From England to New England - On my Maternal Grandmother's side

In the last post I outlined how my family comes from England on my maternal Grandfather's side the Kendall's. This time we will trace the roots back on my maternal Grandmother's side, Nutting. 

John Nutton was born on about 1575, in Edwardstone Suffolk, England. In the 1600 the family emigrated (were removed ) to and had settled Woburn Mass. John Nutting was born in 1620.

From "Surname Nutting" in Diggin History:

"Some believe that John Nutting was born sometime between 1620 and 1625 to parents John and Elizabeth Rawlings Nutting.  There is, however, a theory that he may have been a child in 1618 since a copyhold deed found among (John) Winthrop papers read: “John Nutton (Nutting) a lifelong tenant of one moiety of the lands of Groton Manor”.  The grantee named was John Nutton, Senior.  This would imply that there was a John Nutton (Nutting), Jr., and therefore that he had been born prior to 1618.

One source believes that John Nutting (Junior) immigrated in 1639, although it seems unclear as to when exactly he made the voyage across the Atlantic.  Nevertheless, the first solid reference to his presence in the Massachusetts Colony was the record of his marriage to Sarah Eggleton on August 28, 1650 in the town of Woburn.  Before their fifth wedding anniversary, three children were born"

Perhaps surprisingly, the Nuttings and two other families who were considering the move to Groton were met with opposition from the Church.  Nutting family historian Reverend John Keep Nutting wrote:

To us it would seem strange for a member about to remove from one town to another, to be expected to ask leave from the church.  In those days it was quite different.  Each new settlement was in reality, so far as all local interests were concerned, a small nation by itself.  Its voting citizens were the members of the church – none others.  And upon these the town rested for defence and for up-building.  Solemn vows bound these to mutual defence and helpfulness.  When therefore three leading families proposed to leave Chelmsford, it was no small matter.

Following a vote on December 23, 1661, there are no more mentions of the three families until they are granted letters allowing them to join the Groton church.  So, perhaps the removal took place either in late 1661 or early 1662.  John Nutting had proposed that his move to Groton would allow him to settle near the meetinghouse there.  On September 21, 1663 a vote was recorded wherein John Nutting was appointed the janitor of the meetinghouse"

From  John Nutton to John G Nutting (both born in England) to John G II 1651 Woburn to John III 1678 Groton to Isaac 1714 Groton to Isaac  JR 1739 Groton to Seth 1779 Groton to Seth 1806 Groton to Henry 1827 Dunstanble to Fannie H 1862 Groton (who married Ernest Kendall) to Mildred Kendall (see Kendall historical line) to me. England to Townsend MA USA.

The Tracks We Leave...England to NEW ENGLAND!

The Tracks We Leave...



My family comes from England. Francis Kendall, born about 1620, in Norfolk, England and his brother Thomas were the first of this Kendall line to sail to the New Colony. Josiah was the first of this Kendall line to settle in Sterling (then Lancaster) in the 1730's.  The exact date of his removal from Woburn to Sterling is unknown.  (following from the "Memorial of Josiah Kendall" published in 1864)"Our biography of Josiah Kendall commences with his removal from Woburn to Lancaster. I am unable to give the date of this removal but it was probably soon after 1736, the year of his marriage."

From Francis to Thomas 1648 to Samuel 1682 to Josiah 1712 to Herman 1740 to Herman JR 1783 to Josephus 1808 to Edward 1860 to Ernest 1884 to Mildred in 1926 to me in 1948. This  is my line from Norfolk, England to Townsend MA USA.

"Kendall Family from "Colonial Families of the United States of America", Vol VI, pages 327 and 328, by George MacKenzie

"Francis, b. in England 1620 [incorrect birthdate] came to America and was living in Charlestown, Mass in 1640; he emigrated under the name of Miles to conceal his intentions from his family. At Charlestown he signed the town order for the new town of Woburn and was one of its first and most prominent inhabitants, serving for 18 years on the Board of Selectmen and on various town committees. He owned and operated a mill on one of the streams of Woburn and is described by Sewall as "a gentleman of great respectability and influence in the place of his residence." In a strict Puritan community he had the courage to differ slightly in faith from the majority for which he was duly fined."

