodate a tall man. This is where

Reverend Bulkeley may rest. Dee noticed that this particular coffin had a “square glass viewing hole,” which differed from the round ones found in the other coffins within the tomb. The tomb is also located near the church, which was a sign of importance, according to Ruth Wheeler.

Every sign points to this tomb housing a notable person like Reverend Bulkeley, yet it remains unmarked. It begs the question: Why go through the trouble of creating a tomb that cannot be done quickly and is certainly not hidden to leave it unmarked?

It is possible that the grave was marked, but it eroded over time, or perhaps, the ones that were buried wanted to be kept secret. What is left is a mystery that may never be solved.

Emily Marinelli is a Tufts University Student majoring in English Literature. She was born and raised in Rhode Island where she learned to write poetry and short fiction.

Old Hill Burying Ground, Concord, MA

“The Best Blind Band in the Land”

Discovers Orchard House Through Touch

BY JAN TURNQUIST

Take one beloved band director with vision, add 25 blind marching band students; mix well in Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House and voila! You have an extraordinary, never-to-be forgotten experience. This summer we were privileged to welcome the nationally-recognized blind marching band, the Marching Panthers from the Ohio State School for the Blind, for a truly extraordinary event.

Al Dentino, retired band director for Concord-Carlisle High School (CCHS), helped organize the event which began in the School of Philosophy on the grounds of Orchard House. There we had set up stations where the students could explore by touch a model of the exterior of Orchard House as well as the interior floor plans. A typical costume of the era, complete with

Thoop skirt, was set up on a mannequin to give the students a sense of what Louisa May Alcott would have worn. And on a table was a most unusual book. In the Orchard House attic decades ago, I had seen a copy

of Little Women in Braille—or so I thought! I was delighted to find that it was still there; however, I could now see that the book was not written in Braille but was written with raised letters. Such books were a precursor to modern-day Braille and are no longer made, so I thought it would be especially interesting for the students to feel this raised letter version of the beloved book.

After experiencing the objects in the school, we broke the students with their sighted guides into groups and took them through the rooms of Orchard House. Our emphasis was not to describe each room in detail, but instead to take a moment in each room to first experience the atmosphere in silence. There is a smell and an ambience in the house that can be felt without eyesight. After a few words in each room, we also

All photos courtesy of Orchard House

had an object to pass around. One of the favorite objects was a skein of raw flax. After explaining that the Alcotts, who were strong abolitionists, were boycotting slave-produced cotton, we explained that flax could be grown on the Alcott’s own property and then spun and woven into linen fabric. First, we passed around a skein of flax thread. “It feels like hair!” exclaimed one student. The same young man then said, “It smells like peppermint!” While the sighted observers did not seem to discern this, other blind students agreed.

Because Al wanted me to appear as Louisa after we exited the House, I needed him to make it clear to the blind students that I was now standing in front of them in costume, which he did deftly by saying, “Oh here’s Louisa Alcott; she’s wearing a dress just like the one you felt in the school.” At that point, I was free to speak in character about my friends at the Perkins School for the Blind in Boston. As Louisa, I said how delighted I was to help fund and use my influence to support Perkins’ creation of the first kindergarten in the country for blind

children. (The raised letter version of Little Women was sent to Orchard House much later as a token of gratitude.) We went on to discuss the “War of Dots” concerning using the raised letters versus another system of reading with dots developed by Louis Braille in France. In speaking about a debate concerning which way to produce reading material for the blind, I asked the students what they thought about these two systems. They were unanimous in saying Braille is easier to read because the structure of Braille dots is unique for each letter and

can be easily distinguished from each other whereas raised letters often feel too similar to each other.

Later that evening, I joined the band at CCHS and spoke with their founder, Carol Agler, and their director, Yolanda Johnson. Yolando told me that the highlight of their entire trip was visiting Orchard House, where the students could be themselves and understand history in such a personal way. I watched with joy as Yolanda tapped out a count and began to walk amongst the band as they struck up the powerful opening notes. I listened to and saw for the first time a blind band playing together with absolute abandon. The combination of history, music, and genuine human connection truly made this a breath-taking and life-affirming event!

Jan Turnquist is executive director of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, an internationally acclaimed portrayer of Louisa May Alcott, historical consultant, and Emmy winner for her Orchard House documentary which airs and streams on PBS.

Historic Concord: Plan Your Visit

BY CYNTHIA L. BAUDENDISTEL

Concord has many historic sites of interest. Below is contact information for each, along with their hours of operation. Please check the website before visiting, as sites may be closed on holidays or for private events.

