"Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus"

November 21, 2021 — Andrew J. Fenady and Val de Crowl wrote a teleplay around the famous letter to the editors of the New York Sun in 1897, written by a young girl asking them to confirm whether Santa Claus is real. The annual "radio play" at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith, New Hampshire is always one of my favorite productions.

This year the Winni Players Community Theatre staged "Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus." The Winni stage is set up as an old-fashioned radio studio with actors seated in a circle, stepping forward to microphones to read from a script as required. Behind them is the control room, and the sound effects man, called a foley artist in the trade, is over to the left with all the equipment he needs to produce the sounds called for.

An Irish immigrant, James O'Hanlon, is out of work, his 8-year-old daughter Virginia's friends are saying there's no Santa Claus, and Christmas isn't promising to be a happy time for the family. I'm not sure what's fact and what's fiction in this play, but Frank Church is described by his editor, Ed Mitchell, as one of the greatest newspapermen his paper, or any other, has known. But Church's wife and newborn daughter have died and in his grief he has taken to drink and has barely been saved from suicide by Mitchell, who has an "important assignment" for him.

This important assignment is to write an editorial in answer to Virginia O'Hanlon's question about the existence of Santa Claus, because her father, James, told her "if it's in the Sun, it's true." At first, Church thinks this must be a joke, but he rises to the task. His editorial, unsigned, ran on Page 1 of the Sun, and now, more than one hundred years later, it's one of the best-known editorials ever written.

Margaret Lundberg directed this presentation and selected the music, Liz Rohdenburg designed the costumes and Winni artistic director Neil Pankhurst was the sound and lighting designer. Virginia was played by Laconia High School freshman Morgan Mitchell, Dave Rogers appeared as Frank Church and other characters, Pat Kelly was Sun editor Ed Mitchell and other characters. The rest of the cast was rounded out by Kelly Bennett, Lore Briere, Sam Ducharme, Stephen Hird and Mary Rogers. Michael G. Baker was the foley artist, Jim Gocha the announcer. If my count is correct, eight actors played a total of forty-two characters. Quite an achievement!

My holiday spirit needed a jump start after a year and a half of isolation. Thank you, Winni Players, for restoring my hope for a better future with this excellent, heart-warming production. A Google search will find dozens of copies of the complete text of Church's editorial. I hope I'm not violating any copyright laws by including my favorite paragraph here:

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.
—Francis Pharcellus Church

"Frankenstein"

November 7, 2021 — It was March 1, 2020 when I last attended a play at the Players' Ring. We had all heard about this COVID-19 epidemic that allegedly originated in China. A few cases had been reported around the world, including in the U.S. But none of us believed at the time this would be a major threat to us, especially in America. How naïve we were!

One and a half years later I've returned to the Ring, a small, rustic theater in a 19th Century brick building in the historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire waterfront. Life is getting somewhat back to normal, with indoor theater performances returning, but with precautions. At the Ring and other theaters, face masks are required and the Ring demands proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test.

I was here to see their latest offering, "Frankenstein," adapted and directed by Bretton Reis, not from the many movie productions, none of which are faithful to Mary Wallstonecraft Shelley's original 1818 novel she began in her teens (complete title: Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus). Of course, there's no way Shelley's sprawling novel can be condensed into a 90-minute play, but Reis concentrated on character development, emotions, love, grief, and yes, madness. That's not to say the play is lacking in horror. More about that in a minute.

The play was reportedly fast-tracked in just six weeks from Reis's creation of the adaptation to rehearsals and live production. It's astonishing such a polished presentation was achieved in such a short time. Much credit has to go to stage management, led by Jessica Michaud, lighting and scenic design by Reis himself, and props and makeup by Ben Bagley. Costumes were by Jen Towle. Don Goettler and Josh Millar did the carpentry. Music selections were by MYUU and Loyalty Freak Music. The Ring extends special thanks to Kathryn and Tim Mone, Katie Juster and PPMTV.

