Free

Volume 4, Issue 5

Life in the Blackstone River Valley and Beyond

October-November 2007

Early Frost
by Jane Keown As the summer days shorten into early fall, and we who spend our lives in the fields picking crops need to find something to do while we wait for the sun to rise, nostalgia for what has been begins to nag at the mind. While we were doing the planting, the days were still lengthening. While we waited for the crops to mature, the hot summer sun beat down on our heads relentlessly. When we saw the first fruits of the harvest, whether vegetable, fruit or flower, we could start the day at six in the morning and have plenty of light to work by....and it was

Valley Photos

In tribute to our Veterans on Veterans Day and every day

In Harms Way

continued on page 22

by Bob Haigis

Old Fashioned Fun

The Barn Project

It's that time of year again. The leaves are dropping, nights are longer and even the sun seems to be cooler. It's also the time our country has chosen to honor those who have fought our wars and defended our great country since its beginning. Those of you who read another local publication know that I enjoy doing a piece on our veterans every November, if for no other reason just to remind myself what they have done, are doing now, and will continue to do for as long as we are one Nation under God. For this article I interviewed three ex - service men, who volunteered stories from their enlistments. The names really don't matter. There are millions of stories just like these that stretch from 1775 to a thousand tomorrows. What matters is that the countless Eds, Peters and Jerrys

have always been there for us, and willing to do what they are told to do, whether it be to charge a machine gun nest with a bayonet, jump out of an airplane, or go down beneath the sea in a submarine. To you who have served, thank you and the best of life to you Monument at Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach where 75% of all. At the age of eighteen, Ed was in boot camp. In the early sixties at Paris Island, he learned everything a good Marine needed to know to stay alive, defend his country, and live an honorable life. For those who recall, that was the time when a little previously unheard of piece of real estate was fast becoming a household word. "Viet what?" was how most folks reacted when hearing the name for the
American casualties took place.

first time. It wasn't long before "Nam" became one of the most expensive jungles on the planet when measured in American blood shed, and of course everyone knew exactly where it was. After boot camp, Ed was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division at continued to page 6

Journeys

Published six times yearly, Journeys reaches over 65,000 readers each issue and is distributed at over 700 sites throughout the Valley and beyond. Thousands of readers weekly also check out one of three, local informative websites:

www.BlackstoneDaily.com - Daily news, events, community info, history and great shopping! Rated #4 traffic, highest traffic threshold available! www.theBlackstoneValley.com - A
guide to recreation, attractions, historical itineraries and much more.

www.CheckMenus.info - An emerging guide to restaurant reviews, menus, restaurants, caterers and wedding and event specialists in the region.
All above websites can be found at www.BlackstoneDaily.com --------------------------

Publisher: Ellen Onorato 508-8398885 / BlackstoneDaily@aol.com Writers: Joe Doherty, Bob Haigis, Lisa Olinger, Mary Romaniec, Jane Keown, Susan Holden, John LaPoint, Diane Marie Mariani Sales: 508-839-8885 Main Office Sue Cayford 508-523-9197 Cyndy Rogers -508-529-4437 Sue Kelly - 508-612-4777 Diane Marie Mariani - 401-7448321 For specifications, geographic distribution, ad rates - go to BlackstoneDaily.com/advertise.htm
To submit news/events - go to blackstonedaily.com/submissions.htm

The Dudleys and the Tafts are two prominence, not just in Mendon, but Lexington and Concord in April 1775. of the most respected families in the also at a national level. It includes The Dudley-Taft house also overhistory of the town of Mendon. Both President William Howard Taft and looked Ammidon Tavern, where thirty families earned their living through Senator Robert Taft of Ohio. The fam- people from Charlestown were housed agriculture. Both families served the ily record of public service and philan- after the Battle of Bunker Hill. This town in many capacities in public thropy was exemplary. The farmsame tavern welcomed Nathan Hale office. Both families lived in the beau- house, with its meadows, pastures, and and his troops during the tiful Greek-revival farmhouse at One apple orchards, was a symbol of what Revolutionary War, and the newly North Avenue. The house reflected the family stood for. elected President George Washington what their families represented: hard Sites of previous Mendon history stopped here in 1789 on his post inauwork and a dedication to Mendon's surrounded the house, built in 1835. gural tour to visit his old army friend, agrarian society. Across the street is Founders' Park, Philip Ammidon. Silas Dudley was a In the 1820's highly successful through 1830's, most farmer and public serof today's existing vant. His farm extendhouses and buildings ed down the eastern were constructed in slope of Mendon's hillthe village. It was a top village. Historian time when many Ellery Crane described prosperous and prohis property by saying, fessionally elite peoIt was a real pleasure ple moved to town. to view his tidy, wellkept buildings and Mendon's econobroad acres as you my, society, and way passed his premises. of life have changed. He served as a highThe farmhouse that way surveyor and as a once paid tribute to member of the school the Dudleys and Tafts Former Historic Greek revival Dudley-Taft home, now a vacant, buildable lot committee. He donathas been taken down. ed the land for the Surely, a new buildtown hall, and he ing will be constructserved as the chairman ed to replace it. of the 1867 committee Hopefully, the new for the two hundredth structure will in some birthday of the town. ways reflect the hisReverend Adin Ballou tory, the architecture, eulogized him by sayand the great families ing he was a man who lived at One whose "integrity and North Avenue many honesty of purpose years ago. were the ends and aims of his existence." Mr. Richard Grady Dudley died on 20 North Avenue, November 15, 1882. His son Edward where the first settlers built their meetMendon, MA continued to run the farm until 1901. inghouse in 1668. Eight years later, The Tafts purchased the farm and this structure was burned to the ground Our landscape is our unwitting operated it through the 1980's. They during the King Philip War. Founders' biography. ~Pierce Lewis were descendants of Robert and Sarah Park was also the site of where one Taft, early settlers who moved to hundred sixty-four brave Minutemen Letters to the Editor Mendon in 1679 after the King Philip from Mendon mustered and marched continue on page 15 War. The Taft ancestry is one of off to respond to the alarm of
Letters to the Editor are always welcome and published whenever possible, with space constraints as a deciding factor. However, they are also published, without space constraints, on www.BlackstoneDaily.com, our online resource where news changes almost daily. Please send to: BlackstoneDaily@aol.com or submit via snail mail: BD News, 23 Fay Mt Rd.., Grafton, MA 01519.

Letter to the Editor

Page 2

The New England Bead Company

We are a full service bead shop providing: Classes Birthday Parties Girls Night Out Events Unique Beads/Findings Gifts/Jewelry

Bri ng

in

a d an d this

r
ve ei ec

Store Hours Mon/Tues - Closed Wed 11-5 Thurs 11-7 Fri/Sat 11-5 Sun 1-5

ea u din g s upply p

32 Hastings St. (Rte 16) Mendon, MA (508) 422-9466 Under New Ownership Email: newenglandbeadcompany@verizon.net

Offer expires 12/31/07 - one offer per customer

rc ha se!

20% off

yo u

rb

Some people leave a mark on life that will benefit generations far into the future. One of those individuals is Kay Charter, a Michigan resident who recently delivered an inspiring slide show and discussion at New Englands largest urban sanctuary, Audubons 400 acre Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester, MA. Kay and her husband realized that the habitat for migratory songbirds such as scarlet tanagers or orioles, is disappearing at a rapid rate each year. This isnt due to pollution or a faceless corporate villain (see sidebar) but occurs as a result of new homes, roads, landscaped lawns as well as from the invasion of nonnative plant species. She determined that there was hope and that each of us can make a difference. The Charters took a bold step, selling their Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula beachfront home to purchase a 47 acre inland property which has a variety of habitats, from marsh to prairie to woods. Though they have taken further steps, including creating Saving Birds Thru Habitat, a national society whose members work to "protect, enhance and restore" crucial habitat for North American birds and to educate people about ways to create good bird habitats to advance a proper landscape for migratory birds, they still leave for warmer climates for the winter months and let the birds thrive on their own. No feed, no water...and the birds do just fine, she said. She explained how it is often misunderstood that migraftion occurs, every day and every minute all year round, not just the typical fall and

For The Love Of Birds: Habitat for Migrating Songbirds

spring patterns we think of. In addiwoodpeckers, tree swallows, chicktion, migrating birds do not often foladees, warblers, titmice, bluebirds and low a direct path, so that a bird migrat- other nesting species. ing from Alaska to South America, 2. Make a hummingbird garden: such as the blackpoll warbler (shown Columbine, blazing star, cardinal below) might fly up to 80 hours flower, NE aster, spotted jewelweed, straight, able to utilize the tiny fat Oswego tea and other natives attract deposits most have gained through din- hummingbirds and butterflies. Native ing on insects. Loss plants also are more drought resistant, of insects equates to especially helpful during our dry sumloss of fat which is a mers. birds critical energy 3. Provide water using a simple source. Yet, these saucer, birdbath or more elaborate birds are so lightwaterfall, stream or pond setup. But a weight that two of word of caution: keep it clean daily them together would and dont use a heater in the winter as require only a first birds get soaked and then can freeze to class stamp for postage! death. Dont fret, birds are savvy and Kay suggested that there are 5-6 can find their own water in the winter. specific steps that can re-create or sup4. Keep your cats indoors, if at all port native habitat which is critical for possible. Cats kill well over 500 milmigrating birds as stop-over sites that lion birds annually plus it is safer for can last from hours to months. We can the cat to be out of harms way. all do our part, whether our home is 5. Offer nesting material and when urban, suburban or rural. They are: possible, use the TBBH (Tree Branch 1. Create a welcoming habitat: Bluebird House) nest box. Not all Plant large trees along the sides and birds will use a nestbox, but if you back of your yard. These trees will have bluebirds, this nesting box will provide migration stopover sites for keep nestlings safe from predators and warblers, orioles, vireos and orioles. heat stress. Orioles might even nest Nesting materials in fairly urban areas. (and dead trees) are very Create a thicket or important especially in dense plantings of cedars, keeping songbirds for a serviceberries, blackberlonger duration. Avoid ries, dogwoods, viburlint, string or twine as nums or other native they do not shed water shrubs. These bushes proand soak the nests. vide protective cover and For a picture, plans and comInstead, place clean pet nesting sites for a variety plete details on the Tree fur or feathers in a small of birds. They also proBranch Bluebird House, go to : suet basket or place in www.BlackstoneDaily.com/Blue the crevice of tree branch vide insects which provide protein for most bird BirdHouse.pdf for birds to gather. species. A great book on native plants: C. Colston If you have woods with a dead tree, Burrells Brooklyn Botanicals Native Alternatives try to leave it for owls, nuthatches,

Page 3

Journeys

The Coffee You Drink Can Affect Songbirds Dramatically!

Sounds crazy, doesnt it? But it makes perfect sense once you realize the facts. Americans drink 300 million cups of java every day. The world consumes 4 billion cups each year meaning that coffee trades are second only to crude oil, so its huge business. The industry has changed from smaller shade grown arabica bean plantations to vast monocultural plantations of high yielding plants. Most coffee now comes from these sun plantations, which depend on an arsenal of agrochemicals. Synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides are constant companions of farmers who have technified their holdings. Unfortunately, sun plantations are fundamental deserts for wildlife. They are virtually devoid of bird life. Thus, there is nowhere for migrating songbirds to live, so it is critical for birders, who number about 70 million in the U.S. alone, to exert our power to influence how coffee is grown - and thus how much habitat is saved for the birds we all love. We can do that by choosing shade coffee. As the remaining warblers, hummingbirds and thrushes leave for the tropics, ask yourself if it isnt worth spending a few more pennies a day to provide them with winter habitat. In recent years, shade coffee has become widely available. Check your local market. If you dont find it there, you can purchase online at: www.javaforjustice.com. ~ www.savingsbirds.org Helpful Tidbits: Never offer jams/jellies to orioles. Do not use a water heater as the bird could freeze if feathers are wet. Keep feeders and water clean. Place feeders near shrubs to avoid predators. Many birds adore mealworms, a great protein. Make your own nectar: 1 part sugar to 4 parts water, bring to full boil, then offer only small amounts. Add nothing else.

The Morning After the Mourning

By Lisa Olinger How do we go on after a terrible thing happens? As the Blackstone Valley has suffered through the Bernat Mill complex fire, businesses have had to re-group. Lives have been changed by emotional and financial turmoil, and yet we pick ourselves up, dust off, and figure out how to put the pieces together once again. We as human beings have a remarkable ability to weather many tough storms in life- sometimes it involves a personal situation, and other times a business concern. Any type of loss involves grief and mourning. Grief is experienced through your feelings, social behavior with others, and physical symptoms. It is a natural reaction to all types of losses. Thankfully, in the case of Bernat Mills, no life was lost. But it is still devastating to the business owners who saw their work and passions set ablaze. The town and the Mill owners also feel the pain of a vision for a business community that becomes smoke and rubble. But most importantly, is the hope and renewal for the future. In order to move through the process of grief, you must allow yourself to feel the loss. Sometimes we hide our pain in an effort to "be strong" or we are afraid we will not be able to control ourselves if we allow the feelings. It is actually more healthy and beneficial to acknowledge the suffering. We also may choose to ignore the experience in an effort to undo it and have it not be true. But again, we must move through the reality, as the ultimate goal of mourning is to go beyond these reactions to a loss. We each are then slowly able to readjust to the new world. In the case of Bernat Mills, the business owners take stock of the damages, figure the costs of re-opening, and develop a new plan of action. They continue to remember why they began the business in the first place. On the personal and emotional side, it is important to know that we do not need to forget the past in order to adapt to a new normal. Rather, it means that you learn to live with the mourning in ways that do not interfere with healthy life functioning. While we have no choice or control over fires or deaths, we have a choice as to how the loss will affect us. What type of perspective will you take towards the rest of your life? Will you make the most out of future opportunities or will you be bitter? Will you make your loss a catalyst for change or will you stay stuck and never take a risk again? The increased awareness that terrible things happen can be an eye opening experience that propels you to be fully engaged in your life. In order to work through the grieving process, seek support from others, find a variety of ways to replenish yourself, and think small measures of progressstep by step to avoid feeling overwhelmed and putting too much pressure on yourself. Always know that others are here for you whether it is friends or professional assistance. There is a morning after the mourning. Lisa A. Olinger, JD, MA Counseling Psychology Beginnings Life Coaching 508-344-0864 www.beginningslifecoach.com

