Salem Literature Festival

The Salem Literature Festival

From March 27th through March 29, Salem, Massachusetts will take the weekend to celebrate the literary arts with author readings, writing workshops, open mics, word-game tournaments, parties, and more.

Events are being held all over town including: Hamilton Hall, the Salem Athenaeum, Cornerstone Books, Front Street Cafe, The Old Town Hall and an handful of other places. You can meet authors, learn how to hone your skills, see plays, read, write or listen to poetry, attend a tribute, play Scrabble, even make your own paper.

One of the best parts of this lit-fest is that most of the events are free.  Hopefully my writing will improve a bit so you will keep reading this site faithfully

For more great info on the Salem Literature Festival check out their site at SalemLitFest.com.

Enjoy.

Bicycle in the Snow by Son of Rastabum

Snow Covered Tree Branches by RK

in front of salem Five Bank by Moon*Child

Shoveling Snow

Salem Common durring Snow Storm

We saved our favorite for last.  This is was shot by local photographer and regular contributor Forrest Frazier.

Salem Friendship in winter

Thanks to everyone who contacted us with a photo.  We always look forward to seeing Salem through your eyes.

Mobile Command Vehicle

It seemed like a rather tame Halloween with an estimated 100,000 people coming in to town.  More were expected due to the great weather and the holiday falling on a Friday.  Perhaps all the hype of a massive crush into Salem kept some revelers away or maybe it was the large number of private parties held around town that kept people off the street.  People seemed to have a fun time but there were less people in costume than previous years and of those costumed many less slutty naughty costumes were seen (much to our dismay).

Here are a few photos we took, more are available on our flickr page.  If you have some photos you’d like to share drop us a link or post one in the comments.

Good Witch

Misfits

Vampre with Baby

Princess Leia loves PRB

Satan and the God squad

Tomorrow it will be absolutely bonkers in Salem.  The weather is looking good and this year Halloween is on a Friday night.  Last year over 100,000 people came to Salem to celebrate and I predict we will get much more than that this year.

If you are coming to Salem for the first time or maybe you are an annual visitor or perhaps a new resident, you might enjoy this little refresher list of do’s and dont’s.

Salem Streets on Halloween

DO come early and take public transportation.  The T has added extra commuter rail trains to Salem and extended the hours of those leaving last trains to Boston, 11 to 11:24 p.m.; last trains to Newburyport, 11:26 p.m.; last train to Rockport, 12:38 a.m.  DON’T plan on parking anywhere near down town if you drive in after noon.  If you have to drive you will be walking a distance.

DO wear something comfortable.  I know you want to wear that slutty witch costume with the 8 inch f**k me boots, and we want to see you in it but remember that many of our streets are cobblestone or brick.  DO consider the size of your costume as you will be packed in like sardines whether on the street or in a bar.  DON’T freak out when you get stopped every 5 seconds because someone wants to take a picture of you looking like a bondage Tickle Me Elmo in a gimp outfit.

Naughty Halloween Costumes

DON’T expect a prime spot at your favorite bar.  DO use the opportunity to chat up people so they will give you their bar stool when they leave.

Speaking of drinking, DON’T bring a glass bottle of jagermeister with you.  I’ve seen too many people trip over their own costume or someone elses, packing glass is a bad idea.  DO patronize your favorite watering hole or have a cocktail at home.  If you must bring a beverage with you, use a flask.

View from Bar on Halloween

DO take the time to walk all around down town.  The streets will be blocked off from Washington Street from New Derby to Lynde streets; Derby Street from Lafayette to Congress streets; Hawthorne Boulevard from Derby to Essex streets; Washington Square west and south; Essex Street from Barton Square to Union Street.  Live bands and DJ’s will be set up on all of the streets with different types of music playing.  DON’T stay in one spot, you’ll miss out on so much of whats going on.  At least do one jog around town and plop yourself at your favorite spot.

The City wants to close things down at 10:30 pm ,well before you are done partying.  DON’T wait to get into a bar or restaurant no lines will be allowed after 10:45.  DO plan on being inside somewhere or being moved along by the massive contingent of coppers.

Cops on Halloween

If you are not comfortable in large crowds DO come early and leave early or take a valium.   DON’T expect people to make a path for you to move.   DO be polite, it will get you much further than being a tool.

