The blog of In My Footsteps Podcast host and author Christopher Setterlund. It contains a buffet of topics. The wackiness of daily life with Initial Impressions 2.0. There is a link to the weekly In My Footsteps Podcast. Poetry collections, life topics, some history, and more. There is something for everyone here much like with the podcast.
Showing posts with label new bedford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new bedford. Show all posts
Friday, January 8, 2021
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Friday, January 28, 2011
In My Footsteps: Trip 99: New Bedford, Massachusetts
In My Footsteps
Christopher Setterlund
Trip 99: New Bedford, Massachusetts
December 2, 2010
An historic seaport matched in importance only Gloucester that’s what New Bedford is. Nicknamed ‘The Whaling City’ it was one of the largest whaling ports in the world during the 19th century. That history is still a big part of what makes New Bedford a popular destination for travelers. However the whaling history is only the tip of the iceberg as I was pleased to learn. In addition to the New Bedford Whaling Museum there are forts, historic homes, and some extraordinary cobblestone 
streets.
streets. |
| Fort Rodman, Clarke's Point Light on top. |
The first place I visited when I arrived in New Bedford was a pair of old forts strategically placed on Clarke’s Point, the southernmost point of the city which sticks out into Buzzards Bay. Fort Taber is a living breathing artifact. It is two buildings, an earthen fort and granite fort side by side along the breezy shores. The earthen fort was built during the Civil War
in 1861. It was built first as Governor John Andrew and Mayor Issac Taber could not wait for state or federal aid to help build the granite fort at the dawning of the Civil War.
in 1861. It was built first as Governor John Andrew and Mayor Issac Taber could not wait for state or federal aid to help build the granite fort at the dawning of the Civil War.The much larger, granite structure next to the earthen fort was started shortly thereafter; the United States War Department stopped construction in 1871. It was locally finished in 1898 and named Fort Rodman after Civil War Lt. Col. Logan Rodman of New Bedford. The Clark’s Point Lighthouse, which once stood alongside the granite structure, was placed on the second tier of the fort and is easily visible today. The many windows of Fort Rodman have been sealed shut using brick. However there have been holes chipped into these bricks making it possible to see inside and even for me to get my camera inside to snap photos of the courtyard.
 |
| Garden at Rotch-Jones-Duff Museum |
Despite being two different buildings with two different names, the area is usually mistakenly simply called Fort Taber. The granite fort is kept under lock and key but the earthen fort can be entered, though beware as vandals have sprayed graffiti inside and littered as well. It is not as large as Fort Revere in Hull but walking through the darkened tunnels of this fort is creepy yet exhilarating. You can almost feel what it was like when the fort was active 150 years ago.
 |
| Butler Flats Light |
Not to be missed is a spark plug lighthouse known as Butler Flats Light. It is quite a ways out if you walk the long pier which stretches out from Clarke’s Point. It is a lot closer to shore as you’re leaving the forts. There are a few spots to stop along East Rodney French Boulevard where you can get a much better view of the lighthouse at the mouth of the Acushnet River. Built in 1898 Butler Flats Light was the replacement for Clarke’s Point Light. That lighthouse stood along the shore from 1799 until 1869. Once Fort Rodman had taken shape a new wooden structure was built on top of it where the lantern was relocated. The stone lighthouse tower stood until 1906.
One really nice historic home in New Bedford is the Rotch-Jones-Duff House. It was built in 1834 for a whaling 
merchant named William Rotch Jr. The house has three names, one for each of the families that lived at the house at different times. The Rotch family obviously when it was first built in 1834, the Jones family starting in 1851, and the Duff family starting in 1935.
merchant named William Rotch Jr. The house has three names, one for each of the families that lived at the house at different times. The Rotch family obviously when it was first built in 1834, the Jones family starting in 1851, and the Duff family starting in 1935. |
| New Bedford Whaling Museum |
The house has a more golden yellow color which looked impressive with the sun softly shining on it. However the best part of this twenty-eight room mansion actually is outside where the amazing garden resides. The garden encompasses a full city block and even in the late autumn it was a sight to behold. It is said that the current garden is more in line with the time that the Jones family lived here. There is a knee-high hedge maze which wraps around patches of beautiful flowers, some of which were still colorful even at this late stage of the season. I would put this location on my list when planning a visit to New Bedford in the warmer months.
