The Red Sox win their 3rd World Series title in 10 years!

30 October 2013

Antique autumn door decoration in the Amherst Historic District.

And over at The New Hampshire Antique CO-OP it's Halloween!

YANKEE

It's a state of mind.

My wife is a QUESTER in Amherst, NH and was able to include me in their latest meeting. Now you may be wondering "what's a Quester?" Let me answer that with a direct quote from their website.

Questers are people who enjoy antiques and history. We belong to a non-profit International Organization which encourages an appreciation for antiques and the preservation and restoration of historical landmarks.

Have you ever looked at an old item and wondered about its history?

Have you ever looked at an old house and wished that you could help it by restoring it to its original dignity?

Do you enjoy learning about the history of people, places, events?

This is right up my alley; antiques, architecture and New England humor. I was excited to attend this meeting as Judson Hale, the Editor in Chief at Yankee Publishing was the guest speaker.

If you're a New Englander, you no doubt know of YANKEE MAGAZINE and the OLD FARMERS ALMANAC published in Dublin, NH. Yankee was "born," as founder Robb Sagendorph announced in September of 1935. The Old Farmers Almanac was founded in 1792 and is the oldest, continuously published periodical in the country. A young man in 1958, Mr. Hale went to work for his Uncle Robb with the intention of working for a year, learning the publishing business and then moving to Boston or New York to get a "real job." Fifty-five years later he's Yankees Editor in Chief which allows him, as he explained it, to sit and look out the window and take periodic naps." I need to contact Yankee; I retired myself just a year ago and am looking for just such a position. I know that I'd be good at it.

In 1970, just prior to his death Mr. Sagendorph summoned his nephew Judson Hale and his son-in-law, attorney Rob Trowbridge, to his bedside and turned control of the business over to them. Yankee was still operating from its original building, an antique cape that had roots to the late 18th century. "Boys" he offered, "don't grow anymore, the plumbing won't take it."

Seventy-eight years after its founding Yankee enjoys a paid circulation of more than 295,000 and a readership of nearly two million. It's the wry humor, New England wit and pride of our ancestral land, passed from Mr. Sagendorph to his nephew, son-in-law and all employees, that crafted such a successful business.

Mr. Hale, speaking from the "old kitchen" in the Nathan Kendall Jr. Mansion in Amherst Village.

The consummate Yankee in his khaki trousers, blue button down oxford shirt, wool sport coat and woolen tie, just a little disheveled as he anguished over his announcement that the Red Sox had lost to the Baltimore Orioles the night before. His self deprecating humor, sharp wit, New England stories and love of all things New England shines through. At 85 he said he had "no plans to retire and move to Florida." He conceded though, that he no longer drives at night, but if caught out after dark, drives faster to lessen his exposure. 

The Kendall mansion, which dates to 1771, is actually two buildings joined to make one and is a fine example of New England craftsmanship. It has many of course, but certainly it's most unique feature is the hinged wall on the second floor between the parlor chamber and the center hall, that can be raised flush with the ceiling creating a large meeting or ball room. When restoring their home, the current owners found wooden leaf springs in the second level floor to absorb harmonic motion that could be destructively exerted from large crowds.

Notable as well is the pumpkin colored raised paneling, aged to a perfect patina and the soft beat from several historic, tall case clocks located throughout the home. To be here on the hour is a most pleasurable experience.

Born in Boston, raised in Maine and educated at Dartmouth, Mr. Hale kept his audience amused with his New England humor and insight. I approached him after he'd concluded his remarks and asked; "Mr Hale, I submitted a manuscript to Yankee some 30 years ago and it never was published, do you know why?" He looked at me thoughtfully, rubbed his chin and shot right back, "why yes I do... it was no good." His nimble reply exceeded my expectations.

Just one of Mr. Hales quick stories.

"Excuse me... can you tell me how to get to Millinocket?" asked a tourist from away.

