Roadside Attraction: Salem Witchcraft Victims Memorial - Danvers, MA

Salem Witchcraft Victims Memorial

Danvers, MA

N 42° 33.932 W 070° 57.460

Quick Description: 

America's most famous sociological disaster was caused by mass hysteria. It occurred in Salem Village, Massachusetts Bay Colony. The Salem Witchcraft Victims Memorial preserves the memory of the victims. It is located at 176 Hobart Street in Danvers, MA.

Long Description:

Between between February 1692 and May 1693 episodes of mass hysteria swept through the settlements in and around present day city of Salem which resulted in more than 20 women and men being accused of witchcraft, tried, convicted, and executed. The events were centered around the settlement of Salem Village northwest of Salem. The town subsequently changed its name to Danvers.

In 1992, on the 200th anniversary of the Salem Witch Trials, the citizens of Danvers erected a memorial to 24 victims who were killed as a result of the episodes of mass hysteria. A granite memorial consisting of a granite block inscribed with the dedication. On top of the block are a pair of iron shackles, and a sculpture of an open book with the inscription THE BOOK OF LIFE written across the pages. Behind are a series of five upright granite panels which are inscribed with the names, cause of death, and several quotes from the victims.

The dedication reads:

IN MEMORY OF THOSE INNOCENTS

WHO DIED DURING THE

SALEM VILLAGE WITCHCRAFT HYSTERIA

OF 1692

The first granite panel is inscribed:

“I am an innocent person. I never
had to do with witchcraft since I
was born. I am a Gosple woman.”
MARTHA CORY


“The Lord above knows my innocencye
as att the great day will be known
to men and Angells. I Petition to your
honours not for my own life for I know
I must die and my appointed time is
sett but the Lord he knows it is that
if it be possible no more innocent
blood may be shed ...”
MARY ESTY


“If it was the last moment I was to
live, God knows I am innocent ...”
ELIZABETH HOW


“Well! Burn me, or hang me, I will
stand the truth of Christ ...”
GEORGE JACOBS, SR.

The second granite panel is inscribed:

Died in jail May 10, 1692
SARAH OSBURN of Salem Village

Hanged June 10, 1692
BRIDGET BISHOP of Salem

Died in jail June 16, 1692
ROGER TOOTHAKER of Billerica

Died in jail previous to July 19, 1692
INFANT DAUGHTER to Sarah Good
of Salem Village


Hanged July 19, 1692

SARAH GOOD of Salem

ELIZABETH HOW of Topsfield

SUSANNAH MARTIN of Amesbury

REBECCA NURSE of Salem Village

SARAH WILDS of Topsfield

The third granite panel has the image of a trial judge and is inscribed:

Hanged August 19, 1692

REV. GEORGE BURROUGHS of Wells, Maine,
formerly of Salem Village

MARTHA CARRIER of Andover

GEORGE JACOBS, SR. of Salem

JOHN PROCTER, SR. of Salem Farmes

JOHN WILLARD of Salem Village


Died under torture September 19, 1692
GILES CORY of Salem Farmes

The fourth granite panel is inscribed:

Hanged September 22, 1692

MARTHA CORY of Salem Farmes

MARY ESTY of Topsfield

ALICE PARKER of Salem

MARY PARKER of Salem

ANN PUDEATOR of Salem

WILMOT REDD of Marblehead

MARGARET SCOTT of Rowley

SAMUEL WARDWELL of Andover


Died in jail December 3, 1692
ANN FOSTER of Andover


Died in jail March 10, 1693
LYDIA DASTIN of Reading

The fifth granite panel is inscribed:

“Amen. Amen. A false tongue
will never make a guilty person.”
SUSANNAH MARTIN


“I can say before my Eternal
father. I am innocent & God will clear my innocency.”
REBECCA NURSE


“The Magistrates, Ministers, Jewries,
and all the People in general, being
so much inraged and incensed against
us by the Delusion of the Devil,
which we can term no other, by reason
we know in our own Consciences, we
are all innocent Persons.”
JOHN PROCTER SR.


“ ... I fear not but the Lord in his due time
will make me as white as snow.”
JOHN WILLARD

Sponsors Monument

Roadside Attraction: UFO Close Encounter Monument - Sheffield, MA

UFO Close Encounter Monument

Sheffield, MA

N 42° 07.447 W 073° 21.248

Short Description:

 A granite monument, containing an official citation from the Governor of Massachusetts, marks the spot where the Reed Family claims to have had a physical encounter with a UFO. It is located east of the Old Covered Bridge in Sheffield, MA.