We will be out having fun and taking pictures but if you have a great photo you would like to share with us send it over and we will post a bunch on Monday.

Salem MA Zombie Walk

Salem State College is participating in  “Thrill The World“, a 25th anniversary commemorative event celebrating Michael Jackson’s Thriller – perhaps one of the best videos of all time.  If you want to participate all you need to do is learn the dance, dress like a zombie and head over to Veterans Hall on the SSC campus Saturday October 25th at noon. More info is available on their website. Just to get you in the mood here are 1500 Philippino Prisoners busting out the moves.

If organized zombie dances aren’t your thing you might want to check out round 2 of the Zombie Walk.

On November 1st after the crazyness has died down a bit a second Zombie walk will commence.  Leaving from Collins Cove and making its way to Cinema Salem where there will be a special showing of Die You Zombie Bastards. As many Salem Insiders know this film was writen by a Salem State professor and shot locally.

Oh and if you want to see a few more pictures from the first Zombie walk in Salem you can head over to our Flickr page.

I’m not a Salem resident, but my sister and her fiance live in Salem so I’m in town visiting them quite a bit.

Summer Sunset at the Willows by Keela B.

Well, Keela your image captured the eyes of many and you are our winner!

Thanks to the generosity of some great local businesses and promoters you’ve won the following prizes.

• 2 passes to Five Funny Females comedy show a $50 value given by Drinkwater productions
• $25 gift certificate to Spirits at 300 Derby
• 2 passes to DARQ
• 2 tickets to the Crow Brothers 9pm Vampire tour

I want to personally thank everyone who submitted a photo.  The talent level here is great.  Thanks also goes out to the businesses who donated the prizes.  People are already stepping up to donate for the next contest, don’t be left out. Check back next month for a new contest.

• 2 passes to Five Funny Females comedy show a $50 value given by Drinkwater productions
• $25 gift certificate to Spirits at 300 Derby
• 2 passes to DARQ
• 2 tickets to the Crow Brothers 9pm Vampire tour

The following images are presented in the order received. Once you view the images please use the poll to the right of this post to pick your favorite (voting ends on Friday).

You may vote only once and any duplicate votes will result in all of your votes being thrown out.

Essex Street Mall by Amanda L

Crow cooling off by Stephen C.

Rock Lobstah by Liz F.

Bike by Ryan M.

Concert on the Common by Stephanie H.

Salem Willows looking toward Beverly Harbor by Lisa C.

Summer Sunset at the Willows by Keela B.

Apples on Bridge by Jason H.

Mojito by Arthur C.

NOTE: View the winning photo here on our follow up post.

Summer in Salem

Summer in Salem is the theme of our current contest. We are looking for unique images that convey your idea of what Salem has to offer in these good weather months. You have one week to shoot you pictures and get them to us.

The Rules:

1. Photographs must be taken within the City of Salem (Massachusetts).
2. Photographs must be shot during the time period of the contest (no using last years cool photo of that watermelon that looked like Manny Ramirez).
3. Photographs must be on theme (we love seeing pics of your hot girlfriend or cool car but if thats not the theme then it doesn’t get entered).
4. Photographs must be received no later than 11:59pm on Sunday August 3rd the deadline date (Eastern Standard Time).

The Low Down:

1. You have one week to shoot and submit your photo. Photos or a link to them may be emailed to contest@thesaleminsider.com
2. All photos will be assembled and displayed in a post. Photos will show the same size (i.e. 500 wide by x high) and may be clickable to view a larger image, just like many of our images on this blog are currently displayed.
3. Everyone gets to comment and vote on the photos they like best.
4. After five days of voting a winner will be announced and prize will be awarded.

The Prizes:

Because we had so many great entries last contest many local businesses stepped up to the plate to offer a great prize pack.

• 2 passes to Five Funny Females comedy show a $50 value given by Drinkwater productions
• $25 gift certificate to Spirits at 300 Derby
• 2 passes to DARQ a $10 value (this is a 21+ event if you are under 21 a prize substitute will be given)

If you are a business owner and want to donate a prize we still accepting them for the duration of the contest. In return we will post a link to your business in our sidebar for the duration of the contest (not to mention all the links in these posts which garnered well over 10,000 page views last contest), contact us for details.