Thirteen citizens of Woburn were prosecuted before the Middlesex Co Court in December 1671 for publicly manifesting contempt for the ordinance of infant baptism and attending the assemblies of Ana-Baptists which were then not allowed by law. One of the thirteen was Francis Kendall.

"In 1657, Francis Kendall is released from all 'Ordinary Traynings.' Middlesex County Court records, Vol. 1, p 143. There is a well authenticated tradition in the Kendall family that Francis Kendall was stolen from a Ralph Miles in England and brought to this country." Woburn VR 14

Great Food, Impressive Beverage and Unique Shopping Experience in Brookline NH

I came across this little gem while I was driving through NH and stopped for gas. It is not easy to spot if you're not looking for it. IT is the Cozy Tea Cart. It is behind a gas station and bank and adjacent to a real estate office. You need to look for it, especially in winter, because the parking spaces might be buried in a snow pile. However it is well worth the extra effort. Here are directions if you need

They have been featured on local TV several times.Click here to see the  WMUR TV 9 recent video from February 2014. Tea Tastings, classes, lectures and special functions are all available for a reasonable price.

The claim to fame is the tea and the wealth of knowledge and supply for tea making on hand at the shop.
Teas come from all over Asia. Owner/Operator Danielle Beaudette has lectured at Yale, provides educational classes onsite and is available as a group guest speaker or consultant on health benefits and social impact to name a few subjects. There are two rooms at The Cozy Tea Cart Cafe. The split entrance opens left to a gift shop and right to the cafe.
My experience was wonderful. The atmosphere is so soothing. The cafe has multiple seating arrangements. There is a bar style for a group. Small tables for a few. And a sofa facing the fireplace for a couple. In the summer there is outdoor cafe seating as well.

I sat at a table by the window. The music playing  in the room was very relaxing. (NOTE: Do not go to the Cozy Tea Cart Cafe if you are rushed.) The woman waiting tables and working in the gift shop was one and the same, the owner.  WIFI was available so that I could use computer, tablet or phone with no issues. It is a wonderful place to bring a book and sip your tea while watching whatever goes by the window, in a tranquil state that is a lot less expensive than a vacation or even a massage. It is so inexpensive, I felt guilty.

I chose a tea that is somewhat seasonal. It is a flavored green tea called Breakfast Nut Crunch. I couldn't get enough of the aroma. The flavor and taste is phenomenal. The color is clear and nut brown. It was lunchtime so I decided to go full in and get a lunch item and ponder for awhile the concept of dessert. Almost everything on the menu is under $5 with few exceptions. (You can get larger items for take home.) I opted for the 8oz Macaroni and Cheese with breadcrumbs. I was told that all menu items are made for the store by their chef. The mac and cheese was delicious.  8 oz was just right for lunch and left me with a desire for dessert. I chose a scone from the  seasonal menu . It was served with jam and butter. Delightful is not too strong a word. The whole meal came to $9.75. I asked if she was sure she had counted everything. I tipped her more than 50%, How could I not.
Did I mention the gift shop? There are Teas and Pots and gifts of accessories. Many of the offerings are locally hand made.

With gift in hand I left the shop for $13.75. NH has no sales tax. I could not have been a happier camper. I will surely return and bring others with me.

NOTE: use the links throughout to get to selected pages on the website or Facebook

Second Hand Bookstore - First Rate Experience - Bookstores and Coffee Shops in New England #2

For me books are all about the experience. Everyone could just read e-books or listen to audio books but I enjoy the experience of a paper book as do most people. I love the feel of a great binding and the visual of great graphics. I also enjoy the hunt for something special. A used bookstore will offer that every time. It is like rescuing a puppy or recycling to save the environment. You find something that was someone else's at one point in time and give it new life as yours for a price you can afford and are willing to pay. I did. I found a great Elvis Encyclopedia along with a vintage Yankee Magazine recipe book and book called "If I live to be 100", all for under $11, in a little shop along a winding route 63, off of route 2 in Western Massachusetts. It was a wonderful little experience by the name of Northfield Coffee and Books.

