The heat wave finally broke today - with a storm that caused flash flooding in Massachusetts. We were in Salem (home of the infamous Witch Trials) when the downpour came.
We visited The Witch House, home of Judge Jonathan Corwin. This is the only structure still standing in Salem with direct ties to the Witchcraft Trials of 1692. It contains many examples of household articles and furniture from the period as well as transcripts from the Witch Trials. As a local magistrate and civic leader, Corwin was called upon to investigate the claims when a surge of witchcraft accusations arose in Salem and neighboring communities. He served on the Court that sent nineteen to the gallows (plus two dogs!). All nineteen refused to admit to witchcraft and maintained their innocence.
We also toured the House of the Seven Gables, built in 1668 by Captain John Turner and was the inspiration for the novel of the same name written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 1851 (author of The Scarlett Letter).
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