On Wednesday we visited the House of Seven Gables {the very one that inspired Nathaniel Hawthorne to write a book by the same name}. It’s located in Salem, Massachusetts, and man-oh-man is it cool.
It’s seriously like taking a step back in time. It was built in 1668 by a sea captain and passed down for three generations before it was sold.
Eventually, the house and property were left to a woman named Susanna Ingersoll, who was a cousin of Nathaniel Hawthorne. I can totally see how this property would inspire a novel!
Eventually, the house and the grounds became a philanthropic haven for immigrants. The House of Seven Gables has continued a similar mission today–making education, preservation and community service a priority.
There are two Colonial Revival Gardens on the grounds–and you all know how I am a sucker for a garden. It’s still early spring in Massachusetts so there wasn’t a lot growing in the raised garden beds but there were a few flowers and herbs.
They even maintain the gardens with old-fashioned practices, i.e. hand pruning and cultivation–all to preserve the tradition of the garden. How cool is that?
In 1958, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s birth home was moved to the property in an effort to merge the history of his life with the infamous House of Seven Gables. The grounds and the homes were amazing and now I suddenly find myself wanting to move the east coast. There is so much history and so many things to see I can hardly stand it.
~Mavis
Pat Giaquinta says
Mavis ~ I visited these places years ago and it’s nice to see that they haven’t changed. I love colonial history ~ I love walking into an old house and soaking in the atmosphere. I also visited the home of Louisa May Alcott (author of Little Women) in Concord, MA. I love that place. The most interesting place of history that I visited was a private home that overlooked the Battle of Lexington & Concord ~ an upstairs window contains the names of soldiers who fell during the battle ~ whoever was watching this happen, etched the names in the glass. I’m glad that you had a chance to visit New England. We’re very proud of our history here.
Mavis says
I love it there and told the HH I’d move there in a heartbeat. Fingers crossed The Girl decides to go to college there. 🙂
Pat Giaquinta says
If The Girl wants to attend school in New Hampshire, University of New Hampshire is a great college. My daughter went there from ’94 to ’98 and she loved the experience. She made some lifelong friends and got her Bachelor’s degree. She is now a Phys. Ed/Health teacher.
Mavis says
Thanks Pat! I will pass along the information. 🙂
Lesley says
Mavis, our winters would put you over the edge! As I deal with snowstorms in Maine, I envy the fact that you seem to be able to spend time in your garden most of the year!
Mavis says
The grass is always greener isn’t it. 🙂 Maine is awesome!
Amy says
I live just a few minutes away from that area and still visit the house and other local sites really often. Everything is just so beautiful and rich in history here in New England. Did you have a chance to visit the willows down the street from the house? It’s quite nice and pretty amazing at low tide. I’m there at least once a week during spring and summer.
Mavis says
We didn’t but we will have to add that to our list for our next visit. 🙂
Susan says
So cool! Like Amy, I live next to Salem, and would “second” the suggestion of checking out The Willows for its old fashioned feel and beautiful views. It is a little early yet for gardens — too bad because there are some phenomenal ones. Have a great time on the North Shore!!
Robin says
Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures and experience. Being on the west coast these photos inspire me to plan a trip and soak up some of our national history.
thesalemgarden says
Hi Mavis! I follow you all the time and got a little off track this week because of my trip in to the Marathon, and all that’s been happening. Anyway, I didn’t know you were here visiting. I hope your enjoying yourself in spite of the rather tense week that we had. If your still in Salem on Monday I’d love to just say a very quick hi in person if you can fit it in, My husband works at the NHS on Derby Street and we live up the hill, on the outskirts of Salem. My e-mail is above, please be sure to e-mail me if you need anything at all while your here! All my best, Michele at the Salem Garden
Mavis says
Thank you Michele that was very sweet of you but we are already home. I hope all is well with your family, Boston and Salem are both great cities and we plan on going back. 🙂
Marilyn says
It is so funny Mavis, because I have always said that if I ever run away from life you will find me in Plymouth or Salem Massachutes! That is one of my very favorite places in the world too!