This past weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to New England to visit with some colleagues in Keene, New Hampshire and Boston, Massachusetts. Embracing the cold, I embarked on the journey with the storm behind me.
Driving from New Castle, Pennsylvania to New Hampshire, I found myself driving on what seemed like an endless journey though Interstate 80 counting each tree that went by.
Stepping out into the cold Granite State, I had the opportunity to stay in an old 1700s farmhouse and explore how their restoration of the home was able to partner with the history of the area. Quickly, I began to see how historic books and goods were used to give the same atmosphere needed for the 1700s. The boards creaked, the doors squeaked—authentic to say the least.
It was fascinating how the partnerships between old and new came alive through the utilization of the Nest thermostat and the post modern pieces of furniture partnered with the age-old circularly textured glass windows in the door and the wonderful handmade pottery.
The area of Keene, New Hampshire was well-known as a mill town during the 19th century and has a vast array of industry throughout it. The Victorian buildings still decorate their downtown, which is uniquely laid out. The Main Street of single- and double-story buildings line the road which leads to the main roundabout in the middle of town. Decorated within each of these buildings are shops tailored to the tourism and great population of individuals who are now returning back to college.
Driving through the area, you quickly notice 19th-century buildings scattered throughout the area, noting their age on the front of each doorstep.
One building in particular stood out, stating that you can, “Own This Building for $1”, with a huge sign out front. Partnered with this sign was another sign that signified that stated that it was a part of the “2019 Seven to Save” campaign hosted by New Hampshire’s Most Endangered Historic Resources.
I thought that this was a wonderful idea for the state to participate in saving some of these sites through a program so focused and concise to save ‘seven’ of these places that are endangered of future degradation.
As I said goodbye to New Hampshire, I made my way to the historic city of Boston. Pushing eastward, the cold nipped at my nose even more powerful.
Arriving in Brookline, just on the outskirts of Boston, I drove up through the massive (and expensive) historic housing that Brookline had to offer. Each of these houses were preserved or occupied and it was difficult to find many unoccupied within the area itself.
Housed in a wonderful historic apartment of my colleague, the great layout and rustic setting was dabbled with the modern amenities of post modern furniture and cozy settings. Partnered with the clawfoot porcelain tub, the hexagonal tiles were distinctly aged and stood out.
Here, we were able to sponsor a networking event for Westminster College and collect to discuss how this historic and academic-centered town operated and the Bostonians’ livelihoods connect from such a worldly arena.
One distinct place of visit was the Landmark Center! What a wonderful place! Seeing the Art Deco designs of the former Search, Roebuck and Company’s massive mail order store is definitely a site to see in Boston. As you walk into the building, you begin to see how well-preserved this National Register-listed building is. Noted just outside the door, you find a LEED certification right next to the National Register of Historic Places plaque. That alone is quite impressive to showcase how the building has been updated to become an environmentally friendly location partnered with the historic significance.
Entering into this huge building, the three-story lobby is supported with the massive concrete columns. Turning right, you enter into a huge cafe, allowing startup restaurants the opportunity and space to showcase their goods, all branded under one style so to complement the architecture of the building. Thousands of people—under the age of 35—occupied all of the seats within this area. I couldn’t even find a seat! I had some amazing Greek fries. I could have had more if it wasn’t for the soup dumplings that I had earlier that day in Chinatown.
Going into the car garage, we encountered two historic cars and nostalgic gas pumps. I would have to say that I was quite impressed with this structure and the preservation partnered with modernity, once again.
New England truly has been an experience I would love to continue to explore. Until next time, I guess. For now, I fondly admire from afar, but I will soon return for more research and exploration of the historic sites.