Long Description:

The monument is in the area where Thomas Reed and his younger brother saw a UFO in 1966, 1967 and again in 1969.When Thomas Reed was 6 years old he reports being taken aboard a circular looking vessel by extra-terrestrial beings. In the fall of 1969 he and his younger brother Matthew experienced bright bursts of light through their bedroom window. Thomas was engulfed in the light and his brother was now speaking to an empty bed. An odd stillness ensued and their mother, Nancy, and their grandmother, Marian, were experiencing a cataleptic state.

For decades Thomas Reed worked to have his story vindicated. On November 3, 2015 he obtained a "Citation of Recognition" from the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The UFO monument reproduces the citation on the black painted granite monument. The citation is inscribed:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

{Seal of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts}

Thomas E. Reed

On behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

I am pleased to confer upon you this Governor's Citation in recognition

of the off-world incident on September 1st, 1969, which engaged the Reed Family, which

has been established. Your dedicated service to the incident was factually upheld,

founded, and deemed historically significant and true by means of Massachusetts

Historians. The records highlighting the historic event are now officially part of the

Great Barrington, MA Historical Society's Collection and your recent induction into

Massachusetts History

This Third Day of November in the year 2015

{signed}                       {signed}

Charles D. Baker          Karyn E. Polito

          Governor                       Lieutenant Governor

Grave of a Famous Person: Clara Barton - Oxford, MA

Clara Barton Gravesite

North Cemetery

Oxford, MA

N 42° 08.429 W 071° 52.103

Short Description: 

The grave of Civil War nurse and founder of the American Red Cross is located in North Cemetery in Oxford, MA.

Long Description:

Three granite monuments are located in the family plot which contains the grave of Clara Barton. The head and foot of the grave are marked by a pair of monuments. A simple 2' high granite gravestone is simply marked C.B. It is paired with a 6' high monument which contains a Red Cross on top of base that has a bronze wreath. A large family gravestone is inscribed with a synopsis of Clara Barton's accomplishments. It is inscribed:

CLARA BARTON

"ANGEL OF THE BATTLEFIELD"

CIVIL WAR 1861 - 1865

FRANCO-PRUSSIAN WAS 1870 -1871

SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 1898

ORGANIZER AND PRESIDENT OF THE 

AMERICAN RED CROSS

1881-1904

DEC. 25, 1821 - APRIL 12, 1912

BARTON

Clarissa Harlowe "Clara" Barton was born on Christmas Day in 1821 in North Oxford, MA. During her life she held many positions that were unusual for a woman at that time. She was a teacher, patent clerk, nurse, and humanitarian.

Early in her career she worked as a school teacher is south central Massachusetts. In 1850, she attended the Clinton Liberal Institute in New York and then opened a free school in New Jersey. Next she worked as a clerk in the US Patent Office in Washington D.C.

In 1855 she moved to Washington D.C. and began work as a clerk in the US Patent Office. She was the first woman to hold a Federal position at the same salary as a man.

In 1862, during the Civil War after the First Battle of Bull Run Clara Barton involved the public and gathered and distributed medical supplies for wounded soldiers. In 1864, she was appointed by Union General Benjamin Butler to take charge of the field hospitals on the front lines for the Union Army on the James River. In this capacity, she became known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." After the war she was in charge of the Office of Missing Soldiers.

After the war she traveled to Europe. During a trip to Geneva, Switzerland, Clara Barton was introduced to the Swiss organization the Red Cross, an organization founded by Henry Dunant that provided relief on a neutral basis. Clara Barton worked to get recognition for International Committee of the Red Cross by the United States government. Soon thereafter, Clara Barton became the first President of the American Red Cross.

Citizen Memorial: Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton - Boston, MA

Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton

Boston, MA

N 42° 21.496 W 071° 03.794

Short Description: 

A plaque honoring Clarissa "Clara" Harlowe Barton is located on a wall in Nurses Hall in the Massachusetts State House at 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA.

Long Description:

 20" by 16" bronze plaque in Nurses Hall of the Massachusetts State House commemorates the life and accomplishments of Clarissa Harlowe "Clara" Barton. The plaque contains a relief portrait of Clara Barton down to the top of her shoulders. Below the portrait is the inscription:

Clarissa (Clara) Harlowe Barton

"Angel of the Battlefield"

1821 - 1912

Teacher, self-taught nurse,

women's rights advocate,

founder of the American Red Cross

A native of Oxford, Massachusetts

Clara Barton

has a commitment to humanity,

a spirit of perseverance,

and determination that continues

to be an inspiration to the 

citizens of the Commonwealth.

Clarissa Harlowe "Clara" Barton was born on Christmas Day in 1821 in North Oxford, MA. During her life she held many positions that were unusual for a woman at that time. She was a teacher, patent clerk, nurse, and humanitarian.