The Players' Ring seats just 75 on three sides of a small square stage below audience level. This is an extremely intimate space shared by actors and audience. The precisely targeted lighting and ominous music, sometimes accompanied by screams, produced gasps from the startled audience many times. When the stage went black, it was really black, completely hiding quick scenery and prop changes.

Michael Onofaro appeared as Victor Frankenstein, with Christian Arnold as his creation, the monster. Their highly charged performances at times nearly crossed the line into camp. That's not a criticism. It was appropriate for this play. Branwyn Ritchie was Victor's love interest, enchanting but her soft voice caused me to miss some of her dialog. Christopher Savage played Alphonse, Victor's father, his effortlessly powerful voice the strongest of the cast. Fifth grader Michael Mone as Victor's younger brother proved to be a seasoned actor for his young age. Griffin Gower handled the dual roles of Waldman and Felix. Jordan Formichelli also played her two parts brilliantly, Agatha and, at the end, the doomed mate created for the monster.

Driving home after dark, I was sure I saw Frankenstein's monster staring at me through the windshield.

Extinct Car Day

October 24, 2021 — I ended my 2021 car show season with my second trip to the Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts. They were having their annual Extinct Car Day on the museum's lawn, featuring cars no longer manufactured, although there were also many present that are still very much alive and well. There were many Oldsmobiles at the show, a car with a rich history dating back to 1897, unfortunately dropped by General Motors when it could no longer meet sales goals. Studebakers were also plentiful, their parent company founded before the Civil War as a wagon maker.

As always, I checked inside the museum to see if there were any new acquisitions since my last visit, and indeed there were, most notably a 1954 Humber Super Snipe. You'll find it along with many other great cars of the past at:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/extinct2021/

Antique Vehicle Meet & Tour

October 16, 2021 — This annual show by the Antique Automobile Club of America, canceled last year like so many others because of the pandemic, returned this year with a large collection of show-quality antique vehicles. It's often the final show of the season, but this year there would be one more show the following weekend, at least for me.

Held at the Tyngsboro-Dunstable Historical Society's Little Red School House and Field in Dunstable, Massachusetts, often in jacket weather this late in the season, it was unseasonably warm on this day, another in a warmer-than-average October. You can view my pictorial coverage of the event at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/beanpot2021/

Battle for the Airfield

October 10, 2021 — It was the third event I attended at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, Massachusetts, this season. This realistically staged reenactment of a tank battle between Allied and Axis forces in World War II raged back and forth over a large field behind the three exhibits that make up the Collings Foundation complex, the Heritage Museum, Historic Aircraft and Classic Car Barn, all open during this two-day event.

Before the battle, the Allied and Axis encampments are widely separated at opposite ends of the field. Each side has a collection of authentic tanks, cannons, small arms and memorabilia from the WW II era. We could explore each camp until they cleared the field of spectators to prepare for each battle. There were two battles a day. Reenactors and other experts, in the authentic uniforms of their nations, were happy to answer questions about their vehicles, weaponry and history.

The battle was realistic. Explosions were loud and ear plugs were recommended and for sale at the event. Prior to each battle, an honor guard marched out, there was a brief ceremony, and an announcer gave an encapsulated history of the war. The announcer narrated the action throughout the battle which took about 45 minutes. Between battles, there was a roundtable in a tent with seating for an audience where two WW II veterans recounted their experiences in the war.

Videos and photos of the event can be seen at this link, but they hardly do it justice. You have to be there. Watch for it next year.

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/airfieldbattle/

Castle Car Show

October 2, 2021 — It was a cold, overcast day with occasional raindrops at the Castle Car Show at Castle in the Clouds, a major New Hampshire tourist attraction in Moultonborough. This was always a July show, but last year COVID caused a postponement to October, and it was held in October once again this year. July of course was much warmer, and the nearby stables were open, horses were in the field, and riders on horseback passed by the show car field, providing nice additional photo ops. So I'm hoping the show will return to its traditional July date when the COVID threat finally ends.

