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