A Connection to Our Founder, Frank Poor

A friend of mine in the Salem Rotary Club shared these two images with me.  As you can see, they are of the Salem Rotary Club Roster from 1954-1955, and show that Frank Poor was still a member of the Salem Rotary Club.

If you reed this blog thoroughly, you will remember several facts.  The Hawthorne Hotel was made possible by a "public subscription", a selling of shares of stock to raise money to build "Salem's Hotel".  The groups who lead the charge in this regard were the Salem Rotary Club and the Salem Chamber of Commerce.

Frank Poor is considered by us to be our "founder" because he was the one who, in 1923, really led the groups to the realization that this hotel was needed, and he was the president of the company that was created to issue the shares of stock, and he was the one who sold the most shares of that stock.

I love seeing old things like this, and especially enjoy remembering when phone numbers were a lot simpler.

I hope you enjoy seeing this, and being a little more enlightened about the beginnings of the historic Hawthorne Hotel, in Salem, MA.

See you here?

Juli

#salem,ma

Teddy Bears of the Hawthorne Hotel

Here are Frank and Fannie Bear, showing off their stylin' new clothes for the Teddy Bear Tea.

Patrice made their new outfits for them, and they are just too cute!

Lindsay helping us arrange the Bears for their photo shoot today.

Frank Bear is really the most laid-back bear of the couple.

With the poinsettia tree in the lobby.

Fannie Bear received her name courtesy of the contest we had to name her. The contest was won by Corey Iosue of Wilmington, Ma. Corey's prize was Sunday Jazz Brunch for Two. Congratulations to Corey, and thanks for playing!

Both Frank and Frannie will be on hand to greet the children (and adults) who will be attending our Teddy Bear Tea here at the hotel on Saturday December 17, from noon to 2 pm.  If you want to join them, be sure to call and make your reservations soon, as we are filling up quickly this year.

Cost for the tea is $21 per adult, and $13.50 per child under 12. Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge in return for a donation of a new, unwrapped toy to be given to Toys for Tots. To make reservations, call 978-825-4311.

I hope to see you here.

Juli

Is Halloween Too Far Away For You?

How about a Halloween-related contest? We love to have contests here at the Hawthorne Hotel, and this is our newest.

Here is the latest from the contest-crazed Hawthorne Hotel. Can you think of a name for next year's Halloween Ball? We have the theme all ready for you to consider, you just need to come up with the name. Click on this link to "Name the 2012 Halloween Ball"


https://www.facebook.com/HawthorneHotel?sk=app_121121694568521


-or- you can respond to this blog post, or email us, or send a snail mail, or even walk in to the hotel with your entry.  

Here is the theme for the 2012 Halloween Ball...the name you submit should come from this idea:

Explore lost worlds, ancient civilizations, mysticism, rites and ritual of early societies and cultures, the dark and mysterious Halloween gods and goddesses, a feast of souls, an exploration of lost empires. . . a realization of the deep roots of the Halloween mystique.

Here are the rules:

1) You may only enter once

2) Please no graphic or suggestive names.

3) Contest will end on December 31, 2011

4) Winners will be notified over Facebook and asked to email the Hawthorne Hotel for confirmation

5) The management of the Hawthorne Hotel has the right to use any or none of the suggested names for the Ball.

6)  In case of a tie, a drawing will be held to determine the winner.

I hope to see you (and your entry) here!

Juli

Hawthorne Hotel's Flags of the Week ~~ November 28 through December 4, 2011

Monday , November 28 Albania* and Maine
Tuesday , November 29 United Arab Emirates and Maryland
Wednesday , November 30 United Kingdom and Massachusetts
Thursday , December 1 United States of America and Michigan
Friday , December  2 Uruguay and Micronesia
Saturday , December 3 Uzbekistan and Minnesota
Sunday , December 4 Vanuatu and Mississippi
 * denotes special request(s)

I hope to see you here.

Juli

Borrowed from Destination Salem, Christmas Really Is Closer Than You Think

It's time. It really is. The Trolley Christmas Carol tickets went on sale in September. Nutcracker commercials dance across the television. And Christmas in Salem home tour tickets can now be purchased on line. 