CONCORD FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY concordlibrary.org

Main Branch: 129 Main Street (978) 318-3300

Monday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday: 9 a.m.– 8 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Special Collections: 129 Main Street (978) 318-3342

Monday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Fowler Branch: 1322 Main Street (978) 318-3350

Monday through Friday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

CONCORD MUSEUM concordmuseum.org

53 Cambridge Turnpike (978) 369-9763

September - November 24

Tuesday through Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

November 25 - January 1

Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Open Monday holidays

CONCORD VISITOR CENTER visitconcord.org

58 Main Street (978) 318-3061

September - November: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S ORCHARD HOUSE

louisamayalcott.org

399 Lexington Road (978) 369-4118

September - October: Monday through Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

November - January: Monday through Friday: 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

MINUTE MAN NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/ minute-man-visitor-center.htm

250 N. Great Road (Lincoln) (781) 674-1920

Grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. through October 31.

THE NORTH BRIDGE AND VISITOR CENTER nps.gov/mima/planyourvisit/ north-bridge-visitor-center.htm

174 Liberty Street (978) 369-6993

Grounds are open year-round from sunrise to sunset. The Visitor Center is open daily from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. through October 31.

OLD HILL BURYING GROUND visitconcord.org/listings/ old-hill-burial-ground

2-12 Monument Square

Open daily: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

THE OLD MANSE thetrustees.org/place/the-old-manse

269 Monument Street (978) 369-3909

Through November 5: Wednesday through Monday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

November 6 through April 15: Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

THE RALPH WALDO EMERSON HOUSE ralphwaldoemersonhouse.org

28 Cambridge Turnpike

(978) 369-2236

Through October 21: Thursday through Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m.4:30 p.m. Closes for the season October 22

THE ROBBINS HOUSE robbinshouse.org

320 Monument Street

(978) 254-1745

Friday through Sunday: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Open Monday, October 9 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Closes for the season

November 1

SLEEPY HOLLOW CEMETERY, INCLUDING AUTHORS RIDGE concordma.gov/1956/Sleepy-HollowCemetery

120 Bedford Street

(978) 318-3233

Open daily: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.

SOUTH BURYING GROUND concordma.gov/1958/SouthBurying-Ground

Main Street and Keyes Road

WALDEN POND STATE RESERVATION mass.gov/locations/walden-pond-statereservation

915 Walden Street

(978) 369-3254

Open daily – see website for hours

THE WAYSIDE nps.gov/mima

455 Lexington Road (978) 369-6993

Call for hours and events

The grave of British soldiers buried at the North Bridge

T HREE S TONES G ALLERY

A walking tour with a Certified Interpretive Guide is a great way to go deeper into the fascinating history of Concord.

Walking tours also make great gifts – and are a wonderful way to entertain family and out of town guests!

Our tours include: APRIL 19TH

Perfect for the fan of American history

LITERARY LUMINARIES

Explore the fascinating Authors Ridge in Sleepy Hollow

TWO REVOLUTIONS

Perfect for the group that wants to learn about the American Revolution AND the Transcendentalists

LOUISA MAY ALCOTT’S CONCORD

Fans of Little Women and Louisa May Alcott won’t want to miss this!

LEGENDS AND LORE

Dive into the lesser-known town tales of Concord!

GRAVE DETECTIVES

A family friendly tour exploring the iconography and stories of Old Hill Burying Ground

Book your tour today and walk with us, where history happened!

Original Mixed-Media Collage by Timothy Dunnbier

Celebrate the harvest season with these kid-friendly activities & recipes!

PUMPKIN LEAPFROG

Pumpkins grow in lots of different shapes and sizes. This makes them perfect for creating fun obstacle courses in the garden. Let’s gather up pumpkins and get active with some Pumpkin Leapfrog!

LET’S GET STARTED:

1. Harvest the pumpkins from a pumpkin patch. The stems can be prickly, so wear garden gloves!

2. Find an open area and place the pumpkins in a line, each about 3 ft apart.

YOU’LL NEED:

• 8 medium-sized pumpkins

• garden gloves

• 2 short pieces of rope

3. Use the 2 pieces of rope to mark a start and finish line at either end of the line of pumpkins.

4. From the start line, leap over each pumpkin one at a time, all the way to the finish line.

5. Time yourself and see how fast you can make it from one end to the other.

6. Have a Pumpkin Leapfrog race with your friends.

7. Now try to zigzag through the pumpkin course, running in a Z-shape between the pumpkins. Again, race with your friends.

8. Now set the pumpkins up in any way you like and create your own obstacle course. You can run around some pumpkins and leap over others until you get to the finish line.

See page 60 for a list of farms in the area to harvest your pumpkins!

Text adapted from Kids’ Garden (Barefoot Books), written by Whitney Cohen, Life Lab and illustrated by Roberta Arenson

CORN-HUSK DOLLS

Husk, or outer layers, protect ears of sweet corn until they’re ripe. Once we’re ready to eat the sweet corn, the husks can provide us with something more — material for making Corn-Husk Dolls!

LET’S GET STARTED:

1. Cut a piece of yarn, then use it to tie all 12 corn husks together, about 1 in from the ends of the husks.

YOU’LL NEED:

• scissors • ball of yarn

• 12 corn husks

• art supplies such as markers or stick-on eyes (optional)

2. Tie another piece of yarn where you think the neck should be. You just made the head of your doll!

3. Now let’s make the arms. Separate 3 corn husks on each side of the doll and tie them together where you think the wrists should be.

