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Another morning outing during Phase 2
Jun. 16th, 2020 01:11 pmInspired by an ongoing rant against Thoreau by someone on Twitter, I did a small correctional history action on the statue next to the replica cabin, adding a mask and a sign that gave credit to his mother and sister.
I made the mask out of linen, which probably would have been his preference. My guess is that he, like Bronson Alcott, wouldn't have worn cotton, due to the slavery connection. For a sardonic, slightly fictionalized version of Alcott's story, see "Transcendental Wild Oats" by LMA.
https://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/engl368/transoats.pdf
It was a nice morning to walk around the Pond. The park staff have done some interesting and useful things to deal with distancing. The path around the pond is designated one-way, so that nobody comes face to face with someone else on a narrow path. We only saw one person who was going the wrong way, and at my request, she waited until we had the chance to back up to a side path before she passed. We didn't do anything in or on the water, but lots of people were there to swim or boat. It's a good place to safely do it - there is the main beach (no lifeguard currently), but there are lots of little spots all around the perimeter for one's own tiny beach or kayak landing spot. I was surprised to see that the restrooms were open, but the water fountains were still
covered, as were the trash cans. Under Phase Two in Massachusetts, stores are open with rules in place, and museums are closed. The visitor's center building has some nature displays. That part of the building is shut tight. At the other end, the small gift shop is open. We didn't go in, but found it interesting to look in the windows. Potential shoppers are urged to look in the window, in fact, and not go in if there are four shoppers already there. They have standing and walking areas marked on the floor, and I guess only four people would fit. The featured books on display were "Black Walden" and "How to be an anti-racist." Trying to make a buck off the zeitgeist, or just giving good choices? I've read them both and recommend them both
https://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/14612.html
https://www.ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be-an-antiracist-1
I made the mask out of linen, which probably would have been his preference. My guess is that he, like Bronson Alcott, wouldn't have worn cotton, due to the slavery connection. For a sardonic, slightly fictionalized version of Alcott's story, see "Transcendental Wild Oats" by LMA.
https://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/engl368/transoats.pdf
It was a nice morning to walk around the Pond. The park staff have done some interesting and useful things to deal with distancing. The path around the pond is designated one-way, so that nobody comes face to face with someone else on a narrow path. We only saw one person who was going the wrong way, and at my request, she waited until we had the chance to back up to a side path before she passed. We didn't do anything in or on the water, but lots of people were there to swim or boat. It's a good place to safely do it - there is the main beach (no lifeguard currently), but there are lots of little spots all around the perimeter for one's own tiny beach or kayak landing spot. I was surprised to see that the restrooms were open, but the water fountains were still
covered, as were the trash cans. Under Phase Two in Massachusetts, stores are open with rules in place, and museums are closed. The visitor's center building has some nature displays. That part of the building is shut tight. At the other end, the small gift shop is open. We didn't go in, but found it interesting to look in the windows. Potential shoppers are urged to look in the window, in fact, and not go in if there are four shoppers already there. They have standing and walking areas marked on the floor, and I guess only four people would fit. The featured books on display were "Black Walden" and "How to be an anti-racist." Trying to make a buck off the zeitgeist, or just giving good choices? I've read them both and recommend them both
https://www.upenn.edu/pennpress/book/14612.html
https://www.ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be-an-antiracist-1
