Thursday, December 15, 2011

Old Salem, continued & "Friday Flash 55 - "Love One Another?"


Love One Another?

Old Salem Tavern, a necessity
based upon need, not desire,
in 1784 banished to the edge of town
offering comfort to weary traveller.

"Freedom of worship", the Moravians cried,
but not "Freedom for all", not even for Salem
as many a head rested upon linen washed
by hands bound with invisible chains.

"Love one another ... "  ?

by Margaret Bednar, Art Happens 365, December 16, 2011

* * * * *

This is linked to Mr. Know It All's "Friday Flash 55"  (a story in 55 words - no more, no less).

President George Washington did stay at the Old Salem Inn for two nights in 1791.  He was touring the southern battlefields of the Revolutionary War and while here attended a service and studied the waterworks system.



I asked a guide if they knew what room Washington used and they said as the rooms have been rearranged many times, they really didn't know.  My guess is if he stayed in this buidling (as another one was built next door to expand business and is now a restaurant) he stayed in the room depicted above.  It is on the main floor, and much larger and has its own fireplace and has room for a desk and eating table and was the closest to the dining area and bar.

Below is an example of the few rooms upstairs.  They were heated by a central wood burning stove that is stationed in the hallway.




Here are views from the rooms upstairs. I contemplated Photoshopping the vehicles out of the photo, but this shows the main roads through the "living" museum are still very much used today.  An occasional Percheron drawn carriage is seen on the streets.


I will be posting more of Old Salem in my upcoming posts...

12 comments:

Lisa Gordon said...

Margaret, this is a beautiful series of photographs.
So nicely done!

Brian Miller said...

great 55 margaret...love one another often seems to have its bounds doesnt it...in history and now...

the pics are awesome...love the tour you have given us over a couple days as they have certainly been a treat...

moondustwriter said...

Oh I love your shots Margaret
makes me want to go there
looking forward to more of Salem through your eyes
We can all practice "love one another" with more vibrato

hugs sweetie - hope all the brood is home safe

G-Man said...

Margaret Bednar...
Everything you touch turns to artistic Gold.
Loved your post, 55, and pics!
Thanks for playing, thanks for being so much fun, and thanks for being you...
Have a Kick Ass Week-End

Jinksy said...

Great trunks under the bed-I could do with some like that-not to mention the stove, at this time of year!♥

Maude Lynn said...

Marvelous 55! I love these pictures.

izzy said...

Great! love that stove- what a tale is woven and lovely Photo's!

Alice Audrey said...

Love one another sounds so much easier than it is to do.

TALON said...

Your photos are gorgeous. You're right - the question "Love one another?" seems to be unanswerable. It should be easy to say "Yes", but there are always too many strings attached it seems.

George said...

Loved the poem, Margaret! I also like the photos, especially the header photo of the shuttered windows and their many reflections.

Ruth said...

"Freedom's just another word . . . "

A provocative poem, and what amazing rooms and photos. I just love the colonial style. Those beds, trunks, chairs, beams, oh man.

Ginnie Hart said...

You have REALLY whetted my appetite for this charming, historical city!