The theme for the 32nd annual Christmas in Salem, December 2-4,  tour is "Rediscover McIntire," which means we will be strolling along Chestnut Streets and Essex Street, seeing some of the most splendid Federal style architecture in the country. Christmas in Salem is a wildly popular fundraiser for Historic Salem, Inc. The program invites ticket holders into some of the most beautiful private homes in Salem, which are decorated for the holidays by local florists and interior designers. 


I highly recommend buying your tickets in advance, either online or at one of several downtown shops, so you can attend the Candlelit Preview on Friday night (and you'll save a few dollars by buying in advance). 


For complete information, visit ChristmasinSalem.org.


(Thanks to Kate Fox of Destination Salem for allowing me to borrow this nice post.  Do get your tickets early so you won't be disappointed.)


Juli

One Wedding and a Funeral

Running a historic hotel is a bit like having a very huge extended family. There are so many people who have connections to this place, they feel like our relatives. This week Joseph Perkins Jr. said goodbye to his wife and best friend, Helen Perkins. As friends and family gathered to pay their respects and remember her, some of the family were thrilled to see the photo of the first wedding that took place at the Hawthorne Hotel in 1925. They were having so much fun in relating to this historic event, that I had to ask to take their photo, to which there was rapid agreement. So here you go:
Clockwise above and below, from bottom left:  Jerome Perkins, Alex Perkins, Abigail Perkins, Joseph Perkins, Jessamyn Perkins, Collin Schaverman, and finishing at the bottom row center is Brad Schaverman.

So what is the family connection, you might naturally want to ask? Mr. Joseph Perkins Jr.'s mother, Elizabeth Spofford Perkins, was an attendant to the first bride of the Hawthorne Hotel, Lucretia Johnson Perkins, on October 17, 1925. She married William Russell Burns, of Logansport, Indiana.

Russell, as he was known, had been sent to Salem by his company to help build the Hawthorne Hotel. The photo of that first wedding hangs proudly in the lobby of the Hawthorne Hotel.  It is nice to see one simple photo helping families smile even in sad times.

I hope to see you here.

Juli

  

Hawthorne Hotel's Thanksgiving Day Photos

Here is the link to all of the holiday photos we took so far today.  Any photos taken for the 4 pm seatings and later will be added to the web album on Monday.

https://picasaweb.google.com/106456417905844613220/Thanksgiving2011#

Chef Steve Nelson carving freshly roasted turkey breast and prime rib.

Getting everything ready for the big event.

One of our favorite customers, whose outfit blended so beautifully with our decor.  Thank you Mrs. Apple for helping us show off our buffet.  Don't you love that real pumpkin half that we used to showcase our fruit salad!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our customers, and to our staff who give us their time with friends and family to serve our guests on these special days.

I hope to see you here.

Juli

Fancy Afternoon Tea at the Hawthorne Hotel?

Here is an opportunity to enjoy a lovely Afternoon Tea in Nathaniel's at the Hawthorne Hotel. We are doing it in conjunction with the Historic Salem Tour of Homes, on Saturday December 3, 2011. Here is a nice way to break up your day, come inside where it is warm and cozy and elegant, and enjoy a delicious and traditional afternoon tea.

Reservations are always a good idea for any special event at the Hawthorne Hotel, so give us a call. I hope to see you here. Juli

Movies On Thanksgiving Weekend -- A Great Family Holiday Tradition

This is from the CinemaSalem Newsletter.  Sounds like a terrific line-up for this weekend.  And only one block from the Hawthorne Hotel so you can stop by before or after a movie for lunch, dinner or cocktails.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, here's the lineup!

Now Playing: The Muppets (PG); Arthur Christmas (PG); Happy Feet Two in 3D; The True 1692 (NR); and The Woman (R)!

The new Muppets movie, strangely entitled The Muppets, is sporting a 100% positive rating on RottenTomatoes.com, which is virtually unheard of. Rolling Stone: "The challenge Disney has with The Muppets is to show a new generation what the fuss was all about. Slam-dunk. The movie slaps a smile on your face you won't want to wipe off." HitFlix: "The Muppets is not just one of the best films of the year, it is an affirmation that we can indeed occasionally find our way home again, and that some things shouldn't change."

 
The Muppets will screen Wednesday and Thursday at (4:30) and 7:15, Friday and Saturday at (11:10 AM), (1:40), (4:30), 7:15 and 9:50; Sunday at (11:10 AM), (1:40), (4:30) and 7:15; and Monday-Thursday at (4:30) and 7:15.

