Destination Salem

 

 

Sixteen miles north of Boston is a city I truly love. Salem, MA is known as the witch city due to their involvement in the witch hysteria of 1692. It is here, upon Gallows Hill, 20 men and women who were perfectly innocent were sentence to death. Their crime: witchcraft. It is here in this city we can learn much from the past. We can ascertain the consequence of intolerance and their ultimate results. In this city, full of history there is much to do, see and learn.

 

The city of Salem is much more than the madness of what took place in 1692. The city–incorporated in 1629 after Roger Conant and a band of fishermen arrived from Cape Ann. It was to become the leading port of trade with the East Indies and China. We can view some of the artifacts of this maritime history at the Peabody Essex Museum, 161 Essex Street. It is here we find over two million pieces of art from Africa, China, Japan, Korea, North America, etc. We may then tour the “Friendship of Salem”–a replica of a ship from that golden age of colonial America.

 

As we venture through the years, we come to the fateful hysteria of 1692. Salem itself has decided to embrace this tragic event and honor those 20 men and women who lost their lives because of narrow-mindedness and fear. Those who came to this country to practice religious freedom ultimately became extremely guilty of intolerance themselves.

 

Today, Salem is a bustling city full of shops, restaurants and historical attractions. The Hawthorn Hotel, 18 Washington Square has been operating since 1925. This 18^th century style hotel has been seen in a number of venues, including “Bewitched” and “Ghost Hunter”. A newer Salem Waterfront Hotel and Marina, 225 Derby Street is also located within walking distance of downtown. There are also many privately owned Bed & Breakfast scattered throughout the city.

 

Nathaniel Hawthorn’s, The House of the Seven Gables is a must for anyone interested in the literary as well as the historical side of Salem. Built in the late 17^th century, the house is best known for its characterization in Hawthorn’s novel of the same name. This historical fiction, published in 1851 tells the tale of guilt, redemption and atonement. It has been claimed that Hawthorn wrote the novel as an apology for his ancestor’s role in the witch trials of 1692.

 

Across town the Jonathon Corwin, house better known as the Witch House had been the home of the lead investigator during these trials. The house, located at 310 Essex Street is the only building in Salem with direct ties to 1692. Mr. Corwin purchased the home in 1642 and resided there until his death. All though it has been rumored that suspected witches were cross-examined here, no proof of this has ever been found. The house is a great example of 17^th century architecture and is also a must see for anyone interested in this time period.

 

 

 

 

Salem is full of museums and shops a visitor is likely to enjoy discovering. Some of these are:

 

The Pirate Museum–where we learn about the glory days of those men (and sometime women) who turned to a life of piracy.

 

The Salem Witch Village–where we get an insight to what it was like to live in 1692, at the height of the witch hysteria.

 

The Salem Wax Museum–tells the story of the famous witch-hunts of 1692.

 

The Witch Trail Memorial–remembers those innocents (20 men and women) who refused to give in to false accusations of witchcraft and died in the truth.

 

Cry Innocent–a live re-enactment of the trial of Bridget Bishop, where we the audience decides guilt or innocence.

 

… And then, after we visit these dens of knowledge we can stop off at the many souvenir shops in Salem or maybe even have our fortune read by a real 20^th century witch. The city also offers a number of festivals throughout the year. Whether it is history, art or literature Salem has something for everyone. Below is a list of just some of the annual gatherings of the past year:

 

Salem Film Fest

Restaurant Week (spring and fall)

Massachusetts Poetry Festival

Salem Arts Festival

Salem Maritime Festival

Salem Celebrates the 4^th

Salem Heritage Day

Salem Haunted Happenings

 

Again, why not stop by the city that made witches cool and offers a teachable moment about intolerance and religious freedom. The Arabic and Hebrew word for Salem is “Peace” and the tall ship “Friendship” invites visitors to come to the city’s shores and explore this wonderful oasis of knowledge. It is a place where we may gain insight into the past and still enjoy ourselves. In other words, the city of Salem is more than just being the city of witches.