However, the damp, chilly weather this year didn't dampen enthusiasm, and there was a high turnout of cars and spectators. The Castle show has always attracted rare, high-quality antique vehicles, and this year was no exception with a couple of early 20th Century Stanleys, a full range of American standards from the '20s through '60s, and a large contingent of European makes.

You can see some of the best, at least in my opinion, at:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/castle2021/

“The Bøyg”

Septenber 26, 2021 — In their first indoor theatre performance since the beginning of the pandemic nearly two years ago, theatre KAPOW presented the premiere of “The Bøyg” by A. J. Ditty at the Stockbridge Theatre in Pinkerton Academy in Derry, New Hampshire. It was good to be back in a theater again, but measures were required to safeguard against the still-active virus. Masks were required to be worn throughout the performance, and we all had to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test result. There was no social distancing. In fact, we were fairly jammed together in the small seating area in close proximity to the stage. The actors did not wear masks.

In this complicated, philosophical play, not without its moments of humor, six prisoners of the Nazis in World War II Norway are portrayed by Lisa Boyett, Molly Kane Parker, Rachael Chapin Longo, Carey Cahoon, Rebecca Tucker and Sabrina Schlegel-Mejia. Nicholas Wilder and Peter Josephson appeared as sadistic Nazi officers.

The prisoners decide to rehearse and stage a performance of “Peer Gynt” by Henrik Ibsen to brighten their oppressive confinement as Christmas approaches. The bøyg is a monster in Norse legend that appears in Ibsen’s play. Artistic director Matt Cahoon’s able direction and superb performances by the entire cast held the audience’s rapt attention for almost two hours without intermission. It was definitely two hours well-spent.

Carriagetown Car Show

September 25, 2021 — The Carriagetown Car Show in Amesbury, Massachusetts, a show that has traditionally drawn a wide variety of cars, including many from the brass era, was back after skipping last year due to COVID. At the center of Market Square, on what they call the bullnose, a select few rare antiques are assembled, usually featuring steam-powered cars and others from the brass era. This year a rare 1929 Hudson joined them.

Cars are scattered all over the hilly, picturesque downtown area, filling parking lots and even parked parallel on several streets. There are many good photo ops besides the cars, with the Powwow River tumbling down through the center. Wooden bridges, stairways and foot paths criss-cross the area. Wear comfortable walking shoes.

You can see my photos and a few videos of this year's show at:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/carriagetown2021/

Rye Lions Car Show

September 19, 2021 — After the two disappointing shows of the previous day, the 38th annual Rye Lions Club Car Show and Cruise-In in Rye, New Hampshire, was car enthusiasts' heaven. When you find two Rolls-Royces and a Bugatti right at the entrance, and look out over several acres of Parson's Field covered with antique, custom and specialty vehicles under sunny skies, you know it's a good day.

After missing last season because of COVID, Rye Lions came roaring back with one of its best shows ever. My coverage of the show, 107 photos, the second highest number out of the 29 shows I've attended this season, can be viewed at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/rye21/

Moose Charity Car Show

September 18, 2021 — My intention was to cover two car shows on this Saturday. My first stop was Amherst, New Hampshire, for the Car, Truck & Tractor Show in Lowe's parking lot. With barely more than a dozen vehicles, and only three I found interesting enough to photograph, I never took my camera out of my car and left less than an hour after arriving and headed for the Dover Moose Charity Car Show in Dover, New Hampshire, a bit over an hour's drive away.

The Dover show, sponsored by the Loyal Order of Moose with proceeds going to Dover Children's Home, offered only slightly more than Amherst, but was still sparsely attended, with few worthwhile photo ops. It was no doubt disappointing for the sponsors and the children's home. I was reluctant to leave the second show of the day with no photos, so I took multiple shots of the two most interesting cars, along with a few unusual vehicles, and cobbled together enough photos to fill a small page on my website. You can view them at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/dovermoose/

British Invasion

September 11, 2021 — The show known as British Invasion observed its 30th anniversary this year in Stowe, Vermont. It claims to be the biggest show of British vehicles in the nation. It is indeed a huge show covering quite a few acres on the Stowe Events Field. As always, a ladies' hat competition was held. The ladies design and construct their own hats. Their creations show great artistic skill and originality.

