Mr. Poe Comes to Salem

 History, Salem Event  3 Responses »
Sep 082014
 

Poe in PersonWhile Nathaniel Hawthorne’s writings were well known to be tied to Salem, literary contemporary Edgar Allan Poe also had a connection. It appears that “A Tell-Tale Heart” might have been based on the grisly murder of Capt. Joseph White in 1830 Salem. And in the midst of our Haunted Halloween Happenings next month there will be interactive events fostered by The Scarlet Letter Press & Gallery  to honor Mr. Poe.

The first is “Spirits of the Dead” an art show “inspired” by Edgar Allan Poe. The store is seeking Poe-inspired artwork for a Sept. 27 – Nov. 2 gallery show. Deadline for submissions is Sept. 12th.

The gallery at The Scarlet Letter Press will be transformed into a somber state of decay as the worn pages of Edgar Allan Poe’s grim stories are represented in visual artwork. A month-long show featuring artists from around the United States will hang in honor of the late horror master. All artwork is for sale including original paintings, assemblage, jewelry, prints, candles, postcards and much more. The ensemble “1476” has written and produced an original score for the art show which will also be available for sale.

According to the Facebook page “We have accepted a lot of 2D artwork, but would love to see items that are 3D, i.e. jewelry, vintage items, books, clothing, etc.”

The Scarlet Letter Press is also participating in a national month of recognition to support the city of Boston’s installation of its life-sized Poe bronze on Oct. 5th. The Edgar Allan Poe Foundation of Boston had sought to honor Poe in the city where he was born on January 19, 1809.
 The installation will be in Poe Square (intersection of Boylston Street and Charles Street South) which was dedicated to the author in 2009.

The store suggests you might absorb some inspiration from the sculpture by Stefanie Rocknak at www.bostonpoe.org.

But to mis-quote the Raven– there is more. There will be an intimate, one-night only experience Oct. 18th from 7:30 – 9:30 pm at Finz restaurant, with the dearly departed Edgar Allan Poe who returns to Salem for an appearance that should not be missed. Amongst macabre music and exquisite morsels and your choice of tantalizing cocktails, Mr. Poe performs dramatic readings of “The Raven” and the earlier mentioned “A Tell-Tale Heart.”

He will also discuss his life and the lasting impact of his work with audience interaction. Each guest receives an exclusive item commemorating the experience. And—- period costumes are welcome!

Another guest speaker, Victoria Price had been planned for Oct. 20th, but details have not been finalized at this point in the schedule.

Tickets will most likely sell quickly, for more information on any of these events, contact The Scarlet Letter Press at 978 -741-1850.

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Open House In Salem Has Second Meaning

 History  No Responses »
Aug 232014
 

Granted there are several fine homes up for sale in Salem that you can visit on any given Sunday— but we’re talking about the “other” open house, the kind which comes with a guided tour through the history of not only the house, but of the people who lived within as well.

Phillips House

Phillips House SalemFive generations of Phillips family objects are treasured within the walls of Historic New England’s Phillips House, located at 34 Chestnut Street. This is in fact the only house in this very historic district in Salem which is open to the public.

According to the official website: “The unusual collection on display is representative of the Phillips’ extensive travels and interests. It includes Hawaiian and Polynesian objects, as well as fine examples of early American furniture, Persian carpets, and an extensive collection of export porcelain. In the carriage house, visitors can view the family’s collection of carriages and automobiles that spans nearly a hundred years.”

Tours run from 11am to 4 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. The season ends Nov. 2. For specific admission information for individuals and groups, visit www.historicnewengland.org  or call 978-744-0440.

Pickering House

Pickering HouseBuilt in 1651 by John Pickering, it was the home of 10 subsequent generations of Pickerings! It is located at 18 Broad St.

According to the official website: “It is not only Salem’s oldest House, but also America’s oldest Home: home to a single family for over three and a half centuries; home to carpenters, farmers, patriots, military leaders, deacons, diplomats, linguists, and statesmen. And as homes will, it changed with the times.”

It doesn’t taken a historian to imagine the wealth of information almost at your fingertips. The opportunity to not only visit Salem today, but also to see Salem as it was in the beginning awaits you.

Tours operate from 10am to 3pm on Sundays, now through Nov. 30. For specific admission information for individuals and groups, visit www.http://pickeringhouse.org/ or call 978-744-4777.

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Playback Time at PEM; Interacting with Games of History

 History, Salem Event  No Responses »
Aug 182014
 

Museums are neither boring, nor dreary, nor dark places! At least not the one in the downtown district of Salem, MA. Our very own Peabody Essex Museum is big, bright, and very community oriented. Admission is always free of charge to Salem residents (with ID) and members; it is also free Tuesday-Friday 10am – 5pm for people who work in Salem (with pay stub or other proof) but live elsewhere. Fees for non-members: adults $18, seniors $15, students (with ID) $10, youth (16 and under) free.

