Feb 09
20
The Towle Land of Carlisle
There is something exciting about seeing a Sugar Maple tapped for sap collection. It is irrefutable proof that Spring is coming. The Towle Land (pronounced Toll) where this particular tree resides is a combination of woodland, streams and open fields, spanning over 100 acres set aside for conservation. It is used frequently for cross-country, hiking and birdwatching. Towle abuts a major road and one can get a quick feel for its beauty looking out the car window, but it only reveals it whole nature to those who take the time to explore by foot or ski.
The trails are extensive and very well maintained, small wooden bridges completely in keeping with their surroundings dot the frequent streams beds. And it’s my understanding, there is even a rather obscure cow tunnel that connects two sides of the protected lands. Used in the early part of the last century, it allowed for a cow and rather nimble farmer to pass through onto what is now the Towle lands, for grazing. If you’re in a mood to explore, you can attempt to locate this architectural curiosity. It is crafted entirely of large stones, stands perhaps four feet tall and was built under Route 225 sometime around 1914. It opens onto the Towle Conservation Land.
This is the ancestral land of the Buttricks dating back to the mid-1600s with the arrival of William Buttrick one of the original settlers of Musketaquid (Concord). The family name was made famous by a fourth generation Buttrick, Major John Buttrick who led the militia to meet the British at the North Bridge in 1775. This home sits atop what is now Minuteman National Park, at the peak of a slope. As founding members of Concord, the original parcel was over 200 acres. The Buttricks maintained much of the lands including the homestead through most of the 20th century.
In the 1930s, a series of magnificent gardens were carved out of the land by John Buttrick’s, great, great grandson, Stedman Buttrick atop the rivers edge near the original farm pictured above. These became world-class estate gardens and today you can walk through them, well worth your time especially in early spring. However, one must only imagine now the feast for the eyes they once brought forth. Evidently, horticulturists from far-flung regions would come annually to see the irises and columbine that dotted the landscape. The gardens themselves were maintained by generations of the Buttrick family until well into the latter half of the 20th century. I learned this bit of history that is completely omitted at the Visitors Center at MNP on Concord’s community website, Concordma.com.
While I regret not having the chance to see the entire estate in its former glory, neither the panorama nor history of the place is overshadowed by the limitations a National Park must sometimes operate under. Although they were not able to invest in all aspects of the estate, much of the architecture and artifacts are preserved and the history, celebrated. But, perhaps a better model for preservation may be coming with the complete and careful renovations of Henry David Thoreau’s Birthplace and Major John Barrett’s home, now well underway here in Concord.
The new year was aptly rung in by a fresh blanket of snow. Following hours of snowfall on New Year’s Eve, we were greeted in the early morning hours of our new year with a clean slate, both literally and figuratively. I ventured out first thing, or as close as I could muster to first thing following the night before.
The metaphor was perfect. I walked through swaths of farmland and winding back roads enjoying the perfection early morning hours can bring. The snow, sky and winding post and beam fence in today’s photograph reminded me again of the beauty and peace this town and its land affords us. And while there is no certainty in the year ahead or ability to speculate with any precision on what may come, a stroll on these back roads of Carlisle has a wonderful way of preserving the “moment” and the serenity which that brings. Happy New Year.
Dec 08
20
Concord in December, a true delight
Concord’s array of original shops is the perfect antidote to the sameness of the mall shops a few towns away. I was “forced” to extend my shopping to the malls this December, for a particular craze that is sweeping the 6 year old set. The volume was on high. By this I mean the volume of lights, sounds, fast food, decorations on steroids and just plain stuff was suffocating. The parking lot cars snaked in and out of endless lettered posts, I believe I was finally able to park somewhere by “Y”. I yearned to finish my appointed task and resume shopping in the place I love.
We are now closing in on my favorite time prior to Christmas. The few days between the rush leading up to and the event itself. It is now December 20th and at this point, the office parties are typically over, the race to finish school seasonal events, concerts, etc. are past and of course the week before Christmas pressure to get to the post office under the wire in an effort to send out-of-town gifts and greetings is behind us! It is that sweet spot prior to our family gathering where I intend to stroll the shops of Concord Center, Depot District and West Concord at a leisurely pace. I window shop knowing that inspiration will strike when I see just the right gift for the those I’ll see in a mere few days.
I’ll drink in the sights of this beautiful town just as one might have a century ago. I’ll be uplifted by the timeless music, conversation and laughter that permeates this town. My senses will no longer be assaulted by the artifice of the season, but greeted by the sounds of the season; all at a welcome volume.
Nov 08
27
The Holidays Come to Concord
The Colonial Inn is at the heart of the Yuletide Season here in Concord. This morning, the finishing touches were going up on her exterior. It’s Thanksgiving morning, a time when I’m ready to embrace the spirit of what is to come and not feel pushed into it by media campaigns and store promotions. It is a clear, cold day, the crisp air somehow feeling its most medicinal. I’m also lifted by the wonderful scent of chimney smoke rising from the parlor hearth in the Colonial Inn. We are so fortunate to live here, to have the option to stroll back in time like this, soak in the best of what was, while being forever grateful we also get to experience the many benefits of living in the here and now. Happy Thanksgiving.