"Well, let's see, continue on this road until you pass where Jones barn used to be, then.. No... turn left ahead when the pavement turns to gravel and follow the coast road north... Hmmmm, on second thought, go straight when you see the diner, I think... Come to think of it, you can't get there from here!"

Would you like to hear a little Maine humor? Just click right here to listen to Tim Sample.

Primitive painting on board of the Nathan Kendall Jr. Mansion.

Thank-you to the Amherst Questers for allowing me to sit in on their meeting and enjoy Mr. Hale's quick wit and the beauty of the Nathan Kendall Jr. Mansion, it was a wonderful morning. 

Rand

It's all about Stonewalls.

The Amherst Garden Club 

3 October 2013 

Featured Speaker

☟

Kevin Gardner

Photo: Marti Warren

Kevin Gardner, from Hopkinton, NH, is a very well rounded man. He lists among his accomplishments, 25 years of stonewall building, including large restoration projects at Canterbury's Shaker Village and Acadia National Park in Maine. He's also a writer, actor and producer at New Hampshire Public Radio. But on October 3rd, he kept a large gathering from the Amherst Garden Club highly entertained with a witty, often humorous speaking style and vast knowledge of New England stonewalls and their history. While he spoke to his audience, he casually emptied a container of rocks upon his table and constructed a miniature stonewall before our eyes to illustrate his points and enlighten us with facts. A rather ingenious method to ensure engaging your audiences attention.

Did you know that most stonewalls in New England were built between 1750 and 1850? At one time more than 250,000 miles of stonewalls existed in the northeast; more miles than the entire US coastline, or the distance to the moon. These rocks were deposited here some 15,000 years ago as the last great ice sheet departed North America, leaving what our  ancestors called "boney soil." This gave New England farmers something to do now as they cleared their fields, fenced them in, built house foundations and boundary markers with this heavy, granite rubble.

Photo: Marti Warren

Here, Kevin illustrates the fundamentals of constructing a stonewall that will survive for decades. Always place one rock on top of two, or two upon one to stabilize and interlock the project. Never line up your seams as this is "stacking" the stones and does nothing to make the unit a whole. He as well spoke about "chinking," proper drainage, foundation preparation and maintenance. 

Photo: Marti Warren

After speaking to his audience he took questions from individuals using his newly constructed wall to emphasize his points. Rather than just tell us how it is done, he could show us how it is done. Did you know that a cubic foot of granite, which really isn't all that large, weighs 165 pounds? Kevin shared with his audience a variety of methods and devices used to efficiently move and position such weight.

According to Archimedes, you remember him the Greek who said, "give me a long enough lever and a place to stand and I can move the earth." Some might recognize this as The Law of the Lever or MA = FB/FA = a/b. But I wouldn't be among them!

 

Photo: Rand Peck

Kevin also brought copies of his book entitled, THE GRANITE KISS, (published 2001) which he sold and autographed for many in the audience. It's an interesting title don't you think? You need to read the book though to learn of its significance but it's available at the Amherst Town Library and at Amazon. I'd planned to purchase a copy but by the time I got to speak with him he was sold out, so I took it from the library. If you become particularly enthralled with this topic, another interesting book concerning stonewalls is Robert Thorson's STONE BY STONE (published in 2003) where he acknowledges and gives thanks to Kevin Gardner. 

Thank-you very much to the Amherst Garden Club for sponsoring such an interesting speaker and allowing the general public to attend. And thanks to Marti Warren for photos and an introduction.

On another note, I received a message from local artist Lori Woodward who wrote concerning my blogpost about marine artist Bill Davis. Her work, mostly landscapes that I've seen, are beautiful and available to be seen and purchased at the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP. Lori, thanks very much for your comments and I highly recommend that readers visit her site. Click here or click her on in the right margin. 

Here are a couple examples of Lori Woodwards work exhibited at the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP

Thanks for reading,

Rand

Artist, William Davis
spoke at the 
New Hampshire Antique CO-OP
29 Sept 2013.