The fine Print:

• Entries must be submitted by email to contest@thesaleminsider.com, with either your photo attached or a link to its url. You may submit one entry per contest.
• You must hold the copyright of the pictures you submit. Also, you allow us (TheSalemInsider.com) to post your image here on our site for the world to judge (just for the photo contest, we don’t want to use it for any other reasons).
• Employees of TheSalemInsider.com are not eligible, sorry guys.

The bold complementary colors in Howard Street Graveyard Buttercups by Daryl B. just eeeked out a win over the super cute A dogs view of Salem Common by Robin R.

A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated.  Since people seemed to enjoy this we will be hosting our next photo contest in July, with a new theme and more prizes.  Speaking of prizes, congratuations again to  Daryl B. for winning a $20 gift certificate to the Salem restaurant of  your choice.

The following images are presented in the order received. Once you view the images please use the poll to the right of this post to pick your favorite (voting ends on Wednesday).

I probably should have mentioned this before but you may vote only once and any duplicate votes will result in all of your votes being thrown out.

Howard Street Graveyard Buttercups by Daryl B.

Howard Street Graveyard Seeds by Daryl B.

Tattoo Guns by Forrest F.

Painting at Witch City Ink by Forrest F.

Old Town Hall by Jeff W.

four kids on the bypass road appear to be headed for the train by David M.

Beat(en) LA, on Bridge St. by David M.

YARR!! by Rippin K.

A dogs view of Salem Common by Robin R.

Untitled 1 by Alex E.

Untitled 2 by Alex E.

Untitled 3 by Jennifer N.

Untitled 4 by Jennifer N.

Does it matter what my subject matter is?
Not really, we’re not into censorship around here.  Just keep in mind that your photo has to be somewhat tasteful and keep within the theme.

What size should my picture be?
It should be at least 500px wide at 72dpi (height can be variable) and can be as large as you want it to be.  If it’s too big we can always shrink it down.

Can I send a caption with my picture?
You bet.  Feel free to send a caption or a description or any other info about your picture you want.

What’s the prize?
The prize is a $20 gift certificate to the Salem restaurant of  your choice.

I’d like to donate a prize – how’s that work?
We’re accepting donations for the next contest in July. Your business (logo 125px x 125px or name) and link will be prominantly featured in the “Photo Contest” section on our right hand sidebar.  So feel free to contact us about dontating a prize for the next contest in July.

I’m a professional photographer can I enter the contest?
The contest is open to everyone there Ansel Adams, show us what you can do.

Remember you have to send your pic in by 11:59pm on Monday June 23rd.  That gives you this weekend to snap a few off.  I’ve seen a few of the entries already and they are good but I know you guys can do better.  If there are any more questions just leave a comment here.

Barnum Circus on Essex St. 1885

Each month (for at least the summer) we will be hosting a photo contest. Themes will be announced and you will have one week to shoot and submit your entry, then a winner will be picked by a jury of your peers.

This contests theme is: A Unique Perspective

Contest deadline Monday June 23rd.

I’m not going to explain in detail what the theme means because it’s all about your unique perspective, how you view Salem differently than others.

The Rules:

1. Photographs must be taken within the City of Salem (Massachusettes).
2. Photographs must be shot during the time period of the contest (no using last years cool photo of that watermelon that looked like Manny Ramirez).
3. Photographs must be on theme (we love seeing pics of your hot girlfriend or cool car but if thats not the theme then it doesn’t get entered).
4. Photographs must be received no later than 11:59pm on the deadline date (Eastern Standard Time).

The Low Down:

1. You have one week to shoot and submit your photo.
2. All photos will be assembled and displayed in a post. Photos will show the same size (i.e. 500 wide by x high) and may be clickable to view a larger image, just like most of our images on this blog are currently displayed.
3. Everyone gets to comment and vote on the photos they like best.
4. After three days of voting a winner will be announced and prize will be awarded.

The Prizes:

Prizes will consist of Salem business gift certificates. If you are a business owner and want to donate a prize we are happy to post a link to your business for the duration of the contest (thousands of potential page views), contact us for details.

If you won’t be in Salem to use your prize (for instance you came to town for a visit and won with your great picture of a pirate windsurfing) then we’ll hook you up with an amazon.com or itunes gift card.