THREE SISTERS SOUP

4. Once you’ve tied them together, you can cut off the remaining husks, below where you think the hands would end.

5. The other 6 corn husks between the arms will make the body. Find the place you think the waist should be and tie all 6 corn husks together there.

6. Split them into 2 clumps of 3 husks each below the waist and tie those together at the bottom, where the ankles would be. These 2 bundles are the legs.

7. Cut off any extra husks below the feet. You now have a Corn-Husk Doll!

8. You can also decorate your doll and give it a face with your art supplies.

The Haudenosaunee (hoe-deh-no-SHOW-nee) people, commonly known as the Iroquois, have been making Three Sisters soup for many generations.

LET’S GET STARTED:

YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 cup diced zucchini

• 1 cup diced yellow squash

• 1 cup diced butternut squash

• 1 cup diced potato

• 1 cup green beans, snapped into 1 in lengths

• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen

• 1 can diced tomatoes, drained

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp butter

• about 6 cups of stock of your choice or water

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• salt and black pepper to taste

• large pot • spoon

• stovetop

1. With your adult helper, melt the butter over low heat in the large pot and add the onion, butternut squash and potatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring so it does not burn.

2. Then add the garlic, zucchini, yellow squash, thyme and cumin and cook for an additional 10 minutes.

3. Add the stock and let everything cook for about 20 minutes.

4. Add the tomatoes, corn and green beans and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the green beans are tender and everything is heated through.

“Three Sisters” refers to the three main crops of maize (corn), squash and beans grown in North America before European settlers arrived.

Text adapted from Kids’ Garden (Barefoot Books), written by Whitney Cohen, Life Lab and illustrated by Roberta Arenson

Text adapted from Global Kids (Barefoot Books), written by Homa Sabet Tavangar and illustrated by Sophie Fatus

Adult Helper Needed!

Cider Donuts & Pumpkin Patches: Autumnal Rites of Passage in New England

BY DAVID ROSENBAUM

Autumn is a special time in New England. For my family, September means an excursion to a local orchard for apple picking, apple cider, and apple donuts. Then in October, it is off to the farm for pumpkin picking.

For anyone who is new to New England, or somehow has never had a cider donut, let me tell you these are a delicious fall treat! The best donuts are fresh from the fryer, covered in cinnamon sugar. They have a delicate crust and a warm, bready interior that is redolent of apple cider and cinnamon. When you bite into one of these treats, it is heavenly. Yum!

If you feel inspired to make your own donuts, you can find good recipes on the internet. But why do that when there are so many great options right in the Concord area? You could buy cider donuts at the supermarket, but for my money, the best place is the local apple orchard or farm stand. Concord’s own Verrill Farm has delicious cider donuts, as well as a variety of pumpkins: large and small, white or yellow, oblong or round, and anything in between!

Millbrook Farm is another great choice for cider donuts, as well as mums and other

Afall flowers - just down the road from the Concord Museum.

Wilson Farms in neighboring Lexington has award-winning cider donuts, made fresh onsite each weekend in the early fall. Great options also abound in nearby towns like Stow or Bolton where apple orchards are a legacy of Johnny Appleseed. Of the self-pick orchards in the Concord area, Shelburne Farm and Honeypot Hill Orchard are two of my favorites for cider donuts, especially with some freshly pressed, hot, cider. Or you can visit a slew of other farms in neighboring towns. We have a list of options for you on the next page.

As October rolls into Concord and the days and nights become even cooler, Halloween is just around the corner. Pumpkins, whether carved into beautiful jack-o-lanterns or displayed in your yard, are a true symbol of fall. These wonderful gourds fulfil the purpose of food, decoration, and even punch bowls for many of us. Pick-your-own pumpkin farms are close by and welcome the whole family, so bring the kids, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents.

Wherever you go, make sure you stop by the farm stand after you finish your pumpkin picking to get some fresh baked goods, cider, or other farm produce.

One word to the wise, some farms are now requiring reservations to do pumpkin picking, so check the website before you go and make sure you will be able to get in when you want to pick.

Have a wonderful fall!

David Rosenbaum is a Concord resident. When he’s not enjoying cider donuts and seeking the perfect pumpkin, his day job is Solutions Engineer for Kaltura, Inc.