One area that needs no time frame to be enjoyed is a virtual time warp back to the 19th century. In the historic district of New Bedford, near the waterfront, there is a block of streets which are still lined with cobblestones. Just walking these streets is a magical experience but when that is coupled with the fact that nearly every building you pass is significant it makes it a nearly perfect place to explore.
 |
The Whaleman's Chapel from Moby Dick |
Of course most people know of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, established in 1903, it is probably the most visited spot in the entirety of New Bedford. Inside there are more than 200,000 artifacts from the past few centuries which give a complete history of the whaling industry in New Bedford and the entire ‘Old Dartmouth’ area. This museum is a must see for all visitors.
The home of another rich whaling and banking industry pioneer Andrew Robeson is famous for having its 500 ton frame moved some 400 feet in 1978. The federal-style(brick) home built in 1821 was in line to be torn down in the name of progress but it was saved by the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE(WHALE). It was painstakingly moved inch by inch from Second Street and turned ninety degrees before it came to rest at its current locale on Williams St. That story is enough to warrant a visit when passing through New Bedford.
The cobblestone historic district has so much to see that it would be impossible to list it all. I can only tell you to park and walk, you will be sure to find some amazing places. Of course the Whaling Museum needs to be seen and don’t forget the historic forts out at Clarke’s Point. New Bedford is one of the most historic seaports in the country and I can’t recommend a visit enough. Have fun and happy traveling!
For more In My Footsteps items follow my Twitter Feed, view more photos at the In My Footsteps fan page on Facebook, or visit my homepage at ChristopherSetterlund.com. Thanks for reading!
Directions: Fort Taber/Rodman: From I-195 West take Exit 15 into New Bedford. Follow John F Kennedy Memorial Highway until you need to bear right onto Rodney French Blvd. The Fort Taber/Rodman site is on the right at the end of the road.
Rotch-Jones-Duff Museum: From I-195 take Exit 15, continue onto JFK Memorial Highway for 1.7 miles, turn right at Union St., turn left at 7th St., follow it .2 miles to house on right.
New Bedford Whaling Museum: From I-195 take Exit 15, continue onto JFK Memorial Highway for 1.5 miles, turn right at Elm St. Take the 2nd left onto 1st St., museum is on left.
References: Rotch-Jones-Duff Museum.org
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
In My Footsteps: Trip 98: Acushnet, Massachusetts
In My Footsteps
Christopher Setterlund
Trip 98: Acushnet, Massachusetts
December 2, 2010
Formerly a part of New Bedford and then Fairhaven the town of Acushnet may be small in size but it has a rather large link to the world of sports. The name Acushnet comes from the Wampanoag word ‘Cushnea’ which means ‘peaceful resting place near water’ which is no coincidence since the town lies along the Acushnet River.
 |
| Acushnet Town Hall |
The link to the world of sports that Acushnet has comes from the Acushnet Process Company, now known as the Acushnet Company. Founded in 1910 the Acushnet Company owns the Titleist 
brand name which is very well known to any fan of the sport of golf. The Acushnet Company was founded by Philip E. Young and began creating their own rubber-based products after initially supplying rubber to other companies.
brand name which is very well known to any fan of the sport of golf. The Acushnet Company was founded by Philip E. Young and began creating their own rubber-based products after initially supplying rubber to other companies. I began my time in Acushnet by visiting the center of town which as I have stated many times is where my GPS 
tends to bring me. I parked next to the Town Hall and took a walk. Posted on nearly every telephone pole were signs celebrating Acushnet’s Sesquicentennial. That means 150 years, I had never heard of that particular term before visiting Acushnet. The Town Hall had a unique style to it with a stone face looking more like an old castle than an official building.