Journeys

Page 4
From the Publisher: There is no question that many hearts lean towards saving our historical legacy and landscape, particularly when it could be (should be) an authentic economical development opportunity which could lead to an array of tools for sustainable small business and healthy, vibrant communities. But perhaps we are misguided. Perhaps we want to morph into a region that looks like everywhere else. We have choices. We can lead by focusing on specific goals or we can live by default and miss some viable opportunities that are unique to our geography, and rich, diverse heritage. However, after years of working to understand the products(itineraries, attractions, arts, histories) and their viability economically, it is clear that we have not made the case for many entrepreneurs to realize their value. Two that did were Leonard Fournier, aka Cappy and Jack Tweed of Bernat Mill. But the expectedchunk of economic development is not viable and sustainable unless we start presenting the facts, their potential and a plan that embraces our assets. Even still, certain losses will be inevitable and sometimes, re-use is not the answer. But it is time to do a better job. If youd like to be part of a dialog to create a plan with stated goals, from economic development to tourism to community sustainability and more, please email me at BlackstoneDaily@aol.com or sign up for our collaborative email newsletter starting in mid October. We can make a difference as seen in some of the stories this issue, such as Malcolm Pearsons strong drive to identify the Upton cave which finally led to its purchase by the Town of Upton or our our soldiers as we celebrate Veterans Day (regardless of the politics involved),or the host of volunteers that bring life to Waters Farm or Maple Farm Sanctuary. Not too different from the hard-fought and recent Citizens Petition to overturn 40B, the misguided 1969 affordable housing legislation that has led to rampant abuse and excessive densities in sometimes inappropriate zones. The time is now for repeal over 66,000 signatures are needed by December 5th! Help! We are grateful and blessed with the generous spirit of photographers Laurie Church and Tom Collins, each sharing very different yet wonderful portraits of our communities. Autumn is filled with spectacular events in the Valley, some of which are mentioned within this issue, such as dozens of events with Heritage Homecoming and Footsteps in History or Woonsockets Autumnfest. Go to BlackstoneDaily.com for the most complete calendar 24/7 all year round. Ellen Onorato, Publisher, 508-839-8885

www.CheckMenus.info - An emerging Guide to Dining and Specialty Foods & Services

Surprisingly, as it sits right in our midst, the Upton beehive chamber could be the oldest and largest manmade cave in the western hemisphere! Yet many locals are not even aware of it or its possible relationship to other stoneworks scattered throughout New England. Earliest archeological interest did not seem to appear, except for scant mentions from the early colonial days on, until William Goodwin finally published The Ruins of Great Ireland in New England in 1946 after encouragement, engineering and photography support from a young Malcolm Pearson (whose parents owned the house on which the Upton cave mystified him throughout his childhood). This site is, without question, architecturally similar to chambers found in Ireland and Scotland, according to Pearson, now in his mid nineties and still passionately absorbed with these mysteries. He has traveled extensively to study these stoneworks but still lives in the Blackstone Valley. In fact, Pearson has researched this cave and other stoneworks for over 70 years, even plotting complex engineering lines in partnership with the late James W. Mavor, Jr. and Byron Dix, authors of Manitou:The Sacred Landscapes of New England's Native Civilization. Their credentials are impeccable, with Mavor having been a naval architect and designer of the submersible research vessel Alvin for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute. Dix was an optical mechanical designer. However, at the same time, Massachusetts Historical Commission experts continue to dismiss the research and documented submittals to other historians and experts sent in by Goodwin and others. Apparently, some of this evidence has gone missing and lost without comment, certainly deepening the mystery. According to surveys by Early Sites Research Society researchers, nearly 400 stone chambers have been identified throughout New England though some of those have now been demolished with changing landscapes. It is clear that some of these were built by

No, Its Not Just A Bunch of Rocks: Part One

17th-19th century colonists for root books gave detailed engineering charts cellars, yet most researchers concur which accurately aligned with the stars that nearly 70 of the chambers, with and the early pagan influence of the Upton cave being the largest and astronomy in early life, the casual disprobably used for ceremonial purposes, missal by more conventional historican be dated back much, much further. ans, including the loss of substantial There are three possible concluevidence submitted by researchers docsions for the origins of the Upton cave, umented in Goodwins book, offers no the largest and easy answers. most perfectly Yet, upon furbuilt stone ther questionchamber which ing to some of is all underthese naysayground. The ing experts, cave is very the answer was large - a six no when foot high and asked if they fourteen foot had ever visitlong tunnel ed this cave! leading into Other signifithe side of a cant hill with an stoneworks inner chamber scattered of small quarthroughout the ried stones. region include: Approximately meandering The cave opening is about 4 high, shorter than previ16 people can stone walls ous photos taken in the 1940-50s due to fill. Boards are fit into the found with strewn due to wet conditions in the Spring though obvichamber which ously, very dry now. The Chamber inside is very large, ancient stoneis topped with stable and roomy for up to 16 individuals. Below is a face carvings small portion of the wall standing eleven feet high. several large and lacking oval stones typical direcweighing sevtional colonial eral tons as a era fencing roof. It measproportions, ures 12 feet in European like diameter and dolmens bal11 feet high. anced on rock The Upton legs, ten foot chamber has high chambers, been dated by and covered some experts passageways to 710 A.D. up to 25' in Thankfully, length and the Upton runes. Historical Some Society researchers brought the have spent significance of decades of this cave to Town Meeting recently their lives documenting and studying where voters approved purchase of the these sites, including enormous efforts property. The modest house will be towards archeo-astronomical research torn down and the property, which also aligning small openings with the sumabuts Pratt Pond, will be opened to the mer or winter solstice. The Upton public in the coming years. cave, in particular, has been carefully Though reading the aforementioned studied and plotted with startling

Page 5

Journeys

results reflecting extremely accurate alignment with large, unmortared stone mounds on the still, mostly undisturbed Pratt Hill which is a watershed area. The specific design feature found on Pratt Hill consists of both "low rows" and "high rows" with some widened sections, openings and intersections, often at "astronomically sensitive locations." Calculations were diligently and patiently determined using four methods. "The net result is that if the observed markers were randomly placed, the probability of the observed astronomical results is less than one part in several million." These calculations align with the star cluster Pleiades, also well-known as the Seven Sisters, used historically for centuries throughout the world by global civilizations, ranging from the Greeks to Incas to native Americans. Mavor and Dix initially expected prehistoric Indian origins, especially in light of the Nipmuc nation settling at Hassanamessit, documented as John Eliots Praying Village in Grafton, very close by. As of 1995, their last article, "Earth, Stones. and Sky: Universality and Continuity in American Cosmology," concluded: "Of all the enigmatic structures that we have seen in America, the Upton chamber stands out as one that could have been built under the influence of Irish monks in the 8th century." Pearson, after treks to Scotland and Ireland and decades of study, strongly believes the cave was of Irish Culdee origin. Pearson's additional knowledge of New Hampshire's Mystery Hill, a megaplex of stoneworks, including a human sacrificial stone table, which has been carbon dated to 1000 B.C. increases his strong convictions. The Mystery Hill complex, the largest and most sophisticated of its kind in the northern hemisphere is spread over 30 acres with its monolithic standing stones, stone walls and underground chambers, most of which are aligned to obvious astronomical points. continued on page 10

S e rving Uxbridg eand surrounding com m unitie s J oint Replacement Post Sur gical Rehabilitation Spor ts Injur ies Str ains, Spr ains Back/Neck Injur ies Ar thr itis Strength Resistance Neurological Disor der s

60 Q UAKER H IGHWAY RTE . 146A UXBRIDGE , MA

BLUE CROSS/ BLUE SHIELD HARVARD PILGRIM HEALTHCARE MEDICARE CERTIFIED MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED

Located at Lydia Taft House

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

(508) 278-7810
www.rehabassociates.com

Veterans,

Journeys

Page 6 continued
It was during his high school years that Peter decided that he wanted to join the military. He was an adventuresome individual; he thought it would be a great way to see the world and have some fun. As it turned out, he wound up dedicating the next 24 years of his life serving in the U.S. military, both in active and inactive rolls. Pete enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during his senior year in high school. The following September he left for basic and then specialist training, after which he was assigned to a SAC base. There, he served until his enlistment expired, with nothing exceptional happening. Shortly after, he joined the Massachusetts National Guard where he was employed full time, and also served in a guard unit. In September of 1990, not long after Iraq invaded Kuwait, his unit was activated. Peter left behind a wife and two small children to ship out with his unit. They were dispatched to Kuwait, and there were attached to the 82nd Airborne. They were sent to Kuwait to participate in Operation Desert Storm. He wasnt long in Kuwait, before he had to undergo surgery due to a previous injury, and was sent to Germany, and then back to the States to recuperate. There, he returned to his occupation associated with the National Guard. He continued in that capacity until once again his unit was activated in 2003 and sent to Kuwait, and then Falujah as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. They were re-attached to the 82nd. Up until this mission, Pete still had not experienced anything that came close to prepare him for what was to follow. Now, at age 39, he was to be exposed to conditions that he never imagined existed anywhere, and combat situations as well. "I will never forget one particular day and night," he recalled. "It was the hottest we ever saw it. One day it was an unbelievable 148 degrees F. I remember a bunch of us were up at night (who could sleep in those conditions) and at eleven thirty the thermometer registered 117 degrees! And that was the "coolest" it was all week." The other curve ball that nature threw at the troops was the sand. "Out in the desert, when the wind blew" Pete remembered, "the sand just got into everything. Weapons jammed, vehicles broke down, and of course we ate the stuff for days after a storm. We were forever cleaning equipment." Within days of arriving in Kuwait, the Unit was sent to Fallujah and Baghdad assigned as troop transport for the 82nd AB Div. and the 3rd INF Div. bringing them to various locations within Dubbed the Cross Sword Park by U.S. troops, Saddam Husseins Iraq. Triumphal Arch dominated the skyline near Baghdad. The Unit spent thinking how it would have been us in the next two months transporting the lead if we had passed them. Not a troops and supplies to and from nice thought." Kuwait and Iraq. Then, they were As it turned out, Peter's unit assigned to the 4th INF Div. for the returned to the States twelve months remaining 10 months of the deploylater with the same full compliment of ment. During this time, they were used in troops it was deployed with. It is an various transport missions before being accomplishment that not too many units can say. converted to a Gun Truck Company Pete was mustered out of the servproviding security for supply convoys ice after 24 years of dedication, and throughout the area of operations. still stays in touch with buddies he Pete recalls, that on just about served with. I guess you can say that every mission they were accosted he literally lived a military life. along the way by snipers. And then, Or as the motto of the 82nd says: there were the roadside bombs. He went "all the way!" "You had to keep alert every minute," he told me. "You just never knew where the next attack might Jerry was twenty years old when come from. A dead dog in the street America was plunged into WWII. He might be stuffed with explosives, or just a decoy to make us go around it to found himself training at Fort Dix not far into 1942. After basic training, he another peril. It was very nerve rackvolunteered for the paratroopers, and ing. joined the 82nd airborne division. Not He recalled one situation that he long after, he was sent to England. It will never forget. was there that he - along with thouThey were no longer transporting, sands of others - began training for but were serving as guard detail for what everyone knew would be the convoys. They had armed vehicles in invasion of Europe. front and behind the column, and as With his signature smile, at this they headed down a narrow two-lane point in his story he revealed to me road, they came up on another unit that he has always considered himself transporting Iraqi prisoners. In the not really as Army Paratrooper, but lead was a bus loaded with escort troops, followed by trucks transporting more as a "tourist" - and a lucky tourist to boot. the prisoners. "I was really lucky," he says. "I "They were kind of poking along" never got shot at, never really particiPete remembers, "and we were in a pated in any combat situation, never hurry to get to our destination. We got hurt jumping, and to a 20 year old, tried to pass the column several times it was an exciting time." but the tail vehicle wouldn't let us. Looking back however, he now Then, all hell broke loose." realizes that one mission he "volun"Suddenly there was a loud exploteered" for could have meant his sion, and the bus in the lead was destroyed, killing and wounding sever- instant death: the mission was that of a spy. al of the occupants. Snipers opened It is important to understand at this fire at the same time, and the scene point in Jerry's story, that parachuting was bedlam." side entrances, often from DC-3 air as "Everybody in both convoys we know it today, was in its became involved in the action, with several casualties resulting," Pete continued on page 8 recalled. "Later we couldn't help

Camp Lejeune N.C. and joined an AMTRACS (Armored Track Vehicle) unit. For a while after, it was mostly practice maneuvers and more practice. Then came October of 1962. At that time, U.S.President John Kennedy announced that Russia was installing missiles on the Island of Cuba, and that the U.S. was not going to stand for it. The Cuban Missile Crisis was Ed's first deployment to a potential invasion situation. A Marine Expeditionary Force was dispatched to Cuban waters to stand by and Ed and his buddies were part of it. As history records, the missiles were removed, and our Marines never landed. Then in April '65, a new crisis developed: this time in the Dominican Republic. The objective was to secure the safety of American citizens in Santo Domingo, the Capital. Once again, Ed and his battalion were dispatched. On this occasion, the 2nd Marines landed, and were confronted by unfriendly fire from the rebel forces. Ed downplayed the importance of his roll in this mission, and the fact that he had come under fire for the first time. The mission was accomplished and there is no doubt that those rescued and their families are eternally grateful. Forever after, Ed was a true combat veteran. Then came Viet Nam. Ed had been deployed to the Island of Okinawa in the Pacific, and not long after, the North Vietnamese instigated an offensive near Hanoi. The U.S. Marines responded, and together with the Navy, held off shore waiting for orders to land. They never came. The crisis was resolved, and the Marines returned to Okinawa. Ed remained there until being summoned back to Camp Lejeune before being mustered out after doing an unexpected extra six-month tour. One personal note he shared with me was something that occurred while on Okinawa. "When I first moved into my new quarters on the Island," he told me, "I was stunned to find right over my bunk a fire alarm box that was made about three miles from my home. It kind of made me homesick to have to see it every day." He also told me that what he learned in the Corps helped shape his life from that time on, and his experiences came in handy more than once back in civilian life. Ed gave a total of four and a half years out of the prime of his life to serve his country. SEMPER FI, Ed

Looking for the right serviceman or shop? Blackstonedaily.com can help!