This year featured some stunningly beautiful Rolls-Royces and Bentleys, some from the collection of Ernie Boch, Jr. Also on the field was the largest gathering of Jaguars, MGs, Austin-Healeys, Aston Martins, Triumphs, etc. you'll ever see in one place. The show was supposed to have featured a collection of Singers, but continued closure of the Canadian border prevented many of this make from appearing.

I was there on Saturday of the three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday show. Friday evening features a block party and gathering of show cars on Stow'e Main Street, and more events Sunday. There's music, food, crafts throughout the three days, all very British. My photos of the main car show and hat competition can be viewed at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/invasion21/

Atkinson Truck & Car Show

September 4, 2021 — Third car show in three days wraps up my Labor Day holiday weekend. Getting three consecutive days of fair weather was a rarity this summer. Returning after being absent last year, like so many other shows, was the Atkinson Lions Club and Atkinson Fire Association Truck and Car Show in Atkinson, New Hampshire, a Labor Day tradition for many years. As always, the show featured many Model A Fords, some I had seen and photographed before, but it was good to see them again.

Besides the Model A's there was a good mix of cars and trucks. Perfect weather brought out many show vehicles and spectators. You can see some of the best at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/atkinson21/

Ashby Car Show for Veterans

September 3, 2021 — In spite of a summer of near-record rain, we've had good luck with car shows, only two or three all season experiencing brief showers or drizzle, but no all-out rain-outs. The 11th annual Ashby Car Show for Veterans in Ashby, Massachusetts saw light drizzle most of the day, but still drew a near-capacity field full of cars and many spectators. Presented by Ashby Fire & EMS Association, the show's proceeds benefited veterans.

Rain-drop speckled cars and trucks under overcast skies look good in spite of the weather. You can view them at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/ashby/

Cruising Downtown

September 2, 2021 — Cruising Downtown returned to Manchester, New Hampshire after skipping last year because of COVID-19. Organizers anticipated the largest turnout of show cars and spectators in the show's history, so they claimed they doubled the space allocated to the show. I couldn't see that, but for the first time they opened the Notre Dame Bridge for the display of cars. Otherwise, the show occupied the usual six blocks of Elm Street, the main downtown thoroughfare, along with Veterans' Park and several side streets. There was indeed a huge turnout. By afternoon, the crowd was so dense it was impossible to observe any semblance of social distancing.

More than 1,000 cars were estimated to have appeared, with spectators numbering many thousands, abetted by perfect summer weather. Cruising Downtown, hosted by the Rotary Club of Manchester with proceeds going to area non-profits, may be the largest car show in New Hampshire, and among the few largest in New England. Besides the cars, there are numerous food concessions and live bands.

My 144 photos were by far the most of any show this season up to this time. I don't expect the number to be exceeded. You can see them all st this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/cruising2021/

Moose Festival

August 27-28, 2021 — The Moose Festival, a two-day event held in Colebrook, New Hampshire and Canaan, Vermont was back for its 30th anniversary after missing last year like so many events because of COVID-19. Unfortunately, participation has declined over the years and many features of the show have been discontinued.

The town of Colebrook, observing its 250th anniversary this year, hosts the festival on the first day, always a Saturday. Howard's Restaurant where I always stopped for lunch upon arrival is closed. The colorful Le Rendez-Vous bakery is closed. The Kiwanis Club no longer serves barbecue chicken. Square dancing in the street is no longer held. Even the arts and crafts booths and other concessions along Main Street have dwindled down to a few, and the crowds of spectators are smaller.

But the quilt show at Trinity Methodist Church is still going strong with its huge array of colorful quilts by local quilters, all different every year. The production and quality of these talented artists is amazing. Helicopter rides are offered all day. The Parker Hill Road Band was back to entertain with country music. There was a demonstration of police dog training. Antique cars still line up on Bridge Street to be admired while they wait to parade through town. Near dusk, the parade begins, This year, in honor of the festival's 30th anniversary, there was a fireworks display.