Northfield Coffee and Books has free WiFi  and is on FACEBOOK and offers online ordering. A great PLUS for parents is that it is also Kid Friendly. I didn't have any little ones with me but several people were enjoying coffee and a newspaper with a carriage by the side of their table.It was very informal. I was allowed to browse with my coffee in hand.Very welcoming. There is also a little gift shop adjacent which expands your shopping experience beyond the book.

Like Bruces' Browser that I reviewed in my "Shop Local for the Holiday" series this shop promotes local artists and local vendors and bakers. This shop offers Deans Beans as did Bruces. They offer Lake Champlain Chocolates as we saw at Kringles. They also promote Cheshire Garden jams and mustard made in Winchester NH.  Poetry night is once a month, in February it will be the 27th. Like Bruces Northfield Coffee and Books also is a local gathering place with Trivia Night being planned and advertised for March 1st.

If you are looking for an experience and not just an escape from reality, take some time out of your busy life to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with perhaps a scone or a muffin. and look for something special. You'll be glad you did.

Bookstores and Coffee Shops in NEW ENGLAND - #1

Everyone one loves a coffee shop bookstore combination, especially in the winter. You want to shop for something you can enjoy indoors and you want to be warm and comfortable. This year especially with the long winter cold snap we are looking for someplace we can spend some time and not be in and out in 10 minutes.
Well, there are many of these combinations in New England and we will get into those over the next month or so but for a start lets mention one that might not be your first thought when you think New England coffee shop but maybe should be, Barnes and Noble.
In the New England states there are quite a few that have a Barnes and Noble cafe featuring Starbucks coffees. Beyond Starbucks offerings there are hot lunches, dessert and breakfast items from other vendors such as the Cheesecake Factory. Most cafes offer seasonal beverages for a limited time. There is usually the opportunity to pick up some great Godiva Chocolates for your sweetheart before you leave as well.
The experience is inviting and relaxing and offers more than just food , coffee and a chance to preview your book purchase,  there is also complimentary WiFi for those with enabled cell phones or tablets or laptops.
Most stores offer children's activities or story-time (such as the Friday morning story-time in the Braintree MA store and the Manchester NH store or Saturday in Leominster MA store)  which allow a parent a wonderful opportunity for alone time and some adult relaxation.

Many offer Nook Book Discussion groups or classes to boot (like the Breakfast Nook at the Bellingham store or Worcester MA store and Warwick Center RI).

Or just visit one for a relaxing rest stop when you are in town, like the one that can be found at the Prudential Center in Boston MA.  There are several in CT( for example Canton where there are American Girl Club Meetings), one in Agusta ME and one in Burlington VT.

If you can find the right one with the right schedule this could work out to be a very eventful shopping experience without spending a lot of cash.
Not every Barnes and Nobles has a cafe and not every cafe has an event scheduled. Check with the B&N site store locator if you are looking for something specific in a specific area. It is a good time if you know what to expect.

January is a time for fun

Fun in New England in January can translate into many different forms. I will list a couple and there could not be any greater contrast between the two that I am going to list than the physical exertion required. They both require a huge amount of concentration and brain exertion.

Skiing in New England is available in every state. Yes, even Rhode Island. Where you choose to ski depends on how far you want to travel, how good a skier you are and how much you are willing to pay.
Check out more about each ski area at the 60 individual ski area links below:

Connecticut has 4:

Mohawk Mountain

Mt. Southington Ski Area

Ski Sundown

Woodbury Ski Area

Maine 11

Bigrock Ski Area

Black Mountain Ski Resort

Camden Snow Bowl

Lost Valley Ski Area

Mt. Abram Ski Resort

New Hermon Mountain Ski Area

Saddleback Ski Area

Shawnee Peak

Sugarloaf USA

Sunday River Ski Resort

Titcomb Mountain

New Hampshire 16

Attitash Resort

Black Mountain

Bretton Woods

Cannon Mountain

Cranmore Mountain Resort

Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride Area

Dartmouth Skiway

Granite Gorge Ski Area

Gunstock Mountain Resort

Loon Mountain

Mount Sunapee Resort

Pats Peak Ski Area

Ragged Mountain

Waterville Valley Resort

Whaleback Ski Area

Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort  Massachusetts 11 Berkshire East Ski Area Blandford Ski Area  Blue Hills Ski Area  Bousquet Ski Area  Jiminy Peak Resort Nashoba Valley Ski Are Otis Ridge Ski Area  Ski Bradford  Ski Butternut  Ski Ward  Wachusett Mountain  Rhode Island 1 Yawgoo Valley Ski Area  Vermont 17 Bolton Valley Resort  Bromley Mountain  Burke Mountain  Cochran Ski Area Jay Peak Killington Resort  Mad River Glen  Magic Mountain  Middlebury College Snow Bowl Mount Snow  Okemo Mountain Resort  Pico Mountain  Smugglers' Notch Resort Stowe Mountain Resort  Stratton Mountain Resort  Sugarbush Resort  Suicide Six

Another winter pastime in New England is Casinos and the options are growing all the time. Most casinos offer hotels, spas, restaurants as well as concerts along with gaming.  Again the choices include Rhode Island but not Massachusetts or Vermont. Another option in most coastal states gaming is accomodated via cruise ships. With Vermont you have neither but across the border in New York there are several. Massachusetts has several proposals on the table in several areas, eastern, central and western parts of the state. 

New Hampshire:

Hampton

Ocean Gaming at Hampton Beach

Hampton Falls

The Poker Room

Keene

Keene Poker Room

Manchester

Manch Vegas Poker Room

Milford

The River Card Room
Connecticut

Mashantucket

Foxwoods Resort Casino & MGM Grand at Foxwoods

Uncasville

Mohegan Sun

Maine:

Bangor

Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway

Oxford

Oxford Casino 

Rhode Island:

Lincoln

Twin River

Newport

Newport Grand

End of the year is Here with New ways to Trade or Sell Unwanted Christmas Gifts locally and also Plan for a unique and local New England New Years celebration

One of the best new things I found this year was local yard sale sites on Facebook. I have used several of them both to buy and to sell with no issues. I sold my old Nintendo Wii with several games for a really good price. No packing or shipping costs to bother with as the buyer came to pick it up. I purchased clothes, accessories and furniture. In some cases I made arrangements to meet the seller in a public area. In others I went to their home. Expectation is cash on delivery or pickup. Some sellers also deliver for free if the buyer is close enough, the item is big enough and they have incentive enough to get rid of the item. There are no fees as with online auction sites and no maintenance as with a retail website.  Try it out for yourself but as with all internet commerce be careful and be safe. Meeting in a public place is usually the best way to go. In the event that you have to go to a residence consider not going alone.

Here are a few of the New England based sites:
General New England:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHsales/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NEOYS/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/364418907021356/

Rhode Island:
Fall River RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/414949921965372/
Kent County RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/kentcountyyardsale/
Providence RI https://www.facebook.com/groups/providenceriindooryardsale/

Massachusetts:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/525077990884078/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/488079204632543/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/684728868217442/

New Hampshire
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NHOnlineYardSale/

Vermont:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/386446478086932/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTyardsale/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/VTOnlineyardsale/

Maine:
https://www.facebook.com/AugustaOnlineYardsale
https://www.facebook.com/groups/maineyardsale/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/304529732968073/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/476282399076134/

Connecticut:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/194088927343890/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/206000129422209/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175305839301627/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/348489075226022/

Most of these are closed groups that require request/approval to join. The criteria is usually that you live in the locality. The links above are the more state generic. As you browse these sites you will get a feel for which ones suit you best. If you search for specific cities and towns, many have their own even more local pages/groups.