Autumn and its bounty not only offers plenty of fresh produce at our local farmstands but also a plethora of art and cultural activities. How about spending an afternoon harking back to the heritage crafts of yesteryear at the Great Road Fall Festival & Heritage Crafts at the historic Hearthside Mansion, at Rt. 123, Lincoln, RI? Demonstrations will include silhouettes or paper portraits, hand spinning and weaving, quill writing, soap making, traditional chair making, quilting and even dulcimer music on Sunday, October 14. 401-726-0597 kathy.hartley@hearthsidehouse.org Next door, blacksmithing workshops will be held at the Hannaway Blacksmith Shop and nearby, at the 1693 Eleazer Arnold House, more

Heritage Arts and Culture Thrive

skilled artisans will include a candlemaker, cooper, horn maker, an armorer, tinsmith and furniture maker. Kids activities include wool carding and drop spinning. Also on Sunday, October 14th, North Graftons Willard House and Clock Museum will host its Colonial Muster Day from noon to 4 PM at 11 Willard Street. The Sudbury Company of Militia and Minute Men will be in period costume and children can participate in drilling and marching under the direction of Major Keith Downer. Experience the thunder of a firing cannon with demonstrations throughout the afternoon. Enjoy food & crafts and browse the wares of colonial vendors. Free admission to the grounds; house

Page 7

Journeys
duction by exploring and foraging the sanctuary for roots, nuts, and berries that produce natural dyes. These treasures will then be taken back to the visitor center to experiment with color for creating bandannas. Long ago, families used to grow, weave and dye their own fabric using local materials. Come explore that earlier era! We will provide all the supplies. For ages 5 and older. For more information and to register, call 508-753-6087. Fees: Mass Audubon Adult Members $6.00, Adult Non-members $8.00, Mass A udubon Child Members $4.00, Child Nonmembers $6.00. Many, many more events can be found daily online by clicking on events at www.BlackstoneDaily.com

tours, a small fee. Known as Uptons most scenic site, Sweetwilliam Farm & Country Store will host its second annual Powwow, filled with traditional Native American activities which include; Grand Entry, Drumming, Dancing, Singing, Regalia, Story Telling, Flute Playing, Food, Genuine Native Gifts & Craft Vendors, Traders and Teepee. Parking is $5.00. For more information or directions visit www.sweetwilliamfarm.biz or call 508-529-2000. Another great event is on Saturday, October 13 1-3 at Mass Audubons Broad Meadow Brook Conservation Center. A Dye-ing Art: Foraging for Natural Colors will recognize the Blackstone Valleys past textile pro-

Skilled Artisans To Hold Open House

renaissance as Stephen thoughtfully renovates it to maintain its historical provenance. Stephen credits NBSS for influencing his furniture career and design choices. "The focus of the Cabinet and Furniture Making program at NBSS is traditional furniture designs from the seventeenth century to the early nineteenth century. There is a strong emphasis on hand tool skills and techniques; however, the use of modern power equipment is encouraged in order that one might become an efficient and competitive furniture maker. The joinery and shaping skills required to construct the highest style period furniture can be applied to any design, creating a beautiful and functional piece of furniture which will last for generations." Don't miss this celebration on November 17th! Free Open House from 1-4:00 Cocktail party from 7-10:00 (tickets are currently available) For more information, please call 401-864-2573 or visit www.stephengeorge.net

Call for Local Cultural Proposals:

Proposals for community-oriented arts, humanities, and science projects are due October 15th by most of the MA communities Cultural Councils. An October 15th deadline is set for organizations, schools and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community. These grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities -- including exhibits, festivals, short-term artist residencies or performances in schools, workshops and lectures. The grass-roots network of 329 local councils serve every city and town in the state which is the largest, most decentralized one of its kind in the United States. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, which then allocates funds to each local council. This year, each community will distribute a designated amount of funds, ranging from approximately $2000-3500. Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program is available on the web at www.massculturalcouncil.org. Grant applications, due by October 15, should be mailed to your appropriate town at the designated address (usually your Cultural Council information is at Town Hall).

On Saturday, November 17th, youll be able to view custom designed pieces and period reproductions by StephenGeorge as well as works by other artisans. StephenGeorge is owned and operated by Stephen G. Plays who graduated from the Furniture Making program of the North Bennet Street School (NBSS), Boston, in 2002. North Bennet Street School was incorporated in 1885 and has taught students varied skills to preserve true craftsmanship. Plays recently moved to a 1780's colonial in Uxbridge. After an extensive overhaul, the former barn is now a custom workshop. The house (also a live-in gallery) is currently experiencing a slow

Looking for an art gallery, play, audition, workshop or concert? Click on www.BlackstoneDaily.com anytime!

Alternatives' Whitin Mill Artisan/Restaurant Space Available

Alternatives seeks tenants for their newly renovated Whitin Mill abutting the Mumford River and Ring Shop Dam. This is an exciting opportunity to become part of an important new project in the Blackstone Valley. Spaces include a riverside restaurant, artisan/retail space in the historic Brick Mill and the historic Forge, a space that would be perfect for a glass blower or blacksmith. Square footage varies from 330sf to approximately 900sf for artisan space. Restaurant space is 1300sf. For rates, additional information and a tour contact: Tom Saupe or

Phil Ingersoll-Mahoney at Alternatives (508) 234-6232.

Veterans,

Journeys

Page 8 continued
They finally took off early on the morning of June 6th, 1944, and Jerry tells of how they circled for quite a while, waiting until all the aircraft were airborne. Looking out the windows of the DC-3 he says, "there were hundreds of planes all around us, just waiting for the signal to GO. It was a never to be forgotten sight." Their objective was the village of Ste Mere-Eglise behind Utah Beach, and on the road to Cherbourg. My family and I passed through there just this last summer, and probably crossed the very river Jerry did 63 years ago. There was a bridge there that they were to secure, and it was an important part of the invasion. However, like many of his comrades that day, they missed the drop zone. Jerry missed it by about five miles. He never mentioned being scared to me, but it must have been a terrifying situation. Here they were, behind enemy lines, five miles from where they were supposed to be and separated from their unit. Jerry also recalls how many paratroopers landed in swampy areas flooded by the Germans. They were so weighted down with gear, that they just drowned where they hit the water. To the usual load of food, ammo, rifle, fox hole shovel, etc., they all had a pack of explosives between their legs. The detonators were hung around their necks. "The stuff was pretty powerful" Jerry told me, "and could drop a good sized tree if necessary." Even though the detonators were separated from the explosives, they must have been nervous as hell just carrying the stuff around. They made it to a road, and as they walked wondering just where they were, they met a Frenchman who turned out to be the mayor of Ste Mere. He spoke a little English and directed them to their objective. Another vivid memory he has is that of the signal devise called the cricket snapper he (and all infantrymen in the invasion) were given. That part of France is mostly farmland, and incredibly high and thick hedge rows border many roads and fields. A favorite trick of the Germans was to hide snipers and machine gun nests in and behind the thickets, to wait in ambush. The GI's were given the clickers to use as identification: they were a lifesaver. "If we heard a noise on the other side of a hedgerow, we could never see what made it," Jerry told me. "So we would use the cricket snapper to see if it came from friend or foe." Jerry still carries his as a good luck token - one that has served him well, I would say. After only a short time in France, Jerry was summoned to return to England, for a special "volunteer" mission. Being a soldier paid to do what he was told, back to the U.K. he went, and there learned of the coming escapade that could very well A clicker snapper with picture of paratrooper from the war have ended not only his military Jerry said, "I was sent home to Ft. time, but his breathing time as well. Devens to be discharged. My wife had It seems that Jerry spoke fluent to take a ship into New York. Armenian. There was a certain town "As soon as I got my papers, I in France near Versailles and not far hitch-hiked to New York to meet my from Paris called Issy-Lesbride," Jerry remembers. Moiulineaux that had a large Armenian "Unbeknownst to me, my dad had population. The mission was to deteralready headed down there, and we mine the strength of the enemy troops met at the dock." in the area. Jerry and his love are still together As Jerry spoke the language, it was after 62 years, and enjoy grand and a natural for him to head the expedigreat grandchildren. tion of five. They made the jump, and During our interview, smiling Jerry after obtaining the information needed, repeated several times how he really they proceeded to still not liberated considered himself a "lucky tourist" Paris and delivered the material into from the time he hit England until he the hands of the Resistance, who got back home. Like Ed, Peter and would in turn relay it to the Allied millions of others, he doesn't think of Command. himself as a hero. He had a job to do, What made the mission exceptionand he did it. ally dangerous, was the fact that as Well, I'm sorry Jerry, but I never for they prepared, they were told to wear one minute think of you - or any of civilian clothing. The five thought "oh your comrades - as "tourists." Lucky, great. A chance to dress like civilians maybe yes, but not tourists. again." What they didn't realize, and After all, tourists seldom get weren't told, was that if they were cap- dumped out of airplanes, or get shot at, tured, it would mean an instant firing or have to eat "C" rations or sand for squad (after a little torture to learn months at a time. No. Only heroes do their mission). that. So, off they went and "lucky" Jerry And for sure, there are no pulled the mission off without a hitch, "tourists" in the American Cemetery at got to Paris and relayed the informaOmaha Beach in Normandy. tion, and was quickly dressed back in Thank You All. G.I. clothes. Just what happened after that is fuzzy to Jerry after all the passQuestions/comments: ing years, but not long after Paris was grbob@charter.net liberated, Jerry became part of the occupation forces where he stayed until the end of the war. Oh yes, one more "lucky" item. It was in Paris that Jerry met his future wife, and they were married there shortly after. When the war was over,

Monument at Normandy

infancy in 1942. Paratroopers deployed from craft, and huge cumbersome silk canopies floated them to the ground (hopefully) with virtually no control by the jumper. The soldier could easily land in a lake, a tree, or in the middle of an enemy camp as well as in a safe location. Today's sport chutes allow the wearer to land on a dime exactly where they want to be, often remaining standing up. Jerry jumped again and again, probably a total of seventeen times he says, just training for the "big jump." Once on the ground, simulated maneuvers were conducted to prepare the troops for anything that might arise once in enemy territory. Jerry recalled a vivid memory he had of leaving the plane's open door. "I guess we were assigned jump positions purely by alphabetic order" he said. "My name beginning with B put me usually in the number 3 position. From where I stood, I could see clearly the overhead light when it changed from red to green, hear the buzzer and feel the tug on the static line as I moved forward." "I also will never forget the jump master standing beside the open door. He had a loaded and cocked 45 automatic in his hand. Nobody ever said what he was there for, but we all knew: We were going out of that plane - one way or another." When "D-Day" finally rolled around, Jerry and his comrades were as ready as they possibly could be, even though they had never been in combat, or had even seen the enemy. He recalls clearly the incredible storm that postponed the invasion for 24 hours, and the calm that followed.

Maple Farm Sanctuary

by Laurie Burke I have some friends who live on a farm. This is an unusual farm, however. It is 121 'cherished acres' of sanctuary, where farm animals live out their lives in peace and safety. (This land has been farmed since the time of King Philip's War, in the 17 th century, and was once owned by relatives of President Taft, before the Vander Sluis family purchased it.) Some of the acreage is presently used to grow organic hay and some is left as is for wildlife. Jim and Cheri Ezell-Vander Sluis own and run Maple Farm Sanctuary in Mendon, Massachusetts, where farm animals who have come to the attention of individuals or law enforcement find a new and permanent home. Some were simply neglected - left in fields on their own with no one to care for them a few were purchased for individual consumption and were being publicly abused as part of ritualized slaughter, and some were confiscated from people who simply could not care for them properly. There are many stories of how the animals came to be here. Nearly a year ago, I began coming here to volunteer. I love animals and particularly wanted to help farm animals, who seem to be the last animals to get the compassionate attention they deserve. Just the view of the large fields, with the sun and the breeze on my face was a great blessing. But the animals are of course the gift. When I entered the barn for the first time, many of the llamas were inside. Have you ever met a llama? They are tall and have long necks and the softest muzzles you've ever seen. Upon arriving, I held out the back of my hand to them - open fingers can resemble claws to grazing animals! They gently sniff your hands and let you know if they are ready to be petted; they are shy animals. They also like to check out your hair - one took a very gentle hold of my hair band and removed it! Have you ever met a heifer (a young cow)? Habibi, the little Jersey heifer, has a very long, rough tongue, as do all cows. She loves having her neck scratched and in return, I get a great rough kiss! Three of my other friends here are Beau (the wise sheep ram with four horns), Tara Anna the beautiful ewe (female sheep) and Lucky, the spunky mini pony. They greet me each time, some times running up to the gate. The also tend to hang out together. In fact, Jim and Cheri have it set up so that they can socialize very easily. They have movable pens inside the large barn which can be enclosed for feeding or opened up for rambling! I

Page 9

Journeys
was struck to see Piggy-Wiggy (the pot-bellied pig) as well as Beau hanging out with Lucky and Tara Anna quite a wonderful herd. (Did you know that, given the chance, pigs will make a round raised nest - much like a bird's nest - to sleep in?!) I have seen behavior I can't imagine you would ever get to see on a 'regular' farm. It's touching to see the friendliness and sociability of the animals even the chickens perch on the animals' stalls and broadcast the news one sometimes nests in the llama's hay rack! The llama (who is how much bigger than the chicken?!) is always so gentle and carefully eats her hay around the nesting spot. I am so happy to have this place be a part of my life. I hope you will come and visit some very amazing and lovable animals and talk with Jim and Cheri. Maple Farm Sanctuary will have their 2nd annual open house on October 21st from noon to 5 PM. Adults, $10. donation, children under 12 free. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The address is 101 North Avenue, Mendon, MA 01756. There will be a vegan buffet of delicious foods and various beverages. Please, no alcohol. If there are any questions you can email cheri.ezell@gmail.com. See you there!
Photos: Vandersluis Barn, Jim Vandersluis with llamas, Piggy-Wiggy, and Cheri working with Habibi. Photos by Laurie Burke

