Category Archives: Local history

Historical posts about the Connecticut Valley, most likely the Pioneer Valley.

Jul
10
2013

Razin’ Cane

by Gary Sanderson

It’s weird how wandering thoughts are triggered. With me, often they’re launched by the senses, this time scent, a soft, alluring sea-borne aroma, fishy and salty, that we all know. Some would wrinkle the bridge of their nose, say “eeeyuew” and run like frightened hare. Not me. It’s just harmless body odor, have smelt much […]

posted in Columns, Grandkids, Indians, Local history, Politics | No Comments

May
22
2013

Fishing For Forgiveness

by Gary Sanderson

That mournful flute was entrancing, spooky. Its deep, hollow, haunting moans filled the bright, airy, riverside chamber called Great Hall and pierced a private internal sanctuary in me that few can penetrate, entering through a slim wound that oozed grief, gushed guilt. The handsome wooden instrument still resonated the next morning, like a spiritual echo […]

posted in Columns, Indians, Local history, Musings | No Comments

May
01
2013

The Legend Grows

by Gary Sanderson

The tulip magnolia is back, and so is that “solitary Indian” camped at the edge of town. First, the magnolia, though, which literally weathered the storm and is now in full bloom, just around the corner from the umbrella table and chairs we put out front for a change, hidden between the main block and […]

posted in Columns, Genealogy, Indians, Local history | No Comments

Apr
24
2013

Spring Things

by Gary Sanderson

The greening of spring can envelop a man with inspiration — a young manured rye field underfoot stretching out in rich, vibrant green to a faraway budding border of faint pastels, high and low, some reds and browns daubed in, the streams at a swollen mumble, soothing from afar, as birds flitter about the beaver […]

posted in Columns, Indians, Local history, Salmon, Shad | No Comments

Apr
17
2013

Indian Pond

by Gary Sanderson

Where to start? That’s the problem today facing me. I know where I’m headed, just am not sure how to get there. Hmmmm? Bear with me. Plus, due to a spring freshet of info overflow, I must run a rare outdoors notebook inside. First, though, I probably ought to begin with what got me started […]

posted in Columns, Indians, Local history, The Dogs | No Comments

Dec
26
2012

Indian Ridge

by Gary Sanderson

My Filson woolens — Woodland-camo, toasty-warm and oh-so silent through winter thickets — are still hanging where I placed them in the carriage shed after Thanksgiving to air out in autumn winds. Yes, and the rugged, insulated hunting boots I twice dressed with different waterproofing oils are ready to go if I get the itch, […]

posted in Columns, Indians, Local history | Comments (2)

Sep
19
2012

Godstones

by Gary Sanderson

What a difference a day makes. When I first sat down for this weekly chore Tuesday afternoon, my intentions were good but the mood was wrong, a gray and somber day, windows closed to seal out moisture, downpours splashing loudly off my hidden flagstone terrace. I found it difficult getting started, my mood dark and […]

posted in Columns, Genealogy, Local history | Comments (2)

Jun
08
2011

Fortitude

by Gary Sanderson

Strawberries are ripe, hayfields are scalped and the sweet smell of wild rose fills the meadow air … along with a personal sense of accomplishment following a fruitful weekend trip to The Fort at No. 4. There, in historic Charlestown, N.H., participants from far and wide converged for an entertaining French & Indian War battle […]

posted in Columns, Genealogy, Grandkids, Local history | Comments (22)

Sep
15
2010

Woodland Waltz

by Gary Sanderson

My fourth cord of wood was piled high in the shed, air cool, morning sun bright … off to my favorite Whately stomping grounds. Eli Terry, rhythmic heartbeat ticking from his dining-room shelf, read 11 a.m. My only worry was bear season. I didn’t want to get me or my dogs shot. But who’s going […]

posted in Columns, Local history, Musings | Comments (1)

Aug
11
2010

Common Ground

by Gary Sanderson

Sporting the white, cotton, “Old Hawley Common” T-shirt with red letters that I bought Sunday at the common’s unveiling—hint of bear scent wafting through cool, clear mountain air—inspired inquiries from some folks I bumped into this week in my travels. “Oh, you went to that?” was a question by some who had seen the event […]

posted in Genealogy, Local history, Musings, Tavern Tidbits | Comments (3)

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