October 1
This was the worst weather day of our trip so far, chilly and wet. Mostly mist and light rain. Also, we were introduced to driving in Boston. Not good. Very slow, lots of stopping. But even worse, the streets are horrible!!
Birthplace of President George H. W. Bush, Milton, Massachusetts
Marker in Milton, Massachusetts where President George H. W. Bush was born in 1924. President Bush was our 41st president, serving from 1989-1993.
173 Adams Street, birthplace of President George H. W. Bush. It is a private residence, not open to the public.
Home of President John Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts
This is the Old House at Peacefield at 135 Adams Street, Quincy Massachusetts
Mary Jean sitting where Abigail Adams sat.
Part of the flower garden at Peacefield. Abigail Adams loved tending her flowers.
Birthplace of President John Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts
141 Franklin Street, Quincy Massachusetts John Adams was born here in 1735. He was our second president, serving from 1797-1801.
Birthplace of President John Quincy Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts
Franklin Street, next door to his father’s birthplace. John Quincy Adams was born here in 1767. Until George W. Bush took office, John and John Quincy Adams were the only Father-Son pair to be presidents. John Quincy Adams was our 6th president. His one term was from 1825-1829. His election in 1824 was controversial, and was ultimately decided in the House of Representatives by the “Corrupt Bargain”, as Andrew Jackson labeled it.
Burial Site of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams, Quincy, Massachusetts
United First Parish Church, 1306 Hancock Street, Quincy Massachusetts There are crypts in the basement of this church containing the remains of both men and their wives.
Quincy, Massachusetts
Statue of John Hancock, signer of the Declaration of Independence
President John F. Kennedy Library and Museum, Boston, Massachusetts
President John F. Kennedy Library and Museum entrance
JFK’s Oval Office
Presidential seal
The actual page from JFK’s Inaugural Address containing the most memorable line: “Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country”.
Table setting for a White House State Dinner 1962.
JFK’s favorite yacht, Victura.
Flag inside the atrium. There are many more pictures of the JFK Library in the Presidents link.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston skyline from JFK Library and Museum
Boston skyline from JFK Library and Museum
Downtown Boston
Salem, Massachusetts
We had the good fortune of visiting Salem Massachusetts on the first day of October. I didn’t think about it when planning our trip, but Salem really comes alive in October, and I mean it starts the very first day of October! Traffic was a nightmare as Halloween worshipers from all over descended on the witch city. It is a big deal here – many people dress up like Halloween all month long!
The Witch House This was the home of Witch Trial judge Jonathan Corwin. This is the only house left with direct ties to the Witch Trials of 1692.
This is the exact location where 19 people (women and men) were hanged in 1692, convicted of witchcraft during a craze started by teenage girls, mainly as a prank.
Elizabeth Montgomery in…Bewitched!
Statue of author Nathaniel Hawthorne. Hawthorne was an American author who wrote during the early to mid-19th century. He is considered a key figure in the development of American literature. Some of his most notable novels include House of the Seven Gables and The Scarlet Letter .
House of Seven Gables Interesting museum. When Hawthorne lived here this house had only three gables. Years later, the owner added features into the house to match details in Hawthorne’s novel. For example, in the book, crazy Clifford uses a secret staircase to get to different parts of the house. This staircase did not exist until the owner had it added in the late 19th or early 20th century! There are lots of interesting stories about this house. Look it up, or go see it!
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birthplace.
Salem Witch Museum We saw a 30-minute presentation about the Witch craze and trials of 1692. Well-worth a visit.
Back to Boston
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge
TD Garden, home of the Celtics and Bruins.
Birthplace of President John F. Kennedy, Brookline, Massachusetts
83 Beals Street, Brookline, Massachusetts President John F. Kennedy was born here in 1917.
Dinner in Concord, Massachusetts
We stopped by this lovely inn in Concord, Massachusetts after a long hard drive in the traffic, horribly bumpy streets, rain and dark.
Here is the restaurant.
Chicken Pot Pie. Flaky crust, creamy filling with nice chunks of chicken – absolutely delicious!
Yankee Pot Roast. Tender and flavorful; – superb!
Getting needed relaxation!
And of course, dessert: Indian Pudding. A taste of molasses – very good!