Ari Thorgilsson, the Icelandic historian, wrote in 1026 about the Irish Culdees who fled to Iceland when the aggressive Vikings raided Ireland. This was earlier written in 825 AD by Ducilius, the Irish monk. These culdees had become Christianized in the fifth century, so they sought a peaceful life. Their stay in Iceland was short-lived when Vikings landed there, so the Culdees sailed to a new land in strong wooden boats. "To the south of Inhabited Greenland are wild tracts and ice-covered mountains (probably N.H. Site); then comes the land of the SKARELLINGS, beyond this Markland, and then Vinland the Good. Next to this, and somewhat behind it (inland) lies ALBANIA (central MA); that is to say, Hvitramannaland, Whitemansland whither vessels formerly sailed from Ireland." It is said that these Irish Culdees purposely stayed away from the coast and moved inland so as to avoid any more contact with the aggressive Vikings. A carving has also been found on a rock at Westford, Massachusetts, along the Mohawk Trail, a cross with a human face, quite typical of carvings of sacred significance in Ireland. A rune-stone was also found on the North Salem site which has been translated by Prof. Olaf Strandwild of Washington, greatest American authority on runes, according to Clay Perry in his 1946 New England's Buried Treasure. In addition, a smaller bee-

Rocks

Journeys

Page 10

, continued
hive chamber used to exist in Hopkinton and runes had been found by the late William Cheney of Hopkinton. There are many other stoneworks still scattered throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, including runes in the Narragansett Bay found within the last decade. Evidence also stretches back to Reverend Cotton Mather in 1712 documenting the hieroglyphics found on Dighton Rock and many other mysteries. In the Spring, the chamber is often difficult to enter due to mud and water as it has gone through various minor landscape changes, but the drier autumn allows easy access. Anyone wishing to view the cave is to call the Historical Commission 508-529-1019 or 508-529-6600 for an appointment. An article from the September 2007 New England Quarterly recently spoke of the political conflicts and egotistical distortions of historical fact prevalent throughout history, but especially in the the Vikings vs. neoIndians debate in New England. The Boston Brahmin have apparently sometimes distorted the facts to maintain control of the whites man hold on the new territory often dismissing and entirely ignoring other evidence (whether neo-Indian, Culdee, etc.) in favor of the Viking stories. One example still remains from the Longfellow era when he signed on with Harvard scholar, professor and founder of (Rumford) baking powder, Eben Horsford of Cambridge, elevating Leif Erickson historically by placing a stone tablet stating Leif Ericksons house was On this spot right near Horsfords Cambridge home! In addition, a statue of From the interior of the cave, looking towards the 14 tunnel entrance Erickson was Bibliography: erected near Kenmore Square which Doran, Michael F., and Kunnecke, stands today, but whose historical roots Bernd H.; "The Stone Enigmas of New are far less documented than the Upton England," Anthropological Journal of cave or other stoneworks. Canada, 15:17, No. 2: January 1978 Clay Perry in his 1946 "New England's So what are the answers...what are the probable dates and origins of these Buried Treasure" (found at http://farshores.org/a03giine.htm) stoneworks? It is possible well never Goodwin, William, The Ruins of Great know for sure, but Journeys quest will be to seek out evidence through schol- Ireland in New England", Engineering and Photography by Malcom Pearson, Meador ars, amateur or professional, and pubPublishing, Boston, MA 1946. lish a series of related articles on the Mavor, James and Dix, Byron, varying stoneworks throughout the Manitou, region. (Mavor, James W., Jr., and Dix, Byron If any of these are familiar to you E.; "Earth, Stones. and Sky: Universality and Continuity in American Cosmology," and you can offer insight, please conNEARA Journal, 29:91, 1995. NEARA = tact us at anytime with information at New England Antiquities Research BlackstoneDaily@aol.com, 508-839Association) 8885. Interviews with Malcolm Pearson, a University of Vermont researcher and other scholars will be forthcoming. In addition, we hope to obtain permission to print previous Looking for historic walking photographs and geometric and engitours, coupons, events, shopping neering charts which better depict the or services... evidence. We shall explore other possibilities Weve got you covered 24/7 at to help understand the mysteries of www.BlackstoneDaily.com these significant stoneworks.

Page 11

Journeys

PHOTOS Of The PAST

A Glimpse Into Blackstone & Millville by Laurie Church

Scenes from a Mill Town: (Left Top to Bottom) Blackstone Mill, Train Station, Arch Train Bridge, Fallen Silo, Baseball League Stands, Foremans House, Tudor Tower, Blackstone Gorge, Millville RR, Mill Housing along river Laurie Church of Douglas has been taking photos of our mill towns and unusual remnants of our past since childhood as she tagged along with her Dad. Journeys will highlight scenes taken by Church from other Valley communities in future issues. Her love of history and keen eye often capture moments of our past sometimes forgotten and often overlooked. More of Ms. Churchs Blackstone-Millville photos are online at www.BlackstoneDaily.com/Church.htm

Looking for historic walking tours, coupons, events, shopping or services.... Weve got you covered 24/7 at www.BlackstoneDaily.com

Perhaps the quintessential event of the year in the Blackstone Valley is the Waters Farm Fall Days held on October 6-7 at the site of the most gorgeous view in the Valley, overlooking Lake Manchaug. Many, many would agree it is! The days are filled with old fashioned fun which kids immediately connect to and absolutely adore, but theres plenty of good times, food and activities for adults, too! The site is absolutely wonderful offering plenty of room and activities from maple sugaring demonstrations to Sundays tractor pull to sawing competitions, kids games and activities to great music by world-renown Tim Janis. This event is not to be missed. Come connect with good times and take a house tour of the Waters multigenerational farmstead still left the way it was. But make sure you take a

Step Back into 19th Century Farm Life...But With Lots More Fun!
peak at the most beautiful views of horse country and panoramic scenes. Certainly a treasure trove for camera buffs and great memories! Experience life as it was in the 19th century but enjoy the food and fun of the great festivities. Fall Farm Days is one of a series of fundraisers for Waters Farm, a nonprofit living history and education center. Come and experience the sights, sounds and lifestyles of 19th century America at its best and enjoy the relaxing country atmosphere and beautiful countryside. The Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and foster maple sugaring education and activities and to the preservation of maple trees throughout the Blackstone Valley of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, will be demonstrating the art of maple sugaring at the Sugar House at the historic Waters Farm. Formed unofficially in 2001 when Bill Paul, his wife Valerie and father Roland began doing sugaring demonstrations at the Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, Massachusetts, the organization gained official status in 2006. The organization continues to grow and expand its involvement in sugaring education throughout the Blackstone Valley. Waters Farm is pleased to partner with this fine organization as we make good use of our new Sugar House constructed on the farm and dedicated in October of 2005. Tim Janis, whose beautiful and inspiring instrumental music has captivated the world with over one million albums sold will be performing during the weekend, too! Tim Janis has starred in a PBS TV

Journeys

Page 12

series narrated by George Clooney, a Christmas PBS TV special narrated by James Earl Jones, and recently was the music director for Heavenly Voices on PBS, a concert special released by the major label EMI Music. Tim Janis and members of his ensemble will be at the farm to play selections from his more than thirty albums. He will also sign copies of his new book Shine Like a Lighthouse. His CDs and DVDs will be available for purchase. He will be performing from his favorite location on the farm, close to the Cook Barn where the famous Waters Farm apple crisp will be sold. The farm is open from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day. Tickets are $ 7.00 for adults, $ 5.00 for ages 65 and over, $ 1.00 for children age 3 to 17, and free for anyone 2 and under. For a full list of activities planned for Fall Farm Days visit the farm's website at www.watersfarm.com.

Need shopping advice or great deals? Go to BlackstoneDaily.com for Local and Online Shops - Services.

Page 13

Journeys

O ur Rur al P ast, P r esen t & h o p efully Fu tu r e A Photo Essay by Tom Collins

Photographer Tom Collins of Woonsocket is a retired teacher who belongs to the Northern R.I. Camera Club which meets the second Tuesday of every month at the Woonsocket Harris Public Library, 303 Clinton Street, Woonsocket. His passion for photography has led to a treasure trove of photos on barns and other wonderful subjects found at www.blackstonedaily.com or http://picasaweb.google.com/tomcollins10 Information as to the architectural styles and periods of barns, ice houses, carriage houses and accessory buildings of New England can be found online at : www.blackstonedaily.com/barn.htm Two Very Worthwhile Events: 1. The Glocester Annual BARN TOUR October 13, 2007 9-4. Visit up to 18 barns of varying eras and styles, old and new around the lovely town of Glocester, R.I. Tickets (w/map) can be purchased before or on event day at Manton Library, 1137 Putnam Pike, Chepachet. 401-568-6077. 2. The Preservation Massachusetts Barn Task Force is holding their 4th Preserve Mass Barns! Annual Conference hosted in their replica round stone Shaker barn at the Heritage Museum & Gardens in Sandwich, MA on Saturday, November 3, 2007, from 9AM to 4:30PM. A roster of acclaimed professionals will share their knowledge, experiences and expertise in this Back to Basics program. For complete details, visit www.preservemassbarns.org or call 617723-3383. For news on the Valleys Barn Project or to submit photos or data on specific Valley barns, please visit The Barn Project at www.blackstonedaily.com/barn.htm or call 508-839-8885. Please help us compile history and style information for each Valley barn - a crucial link to our past which offer great signts on scenic drives.

www.BlackstoneDaily.com/barn.htm

Wecarry over 40,000 items from morethan 500 specialty manufacturersand craftsmen.
mendongiftbarn.com

1-888-473-1820 Route 16, Mendon, MA Gi fts Fur ni ture Accessori es Chri stmas

Journeys

Page 14

Columbus Day weekend festivities start off with the October 5th 21st Annual Rev. William Blackstone Ecumenical Breakfast but includes history and fun in and outdoors throughout the Blackstone Valley. Enjoy a Canal Walk at Goat Hill Lock with Ranger Chuck

Arning in Uxbridge at noon on Saturday, 10/6 or visit the unique Statue of Hope outside Hopedales Bancroft Library with a docent from 1-2 daily or head to Mendons Lions Club Country Fair on Saturday, Rte 16 from 10-5 . This is just a small sampling, such as a

self-guided tour of the 1769 Chestnut Hill Meeting House Grounds in Millville or scores of other events found below, in the Footsteps insert or online at www.bv-heritage-homecoming.org or www.footstepsinhistory.com.

Hassanamessit Reservation 80 Brigham Hill Rd., Grafton, MA 01560 Sun 10 AM - 4 PM

Tribal members will help visitors in weaving mats made of dried cattails to cover the wet frame on the reservation. A wetu is the domeshaped traditional home of the Nipmuc, the people who lived (and still live!) in the Blackstone Valley. There will also be an ongoing presentation of the history of Nipmuc people.

East Blackstone Quaker Meeting House and Cemetery, 197 Elm St., Blackstone. Sat 10 AM - 4 PM Narrative will be presented
on the history of the Quaker meeting house and cemetery, constructed on land donated by Samuel Smith in 1799. At a cost of $525 in 1812, the Meeting House is a venerable landmark that opens for services and special occasions throughout the year. 401-434-7218

Daniels Farmstead Foundation, Inc. 286 Mendon St., Blackstone, MA 01504

Sat - Mon 10 AM - 3 PM Early farm life with cider mill and barn tour, house tour (pending progress of restoration), interpretive tours by people dressed in period costumes. Butter churning and spinning demonstrations. Dog retrieval demonstration and hat show. www.danielsfarmstead.org

Outdoors: Blackstone Gorge, Off Country Road, Blackstone. Walking trails, scenic vista on the

wildest part of the Blackstone River at Rolling Dam. Old Indian paths. Off of Route 122. Millville Lock/ Triad Bridge Walking Tour 2 PM Sat-Mon. Intact canal lock & RR history Purgatory Chasm, 198 Purgatory Rd, Sutton Unique 1/2 mile of chasms, caves and geological wonders & trails, picnic area, playground. Sat - Mon 10/6-8 Dawn - Dusk

E. N. Jenckes Store Museum/Douglas Historical Society/Octoberfest 283 Main Street, Douglas, MA Sat 8 - 5
Octoberfest at the 19th -20th c. E.N .Jenckes Store Museum includes Good Morning, Douglas! with coffee and donuts served on the store's front porch, a bake sale, a giant yard sale, artisans and more. Tours of the general store, lunch including hot soup, sandwiches and dessert, more.

ing, cider making, antique displays, pumpkin carving on scenic, historic farm. Keown Orchards, 9 McLellan Rd, Sutton,MA Sat - Mon 12-6. 175 acres, farmstand, cultivars. Hawk Hill Orchards, 83 Carleton Rd, Millbury. 10-5. PYO apples & country store. Bangmas Farm, 500A West Hartford Avenue Uxbridge, Great views and dairy bar, fun. 9-5.

Orchards & Farms in the Valley: Sweetwilliam Farm, 153 North St., Upton Sat - Mon 12 - 4 PM. Hay rides, butter mak-

Historical Societies: Blackstone Historical, 23 Main St,

Blackstone - 1800s clothing, artifacts & much more

Grafton Historical Society, Central Square, Grafton, Mon 1-3 Gun making Upton Historical Society, 2 Main St., Upton Sat 9:30-11:30 Large array of historical Mendon Historical, 3 Main St., Mendon
Sat 10-2, Firearms Exhibit 1 PM 473-8830

Willard House and Clock Museum 11 Willard St., North Grafton, MA Sat 10 AM - 4 PM Sun 1 - 4 PM
Hour-long guided tours of the Willard homestead, galleries and 17th famed Willard brothers clock shop. Pre-Revolutionary home and shop. Benjamin Willard began making clocks in 1766 and his brothers joined him. Nationally recognized. 80 clocks on display.

Collectibles: Vaillancourt Folk Art at Manchaug Mills, 9 Main St, Ste H-1, Manchaug (Sutton).

artifacts & documents of interest. 508-529-6600.

Vaillancourt Folk Art Museum, Store and Studio is one of three remaining Christmas decoration manufacturers operating in the entire U.S.A. In charming village of Manchaug, come take a tour Sat 9-5, Sun 11-5, Mon 9-5. Douglas Flea & Antiques at Bosma Historic Farm, Northeast Main St, Douglas. Hoop Barn.