Samantha and Jackie greeted us in the foyer of the New Hampshire Antique CO-OP on Sunday, 29 September 2013 when we arrived to meet and listen to William Davis from Harwich, Mass speak of his history and painting techniques. An enthusiastic gathering of nearly 60 people gathered upstairs in the art gallery of the CO-OP to view and learn of Bill's background. If you've never ventured upstairs into the art gallery here, you've missed a wonderful opportunity to view an interesting and ever changing exhibition.

Jason Hackler, one of the principals at the CO-OP and artist William Davis, stand before one of Bill's paintings. Bill grew up on Cape Cod, has no formal art training other than mechanical drawing instruction received while in high school and is completely self-taught. He started painting as a teenager and was fascinated by sailing vessels that transited Hyannis Port. As his skills and reputation progressed, he concentrated on 19th century vessels, as well as techniques employed by such 19th century artists as James Bard and Fitz Hugh Lane. He has painted full time since 1982 and has earned a reputation as one of the finest marine artists in the United States.

Apparently his approach and vision are working as this appeared in a 1992 issue of SOUNDINGS.

 In the September 1992 issue of Soundings, former Mystic Maritime Gallery Director, J. Russell Jinishian, described Davis by saying "His work evokes the gentility and natural beauty of the 19th century, a time we look back on with some nostalgia as it was a time less complicated and more civilized".

A friendly and unassuming man, Bill comfortably fielded questions from the audience.

NOTE:

As you enjoy the paintings below, keep in mind that I shot these, hand-held in low light conditions.

Bill's use of light, referred to as "luminosity," can be seen throughout his portfolio. It's not just about the sun, but concerns, in these examples, the water, clouds and sails.

His attention to detail is remarkable. As he stated during the lecture, "the lines that make up rigging have to be factual, actually go somewhere and perform a function." He's seen paintings where the artist simply painted in lines to no where to "create" rigging.

The transparency of the sails on this gaff-rigged schooner is spectacular. 

I'm neither an artist nor an art critic, but I know quality when I see it and was enthralled with Bill's work. We visit the CO-OP gallery often and are learning from each experience. Thanks very much to the NHAC and Bill Davis for a great fall day.

Just the day before, the CO-OP sponsored another lecture by Bill Morse concerning Windsor Chairs and Colonial Tables. Bill is a master craftsman who builds his furniture to quality, 18th century standards. He has a line of furniture on display, for sale at the CO-OP, or you can custom order from him through Jason as well.

This is a seven foot, tiger maple dining room table, with four Windsor side chairs and two Windsor sack back arm chairs, built by Bill Morse nearly ten years ago.

I wish that we could have made this lecture as well, but attended the Weston, Massachusetts antique show at the Golden Ball Tavern, built in 1768. There just aren't enough hours in a day!

Keep an eye on NHAC website as they periodically feature new artists, craftsmen and speakers that are always available to the general public free of charge.

Fall Maintenance around an olde Cape.

View of the Spruce from the front dooryard as Todd inches his way skyward.

This is a project that Linda and I have waited several years to initiate. It's all a matter of priority though and finally this tree made it to the top of the list. It's a very large and very old Spruce that really adds nothing of significance to the property. It's surface roots spread far and wide and dominate this corner of the yard. It created un-wanted morning shade and robbed a nearby garden of water. It was time to go. 

From the backyard as he continues to disassemble this old tree.

So we called Todd Wilkins from Mont Vernon, NH and he and his crew arrived loaded for bear, because this Spruce is nearly 100 feet tall, 48 inches in diameter and is flanked by two antique capes that date to the 18th century. There's little room for error. Todd used his bucket truck for as far as it would reach, then donned his spikes, roped himself in and bravely continued up the tree on his own. After limbing the tree that left a tall thin obelisk, we considered handing Todd a pot of flowers and using it as a planter.  Rather though, he continued to dismantle the tree by cutting it into eight foot lengths and dropping them to the ground with the aid of gravity and his crew.

By this time a large gallery of interested observers gathered to watch Todd work.

