Meredith Allard

Books. History. Food. A More Contemplative Life.

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Down Salem Way

Daily Life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony

March 1, 2018October 3, 2026 / Meredith Allard

How Did They Live in Colonial Massachusetts? The main reason I felt drawn to writing Down Salem Way was that there wasn’t much space to explore James and Elizabeth’s lives in 1691-1692 in Her Dear and Loving Husband. We get glimpses of that time through James and Sarah’s memories, but the focus in Her Dear … Continue reading Daily Life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony

Christmas in the Massachusetts Bay Colony

December 18, 2017October 3, 2026 / Meredith Allard

What Was Christmas Like in the Massachusetts Bay Colony? I started wondering what Christmas would have been like for the Wentworths in Salem in the late 17th century. I hadn't researched Christmas during that time since it wasn't necessary for Her Dear & Loving Husband and the diary for Down Salem Way begins in January … Continue reading Christmas in the Massachusetts Bay Colony

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  • What Did Kitchens Look Like in Colonial Salem?
    As George Francis Dow said in the preface to his 1935 book Every Day Life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the details about colonial life are sketchy, “For why keep an exact record of doings with which every one is … Continue reading What Did Kitchens Look Like in Colonial Salem?
  • What Writing About Immortality Has Taught Me About Time
    Boo! Did I scare you? It's hard to believe that this Saturday is already Halloween. I hope you'll have a wonderful day, whether you're getting into costume and going to a party or just hanging out at home, passing out … Continue reading What Writing About Immortality Has Taught Me About Time
  • The Art of Noticing: Why Writers Should Pay Attention to Ordinary Things
    Recently, I’ve been writing about Thoreau and Oliver and how they remind me to pay attention to the world. There’s magic to be found in the ordinary world, even if we don't always take the time to recognize it. We … Continue reading The Art of Noticing: Why Writers Should Pay Attention to Ordinary Things
  • What is the Color of Autumn?
    October is the month for painted leaves. Their rich glow now flashes round the world.  –Henry David Thoreau As someone who loves New England, that’s often the first place I think of whenever I think of autumn. I happen to … Continue reading What is the Color of Autumn?

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