tends to bring me. I parked next to the Town Hall and took a walk. Posted on nearly every telephone pole were signs celebrating Acushnet’s Sesquicentennial. That means 150 years, I had never heard of that particular term before visiting Acushnet. The Town Hall had a unique style to it with a stone face looking more like an old castle than an official building. |
| History outside Long Plain Museum |
Being that this trip came during the Christmas season there were decorations and lights everywhere that captured my favorite time of the year. I really loved the set up in front of the local fire department. There were nutcrackers, snowmen, white bears, and of course Santa 
on the front lawn. I arrived as the winter sun was getting low and the yellow orange hue to the collection really made it a sight to behold.
on the front lawn. I arrived as the winter sun was getting low and the yellow orange hue to the collection really made it a sight to behold. After leaving the center of Acushnet I took a drive out to the Long Plain Museum further out on Main Street. This museum is also the home of the town’s historical society. The Long Plain Museum was built in 1875 and was originally the Long Plain Schoolhouse until 1972. Many of the historical photos and exhibits inside depict school life in the late 19th and early 20th century.
 |
| Long Plain Museum |
watering trough from 1840 that formerly resided outside of the Whelden School on Middle Street. Next to that is the front step of the one room ‘Bog School.’ This tiny schoolhouse was taken over from Fairhaven in 1860 and remained in operation until 1905 when it was closed and the students transferred to the Long Plain School. To the right is a date stone from the Whelden Mill, one of the earliest cotton mills in the northeast. It was built in 1814 by Captain Joseph Whelden near where Deep Brook meets the Acushnet River. Finally there is the keystone of the Deep Brook Bridge built in 1845. The old bridge crossed Middle Road over Deep Brook before being replaced in 1974 by the current bridge. The old schoolhouse had a haunting presence in the fading daylight making it an image I will take from my time in Acushnet. The final place I was able to visit before winter took the sunlight away was the Long Plain Friends Meeting House and Museum a short drive away on Main Street. The meeting house was built by the Quakers in 1759, the term ‘friends’ used in many of the titles of these religious halls was just another way of saying Quaker. It is the oldest such meeting house in southeastern Massachusetts but is no longer actively used.
 |
| Long Plain Friends Meeting House |
Set back from the road it was a memorable walk to get to where the solo white building stood in the open field. As is the case with every other Quaker meeting house I have seen in my travels there is a small cemetery of loyal followers not far from the meeting house. I stayed on the grounds of the meeting house until there was only milky dusk remaining it was as if I was in the soul of little Acushnet at that time. That is what I will take from my trip, being able to ‘feel’ what the town was about.
Acushnet is a small town with a big connection to the world of sports with its association with the Titleist company. It also has hands on history with the Long Plain Museum. It absolutely lived up to its Wamapnoag name of being a peaceful resting place near water and I believe that any visitor will enjoy their time in Acushnet. Have fun and happy traveling!
For more In My Footsteps items follow my Twitter Feed, view more photos at the In My Footsteps fan page on Facebook, or visit my homepage at ChristopherSetterlund.com. Thanks for reading!
Directions: Long Plain Museum: From I-195 take Exit 20, take Rt. 105 through Rochester. Turn right at Cushman Rd., left at Robinson Rd., these are still Rt. 105. Follow Robinson Rd. to Main St., turn right, Museum is almost immediately on left. Quaker Meeting House is .7 miles further up on left.
References: Long Plain Museum.org
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
In My Footsteps: Trip 67: Fairhaven, Mass.
In My Footsteps
Christopher Setterlund
Trip 67: Fairhaven, Mass.
July 22, 2010
With so many of the things that I look for in a place I visit Fairhaven ended up being one of my favorite spots thus far. The beautiful architecture downtown, a view of a lighthouse in the harbor, and a tremendous piece of Colonial-era history are what makes up what Fairhaven is all about.
 |
| The Old Stone Schoolhouse |
Located just to the east of New Bedford, sharing the harbor with it, Fairhaven has a rich history intertwined with the whaling and fishing heritage of New Bedford. The name most synonymously known with Fairhaven is that of Henry Huttleston Rogers. He was a wealthy businessman as well as philanthropist. Mr. Rogers was an original in oil refinery, first battling against John D. Rockefeller
and his Standard Oil Company, and then later joining forces with him. Henry H. Rogers’ philanthropic contributions to Fairhaven later in his life account for many of the incredible buildings in the downtown area.