After you have gotten rid of all your unwanted/unneeded gifts you may want to spend your new found cash or some of your gift cards on a New Years celebration in New England. Here are some unique options:

New Years Eve at the New England Aquarium offers dancing with the Penquins at a Black Tie Affair.
You must be over 21. For men a Jacket is required and for the ladies cocktail attire is expected.

http://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-2014-at-the-new-england-aquarium-tickets-6345713199?aff=zvents

Another option that is more family friendly and less expensive but no less unique is to ring in the New year at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Brookline Ma


Consider the 4th annual, wildly popular, New Years Eve in RI at the convention center in Providence which features a masquerade ball from 9 pm to 3 a.m. With food, drinks, music, dancing, prizes and optional extras. Get your tickets to the event and much more http://newyearseveri.com/
 

If you have more of a snowy venue in mind you might consider partying at Stratton in Vermont.
http://www.stratton.com/events-and-activities/events/2013/12/new-years-eve-celebration.aspx

This is of course a very family friendly set of events with kids crafts early in the day and a Torchlight Parade and Fireworks with a couple of special 21+ parties planned to start at 9pm for a fee.


Portland Maine is celebrating again this year.
https://www.facebook.com/NewYearsPortlandMaine
 Several venues are offering parties. Check out the venues and the ticket prices.
http://www.newyearsportlandmaine.com/venues.html


Not to be outdone, Hartford CT's First night has over 40 events to explore. These city sponsored events offer the most for a varied age and interest group. The Bushnell Carousel will be open as well as the ice rink in the park to name a few. You want to check out the options and come prepared.
http://www.firstnighthartford.org/

Last but not least, it needs no introduction, is of course the 38th annual Boston's First night. So much to do and see and so little time. Here is a guide to help you decide when and where to start.
http://www.bostonmagazine.com/arts-entertainment/blog/2013/12/26/guide-first-night-events-2013-2014/
Who has not heard or seen on TV the great ice sculptures that can be found all across the city. Theater, dance, puppets, performers of every genre will be on display.  Check out the FB page as well.
https://www.facebook.com/FirstNightBoston

Have fun, be responsible and safe into the New Year!

Shop Local this holiday season, find High Fashion - Pick #3

Do you dream of walking into a store that has everything you have dreamed of without the outrageous price. Not an outlet. A real store with variety in brand names and size. A store that offers something of extremely high quality for everyone in the family. Well, I think I found it. It is Evans On the Common in Townsend MA. They have been in business at this location for over 30 years.

Photo credit Evans webpage
As you enter the store you are usually greeted with sales of one type or another. Whether it is in the parking lot under a tent, as it is in summer, or in the foyer when the weather cools down there is something for the bargain hunter in all of us. Accessories are also on the front lines.
Photo credit Evans webpage

From socks , mittens, scarves, throws and hats to purses and toys the name brands cover Deerfield Leather, Vera Bradley purses and clutches and wallets and Ty stuffed critters.

The women's clothing section is stocked well with Tribal, Snow Angel, Woolrich, Isis, Smartwool and more. With coats and sweaters, pants and tops, dresses and robes.

photo credit Yelp's Arelia B.

The men's clothing section is featuring KUHL , Bergans, Woolrich, Rab and Dale Norway. etc.

The footwear section is like a store within a store. The whole back room is reserved for shoes from casual comfort to athletic to boots. The name brands include Birkenstock, Earth, UGG, ecco, Muck, Jambu, Solomon, Sorel and so much more.

Photo credit Evans webpage

Bring your Christmas list! Support your local small business at Evans in Townsend MA.

Shop Local this Holiday - Pick # 2

Kringle Candle Company in Bernardston MA was started by the former owners of Yankee Candle. Yankee Candle was sold in 1998. Kringle Candle was started in 2009 by the father and son, both named Mike Kittredge. From the humble beginnings of one building in 2009 which supported production, packing and shipping as well as showroom and retail space, it has grown to a multi-building complex beyond the production facility, featuring the main retail building, a separate Christmas holiday and specials (food and toys) retail store,a chocolate shop, a bakery, a restaurant.
If you are shopping for candles, you can not find more variety in color and fragrance as well as style.
Their seasonal fragrances and styles rival any other candle maker you might be accustomed to and everything is brought to you by a wholly American owned and operated business. Another important point to make is that Kringle Candle is green. Kringle produces paraffin not soy candles which is both natural and domestically produced. 

The Farm Table, a subsidiary of Kringle Candle and part of the complex is a full service restaurant that is also one of the most green restaurants in America. In addition to the indoor dining, there is an outdoor dining area featuring a fireplace which is quite unique and allows for fall days on the veranda.