Resources:

Mass Department of Agriculture

Pick your Own finder: https://massnrc.org/farmlocator/ map.aspx?Type=PYO%20(Pick%20 Your%20Own)

Cider Donut recipe: https://www.allrecipes.com/ recipe/235088/apple-ciderdoughnuts/

DIY Pumpkin punchbowl: https://www.liquor.com/articles/ pumpkin-punch-bowl/

© Wilson Farm

Cider Donuts at Wilson Farm

Where to look for delicious cider donuts near Concord:

Belkin Family Lookout Farm

89 Pleasant Street, Natick lookoutfarm.com (508) 651-1539

Carlson Orchards

115 Oak Hill Road, Harvard carlsonorchards.com (978) 456-3916

Carver Hill Orchards

101 Brookside Avenue, Stow carverhillorchard.com (978) 897-6117

Derby Ridge Farm 438 Great Road, Stow derbyridgefarm.com (978) 897-7507

Doe Orchards 327 Ayer Road, Harvard doeorchards.com (978) 772-4139

Drew Farm

31 Tadmuck Road, Westford drewfarm.com (978) 807-0719

Farmer Dave’s at Hill Orchard 4 Hunt Rd, Westford facebook.com/ westfordhillorchard (978) 392-4600

Honey Pot Hill Orchard 138 Sudbury Road, Stow honeypothill.com (978) 562-5666

Millbrook Farm 215 Cambridge Tpke, Concord (978) 429-3250

Nicewicz Family Farm 116 Sawyer Road, Bolton nicewiczfamilyfarm.com (978) 779-6423

Old Frog Pond Farm 38 Eldridge Road, Harvard oldfrogpondfarm.com (978) 456-9616

Schartner Farm 279 West Berlin Road, Bolton schartnerfarm.com (978) 779-6293

Shelburne Farm 106 West Acton Road, Stow shelburnefarm.com

(978) 897-9287

Verrill Farm

11 Wheeler Road, Concord verrillfarm.com (978) 369-4494

Westward Orchards Farm Store 178 Massachusetts Ave. (Rt. 111), Harvard westwardorchards.com (978) 456-8363

Wilson Farm

10 Pleasant Street, Lexington wilsonfarm.com (781) 862-3900

Where to find the perfect pumpkin near Concord:

Clark Farm 201 Bedford Road, Carlisle clarkfarmmarket.com

(978) 254-5427

Colonial Gardens Florist & Greenhouses

442 Fitchburg Turnpike, Concord colonialgardensflorist.com

(978) 369-2554

Derby Ridge Farm 438 Great Road, Stow derbyridgefarm.com

Barrett’s Mill Farm

449 Barrett’s Mill Road, Concord barrettsmillsfarm.com

(978) 254-5609

Brigham Farm Stand & Greenhouses

82 Fitchburg Turnpike, Concord brighamfarmconcordma.com

(978) 287-4334

Carlson Orchards

115 Oak Hill Road, Harvard carlsonorchards.com

(978) 456-3916

Carver Hill Orchards

101 Brookside Avenue, Stow carverhillorchard.com

(978) 897-6117

(978) 897-7507

Doe Orchards

327 Ayer Road, Harvard doeorchards.com

(978) 772-4139

Dowse Orchards

30 Rockwood Street, Sherborn dowseorchards.com

(508) 653-2639

Honey Pot Hill Orchard

138 Sudbury Road, Stow honeypothill.com

(978) 562-5666

Hutchins Farm

754 Monument Street, Concord hutchinsfarm.com

(978) 369-5041

Marshall Farm

171 Harrington Ave, Concord marshallfarm.com

(978) 369-4069

Millbrook Farm

215 Cambridge Turnpike, Concord

(978) 429-3250

Nashoba Valley Winery Orchard & J’s Restaurant

100 Wattaquadoc Hill Road, Bolton nashobawinery.com

(978) 779-5521

Nicewicz Family Farm

116 Sawyer Road, Bolton nicewiczfamilyfarm.com

(978) 779-6423

Old Frog Pond Farm

38 Eldridge Road, Harvard oldfrogpondfarm.com

(978) 456-9616

Rotondo Farm

737 Bedford Street, Concord

Schartner Farm

279 West Berlin Road, Bolton schartnerfarm.com

(978) 779-5588

Scimone’s Farm

505 Old Bedford Road, Concord (978) 337-8504

Shelburne Farm 106 West Acton Road, Stow shelburnefarm.com (978) 897-9287

Sunshine Farm 41 Kendall Avenue, Sherborn sunshinefarmma.com (508) 655-5022

Verrill Farm

11 Wheeler Road, Concord verrillfarm.com (978) 369-4494

The Walden Woods

Project Farm

1047 Concord Turnpike, Concord walden.org/property/ the-farm-at-walden-woods

(978) 369-2724

Westward Orchards Farm Store 178 Massachusetts Ave. (Rt. 111), Harvard westwardorchards.com

(978) 456-8363

istock/Lauren Langebartels

Celebrate Fall with the Perfect Cocktail

BY BRIGITTE M. T. SANCHEZ

MMy fun fall cocktail this year will remind you of all the seasons shaken up and served together. Let your mind wander and relax in the cool autumn evenings with a Lil’ Red Suzette.

Lil’ Red Suzette

1.5 oz Crown Royal Peach Flavored Whiskey

1 oz Fabrizia Blood Orange

Limoncello

.25 oz B&B (Bénédictine and brandy)

.5 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

.5 oz freshly squeezed orange juice

A drop of grenadine

In a shaker filled with ice, combine all ingredients and shake well for 15 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass or pour over ice. Garnish with a slice of peach and blood orange twist, and enjoy!

