2007 New England Trip

Newport Road Island

2008-04-13T12:42:00.001-07:00

Drove from Connecticut to Newport R.I. What a place. This picture is called "The Breakers.

To drive all over and see mansions that the world famous lived in back in the day, was a site to see. You won't believe your eyes when you see some of these places.

Well we headed back to Boston to stay at our Hotel there before leaving to go back to California the next day.

Turned in car and found out we put 1,000 miles on the car. After staying in Boston for 6 days and when we rented the car after leaving Boston.

What an adventure this has been for me. I saw everything that was on our itinerary, and found out things that I was always curious about.

Lunch at Friendly's

2008-04-13T12:33:00.000-07:00

Had lunch at Friendly's Restaurant, as I was told that it was a place you had to eat it in New England. Friendly's would be allot like Denny's here in California. The food was OK, nothing special. Good service.

West Haven Connecticut-Christ Episcopal Church

2008-03-30T17:14:00.000-07:00

Frank Hoeffer and Jeannette Crowe were married in this church, on August 6, 1938.

A little about this church:

Christ Church is proud of its heritage and tradition. The
church is the second oldest Episcopal Church in the state and
considered the Mother Church of central Connecticut. Christ
Church is also a growing community that is striving toward the
future. Founded in 1723.

A brief history

On December 19, 1606, the Virginia Company of London, formed by charter of King James I, dispatched to the New World three ships – the Susan Constant, the Godspeed, and the Discovery — for purposes of colonization and in pursuit of trade routes to Asia.

With some 105 aboard, the ships entered Chesapeake Bay and made landfall on April 26, 1607, at a coastal point the settlers named Cape Henry, near what is now Virginia Beach. This “First Landing” is memorialized by a stone cross at Cape Henry, now a centerpiece of the surrounding First Landing State Park. The monument commemorates the site where, upon their safe arrival, the settlers erected a wooden cross.

Among the settlers was Robert Hunt (1568-1608), priest of the Church of England, from which the Episcopal Church is descended. It was under his leadership that the group offered its first prayer services in the New World, notably on May 13, 1607, when the settlers reached the point they would call “Jamestowne,” the first permanent English settlement in the Americas

At Jamestown the settlers later built a church, but for their first service they suspended “an old saile” between several trees to shelter the congregation, and are said to have fashioned a communion rail by affixing a sapling to two trees. There, the Rev. Mr. Hunt conducted the prayer service, likely from the 1604 Book of Common Prayer. He later led the first service of Holy Communion, in June 1607, on the third Sunday after Trinity Sunday.

The region’s spiritual and cultural history also includes the traditions of the indigenous First Nation peoples, whose contributions are documented by local historians and museum. They are also recognized by the Episcopal Church’s Office of Native American Ministry.