The fine Print:

• Entries must be submitted by email to contest@thesaleminsider.com or as a reply to the contest post, with either your photo attached or a link to its url. You may submit up to three entries per contest.
• You must hold the copyright of the pictures you submit. Also, you allow us (TheSalemInsider.com) to post your image here on our site for the world to judge (just for the photo contest, we don’t want to use it for any other reasons).
• Employees of TheSalemInsider.com are not eligible, sorry guys.

© Snowriderguy

I was out and about this past weekend and took a few photos (which will be on our flickr page shortly) and it got me thinking.  Everybody who lives in or comes to Salem takes pictures here.  There’s probably a million pictures of the Friendship, Roger Contant statue, Witch Museum and the Old Burying Ground.  And that’s cool, those are the reasons many people come to  visit the Witch City.  But Salem Insiders know that  there is a lot more to Salem than just those things.

So this weekend I will announce a photo contest open to everyone tourists and residents alike.  Subject details and submission dates will follow and of course prizes will be awarded.

Thankfully the weather was spectacular so I sat under a tree watching the joggers circle around the park and took in life so early on a Sunday morning. A total of six classic cars showed up and of them the only Cadillacs were a 1932 La Salle and the above pictured ’55 Fleetwood.

Even though the showing was poor, I still shot a ton of photos (it’s one of my things), which got me  thinking. I often go to shows, see exhibits, or find fun things in Salem to photograph but only a fraction of those images ever make it in this blog. So… I decided to fire up a flickr page. I’ll work get a decent selection of photos in there over the next week or so for your Salem photo fix.

Music

Friday March 7th

• Acme Music (dance, rock, pop) @ Rockafellas
• Cherry S/T (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Wendy Nottonson (jazz 6:30-9:30) The Kicking Moon (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Radio Scotvoid Productions aka RSVP (Alternative / Experimental / Electronica 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Soul Baby (R&B, Funk, Soul) @ The Lyceum

Saturday March 8th

• New Life (dance, rock, pop, disco) @ Rockafellas
• Akiko Aoki (jazz 6:30-9:30) On 3 (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• The Winstons (rock) @ Dodge Street
• 2nd Saturday Bluegrass Jam (2:30PM – 5:30PM) 500 Plastic Dragons (cd release party- Indie / Pop / Country 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu
• Grateful Ted (classic rock 9pm) @ The Lyceum

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

10,000 BC (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:15 AM), (1:45), (4:15), 7:00, 9:35
Sun: (11:15 AM), (1:45), (4:15), 7:00

Spiderwick Chronicles(PG)
Fri & Sat: (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:15, 9:30
Sun: (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:15

Vantage Point (PG-13)
no-times listed

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

Last month their gig was canceled due to snow but tonight the insider pick goes to the always fun Soul Baby playing over at the Lyceum. Saturday get out an support local Salem band 500 Plastic Dragons as they celebrate their CD release. And for all you Sunday Brunchers, Sixty2 on Wharf is jumping into the heavily saturated market starting Sunday.

As always have a blast, don’t drink & drive and tell us about your weekend.

Special Events / Festivals

Salem Film Fest 2008
Earlier this week we did a full write up on the Salem Film Fest which kicked off Thursday night. It’s going on all week and there are plenty of great movies to see and fun events at local establishment. We are big proponents of broadening our cultural horizons, this is a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Music

Friday February 29th

• Richie Rich and the 24 Karat Funk Band @ Rockafellas
• The Illegals w/ Dave Fisher (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Steve Marvin (jazz 6:30-9:30) Eternity (rock 10) @ Bangkok Paradise
• Machine 457 (Electronica / pop / rock 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu

Saturday March 1st

• Pete Demon & Cocaine Tongue (rock) @ Dodge Street
• Shadowbox Blues Band (blues 8pm) @ Gulu Gulu

Movies

Cinema Salem will be showing:

Salem Film Fest Schedule

Vantage Point (PG-13)
Fri & Sat: (11:20 AM), (1:30), (4:00), 7:30, 9:50
Sun: (11:20 AM), (1:30), (4:00), 6:00

Spiderwick (PG)
Friday and Saturday at (12:15), (2:30), (4:45), 7:15 and 9:30;
Sunday – Thursday at (12:15), (2:30), (4:45) and 7:15.

Art

Body Politics — Visions in blood and ink: the return of Maori tattoo @ PEM
This exhibit in its first week is a joy for photography fans and those interested in an insight to other cultures. Remember Salem residents get in for FREE.

