mermaidcamp

mermaidcamp

Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water

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Soul and Spirit of History

May 13, 2013 — 5 Comments

Since I study history through my ancestors’ perspective when I can, my dreams have become full of the characters from whom I descend. The way war and conflict are taught in school ,winners and the vanquished   divide spoils and define conquest as history progressed.  Places, however, record, digest, and reflect history on a different level.  Environment and social structure result from human use of land and resources.  If ownership and preservation of historical culture is valued and given high priority, the place is subject to less wasteful development.  Pawtuxet, RI preserves history by keeping homes from the past in tact. Seeing places my ancestors have lived and died brings history to life for me, and fills my dreams with the struggles and joys they experienced.

The  village of Pawtuxet is a place where local residents function as the tourist board.  I was directed by local ladies at the cafe to drive up Post Road and start to look for Malachi Rhode’s home.  I found it right away and saw the current resident in his back yard.  I resisted the temptation to ask him if I could go into his back yard since my family had owned the home in the 1700’s.  I had visited the larger new cemetery with graves that included Rhodes in great number.  The small ancient graveyard on the Post Road was even more peaceful and special.  I found Malachi there, within walking distance of his house. His life is honored and his place in history kept as a treasure that belongs to the place.  Seeing and feeling the place put me in touch with the spirit of all my relations.

Postindustrial Chic

May 11, 2013 — 3 Comments

NYLO Hotel in Warwick captures history and postindustrial charm by using a repurposed factory as a new kind of guest accommodation.  It is popular with local business groups for meetings and conferences.  I was happy to be near many of my dead ancestors.  The use of the location right next to the Pawtuxet River adjacent to Historic Pontiac Mills makes the setting perfect for all kinds of travelers. It is near the airport, but is not an average airport style place.  The big windows give fantastic light, and the open floor plan is convenient and free of clutter.  I loved the high ceilings and treetop view from my room.  I will stay here again when I visit Rhode Island.  It is like no other hotel.

East Greenwich Preservation Society

May 7, 2013 — 1 Comment

Marion Helwig is president and probably the  hardest worker at the Preservation Society.  I went to learn about my ancestors, and she was loaded with data.  She has the old graves collected in a book with maps.  She goes around asking for donations that are documented with dates and some information from anyone who will give.  She is a busy bee.  I was so lucky to find her on the job and ready to take me on a tour of the jail.  I really appreciate Marion, preserving the history of the town.  I want to return to East Greenwich to do some more exploring and research.  Now I now exactly where to start.  She knows all there is to know, and if not, can direct me.

Providence Party

January 25, 2013 — 2 Comments

Space and time are the first two elements of fine festivity.  A party, gentle reader, must have room to breathe and become what it wants to be.  One can always have impeccable timing if one takes time to consider the elements and the goals.  My party in Providence, RI is to celebrate with the living and the dead.  I will visit some of my ancestors who lived there in the early 1600’s and discover people who live there now.  For me , this is an excellent balance.  I like both groups equally.

The city contains historic buildings and museums that will please me a great deal, but I have also perceived some excellent night life and party opportunities downtown. I will visit Plymouth Colony, Martha’s Vineyard, and the Wampanoag village before returning to Providence to party.  I will probably need a day to myself in the Rhode Island School of Design Museum, after which I believe I will feel like painting Rhode Island red (a little rooster humor). I love nothing better than historic architecture put to modern artful uses.  I am highly attracted to the whole state because it is so tiny and well preserved. It appears to have fabulous taste and a high fun factor, not to mention a history of wealth and power. I am looking forward to discovering what Providence has in store for me.