Salem is a short drive from Boston and Dianne wanted to check out a street fair there. It was the capital of the Massachsetts Bay Colony from its founding in 1626 until 1630. Perhaps more infamous than famous, Salem is known for the 1692 "Witch Trials" which saw 19 people hung or trampled to death after the "dust" of accusation settled. By the end of the 18th century it had also become a major shipping center. Many of the houses there are reminiscent of this time period. Nathaniel Hawthorne, who wrote the Scarlet Letter, was born here in 1804. Although there were many beautiful opportunities to photograph here, I did not find Salem enjoyable. I loved the architecture but didn't like the emphasis on witchcraft, spells and poltergeists in the craft show. Even though it was a sunny day, I felt like I was in a very dark place.
@kandernob Thank you Karen. Yes, and I think the darkness of those past events haunts the present in a very vivid way. And yet, there are some beautiful homes and other features to photograph here, so I tried to turn my attention toward them instead.
I haven't been to Salem in years - probably in junior high school, but I did want to get up to Pickering Wharf on the waterfront. Did you get a chance to see that?
@tara11 Thank you so much for the fav Tara! I'm glad you liked it!! @sparkleplenty1 No, and I think I would have enjoyed that so much more. But my friend really wanted to go to the street fair, so that's why we ended up there. I love the ocean and anything related to it, but we were more inland from what I could tell.
Ooooh! I love Salem!! I've been there lots! They have so much to see and I like going into the witches' shops. I want to go on Halloween this year. Nice collage!
The mixtures of textures along with the b & w effects makes for a one of the most fabulous collages I've seen. Interesting narrative and I rather agree with you .... although it looks like a beautiful place filled with history, the witchcraft would spook me out ;-) We have a small city about 20 miles north of us called Cassadega known for its witchcraft past and spooky sightings.
@rayg86 Thanks Ray- and a gold star for you- you noticed my purposeful choice of b/w! @sangwann Thank you Dione! @prttblues Thanks Bev! There was a really neat gourmet shop there but I resisted the temptation of all the goodies! @melorac Thank you Carole! @cimes1 Thank you Carole! Cassadega sounds a lot like Salem.
@sparkleplenty1 No, and I think I would have enjoyed that so much more. But my friend really wanted to go to the street fair, so that's why we ended up there. I love the ocean and anything related to it, but we were more inland from what I could tell.
@sangwann Thank you Dione!
@prttblues Thanks Bev! There was a really neat gourmet shop there but I resisted the temptation of all the goodies!
@melorac Thank you Carole!
@cimes1 Thank you Carole! Cassadega sounds a lot like Salem.