and his Standard Oil Company, and then later joining forces with him. Henry H. Rogers’ philanthropic contributions to Fairhaven later in his life account for many of the incredible buildings in the downtown area. The first place I visited in Fairhaven however has nothing to do with Henry H. Rogers. The Old Stone Schoolhouse, also called the Oxford Village schoolhouse, on North Street is a really small building built in 1828. Incredibly the 20 ½ by 36 foot room could hold sixty-four students in its day. The children must have been smaller in the mid-19th century. By the end of the 19th century the population had grown such that a new Oxford Village schoolhouse was built and the tiny little stone building became little more than a meeting place for various religious and social groups. It is a cool place to check out to give you some perspective on how little education was valued back 150 years ago.
 |
| Fairhaven Town Hall |
When I hit the downtown area of Fairhaven along Main Street I was amazed by the beauty of some of the architecture. In a lot of ways it reminded me of my time in Easton, Massachusetts. The buildings such as the Oakes Ames Memorial Hall in Easton designed by H.H. Richardson
bare a striking resemblance to a few of the buildings in Fairhaven. It is especially apparent when I looked at the Town Hall and Millicent Library. The reason for this resemblance is that Richardson drew some of his style from noted 19th century architect Charles Brigham. It was Brigham who designed the incredible Town Hall and Millicent Library in 1892 and 1893 respectively.
bare a striking resemblance to a few of the buildings in Fairhaven. It is especially apparent when I looked at the Town Hall and Millicent Library. The reason for this resemblance is that Richardson drew some of his style from noted 19th century architect Charles Brigham. It was Brigham who designed the incredible Town Hall and Millicent Library in 1892 and 1893 respectively. The Millicent Library was donated to Fairhaven by Henry H. Rogers and his wife Abbie. It was named to honor their youngest daughter Millicent who had died of heart failure at seventeen in 1890. The building is exquisite and includes a sculpture of a man’s face above the Millicent Library name. I do not have any idea as to whose face it is though I am checking.
 |
| Fort Phoenix |
The final spot I visited is a virtually untouched piece of American history. Fort Phoenix is located along the water of the harbor shared by Fairhaven and New Bedford. This spot was built during the American Revolution
in 1775. The first naval battle of the Revolution was fought within sight of Fort Phoenix on May 14, 1775 and was led by Captains Nathaniel Pope and Daniel Egery. It was destroyed by British troops in 1778 but was rebuilt so quickly that it was given the name Fort Phoenix after the mythical bird.
in 1775. The first naval battle of the Revolution was fought within sight of Fort Phoenix on May 14, 1775 and was led by Captains Nathaniel Pope and Daniel Egery. It was destroyed by British troops in 1778 but was rebuilt so quickly that it was given the name Fort Phoenix after the mythical bird. In 1812 it was enlarged under the supervision of the future ‘Father of the Military Academy’ at West Point, Sylvanua Thayer. It helped repel an attack by the British HMS Nimrod in 1814. It remained in use during the Civil War with Union troops rotating between Fort Phoenix and Fort Taber. Though not used since 1876, Fort Phoenix still bears the look of an active military institution with five 19th century cannons perched facing over the waters of Buzzards Bay as if ready for an oncoming battle. On this day there was a man dressed in typical Revolutionary War soldier garb who was talking to any and all visitors about what it was like to serve on that very spot more than 230 years ago. I was not aware of his presence until he fired off his musket for the people, needless to say that was a bit of a shock to me.
 |
| Palmer Island Lighthouse |
The site is now a state park and the area leading up to the fort itself is covered with some awesome rock faces which when climbed give you a tremendous view of Fort Taber and Fort Rodman which are located across the water in New Bedford. In addition to the Fort and the views of New Bedford there is another attraction not far away.
Palmer Island Lighthouse sits out in the harbor and can only be reached on foot at low tide. The island was used as an interment camp during King Philip’s War in 1675-76. Made from rubble stone, scraps basically, Palmer Island Light was built in 1849 and is sort of a dwarf lighthouse as it only stands twenty-four feet tall. Incredibly even though the island is only six acres there at one point was a hotel on it and later on an amusement park
. Getting to see this little known lighthouse after standing where Revolutionary War battles took place was a perfect end to a great trip to Fairhaven.