Organized in 1607 as part of the emerging English colony, the Jamestown Church
became the fi rst Protestant congregation to endure in the New World — the
parish to which the Episcopal Church traces its origins in the Americas. The 400th
anniversary of these beginnings will be marked in spring 2007 with civic and religious
observances, the advent of which invites Episcopalians to learn more about the history
and heritage of their unique faith tradition.
This parish church helped to form American Episcopalians’ commitment to common prayer and Anglican “comprehensive”
theology – and a resilience of faith and mission that has been strengthened by the challenges of the American Revolution, the
Civil War, and the civil rights achievements of more recent years.
The Jamestown Church today has a unique national “congregation” all its own, and among those
engaged in local ministry is historical interpreter Anne J. Conkling, a local lay leader and expert
docent at sites including nearby Williamsburg’s Bruton Parish with origins dating from 1633.
At the Jamestown Church, Conkling does more than lead tours rich with insights about the early
colonists and indigenous people, and the sanctuary’s historic tower and origins. Indeed, she helps
guide hundreds of visitors each year into deeper understanding of their own spiritual heritage.
Sometimes these connections are made during prayers that Conkling is asked to lead on the
historic site.
The church tower is the only 17th-century structure still standing in Jamestown, and the present
Memorial Church building itself is a replica built in 1906 by the National Society of the Colonial
Dames of America. The structure’s footprint approximates the earlier churches’ original foundations,
parts of which are visible through fl oor panels of glass.
The fi rst Jamestown church burned in 1608, and the second church, built of wood, was where
Pocahontas and John Rolfe were married. A third church was the site in 1619 of the fi rst representative legislature meeting in
the New World, and the fourth church – featuring the present tower – burned in 1676 during Bacon’s Rebellion. A fi fth church
was built a decade later but abandoned in the 1750s before falling to ruins. The tower stood as a quiet monument throughout
the 19th century before the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities (APVA) acquired the site in the 1890s and
commenced signifi cant restoration and archeological work (source:www.apva.org).
Although weekly liturgical services were long ago assumed by neighboring Episcopal parishes, the Jamestown Church
remains a signifi cant center of spirituality, as Conkling observes as she interacts with the many visitors to the site. “Much,” she
said recently, “is exchanged in the questions and answers.”
The Anglican rites at Jamestown should not be construed as the fi rst in the New World. In the 1580s, services – including the
baptism of Virginia Dare – were held at the Lost Colony, Roanoke Island, along what now forms North Carolina’s Outer Banks.
A chaplain also accompanied English explorer Martin Frobisher on his expedition to Newfoundland, and prayers were offered
when Sir Francis Drake made landfall in 1579 near San Francisco Bay.
Emanating from a 1584 expedition organized by Sir Walter Raleigh, the Roanoke Colony – then part of Virginia — was the fi rst
English settlement in the New World. (While St. John’s, Newfoundland, was claimed for England in 1583, immediate settlement
did not follow.) The region then known as Virginia was so named in honor of Elizabeth I, the so-called “Virgin Queen,” who
had granted Raleigh his original charter for the area’s colonization, and also united Protestant and Catholic traditions within
the Church of England. While the Plymouth Colony later came to refl ect many Puritan ideals of the Reformation, the Virginia
colonies were fi rmly rooted in spirit of the late Renaissance and Elizabeth’s reign of 1558-1603.

Savin Rock, Connecticut

2008-03-27T17:48:00.001-07:00

Savin Rock is where my mom and dad would go on dates. Dad was in the Navy in New London, the year was 1938 when thet met and married 3 weeks later. Dad would come drive over for weekends. The Amusement Park is no longer there, as they had a bad fire. When we went the museum was closed. So I wanted to bring my mom back something from there, so I scooped up some sand and sea shells from the beach. My mom has such fond memories of this place, as my dad and mom rode the roller coaster and mom lost her watch on the ride. These are old pictures of what it use to look like.

Southbury Connecticut _Southbury Training School

2008-03-23T11:31:00.001-07:00

A little about Southbury Training School:

The Department of Developmental Services' (DDS) Southbury Training School is situated on over 1600 acres in Southbury, Connecticut. The school was built in the late 1930’s as home for individuals with mental retardation.

Today, over 515 people reside in small cottages and apartments on the rural campus. Sixty percent of the Southbury residents have lived here for the past thirty years and most have chosen to continue to call Southbury home.

The sprawling campus is comprised of 125 red brick buildings. The school independently operates its own power, heat, sewage treatment and water plants. It has a separate Southbury Training School Fire and Ambulance department as well as a Connecticut State Police Resident Trooper. An extensive array of services such as building maintenance, transportation and its own Medical Health Care unit help to provide the needed services to the residents.

The individuals who live here participate in a variety of day programs on and off campus. They have opportunities to work in individual and group supported employment at local business, job skills training, sheltered employment and various community experience and leisure programs. The school has many leisure amenities including an outdoor pool and a pavilion for dances, parties and concerts.

The state run residential facility employs over 1500 full time, part time and consulting staff. The staff provides supports and services in a broad array of areas including: medical, vocational, residential, and therapeutic and facility support services.

