Downtown New Ipswich

New Ipswich Historical Society

Along the Turnpike

This is an interesting photo, arrows with no labels. The first arrow on left points to the barn that was part of the Willowbrook Tavern, the next might be the Masonic Lodge. The next is probably the Thayer Cigar shop which is now the New Ipswich Market. Leave a comment if you have more information.

William Jurian Kaula diary

17 MAY 1898

The attack on San Juan, Porto [sic] Rico shows that the fire of our vessels did immense damage, the forts were not silenced, nor had the Admiral attempted a landing.  Admiral Cervera has created considerable excitement in Madrid and America since the intelligence has been received of his arrival at Martinique.  It is a bold move, considering the number and ordinance of the Spanish vessels.  The superior forces of our squadrons will try hard to strike a decisive blow.  The location of the Spanish fleet will first have to be determined as the Spanish Admiral will probably resort to some clever tactics to avoid a collision.  The first blood of the Americans in this war has been shed but the first deaths occurred at Cardenas, Cuba, when the torpedo boat Winslow was disabled by running in close to the batteries.  There has been much of this reckless exposure of the small vessels in the blockading squadron owing to the poor aim of the Spaniards.  An attempted landing at Cabañas in which the steamer Gussie tried to meet the Insurgents with a supply of arms and ammunition.  A loud fight occurred with the Spanish troops who were waiting instead of the Insurgents.  The Gussie was obliged to return, no loss of lives among our men.  The Spanish Strategy commands much admiration.  There is no concealing the fact that Admiral Cavera has outwitted our Admirals and there is no knowing where the Spanish fleet will turn up again.

Later.  The Spanish fleet has arrived at Curacao in the Dutch West Indies.  This is way down near South American, near Venezuela.  The Flying Squadron which was at Hampton Roads has sailed south and has turned up at Charleston.  It is probably that this fleet will join that of Sampson's in the West Indies.  This is by far the most interesting period of the war.  The Spanish have kept their plans well concealed while at home news of the movements of our fleets have been published daily.  All this will stop as the censor is getting to work everywhere.  The Spanish fleet has no chance against either of our squadrons and what Admiral Cervera intends to accomplish is a conjecture.  He may prolong the war by evading capture or forced combat, he may intercept the Oregon and the two other vessels on their way from South America.  To prolong the war would be far more ruinous to Spain.  There is an impatience at home at the apparent slowness at getting into war trim, but it will come slowly and surely.  The impossibility of relying upon the Insurgents for any effective cooperation is convinced.  The uncertain results in minor operations toward helping them with supplies proved that the Cuban campaign is more formidable that it was originally supposed.  The preparations for embarking troops from Florida has been hastily ended since the arrival of the Spanish fleet in the West Indies.  Nothing can be done with sure success until the fleet is disposed of.  It will take more than two weeks to conquer Cuba after all!  There is some feeling against France about the apparent breach of International law in allowing the Spaniards to ______ at Martínique.

There has been a bombardment by our ships of Cienfuegos for the purpose of destroying the batteries.  There is much said about a possible Anglo-Saxon Alliance with England.  Mr. Chamberlain's speech in England points to the harmonious relations between the two countries.  This speech has created a sensation all over Europe as well.

To get back to Crécy again where the spring time effects are simply delightful.  The apple blossoms which are late this season are now coming and the next week will be a busy one for me.  The plum trees were very numerous with their greenish white blossom, they are all gone.

James Roger diary entry

17th May 1912

Showery with thunder in afternoon; wind south to west. David & Daniel at Spoffords’. I finished cutting the grass at Prestons’ and went to mail. Got letter from Hamish. Got 3 dollars from Dan Brown for appraising Sophronia Knowlton’s estate..