I have had a lifelong love of learning about history. The idea of learning the events of the past and relating them to the present has always been an immensely enjoyable intellectual experience for me. I was very fortunate to grow up in New England as this geographical location certainly strengthened these pursuits. So much of the beginning of America and the roots of the Revolution took place there and living there allowed me to see and walk in the footsteps of those giants who worked to frame what would become America. One of the most fascinating and enjoyable places I had the fortune to visit was Spell Hall the home of Revolutionary War General Nathanael Greene. To this day I vividly remember seeing the sign for this national landmark. The sign was located across the street from where I went to school and it caught my young and curious eye. One day it was announced to the class that we were going to go and tour the house. I was mesmerized by the idea that General Greene, a towering figure of the American Revolution, second only to Washington, built and lived in this house. It was from this location that Greene read his library of more than 20o books, conducted his business surrounding his iron forge, planned his entry into the Revolution, raised children and lived his life.
Spell Hall is a Rhode Island and an American treasure. Walking the grounds and looking through those 18th century windows from my 21st century vantage point was transforming then and now. The view is a portal to another time a sort of time travel to the beginnings of America and into the world of a man who was essential to the struggle for Independence. This place is an invitation to listen, understand and learn what the past is trying to teach us.
T.S. Deary
7/22/18
Pictures Assembled From Memory 