Foxboro State Hospital Cemetery

Foxboro State Hospital Cemetery is located on Cross Street in Foxboro. It is said that over 1100 graves are located in two separate locations. One pictured here and another is located about 375 yards away from this one that is accessible by a path from this one. Only two numbers on the small markers give any indication of who is buried there. One number is the identification number of the client and the other is numerical order of the burial. Kind of sad that state couldn't be bothered to put a name on them but I digress. These graves were for those that either had no family or they were not able to provide for a proper resting place.

 

Wicked Awesome History - 1935

On this day in 1935 the Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge (Aka: Buzzards Bay Railroad Bridge)first opens. It has a 544ft span and lifts to 135ft.Was the largest of its kind when complete and now is the second (The Arthur Kill Vertical Lift Bridge between New Jersey and Staten Island, New York now owns first place) in the United States. It is owned and operated by the US Army Corp of Engineers.

Wicked Awesome History : 1621 - Not so Merry Christmas in Plymouth

The early Pilgrims treated Christmas as any other day.The hardline Puritans could find no reference to the holiday in the Bible and considered it a pagan holiday.  Christmas day in 1621 Governor Bradford had reluctantly let the “Strangers”(non-separatists) let them have the day off. As he and others went off to work the strangers went about and played in the streets including stool ball(an early version of cricket). Governor Bradford was furious when he returned and even confiscated their bat and balls. Told them it was unfair for them to do so in public and to keep celebrations indoors. In  Massachusetts and Connecticut Christmas was actually against the law for many years until 1681 when the last of these were repealed.

Wicked Awesome History - 1906

Post by Wicked Awesome History.

Cold Walk up Burial Hill

Recently I had a chance to visit Burial Hill Cemetery in historic Plymouth, Massachusetts. I had first become aware of it through the story of the loss the Brig General Arnold which ran aground off Plymouth Harbor during the Revolutionary War in a bitter snowstorm. Sailors who had lost their lives were buried here and I was curious to find the location of this.

 

 The second (John Carver was first)Governor of Plymouth Colony William Bradford is buried here.

Adjacent to Governor Bradford is his son Major William Bradford who was Plymouth Colony's military commander during King Phillip's War in 1675-76.

The hill was the original location of the first fort of the colony which was also used as a church and meeting house. A replica can be seen at Plimoth Plantation nearby.

Resting place of the sailors lost on the Brig General Arnold off Plymouth Harbor during the Revolutionary War.

 

Burial Hill is listed on the National Register of of Historic Places. Is adjacent School Street., Church Street, and South Russell Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Book - The Death of the USS Thresher

The Death of the USS Thresher by Norman Polmar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the tragic story of the USS Thresher loss on April 10,1963 with 129 personnel on board 222 miles off the coast of Cape Cod Massachusetts at a depth of 8400 feet. This is a hard look at at the chain of events and speculation of what may have happened. If you are interested in learning more about this event this is the best place to start.

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CapeCast: Spooky Cold War radar base!

Cape Cod Canal Railroad Bridge

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The Cape Cod Canal: Breaking Through the Bared and Bended Arm

The Cape Cod Canal: Breaking Through the Bared and Bended Arm by J. North Conway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Many New Englander's take the Cape Cod Canal for granted but it took a lot of time and effort to get it finally see it come to reality. First thought of in the 1600's as a bypass for the dangerous trek around Cape Cod it was until the early 1900's it was finally opened. This easy to read book gives you the story behind this New England iconic landmark. Worth a checking out if your interested in New England history.

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The Mouse on the Mayflower

Wicked Awesome History this day - 1942

Tragically this day 492 people were killed in the infamous Cocoanut Grove Night club fire. It spread through the popular and crowded nightclub in a matter of minutes. It led to sweeping changes in fire codes and building codes. It brought about changes in in treating burn victims also. It was so big it replaced World War 2 news from the front pages at the time. Was the second biggest nightclub fire at the time.

The Devil in Massachusetts by Marion L. Starkey

The Devil in Massachusetts by Marion Lena Starkey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If one really wants to learn about the infamous Salem witch trials this is the place to start. This gives a thorough accounting of the witch trials that took place in Salem Village(present day Danvers, Massachusetts) in colonial Massachusetts in 1692-1693. When the daughters of the local minister fell ill the local doctor diagnosed the with "bewitchment". The ensuing investigation eventually overcame the community and surrounding area. Many accused witches were only spare lives if they repented and confessed. In turn they would accuse others of witchcraft which had a snowball effect. In the end nineteen men and women were hanged, one was crushed by stone trying to get to talk and seven more died awaiting trial in prison.The trials ended as more sensible voices were heard and remaining accused were eventually set free. Years later the Massachusetts colony admitted error and compensated many victims but everyone was forever changed. It has become a symbol of mass hysteria and persecution. Reminiscent of the "McCarthyism" in the early 1950's.