Historic Houses: Asa Waters Mansion, 123 Elm St., Millbury, MA Sun 1 - 3 PM

Special exhibit on Sun only 1-3 of Waters family documents representing 5 generations of the Waters family -pre-Revolutionary War. Deborah Wheelock DAR House, 51 North Main Street, Uxbridge. Historic Rev War house. Tour & DAR information. Sun 1-4.

in renovated, charming schoolhouse w/outhouse Sun 1-4. 508-278-3287

Old One Room Schoolhouses: Ironstone School, 106 Ironstone Rd, Uxbridge. Showing My Special Place movie

Farnumsville Firehouse Engine Co. #3 3 Main St., So.Grafton Ma 01560

Sun 12-3 Open House of the Circa 1853 Farnumsville Firehouse featuring original Grafton hand-tub the Emperor and period firefighting equipment / photos. Guided tours and light refreshments.

Sun 1 - 4 Artifacts, history, photographs.

Grass Hill School, 314 West Main Street Millbury, MA 508-865-4192 Sat 10 - 2

All events are listed on www.bv-heritage-homecoming.org or www.footstepsinhistory.com or www.blackstonedaily.com

On September 17th, Jenny McCarthy, the actress, released a book titled "Louder than Words - a Mothers Journey in Healing Autism." In it, she openly declares that her son, Evan, has recovered from autism with credit given to alternative treatments and therapies with diligent work on her part. As I write this, she is about to make the talk show rounds and say something that once was thought to be impossible to most and even heretical to some. I can already hear the naysayers and medical pundits: "What, recovered from autism? How can that be? It's a life long disorder. Perhaps he was just misdiagnosed to begin with." Yes, I've heard all of these things as well. My son lost his diagnosis at the age of four. And perhaps we did different therapies and treatments than Jenny did for her son, but we did some things in common too. We both took the approach that this is a holistic disorder that needs to be tackled from all angles. First, we looked at how to change the diet of our children to keep them from being further immune compromised. So we removed dairy and gluten and other food allergens to allow their gut and immune system to heal. We also looked into how to rebuild what was destroyed in our children. My son was absolutely affected by the vaccines he received, each one doing more damage than the last. We opted for a very aggressive approach

Louder than Words by Mary Romaniec

Page 15

Journeys
site, www.tacanow.com. It is now looking to branch out around the country. There is a void in this type of nation-wide autism group. This is the only autism group focused strictly on helping the kids and families affected today. They are not giving money to genetic studies or political causes. They put their money directly to educating the parents and helping the kids today. When I moved here to the Blackstone Valley, it occurred to me that our story of hope and recovery might inspire a parent here or there to seek answers, too. It has been overwhelming to say the least. The parents I've met here have the same look on their faces as I had when we received the diagnosis and then searched for answers. Only I wish I could do more. Lisa asked me to start TACA New England, which I was gung ho to do starting in the Millbury area. However, the task ahead is huge and I am not up to the effort that will be needed (I have a toddler now, too). But it is my hope that TACA will still flourish to begin educating New England in much the same way it did the parents in California. Above all else I look forward to that message of HOPE being spread far and wide. Perhaps Jenny will be successful in at least creating the dialog, which may lead parents to go and seek the answers for their child too. Dear Editor: We wish to thank all those that made the 9/11/07 Thanks To Yanks tribute dinner the success that it was. We will not mention specific names for fear that we will leave some one out. A big thanks goes to the local business community for their financial support and encouragement, also very helpful were our local political leaders. We appreciate all the words of encouragement we received from our friends, family and strangers. Most of all we would like to thank the military families who came together at the Myriad Ballroom that special night to remember the firefighterspoliceman and other victims of 9/11/01 and for allowing us to honor military families for their daily sacrifice as their loved ones serve America by wearing the uniforms of this great nation. These families share a common emotional thread that neither I nor most of us will ever truly understand. In the audience were moms and dads, brothers and sisters, friends and others who worry everyday; yet they remain strong, they look at pictures of their military heroes and say, I can make it another day. The Thanks to Yanks dinner was blessed by having in attendance a gold star mother and hearing about a young man from Milford that has paid the ultimate price. I ask you when you think about a soldier or his or her family please pause and think of these three words: respect-remember-revere. . . Michael and Donnalee Shain

by doing immunoglobulin infusions (IVIG). And we sought out behavior therapies. The three-legged stool approach is what it is commonly known in certain autism circles. . .diet, biomed, behavior therapies. What I am thrilled about with Jenny is that she is the first celebrity to scream from the rooftops that her son is recovered. I know many other children recovered from autism and yet the myth still persists that autism can not be treated, and certainly no one recovers. Sad to say that myth is very wide spread in New England. Perhaps now the media will cover autism differently and stop using the words "lifelong disorder especially when it may not be the case for some kids. Jenny was mentored in part by a friend of mine, Lisa Ackerman, who happens to run a group based out of California called Talk About Curing Autism (TACA). This group started in Lisa's home with a handful of us just trying to figure out how to help our kids and ourselves in the process. It was not your typical support group of hand holding and crying. It was hard core information being given to desperate parents reeling from the diagnosis. So the group grew from that premise that TACA would reach out parent by parent and bring each other along. Well, that handful of parents grew to an incalculable number of parents in seven California chapters. It has received over a million hits on its web-

Business & Professional Service Directory

38 years of abuse, yet very limited results in creating affordable housing has shown 40B is nothing more than a tool being used by developers to extract huge profits at the expense of our communities and neighborhoods. That statement comes from Repeal 40B, a broad statewide group of citizens, communities and associations who have faced devastating density with minimal affordability, yet often, triggering impacts on critical resources, school populations or Master Planning and Smart Growth initiatives. Recently, critics who have long witnessed abuse and a lack of crucial oversight by authorities, have worked hard to have the Attorney General certify an Initiative Petition to Repeal 40B, the MA affordable housing legislation created in 1969 that has allowed developers to override a communitys zoning, and even their Master Plan, yet has created very little affordable housing in perpetuity. What are the facts? Dont we need affordable housing? What are the next steps? The facts are clear: 1. We continue to lose our young workers aged 20-34 2. MA housing costs are the second highest in the Nation 3. The need for affordable housing impacts business investment and location. However, according to Valley locals, statewide citizens and advocacy groups and even the MA Inspector General Michael Sullivans office, 40B has become known as a pigfest for developer profits. As seen in the Inspector Generals recent audits performed by independent Melanson Heath CPA Company, significant abuse was found in nearly 100% of the ten unrelated 40B projects audited. Some examples include: 1. Finding of 186% profits over declared profits in Wakefield 2. An additional profit of $361,885 in Berkley 3. Town of Reading - understated $452,556 in profits The list of abuse goes on and on...without even taking into account the years of changed projects, misstatements and overstatement of land values, transfers to related parties (to boost costs and hide profits), lack of deed riders for perpetuity and cost containment for affordable units have also been felt in the Blackstone Valley and

The Time Is Now (Or Never) To Repeal 40B

central MA region. The heavy demand on Town Boards is unparalleled and these audits do not explore environmental concerns in critical, but marginal lands. These audits do not tally the impacts of manipulative and heavy handed tactics and high paid experts often making absolute claims that often dissipate as the project is developed. The Repeal 40B website indicates: Inexcusably tiny increases in affordable housing Forced growth in incompatible zones with mostly high density, market-rate units Inefficient use of tax dollars to subsidize unwelcome new development Higher tax burdens and skyrocketing land prices Unnecessary elimination of open space Overrides of local Conservation Commission guidelines Stressing the limits of town services Exhausting community resources like water and energy Unfunded state mandate (grandfathered so that Proposition 2 1/2 does not apply) According to the Secretary of State's office, between 1999 and 2004 developers spent $8.2 million to hire high-powered lobbyists. During the same period, more than 70 bills designed to amend or repeal 40B have stalled on Beacon Hill despite consistent and reasoned arguments by legislators and citizens alike. As reported by the Boston Globe on August 22, 2007 - A state agency created to help foster affordable housing ignored its own guidelines by awarding more than $20 million in housing loans to the controversial high-end Columbus Center development. Locally, in 40B projects in Grafton and Mendon, the following has occurred: 1. Flipping of 5 homes for "unreportable" huge profits of $4070,000 in as little as a 2 hour timeframe 2. Scores of performance complaints by market rate and affordable homeowners 3. Complaints by town government of poor road work and infrastructure 4. Misrepresentations and changing project plans amidst 5 lawsuits against town boards 5. Smart growth score of under 20 (out of 100 with 59 as failing grade) in an Area of Critical Environmental Concern at headwaters of watershed, recognized by Town and State as Scenic Inventory and Mass Historical with a very rural infrastructure that might trigger huge future costs in remediation or upgrade 6. Hearings Appeals Court adjudicated by 5 "judges" when only one ever hears the evidence 7. Antithesis of town zoning and 40 years of consistent Master Planning, even when high density zoning is available elsewhere in community 8. Ongoing changes and needs before ZBA even after project is started and developer's "absolutes" are in fact, not absolutes at all. Even if you've never cared about an issue before in your community, the time is now to understand the wellintentioned, but extremely abused and poor performing 40B legislation which is triggering huge burdens in time and expense for our communities. A few years ago, when R.I. was facing a similar, yet less pervasive and problematic outcry, a moratorium was enacted. Massachusetts enacted several other initiatives, including 40R and a timetable to produce a planned production schedule. These are steps in the right direction, yet they face funding shortages or ambiguous guidelines so that even costly experts have trouble giving a straight answer. And your town loses ultimate control. The Blackstone Valley is particularly vulnerable to 40B while simultaneously struggling to keep pace with all growth and the impacts on schools, traffic, lost landscapes and our valuable resources, such as drinking water. Communities need to review their zoning to allow higher density in practical areas along major roads with town services. We need to assure housing is affordable to our teachers, social workers, highway workers, families and young professionals. But the rampant abuse must stop. Over 66,500 signatures must be collected by the first of week of December. Even the Inspector Generals office has expressed outrage over the abuse which still continues.

Journeys

Page 16

WHAT YOU CAN DO: 1. Sign up on www.repeal40B.com to help get signatures in your community. 2. Sign an Initiative Petition ...go to www.repeal40b.com to find petition to sign (call 508-839-8885 if unable to locate petition) 3. Read the Inspector Generals findings online at http://www.mass.gov/ig/igpubl.htm Worcester Business Journal: 7.23.07 Editorial: It's time to repeal 40B The battle between the state and Natick is an example of the kind of meddling, the kind of arbitrary, illinformed government intrusion that prompts us to call for Chapter 40B's repeal. From The Boston Globes Christine McConville...February 2007 Michael Jeanson and James Fenton, developers of the Acton project, made a profit of nearly 56 percent, Sullivan said, and reported dubious expenses, including $3,200 for carpeting that one of the partners installed in his summer home on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. Developers use a variety of tactics to conceal their profits, including exaggerating land costs and hiring companies in which they have a financial interest as subcontractors, then paying the subcontractors excessive amounts to inflate the project's expenses. In addition, he said, some developers are "permit brokering. Boston Globe on August 22, 2007- A state agency created to help foster affordable housing ignored its own guidelines by awarding more than $20 million in housing loans to the controversial high-end Columbus Center development. Sign the Citizen Petition...Volunteer to Get Signatures Needed by December, 2007... www.repeal40B.com Then, work with your community to welcome compatible affordable housing which serves our citizens. The Commonwealths Preservation through Bylaws and Ordinances guide is going through a revision and your input is welcome. Contact Chris Skelly at Mass Historical at 617-727-8470. To find the helpful guide online, go to http://commpres.env.state.ma.us/content/publications.asp#bylaws or www.blackstonedaily.com/planning.htm

Page 17

Captan Perse and his coragios Company

Blood On the Blackstone, Part 6
Peirces Fight was one of the bloodiest and most important battles of King Philips War, and it was fought right here on our own Blackstone River. This is Part 6 of a series about the battle and its aftermath. You can catch up on earlier chapters at www.blackstonedaily.com/ourriver.htm. In 1943, a Rehoboth historian named Richard LeBaron Bowen was alerted to the existence of a long-forgotten, 267-year-old document that forever changed his thinking about the battle known as Peirces Fight. The tip came from a friend, Dr. Harold S. Jantz of Princeton University. Dr. Jantz was researching early New England manuscript prose and poetry when he made the find in the collections of the American Antiquarian Society at Worcester. It was a poem of many stanzas, handwritten on fragile leaves of paper measuring only three-and-a-half inches wide by five inches long. The title, scrawled in ink at the top, read Captan Perse and his coragios Company For three centuries historians have pondered the circumstances which delivered Captain Michael Peirce and his Plymouth Colony regiment into the hands of hundreds of enemy Indians on the morning of March 26, 1676. Historical records and contemporary accounts furnish many details about the deadly battle that ensued, but the steps or missteps that propelled Peirce and his men to that fatal encounter have long been clouded by vague references, omissions and misinterpretation. The clearest and most reliable descriptions of the events leading up to the battle come from two letters written within days of the massacre. The first letter was written on the 27th by Reverend Noah Newman of Rehoboth. Reverend Newman kept the garrison at Rehoboth. He was Captain Peirces host the night before the battle; in all likelihood he watched the troops depart the next morning and was on hand when one of the few survivors, Thomas Man, returned to Rehoboth. As a witness, his account supersedes all others. According to Newman, Peirce arrived at the Rehoboth garrison on Saturday the 25th. He set out on patrol almost immediately, possibly with only part of his regiment. At some point he and his men skirmished with an unspecified number of enemy Indians at an unnamed place. Peirce felt he had done some damage to the enemy, but thought it wise to retreat to the garrison, get more men and start out again the next morning. And accordingly he did, Newman wrote, taking Pilots from us that were acquainted with ye ground. Newmans version of events is confirmed by the second surviving letter, sent on April 1st to Captain Thomas Savage by the Council of War at Boston. Captain Savage and his second-in-command, Captain Samuel Mosely, were in western Massachusetts at the time, leading a 600-man army in pursuit of a large force of Indians threatening Northampton, Hatfield and nearby towns. The Councils letter to Captain Savage contains several interesting details about Peirces Fight, including this brief but important elaboration on the Saturday skirmish: there was a great body of Indians as ye escaped report and environed them Round, it says. Capt. Pierce with a smaller party had a skirmish with about 50 of them the day before and did them mischief & came off without loss. The facts contained in Newmans letter suggest that the group of Indians Peirce encountered on Saturday was considerably smaller than the overwhelming horde he met on Sunday; the letter of the Council confirms it, placing the number at about 50. (The Councils letter is also significant for what it doesnt say. But more on that later.) For many years, the Newman letter and the Councils letter to Captain Savage may have been unknown or unavailable to historians. The Newman letter appears to have been stored in a collection of family papers, while the Councils letter probably lay buried in the Massachusetts state archives, one of hundreds of colonial documents related to King Philips War. In the meantime, many histories of the war were written. The first to include the story of Captain Peirce and his men was published in London in late 1676, just after the war drew to a close. Entitled A New and Further Narrative of the State of New England Being a Continued Account of the Bloody Indian War, it chronicled a series of war incidents occurring between March and August 1676, as reported by a Boston merchant (believed to be Nathaniel Saltonstall). Saltonstall paints an indelible picture of Peirce and his men as they fought to the death that Sunday morning. Unfortunately, his account contains no mention of the Saturday skirmish. Captain Pierce, Saltonstall writes, having Intelligence in his Garrison at Seaconicke, that a Party of the Enemy lay near Mr. Blackstones, went forth with 63 English and twenty of the Cape Indians (who had all along continued faithful, and joined with them;) and upon their March, discovered rambling in an obscure woody Place, four or five Indians, who, in getting away from us, halted, as if they had been