Most adults with mental retardation prefer to live in a community setting, at home with their parents, in a group home, in Supported Living or independently. Persons with severe or profound retardation, especially those with additional problems with speech, ambulation, seizures, or difficult behaviors prefer to live in congregate settings, where specially trained staff provide all the services they need in the place where they live. More than 75% of the Southbury Training School (STS) residents function at the developmental level of under 5 years old. More than half of them function at a level under 2 years. They are very different from persons who can work in the supermarket.

We drove to Southbury Training school in Southbury CT. to see Raymond my cousin, who is mentally challenged. This has been a bit of a puzzle all my life, as I heard about Raymond from my mother when I first started asking questions on genealogy.

The story was that his mother was drunk when Raymond was a baby, and she let go of the stroller, when she was coming down the stairs. That is why he was mentally challenged said my mother.

I always felt sorry for him, and I had hoped one day to be able to visit him, and find out the real story.
Raymond Crowe today, also one of his caregivers pictured with him. This picture was taken September 2007. He is 67 years old. Raymond has spent the last 55 years there.

Raymond Crowe and me (Pam Walton)2007. Very emotional experience for me, but so happy to finally see Raymond.

Raymond is very sweet, but could not talk. The caregivers used sign language to communicate with him.

The case manager and staff, Raymond, Edie and I had a cup of coffee in Raymond's kitchen. Raymond love all the ground coffee I bought hi. That is one of his favorite things, coffee.
I found out that Dunkin Donuts is a very popular place back east. Here it is Starbucks, so was able to buy the ground coffee from Duncan Donuts. I must say I like the coffee better then Starbucks.

I found out after getting to know the staff, and one of the staff members looking at the old records that Raymond was a blue baby. He did not receive enough oxygen when he was born. He said that the hospital said there would be no bill. He thinks that it was the hospitals fault why Raymond is like he is. Back then they did not sue as much and also they must have been devastated as they had lost a daughter prior to Raymond of Spinal Meningitis. I am so glad that on my trip to New England I finally saw my cousin. Now I know the real truth. I miss him, and wish he lived closer.

West Haven Mortuary

2008-03-23T11:21:00.001-07:00

Mortuary where Raymond and Vendell Crowe were taken for burial. 1933 and 1938

Oak Grove Cemetery, West Haven Connecticut

2008-03-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

My Grand parents (died 1933) Raymond S. Crowe and Vendell Helen Crowe (died 1938) are buried at Oak Grove Cemetery.

Oakgrove Cemetery is a very old cemetery in Connecticut. I found out that my grandparents did not have a headstone on their graves or marker. I realized that money was not there at the time to buy one. We walked for 1 1/2 hours just trying to find their graves and finally were told by person who was watching the place that they were buried between the two headstones shown on picture by tree. It was a very emotional feeling to be able to finally see where they were buried. I hope to buy headstones for their graves.

SOLDIERS AND SAILORS MONUMENT ERECTED
IN HONOR OF OUR
LOYAL SOLDIERS
AND SAILORS

September 10, 1890
West Haven, Ct. Oakgrove cemetery.

West Haven Connecticut

2008-03-01T20:16:00.000-08:00

Went to Westhaven Connecticut.This is a little bit about Westhaven:

History of West Haven, Connecticut
Settled in 1648, West Haven (then known as West Farms) was a part of the original New Haven Colony. In 1719, it became the separate parish of West Haven. In 1779 the British attacked New Haven Harbor and came ashore in West Haven. Thomas Painter, a militiaman watching for the approaching British ships while standing atop Savin Rock, is depicted on the city seal. The main commercial street, Campbell Avenue, is named for British Adjutant William Campbell, who stopped to help a minister who had been shot. He is buried in the Allingtown section. West Haven and North Milford joined to become Orange (incorporated as a town in 1822). In 1921, West Haven split from Orange to become a separate town. It was incorporated as a city in 1961 and is known as "Connecticut's Youngest City."[2]

West Haven is best known for the Savin Rock Amusement Park, which began in the late 19th century, thrived in the 1940s and '50s and was closed in the 1960s. The park ran along the New Haven Harbor beachfront. One of the last reminders of the area is Jimmies of Savin Rock, a restaurant known for its seafood and split hot dogs.