Todd seemed unconcerned for his safety... but we were as we watched him move about effortlessly. After a few hours this massive tree was down, cut into manageable pieces, the branches shredded into wood chips and the trunk hauled off to a nearby saw mill to be cut into boards. It was not going to waste, not even the wood chips that were sold to a business who uses them to fire their furnaces.

Todd analyzing the cleanup. He had to drive his heavy bucket truck into the backyard, but before he did, he laid out a configuration of plywood sheets to drive on, saving us the work of having to repair deep ruts. When he was done, it was as clean and neat as when he started. I'll either have someone come in and grind out the stump or have Jim Sickler spend some time with his backhoe to eradicate it.

Let me show you another project that Todd completed for us just a couple of years ago. This is the view in our backyard. When we purchased this property you wouldn't have known that this existed as it was simply an overgrown wall of green. In three visits, he limbed up and out until the desired view was achieved. He also eliminated many, much smaller trees, that were being chocked out by their larger neighbors. I didn't want to do this all at once for fear of going too far and destroying the look. We lived a month or so with each cut, slowly expanding the view. 

I think you'll agree that Todd is an artist with a chainsaw.

This is the final product. In fact while Todd was here taking down the old Spruce, he spent an hour or so cleaning up small areas that have grown back. The result of Todd's work not only enhanced the view, but created wonderful breezes, gave us a more enhanced view of the sky, local wildlife and and contributed greatly to the health of the remaining maples and black-cherry trees. If you need tree work done, we recommend Todd very highly. To learn more about him or to contact Todd, click on TODD WILKINS TREE & LANDSCAPING SERVICES.

Same as above only a few months later

Before Todd arrived

I acquired this photo from a previous owner. This is how the backyard appeared before Todd rescued the view. It was chocked with foliage, there was no air movement and the mature trees were suffering badly. The spruce just to the right of the gate is the tree that Todd removed today.

Sometime in the future I plan to create a list of contractors and stores where I've purchased goods and services, something like an "Angie's List," to let readers know of local businesses with sterling reputations. After owning two antique homes over the last 32 years we have a pretty good feel for who does quality, dependable work. Stay tuned.

 

In the very first photo you may have noticed that the bulkhead doors had been removed. Linda, the perfectionist that she is was tired of their appearance. They're cedar, but must have been wet when painted some time ago as the paint was peeling off exposing bare wood. The hinges and handle had suffered through many paint jobs and were covered with old, crusted paint and rust. So off they came, and into the garage they went, where she attacked them with a scrapper, sand paper and an orbital sander. After priming and two coats of paint that match the house, they look beautiful once again. The metal work was removed, run through our wire wheel and painted as well. 

While the doors were off we purchased a 3/4" insulation board, cut it to size and attached it to the inner door with liquid nails. Interesting product that I'd never used before. It's dispensed with a caulking gun to the two surfaces, but once you get the material in place don't waste time fitting it exactly into position. Within a minute the surfaces were bonded and moving the insulation board wasn't going to happen. This should help seal this door better and keep drafts to a minimum on this north facing wall.

Autumn is here, winter is quickly approaching and there is much yet to do to prepare for it. Next I need to check both my generator and snowblower; change the oil, clean the filters and charge their systems to insure that they're functioning perfectly. 

Happiness is a 7500 KVA generator, humming away on a cold, windy night when ice coated wires are down and a nor-easter is slamming its way through the village.  I try to run my generator once a month for a half hour, so I won't be surprised on that freezing cold night without electricity when it won't start. Secondly to maintain familiarity with the machinery. I also attach the power cord into the house receptacle, in the background, and actually power the house with generator power. I know the generator is running but want to insure that the transfer unit is functioning properly as well. Don't forget to stabilize your fuel!

But you may ask, "how large of a generator do I need?" For a very simplified chart click here to read Consumer Reports answer to that question. Read through their list, determine what you want/need to power and add up the wattage. I ran this exercise and then added 1,000 watts to ensure capability and arrived at this 7500 watt unit. For my mother who is older and lives a few miles away, I selected a permanent unit that auto starts when it detects a loss of street power.