Insider Picks

This weekend the insider picks are easy to make. With the Salem Film Fest coming around only once a year its time to head to the movies. Stand out movies this weekend look like B.I.K.E, Everything Will be OK, and Red Without Blue. There are plenty of other great movies coming up during the week. If movies aren’t your bag, dance your booty off with Richie Rich Friday night.

As always have a blast, don’t drink & drive and tell us about your weekend.

This sculpture in front of the PEM was by far the best

due to the weather many sculputures like this one in front of New Civilitea met an untimely demise

We photographed all the sculptures and will get them up on our flickr page shortly.

What the heck is Baker’s Island?

Most people are familiar with Salem’s 8.1 square miles of land but know nothing about our 10 miles of water or what exists out there. Salem maritime properties include Children’s Island, Ram Island, Cunney Island, Tinkers Island, Great Misery Island, Little Misery Island and Baker’s Island. While some of them have summer homes none are inhabited year round.

The 60 acre Baker’s Island lies 3.5 miles off shore. In addition to its one light house (visible from the Salem Willows) the island is home to 55 cottages most built in the late 1800′s to early 1900′s. The island also has a store, fire house, meeting hall (Sherman C. Burnham Hall), and gift shop known as Driftwood. Baker’s Island it’s Massachusetts’ largest residential island north of Boston.

History of Baker’s Island

During the golden age of sail, Salem was the wealthiest city in the States all because of her port but there were no major aids to navigation to help mariners past the islands and rocks outside her harbor. A conical day beacon erected in 1791 was 57 feet tall, painted red, and topped by a two-foot diameter black ball. Unfortunately this beacon was not much help at night or in the fog and after three wrecks in 1796 killing 16 men the Salem Marine Society sent a message to Congress stating they needed to replace the beacon with a lighthouse.

That much of the property and many of the lives of their fellow citizens are almost every year lost in coming into the harbour of Salem for want of proper lights to direct their course… This calamity can, in the opinion of this society be prevented only by erecting a lighthouse on the northern end of Bakers Island . . .

Congress authorized $6,000 for the establishment of twin lights on Baker’s Island which first lit up on January 3, 1798. The two towers were located on top of a two-story keeper’s house, about 40 feet apart at either end of the building with four lamps being fueled by whale oil. In the early part of the 1800′s there were some configuration changes to the light houses, one was shortened then later restored to its previous height after some confusion with Boston light. In 1926 one of the lights was removed and by 1938 the sole remaining light was electrified.

Baker's Island Light c. 1929

In addition to the light house (set on 10 acres) the remainder of the island was privately owned. In 1888 a homeopathic doctor from Salem named Nathan Morse built a hotel/spa on Baker’s Island called the Winne-Egan. It had 50 guest rooms and catered to seekers of “health, pleasure and needed rest.” In addition to island activities such as sailing, fishing and swimming, guests could play tennis, or even shoot a short round of golf on the hotel’s six-hole course. Like many of Salem’s old buildings the hotel met its demise in 1906 when an accidental fire burned it to the ground.

Baker’s Island real estate; old money, private sales and coastal views.

There is not an abundance of information available about properties on Baker’s Island. No rentals what-so-ever and according to my real estate agent “There hasn’t been a public sale (in MLS) of anything on the island since 1999 – all private sales, and at that only a few”. I examined Salem’s GIS (Geographical Information System) viewer and found most parcels of land have been owned by family’s since before 1900.

Homes on Baker’s Island

Today access to the island is limited to residents and their guests. The islands one pier is where all visitors arrive and depart. Many residents have their own boats but a water shuttle the Double Eagle, is available from Salem harbor.

a view from the pier at sunset

Final thought

I am still looking for my summer retreat. Many Salem residents visit this site, so if you have a place out on Baker’s Island contact me, I would love to learn more about what is in our own back yard. And for all my out of town readers, if I get the opportunity to go over there, walk around and shoot some photos, you can be sure to find them right here at theSalemInsider.com.

His and hers park bench 

Well, after much anticipation and a huge flame war on one of Salem’s message boards, Salem Wine Imports is now open.

Now we at TheSalemInsider.com are not oneologists but we do like a good glass of wine now and again. Thankfully the owner of Salem Wine Imports was available to help guide us through the store. Wines are arranged by region and nicley displayed around the shop.

