Amesbury Amesbury

2012 guide

The Daily News

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

introduction
From its beautiful riverfront drive to its historic downtown, Amesbury offers sights and delights that will catch your interest. Amesburys charm has caught the eye of many people over the years, among them Nathaniel Currier, co-founder of the famed Currier & Ives print company whose 19th century drawings have become iconic images of America. The heart of Amesbury has always been the Powow River falls, which cascade through the middle of the downtown. Around the falls grew textile mills, carriage factories and a thriving commercial center. Today, downtown Amesbury offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants for tourists and Amesburyites alike. Amesburys past is still alive and accessible. The town has several museums and historic homes open to the public, ranging from the National Historic Landmark Lowells Boat Shop to the home of famed 19th century poet John G. Whittier. Amesbury has managed to hold onto many of its scenic landscapes, making it a pleasant place for hiking, picnicking and exploring. The rolling open hills of Woodsom Farm are popular with dog walkers, kite flyers and, in the winter, tobogganers. The extensive trail network that connects Battis Farm and scenic Lake Gardner leads hikers to the summit of Powow Hill, the highest coastal hill in the county. Views from its summit extend far up the coast and across local farms and forests. Whatever your interest may be, Amesbury offers visitors a fascinating and fun place to explore.

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

The Daily News

Amesbury dAys
A summer tradition since 1899, Amesbury Days will once again feature a lineup of events, activities and festivities sure to dazzle locals and visitors alike. The celebration kicks off June 23 and extends a dozen days before wrapping up July 4 with the annual Fourth of July fireworks from Woodsom Farm. This years committee, comprised of Kate Broughton, Don Meskie, Kimberly Czar, Frank Czar and Heidi Thompson, is promising several new attractions to complement Amesbury Days mainstays. An Amesbury Days Ale is even being brewed especially for the celebration. New events and details are regularly being added. Visit www.amesburydays. org for updates. Here are some highlights: FRIDAY, JUNE 22 Amesbury Days Eve, Main Street Congregational Church Strawberry Festival SATURDAY, JUNE 23 Amesbury Moves! Field Days, dawn to noon, Town Park Lake Gardner Classic Kayak and Canoe Race

Gianna Surpentant, 6, Taylor Papas 5, Hannah Gale, 5, Hayden Talbot 5, and Liv Talbot 2, do the twist at the Amesbury Days Sock Hop at the Al Capp Amphitheater.
Home brewing workshop hosted by Cody Brewery and Riverwalk Brewery with preview of Amesbury Days Ale Grand Kickoff Event featuring the Essex Chamber Music Players and a creative black tie event and celebration of 225th anniversary of Millyard renovation

The Daily News

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

Amesbury dAys
TUESDAY, JUNE 26 Annual Senior Center cookout Millyard Concert WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 Chamber of Commerce Block Party Whole Music Teen Review in the Millyard THURSDAY, JUNE 28 Kids Day in the Park Kids Night in the Millyard FRIDAY, JUNE 29 Third annual Amesbury BrewFest Millyard Sock Hop SATURDAY, JUNE 30 Town-wide Yard Sales Downtown Bazaar The Amazing Amesbury Race Third annual Melting Pot Cook-off Kayaking on the Powow River Cars for a Cure Vintage Auto Exhibit Riverfront Dock Party, hosted by Larrys Marina SUNDAY, JULY 1 Firemens Muster at Woodsom Farm Rocky Hill Meeting House Concert The Spirithouse Band in concert WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 Fireworks at Woodsom Farm

Tom Champion of Amesbury checks out a 1957 T-Bird convertible at the "Classics for a Cure" antique car show at the All Saints Church Parking lot during the Amesbury Days Celebration.
SUNDAY, JUNE 24 Trivia Night in the Millyard MONDAY, JUNE 25-FRIDAY, JUNE 29 Chautauqua Tent: Expert how-to demonstrations and hands-on presentations in Millyard MONDAY, JUNE 25 Theater in the Open performance Harriet Tubman historical re-enactment by Chicagos Historical Perspectives for Children