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Wicked Awesome History - 1735

On this day John Adams was born in Braintree (what is now Quincy), Massachusetts. He would later become the second President of the United States of America(1797-2001) after being the first Vice President under George Washington. He was a lawyer and well known public figure before the Revolutionary War. In 1770 he defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. Was a member 1st and 2nd Continental Congress. Was on the committee to write the Declaration of Independence. Also represented the states on diplomatic missions to France and Holland during the war also. 

As if he wasn't busy enough building our country he found time to marry Abigail Smith in 1764. Then fathered  six children , Abigail (1765-1813), future President John Quincy(1767-1848), Susanna(1768-1770), Charles(1770-1800), Thomas Boylston(1772-1832) and Elizabeth(1777). 

As if the the guy wasn't patriotic enough he passed away on July 4, 1826(same day as his one time rival but then close friend Thomas Jefferson).

Salem Witch Trial Documentary

Massachusetts Oldest Settled Towns

Here is a nice slideshow put together by WCVB.com of Massachusetts oldest settled towns. See how your hometown ranks.

Post by New England Historical Society.

Wicked Awesome History This Day - 1797

On this day the the frigate USS Constitution was launched in Boston Harbor. It was one of six frigates ordered by George Washington in  response to threats to US merchant shipping. The 44-gun ship saw action in in the Quasi-War with France (1798-1801) and along the Barbary Coast (1801-1805). She shined during the War of 1812 when she won all engagements. She was nicknamed "Old Ironsides" after cannon balls were seen bouncing off her sides during a battle. 

USS Constitution engaging the HMS Guerriere during the War of 1812.

Over the years it has served as a training ship and was even a barracks for awhile before being restored to her current condition. Today the USS Constitution is designated as a "Ship of State" and can be visited in her home port in Charlestown Naval Yard. Click here for more information and to visit.

Edward Rowe Snow - "The Lady in Black" at Fort Warren, 1970

Solved: The Mystery of the General Arnold

This is an accounting of the wreck of the Brig General Arnold, Named after ther infamous Benedict Arnold before he turned traitor, off Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1778 during the American Revolution. After leaving Boston December 24, 1778 it soon was hit by a severe Nor'easter. They sought refuge in outer part of Plymouth Harbor. They soon become stranded and taking on water after striking a sand bar. The crew of 105 soon soon can only find refuge on the upper quarterdeck exposed to the elements. The people of Plymouth are helpless to help and can listen helplessly until the weather subsides enough to attempt a rescue. Only a small fraction of the crew survive the bitter cold.

This book attempts to bring more clarity of what exactly happened that fateful voyage to both the crew and to what happened to Brig itself afterwards.  

The American Revolution: A History

Although a relatively short book it covers the American Revolution pretty well. Explains how it more than a war victory over taxation without representation as the saying goes. It tells how much of a change it brought to the people and the way government grew out it. It was a revolution that changed the American culture forever. Worth a read for history buffs and those who want a quick and to the point overview of the American Revolution.

Duxbury Pier Light - Bug Light.

Took a Plymouth Harbor cruise of Plymouth Harbor courtesy of the "Pilgrim Belle". The Duxbury Pier Light, also called "Bug Light", was one of many sights we saw on out cruise. It was a little overcast breezy but cruise was fun and interesting. I even enjoyed a locally brewed "Mayflower IPA" on tap in the snack bar. Thanks to the "Pilgrim Belle" and her crew for a great cruise.

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Save the "Lords" sign in Medfield.

I grew up right around the corner from this famous Medfield store and landmark. I remember my Mom buying my matchbox cars from there in the very early 70's. The sign is need of a new home so I'm spreading the word here too.

Post by Dirty Old Boston.

People in Wicked Awesome History - Samuel Adams

1772 portrait by John Singleton Copley

On this day in 1722 Samuel Adams was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He would eventually become a founding father of our country and would also become the 4th Governor of Massachusetts. A businessman and tax collector before turning to politics. He was Harvard educated. An active protagonist of the American Revolution. He participated in the first and second Continental Congress.

On side note Samuel Adams had participated family business of malt houses that produced malt for brewing. He was not an actual brewer as one might believe from beer named in his honor.