A special bonus for any wine n00b is the eight bottle draught system in the rear room. A nitrous system keeps the wine fresh so you can sample a variety of bottles before you buy. This is a great feature and I can for see many wine tastings in the future.

In a time when so many other businesses are moving or closing their doors its great to see a new and somewhat unique shop open up in Salem. We wish them success.

Gideon Tucker House
Once a single family home this was converted in the 1900′s to condos. I was pleased to see that much of the original feel of a McIntire home was still in this now modern condo. The beautiful fireplaces and great use of space made this an outstanding home. Turning what was probably an unused or underused area (walkway) into a dining nook added much charm to this elegant condo.

Gardner-Pingree House
Owned by the PEM, this house was a treat to tour because it has been restored to its original 1805 grandeur. With no lighting and no heat you were able to better understand how life may have been two hundred years ago. Too many hand carved items to list.

photographer and date unknown

The Emmerton House
Known as the Woman’s Friend Society, formed in 1876 to help girls and women in need, is a charitable organization still helping people (and still accepting donations and volunteers). When I walked in I instantly recognized the home, it is discussed at length in a few books I own. One of it’s most notable features are the two McIntire stair cases.

John Hodges House
There was just too much to take in at this home. One of the stand out features was the staircase with it’s hand carved spindles from the workshop of Mcintire. Three different spindles per step with the base being made of two spindles one set inside the center of the other each carved as opposing spirals.

White-Silsbee House
Once again I walked into a house I have never been in but knew like the back of my hand. Most of the photos I have seen of this home were taken in 1930 but all of the relevant features have been preserved. The parlor and sitting room oppose each other with fireplaces at either end, the rooms being sectioned by a three panel foldout door. Also of note the original stove. The dining room however was magnificent. With the original wood mantle being discarded in the Victorian era, a black marble mantle was put in it’s place. Vastly surpassing the fireplace was the original 18th century French wall paper depicting the four climate regions of the earth. Having been in many of the great homes in this country I can tell you this is a rare treasure, one which needs to be preserved. It simply is breathtaking.

Forrester-Peabody House/Bertram House
Known as the Home for Aged Men, this is another example of a historically relevant home being used for charitable purposes and keeping much of it’s architectural value. I was impressed with how warm and inviting the large rooms were. It gave you a sense of how the architect envisioned the usage of space. The most impressive feature of this home had to be the massive dining room. I wonder if it originally was used as a dining room or perhaps a ballroom. The dining room ceilings had to be at least 18 feet high (the guide did not know the height) with over 1 foot high crown moldings surrounding the room. Once again I was simply awestruck. It reminded me of the Red Room in the White House which has a ceiling height of 20 to 22 feet (depending on who you believe).

Pierce-Nichols House
McIntire’s first commission at the ripe old age of 24. There is a wealth of information about this home available. It is a must see for any student of the Federal period.

Benjamin Carpenter House
Unfortunately this is the only house on the tour where I felt someone dropped the ball. While the home was beautiful, the volunteers knew nothing about any of the rooms or the pieces in those rooms. Not to dwell on the negative, the library was both comfortable and livable while also being a fine showpiece.

Cottington-Smith Assembly House
Did I happen to mention it was bitterly cold this weekend? Thankfully this house which is used as a lecture hall and meeting place was set up to serve hot tea and coffee. George Washington once danced and dined here.

Cook-Oliver House
Some wonderful examples of McIntire’s woodcarvings, both on the exterior and interior of this home. The parlor features hand-cut chair rail and the quintessential McIntire wheat sheath mantle. The original crown molding was removed in 1902 (I believe) and sold to the Metropolitan Museum in New York. If you pay attention in this home you will notice quite a few examples of modern art, an interesting juxtaposition. This home was last opened 50 years ago for the 200th anniversary of McIntire.

Dodge-Shreve House
Again we find a strong oriental influence in this home. The dining room in addition to beautiful origami swans on the dinner settings was papered with Chinese tea paper, original to the home.