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

The Daily News

cArriAge festivAl
Amesburys carriage-making legacy will be celebrated at the inaugural Amesbury Carriage Festival June 30 and July 1 at Bob-Lyn Stables, 91 Monroe St. Sponsored by the Amesbury Carriage Museum and Carriage Barn Equine Assisted Therapy Programs, the festival seeks to highlight Amesburys influential place in the nations carriage-making history. The festivities begin Saturday, June 30, with a Bluegrass, Brew and BBQ from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Southern Rail will perform, with beer provided by Amesburys Cody Brewing Co., and dinner served by American BBQ. An auction will also be held. Tickets $25; registration is required at amesburycarriagefest.com. On Sunday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a traditional driving demonstration featuring horse-drawn carriages; carriages and horseless carriages on display from private collections and Amesbury Carriage Museum; expert advice on restored and unrestored carriages; blacksmithing demonstration; and numerous vendors, including arts, crafts, local food growers and antiques dealers. Admission is free, Amesbury was at the forefront of carriage design and manufacturing in the 1800s and early 1900s. Dozens of manufacturers produced a wide range of carriages, with production peaking in the late 1800s as more than 14,000 carriages were shipped from Amesburys train depot. By the early 1900s, the emergence of the automobile gradually overtook the carriage industry. Amesburys carriagemakers produced many of the first automobile bodies, but the Great Depression of the 1930s shut down most of the towns auto and carriage-related businesses.

The Daily News

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

Whittier home
The home of poet and Civil War abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier will be open for tours and special events throughout the summer. Whittier, a 19th century poet, lived in Amesbury for most of his life in a home that has been lovingly preserved at 86 Friend St. His most famous poem, "Snowbound," was a commercial and critical success that made Whittier a household name. Other poems drew upon local inspiration, such as his tale of the Captain's Well, an Amesbury historical landmark located on Main Street. Whittier was also a well-known abolitionist, joining efforts with others such as William Lloyd Garrison to bring about an end to slavery. The home contains Whittier's personal belongings and some of his manuscripts. It is open for tours until Oct. 27, on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Special tours can be arranged by calling the home at 978-465-5964 or 978-3881337. Special events are held throughout the summer. The Whittier Home Association also has planned its annual OldFashioned Tea Party to be held in Whittiers Victorian Garden, located behind his home. It will take place June 27 from 2 to 4 p.m. The cost is $5 per person. The Whittier Home Museum will also hold its third annual Celebrating John Greenleaf Whittier fundraiser and auction, on Sunday, June 24, 25 p.m. (rain or shine) at the Maudslay Arts Center, 95 Curzon Mill Road, in Maudslay State Park, Newburyport. The cost is $25.

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

The Daily News

Amesbury librAry
The Amesbury Public Library at 149 Main St. has a fun summer of activities planned. Here are some highlights: Kids Summer Events (Unless noted, events take place at the library) Mother Goose on the Loose: Fridays, 9:45 a.m., June 29 to Aug. 10; interactive program for 0 to 23 months packed with puppets, songs, stories and movement Crafts that Dream Big: Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to noon, June 25 to Aug. 6; create fleece pillows, a hanging bat and other crafts Lunch 'n Read: Wednesdays, noon, July 18 to Aug. 8; bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the shade of the library tree along with a reading and other outdoor

The Daily News

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

Amesbury librAry
activity; all ages welcome Little Scientists: Earth Exploration, June 26, 10:30 a.m., ages 3 to 5 Teddy Bear Picnic: July 11, noon Musician Charlie Hope: July 13, 6:30 p.m. Joppa Flat Presents Owl: July 17, 3 p.m. Nappys Puppets: July 19, 3:30 p.m., Amesbury Cultural Center; shadow puppet show Museum of Science: One Sky, Many Stories, July 23, 3 or 3:50 p.m., Town Hall Auditorium; explore the night sky in the Museum of Science in Bostons portable planetarium; ages 7 and up; registration required. Stuffed Animal Sleepover: July 26; bring a stuffed animal and let them spend the night and pick them up the next day; all ages welcome Dream Big Pajama Time: July 31, 6:30 p.m., ages 2 to 5 Live Night Animals: Aug. 1, 6:30 p.m., Amesbury Cultural Center: Discover what animals are awake while youre sleeping; ages 5 and up Puppets and Ice Cream Party: Aug. 14, 6:30 p.m., celebrate the end of summer reading with ice cream sundaes Kids Summer Reading Program: The library explores the night with Dream Big programs for big and small, including ones on owls and other night animals, the night sky and pajama story times. Children entering kindergarten through fifth grade can register online and receive rewards such as Topsfield Fair tickets, while ages up to 4 enjoy the early literacy Owlet reward program. Teen Summer Reading Program: Reach for the Stars, July 12, 2 to 3 p.m., T-shirt decorating contest; Henna Tattoo program, July 16, 6 p.m., registration required; Origami for Teens, July 18, 3 p.m., registration required; Laughter is the Best Medicine Mime Show, July 25, 6 p.m. Adult Summer Reading Program: Between the Covers, seven-week program for ages 19-plus starting June 18; register online, prize-winners to be drawn each week, Visit www.amesburylibrary.org for more.

