Storms and Shipwrecks of New England by Edward Rowe Snow

Storms and Shipwrecks of New England by Edward Rowe Snow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I grew up reading my Grandfather's Edward Rowe Snow books and they are just as captivating as I remember them to be. Snow in a New England maritime legendary story teller. This collection concentrates on historic storms and shipwrecks that have come ashore the New England coast over the years up until about 1945 when this addition was first published. This edition released in 2003 has updates at the end of each chapter. These are local historical tales that you don't find in your history books. Tales like these remind you that not all battles are fought on land or against people but are also waged against nature. These are worth reading if your into New England maritime history.

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Wicked Awesome History Today - 1778

On this day in 1778 the town of Foxborough was incorporated as a town in Massachusetts. It located 22 miles southwest of Boston and 18 miles northeast of Providence, Rhode Island. It's best known as the home of the NFL New England Patriot's and MLS New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Was once home of the worlds largest straw hat factory, it burned down, was located where current post office is on Wall Street. Named after Charles James Fox who, as a member of the British Parliament, was a strong vocal supporter of the colonies. 

Happy Birthday Foxborough!

Pirates off Cape Cod

One place I'm hoping to check out this summer is The Whydah Musuem located on the tip of Cape Cod in Provincetown. The museum displays artifacts of the Pirate ship "Whydah" that was wrecked in a fierce storm in 1717 off the Outer Cape. Captain Black Sam Bellamy was possibly try to visit a local girl, the "Witch of Wellfleet" Maria Hallet. You weren't someone unless you had a cool nickname back the early 1700's. When the ship hit a storm off the outer Cape it ran a ground off Wellfleet and only two survived.

The wreck was found again in the 1980's by underwater explorer Barry Clifford. He has since brought up many interesting artifacts from Captain Black Sam's ill fated voyage including the ship's bell. I can't wait to visit.

Massachusetts National Cemetery : Memorial Day Observation

Massachusetts National Cemetery: Annual Memorial Day ceremony , 1 p.m.; cemetery is off Otis Rotary on Route 28 in Bourne. Begins with Parade of Colors. Guest speaker is Col. James M. LeFavor, commanding officer of 102nd Intelligence Wing, Otis Air National Guard Base. Veterans organizations to participate in presentation of wreaths in honor of their comrades. 

Samuel Adams: A Life - Ira Scott

Samuel Adams: A Life by Ira Stoll
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The most people know about Samuel Adams is that he signed the Declaration of Independence and has a beer named in his honor. This takes a deeper look into the man and his life. He was the early torch bearer and thorn in the side of the English rulers leading up to and during the American Revolution. One of the first to use the press as a weapon of words and ideals to gather support. Was often called the "The Last Puritan" as he was firm in his religious convictions. Believed in the old Yankee ideals of hard work and spurned luxury. He doesn't always seem to to get the same amount of attention as the other founding fathers do. Perhaps cause he never rose higher than Governor of Massachusetts. Perhaps it was his strong religious convictions, hatred for the Pope that made him be over looked. He also destroyed much of his own correspondence so future scholars haven't the same material to draw from as other early American figures. He was certainly a loud and staunch voice of the American Revolution that deserves to be heard. Worth reading if you enjoy early U.S. History as he was a central figure in the birth of the Nation.



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Look a little closer this weekend

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World War I Memorial in Mansfield, Massachusetts

 While on your holiday weekend in between BBQ's,  beer runs, parades, and parties maybe stop for a moment and check out many of our beautiful and often looked over memorials amongst us. How often do we pass these without taking a look.  May it serve as a reminder of the sacrifice that made us to honor this day. Take a closer look at the weather beaten statues and plaques. Look at the names of the men and women who earned a place on them. Perhaps whisper a thank you or prayer for them.  I'm sure they would appreciate at least that much. 

Remember to have a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend!

Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center

IRecently made a quick visit to the Cape Cod Canal Visitor Center located in Sandwich, Massachusetts. It's located on the northern end of the canal that opens to Cape Cod Bay just south of historical Plymouth.

Inside the visitor center you can find out information about the canal which celebrates it's 100th birthday this year. It also has restrooms and a small recreation /picnic area. It is also adjacent Sandwich Marina. It's a cool place visit if your in the area. Here are a few pictures I snapped while I was there.