It is Day Two of Raising A. Reader MA’s Spokespal’s road trip to the Boston Book Festival on Saturday, October 27th in Copley Plaza. After spending yesterday in Western Mass today he found himself exploring, yup, you guessed it Central Massachusetts! While there are fewer literary sites in the center of the state, Holden A. Book learned about history and remembered many books and stories inspired by historic events that took place here in our state.
7. Auburn, MA – Goddard Rocket Launching Site: In 1926, at the age of 44, Dr. Robert Goddard launched the first liquid propelled rocket from a field on his family farm near Worcester, MA. This successful rocket launch marks the birth of the modern space movement (and perhaps the modern genre of sci fi literature?). Holden A. Book took in the National Historic Landmark (now the 9th fairway of the Pakachoag Golf Course) and thinks about his dream of becoming an astronaut (or a lion tamer, or a teacher).
8. Worcester, MA – Liberty Farm: Another National Historic Landmark, Liberty Farm was an important stop on the Underground Railroad that helped individuals escape slavery in the mid-19th century. Raised in a multicultural society in an era when an African American man is president, Holden A. Book took a moment to read a book to try to understand America’s history of slavery. And then he needed a break from heavy thinking and headed south to…
9. Sturbridge, MA – Old Sturbridge Village: Here Holden A. Book joined up the Jack, the resident expert of Old Sturbridge Village. Together they pretended to be colonial Americans, and played in the olde tyme school house, sawmill, blacksmith shop and especially the printing press! Pretending to be alive from 1790-1840 was great practice for Holden’s next stop…
10. Natick, MA – The Parsonage: The summer home of author Horatio Alger, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. It was here that Alger found inspiration for his mid-nineteenth century rags to riches stories intended to inspire young boys pull themselves up by their bootstraps like good Americans. “I’ve never read any of Mr. Alger’s stories,” thought Holden A. Book. “Maybe when I’m older. In the meantime, I KNOW where I can find stories about children who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries in America.” So he packed up and headed to…
11. Natick, MA – The American Girl Doll Store: The well-regarded publisher of children’s books (and maker of period dolls and accessories), features nine dolls and stories about young girls who lived in the U.S. during the early part of our history. Characters include Addy, whose family may have passed through Liberty Farm in Worcester en route to freedom, and Marie Grace and Cecile, who are best friends in the newly established state of Louisiana in 1853. Holden A. Book explored the stores displays before continuing his trip up north in…
12. Gloucester, MA – Schooner Adventures: Now on the coast, Holden A. Book toured this historic whaler’s ship and got his first lesson in Massachusetts’ maritime history on Cape Ann. Having learned about whales and whaling, it seemed only fitting that Holden A. Book end his day on…
13. Gloucester MA – Whale Watch: While the season for whale watching has ended, Holden A. Book boarded a touring vessel bounded for Stellwagen Bank. While the onboard marine biologist pointed out birds and sea creatures, Holden A. Book took in the beauty of the sea at sunset. The waves rocked him to sleep right on the boat!
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Wow! What an exciting day Holden A. Book had today! Which of the places he visited have you been to before? Did you learn anything new about Massachusetts? Where do you think Holden A. Book will go tomorrow?