Mystic Connecticut

2008-02-14T17:45:00.000-08:00

Walked across the mystic draw bridge. The shops are very quint and alot of fun to buy things.

The view is from the Mystic draw bridge.

Walked all over the town of Mystic. Was so surprised to hear a couple talking at the park, saying "You know those New Commers" I guess you are a new comer if you are not 3rd generation. If was so strange to hear them use these words, as I only heard those words in the movies.

The next morning we drove to West Haven Connecticut. The drive was so beautiful.

Mystic Connecticut

2008-02-14T17:17:00.000-08:00

Checked in to the Whalers Inn. I love this town and Inn. Very peaceful and the place is so quint. A great place to relax.

Walked over to the infamous Mystic Pizza.
Mystic Pizza® (the restaurant) caught the eye of Los Angeles based screenwriter Amy Jones, who was summering in the area. Ms. Jones chose Mystic Pizza® as the focus and setting for her story of the lives and loves of three young waitresses. "Mystic Pizza" was filmed on location in Mystic and neighboring towns. A set was built for the indoor scenes, as the actual Mystic Pizza® restaurant was too small and could not close for months of filming. The movie was released in 1988.

56 West Main Street, Mystic, Connecticut.

Mystic,Connecticut

2008-01-01T17:13:00.000-08:00

Left Boston, and rented a car to drive to Mystic, CT. Traffic was heavy and some rain, but thinned out after awhile. Drove past R.I. The road to Mystic was so pretty. The tree's were just starting to turn color's.

John F. Kennedy Presidentential Library & Museum

2007-12-16T19:06:00.000-08:00

Took subway to J.F.K Library from Harvard.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum

2007-12-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

Took Subway to J.F.K Library after we left Harvard.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is dedicated to the memory of our nation's thirty-fifth president and to all those who through the art of politics seek a new and better world.

Located on a ten-acre park, overlooking the sea that he loved and the city that launched him to greatness, the Library stands as a vibrant tribute to the life and times of John F. Kennedy.

1961, U.S. President John F. Kennedy had a challenge for NASA. The challenge was to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade (before 1970). The race to meet his goal would require the greatest technological achievement the world has ever seen. The first Apollo missions were spent getting ready for the moon landing. Apollo 8 and Apollo 10 even flew all the way to the moon, around it, and back to Earth. Finally, everything was ready. On July 16, 1969, Apollo 11 launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They traveled to the moon and arrived in lunar orbit on July 19.

Harvard, Cambridge Massachuetts

2007-12-16T15:06:00.000-08:00

Took subway to Harvard, it was like stepping back in time. Very, very old.
The Early History of Harvard University

Harvard University, which celebrated its 350th anniversary in 1986, is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Founded 16 years after the arrival of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, the University has grown from nine students with a single master to an enrollment of more than 18,000 degree candidates, including undergraduates and students in 10 principal academic units. An additional 13,000 students are enrolled in one or more courses in the Harvard Extension School. Over 14,000 people work at Harvard, including more than 2,000 faculty. There are also 7,000 faculty appointments in affiliated teaching hospitals.

Seven presidents of the United States – John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Theodore and Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Rutherford B. Hayes, John Fitzgerald Kennedy and George W. Bush – were graduates of Harvard. Its faculty have produced more than 40 Nobel laureates.

Harvard College was established in 1636 by vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was named for its first benefactor, John Harvard of Charlestown, a young minister who, upon his death in 1638, left his library and half his estate to the new institution. Harvard's first scholarship fund was created in 1643 with a gift from Ann Radcliffe, Lady Mowlson.

During its early years, the College offered a classic academic course based on the English university model but consistent with the prevailing Puritan philosophy of the first colonists. Although many of its early graduates became ministers in Puritan congregations throughout New England, the College was never formally affiliated with a specific religious denomination. An early brochure, published in 1643, justified the College's existence: "To advance Learning and perpetuate it to Posterity; dreading to leave an illiterate Ministry to the Churches."

