Attended "Of Seances and Spirits" Event!

Halloween is coming and we found a unique local event in Kennebunk, Maine recently. The event, "Of Seances and Spirits" was hosted by the Brick Store Museum, and today's blog provides some highlights and some history! 

THE FUN EVENT! There were appetizers, a tarot reader (who was very busy), and a special drink that was a favorite of Charles Dickens!  There was a display of Ouija boards and info of Victorian Kennebunk’s love of contacting “the other side.” 

INTRO TO SPIRITUALISM - Local actor Richard McGonagle, one of the guides, provided an audio/visual introduction to spiritualism and noted Harry Houdini, the escape artist, was determined to debunk fraudulent mediums, while Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of Sherlock Holmes was a passionate believer in spiritualism. 

(Photo: A museum display of several of the Ouija boards used by the citizens of Kennebunk. Credit: R.G.)

THE SEANCE AND A FAMOUS EARLY BOSTON PSYCHIC - We also learned the story of Mina Crandon, whose séances captivated early 20th-century Boston. First-person historical interpreter Laura Rocklyn portrayed Mina, also known as the “Witch of Lime Street,” in an entertaining and historically informed séance. We were brought into one of the four buildings that are part of the museum and the actress performed "Mina's seance" - including how Mina would summon the spirit of her dead brother (and Mina lowered her voice when channeling him).  It was really a fun evening! 

 

CHARLES DICKENS' FAVORITE DRINK- The museum served this Victorian-era beverage  The Smoking Bishop was made from port, red wine, lemons or Seville oranges, sugar, and spices such as cloves. The citrus fruit was roasted to caramelize it and the ingredients were then warmed together. 

I had the non-alcoholic version and Tom had the wine version.  We both liked it!  

ABOUT THE BRICK STORE MUSEUM - The Brick Store Museum, founded in 1936, is located at 117 Main Street in Kennebunk, Maine. The Museum’s Collections hold over 70,000 artifacts relating to regional history. This Museum is open year-round to offer rotating exhibitions, monthly educational programs and tours, historic preservation and archaeology projects, and community events. The Brick Store Museum hosts walking tours, art classes, and exhibits! The website is: https://www.brickstoremuseum.org

(Photo: Brick Store Museum. Credit: Portland Press Herald)

WHY IS IT CALLED THE BRICK STORE?   William Lord, born at Kennebunk Landing in 1799. In 1825, at age 26, he began construction on a dry goods store on Main Street in Kennebunk – today, the focal point of the Brick Store Museum. The building was unusual for its time because it was constructed of locally-kilned brick. Brick was a far more expensive choice, instead of plentiful Maine timber. Evidence of the building’s past (as a dry goods store) still remains upstairs: a windlass (or pulley system) used to hoist heavy goods is visible through a skylight.

FOLIAGE ON OCT. 6th NEAR PEAK - Here in southern and southeastern Maine, the foliage colors were bursting with oranges, yellows and deep reds. Here's a bonus picture of one of the beautiful trees we drove past.