Sometimes as I walk downtown, I find myself wishing I could have experienced Concord 100 years ago. Or even several centuries before then.
I look up at the old brick buildings lining the street and try to imagine the same scene with horse-drawn buggies strolling along dirt roads. Maybe people in gowns and suits with top hats wander in and out of establishments. Or, on the corner, a boy calls out the day’s headlines, selling newspapers for a cent or two.
I enjoy reading Jim Spain’s Vintage Views column in the Saturday edition of the Monitor because his stories transport me to a time long gone. Sometimes I’ve thought that if I could have a superpower, time travel would be a great one. Or maybe I just watched “Back to the Future” too many times as a kid.
On Sunday, if you go to Allenstown, you might have the chance to travel back through time. The town’s historical society is hosting a vintage baseball game, with both rules and uniforms inspired by the 1860s. Dirigo Base Ball Club of Maine will face off against Mudville Base Ball Club from Holliston, Mass., starting at 11 a.m. This free, family-oriented event will take place at the Allenstown Community School. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for their sitting comfort.
Another way I time travel is through reading. Historical fiction owns my heart. There’s just nothing like reading about people and places from another time and trying to put yourself there. So if you’re a bookworm like me, then head to Brothers’ Cortado in Concord on Saturday afternoon for a book swap from 2-4 p.m. You can bring books in decent condition to rehome and walk away with ones that will bring new excitement to your shelves.
In the spirit of fun, the Canterbury Fair is back! So stop by 5 Center Road in Canterbury on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for a giant yard sale, games, face painting, vendors and more. There will be artisan, antique and historical showcases, as well as food trucks, live music, dancing and books and baked goods for sale. Both attendance and parking are free, so grab the whole family and have a blast.
Finally, if you’re in the mood to sip a drink and listen to some music, then Feathered Friend has the perfect vibe for you. The John Spignesi Band will hit the stage at 6 p.m.
“Spignesi’s ultimate goal is to create music that makes listeners forget about the chaos of the world, if only for a brief moment,” the description promises. “The band invites you along for the journey as they continue to grow and create.”
Whatever you do, enjoy!