Brigitte M. T. Sanchez is the founder of Ideal Mixology and is known for her unique cocktail creations and unrivaled hospitality.

© Dante Sanchez

Rede ning Retirement

Cooking With The Three Sisters

BY CYNTHIA L. BAUDENDISTEL

Native Americans have been planting The Three Sisters for thousands of years. Corn, pole beans, and squash have a symbiotic relationship when planted together. The tall corn stalks provide a structure for the pole beans to climb, while the beans provide nitrogen to the soil. The squash spreads its large leaves along the ground to soak up sunshine, conserve water, and reduce weeds. This tradition of interplanting goes beyond agriculture, though, and has important cultural and spiritual aspects to many Indigenous peoples.

As we look toward the autumn holidays, I spoke with Adam Stark, who is currently at the helm of Debra’s Natural Gourmet, the awardwinning natural food store started by his mother, Debra Stark, more than 30 years ago. Adam loves cooking with The Three Sisters and has kindly shared two of his mother’s favorite recipes.

Remembering Summer: Corn, Bean and Cucumber “Ceviche”

Serves 6

Ceviche typically means raw seafood pickled or marinated in lime or lemon juice with olive oil and hot peppers. Here, we’re marinating veggies and borrowing the word because we like the concept!

2 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

2 cups cooked butter beans or navy beans, drained and at room temp

1/2 cup lime juice

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil or 1/4 cup smoked olive oil

2 cups diced English or pickling cucumber

1 cup minced red onion

2 cloves of garlic, minced or pressed

1 tablespoon fresh mint, minced

1 teaspoon black pepper or grains of paradise

1 teaspoon salt

1 jalapeño, stemmed, chopped, and de-seeded

1/4 cup (packed) parsley, minced fine

1/4 cup (packed) cilantro, minced fine

Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate for about 45 minutes, until nice and cold. Serve in bowls with or without your favorite tortilla chips.

Butternut Squash Succotash with Smoked Olive Oil

Serves 4 - 6

Succotash is a Native American dish - its name derives from the Narragansett word for boiled corn kernels. Over the years, the word has come to mean any rustic bean-and-corn stew.

2 cups butternut squash cut into 1/2 inch cubes

2 cups corn kernels, fresh or frozen

1 cup diced onion

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper or grains of paradise

1 can butterbeans (Eden brand is best) drained (about 2 cups)

2 tablespoons maple syrup (Butternut Mountain Farm is Adam’s favorite)

1/2 cup smoked olive oil

Extra smoked olive oil for drizzling over the baked casserole

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Toss together all ingredients except the extra smoked olive oil. Place the mixture in a casserole dish and roast, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, or until squash can be easily pierced with a knife. Stir once or twice during roasting time. Remove from oven and drizzle with more smoked olive oil if desired. Serve hot or at room temperature. This dish can be made a few days in advance and reheated for about 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

For more great recipes, visit debrasnaturalgourmet.com.

Artist Spotlight

BY STEWART IKEDA

IIn this ongoing series, we are delighted to introduce you to two more of the many artists who are part of Concord’s thriving art scene. For more on what’s happening in the arts this fall, turn to “Arts Around Town” in this issue.

KYLE JOHNS

Widely exhibited and published artist and teacher Kyle Johns is the new Ceramics Artist-in-Residence at The Umbrella Arts Center. With an MFA from Ohio University, Kyle has been a resident at Red Lodge Clay Center, The Interdisciplinary Ceramics Research Center, The Archie Bray Foundation, and The International Ceramics Center in Kecskemet, Hungary. He has taught at Kansas State University, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and the Ceramics Program at Harvard University.

Kyle’s work deconstructs traditional industrial mold-making processes and functional domestic objects – from mugs and shot glasses to vases and holiday ornaments – to create unique new forms that explore “the grey area” between the practical and the sculptural. His work will be on view at The Umbrella’s newly expanded Ceramics Studio. Kylejohnsceramics.com

BARBARA H. WILLIS

Barbara Willis took her first weaving course in Los Gatos, California, in the mid-’70s, and more than 45 years later, her excitement and passion for the art of fiber is still very much alive. Weaving threads of chenille, silk, cotton, bamboo, rayon, wool, and mohair, Willis finds inspiration in other artworks and forms, as well as in nature - sunsets over Fort Pond, the emerging colors of feathers on a juvenile barred owl, colorful fish while snorkeling - to create exciting, dazzlingly colored and textured scarves, throws, garments, and large-scale wall hangings. Her works are always one-of-a-kind, many employing a painstaking, thread-by-thread hand-painting technique using fiber-reactive dyes.

Willis is among the founding Studio Artists that have been at the heart of The Umbrella Arts Center community over the last 40 years, ever since the former Emerson School became a thriving and growing creative hub in 1983. This past season, Willis’ work was featured in a mixed exhibition, Earth, Sea, Sky, along with ceramics artists Liz Newell and Suzanne Hill, and she often welcomes visitors to weaving demonstrations in Studio 210 during The Umbrella’s annual Winter Market and Open Studios community events. Barbara-h-willis.com

Stewart Ikeda heads the Marketing & Strategic Communications team at The Umbrella Arts Center.

