E-Newsletter | May 29, 2020
Renaissance Man...
Ben: Perley Poore  

“Beautiful indeed is this house – low, rambling, and irregular, that bursts upon the sight, crowning the hill… Emerald lawns, graveled roads, masses of blooming flowers, turrets, low roofs, jutting-out corners, chimneys crowned with chimney pots, casement windows with tiny panes, and clumps of trees.” (1908)

Though this may sound like the description of some ancient English manor house or a charming French castle, American Homes and Gardens magazine is, in fact, waxing eloquent about West Newbury’s Indian Hill Farm. The 400-acre, 80-room estate was the showpiece and home of antiquarian Ben: Perley Poore . 

Major Benjamin Perley Poore, who preferred his name be written with a colon – Ben: Perley Poore – was a 19th century newspaper correspondent, Civil War veteran, editor, author, politician, and preservationist. Born in 1820, Poore grew up on his family’s estate of Indian Hill Farm. He attended Governor Dummer Academy, traveled Europe extensively, and began editing newspapers at a young age. In 1854, Poore moved to Washington D.C. and began an extremely successful career as a political journalist and correspondent. 
 
The Major consistently returned to his ancestral home in West Newbury. After he inherited the land and farmhouse upon the death of his father, he began building. Poore was inherently a preservationist, before preservation became a recognized movement. He saved paneling, mantels, staircases and windows from beautiful old homes that were being renovated or torn down and constructed his house around these architectural pieces. He furnished his home with American antiques and curated a collection of famous letters and books. The house, whose design was completely unique and organic, was recognized as a local treasure and became nationally known. 
 
After Ben: Perley Poore died in 1887, the Farm passed to a grandchild, Benjamin Perley Poore Mosley, to whom the temporarily scanned images below belonged. Tragically, a large portion of the Indian Hill Farm house burned in 1959. This photo album, donated recently to the Museum of Old Newbury, is an invaluable record of Ben: Perley Poore’s extensive collection and architectural genius.

(Editor's note: due to Museum's comprehensive electrical project currently in process, our access to the scanner and partner computer are limited. The images here are from Winterthur Digital Collections, Mary Northend Photographs of Houses & Interiors. Watch here to know when the complete album is properly scanned and available on our website: NewburyHistory.org.)
"Yeat Yeat, Don't Tell Me!"... Today at Noon

Join Jack Santos, Custom House Maritime Museum, and Colleen Turner Secino, Museum of Old Newbury, for the second episode of Yeat Yeat, Don't Tell Me! today at noon.


Questions and answers will be shared here next Friday, June 5, or email info@newburyhistory for the link.
Something is Always Cooking at the Museum

As the weather finally begins to turn warm, Claire Rogers' fresh take on bruschetta sounds like the perfect cocktail hour snack! Paired with a perfectly chilled chardonnay or sparkling wine, sounds like tonight's dinner is set for this editor.

Tomato, Avocado, Feta Spread

8 plum tomatoes
2 avocados
1 1/2 teaspoons dry Italian dressing mix
1 package (4-5 ounces), crumbled
Bottled balsamic dressing to taste*

Cut tomatoes into large dice and mix with dry seasoning. Coarsely chop avocado and mix with tomato. Coat with dressing and mix gently, but well. Top with feta and serve with baguette (soft or lightly grilled).

*Editor's note: Or make you own balsamic dressing! In a mason jar, add one part balsamic vinegar; two parts extra virgin olive oil; teaspoon dijon mustard; pinch salt & pepper. Shake vigorously & serve. Store leftovers in refrigerator for several months (if it lasts that long!).

ICYMI: Puzzle Me This...The Eldorado

The ship depicted in this painting, the Eldorado, was commanded by Captain Frank W. Brown (1848-1894), son of Moses Brown, Jr. and Mary Jane Perkins.

During his time as the commander of the Eldorado, the ship engaged in the thriving guano trade of the 19th century, transporting thousands of tons of the natural fertilizer from Peru to ports such as Liverpool and Gloucester. At this time, guano was an extremely profitable commodity, with its recent discovery sparking a worldwide trade network in which Newburyport captains were keen to participate.

This image of the Eldorado was painted by artist John Loos, who came from a family of prominent maritime painters including his brother Henry and his father of the same name; out of the three, John produced the largest body of work, with most of his paintings depicting British and American ships passing through his home port of Antwerp, Belgium.

(The Eldorado, oil on canvas, John Loos, Belgium, 1879. Gift of Barrie Carlson, Elizabeth Thurlow and Mary Thurlow. )

Click on the image above to begin.

(*ICYMI: In Case You Missed It)
Watts' Scene

Museum of Old Newbury Board Member,  Bob Watts, hiked up to the top knot to show off our best "room with a view."

PHOTO CREDIT: Bob Watts - Newburyport, MA

Even though the museum is not open, feel free to walk around and enjoy our grounds.

We'd love to see your pictures, too. Send photos in and around the Newburys to info@newburyhistory.org. Let us know where you took the image and any other useful information.

Look for select images in upcoming e-Newsletters and be eligible to win a free membership.
Thank You for Your Patience!

Have you recently ordered an item from the Museum? Joined as a member? Wondering where your membership renewal is? Don't fret. As noted above, the current electrical project is limiting our access to power, so printers, scanners, computers and certain tasks that can only be completed in the office are taking considerably longer.

Just know, we thank you for your patience. If you want a status update, please do not hesitate to email us at info@newburyhistory.org and let us know the details. We will look over our records and let you know where your request stands.
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.
Museum of Old Newbury
98 High Street
Newburyport, MA 01950
978-462-2681