Journeys

lame or wounded. But our men had pursued them but a little Way into the Woods, before they found them only to be Decoys to draw them into an Ambuscade: for on a Sudden, they discovered above 500 Indians, who in very good Order, attacqued them, being as readily received by ours. While a technically accurate account, the omission of Peirces initial skirmish with 50 Indians poses a potential pitfall for anyone trying to understand what happened in the hours leading up to the main battle. Yes, Peirce indeed had Intelligence in his Garrison that a Party of the Enemy lay near Mr. Blackstones because he personally clashed with 50 of them on Saturday. In Saltonstalls version, it almost sounds like Peirce set out on Sunday morning fully expecting to find above 500 Indians rather than the original party of 50 from the day before. Without that distinction, one might judge Peirce incredibly brave or incredibly foolish. Newmans letter of the 27th suggests neither of these extremes. More ambiguity seeped into the story a year later, with the 1677 publication of Reverend William Hubbards The Present State of New England, Being a Narrative of the Troubles With the Indians. To his credit, Hubbard added a wealth of new information to the story. He explained in greater detail how the Indians used the Pawtucket (Blackstone) River to their best advantage, cutting Peirce off on both banks and eliminating all possibility of retreat. He put a human face on the friendly Indians by the introduction of their valiant leader, Captain Amos. And it was Hubbard who first recorded the famous anecdotes of how a few English and friendly Indians managed to slip through the enemys fingers (see Part 5).

Friends of the Uxbridge Library Sponsor Halloween Storytime

Join us for Spooky Tales with Carolyn Martino at 6 PM on Friday, October 19th, at Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge. The tales range from the silly to scary, and are designed to give children and grown ups a little shiver, a bit of a tingle, or a goose bump or two. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Uxbridge Library. Tickets are $5, and space is limited. For more information go to: www.UxbridgeLibrary.org, or call: 508-278-8621.

continued on page 18

Captain Perse and his coragios Company continued from page 17

He also introduced a character who has become something of a scapegoat in the story of Peirces Fight: the unfaithful messenger. It is said also, Hubbard wrote, that being apprehensive of the Danger he was in, by the great Numbers of the Enemy, like to overpower him with their Multitude, timely enough sent to Providence for Relief; but whether through Sloth or Coward, is not much material, this Message was not delivered to them to whom it was immediately sent. But the story of the messenger is problematic for anyone trying to reconstruct events. Hubbard is vague about exactly when Peirce sent for reinforcements. He states that it was after Peirce became apprehensive of the Danger he was in, by the great Numbers of the Enemy, like to overpower him. It is generally believed by historians that Peirce dispatched the messenger as a precautionary measure before departing the garrison Sunday morning. Is Hubbard like Saltonstall before him implying that Peirce left the garrison armed with the knowledge that he and his 70 men would be pitted against great numbers of the enemy? And worse, that his arrogance was so great he proceeded without waiting for a reply? An alternate interpretation that Peirce dispatched the messenger directly from the battlefield once he realized the extent of the peril seems improbable. If Peirce and his 70 armed men were trapped, how could a lone messenger hope to penetrate the enemy lines? The Hubbard and Saltonstall accounts would seem to provide fodder for an argument that Peirce was forewarned of the actual numbers he and his men would be facing. But such an assertion is not supported by the Newman letter of March 27th, nor the Councils letter of April 1st. Tellingly, Hubbards account, like Saltonstalls, contains not a whisper of Peirces initial skirmish on Saturday, March 25th. Coincidence? Or did Hubbard use Saltonstalls account as a basis for his own? Of the several histories published in the aftermath of the war, Hubbards outsold and outlasted them all. As decades passed his Narrative became regarded as the standard reference on King Philips War, an honor it still enjoys today. By default, Hubbards version of Peirces Fight was for a long time the one that people remembered. Then, after about 150 years, the letter written by Reverend Noah Newman on March 27, 1676, resurfaced. Sometime in the 1820s, Mr. Hayward Pierce, a lineal descendant of Captain Michael Peirce, showed a transcribed copy of the Newman letter to local historian Samuel Deane of Scituate, Mass. (Captain Peirces last residence was in Scituate). Pierce advised Deane that the original letter belonged to Mr. Rossitter Cotton, Esq., of Plymouth, Mass, a descendant of Reverend John Cotton, to whom Reverend Newman had originally sent the letter those many years ago. When Deane contacted Cotton he learned that the letter had since been given over to the American Antiquarian Society at Worcester. According to Deane, By the politeness of the venerable President of that Society , the original letter was found and copied for us by Emory Washburn, Esq., of Worcester. Deane used the information in Newmans letter to fashion a new account of Peirces Fight. It debuted in Deanes 1831 book, The History of Scituate, Massachusetts. For the first time, the public learned of Peirces initial skirmish with the Indians on Saturday, March 25, 1676. Readers saw a different Captain Peirce. A military captain who prudently fell back to the garrison after his first encounter to get more men. Not the kind of man who would deliberately take his troops into an unwinnable battle. Deane included a full transcript of the Newman letter, complete with a list of those killed in action. Deanes work triggered a revival of interest in Peirces Fight. Within five years his account inspired no fewer than three other historians to revisit the story. John Daggett of Attleborough, Mass., took the best elements of Saltonstalls, Hubbards and Deanes accounts, combined them with his own knowledge of local history and lore, and published a more detailed version of Peirces Fight than any of his predecessors. It appeared in Daggetts 1834 book, History of Attleborough. (The towns of Attleborough, Rehoboth and Cumberland were all once part of a territory known as the Attleborough Gore, hence the story of Captain Peirce is also part of Attleborough history despite that the main action occurred in Rehoboth, Cumberland and Central Falls.) In 1836, Leonard Bliss used a thinly disguised version of Daggetts account in his History of Rehoboth, published in 1836. That same year, the celebrated American historian Samuel G. Drake adapted Deanes and other accounts to tell the story of Peirces Fight in his Book of the Indians of North America. These newer accounts swiftly replaced Hubbards Narrative as the best resource for information on Peirces Fight. Other writers have explored the incident in the 170 years since, each in his own style, but few have veered from the storyline as set down in the 1830s by Deane, Daggett, Bliss and Drake. Rehoboth historian Richard LeBaron Bowen would prove to be one of the exceptions. Richard LeBaron Bowen waited five years before unveiling a new and potentially significant piece of source material related to King Philips War and Peirces Fight, in particular an ancient, handwritten poem entitled Captan Perse and his coragious Company. Bowen devoted a whole chapter to this lyrical creation in his book, Early Rehoboth: Documented Historical Studies of Families and Events in This Plymouth Colony Township, Volume III (he published Volume I in 1945 and Volume II in 1946). The poem was part of an 18-page document consisting of two poems and one prose article. The manuscript, Bowen judged, appears to have been written between 26 March and 30 May, 1676. It was signed: P. Walker. Bowen must have recognized the signature the moment he saw it, despite its great age. It belonged to a man who was one of Rehoboths wealthiest and most prominent citizens at the time of King Philips War: Philip Walker or, as he was also known, Deacon Philip Walker. He served as a deacon in Reverend Noah Newmans church the same Reverend Newman who wrote the pivotal March 27th, 1676 letter about Peirces Fight. Deacon Walker wore many hats in early Rehoboth. He owned a local sawmill (see Part 3, Ring of Fire), but he is also described as a farmer, a weaver, a constable, and, following the discovery of his manuscript, a selfstyled poet. Captan Perse and his coragios Company is a ballad occasioned by the Indian ambush of Captain Peirce and his men. Written in what Bowen believes to be a Scottish dialect, the poem decries the loss of Peirces brave company. It, condemns the Indians who committed the dredfull stroke and calls for revenge upon all enemy Indians. The poem is 34 stanzas in length, but it was within the first stanza that Bowen believed he had found an important clue to one of the longstanding mysteries of Peirces Fight. The stanza reads as follows: (free translation) It fell unlucky that this march was sooner than the appointed time to that mariner in thy pickeering thou Lacks those musketeers and his Experience gained amongst Buccaneers To understand why this cryptic verse excited Mr. Bowen, it helps to know a little about a man whose name had never been uttered before in conjunction with the known history of Peirces Fight: Captain Samuel Mosely of Boston, the deadliest Indian-fighter in New England. Capt. Samuel Mosely was one of the most conspicuous and best-known officers in King Philips War, Bowen writes. A cooper by trade, he later became a skillful mariner and married Anne, daughter of Governor Leveretts sister Anne, wife of Mr. Isaac Addington. Mosely, who reputedly had experience as a privateer or buccaneer in the West Indies, was hired by Boston merchants in late 1674 to sail off in pursuit of Dutch pirates preying on their ships. In April 1675 slightly more than two months before King Philips War broke out Mosely sailed into Boston harbor with the pirates in tow. His capture of the Dutch pirates made Mosely, at the age of 34, one of the most prominent and popular figures in the Massachusetts Colony. The pirates also attracted a following. There is evidence in the trial, as in the subsequent action of the Court, of much popular sympathy for the Dutch

Journeys

Page 18

prisoners, writes historian George Madison Bodge in Soldiers In King Philips War. Luckily for the pirates, the colonies stood on the brink of war. Five of them received death sentences, with execution deferred due to the opening of hostilities. Two other pirates were pardoned and one acquitted. When news of the first Indian attack reached Boston, Drums beat up for Volunteers, and in three Hours Time were Mustered up about an Hundred and ten men, Captain Samuel Mosely being their Commander, Saltonstall wrote. Among these, states Bodge, were many of his old privateers, i.e. those who had served with him in his expedition, and several of the released pirates. Moselys volunteer company was also renowned for traveling with a pack of dogs that proved serviceable to them, in finding out the Enemy in their Swamps Moselys company spent nearly the entire war ranging through the forests and swamps of Massachusetts in search of Indians to kill or capture. He and his men became familiar faces at Massachusetts and Plymouth Colony garrisons, where they often quartered or rendezvoused with other companies. In December 1675, Mosely was appointed to lead the Massachusetts contingent in the United Colonies raid on the Narragansett fort at the Great Swamp. His adventures can never be known fully, wrote Bodge, but what we have shows him to be brave, popular with both the army and at home, and wonderfully successful. Although Mosely coordinated with colonial militias and took orders from the Council of War, he was not a member of the military (his title of Captain harkened back to his seafaring days). His frequent disrespect and insolence towards officers earned him the wrath of commanders in the field; however, his ruthless persecution of the Indians won him the admiration of other soldiers not to mention that portion of the public known as Indian-haters. This popularity with the army, and the violent party of Indian-haters, together with his eminent success in the field, and probably his near relationship with the Governors family, supported him in many notorious acts of insubordination and insolence towards his superiors, and even the Council, Bodge observed. Mosely was an Indian hater through and through. His record is blackened by numerous instances of high-handed cruelty to Indians even friendly Indians. And there was one disturbing incident so horrific it transcended abuse and went beyond even murder. In October of 1675, while Mosely was stationed at Hatfield, Massachusetts, his company seized an Indian woman, or squaw, at Springfield. Mosely and his men pressed her until she confessed that her people were planning to attack three nearby towns. Wee are told by an Indian that was taken at Springfield that they intended to set upon these 3 townes in one day, Mosely wrote in a letter to the