Arts Around Town

BY CYNTHIA L. BAUDENDISTEL

MUSIC CONCORD BAND

51 Walden | concordband.org

NEW ENGLAND PORTRAITS

Join the Concord Band for an evening of music! Featuring “Chester” (Overture for Band) by William Schumann, “Three New England Caricatures” by James Curnow, “Snapshots of Acadia” by Andrew Boysen, Jr., “Old Home Days” by Charles Ives arr. J. Elkus, and “Northbridge Portrait” by Stephen Bulla. Conducted by James O’Dell.

October 21

CONCORD CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

1317 Main Street | concordconservatory.org

MUSIC AND FOLKLORE

Don’t miss this evening of musical evocations of the tales and characters of oral folk traditions from around the globe. The ancient art form of storytelling is a common thread among people around the world, one which connects humanity, enchants us, and communicates knowledge, experience, and characters. Experience music that captures the essence and magic of the narratives, uniting the contemporary listener with our collective origins. Presented in partnership with Concord Museum.

October 27

THE CONCORD ORCHESTRA

51 Walden | concordorchestra.com

ROMANTIC ETHOS

Lovers of classical music won’t want to miss this extraordinary program that will include Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture,” “King Kristian II Suite” by Sibelius, and Howard Hanson’s “Symphony No. 2.” Conducted by Zeke Fetrow. October 14 - 15

VISUAL ARTS

THREE STONES GALLERY

32 Main Street | threestonesgallery.com

THROUGH THE MYSTIC

Three artists manifest scenes of ecosystems and the life that is nurtured by them. Joan Kocak returns with dreamy photo encaustics of koi ponds. Allison Mitchell dives into the folds and layers of her subjects with acrylic paint. Rebekah Robinson shows the intimate and reflective waterways from the perspective of the contemplative mind. New works by represented artists: Merill Comeau, Jillian Demeri, Cécile Ganne, and Jonathan MacAdam. September 7 – October 15 (Reception: Sept 16)

FLEETING MOMENTS

Textile artist Merill Comeau reclaims fabrics through stitch and print to bring a myriad of components into a new realization. Jill Goldman-Callahan presents abstract paintings using natural pigments, resulting in works more akin to a peaceful echo. Ukrainian artist Natasha Dikareva shows ceramic sculptures surreal and yet reminiscent of an unseen reality. New works by represented artists:Judy Bramhall, Brenda Cirioni, Patricia Ganek, Kevin Kusiolek, and Jonathan Macadam. October 18 –November 26 (Reception: Oct 28)

Courtesy of Concord Orchestra

Zeke Fetrow, Music Director, Concord Orchestra

Woman Interrupted by Merill Comeau

Courtesy of Three Stones Gallery

LIGHTEN UP!

This year’s holiday show features Joe Faria’s unique compositions created from layered cardboard and card stock and photographs by Evan McGlinn, with a curated collection of handmade items in the spirit of the season. New works by represented artists Daryl Burtnett, Ray Ciemny, Alyn Carlson, Tim Dunnbier, Jonathan MacAdam, and Bethany Noel.

November 29 – January 7 (Reception: Dec 9)

THE UMBRELLA ARTS CENTER

40 Stow Street | theumbrellaarts.org

COLORS OF CONCORD: THE GRASSY PLAIN

Ponnapa Prakkamakul, The Umbrella’s Artist-in-Residence, presents an exhibition of work based on a year-long collaborative project with Concord neighbors of color.

August 21 - September 22

GEO-METRIC: ART RAMBLE 2023

This annual, temporary public art exhibition is a Concord tradition. Stroll through Hapgood Wright Town Forest and admire the art installed along Fairyland Pond and parts of the historic EmersonThoreau Amble connecting Concord Center to Walden Pond. September 1 - November 19

JORDAN KESSLER: ZERO TOYS AND DEATH OF PRINT

Don’t miss this exhibition of work by noted Concord photographer Jordan Kessler. September 9 - November 18

FRESH INK: CONTEMPORARY EXPLORATIONS IN PRINTMAKING

Explore the world of printmaking, a fascinating and complex artform, presented in this exhibition of contemporary, handmade, nondigital printmaking juried by Carolyn Muskat. November 16 - January 4

THEATRE

CONCORD PLAYERS

51 Walden Street | concordplayers.org

RICHARD II

Join The World’s A Stage Players for Shakespeare’s Richard II. This beautifully poetic play follows the power struggle between King Richard and his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV). Richard II is the first in a series of eight plays by Shakespeare that covers 185 years of English history. Drama, intrigue, betrayal and so much more. Presented on the lawn at the Concord Library on September 9, 10, 16, 17, with an indoor performance at 51 Walden Street on September 15.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