Also new this week is Arthur Christmas, also perched like a partridge atop the RottenTomatoes.com tote boards at 94%, and the reviews aren't just blandly positive; listen to this from UrbanCinefile: "Arthur Christmas is a deceptive title for one of the best films of the year - no matter what your age or where you are on the Santameter. It is a hero's journey, but it is the funniest film ever made about the hugely popular subject of Santa." The Daily Telegraph of London: "It's playful, observant, sentimental without being slushy, and boasts the kind of jokes that will still sound funny when your children or younger relatives quote them in April."

Arthur Christmas plays Wednesday and Thursday at 4:15 and 6:45; Friday and Saturday at (11:45 AM), (2:10), (4:15), 6:45 and 9:00; Sunday at (11:45 AM), (2:10), (4:15) and 6:45; and Monday-Thursday at (4:15) and 6:45.

The third new movie this week won't open until Friday. It's The Woman, which boasts an 80% positive rating at RottenTomatoes, which is pretty good for an enlightened and intelligent horror movie. PopMatters: "(S)omething of a masterpiece - a weird work of art, but a surreality to celebrate none the less." Dustin Putnam: "Excitingly unique, deeply disturbing, and beautifully macabre. Why can't more films be as proudly one-of-a-kind as this one?" The New York Times: "Like David Cronenberg and Roman Polanski, Mr. McKee is a master at drawing suspense from pregnant silences."

The Woman will screen on Friday and Saturday at (12:15), (2:40), (4:45), 7:40 and 10:00; Sunday at (12:15), (2:40), (4:45) and 7:40; and Monday-Thursday at (4:45) and 7:40.

Of course, the winning Happy Feet 2 will play all week at CinemaSalem, which the Toronto Globe and Mail is thrilled about: "The film reminds viewers young and old that to make a positive change, sometimes the little guy at the bottom of the food chain needs to stomp his feet." Reeling Reviews: "There's no denying its stunning animation, particularly in the service of its two daffiest new characters Will (voice of Brad Pitt) and Bill the Krill (voice of Matt Damon), and its sheer lunacy can be invigorating."

Happy Feet 2 in 3D will screen on Wednesday and Thursday at (5:00) and 7:30, Friday and Saturday at (12:00), (2:30), (5:00), 7:30 and 9:40; Sunday at (12:00), (2:30), (5:00) and 7:30; and Monday-Thursday at (5:00) and 7:30.

Our smash hit 3D historical drama, The True 1692, represents perfect Thanksgiving weekend fare, and will screen Wednesday and Thursday at 6:30, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 and 6:30; and Monday and Tuesday at 6:30.

Again, thanks for supporting CinemaSalem!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope to see you here (or there!)

Juli

Nathaniel Hawthorne's Books

House of the Seven Gables and Gardens

Today's post is courtesy of a friend of the Hawthorne Hotel, Claire Pitt, who let me know about this really cool service.  It gives you the ability to download any of Nathaniel Hawthorne's works, for free, directly to your Kindle (if you have one) or to your computer, to read online.

This service is made available by Project Gutenberg.  Here is the link:

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/search.html/?default_prefix=author_id&sort_order=downloads&query=28

Ebooks Project Gutenberg offers over 36,000 free ebooks to download.

So if you want to get in the mood for a visit to the Hawthorne Hotel and the House of the Seven Gables, here is a way you can do that at no cost.

Thanks, Claire, and the folks at Project Gutenberg!

Juli

Last Blast of Fall Foliage Colors

As I was walking to work on Wednesday this week, I was startled by a beautiful red tree in the back of one of the buildings that are part of the Peabody Essex Museum's collection of historic buildings.  It was this first one that you see here.

As I looked at the photo I took, I realized you could see the Hawthorne Hotel in the background, so instead of walking around the buildings on the sidewalk, I walked through the grounds and kept taking photos.

In this photo above you can see the hotel much more clearly in the background.

As I continued walking there you get yet another perspective, with the Andrew Safford house on the left.

This "summer house" is a darling little building that is on their grounds.  I had to go back and take this photo, because I realized as I turned around how sweet it looked with the tree setting it off.

There were just enough leaves left to add an other-worldly look to the Hawthorne Hotel.  I really enjoyed how this photo came out.

I hope you enjoy going along for a walk with me.  Living and working in Salem is such a delight!