On Sunday, the festival moves to the recreation park in Canaan, Vermont. Held in open fields rather than town streets, it features most of the arts and crafts booths that were in Colebrook, more antique cars, food concessions, moose stew sampling, maple syrup sampling, a moose calling contest, dog show, horse-drawn wagon rides, more helicopter rides, and this year the Axe Women Loggers of Maine displaying their expertise with axe-throwing, chain-saw operation, cross-cut sawing and other daring stunts involving loggers' equipment. Missing were the tethered hot air balloon and children's horseback and pony rides of previous years.

The Moose Festival, though diminished compared to its best years, is still a couple of days well-sepnt. To help you decide whether it's the kind of event you'd enjoy, check out my photos and videos. The first day in Colebrook can be seen at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/colebrook21/

The second day in Canaan may be viewed at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/canaan2021/

Bow Rotary Car Show

August 21, 2021 — It was a long time coming, but the Bow Rotary Club of Bow, New Hampshire, finally had their show after cancellation last year because of COVID and a delay of two months this year. This show, usually held in June, is one of the shows that usually starts off a new season. They may have been waiting this year to see what direction the pandemic would take.

The day was perfect for photography with bright sun and moderate temperature. The good weather brought out cars and spectators in large numbers, all happy to see this popular show return. My photographic coverage can be viewed at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/bowrotary21/

Vermont Antique & Classic Car Meet

August 15, 2021 — I have a history with the Vermont Antique & Classic Car Meet. Sponsored by Vermont Automobile Enthusiasts, it's always been a sentimental favorite. It was among the first major shows I saw in the early years of my antique car photography retirement hobby, having first attended in 2008. I would loyally appear at the show for the next eleven years in a row, ten at Nichols Field in Stowe, Vermont and one after it moved to its new location at Farr's Field in Waterbury.

I always went on Saturday of the three-day Friday-Saturday-Sunday event because Saturday had the most to offer, a fashion show, parade through the village and street dancing in the evening. My streak finally ended on what would have been my twelfth year when all-day rain was forecast on Saturday. I later learned from a few who had been there that it never rained at all. Thanks a lot, meteorologists, for your accurate forecasting! That was 2019. You all know what happened in 2020. The pandemic forced cancellation of the VAE show along with just about every other gathering of any kind for the season.

This year, with the show returning, rain was again forecast for Saturday. Determined not to be denied my favorite show after missing it for two years, I went on Sunday. Sunday is award day. I suspect many car owners that stand little chance of winning a trophy leave after Saturday, and I was right. The show was somewhat smaller than in the past, but it would have been anyway because the Canadian border was closed because of the still-active pandemic, and the show, not far from our northern neighbor, always hosted a large contingent of Canadians.

But it was good to be back to this Vermont show in its 64th year, one of the oldest car shows in the nation. Highlights of the show were an unrestored 1929 Packard towing a 1930 Curtiss Aerocar found in a barn, a German-built 1935 Ford and a 1903 steam-powered Grout. Click the link below to see my photos of this event which, in spite of its diminished size, is still the biggest show I've seen this year up to now:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/vermont21/

Cruisin' the '50s

August 12, 2021 — With the temperature in the 90s and humidity making it feel closer to 100, with some misgivings I headed for Newburyport, Massachusetts, for their annual Cruisin' the '50s car show, canceled last year like so many others due to COVID. It was indeed hot, with oppressive humidity, but not the hottest car show I've experienced. It was an afternoon/evening show.

The turnout of cars and spectators was somewhat below average for this show, probably due to the heat, but still a well-attended show by any standard. Newburyport has more restaurants per block than any other city I've been in, most of them offering outdoor dining. However, I noticed most outdoor seating was unused, many apparently preferring to be indoors with the air conditioning.