The Cornley Drama Society opens their new production, The Murder at Haversham Manor, an early 1900s murder mystery. The members of the society have had a string of bad luck with previous productions and are excited to have finally gotten it right. As the show progresses, a multitude of accidents and problems occur, but the actors continue with as much professionalism as possible to ensure the audience’s pleasure. Best described as “Noises Off meets Fawlty Towers,” you won’t want to miss the hilarious chaos onstage from start to finish! November 3 - 18

THE UMBRELLA ARTS CENTER

40 Stow Street | theumbrellaarts.org

LIZZIE

The centuries-old, sing-song villain Lizzie Borden turns searing rock anthem anti-hero in this riot grrrl powered musical! Nominated for three Drama Desk awards and named best musical eight times over in regional awards around the country and the world, this musical is totally whack (in a good way)!

September 22 - November 5

WHITE RABBIT, RED RABBIT

No rehearsal. No director. One actor. A script in a sealed envelope. Rotating one-night-only stars make for an unbelievable, no-net night of unexpected comedy and shared discovery. Since its award-winning premiere at the Edinburgh Festival, it has been translated into more than 30 different languages and performed over 3,000 times. At each incredibly unique performance, a different actor – one who has never before seen or read the play –brings the voice of the absent playwright to life, challenging audiences to question whose stories get told and what happens when we are fully present together. October 5 - November 12

Below by Carolyn Muskat

Courtesy of The Umbrella Arts Center

Trivia

Questions 1-5: Fall is here. After the last few years of COVID, nobody wants to hear “it’s flu season” ever again, so, instead, try your properly washed hands at these trivia questions related to ailments of the past.

Winthrop Jr. that he believes will cure plague, fevers, and smallpox. This powder is made of:

a) Ground moss grown on the skull of a thief hung in chains

1

The year is 1675. You are one of the early Concord settlers who moved from England forty years ago. You are now suffering from “King’s Evil” (aka scrofula), a tuberculosis swelling of the lymph glands. You know the cure for this is:

a) Being touched by the king or queen

b) Being baptized by town minister Peter Bulkeley

c) Full submersion in Concord’s milldam at midnight

d) Drinking an infusion of Queen’s Delight (Stillingia Sylvatica) and Holy Basil

Qb) Bleached bones of plague victims

c) Toads baked in the outdoor air in a half-full earthen pot

d) It doesn’t matter because you’ll accept your fate before you touch this powder

b) Dried red clay, bayberry leaves and oxtail

c) Bear grease, boar fat, wine, mummy (samples obtained from mummified corpses), and blood

2

John Winthrop Jr., the son of the first governor of Massachusetts, has moved to Connecticut where he becomes their first governor and practices alchemy. Concord’s founding minister, Peter Bulkeley, has family living in Connecticut and they tell you about a magical black powder developed by John

3Like an elephant in the parlor, we can’t leave the above “ground moss grown on the skull of a thief hung in chains” hanging... By the time Concord was founded in 1635, views of medicine were changing. But a few old school physicians still made it here from England and if they attended to you after you suffered a bleeding wound, you might be treated with “weapon salve” made of “moss grown on the skull of a thief hung in chains” and a mix that could include:

a) Powdered toad, softened beeswax, and holy water

d) Sympathetic powder (powder made from blood-stained clothes) 4

In 1862, Louisa May Alcott left Concord to work as a nurse in a Union hospital in Washington, DC. She contracted typhoid fever and was treated with a medicine that ultimately destroyed her health. Alcott family friend Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. likened this medicine to “bacon and eggs” that hoteliers serve guests when they don’t know what else to give them. The medicine was:

a) Apple Vinegar with Arsenic

b) Dalby’s Carminative

c) Quinine

d) Calomel

5Moving on to better medicine, Concord’s Emerson Hospital was founded in 1911 and named in honor of:

a) Concord’s “Patriot Minister,” Reverend William Emerson

b) Reverend William Emerson’s daughter, Mary Moody Emerson, who slept in a shroud and was ready for death at any moment

c) Transcendentalist and writer Ralph Waldo Emerson

d) Charles Emerson, nephew of Ralph Waldo Emerson

Barrow Bookstore Presents:

Questions 6 – 8: Busy Septembers

6In September of 1774, Concord residents were busy doing which of the following. Choose all that apply.

