GARRISON HOUSE

April 12, 2014March 22, 2014 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

The distinctive overhang design allowed for self-defense from within.

From the outbreak of King Philip’s War in 1675 until the conclusion of the French and Indian War in 1763, much of northern New England was under an ongoing threat of violence along its frontier. Nearly all of the English settlement in Maine was pushed back to a few towns nearest New Hampshire, and many villages, including Dover, suffered devastation and massacre.

Indeed, officials ordered many residents to construct fortified garrison houses, like this reproduction along Cider Hill Road in York, Maine, where families could retreat for armed protection when an alarm was sounded.

The site overlooks the inland tidal salt marshes that give rise to the York River. The hay from such spots was prized, even though feeding it to cows would produce a distinctively salty milk.

Also on the site is a more traditional New England style of construction -- shingle siding that weathers to gray. — Also on the site is a more traditional New England style of construction — shingle siding that weathers to gray.

BELL? WHAT BELL?

December 15, 2013December 15, 2013 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

Look closely to the left of the Christmas tree and you can see one of the men who had just placed it there in the cupola of a former church on the square at York Village. — Look closely to the right of the Christmas tree and you can glimpse one of the men who had just placed it there in the cupola of a former church on the square at York Village.

JACKSON HOUSE

November 25, 2013November 25, 2013 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

The 1664 Richard Jackson house in Portsmouth is the oldest surviving wood frame dwelling in New Hampshire or Maine. The additions turned it into a multi-family residence.

A PROPER GRAY

October 20, 2013October 20, 2013 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 1 Comment

This 18th century stand-alone barn has fit into many New England autumns.

SHOWTIME!

September 27, 2013September 27, 2013 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 1 Comment

It's fair time across much of America, and for many participants, that means getting their livestock to look their best for judging. — It’s fair time across much of America, and for many participants, that means getting their livestock to look their best for judging.

DINNER TIME AT THE DAIRY BAR

September 22, 2013August 28, 2013 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 1 Comment

It's late afternoon, probably after the milking. — It’s late afternoon, probably after the milking.

RETICENCE

September 6, 2013September 6, 2013 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ 1 Comment

Half-hidden in the foliage, a farmhouse and its connecting barn appear over the roadway with a twisting driveway its only invitation. — Half-hidden in the foliage, a farmhouse and its connecting barn appear over the roadway with a forked driveway its only invitation.

CASTING ABOUT

May 31, 2013May 31, 2013 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

The Salmon Falls River does more than separate New Hampshire and Maine. We won't quibble which set of fishing laws apply here. — The Salmon Falls River does more than separate New Hampshire and Maine. We won’t quibble which set of fishing laws applies here.

WIND BLADE

May 10, 2013May 10, 2013 ~ Jnana Hodson ~ Leave a comment

Several months ago, while driving on Interstate 95 to Boston, a remarkable view caught my eye. Headed in the opposite direction was a very long trailer, one at least three times longer than the usual tractor-trailer rigs. A few miles down the road, I glimpsed another. And then a third.

They were blades for wind-powered electrical generators being erected atop several ridges in Maine. Perhaps you’ve read some of the controversies erupting over proposals to build these “wind farms” in suitable locations across the country. But this was the first time I got an inkling to the size of each tower.

Earlier this month I came across two similar propellers, this time settled in a parking lot, no doubt waiting for a few more to join in a caravan. Even before being erected on a summit, they’re an amazing sight. Somehow, the gleaming sun on the metal reminds me of watching whales lolling in the ocean. Whales, you may recall, were the source of the oil used to illumine many homes in early America. They were another source of energy from New England.