Archive for April, 2023

Let It Begin Here

Posted in American Revolution, Boston Tea Party on April 30, 2023 by tommcge

“Let It Begin Here,” an award winning film telling of the struggle to start a nation

The promise of “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 

Let us picture how our country secured its freedom. When you watch “Let It Begin Here” you begin to realize how these colonists took a huge risk in their fight for Independence. A ragtag group of men who took on the greatest military arm of the time “No food, no ammunition, no friends but spirit.” (John Dickinson, 1776–the musical) 

You would think that every person in America wanted independence. However, this is not true. As can be seen in the exhibit of two women debating the war. Also listen to the man John Adams said “without him the American Revolution, I believe would not have ever happened.”Of course this gentleman is non-other than Samuel Adams. Known as the Father of the American Revolution, Sam Adams played an important role within the context of this war.

“It is not the question that is actually important, but the fact we even have the right to ask it.”—Samuel Adams, Sons of Liberty ( History Channel Miniseries).  See and hear more of this patriot’s musings as he take on King George III as they put forward their ideas on the conflict and a future if each side should be victorious.

The ultimate score for what Yankee Magazine called “the best new museum in New England” is one of the original tea chest thrown in Boston Harbor that night. DYN the rioters that night cleaned and swept the ship after throwing the tea into the harbor? 

Next time you are in Boston you must visit the Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum. Better yet, do it today and start your adventure along the Freedom Trail.

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Turner’s Salem Restaurant, Former Home to Bridget Bishop

Posted in A Tale of Two Cities, Bridget Bishop, Salem MA, Witchcraft Hysteria on April 29, 2023 by tommcge

Eat at Turner’s Salem, home of Bridget Bishop 

On July 10, 1692 Bridget Bishop was hanged in Salem MA for the crime of witchcraft. She had been accused by the community of not living according to Puritan standard. Bishop, married three times, ran a saloon and dressed inappropriately; a woman who abided to her voice and not others.

Her house and an apple orchard sit on land that is now a restaurant. Turner’s Salem, formerly Turner’s Seafood opened in 1994 and may be haunted by the spirit of Ms Bishop. You may even smell the aroma of apples while you dine. The menu is a seafood lovers feast. Of course it would be since it lies within a community known for its ties to the sea.

In the YouTube video, “What’s Up Boo: The Ghost of Bridget Bishop” (https://youtu.be/asE_jh_-Yl0) a Salem psychic  has been in contact the ghost of Bridget since the medium was a child. Ms Bishop communicated she is in pain and needs our prayers. She asserts that she had been a good wife and was/is misunderstood. When asked if there is any advice she’d like to share with women today, her spirit went silent.

Bridget Bishop had been unjustly put to death by a community who’s motto was conform or risk death. The Salem witchcraft episode can still teach us today. We must never forget the past nor should we. So why not stop by Turner’s Salem for a quick bite today and say a little prayer for Bridget! You might even catch her roaming the restaurant she once called home.

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