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

The Daily News

2012 speciAl events

A playground community build takes place June 2 and 3 at the Town Park at the site of the former playground. Volunteers are sought; visit amesburyimprovement.org. The Amesbury Chamber of Commerce & Industrial Foundation hosts the 23rd Annual Golf Tournament Monday, June 4, at The Links at Outlook, South Berwick, Maine. The all-inclusive entry fee is $185 per golfer and includes greens and car fees, mulligans, lunch, dinner and various links contests; public invited. This annual event is Tuesday night, Aug. 7, in Amesbury High school parking lot. Features a Car and Truck Show for kids of all ages with antique cars, military vehicles, construction equipment and emergency vehicles. Free refreshments and food.

Playground Build

3rd Annual Dam Triathlon

3rd Annual Dam Triathlon, a USATsanctioned triathlon, is July 14 at Lake Gardner. Distances are: half-mile swim, 12.3-mile bike, 3.2-mile sprint distance run. Cash prizes awarded. Visit http://heateventmanagement.com/dam-triathlon/. This annual overnight relay from 2 p.m. Aug. 18 to 8 a.m. Aug. 19 at Landry Stadium raises money for cancer research. Visit Amesbury Relay for Lifes Facebook page for information.

Chamber Annual Golf Tournament

National Night Out

Relay for Life

The Daily News

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TuesDay, May 22, 2012

historic sites
museum is a repository for artifacts relating to Amesbury and the immediate surrounding area. Artifacts date from prehistory to the present. 277 Main St. Open May to October, first and second Saturday of the month, by appointment, 800-277-8943. $5 suggested donation. Originally owned by the Bagley family. Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of the Christian Science Church, was a boarder in this house in the late 1860s. Contains period furnishings. 86 Friend St. Open Saturdays through Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m or by private appointment. Call the home at 978-465-5964. Famed poet and abolitionist John Greenleaf Whittier lived here from 1836 until his death in 1892. The home contains his original furnishings, correspondence, books and memorabilia.

Mary Baker Eddy House

John G. Whittier Home

270 Main St. Open from Memorial Day until Labor Day, Friday and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by appointment. 978-388-4528. $3 adults, $1 children. Housed in a 1870 schoolhouse, the

Bartlett Museum

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

11

The Daily News

historic sites

Graham McKay, shipbuilder at Lowells Boat Shop, poses with a replica whaleboat that is being built for the whale ship Charles W. Morgan, docked in Mystic Seaport in Connecticut.

The Daily News

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TuesDay, May 22, 2012

historic sites
459 Main St. Open Tuesday to Friday, and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; or call to make an appointment for a tour at 978-834-0050. Started in 1793, this is the oldest working boat shop in the nation. The boat shop also offers courses and special lectures; for a complete listing, check lowellsboatshop.com. The building, a rare survivor of the boat-building trade, is a national landmark. Water Street Open by appointment; contact http:// salisburypoint.tnsing.com. This building was the original Salisbury Point rail station, located on the Amesbury spur line. It now houses a collection of local train memorabilia and displays.

Lowells Boat Shop

Macy-Colby House
257 Main St. Open Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Memorial Day to Sept. 30, or by appointment. 978-3883054. $3 adults. Built circa 1654, this Colonial home contains artifacts and furniture representing Colonial Amesbury and the Colby family. This is the 110th year that the home has been open to the public. Amesburys museums and historic sites have collaborated to form an umbrella group called Amesbury Treasures that highlights the towns rich history. To download a brochure and map and order an audio driving tour of the town, visit amesburytreasures.org.

Salisbury Point Railroad Museum

More information

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

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The Daily News

outdoors
Alliance Park Main Street, on Merrimack River This small riverfront park pays tribute to the U.S.S. Alliance, a Revolutionary War frigate that was built nearby. The park offers expansive views of the Merrimack River and is a favorite place for fishermen. Lake Gardner Beach Off High Street This freshwater beach features calm, shallow water and a sandy beach area. Battis Farm South Hampton Road This serves as the entry point to an expansive network of trails connecting some of Amesburys most attractive natural features Powow Hill, Lake Gardner and the Powow River. A favorite place for dog walkers and hikers. Riverwalk Accessible from Water Street and Rocky Hill Road This paved trail follows the old railroad spur line that once connected Amesbury to the Boston & Maine rail line. The trail is easily accessible to the downtown. Town Park Friend Street and Highland Street This historic park is a centerpiece for active recreation. It contains a playground, a disc golf course, skateboard park, ball fields and a skating rink in the winter months. Woodsom Farm Lions Mouth Road With almost 400 acres of open pasture, forest, playing fields, wetlands and trails, Woodsom Farm is the towns most active outdoor place. It includes an impressive array of steep hills that are favorite places for winter sledding and summertime walks. Woodsom features occasional festivals and events during the year. This is also a favorite place for dogwalkers.

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TuesDay, May 22, 2012

TuesDay, May 22, 2012

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The Daily News

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TuesDay, May 22, 2012