The previous day things were found accidently. This was a day of planned stops. First, I had read there was a general store in Barrington, NH called Calef's Country Store. I love to check out country stores. Some are ok and some are great. I would put this on the list to return again. We had fun looking around at all the novelties and we did buy some yummies and did a little gift shopping too. Next door is another fun gift shop.
Next on the agenda was a visit to a house that Mary Baker Eddy had lived in in Concord, New Hampshire. We ended up with an hour-long private tour. It was very interesting learning about this woman and I was very much in awe of what an influence she had with so many at a time when women were not allowed to vote. I had no clue of her popularity at the time. I took this picture (of a picture) of another of her homes and the people who came to see her as she stood on the balcony.
I wonder how the crowds could hear this woman in those days without microphones. Maybe they just wanted to see her, the miracle worker, in her eyes.
The docent said she wasn't supposed to talk about the religion of Christian Science, but just about Mary Baker Eddy's life. It was interesting the loyalty of her staff for so many years. Some, it sounded like didn't get paid, but that she took care of them very well. She was married three times, twice a widow. She had one son. I think I recall, someone else had to raise him for a while and at one point in time, they each thought the other was dead. She was told he died in the Civil War.
As I was trying to read up to refresh some of the things we were told, I found things that we were not told. The docents obviously want to present a respectful view of her. Not all had that view. Some call her a cult leader and I did question about her wealth when we were there. She became a millionaire, and the docent was quick to add that she did a lot of good with her money. I am not going to take sides on this issue here, but there is some really interesting reading out there. Here are the other pictures of this home she lived in.
We couldn't tour President Pierce's home as it was closed on that day of the week.
We stopped at an apple orchard to pick up a few snacks.
This day we ate at the Common Man. I guess there are a few of them in New Hampshire. It was a delicious experience! George said he had the best pot roast he ever had--fork tender and delicious. I enjoyed French onion soup, which I ordered before I knew they had a cracker table where you could help yourself to crackers and dips. I didn't really need soup before my meal, but it was delicious. I had a vegetable and Asian bowl with jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables which also was really good. We wish they were closer. We will definitely stop at one again if we see one.
September 11, 2023
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