 

Visit www.salem.org for further information

From Sally Murphy’s #1 fan of all time–now, always and forever

My quest to meet Sally Murphy…

And my desire to write for the Broadway community

 

Ms Sally Murphy–the greatest actress, in my opinion to ever grace a stage. She was born on October 12, 1962 in Chicago Ill. Her Broadway debut was in The Grapes of Wrath in 1990. Ms Murphy has, since appeared in a number of television, film and stage roles–including, the one I first saw her in: the Lincoln Center revival of Carousel.

I will never forget that date: June 18, 1994. She was the lead in the above-mentioned musical and her performance just took my breath away. I have always had a love affair with theatre but it was after seeing Ms Murphy I knew someday I wanted to meet this lady. I am hoping this writing career will perhaps might make my dream into reality.

I have always like live theatre because flesh-and-blood people execute it. One does not just sit in a chair and stare at a screen. The audience is made up of humans and in my opinion, this is the charm of theatre. People do need people, if not only to connect themselves to one another.

“The more this world become technologically advance, the more people are going to crave live theatre,” Dennis Cunningham, CBS News. Then theatre critic, Mr. Cunningham gave this quote in the late 80’s. This statement, one I always remembered has been the essence of modern theatre. Today’s audience is craving the live aspects of humanity. The technological world is upon us and people know something is missing. That something is a fundamental need of connecting with each other. The youths of today can text and walk the same way we chewed gum and walked but they do not know the basic skills of communication. And this is where I believe that theatre will play an important part in salvation of the world.

Theatre, by definition is where an “audience is assembled for a dramatic performance in a place that is the setting for such events”. In other words, theatre is a place where an audience comes together and watches, collectively a drama. The new age revolution lacks the intimacy of that audience. One might argue, we do find this connection when we venture to the movies and watch something on a giant screen. The debate is irrelevant though because there are no words or communications spoken by real people. To sit in front of a screen, whether a computer or at the movies the spectator is inactive with the drama. With theatre or live entertainment however that uninvolved interplay disappears. The viewers are connected by the words of their fellow mortals. Thus, making us all the more human again.

… and since I have a slight case of Aspergers (a mild form of autism) it makes the art of communication a little harder at time. Since this is the case, theatre has always had a place in my heart. It has been a lifeline and a destination where I could go to escape and face reality…both, at the same time.

While Broadway is laughed at by some it is the one medium that is steeped in the reality of humanity. For example, two very popular show tell the tale of the underdog and how through their character’s sufferings, sacrifice and love are able to demonstrate the humanity in all of us. Of course I am referring to Wicked–the untold story of the witches from Oz and The Phantom of the Opera. In these two dramas the character have a handicap they must outwit. The character’s–Elephaba and Eric, respectively must hold themselves to a higher ideal due to their deformity.

As I have mentioned before, theatre is the thinking person’s medium. Just as these two examples depict the narrow-mindedness of human beings, other dramas tell of other dilemmas. Les Miserable, Next to Normal, Rock of Ages, A Tale of Two Cities, etc. They all narrate a need for a more equal and just society where compassion and understanding are the norm.

In conclusion, there are two reasons I wish to begin writing about and for the theatre. First, theatre has always been my reality. It has, in essence grounded me so I might appreciate the situations other’s travel. It has made me “open my mind, think outside the box and therefore value life a little more.

The second reason is to meet… someday on of the greatest and most talented actresses ever to appear on stage. This of course is my humble opinion but I just think of Sally Murphy with utter amazement and picture her as the sweetest and most benevolent person there is. Below please find an open plea to Ms. Sally Murphy to return to the great white way soon:

 

Sally Murphy

Born: October 12, 1962

Education: Northwestern University (bachelor in music)

Ensemble member with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago

An open plea to Ms Sally Murphy to return to Broadway soon?

The first time I saw Ms. Murphy on stage was on June 18, 1994. She was the lead in the Lincoln Center Theatre production of “Carousel”. Right there, I knew that she was destined to become one of American theatre’s greatest. I have, since been following her career with a passion. I have also tried to see everything that Ms Murphy has done since that day in June 1994.

Ms Murphy is, to say the least a very versatile performer. She has done classic Broadway (Julie Jordon, Carousel) to newer pieces, such as Sally in The Wild Party and Rose of Shannon in The Grapes of Wrath. Also on her list of credits are numerous television and movie roles.

Lets just say that I would go anywhere to see this wonderful, talented and beautiful actress. She, I must say is my idea of the perfect person… if there is such a person. So the question must be asked: When is she coming back to Broadway?