Juli

Hawthorne Hotel's Flags of the Week ~~ November 21 through 27, 2011

Here is this week's line-up of flags that will fly on the front of the historic Hawthorne Hotel

Monday , November 21 Trinidad and Tobago and Idaho
Tuesday , November 22 Tunisia and Illinois
Wednesday , November 23 Turkey and Indiana
Thursday , November  24 Turkmenistan and Iowa
Friday , November  25 Tuvalu and Kansas
Saturday , November 26 Uganda and Kentucky
Sunday , November  27 Ukraine and Louisiana

Since I had no idea what or where Tuvalu was, I looked on Wikipedia and found this:

Tuvalu (/tuːˈvɑːluː/ ( listen) too-vah-loo or /ˈtuːvəluː/ too-və-loo), formerly known as the Ellice Islands,^[2] is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean, midway between Hawaii and Australia.^[3] Its nearest neighbours are Kiribati, Nauru, Samoa and Fiji. It comprises four reef islands and five true atolls. Its population of 10,472 makes it the third-least populous sovereign state in the world, with only Vatican City and Nauru having fewer inhabitants. In terms of physical land size, at just 26 square kilometres (10 sq mi) Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world, larger only than the Vatican City at 0.44 km² (0.17 sq mi), Monaco at 1.95 km² (0.75 sq mi) and Nauru at 21 km² (8.1 sq mi).  (There is more if you are interested, but I thought just a small summary would do for this purpose.)

If you have a special flag request, please call 978-825-4444 or 4322.

I hope to see you here, not in Tuvalu.

Juli

Holiday Happenings in Salem, MA

Holiday Happenings in Salem, Massachusetts

Celebrate, Shop & Dine during a month filled with events

Salem, MA. . . Put some sparkle and cheer on your holiday plans in Salem, where the holiday season is chock-full of special events that celebrate the season.  From theatre to food, inspired decorations to unique shopping, and plenty of opportunities to share your holiday wishes with Santa, Holiday Happenings in Salem are a season rich in Spirit.

Click here to view and print the Holiday Happenings Brochure. To request a printed brochure of Salem Holiday Happenings, contact Destination Salem at (978) 744-3663 or info@salem.org.

ONGOING HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

An Empty Plate in the Cafe du Grand Boeuf at Salem Theatre Company

December 1 - 17, Wed - Sat at 7:30 pm & Sun at 3:00 pm

A "comic tragedy in seven courses" celebrating the joys of cooking, sex, bullfighting and the collected works of Ernest Hemingway. Tickets: $12 - $22  90 Lafayette Street, 978-790-8546, SalemTheatre.com

Christmas Tours at the Gables

December 1-30, 10:00 am-5:00 pm and December 24 & 31, 10:00 am-2:00 pm

This special tour will blend the unique history of the Turner-Ingersoll Mansion with the little known history of Christmas in colonial Massachusetts. Offered during regular hours in December, except during the production of A Classic Christmas. 115 Derby Street, (978) 744-0991, 7Gables.org

Lantern Tours at the House of the Seven Gables

November 26th - December 31st, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

See the great House of the Seven Gables aglow! This year, Lantern Tours are reintroduced, and the House is beautifully decorated for Christmas. Adults $12.50, Seniors 65 and older $11.50, AAA Members $11.50, Children ages 5-12 $7.50 115 Derby Street, Salem, 978-744-0991, 7gables.org

Salem Winter Farmers' Market

Thursdays, November 10, 17, (Tuesday) 22, Dec. 1, 8, 15 & 22 2:00-6:00 pm

New in 2011! The Winter Market will feature fresh and organic produce, artisan breads, baked goods, festive holiday items and much more! Artists Row between Front and New Derby Streets, SalemFarmersMarket.org

A Trolley Christmas Carol

November 26th - December 23rd

Now entering into its 25th Season, this humorous & whimsical interactive performance reanimates Dickens' timeless seasonal holiday classic with a twist! Tickets: $22.00. Buy online at salemtrolley.com 8 Central Street, 978-744-5469, SalemTrolley.com

CALENDAR OF HOLIDAY EVENTS

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH

Holiday Tree Lighting

6:30 pm

Ring in the Holiday season by bringing the family to join Mayor Kimberley Driscoll at the Downtown Salem tree lighting in Lappin Park (the corner of Essex and  Washington Streets). SalemMainStreets.org

