A Revolutionary Summer Sojourn

On Thursday, August 13, a gang of intrepid adventurers travelled to Lexington, Concord, and Danvers on our annual Summer Sojourn. We were extraordinarily fortunate to have the best guides around - Steve Crosby and Alex Cain - who shared a tiny fraction of their incredible knowledge of the events of April 19, 1775.

We were also treated to special collections at the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library and the Peabody Institute Library of Danvers. Special thanks to Stacey Fraser, Richard Trask, and Stacia Cooper.

The Lexington History Center and Lexington Visitor Center offered a rain plan and welcome assistance with logistics. Sam and Noah Clewley and Ashley Serveiss shared artifacts and archives from the MOON collection, Shelley made breakfast and packed snacks, Bethany drove the carpool, Steve Crosby used the last of his gunpowder to send us off with bang - a musket demonstration that set the stage for the rest of the day, and Bob Watts shared these images with us.

Thank you all, for your help, and thank you, Sojourners, for a lovely day!



The Latest Videos

Your front row seat to Newburyport's Declaration Day, by land and by sea, is here. There are a total of three videos, each with a different focus on the day's events that brought history to life. Walk in the processions, hear the Declaration of Independence with us, and visit with reenactors.

Click on either video to the left, or watch the whole playlist now.

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Black Gilliflower, Noyes Sweetings, and Grandfather’s Graft: A Romp Through the Orchards of Old Newbury



by Bethany Groff Dorau, Executive Director

Above: The author's only picture of an old apple tree at the Poore Farm, long since taken down.

Below: This helpful chart at Long Hill Orchard, West Newbury, shows a variety of apples traditionally available on the farm, when they are ripe, and their best use. .  

"This apple made a small, soft thud at my feet...I looked for the phantom apple tree. Somewhere in the tangle of vines, is an old soul, a sibling or descendant of the ancient trees of my ancestors, and was determined to find it, but not at the cost of jumping, bare-legged and bleeding, into a patch of poison ivy. I valiantly withdrew, the mystery apple tucked in my pocket...later, as I held the mystery apple to the light, I knew exactly who to call - John Quincy Adams! No, not that guy - John Q Adams of Long Hill Orchards in West Newbury, whose love for growing things of the fruit tree variety is unmatched. James sent him a picture of the apple. He texted back right away. “Possibly a red Gravenstein”, he said. “The timing is right.” "  

The Wheelbarrow Polka

by Ashley Adams Serveiss

"In Washington, Ben: Perley Poore befriended the likes of presidents, senators, congressmen, and dignitaries, many of whom were likely entertained at Indian Hill. In 1856, Poore attempted to start a political career when he ran for a seat in Congress in Massachusetts’ 6th District — this attempt was short-lived because Poore lost the election. That same year, he suffered another loss when he endorsed presidential candidate Millard Fillmore. As history tells us, Poore wagered a bet against Col. Robert I. Burbank that Fillmore would take more votes in Massachusetts than his opponent, John Fremont. The loser was expected to transport a full wheelbarrow of apples from his home to his opponent’s residence. By all accounts, we can assume that Poore was a gracious loser, and had a healthy sense of fun, especially when he lost a bet to a friend." 

Upcoming Events

Something Is Always Cooking...

Chilled Blueberry Soup

A cool and deliciously creamy soup perfect for a steamy August evening. Contributed by MOON volunteer par excellence, Bonnie Sontag!

Ingredients

Serves 6

4 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (reserve a few for garnish)

1 cup plain yogurt (Greek yogurt or regular yogurt)

1 cup coconut milk

¼ cup maple syrup (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (only if no vanilla flavor in coconut milk)

Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. If using frozen blueberries, let them thaw at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Reserve a handful for garnish. Rinse the fresh blueberries and pat them dry.

2. In a blender, combine the clean blueberries, plain yogurt, coconut milk, maple syrup, lemon zest, lemon juice, (vanilla extract).

3. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more coconut milk or water until it reaches the right consistency for you.

4. Taste the berry soup and adjust the sweetness or tartness according to your preference. You can add more maple syrup for sweetness or more lemon juice for tartness.

5. Transfer the blended mixture to a bowl or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate the blueberry soup for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the soup to chill.

6. Stir the soup for a few seconds, and serve the blueberry cold soup in small bowls, plates, or shot glasses.

Optionally, you can garnish it with clean fresh mint leaves and the reserved blueberries on top.

Enjoy!

Puzzle Me This...

Click the image to do the puzzle

The Game Cock, The Captain and The Hat!

- Photo (and hat) by the talented Sharon Spieldenner.

Game Cock racing bed by the equally talented James Brugger and Steve Crosby.

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