Early in her career she worked as a school teacher is south central Massachusetts. In 1850, she attended the Clinton Liberal Institute in New York and then opened a free school in New Jersey. Next she work as a clerk in the US Patent Office in Washington D.C.

In 1855 she moved to Washington D.C. and began work as a clerk in the US Patent Office. She was the first woman to hold a Federal position at the same salary as a man.

In 1862, during the Civil War after the First Battle of Bull Run Clara Barton involved the public and gathered and distributed medical supplies for wounded soldiers. In 1864, she was appointed by Union General Benjamin Butler to take charge of the field hospitals on the front lines for the Union Army on the James River. In this capacity, she became known as is known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." After the war she was in charge of the Office of Missing Soldiers.

After the war she traveled to Europe. During a trip to Geneva, Switzerland, Clara Barton was introduced to the Swiss organization the Red Cross, an organization founded Henry Dunant that provided relief on a neutral basis. Clara Barton worked to get recognition for International Committee of the Red Cross by the United States government. Soon thereafter, Clara Barton became the first President of the American Red Cross.

The Massachusetts State House at 24 Beacon Street in Boston is open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm. All visitors must enter through the General Hooker entrance.

Childhood Home: Clara Barton Birthplace & Museum - North Oxford, MA

Clara Barton Birthplace & Museum 

North Oxford, MA

N 42° 09.180 W 071° 53.707

Short Description: 

Clara Barton Birthplace Museum is located at 66 Clara Barton Road off Route 12 in North Oxford, MA. Clara Barton was the founder of the American Red Cross.

Long Description:

Clara Barton Birthplace and Museum features exhibits "to learn about her life of boundless mercy and commitment." Hours - From May 31st to August 30th, the museum is open Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. In September, the museum is open Saturdays only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are also available by appointment. October to May, weekdays--by appointment only.

Clarissa Harlowe "Clara" Barton was born on Christmas Day in 1821 in this house North Oxford, MA. She lived their until she reached adulthood. During her life she held many positions that were unusual for a woman at that time. She was a teacher, patent clerk, nurse, and humanitarian.

Early in her career she worked as a school teacher is south central Massachusetts. In 1850, she attended the Clinton Liberal Institute in New York and then opened a free school in New Jersey. Next she work as a clerk in the US Patent Office in Washington D.C.

She was in Washington D.C. when the Civil War began. In 1862, after the First Battle of Bull Run, Clara Barton involved the public and gathered and distributed medical supplies for wounded soldiers. In 1864, she was appointed by Union General Benjamin Butler to take charge of the field hospitals on the front lines for the Union Army of the James. In this capacity, she became known as is known as the "Angel of the Battlefield." After the war she was in charge of the Office of Missing Soldiers.

After the war she traveled to Europe. During a trip to Geneva, Switzerland, Clara Barton was introduced to the Swiss organization the Red Cross, an organization founded Henry Dunant that provided relief on a neutral basis. Clara Barton worked to get recognition for International Committee of the Red Cross by the United States government. Soon thereafter, Clara Barton became the first President of the American Red Cross.

Roadside Attraction: Colgate Clock - Jersey City, NJ

Colgate Clock

Jersey City, NJ

N 40° 42.722 W 074° 02.021

Short Description: 

The Colgate Clock once held the record of the World's Largest Clock, It is located on the grounds of Exchange Place, facing the Hudson River, in Jersey City, NJ.

Long Description:

The Colgate Clock is an octagonal clock with a diameter of 50'. it was constructed in 1924 and originally was located on top of the Colgate-Palmolive Building. It was meant to be viewed from lower Manhattan or by boats and ships sailing on the Hudson River. When the e Colgate-Palmolive Building was demolished and the new Goldman-Sachs headquarters building was built, the clock was relocated to its current location.

Philatelic Photograph: Torre de Belém - Lisbon, Portugal

Torre de Belém

Lisbon

Portugal

N 38° 41.502 W 009° 12.945

Short Description: 

The Torre de Belém is a fortified tower located at the north side of the mouth of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Portugal. It was designated a a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, in 1983.

Long Description:

The Torre de Belém was designed in the Gothic style by King John II as a defensive structure and as a gateway to Lisbon on the Tagus River. In 1515 construction began under the direction of architects: Francisco de Arruda, Francisco de Holanda, António Viana Barreto, and António de Azevedo e Cunha. The Torre de Belém was completed in 1519. The limestone Torre de Belém has two parts, a four story tower and a bastion on the south side of the tower.

The Torre de Belém began being used as a state prison in 1580 when it was captured by the Spanish forces of the Duke of Alba. It continued to be uses as a prison for condemned people of high social status until 1830.