. Getting to see this little known lighthouse after standing where Revolutionary War battles took place was a perfect end to a great trip to Fairhaven.Fairhaven is a town where you can easily lose yourself all day visiting historic homes and sites and still not see everything there is to see. A walk around the historic district of Main Street where the Town Hall and Millicent Library stand is a great start, but not the only place to start. Fort Phoenix is a great historic site but is also a very popular beach. I’ll bet some folks who go there fail to realize how much significance is so close to them. Don’t forget about Palmer Island Light hiding out in the harbor while you are there. Have fun and happy traveling!
Directions: Fort Phoenix: From I-195 West take Exit 18 into Fairhaven. Turn right to take Rt. 240 south. A little more than a mile turn right onto Bridge St. Bear right onto Rt. 6/Huttleston Ave. Turn left on Main St.; left onto Church St.; and right onto Fort St. Fort Phoenix is on the right as you approach the beach.
Town Hall/Millicent Library: From Rt. 6 heading west turn left at Washington St. Turn left at Walnut St., turn right at Center Street. The Town Hall and Library are across the street from each other. There is a sign with all of the historic spots in front of the Town Hall which makes for a great walk.
Old Stone Schoolhouse: From I-195 take Exit 18 for Rt. 240, follow it south to Bridge Street. Turn right, follow it to Adams St., turn right. Turn left on North Street, the schoolhouse is on the right.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
In My Footsteps: Trip 8: New Bedford, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett
In My Footsteps
Christopher Setterlund
Trip 8: Fort Taber/Rodman – New Bedford, Mass.
Fort Phoenix – Fairhaven, Mass.
Ned’s Point Light – Mattapoisett, Mass.
January 22, 2010
Massachusetts being one of the thirteen original colonies is a state rich in history. Every town in the state has its own list of historical places to visit. There are so many places in fact that it is possible to visit any of Massachusetts towns several times and still miss some amazing historical places. There are three mentioned here today that are must see, but they are by no means the last I will seek out.
Located only a half hour from the Bourne Bridge, New Bedford is overflowing with historical places. Deep in the tradition of the sea the New Bedford Whaling Museum, established in 1907, is normally the first spot circled on any itinerary as well it should be. The cobblestone streets and old-time looking shops in the surrounding area make it feel as though you have traveled back to another time. After visiting the museum there are many other places just as rich in significance in New Bedford. One such place is located at the end of Rodney French Boulevard on Clarks Point along Buzzards Bay.
Massachusetts is filled with history that dates back nearly 400 years. It is impossible to visit any of the 351 cities and towns in the state and not find one if not several amazing historical landmarks. You don’t even have to enjoy history to appreciate these sites mentioned above. It is much different than studying a book when the places themselves are brimming with life as you stand before them. I recommend each of these places be visited but they don’t have to be all in one day! Have fun and happy traveling!
Directions: Fort Taber/Rodman: From I-195 West take Exit 15 into New Bedford. Follow John F Kennedy Memorial Highway until you need to bear right onto Rodney French Blvd. The Fort Taber/Rodman site is on the right at the end of the road.
Fort Phoenix: From I-195 West take Exit 18 into Fairhaven. Turn right to take Rt. 240 south. A little more than a mile turn right onto Bridge St. Bear right onto Rt. 6/Huttleston Ave. Turn left on Main St.; left onto Church St.; and right onto Fort St. Fort Phoenix is on the right as you approach the beach.
Ned’s Point Lighthouse: From I-195 West take Exit 19A. Turn right into Mattapoisett. Bear right onto North Street, follow for a mile and a half and turn left onto Water St. which becomes Beacon St. This road becomes Ned’s Point Rd. without any turns. Follow it to the park where the lighthouse is located.
References: Fort Taber/Rodman History
Fort Phoenix History Blog
Ned's Point Light Virtual Guide
New Bedford Whaling Museum
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)