Take this week for example. On the 3rd Thursday of every month, the PEM invites the community to come in after hours for a late night fun-themed party. Yes, we said a party in the museum. Throwback Games Night set for this Thursday from 6-9pm will present hands-on interaction with electronic and board games of the 70s and 80s.

Some samples from the shelves of Mud Puddle Toys

Some samples from the shelves of Mud Puddle Toys

Among the games scheduled: (some of which you can actually see on the shelves of Mud Puddle Toys in downtown Salem)

  • Twister
  • Rubicks Cube
  • Uno
  • Pick up Sticks
  • Ouija Board
  • Atari
  • Operation
  • Perfection
  • Sorry!
  • Trouble
  • Payday
  • Arcade Legends
  • Ms. Pac Man/Galaga
  • Air Hockey
  • “Giant” Mouse Trap

These will be available to be looked at, touched, read about, discussed— and played!

And since it would be rude of a host to not provide refreshments, the museum will have (in keeping with the theme of games and quick munchies) mac & cheese, Rice Krispies, Yoo Hoo, and a few other treats.

Cocktails and conversation, art making and music, culinary demonstrations and surprising experiences add up to great night out whether you are a resident or visitor looking to extend a day trip into an evening. And for this special PEM/PM event, non-members pay only $10 admission.

Have further questions? More details available at PEM website or by calling 978-745-9500.

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Prices You Can’t Beat in Salem This Weekend

 Salem Event  No Responses »
Aug 152014
 

Tax FreeTax break time! Not that we ever need an extra reason to attract visitors to our diverse downtown district in Salem, MA, but if you want one, we have it this weekend. The 2014 Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday Weekend  is set for Aug. 16 & 17.

What is that? “Two consecutive days during which most purchases made by individuals for personal use will not be subject to Massachusetts sales or use taxes” reads the recently enacted statute. The current state sales tax is 6.25%.

It continues, “on those days, non-business sales at retail of single items of tangible personal property costing $2,500 or less are exempt from sales and use taxes, subject to certain exclusions. The following do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption and remain subject to tax: all motor vehicles, motorboats, meals, telecommunications services, gas, steam, electricity, tobacco products and any single item whose price is in excess of $2,500.”

Did that say steam? In any case, there are many more items that are covered by the exemption. Come to Salem. Look through any store window along Washington St, Essex St, over to Front and Central and Derby Streets. Travel to Pickering Wharf and everywhere in between. You’ll find an assortment of items that lean on the city’s historical, literary, seafaring, and ‘witch-themed’ notoriety.

All are priced to sell nicely, with this weekend’s tax break as extra incentive.  Many local businesses are offering promotions this weekend, including 15% off at Treasures Over Time (Saturday only), 20% off at newcomer Edward John Home Decor, and The Urbane Cyclist‘s biggest sale of the year.  So get out there and start shopping!

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It Won’t Ruin Your Supper– Have Another Ice Cream in Salem!

 Salem Event, Salem Festivals, Uncategorized  No Responses »
Aug 042014
 

mariasweet53Time to steel yourself for possible brain freeze! Ice cream galore will flow on the Salem Common Tuesday, Aug. 5th from 6 pm – 7:30 pm. Ice Scream Bowl 2014 returns as part of the year’s Heritage Days Festival.

Always a favorite among the youth of Salem, the ice cream lines fill up quickly and have been known to stretch back several hundred people in length.

For the price of admission ($5 for adults and $3 for children), you will be given a ticket that is the key to going down aisles which lead to booths where some very nice local merchants have set up shop to give you a free sample of their ice cream. That’s right, one sample from each participant!

No need to feel bad about consuming all that ice cream. According to IceCream.com, the U.S. enjoys an average of 48 pints of ice cream per person, per year, more than any other country.

Participating will be:

A spoon and napkin will be supplied with the purchase of a ticket. There will also be free face painting for kids and music by DJ Doug.

Trivia Question: What are the top 10 ice cream consuming countries? Don’t peek. Answers.

This is a fundraiser for Salem Main Streets, a non-profit organization; tickets are purchased on site on the day of this special event which is in keeping with our goal of revitalizing downtown Salem as a vibrant year-round retail, dining, and cultural destination. Salem Main Streets also organizes the Salem Farmers’ Market, Salem Arts Festival, and other events in downtown Salem.

The Ice Scream Bowl is coordinated in partnership between Salem Main Streets and the City of Salem as part of Salem Heritage Days, a 10 day event to celebrate the people of Salem.

For any other questions or comments regarding this event, please contact Kylie Sullivan at Salem Main Streets at (978) 744-0004 x15 or email at kylie@salemmainstreets.org.

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