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Santa Arrives in Salem

5:30 pm

Come to Salem Common to await Santa's big arrival atop the Hawthorne Hotel! Santa will come down from atop the Hawthorne Hotel with the assistance of the Salem Fire Department, and Mayor Kimberley Driscoll will welcome the Jolly Ol' Elf to Salem and lead the crowd down Essex Street to Museum Place Mall where children can sit on Santa's lap and tell him what is on their Christmas list! Free. SalemMainStreets.org

32nd Annual Christmas in Salem Historic House Tour: Rediscover the McIntire District

Presented by Historic Salem, Inc., December 3-4, Preview night, December 2

One of the nation's oldest, largest, and most historic house tours features eleven 18th and 19th century homes in the McIntire District decorated for the holidays. Tickets: $25 members/$30 non-members, $35 day of the event. ChristmasinSalem.org

Alex & Ani Trunk show hosted by Jenny Johnson at J. Mode

6:00 pm-8:00 pm

Holiday collection of bangles from Alex & Ani-recycled metals, New England Made, expandable bangles with charms. Champagne, Chocolates and Raffles for bangles! 17 Front Street, 978-744-7007, JModeFashions.com

Rouge Holiday Open House

6:00 pm-9:00 pm

$5 Donation to be donated to Girl's Incorporated. Join us for our holiday open house!  We'll have yummy food, wine tasting, makeup, skincare and hair tips  and you'll have first dibs on great holiday gifts.  Plus gifts with purchase, and chances to win great prizes! 322 Derby Street, 978-740-1044, info@rouge.com, rouge.com

Dickens in Salem

Welcome the Christmas season with entertainment from the Victorian era and a Dickens inspired weekend! At 2:00 pm enjoy a reading and performance of "Mr. Dickens is Coming" by Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens. At 4:00 pm, Lloyd Garrison, period painter, will present his work "Dickens Image Soiree", followed by a talk and paint auction. Gerard Dickens will entertain again at 7:00 pm with "Nancy and Sikes", followed by a silent auction, Bell Choir and dessert reception. DickensNorthofBoston.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

32nd Annual Christmas in Salem Historic House Tour: Rediscover the McIntire District

Presented by Historic Salem, Inc., December 3-4, Preview night, December 2

One of the nation's oldest, largest, and most historic house tours features eleven 18th and 19th century homes in the McIntire District decorated for the holidays. Tickets: $25 members/$30 non-members, $35 day of the event. ChristmasinSalem.org

Classic Christmas at The House of the Seven Gables

3:00 pm-6:00 pm

Surround yourself with the spirit of the season as Christmas scenes from famous works of literature including Little Women, A Christmas Carol, and A Child's Christmas in Wales are brought to life in the rooms of The House of the Seven Gables. This unique theatrical experience is sure to excite guests of all ages and transform The House of the Seven Gables into a living illustration of Christmas. Tickets: Adults $12, Child (Ages 5-12) $8.00. Reservations recommended. For Tickets call 978.744.0991 ext. 104. 7Gables.org

Dickens in Salem

The 19th century fun continues on December 3! At 9:30 am, Gerald Dickens will read and perform "Dr. Marigold - An Extra Christmas Story" at Rockafella's Breakfast Show. At 11 am, 12 pm and 1 pm, a Caroling Carriage Ride will take families around Salem. From 11:30 am to 12 pm, Victorian Santa comes to visit children. At various times throughout the day, kids can enjoy marionette performances, Victorian parlor performances and games, and storytime and crafts. DickensNorthofBoston.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

Ye Olde Pepper Candy Companie Holiday Open House

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Watch candy being made, including candy canes which will be made in the shapes of children's first initials. Hot chocolate and free samples will be served. 122 Derby Street, 978-745-2744

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8

Three Dots Jersey Trunk Show at J.Mode

Through December 11. Best available selection of fashion jerseys for immediate purchase! 17 Front Street, 978-744-7007, JModeFashions.com

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Classic Christmas at The House of the Seven Gables

3:00 pm-6:00 pm

See December 3. For Tickets call 978.744.0991 ext. 104. 7Gables.org

Salem Arts Association Open Studios & Art Show

The Salem Arts Association will host the 6th Annual Salem Open Studios. SalemArtsAssociation.org

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Brunch with Santa at the Hawthorne Hotel

