Happy, Happy Halloween!~ The day of frightful delights is finally here! And in the spirit of ghosts and goblins and things macabre, I thought I would take you on a little tour, if that’s fine with you!
How about the Witch House in Salem, Mass.? It’s not too spooky, but the things said and done within its walls may give you the shivers. It is the last remaining structure that was around during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693– and also home to one of the infamous trials’ judges— Judge Jonathan Corwin. Within its very walls talk of witch craft and the devil were discussed, and most likely warrants for arrest– leading to the death of 19 innocent people— were signed. Come in and take a peek, if you dare….
Once you step inside the Witch House, you are immersed in the history of the 17th century— and the structure has been lovingly and diligently restored to reflect the time in which Judge Corwin and his wife and children would have lived within the house.
And while it may seem modest to modern eyes, it was really quite the lavish dwelling for its time— the Corwins were well-to-do and pillars of the Salem community.
The witch house was one of my favorite locations to tour because it was so open for people to roam and look at, to photograph and to ask questions about. One of the house guides sat quietly in the corner knitting, happy to answer any questions one may have— a pretty good gig if you ask me!
It’s also so easy to imagine women gathering around the hearth, cooking supper and tending to the fire, and also whispering about the strange things happening in town. Were they fearful? Were they suspicious? Were they accusers or even the accused?
Aside from its dark association with the witch trials, the Witch House, is such an interesting place, a window into a way of life long past, yet familiar. Children’s trundle beds slip out from beneath their parent’s bed, a cradle stand in the corner; ingredients for the day’s meal sit at the ready beside the hearth, chores are to be done, letters to be written.
If you find yourself in Salem, I highly recommend a visit. There is also a little gift shop beside the house, and I came away with a little black cat for my girl at home, and this book about the Witch Trials, which is supposed to be an interesting read.
And of course— wishing you a merry Halloween! Enjoy the day– and of course, the night!~!~
~H
Sleightholm Folk Art 
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