Johnathan Hodges House
The only house on Chestnut Street to be built by McIntire. The volunteers in this home did a great job of explaining many of the details of this home. I was amused by the story of Capt. Hodges near demise. The use of large antique mirrors made the already spacious rooms look even bigger.

sketch of floor plan by McIntire

Robinson-Little House
Standing out from other homes on the tour the first floor of this house was remodeled in the early 19oo’s. It features a rich mahogany interior, unique as it is not wood paneling but wood veneer laid out over stretched fabric with the cross molding pieces set atop the veneer. Also standing out from other homes on the tour, the McIntire fireplaces were not monochrome but had the relief painted “Wedgwood” blue on two of the fireplaces. A bonus feature for people on the tour, the owners had a few printed out sheets and old photos describing the history of the home and a few of the relevant pieces inside.

Hamilton Hall
This year the great space of Hamilton Hall was consumed by a Christmas fair. Luckily this building is open much of the year and available for private functions.

photo from this past summer’s walking tours

Loring-Emerton House
Another condo that just changes how you think about condos. The McIntire influence on this home is evident. Walking through the portico into the foyer you are greeted by a staircase featuring the same spindle work as the John Hodges house. Once in the home I was blown away by the domed bedroom ceiling, not to mention the seamless integration of a modern bathroom and kitchen into a classical interior. One of the best features had to be the one person seating/reading nook tucked in one of the rear rooms.

Final Thoughts

As is the case each year, I had a great time. I learned so much an was inspired by what I saw. A big thank you goes out to Historic Salem Inc., all the home owners who graciously opened their homes and all the volunteers that made the event a success.

I would love to know what you thought about this years house tour.

The police had sectioned off all of the down town area from Derby St. to the Common down to the train station and over to the post office. All available space was being used with bands and DJs set up on Hawthorne Blvd., Derby St., and Washington St., and a food court set up in the Common.

People were all decked out in their finest costumes. All the traditional Dracula, werewolf, Frankenstein, and mummy’s made an appearance. But the overwhelming costumes for women, or should I say girls was the slutty “fill in the blank” of note were, cop, witch, nurse, pirate, umpire, vampire, fireman, candy corn, devil, wonder woman, cat woman, rainbow bright, gangster, prison inmate, and last but not least slutty nun. The adult entertainment industry can rest assured that the next generation of performers is ready and willing to step up.

Not to be left out of the fun, a cadre of fundamentalist Christians were patrolling the streets with giant signs and bullhorns. I think their warnings of eternal damnation fell on deaf ears. Satan showed up and gathered quite a crowd when he was hanging out with the God squad.

Shortly after 10pm the fireworks started up on the water adjacent to the commuter rail station. It was a half hearted attempt at topping off the night, unfortunately they seemed to drag on uneventfully for a half hour. When the fireworks had wrapped up the police had sectioned off the area and started pushing people out of town, beginning with the pedestrian mall. By midnight Salem once again was returned to its former self, with all the vendors and tourists just a memory.

This morning it seemed almost sad.

The carnival consists of about 5 rides and 3 games of skill/chance.  It’s way over priced ($4 for a ride on the ferris wheel) and probably a waste of your time.  Unless you have kids or want to break your tooth on a candied apple you can avoid this attraction.

In other more exciting news; Today is the Big Day!

If you are still thinking of coming into Salem, take the train.  All the parking lots are full already (its 10:30 am). The parade starts at 9 and fireworks are at 10.  Salem Insiders know to get a good spot at one of the local watering holes or outside areas to watch the freakshow as it explodes after school and after dark.

Tomorrow we will have a bunch of great photos recapping the madness that is Salem on Halloween.

On a separate note- I’ve spent some time retrieving some of the old articles from the database crash. But the most recent backup was too long ago and we will never recover everything.

This year Boston Harley has a new owner, Bruce Rossmeyer. And he has made some major changes over there. One of which was to bring back the old parade route. The past few years the ride has been a mess, starting late, riding the highway to make up time, a general state of disorder. This year the ride was prompt and wound up 1A with the lead police motorcycles shooting down LaFayette and onto Derby at a few minutes past 2pm. It took about an hour for all the bikes to finish filing in with many riders in costume and some handing out halloween candy to the crowd of thousands lining the streets.

Every food joint or place to grab a drink from the wharf to down town was slammed from 3pm on. Sightseers were ogling the bikes as much as the amusements, cemeteries and other attractions.

If you are a fan of motorcycles and are going to visit Salem only once during the season (you would be missing out big time) come for the Witch Ride, you wont be disappointed.