Your #1 fan,

Tom McGovern

  

Trolley of the Doomed–Boston

On May 19, 1780 a mysterious cloud fell over the city of Boston. In fact the whole state of Massachusetts was witness to this unexplainable event. The dark day in the Massachusetts history began like any other. The sun rose as it had normally done but by 1p.m. what seemed like the apocalypse was occurring. A strange mist-like gas suddenly enveloped the area and reduced “visibility to a few inches” Then at around 1a.m. witnesses claimed to have seen the moon turning blood red. The next morning however, everything was as it should be. Till this day, no one has ever been able to explain why this event happened!

 

This will be just one of the stories you’ll hear on the Ghost and Gravestones Fright-seeing Tour. Come on board the Trolley of the Doomed… if you dare. Visit the underbelly of Boston. The things no one speaks of in the open. You’ll hear the story of how Jane Toppan “wanted to kill more helpless people than any other man or woman who ever lived”. You’ll walk the streets where the Boston Strangler drove fear into the people of the city. Hear the tale of the woman in scarlet, walking the sandy dunes of Boston Harbor still seeking her final resting place.

 

Riders on the tour will also discover why there are bodies buried under the (Boston) Commons and why the North End has tunnels dating back to 1700 under it. Discover who the lady in black is before the tour guide takes you to two of the most famous cemeteries: in the country the Copp’s Hill Burial Grounds and the Granary Burial Grounds. Discover why patriots such as John Hancock, Paul Revere Samuel Adams, etc. may not be resting in peace after all.

 

If you are interested in the macabre, then you should not hesitate in making a reservation for the Ghost and Gravestone Tour, located just outside of the Long Wharf Hotel at 296 State Street.

 

Call (617) 269-3626

www.ghostandgravestone.com

 

 

The Trolley of the Doomed is ready to escort you to your worst nightmares!!!

Eerie Evenings at the Witch House, Salem MA

Eerie Evening is a night of spooky and strange tales brought to you at the Witch House, 310 Essex Street. Come join at costumed professionals enrapture you ghoulish stories from Salam’s past. This year event will comprise “strange tales of local folklore and superstition centered around a macabre discovery at the Old Witch Tree…” The schedule is as follows:

Friday, October 12

Saturday, October 13

Friday, October19

Saturday, October 20

Friday, October 26

Saturday, October 27

 

Tickets are $12.00 with performance staring every ½ hour between 6p.m-10p.m.

 

The Witch House–which is also known as the Jonathon Corwin House is the oldest dwelling in the town of Salem. While no trails were ever actually held in the house, it still holds a significant place with the town’s inhabitants.

 

Judge Jonathon Corwin was the chief magistrate of Salem in 1692. He was the one who ordered 20 men and woman to be hanged at Gallows Hill. In hindsight, we now know that these were innocent people. How did this little town get this far? Venture with us as we explore the life and legacy of Jonathon Corwin at the only direct link to the witch hysteria of 1692.

 

The Witch House is open for guided and self-guided tour through November 30^th. Admission is as follows:

 

Guided-Tours:                                              Self Guided–Tours

Adults-$10.50                                              Adult-$8.25

Seniors-$8.25                                              Seniors-$$6.25

Children (7-14)-$6.25                              Children (7-14)-$4.25

 

 

                                   Children under 7 are free

 

For more information, please contact

The Witch House, 310 ½ Essex Street

Salem, MA 01970

Mail: P.O. Box 465, Salem MA 01970

Phone: (978) 744-8815

Fax: (978) 741 0578

Website: www.witchhouse.info

Email: info@witchhouse.info

An encounter with St. Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower

  

“My mission is to make God loved throughout the world”–St. Therese of Lisieux

The soft-spoken Therese Martin was named a saint in the Roman Catholic Church in 1925 by Pope Pius XI and named Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope John Paul II–only the third woman to be so named. At her death, she promised to “shower roses upon those who have faithful devotion to her”.

St. Therese was born Marie Francoise Therese Martin on January 2, 1873. She was one of five daughters, all of whom entered religious service to Our Lord. She died on September 30, 1897 of tuberculosis; she was only 24 years old.