People in Wicked Awesome History - Johnny Appleseed

The legendary "Johnny Appleseed" of early American folklore was actually born this day in 1775 in Leominster, Massachusetts. His real name was John Chapman. He helped build many small orchards in the early frontier from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. Apples were not native to the Midwest region and were popularly used for cider and applejack. John became a legend due to his kind and generous ways. Was an early conservation leader and promoted the importance of apples. He is reported to have passed away in 1845 from testicular cancer.

Old Time Foxborough

Downtown Foxborough, Massachusetts circa 1984. Corner of Wall Street and Central Street(Route 140) looking towards the  Common. Foxboro's finest on patrol. Picture from 1984 Foxboro High School yearbook. 

Wicked Awesome History This Day - 1941

This day the USS Massachusetts and her 16 inch guns is launched from Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, Massachusetts.  The battleship saw action in both the Atlantic and Pacific campaigns during World War II. She was decommissioned in March 1947 and stricken from the Naval register in 1962. "Big Mamie",as she is also known, became a museum ship in 1965. Her home is now in Battleship cove in Fall River , Massachusetts and is a Memorial to those from the Bay State who gave their lives during World War 2. Is registered in the National Registry of Historic Places and designated as National Historic Landmark.

"Big Mamie " at her home in Fall River, Massachusetts.

Click here for more information or to visit "Big Mamie".

Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick

Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War by Nathaniel Philbrick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of the settling of Plymouth, Massachusetts and the early years of the colony roughly from the landing of the Mayflower in 1620 to the end of the King Phillip War in 1676. The story doesn't hold much back as it may dispel myths about how quaint the Pilgrims/Puritans were in the early years. Pilgrims were hardline religious followers that today would almost seem cult like. They seemed to turn into what they were trying to escape. The story evolves from the early relations with the Native American population that would culminate into a nasty war(King Phillips War) that would see atrocities committed on both sides. So much so that its hard to choose a side that had more sympathy. It's a good source for those looking for insight into early years of settling of the English colonies in America.

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New Bedford Whaling meets Hawaii

Post by New England Historical Society.

Today in Wicked Awesome History - 1620

In 1620 the Mayflower left Plymouth, England with a 102 passengers bound for originally the Hudson River area. They are blown off course and end up  making landfall at the tip of Cape Cod (Provincetown,Massachusetts) 65 days later.

Cape Cod Canal - 1939

A clip of the Cape Cod Canal from 1939. It has long been a favorite holiday spot for New Englanders,

Voyage of the Mayflower 2 in 1957

A short film of the voyage of the replica Mayflower 2 from Plymouth,  England to Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Plymouth Colony- "The Pilgrims"

A short 22 minute film made by Encyclopedia Brittanica in 1955 dramatizing the story of the settling of Plymouth , Massachusetts.

Wicked Awesome History today 1851

Herman Melville's classic "Moby Dick is published today in 1851. At the time it was a critical and commercial flop it would grow into being considered a classic work of American literature.

Post by New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park.

Shipbuilding in Foxborough

Tio Frank on deck of his masterpiece.

One does not normally think of shipbuilding and Foxborough, Massachusetts as it's a bit of a drive to the ocean. This didn't stop Frank Gonsalve's of Foxboro in the mid 1940's. Frank who was born on Madeira Island (Portugal) in 1903 spent 4 years as an apprentice shipbuilder. I only knew my Great Grand Uncle for a short time. We knew him as "Tio"(uncle in Portuguese)  Frank along with his brother "Tio" Sam were my Great Grandmother's brothers.

The Magellan the first 45 footer

In the mid to late 1940's the began building what would become a 45 foot fishing boat. This project was sandwich between a garage and house. This was also done on small side street inhabited by only two homes. The house is still in the family owned by my mother and my brother runs his power equipment business out of the same garage used to help build these vessels. I recently came across these photo's thought it would be cool to share.

My mother in on the right

Another amzing thing is  that he did this in his spare time after working as Kettle operator in a Mansfield factory 6 days a week. No TV or Internet to distract him that was for sure.

My Great Grandmother checking things out.

1

Installing the engine.

They also built the a second boat called the Magellan II.

Eventually they had to make the trip to the ocean.

Magellan making the trip down the avenue.

Magellan II making its way down Hope Avenue.

I still at this and have a sense of awe that they did this. The space they had to work with was small. Not to mention this was more than just a weekend hobby. Even though the road today is paved and a little wider it was barely a car width just a couple of decades ago. Hard to imagine a boat this size being towed down it.Today the home is still in the family and is where my mother lives. The barn/garage is now home to my brother's small engine repair business, Riverside Repair Co.  I'm not sure exactly what happened to these fishing boats. I believe they saw service in New Bedford and possibly Provincetown, I'd be glad to hear from anyone who might know something. Even Foxborough made its own contribution to the Bay State's fishing heritage.