E-Newsletter | July 31, 2020
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Sneak Peek:
We just couldn't wait until tomorrow! Here is the next installment of the 41st Annual Museum of Old Newbury's "Virtual" Garden Tour: Backyard Retreats, Pt. 1. Just click below and enjoy!
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2020 Museum of Old Newbury Virtual Garden Tour: Backyard Retreats, Pt. 1
The second installment of this year's Museum of Old Newbury's Virtual Garden Tour is now available (
click here to watch
).
Gina and Frank Weishaupt's
hidden oasis is a lovely tailored retreat, perfect for relaxing, playing and entertaining (post-COVID, of course).
The long rectangular tree-lined yard is entered through a wisteria draped archway. A private pool is off to one side, with sweeping views of the grounds from the patio.
This is the couples' first full year in the house. Gina's goal is to have color through all three seasons. Her favorite plants are peonies, Rose of Sharon, rhododendrons, lavender and salvia.
Working with landscaper Kevin Spencer, creative use of "lightscaping" allows the family of three to spend lots of time in the yard, day or night.
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Colour Me Impressed
Benjamin Tucke
r (1768-1832) was born in Newbury the son of the Rev. John and Sarah Tucker.
According to John J. Currier, he was one of the first instructors of painting and drawing in Newburyport. He maintained a studio on Middle Street and taught students two evenings a week.
Despite his talent, his portraits and miniatures were criticized to the extent that by 1796 he focused on painting, gilding and varnishing. He called his shop, located on State Street, the "sign of the PAINTER'S ARMS" where he sold engravings of the Town of Newburyport as seen from Ring's Island.
These were advertised in Newburyport's newspaper
The Impartial Herald
from March - June 1796. Perhaps his need for a steadier income was due to his marriage to Miss Sally Ridgeway of Concord in the fall of that year.
There were a number of artists working in Newbury and Newburyport in the late 18th and early 19th centuries so it is not unusual that Benjamin Tucker was among them. What is unusual is the fact that he was operating a "Colour Store" at his shop and offered over 23 dry pigments as well as pigments ground in oil.
From the early 18th century throughout Europe and as cities such as Boston and New York began to prosper in the American colonies, "colour men," as they were known, were on the scene and provided artists with ready-made paints.
The bold, rich hues of Prussian Blue, Vermillion, and Verdigris were desirable and expensive. It was a luxury for Newburyport artists to have Tucker operating as a colour man in their midst.
The museum is fortunate to have two objects in its collections representing the trade of Benjamin Tucker. The first is a late 18th century oil on canvas portrait of his father the Rev. John Tucker, sixth pastor of the First Parish of Newbury who served there for 47 years (image below).
The second, shown above, is an 18th century painter's trade sign believed to have been used by Benjamin Tucker at his shop on State Street. Made of polychromed wood and 27 inches in diameter, it represents the British arms of the painters and stainers guild.
Image (below, right): Advertisement for Benjamin Tucker's Colour Store as seen in the February 3, 1797 edition of The Impartial Herald.
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BOOK SIGNING: Aug. 1, 2020
If History is Your Thing, then Your Ship has Come In!
Nothing says Yankee Homecoming like a good old fashioned book signing! Meet author, historian and Newburyport native,
Ghlee E. Woodworth.
Pick up her newest book,
Newburyport Clipper Heritage Trail - Volume I,
featuring a series of self-guided history tours.
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Museum of Old Newbury Courtyard
(Please enter on Fruit Street.)
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Ghlee will answer questions and sign books.
Pay just $35 (includes tax) and if you add $5 (includes tax), receive her fascinating
Tiptoe Through the Tombstones, Oak Hill Cemetery.
COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place; masks and social distancing required.
Top image: Newburyport Harbor, looking east, at what is the boardwalk today (circa 1885). From the Newburyport Public Library Archival Center.
Inset: Front cover of Ghlee's book featuring a bird's eye view of Market Square on July 4, 1898. From the Museum of Old Newbury Collection.
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Newburyport Rocks!
Many thanks to the "rock" star that left this beautiful painted gem outside the Museum of Old Newbury, near the Fruit Street entrance. We "give thanks" everyday for the wonderful support of the Newburyport community.
All around Newburyport, you can find painted rocks in public spaces.
If you find a rock, you can keep it, re-hide it or join in the fun and make your own rock!
As @Newburyport.rocks or @KindnessRocksNewburyport might say, "Keep on rock-ing!"
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Something is Always Cooking at the Museum
It is too hot to cook this week, so we are taking a page from
Nancy Gould Dennett
and
Alice Gould
and going with fresh vegetables and grilled chicken complimented with a curry dip.
Indonesian Curry Dip
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic salt (or 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh garlic)
1 tablespoon or more to taste yellow curry powder
1 to 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish to taste
1 teaspoon grated onion
Combine all ingredients. Must be made ahead to let flavors develop. Serve with carrot sticks, celery, cucumber (etc.) and bite-sized grilled chicken tenders.
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Puzzle Me This...Abraham Perkins' Porringer
Abraham Perkins
was a successful businessman and partner to his more well known brother, Jacob. Through his ventures, Abraham was able to afford fine objects and furnishings with which to embellish his family home.
Silver objects and glassware were luxury items in early 19th century homes, with much of the silver produced in Newburyport from the 1760s onward. This silver porringer is engraved with the initials A.P.
Porringers are shallow bowls used in food service and have been in existence since before the 1600s.
Click on the image to begin.
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During this difficult period of COVID-19, we rely on your support more than ever. We are working to reschedule many of the programs that we have had to postpone, as well as develop new, online programs for you to enjoy and keep us connected. We hope, if you are able, that you will consider a
donation
to the museum. Thank you for your continued support.
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Museum of Old Newbury
98 High Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-462-2681
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