continued on page 19

Captain Perse and his coragios Company continued from page 18

Massachusetts Governor dated October 16, 1675. In the margin of this letter, in his own handwriting, Mosely revealed the terrible fate of this unfortunate Indian woman. To this day, it stands out as one of the most depraved episodes of King Philips War: The aforesaid Indian, Mosely reported, was ordered to be torn to peeces by Doggs and she was soe dealt with all. Bodge said of this incident: It seems to us too horrible to be conceived of as the act of Christians. This was Captain Samuel Mosely, pirate hunter turned Indian fighter. The mariner in Deacon Philip Walkers poem. The complete text of Walkers poem first appeared in Volume III of Richard LeBaron Bowens Early Rehoboth series, but Bowen previewed that lone first stanza of Captain Perse and his coragios Company two years earlier in a chapter of Volume II, entitled The Original King Philips War Lists. Heres Bowens interpretation of the poem in 1946: Philip Walker is apparently deploring the lack of experience of Capt. Michael Pierce, and praising the experience and fighting ability of Captain Mosely and his company of pirates who had spent considerable time in Rehoboth, having been there in June and in December 1675, and probably at other times. By 1948, however, Bowen had apparently changed his mind. No longer was Deacon Walkers poem a simple criticism of Peirces military experience it had become an indictment of Captain Peirce for having willfully sabotaged what was supposed to be a united campaign against the Indians. It has always been inexplicable that Captain Pierce should have marched his small company of English across the Seekonk Plain to attack the Indians at Blackstone River, a distance of some five miles away from the Newman garrison house, at a time when it was generally known that the Indians were concentrating in very large numbers around the town, Bowen explains. In the first stanza of his poem Deacon Walker states unequivocally that Captain Pierce marched his company to attack the Indians at Rehoboth before an appointed time when he was to have been joined by a company of musketeers under the command of a meroner who had gained his experience among buccaneers, Bowen continues. The noun meroner is perhaps an incorrect spelling of marooner, the old meaning of which was buccaneer. On the other hand, the word may be an incorrect spelling of mariner. In either case there can be no doubt as to the identification of the mariner and musketeers referred to, for the man could have been none other than that famous mariner Capt. Samuel Mosely and the musketeers his Boston company of privateers. Bowen argues that Walkers poem rises to the standard of credibility: Deacon Walkers statement cannot be lightly passed over, he insists, for it is an on the spot record made by one of the town officials who was in a position to know what he was talking about. In addition to being a deacon in Mr. Noah Newmans church, he was also one of the two Rehoboth constables and was undoubtedly quartered in Minister Newmans garrison house, the Rehoboth headquarters of Captain Pierce. Bowen seems to imply that this new revelation tarnishes Captain Peirces armor, so to speak: That he [Peirce] was to have been joined by Captain Mosely but decided to make the attack alone without waiting for reinforcements places the whole affair in an entirely different light, for this fact is mentioned by none of the historians and is an extremely important addition to our meagre knowledge of Pierces Fight. Almost sixty years have passed since Mr. Bowen published his theory that Captain Peirce broke his appointment with Captain Mosely and led his men into battle without proper reinforcements. Since then, Bowens view has found its way into at least two other works on King Philips War. Dr. John G. Erhardt, for example, makes an uncredited reference in his book, Rehoboth, Plymouth Colony, 1645-1692, following a transcription of Reverend Newmans letter. Later, it was discovered that Peirce was to be joined by Captain Mosely, but chose to attack the Indians on his own, Erhardt writes, then adds in parentheses, Shades of Custer. Bowens theory also turns up in Douglas Edward Leachs famous history of King Philips War, Flintlock & Tomahawk. Leach writes, Bowen has advanced the theory that Pierce was to have been joined by Moseleys company, but that instead of waiting for their arrival he went into action with only his small force. Its quite an allegation. But does it hold water? Amazingly, Bowens theory has gone unquestioned all these years, yet it has been assimilated into the canon of literature about Peirces Fight. It has also cast a shadow on Captain Peirces historical reputation. It seems only right to put it to the test, starting with the source of the story. Deacon Philip Walker was many things sawmill owner, weaver, constable but he was not a historian. Nor was he, like his townsman Reverend Newman, soberly recording news of a massacre for delivery by horseback to Plymouth. Philip Walker was a poet. Using rhyme, meter and imagery, he expressed his thoughts creatively, and not necessarily factually. In a special web-only companion piece to this series entitled One Hideous Act Near Us (see http://blackstonedaily.com/tman.htm), it was demonstrated that Philip Walker may have mingled fact with fancy in another poem related to local events in King Philips War. In that instance, town records provided some basis for Walkers claims but it also seems he applied poetic license to conjure a scene that was likely at odds with the historical reality. In this case, there is no corroborating evidence that Captain Mosely was scheduled to assist the Peirce expedition. Certainly Reverend Newman would have known if an additional company of 100 men was due to arrive at his garrison and rendezvous with Peirce. He says nothing about it. Likewise, there is no indication that Mosely and his company arrived at Newmans garrison afterwards to find they had been stood up by Peirce. Thats what would have happened if you carry Bowens interpretation of Walkers poem to its logical conclusion. What a difference it might have made if Mosely and his company of pirates had shown up the burning and destruction of Rehoboth on March 28th (see Part 3) might have been prevented. Why, then, would Deacon Walker insert Captain Mosely into his poem? Wishful thinking, perhaps. Walker may have been impressed by Mosely during his previous stays at the Rehoboth garrison. Or it could be Walker admired the captain on the basis of his reputation alone. The two were of a kind. Walker, like Mosely,

Page 19

Journeys

was an Indian hater and a strong believer in the war. He felt the English should take to the woods and flush out the enemy, not cower in garrisons waiting to be attacked. During the March 28th Indian raid on Rehoboth, the Indians burned Walkers sawmill to the ground. In the thirtieth stanza of Captan Perse and his coragios Company, Walker proposes the English kill the Indians by giving them poisoned alcohol. Theres no telling if Captain Mosely would have warmed up to the idea, but Richard LeBaron Bowen saw merit in it. He writes: This suggestion of poisoning the Indians liquor was a novel idea. At the time the Indians burned the houses in Rehoboth they undoubtedly first rolled all the barrels of cider out of the cellars before putting the torch to the houses. Had this cider been poisoned there might not have been enough live Indians left in the following day to burn the town of Providence. Bowens theory about Captain Mosely and Captain Peirce adds a touch of irony to the story, but it doesnt mesh with Moselys known activities during late winter and early spring of 1676 . It is a documented fact that on February 8th the same day Plymouth Colony voted to authorize the Peirce expedition the Commissioners of the United Colonies approved the recruitment of 600 men for a military campaign in the Nipmuck Country and Connecticut River valley of western Massachusetts. According to Saltonstall, this large army was to be sent out under the Conduct of Major Thomas Savadge and Captain Mosely, as next in command to him. The Savage expedition lasted until April 7th. During those two months Mosely and his men marched from Sudbury to Marlborough, then on to Brookfield with Captain Savage, arriving March 2nd or 3rd. We can place Mosely at Hatfield, Mass., about March 15, following an Indian attack on Northampton. Bodge writes, The Indians, meeting this unexpected repulse at Northampton, hastened away for an assault upon Hatfield, but finding it also defended by Capt. Mosely and his men, they hastily withdrew. Moselys whereabouts become uncertain over the next two weeks but we know that it was a time of great peril in western Massachusetts. In

continued on page 20

March alone, Indians attacked Westfield, Northampton, Longmeadow, Marlborough and Simsbury. The situation was so dire that on March 28th (two days after Peirces Fight), Moselys commander, Captain Savage, sent the Council a letter stating that the enemy were so numerous, he didnt have the capacity to pursue them; that the Connecticut forces had been called home; and that he feared for the people in the towns if he and his army were drawn off, too. Given these conditions, it seems implausible that Mosely and his company of 100 men would have broken off from Savages army to march roughly 100 miles to Rehoboth. Bowens theory is further undermined by the Councils response to Captain Savage on April 1st . This is the same letter wherein the Council notified Captain Savage of Captain Peirces defeat. At no point in the discussion of Captain Peirce does the Council mention Captain Mosely or suggest that he was to join with Peirce. A reference to the Indians who attacked Peirce is also telling: there was a great body of Indians as ye escaped report & environed them Round.

Captain Perse and his coragios Company continued from page 20

The Council of War appears to be stating that the large party of Indians who killed Peirces regiment had eluded official military notice. Which begs the question if these 500-900 Indians went unnoticed by the military, what reason would there have been for Moselys company to rendezvous with Peirce in the first place? Especially when Savages army had its hands full in western Massachusetts? The escaped report comment also seems to refute Saltonstalls and Hubbards suggestion that Peirce had prior knowledge of the Indians overwhelming numbers. The Council of War closed its April 1st letter to Captain Savage by ordering him to return to Boston. In accordance with his instructions Major Savage withdrew his troops about April 7, Bodge writes, leaving one hundred and fifty-one men with Capt. Turner to garrison the towns, and with four companies under Capts Mosely and Whipple, and Lieutenants Gillam and Edward Drinker, marched homeward. Based on available evidence, it appears that Captain Samuel Mosely and his company of pirates spent February 15th - April 7th, 1676, battling Indians in the remote towns of western Massachusetts. And in the imagination of one Deacon Philip Walker. So what did happen in the hours leading up to Captain Michael Peirces final battle? Probably a series of events very much like those described in the Newman letter of March 27th and the Council letter of April 1st, 1676. Factor in Hubbards messenger along with a little common sense to fill in the blanks and the scene looks something like this: On Saturday, March 25th, 1676, while on patrol in the woods around Rehoboth, Peirce and his men skirmished with a party of about 50 hostile Indians. They successfully routed them, getting in some good licks before the Indians vanished into the woods. Peirce thought about giving chase but wisely decided against it, possibly because hed gone out with only a portion of his regiment. He ordered a retreat to the garrison, planning to return with more men the next day. Having rounded up a handful of local recruits to serve as guides, Peirce

Journeys

Page 20

readied his troops to march on Sunday morning, the 26th. The plan was to pick up the trail of the same band of Indians they had tangled with the day before. As a precautionary measure, Peirce sent a messenger to Providence requesting reinforcements. He didnt wait for a reply, either because he had instructed the Providence troops to meet him in the field or because he wasnt very worried about getting into a tight spot hadnt he beaten the Indians yesterday with even fewer men? Shortly thereafter, Captain Peirce and his courageous company of English soldiers and Indian scouts moved out, bravely marching off into the history of our river NEXT: CANONCHET 2007 by Joe Doherty PO Box 31 South Salem, NY 10590-0031 riverwritr@aol.com

Denise Martin Puts Her Skills to the Test in China

by Sue Kelly Denise Martin of Douglas, a former lunch lady in the Douglas School system is truly a Survivor. After trying out two times previously for Survivor, Denise Martin was finally chosen to become one of the 16 castaways on the upcoming season of Survivor in China. These castaways will split into two tribes, Fei Long (Flying Dragon) and Zhan Hu (Fighting Tiger). Denises boss, Judy Manyak, told her she heard one morning on the radio about tryouts for Survivor and told Martin she thought she should look into becoming a participant on the show. Manyak allowed her to take time off from her position as a lunch lady and try out for Survivor. Last April, Martin flew to New York for two weeks and during that time; Martin made a 7-12 hour video. She then flew to California where she learned she had a great chance of being chosen for the show. Martin was told in June that she had been chosen for Survivor: China and only had one week to mentally prepare herself for this exciting experience! However, Martin had been told in April that she could possibly be a contestant for the show, so she started a regular workout schedule, which consisted of running 2 miles a day on top of her everyday workout routine. Martin was given a list of books to read to help her prepare for the show. She read Army Survivor and Explore China. Mark Burnett, Executive Producer of Survivor, also sent her the

Art of War by Sun Tzu. This book recommends strategic methods to win that rarely require actual war. This book would come in handy on the show for tribe motivation and assistance throughout the game, according to a CBS entertainment press release. Martin is a resident of Douglas and graduated from Revere High School in 1985. She attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Waltham. She worked at a restaurant for 12 years, New England Telephone and she is currently a custodian for the Douglas School system. Her husband, Robert, and three daughters, Erin, 13, Emily, 10, and Samantha, 9, are very excited and happy that she was chosen for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Being a close family, the girls missed their mother very much but with the help of her mother and sisters-in-law, her family got by without her while she was taping Survivor. Martin said her family was so proud of her and that her hus-

band is awesome and went beyond any expectations she had of him. She also said, he did whatever it took to make it work. (Picture courtesy of CBS)

The Blackstone Canal - Our (Still) Hidden Asset?

by John LaPoint
Over the last four years there has been a renewed focus on the Blackstone Canal. Maybe at no time since the last canal boat moved on this extraordinary transportation link way back in 1848 has canal fever captured the interests of both historic preservationists and those who live in the Blackstone Valley region. There has been a Massachusetts Blackstone Canal Preservation Study, additional archeological studies of canal lock sites, educational manuscripts, and newspaper and magazine articles. Historian Joe Doherty has told stories of the life and times along the Blackstone Canal in his series Our River, found exclusively here in the pages of Journeys Magazine. Thursday evening National Park Service Heritage Corridor ranger walkabouts have helped people discover the historic canal adjacent to the Captain Wilbur Kelly House Museum in Lincoln, Skull Rock Lock in Uxbridge, the canal lock #30 site underneath the former Fisherville Mill in South Grafton, and of course, the wonderfully preserved Millville Lock. The award-winning "Along The Blackstone" video series has featured a discovery journey of the Blackstone Canal coming north from Providence. The first three parts of the series have been shown on local cable access and the journey has now reached up along the length of the canal to the Northbridge - Grafton town line. Downtown Worcesters Canalfest with its much talked about replica canal has been staged successfully for the past two years. A two day Blackstone Canal Symposium was held in the Fall of 2006, bringing together people to learn about different historical, economical and sociological aspects of the canal and its influence on the industrial landscape of Worcester, Providence and the Valley. There are organizations called the Blackstone Canal Commission, the Blackstone Canal Conservancy, the Canal District Alliance and Free The Blackstone. The story of the 45 mile canal that was in business for little more than twenty years is now better documented than ever before. Still, one has to wonder, even with all of this collective effort, why is the Blackstone Canal still very much a hidden asset? Will the momentum and notice about the historic canal continue? Will people have the vision to see what community leaders are trying to accomplish along Harding Street in Worcester? Will the Worcester example, and the success at River Bend Farm in Uxbridge help give additional sections of the canal throughout the Valley a second life as a catalyst for needed tourist and recreation related economic development? Or is our canal destined to remain simply an old artifact that is remarkably close by to the main roads of a growing Blackstone Valley, but still largely hidden in among the expansive greenways along a river. A story told to me at a Blackstone Valley tourism meeting by a local volunteer I think speaks volumes about the hidden potential of the Blackstone Canal. This person has relatives who often come to Massachusetts to visit. Being a gracious host, this person would ask her visiting relatives what they would like to go and see. During one such visit the response was, "Wed like to see the Blackstone Canal." And the (local) persons immediate response was, "Oh, you mean the ditch?" When I first heard the story, and knowing a little about the Blackstone

Page 21

Journeys

Canal, it made me chuckle, but in asking more about the relatives and where they came from, I found out they lived in the Washington, DC area and had enjoyed many pleasant experiences walking along the canal towpath and walkways of the popular Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park. Only those who have taken the occasional ranger walkabout, or have visited the Heritage State Park in Uxbridge, or the Kelley House Museum in Lincoln, have experienced first hand how the Blackstone Canal can be interpreted for tourists visiting our Valley communities. And only those very few who have the curiosity have ventured to walk into the woods and look for the hidden canal and the towpath in their own communities. Only then do stories begin to make the rounds as to how well preserved the canal and the towpath is in so many places and what the possibilities are for walking trails, nature study, historical interpretation, and actual use of sections of the watered canal for canoes and kayaks. Give well deserved credit to all of continued on page 22

Photos courtesy of John LaPoint. Above left photo is of the Providence & Worcester trestle bridge crossing the Blackstone River in Saundersville, South Grafton. This bridge is located off Elmwood Street and Canal Street, near the present day signalized railroad grade crossing on Pleasant Street. This bridge is on the proposed route of the BlackstoneRiver Bikeway and is adjacent to Grafton's Follette Street Park, directly on the north side of the railroad line and one of sever-

al open space sites that could be linked together to form a South Grafton Greenway. This bridge is just west of the site of the former Saundersville passenger station, operated by the New Haven Railroad. That site is now a vacant lot off Elmwood Street. The wooden railroad station still exists, cleverly disguised as a residential house in another location on Elmwood Street. The Blackstone River and the Blackstone Canal combine at this point and run together parallel with Canal Street until they cross under Pleasant Street at Leland's

Landing, an historic canal lock keeper and trading post site on the Blackstone Canal dating from the late 1820's, where one of the three canal locks in South Grafton was located. The granite bridge abutments are generally believed to date from the start of the railroad in 1847 and are one of four railroad related sites in Grafton listed on the Massachusetts State Register of Historic Places. The abutments are similar in size and style to those found at the railroad bridge crossing overhead on Route 122A in Wilkinsonville near the Aggregate

Industries plant and Sutton's new Tricentennial Park. The steel railroad trestle, believed to date from the early 1900's, reportedly replaced one of several sets of wooden covered bridges found throughout the early Worcester to Providence railroad line. Above right photo is the Blackstone Canal section in Grafton just south of Depot Street (Farnumsville Mill) down to the Grafton / Northbridge town line.