 It is in the specialty store you are greeted on the main floor with comfortable surroundings.

Featured inside  you will find that Kringle Candle is a good neighbor and supports many local and regional businesses that compliment their offerings. For example, you will find BBQ sauces from  Wild Thymes in the Hudson Valley of NY , sauce and pickles from M&M Green Valley Produce in So. Deerfield Massachusetts, Chocolates from Lake Champlain Chocolates in Burlington Vermont, maple candy from Sugarwoods Farm in Glover Vermont and so much more. Upstairs is a great Toy Store with unique toys  of the current day and

many reminiscent of days gone by in New England. Downstairs you will be transformed at any time of year and filled with the Christmas spirit. There is a train traveling around the ceiling and trees of every theme to entertain your brain as well as handmaid mittens and hats and giant stuffed bears. Whether you want to browse or buy you will not be disappointed.

Outside this triple floor extravaganza is an outdoor bakery connected to the chocolate shop.
The  bakery features coffee and pateries, including Apple Cider donuts from Atkins Farm which is also one of Kringle's signature candle fragrances. The Chocolate Cottage has candy of all varieties from chocolate bars to hard candy and fudge. Samples are available for daily promotions, like pumpkin pie fudge which is remarkable. All this is in a setting in Western Mass. that rivals any picture postcard.

If you are pressed for time, needing some time to relax and unwind but worried that you have shopping to do and must get started, feed your self appreciation by taking a ride out to Kringle Candle  and accomplishing so much while treating yourself to a mini vacation of the mind and support local American owned small business to boot. 

Shop Local This Holiday Season - Pick #1

On the western border of Worcester County Massachusetts, in the sleepy little town of Athol, just off route 2, there is a unique and rare find. A dying breed, the small town local bookstore, is alive and well. Bruce's Browser  has so much to offer, you just might be amazed and wonder why you did not stop here sooner (as I did). If you are, as are many people, looking for a way to support small businesses and intend to spend your money locally this holiday season, check this out. It includes soda fountain, card department, gift department, a generous magazine stand and much more. 
As a bookstore offerings cover a wide variety of hardcovers, paperbacks, magazines for adults and children covering both fiction and non fiction subjects. The store highlights local authors and subjects  prominently in a large easy to find section. In the local section you will find interesting titles which speak to the attempt to support the commitment to be a vital part of the North Quabbin community. 

One aspect of the shop that is a bit unexpected and quirky is the cybercafe. You can bring your own laptop or tablet and take advantage of the WIFI and comfortable seating for free or hook up to one of the several computers provided for a small fee.

Another unique aspect is the retro soda fountain. Whether coffee and a pastry for breakfast or soda and ice cream anytime there is a comfy place to sit and enjoy. 

In the cafe/soda fountain Bruce's promotes a fellow local business by serving Dean's Beans coffee in several varieties both decaf and regular. Dean's Beans is located in the neighboring town of Orange. You can also purchase a bag or two of Dean's Beans to enjoy at home or as a gift. Speaking of gifts there is approximately a third of the store dedicated to cards and gifts. From  Whistle Creek Walking Sticks, to toys for all ages and genders including favorites as Lincoln Logs and K'Nex to a large selection of Yankee candles and local crafts, you will surely find several items that you can not do without this holiday season.

Remarkably there is still more for the shopper to browse. You will find an interesting eclectic music selection and a section by the checkout specifically highlighting local artists. The owner Diane Lincoln is an award winning artist in her own right having won awards and honors such as being named "Musical Artist of 2009" in the 2009 Pride In The Arts Music Awards. You can find her music on sale there and her profile via the link above. Her family has owned this business, a pharmacy that she eventually converted to this bookstore/gift shop, since 1948. 

Now maybe not on your shopping list but also something to think about for the holidays, there is a "back room" at Bruce's that is booked for small functions, meetings and events. There are often book signings or poetry readings scheduled there and you can occasionally find the local WJDF radio host doing interviews with historians, authors and artists in the cafe or back room. 

Regardless if you are holiday shopping for gifts or for yourself or just want to get away to a little oasis where you can browse and enjoy a simpler time, Bruce's Browser will fill your bill.