Harvard College was established in 1636 by vote of the Great and General Court of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and was named for its first benefactor, John Harvard of Charlestown, a young minister who, upon his death in 1638, left his library and half his estate to the new institution. Harvard's first scholarship fund was created in 1643 with a gift from Ann Radcliffe, Lady Mowlson.

During its early years, the College offered a classic academic course based on the English university model but consistent with the prevailing Puritan philosophy of the first colonists. Although many of its early graduates became ministers in Puritan congregations throughout New England, the College was never formally affiliated with a specific religious denomination. An early brochure, published in 1643, justified the College's existence: "To advance Learning and perpetuate it to Posterity; dreading to leave an illiterate Ministry to the Churches."

Walked around Harvard Square, and did some shopping for tee-shirts and souvenirs .

Harvard Square is a crossroads for students from all over the world, it has many boutiques and bookshops. The square is always crowded with interesting people..

What a amazing place to see.

Also went by M.I.T. Did not walk but saw it from a bus tour earlier.

Mary Baker Eddy

2007-12-05T18:52:00.000-08:00

Part of the walking tour was also the Copp's burial grounds

The Mary Baker Eddy library, mapparium was so moving. You walk thru a glass globe.

A one-of-a-kind place, the Mapparium is a three-story, stained glass globe constructed between 1932 and 1935...a world made out of glass.
Allot of my pictures were ruined as the film got stuck, so I had to buy a disposable camera to use from then on. The pictures did not come out as good as my camera but had to do.

We had lunch at legal sea foods. The clam chowder was excellent. A little pricey but a must do if you plan a trip to Boston.

After walking tour all day and part of evening, we went to Newbury street, which is very high end, and got a ice tea at Starbucks. Headed back to Hotel and called it a night. It was very historical and a wonderful experience. I know that I left allot of places we saw out of this, but if you go on walking tour you will see allot more of the places we saw.

Beantown Trolly

2007-12-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

Took Bean town Trolley

We did not go to all the places they offered as you needed 2 days to be able to see them all.

We saw the North end/Paul Revere house.
Old North Church
U.S.S. Constitution/Old Iron sides

Boston Common
State House
Beacon Hill
Copley Square
Newbury Street

And allot more but to much to list.

Wampanoag Village,Plimoth MA

2007-12-02T14:56:00.000-08:00

Wampanoag means "Eastern People" or "People of first light" The Wanpanoag people have lived in southeastern New England for over 12,000 years. Before 1616, there were approximately 50,000 Wanpanoag People in about 67 different villages in the Wampanoag territory. Between 1616 and 1618, a devastating plague, carried by Europeans , caused the deaths of many thousands of Wampanoag.

A Mishoon (dugout canoe) is made by burning and scraping an oak, pine or chestnut log.

The Wampanoag made houses called Wetuash, that were dome-shaped and covered with bark.

Mayflower ll, Plimoth, MA

2007-11-29T18:17:00.000-08:00

A short distance from Plimoth Plantation is the Mayflower II.

Mayflower II is a square rigged-vessel that is about 25 feet wide and 106 feet long, displacing 236 tons of water. She has 4 masts, including a mainmast, foremast, mizzen and sprit, with a total of 6 sails. You may walk around the main deck, orlop deck, and half deck. I was surprised to see how small it was , compared to our boats now.

Also found out that they did not drink water coming over, but instead beer. The living conditions were not very good. The Mayflower was a cargo ship and was not made to carry people, which meant that there were really no places designed for the passengers to sleep, they had to figure that out on there own. The passengers were incredibly cramped below deck and nobody ever went on deck because for the most part the weather did not permit this to happen.

The quarters below deck can be described as, “reeking of vomit and bilge.” Provisions also were never very good. Since there was no way to keep the meats and other foods fresh, passengers would be eating foods that were not as fresh as they were when they were purchases before the trip. It is this poor supply of food which lead to more of the passengers on board becoming ill.