So, how did this young postulate achieve the title of “the greatest saint of modern times”? In a word: Love. It can be said of her that she loved and welcomed suffering to the end of her days. In her autobiography, the story of a soul she outlined what was referred to as her little ways. This story, in essence is the story of every person–the struggle, heartaches, happiness, etc. It is a story of love.

Imagine for a minute that we were to meet St. Therese in the flesh. We would find an attractive and warm young lady on the verge of entering life. She entered religious life on April 9, 1888 the day she wrote “At last my desires were realized, and I cannot describe the deep sweet peace which fill(s) my soul”. However, her holy life began earlier than this. On May 13, 1883 while Therese was very ill and her with sisters praying at her bedside, she claims that a statue of the Virgin Mary smiled at her. With this, Therese suddenly made a miraculous recovery from her “emotional frustration with a neurotic attack*”. There was another episode of humble holiness and holy conversion that occurred on Christmas day, 1886. On that day, we see little Therese opening her presents after conquering her self-forgetfulness–“the need to forget [oneself] to make others happy.

These events illustrate an ordinary young girl who was graced with heaven’s blessing. A young lady who, by God’s grace would became one of the most beloved saints of all time.

By the time of her death in 1897, Therese Martin had overcome much hardship in her life. From the death of her mother to the institutionalization of her father through her agonizing death in 1897 (along with the many difficulties that she faced everyday), she has managed to become the symbol of love to the world. A symbol and a story of a person who has touched the lives of millions–Catholics and Non-Catholics. She is still today the subject of many theological and scholarly talk. Her whole life can be summed-up as this: I believe in love…

*In 1882 Dr. Gayral diagnosed Therese as “react[ing] to an emotional frustration with a neurotic attack.” An emotion she suffered from since the death of her mother in 1877

Salem MA–an introduction

Travel north to Salem, MA is both fun and exciting. Salem, of course is known as the witch city–due to the hysteria that occurred there is 1692. Anyone who loves history and the macabre will feel at home in this tiny community–about 15 minute from Boston.

The community has embraced its past enthusiastically. As you walk the streets of this town, there are reminders everywhere. For example, the Witch Dungeon Museum, located at 16 Lynde Street is a great place to learn of the hysteria of 1692. The moment you enter, you feel as though you had stepped back in time. You are transported back to Salem, 1692 where paranoia against those who society had deemed different was taken to its ultimate extreme. As you wander through the museum you begin to wonder: Could this ever happen again?

Then there is the House of the Seven Gables, located at 115 Derby Street. This house was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. While the house itself is a national historic landmark, it is primarily due to Hawthorne’s novel rather than the estate itself. Nathaniel it turns out was the great-great grandson of Judge John Hathorn. Who, you may ask is he? Judge Hathorn was the presiding judge who sentenced 19 people to be hanged at Gallows Hill. He also over-saw the pressing to death of Giles Corey. Mr. Corey refused to enter a plea when accused of witchcraft. Judge Hathorn’s story is can be heard at the Witch House, located at 310½ Essex Street.

**Spoiler Alert: Nathaniel Hawthorn changed his name from Hathorn to Hawthorne to distance himself from the family’s legacy.

As you can see, Salem MA is a very interesting place. If you love history and the past, why not come and spend some time in one of the most haunted cities in America. It will not only be fun but it will also make you think.

Nathaniel Hawthorn

An open plea to Ms Sally Murphy

Sally Murphy

Born: October 12, 1962

Education: Northwestern University (bachelor in music)

Ensemble member with the Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago

An open plea to Ms Sally Murphy to return to Broadway soon?

The first time that I saw Ms. Murphy on the stage was on June 18, 1994. She was the lead in the Lincoln Center Theatre production of “Carousel”. Right there, I knew that she was destined to become one of American theatre’s greatest. I have since been following her career with a passion. I have also tried to see everything that Ms Murphy has done since that day in June 1984.

Ms Murphy is, to say the least a very versatile performer. She has done classic Broadway (Julie Jordon, Carousel) to newer pieces, such as Sally in The Wild Party and Rose of Shannon in The Grape of Wrath. Also on her list of credits are numerous television and movie roles.

Let just say that I would go anywhere to see this wonderful, talented and beautiful actress. She, I must say is my idea of the perfect person. So the question must be asked: When is she coming back to Broadway?