a) Candle making

b) Canning and preserving fruits and vegetables

c) Preparing the harvest

d) Stashing weapons and powder throughout town

7In September of 1868, this now-famous book by a Concord author was published:

a) Little Women, Part First by Louisa May Alcott

b) Nature by Ralph Waldo Emerson

c) The House of Seven Gables, by Nathaniel Hawthorne

d) Walden; or, Life in the Woods, by Henry David Thoreau

8On September 16, 1940, the United States Post Office issued a stamp honoring this Concord resident whose monumental legacy remains today in Concord and throughout America:

a) Major John Buttrick

b) Amos Bronson Alcott

c) Daniel Chester French

d) Franklin Benjamin Sanborn

9If you’re in town seeking a ghost, you might find one:

a) In the Colonial Inn dining room

b) In room 24 or 27 at the Colonial Inn

c) On the porch of the Colonial Inn

d) In the hallways of the Colonial Inn

e) Any of the above

10In 1891, William Brewster, an amateur ornithologist and first president of the Massachusetts Audubon Society, purchased land on Ball’s Hill Road in Concord. Over time, he expanded the property to include 300 acres between the Concord River and Monument Street. Today, 80 acres of that land have been preserved by the Town of Concord and the Land Trust and are open to the public. Brewster’s property was called:

a) Brook Farm

b) October Farm

c) Fruitlands

d) Drumlin Farm

1. A. Being touched by the king or queen. In England, until the early 18th century, it was thought sufferers of “King’s Evil” could be cured by a touch from the monarch. During his reign from 16601682, King Charles II touched over 90,000 sufferers. But you chose to move to America, so good luck, peasant.

2. C. Toads baked in the outdoor air in a half-full earthen pot. As described by Ralph Waldo Emerson’s good friend, physician Oliver Wendell Holmes in his 1861 book Currents and Counter-Currents in Medical Science, Winthrop’s black powder was made “by calcining toads in an earthen pot” and was a “choice remedy” that could be “taken internally or applied to any outward grief.”

3. C. Bear grease, wine, mummy, and blood. Believed to have been the idea of 16th century Swiss physician Paracelsus, “weapon salve” worked (or did not work) its magic without touching the patient. The weapon that caused a person’s wound was dipped into the injured person’s blood then immersed in the salve. Sympathetic or magnetic powers would then heal the person. Centuries later, in 1842, Oliver Wendell Holmes viewed remedies like this as “absurdities.”

4. D. Calomel. A mercury chloride mixture, the medicine likely caused Louisa to suffer from effects of mercury poisoning the rest of her life.

5. D. Charles Emerson, nephew of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Charles and his wife, Theresia, lived in Concord. In 1910, Theresia was terminally ill and treated by Deaconess Hospital in Brookline. After her death, Charles donated $20,000 and 80 acres of land along the Sudbury River to the New England Deaconess Association for them to build a fully equipped hospital in Concord.

A6. A, B, C, and D. All of them.

7. A. Little Women, Part First by Louisa May Alcott. Published by Roberts Brothers, Louisa’s Little Women was a huge success with young readers who wanted more. Little Women, Part Second was published in 1869. Today, the two volumes are usually printed in one volume.

8. C. Daniel Chester French. French grew up in Concord in a house on Sudbury Road. As a teenager, he took art lessons from May Alcott, the younger sister of Louisa May Alcott. French sculpted several monuments in Concord, including the “Minute Man Farmer” at the North Bridge and “Mourning Victory” in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery. Outside of town, his work includes the seated statue of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.

9. E. Any of the above. The National Trust for Historic Preservation lists the Colonial Inn among the top haunted Historic Hotels in America.

10. B. October Farm. For a trail guide, visit the Town of Concord website: concordma.gov/DocumentCenter/ View/33075/October-Farm-RiverfrontTrail-Guide

For more than 50 years, Barrow Bookstore has been a favorite of residents and visitors alike, specializing in Concord authors and history, children’s books and literature. The shop also provides a wide array of gently read and rare titles ranging from paperbacks to first editions and original manuscripts. Staff members have all worked as tour guides and re-enactors in Concord and are happy to share their knowledge about the town and its history. Discover more at barrowbookstore.com.

the

that makes the

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

From Wild and Scenic Rivers to Gowing’s Swamp: Concord Welcomes Fall

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY

BY DAVE WITHERBEE

CConcordians are fortunate to live in this special town for many reasons. There is the obvious history of the first inland incorporated town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the American Revolution, and our many renowned authors.

Concord’s geography is also extraordinary. We have three Wild and Scenic Rivers, Walden Pond, White Pond, Estabrook Woods, and Great Meadows Fish and Wildlife Refuge. Minute Man National Historical Park has many lovely places to walk as do October Farm and Brewster’s Woods Wildlife Sanctuary. The bog at Gowing’s Swamp was one of Henry David Thoreau’s favorite landscapes.

There are dozens of farms in Concord and the surrounding area. These farms offer more than 1,000 acres of open land that we can gaze across as well as a place to buy or pick the season’s freshest fruits and vegetables.

Visit some of these extraordinary places and enjoy all that fall in Concord has to offer!

Tupelo trees on the Sudbury River

Freddy, the fox, licking his chops

Gaining Ground at Henry David Thoreau’s birthplace on Virginia Road

Smartweed on the edge of a river

Reflections on lily pads

American Painted Lady butterfly pollinating a coneflower

Hutchins Farm

The barn at Brewster’s Woods

We make it seamless.

We value all that goes into your dream home and believe that working as a team—you, your designer/architect, and us—yields a better project. Let’s work together.

Designed by Spacecraft Architects

Photography by Greg Premru