After a couple of tragic missed turns, we arrived at the Concord Historical Society in Pennsylvania at 5:08 PM.
As I zoomed past the entrance, Liz triumphantly shouted: "The signs says they're OPEN !!!" I banged an illegal u-turn and pulled in.
Alas, the small print..... "OPEN - Sunday 1-4 pm."
You know the story: 17th century settlers, looking for peace and tranquility and religious freedom name the place "Concord.” They have numerous conflicts with Native Americans as a precursor to future war with England. Town blossoms in the 18th and 19th centuries, and by the time the 20th and 21st centuries come along, it's all about preserving the historic houses, an elaborate circle of war memorials and building massive, spanking new schools. Yep, that’s the story of Concord, Pennsylvania.
The biggest kicker in this identity crisis is that both towns have a population of about 17,000. I think Concord MA had 6 more people than Concord PA. So what is the historical connection between Concord PA and Concord MA?
Can't find one.
How disappointing.
I spent an hour in the local library researching the history of the Concord PA, but could find no link. They are doppelgängers - two nearly identical towns growing up with similar appearances, growing up so similar in their own private worlds unconnected to each other.
Or is Concord PA the little brother who was born 50 years later. Big brother has the victory at the North Bridge. Little brother is next door to George Washington's defeat at Brandywine. Concord MA claims Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau and Alcott; Concord PA counters with someone named Sarah Stilwell Weber. Concord PA has an astonishing 207 registered historic structures, but the original has The Old Manse, The Alcott House, and The Robbins House. No disrespect meant; Concord PA is a town of beautiful lush farms and a well preserved history. It is completely unfair to pass judgement in a couple of hours, so I'll have to return.
Can't find one.
How disappointing.
I spent an hour in the local library researching the history of the Concord PA, but could find no link. They are doppelgängers - two nearly identical towns growing up with similar appearances, growing up so similar in their own private worlds unconnected to each other.
Or is Concord PA the little brother who was born 50 years later. Big brother has the victory at the North Bridge. Little brother is next door to George Washington's defeat at Brandywine. Concord MA claims Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau and Alcott; Concord PA counters with someone named Sarah Stilwell Weber. Concord PA has an astonishing 207 registered historic structures, but the original has The Old Manse, The Alcott House, and The Robbins House. No disrespect meant; Concord PA is a town of beautiful lush farms and a well preserved history. It is completely unfair to pass judgement in a couple of hours, so I'll have to return.
Any place that saves a two-seater outhouse has got to be worth visiting again.
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