For thousands of years before the English colonists built their town, the Wampanoag village of Patuxet had been there. From 1616-1618, many of the Wampanoag People who lived in Patuxet died in an epidemic most likely spread by European fishermen and traders. The few survivors of the sickness left Patuxet for other villages. This made it easy for the English to lay claim to the hillside in the midst of the Wampanoag homeland.

The tradition of “Plymouth Rock” was started over 100 years after the 1620 voyage of the Mayflower. In 1741, a local Plymouth man by the name of Elder William Faunce pointed out the rock that his father told him was the landing place of the “Pilgrims”. The Rock’s reputation only grew after the American Revolution, when it became a powerful symbol of liberty for a young nation looking for historical precedent. Very small rock, but a must see because of reputation.
As for the English colonists who were really there during the ship Mayflower’s arrival in New Plymouth, they never mention a “Plymouth rock” in their writings

Plimoth Plantation, Plimoth MA.

2007-11-28T17:24:00.001-08:00

Took train toPlimoth Plantation. It was about 1 1/2 hours on train. Saw a town while on train called Halifax (Nova Scotia has the same name). The Plantation is a replica of when the Pilgrims first arrived in Plimoth MA.

Found out from talking with one of the costumed roll players that she said they had between 400 to 500 ships come there a year. You really felt like you had stepped back in the 17Th century. They were English people who sought to escape the religious controversies and economic problems of their time by emigrating to America. Many of the Pilgrims were members of a Puritan sect known as Separatists. They believed that membership in the Church of England violated the biblical precepts for true Christians, and that they had to break away and form independent congregations which were truer to divine requirements. At a time when Church and State were one, such an act was treasonous and the Separatists had to flee their mother country. Other Pilgrims remained loyal to the national Church but came because of economic opportunity and a sympathy with Puritanism as well. They all shared a fervent and pervasive Protestant faith that touched all areas in their life.

The houses were so small for 5-8 people who lived in them. Most would have to sleep on the floor. One bed for husband and wife.

The roofs were very interesting. Roofs made of layers of straw, reeds or other grassy materials. The cattail home is waterproof because the cattails are aquatic plants and they swell when water and moisture hit them.

Salem Massachuttes

2007-11-26T19:36:00.000-08:00

We were up and ready to go by 7:15 am, as we had to take the subway to catch train to Salem.

We found out that the shuttle driver was not available as he had over slept. We needed to be at the T at a certain time. The hotel clerk told us we could walk to subway, as it was only 5 minutes from hotel. We had no choice as we needed to get the Early T as it takes about 1 1/2 hours from Boston to Salem, and wanted to get off to a early start.

We proceeded to walk and it turned out to be 30 minutes of walking in some areas not very good, and also had to walk over a bridge across the freeway. What a experience that was for us. We were very upset as the subway he told us to take turned out to be the wrong one also. We had to take the subway back to the South T as he had us going North.

The subway is very crowded, and you hang on for your life when they make turns. But after a few times on the subway you kinda get the hang of it.

Finally got to Salem Massachusetts. What a very quaint town. We saw the Salem Witch museum. The Salem Witch Museum brings you there, back to Salem 1692. Visitors are given a dramatic history lesson using stage sets with life-size figures, lighting and a narration - an overview of the Witch Trials of 1692. Saw some other places and also looked at allot of shops. The Salem Witch Trials Archives

It started pouring down rain in the mid afternoon. Even tho I had my umbrella and a coat on I still got soaking wet. We decided to get a bite to eat, so we went into a cute restaurant called"Reds Restaurant" I had the best turkey sandwich. I always like to take stuffing, cranberry sauce and turkey with a bit of mayo. I always thought that I was the only one who made a turkey sandwich like that, but found out , that is how they make them there.

This was the typical of the 17Th century New England clothing.

Since the weather was so bad, we decided to leave as we could no longer enjoy ourselves with being wet and cold. I wish the weather was better as I would have loved to stay longer. We took the T back to Boston, and then the subway. Stopped at Trader Joe's for a few things to take back to hotel, as we were to tired and wet to want to go back out to eat.