11:00 am-2:00 pm

The Christmas spirit is alive with this special holiday brunch.  Santa will be on property to hear holiday wishes and spread holiday cheer. $28.95/Adults; $14.95/Children 12 and under; Children under 3 are free. Nathaniel's and Sophia's. Reservations strongly recommended. Also on December 18th. On the Common, 978-825-4311, HawthorneHotel.com

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16  

Salem Open House Shopping Night

Make progress on your holiday shopping list (and get yourself a present as a reward) when businesses around downtown Salem stay open until at least 7:00 pm for Salem Open House Night. Refreshments, raffle and more. SalemMainStreets.org

Holiday Open House at the Phillips House

5:00 pm-7:00 pm

Phillips House, 34 Chestnut Street, 978-744-0440,HistoricNewEngland.org

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17  

Classic Christmas at The House of the Seven Gables

3:00 pm-6:00 pm

See December 3. For Tickets call 978.744.0991 ext. 104. 7Gables.org

"Toys for Tots" Teddy Bear Tea at the Hawthorne Hotel

Noon - 2:00 pm

A favorite tradition at the Hawthorne, this tea is dedicated to "Toys for Tots". Buffet luncheon. All children will have the opportunity to have their picture taken with the Hawthorne Bear. $21/Adults, $12.50/Children 12 and under (children are free when they bring a "Toys for Tots" donation--new and unwrapped, please--only two per table). Reservations are strongly recommended. On the Common, 978-825-4311, HawthorneHotel.com

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

Brunch with Santa at the Hawthorne Hotel

11:00 am-2:00 pm

See December 11th. For reservations call 978-825-4311

CHRISTMAS EVE, DECEMBER 24

Caroling with Julie Julie Dougherty at the Hawthorne Hotel

4:00 pm-7:00 pm

Join us in the Grand Ballroom & The Tavern for a true holiday tradition in Salem. This event is open to the public. Admission is by freewill donation to a local charity. Cash bar. On the Common, 978-825-4311, HawthorneHotel.com

Christmas Eve Dinner at the Hawthorne Hotel

5:00 pm-10:00 pm

Christmas Eve deserves the elegance of Nathaniel's & Sophia's. Enjoy a special menu with delicious holiday specials. Reservations recommended. On the Common, 978-825-4311, HawthorneHotel.com

CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25

Buffet Brunch at the Hawthorne Hotel

11:00 am-7:00 pm

Buffet in the Lobby, Nathaniel's, Sophia's, The Tavern and the Ballroom. Prices are $40.95/Adults and $16.95/children. Reservations are required. Please call 978-825-4311. As this is one of our most popular brunches we recommend calling early for the best choice of reservations. On the Common, 978-825-4311, HawthorneHotel.com

NEW YEAR'S EVE, DECEMBER 31

Dinner at the Hawthorne Hotel

6:00 pm-10:00 pm
Elegant four-course, prefixed dinner.  Live Jazz music (no dancing). Nathaniel's and Sophia's. Price $85 per person. Reservations strongly recommended. Please call 978-825-4311. On the Common, 978-825-4311, HawthorneHotel.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012

Wicked Frosty Four New Years Day Road Race

10:00 am start

4 mile, relatively flat course, some rolling hills. In partnership with the Wicked Running Club; a portion of proceeds support youth scholarships. WickedRunningClub.com

# # #

Unbound at PEM -- A Facinating New Exhibit

Very recently a new exhibit opened at the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) -- an exhibit of the museum's own holding from the Phillips Library. It is a fascinating small (35-piece) exhibit, one that has items that will appeal to virtually everyone.

If you are into beautiful textiles, this book of applique samples is amazing.

The piece above, the first printed paper money ever issued in this country, and the only remaining piece of it, dating back to 1690, actually gave me goosebumps, thinking about how easily there could be NO remaining pieces of this rare and interesting money.

This map of the US, with information about the government, and about other statistics of the time is interesting on many counts.  You really need to see it in person.  Another piece that really caught my eye.

The Bible with the bullet -- this is a view of it you will not see at the museum -- the display has it turned to the inside.  A soldier during the Civil War had his life saved by the Bible in his pocket.  He wrote to President Lincoln about it, and the President sent him a replacement with the Presidential signature.  Now both pieces are on display at PEM.

The lovely detailed painting was done on the leaf of a tree.  Amazing that it still exists.