The Blackstone Canal,

those people who have taken up the cause of preserving the Blackstone Canal and telling its many wonderful stories. Every time an article appears in the Worcester newspapers talking about efforts to replicate the canal through sections of downtown Worcester, the attention and the publicity generated has a positive effect in the Valley towns located south of Worcester. Each mention of the historic canal, each picture of the replica canal on Harding Street, catches someones imagination, and maybe gets them to do a little more exploration about the Blackstone Canal and where it is in their community. Attending Canalfest in Worcester each September may not motivate someone to immediately take that walk into the woods to find the canal in their community, but it may spark their interest to go to the local library, or make a phone call to the local historical society, or hopefully, go onto the Internet and put the words Blackstone Canal into a search engine. The Blackstone Canal Preservation Study is an excellent starting point to explore where the canal and towpath can be found along the 27.5 mile

Journeys

Page 22 continued
Well also look at how historic preservation and creative reuse along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, the Erie Canal system in upstate New York, and historic canals in England have spurred economic rebirth through tourism. Finally, the series will focus on Blackstone Canal Millville Lock is Canal Lock #25, the only fully intact preservation efforts lock, of 48 locks that allowed canal boats to climb or being planned in descend over 438 feet of altitude of the Blackstone River North Providence, as it made its way back and forth from Worcester to Millville, Pawtucket and Providence. These locks were constructed with large South Grafton. stones from the Farnum quarry, owned by the architect The executive of these locks. The stones were delivered on rafts all summary of the along the River. Blackstone Canal Preservation study on the Town of Blackstones web site can be found online at the Heritage at: Corridor web site: www.townofblackstone.com/depts/page www.nps.gov/archive/blac/what/curs/town-plannerplanning-board.php rent.htm The complete Blackstone Canal Preservation report is also posted up

stretch in Massachusetts between the Rhode Island / Massachusetts state line in Blackstone and the terminus of the canal in downtown Worcester. On its route north, the Blackstone Canal passes through the towns of Blackstone, Millville, Uxbridge, Northbridge, Grafton, Sutton, Millbury and the City of Worcester. This important study is a joint venture of the Worcester Historical Museum and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. As stated in the studys Executive Summary, the goals of the Blackstone Canal Preservation Study are to facilitate a better understanding of the character and condition of the extant segments of the Blackstone Canal in Massachusetts, to assess opportunities for preservation, restoration, and interpretation of the Canal and its history, and to recommend key segments for such action. In future issues of Journeys, we will detail stories about the potential of the Blackstone Canal to be a catalyst for economic development and tourism and how the successful completion of the Blackstone River Bikeway may actually accelerate further efforts to uncover the Valleys hidden asset.

Early Frost continued from page 1

much better than harvesting in the noonday sun. Daylight seemed endless then, but just a few weeks later, it is becoming a scarce commodity, although the quality of the light has improved even as its duration has decreased. Time has become more precious, and in the back of the mind, there is the threat, always present, of frost. I was born on a farm that did not plant annual crops: an orchard. We did still have to worry about frost, but we worried in the spring, when the peaches, pears, apples and plums bloomed. If the temperature dropped too low during the critical period of fruit set, we could lose the whole crop or have visible damage on the fruit at harvest. This did happen a few times, and it was always a scary time, for we would have to wait at least a month before we could determine how great the damage was. If the frost is bad enough, the pollinated fruit drops to the ground in June, and there is no crop. We never suffered so great a loss that we had nothing to harvest, but we did have crops that were much smaller than they should have been. Usually, our loss was also sustained regionally, so the price of the fruit at harvest was higher than normal, and most of the loss could be covered. If you were unlucky enough to have a frost when nobody else did, you just had to suffer through the season and hope for better luck next year. These days, we still have over forty acres of orchard, but we also rely heavily on annual crops: tomatoes, beans, herbs and flowers, to name a few. The cole crops [broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage] do not mind a cold snap. They can tolerate cold down into the twenties [Fahrenheit], but will be ruined if the temperature get into the teens. Brussel sprouts are the heroes of the farm: they can take almost any cold, and you can harvest them well into the winter. But the tender' annuals, especially herbs such as basil and tomatoes, really hate to get cold. Our lowest temperatures this year have been in the high thirties, but already cold spots' are appearing on my basil, and growth has slowed. They say we will have temperatures into the eighties later this week, and I hope the plants appreciate and benefit from the warmth. The dread of an early frost is in a farmer's bones. You work hard for what you get, and you want to get it as long as possible. If you can keep harvesting a week or two longer than average, you will get a higher profit for your year of farming than you might have expected. This is a good thing! If the frost cuts the harvest short, you may be in financial trouble before the next year's crop comes in. One of the benefits of diversification is that while you may lose your annual crops to an early frost, that same frost will probably enhance your apple crop, causing it to have better color and flavor. While it is natural to want everything to go our way' every year, it is important to appreciate the benefits that one receives even in the midst of loss. The current threat of frost seems to have subsided, as the weather reports tell us of a warming trend this week. So perhaps we will have a few more weeks of vegetable harvest before a cold snap takes the crops and we can concentrate on apples. Everyday I spend in my flower garden is a pleasure: the memory of it will sustain me through a winter without plants. Then the spring thaw..... But now I have to finish this up and head back to the farm, where I shortly expect a group of eager preschool kids to visit and get a ride out into the orchard to pick apples. It is a beautiful day, and we are all lucky to enjoy it.

A p a r a d ise in d ow n t ow n W est b or o. W e c a r r y t h e b est , a n d ou r ser v ic e is fla w less! Com e a n d c h ec k u s ou t .

A n E v en in g w it h t h e B r ig h t on Lin e Oc t ob er 11 5:0 0 -8:0 0 p .m . Come and place an order for holiday giving. 5% of proceeds to benefit MIT Cancer Research. Refreshments Will Be Served.

Please support our local advertisers who offer fine products and exceptional customer service. To learn more or shop locally and globally, shop at: www.BlackstoneDaily.com SERVICES - DINING - SHOPS - GIFTS

Danger Elite Fastpitch Softball

by Joe Gnaidiek Only one year in existence, the Danger Elite, formerly the Uxbridge Danger, have gone from two fastpitch softball tournament teams to at least six age groups with "no end" in sight. Joe Gniadek of Uxbridge and Scott Dolson of Northbridge, the Founder & President of the Danger Elite simply put it this way, "Our organization is all about the girls. We try to find a home for everyone who wants to play. We hate to cut anybody which is sometimes impossible. Of course when you have 13 girls on a team, with only 9 positions available, you do your best to make everyone feel a part of the team, yet it's hard to make that happen and to please everyone on a tournament travel team, but these girls are great." This past year, the Danger Elite played all over Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and even as far away as Virginia, Pennsylvania and North Carolina. This year with the expansion of the age group to include U18 as well as U16, travel will include Ohio, Maine, and Vermont. The talented Elite team has won 2 tournament championships, finished 2nd three times, finished 3rd four times, with two 4th place finishers, with an additional a 6th, 8th, and 10th place for their resume. That's quite a feat as a new team! The girls play year round softball, joining the winter ball sessions in Auburn, and practicing nearly every week of the calendar year. Their home base training center is the RBIs Baseball & Softball Facility in Northbridge, along with the Auburn Dome Sportsplex and the Hit Quarters in Shrewsbury. The 2008 teams start in October of 2007 to prepare for the winter ball campaign. Simply put by the two non-stop coaches, "We want the girls to succeed. Our goal for the younger girls is to have them make their varsity team in the future, and for the older girls to continue with their passion for playing and see them succeed at the college level. We love to train, teach, and implement, while bringing in the best people possible to help with that passion for success. There is very little rest with that vision in mind. We don't just look at their softball ability, we look for team players, for girls who care about "off the field" attributes as well as "on the field" for their teammates and team as a whole. It's tough competition out there and hard to compete with the big major powerhouse team organizations because of their backing of programs, but we are growing and beginning to see the trend of girls in not only Central Mass coming out to play but from everywhere and more help from parents, fans, and establishments who believe in this type of softball trend". The Danger Elite offer age groups

Page 23

Journeys

in 10U, 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U softball right now. They hope to keep growing and are one of the most inexpensive teams to play for as they depend mainly on fundraisers, donations, and sponsors to help alleviate the costs to parents. The two leaders admit "Sure, it's long hours for all of our coaches and staff at times, but well worth it when you look into their eyes and watch them get over some tough challenges on the field. It's great to see their dedication, their motivation and their selfesteem grow. In fact, the coaches mentioned that four of the girls have moved up well beyond their age level competitively. Good job, girls!

Providence Grays vs. Cornish Game Hens

Old Time Baseball Turns Ten

of playing as closely to the origins of baseball as they possibly can. The Cornish Game Hens also strive to recreate the spirit of the early days of baseball. We play strictly for the love of the game which is the driving force for this team. The Game Hens were organized in 2004. Their home games are played at Porter Field in Warwick nicknamed The Henhouse. Team members also sport colorful nicknames such as, Jim Hammer McHale, James Reckless Ruh and John The Colonel Maguire. Providence Grays players conducted a Base Ball clinic for players and fans, discussing the rules as they applied in the 1880s as well as the use of the equipment and uniforms of that period. In addition, a modern baseball Middle Infield clinic was also conducted at the same time by Woonsockets Karl Allaire. Allaire, a former Toledo Mudhens shortstop, demonstrated the proper techniques of todays baseball players. Ray Bacon and Anne Conway, co-

As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, the Museum of Work & Culture hosted an Old Time Base Ball doubleheader at Renaud Field on Newland Avenue in Woonsocket, RI in mid-September. The game was played, according to the Rules of Baseball in the 1889s, between the Providence Grays and the Cornish Game Hens from Warwick. The teams wore uniforms of that day as well as played with vintage equipment. This year the Providence Grays are celebrating their 10th anniversary as members of the Vintage Base Ball Association. The Association prides itself in playing the game in the style of the 19th century, without the use of gloves (except for the catcher), no batting helmets, heavy bats and wool uniforms. For their part the current Grays, named after the 1884 World Series champions, were organized in 1998 and continue to carry on the tradition

directors of the museum, described the event as A once in a lifetime opportunity where particpants learned about the rich and colorful tradition of American baseball in the Blackstone The Providence Grays Turn Ten Valley. On Wednesday, October 10, Send Us Your Schedule 2007, from 6 to 9 pm, the Museum Do you play on a league, school or pick of Work & Culture will hold its 10th Anniversary Gala. The event will be up sport, whether darts, soccer, football, a celebration of 10 successful years golf or other....send in your schedule for of this Museums history. Tickets are others to be able to watch, cheer you on or consider particpating. Got a bike club $50 and can be purchased at the or any other organization? Let your comMuseum or by calling 401-769munity know! Send information to: 9675. For additional information, you can also email Anne Conway at BlackstoneDaily@aol.com www.BlackstoneDaily.com aconway@rihs.org.

Journeys

Page 24

Sat urday, Oct ober 6 & Sunday, Oct ober 7 10:00 a.m. t o 4:00 p.m.

WATERS ROAD, WEST SUTTON, MA

Join us at the farm and experience everything that a New England festival has to offer: Antique farm equipment, engines and chain saw exhibits Tractor pull (Sunday only) Lumberjack demonstrations Hearth cooking at the 1757 main house House tours Shingle mill demonstrations Blacksmith Shop demonstrations Horse and tractor drawn wagon rides Children s games & activities including face painting and pumpkin painting Sutton Police Department safety demonstrations & K-9 demonstrations

Sugar House demonstrations by the Blackstone Valley Sugaring Association Hoops Archery demonstrations and try-it-yourself booth Apple Valley Pony Club pony rides Lots of animals Sutton Senior Center - programs and activities and their beautiful hand-made items Draft horse demonstrations and obstacle course Music, including Tim Janis Refreshments, including the famous Waters Farm Apple Crisp And much more

Tim Janis t o Perform at Wat ers Farm for Fall Farm Days
His beaut iful and inspiring inst rument al music has capt ivat ed t he w orld w it h over one million albums sold. Tim w ill perform t hroughout t he w eekend. He w ill also sign copies of his new book Shine Like a Light house .

For full list of act ivit ies call 508-865-0101 or 508-865-4886 Wat ers Road, West Sut t on w w w.w at ersfarm.com

2 OFF
00

Regular Admission *
(up t o 5 admissions) *Regular Admission: $7.00-Adult s $5.00-65 & over $1.00-3 t o 7 Free-2 & under