New England Sea Coast

2007-11-25T20:41:00.001-08:00

The unique scenery of the New England coast. We traveled north through Boston an it's "North Shore" communities, making our first stop at Hampton Beach, New Hampshire.Time for a light snack here. Our second stop was along the rocky coast of Maine, where we viewed the famous "Nubble Light" lighthouse in York.

The beauty of the Maine coast was so beautiful as we headed toward Kennebunk Village and Kennebunk's tree-lined streets are showcases of 18th and 19th century architecture built by merchants and sea captains. We then viewed former President Bush's summer home from Walker Point.

I like California beaches alot better. Did not see any surfers in water. I think because of the water colder and waves not as good as ours. We return to Kennebunkport for 2 hours of shopping and lunch and, was on our own at the many quaint shops and eateries in the village.

Had lunch in Maine "Lobster Rolls". For the price it was very expensive and not much of a roll. The Fall follage had only started so saw the tree's turning very slight red, and gold. I can imagine what it must be like when they are in full bloom. That is one thing we wished we saw. Over all a wonderful bus tour. Wish we had more time.

Got back to hotel and decided to get a bite to eat at the Cheese Cake Factory in downtown Boston. This is one place that gives you way to much food, but it was very good. Bought a piece of cheese cake back to hotel for later. Just relaxed the rest of the night

Boston Massachuttes

2007-11-25T20:33:00.000-08:00

After taxie let us out at hotel, we checked in to the Best Western Roundhouse.This unique round building was built in the 1800's as a gas tank. The gasoline was used to light up the lanterns in Boston, then became a motion picture exhibition in the 20's and light manufacturing and storage in the 30's, it has been vacant for over 60 years, before it was transformed into a beautiful top-notch hotel in 2001. Another slight problem is the neighbourhood which is rather run down and seems to consist of old factory lots,truck loading depots and lumber yards.But the hotel's excellent and free shuttle bus helped to get people into most parts of town or at least the nearest "T" station very efficiently.

We found the hotel to be a little old school but for the price it would do, as we were never there except to sleep. The noise on the 2nd floor was due to the traffic and other rooms, also afraid of over sleeping as you never got a wakeup call after you asked for one. Can't say much about the housekeeping for their cleaning, as we would find the same bits and pieces on floors and end table everyday. Overall our memories of our stay in the Roundhouse were ok, But it is adviced to stay at least on the 5 floor because of noise. We were on the 2nd floor. Also not a good idea to walk around there at night.They did have the Continental Buffet Breakfast, which was very good.

The next day we took a bus tour to New Hampshire and Maine. This was with the Go Card Boston,Gray Line Tour. The Go Card that you can buy at different cities, really saved us alot of money. It was a beautiful ride on the bus. The weather was gray, damp and a little rainny. The only problem with going on a bus tour is the time alloted. Have to watch your watch for time, as the bus would leave with out you if you were not back when bus driver said to be back. Short periods of time given.

Boston Massachuttes

2007-11-25T19:32:00.000-08:00

I made this blog so I could share my trip to New England with my friends and relatives.

This has been a journey that I wanted to take for along time so I could put together some of the missing pieces that have puzzled me for so long. I am the one who has been doing all the research on the family over many years. My mom always said she did not remember anything about her life or if anything very little. It seems like her life started when she met my dad. Before that seems to be a blank. I needed to make this trip to find out some things so I could try to piece somethings together.

It also has been very educational and a trip I will never forget. If you click on blue text, you will be able to read and see more about places.

After 5 1/2 hours we arrived in Boston, Massachusetts from San Diego California. Took a taxi from airport to Best Western Roundhouse Suites. The shuttle was not available so we had to take a taxi , the price was $27 dollars for 3 miles. My sister-in law( Edie) and I received half of the money back since they were suppose to pick us up. Talk about crazy drivers. All I can say is hang on tight.