This (actually huge) four-panel image is a map of the world, drawn by a Japanese cartographer in the late 1600s when Japan was closed to all foreign interaction.  How did he get so close in his drawing is a mystery?

I hope you will make the time to come to see this wonderful collection of items.  There are many more things to see than this -- I just put in some of my favorites.  What will your favorites be?

Juli

Brenda Hines Named Employee of the Month for October

We were on a roll on Wednesday as we recognized several of our outstanding employees with Employee of the Month awards.  Here you can see when we surprised (and delighted it appeared) Brenda Hines at the Front Desk.

Lucie Ogeron, our Front Office Manager, spoke about how much Brenda has contributed to the organization since she joined our team earlier this year.  Brenda has two jobs -- she is our relief night auditor/night manager, and she is a member of our guest service agent team at the front desk.

Brenda has a unique combination of skills -- she is dependable, a quick learner, and ever-so-nice to our guests.  We are so pleased to have her recognized as the Full-time Employee of the Month for October, 2011.

Lucie Ogeron, Brenda Hines and Juli Lederhaus

Congratulations, Brenda!  Thank you so much for taking such good care of our guests.

Juli

How Many Hotels Have Two Flag Closets?

Hotels are sometimes complicated to run, with so many different moving parts, tasks, strategies and goings-on.  This week one of the tasks that we accomplished was to reorganize and inventory all of our flags.  We actually have two closets in the hotel where our flags are kept.  This is not something that very many hotels anywhere have, but we do!



If you have not read our blog before you might not know why we have so many flags, or what we do with them.  Here are your answers.  We fly two different flags each and every day (weather permitting) on the front of the Hawthorne Hotel.  The giant flag of the United States of America flies on the roof of the Hotel.



The flags we fly are the flags of the United Nations members, and the flags of the States and Territories and Possessions of the USA.  We normally fly them in alphabetical order, but we do accept special requests, and honor those requests as much as possible.



In addition to posting them on our blog each week in advance, we also put up a small recap of information about the countries and states being represented on our building in our lobby each day.



Patrice was kind enough to handle getting us reorganized, alphabetized, and inventoried, and I thought you, fair blog reader, might enjoy seeing this rather "back of the house" action taking place.

I hope to see you here.

Juli

Sunday in Nathaniel's -- Jazz Brunch

The Jazmen will be playing your favorite soft jazz tunes for our Sunday Brunch in Nathaniel's this coming Sunday, November 20.  If you would like to come, definitely consideration making reservations by calling us at 978-825-4311.

I hope to see you here.

Juli
  

Do You Love Locally Made Art, by Artists You Can Meet?

Do you love unique pieces of art, to collect for yourself, or to give as gifts? This is the gift-buying season, and there is no better way to support local businesses and artists than buying directly from them.

Lydia Pinkham Building Open Studios
Saturday, November 19th from 10 am to 4 pm.

More info at www.nsclaystudio.com

Join area residents and art enthusiasts at this year's Open Studios. North Shore Clay Studio and the artists of the Lydia Pinkham building will open their doors to the public for this free, annual event. Visitors are invited to walk through artists' studios, meet the artists, and view and buy their work. 

This is a great invitation for the community to view and purchase nearly 25 local artists' work, ranging from painting and illustrations to pottery, sculpture and multimedia! 

Open Studios is the best way to meet the artists, see their work in the place it was created, and shop for the holidays. Roam from room to room during this once-a-year art extravaganza. 

The Lydia Pinkham Building is located at 271 Western Avenue (Route 107) in Lynn, MA.

Please help them spread the word!

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Gina Chase, Kirsten Bassion and Doreen Mastandrea
North Shore Clay Studio
www.nsclaystudio.com
Lydia Pinkham Building
271 Western Ave #316
Lynn, MA 01904

Walking Through Downtown Today

On my way to work this morning I snapped these photos to share with you.  The first two are of Armory Park.  I just loved how the leaves looked, both on the trees and on the ground.  I guess you can tell I don't have to pick up all those pretty leaves!








These next two photos are of one of the big "public art" sculptures that have been on display in downtown Salem throughout the spring and summer.  They are going on to other cities, this one specifically is going to New Hampshire.



This was an experiment to see how sculptures might be employed in downtown Salem, specifically on the Essex St. pedestrian mall.



We are sad to see them go, but hopeful that their presence here will speak of more good things to come in the future.

I hope to see you here.

Juli

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