I withstood two hours of the punishing heat and got all the photos I wanted, plus a brief video. You can see it all at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/newburyport21/

Kingston Days

August 8, 2021 — The three-day Kingston Days Fair and Car Show in Kingston, New Hampshire, came back with a roar this summer after canceling last year because of the pandemic. By 10 a.m. on the day of the car show, it was announced they had 400 cars. By 10:30, the field was full and they were turning away cars. Some parked on the street.

I didn't stay for award presentation as I have many times in the past. It was a very hot day, but little did we know what was going to hit us in another couple of days. There were many trophies to give out, so a large number of owners would be glad they showed up.

My photos of the event can be seen at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/kingston21/

The Ice House Museum

August 7, 2021 — I had just learned of The Ice House Museum in New London, New Hampshire, when a Boston TV station did a piece on it. It had antique cars, mostly Fords, and a wide variety of memorabilia from the early 20th Century.

I was fascinated by it, so I drove up to New London to have a look. I had been to New London many times over the years, being a regular patron of The New London Barn Playhouse. I always loved the town, home of Colby-Sawyer College, but never ventured off the main drag. The Ice House Museum is off a side street, so I had never seen nor heard of it. The museum doesn't do much promotion or advertising to make itself known.

The museum houses Bill Kidder's collection of automobiles and Americana in several buildings. There are antique Fords, mostly Model A's and T's, and a variety of tools, toys, auto parts, horse-drawn carriages, a blacksmith shop and much more. Guided tours are available, or you may roam about on your own. I recommend a tour because the information you'll get out of it is invaluable.

You can see photos and a video from my tour, partially guided and partially on my own, at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/icehouse/

Timeless Cars of New England

August 1, 2021 — Some of the finest classic cars you'll ever see in one place showed up for the Timeless Cars of New England Concours d'Elegance at the Vintage Racing Stables in Sanbornton, New Hampshire. Rolls Royces, Packards, Chryslers from the '30s, a Cadillac V16, electric cars from the early 20th Century and an assortment of racing cars were on display. Nothing was behind ropes so you could get a closeup look at every vehicle.

The day was mostly cloudy with occasional breaks of sun. Rain was in the forecast but never came. It was a very pleasant day overall. Pictures at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/timelesscars/

MVMVC Weare Rally

July 31, 2021 — A second day of perfect weather to end a month that set records for rainfall. The Merrimack Valley Military Vehicle Collectors (MVMVC) had a three-day show in a field behind the Center Woods School in Weare, New Hampshire. On display were vehicles from all wars, from Jeeps to huge trucks.

Along with my photos you'll see a video of a 1918 International Titan that chugged along on a kerosene-burning two-cylinder engine. Thousands of them were shipped overseas to help with the World War I battles. Just click on this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/mvmvcrally/

Lakes Region Rotary Car Show

July 24, 2021 — The best photographic conditions in a month greeted us at the Lakes Region Rotary Charity Car Show at Weirs Beach on the shore of New Hampshire's Lake Winnipesaukee, largest lake in the state. The sun shone brightly all day in what had been one of the wettest Julys on record in the northeast. The fine weather brought out car owners and spectators in large numbers, overflowing the parking lots of the former Faro Italian Grille.

I selected a mix of old and new, original and custom, cars and trucks for my web pages. You can view it all at this link:

https:www.linwoodstreet.com/lakesregion21/

Aviation Museum & Wrenn Memorial

July 17, 2021 — With showers and thunderstorms in the forecast once again in this already rain-soaked July, I risked venturing out to the first of two car shows. The first was at the Aviation Museum in Londonderry, New Hampshire. Skies were overcast and humidity was high but no rain was falling when I left the house. Turnout was good at the show, not as high as last year, but there may have been 200 cars and plenty of spectators to admire them.

Around mid-morning, rain began and quickly turned into a deluge. Fortunately, this was one of those shows where spectators can park near the show field and I didn't have too far to run for the shelter of my car. I waited out the downpour in my car and it was over in about 15 minutes. Everyone returned to the field, no cars had left and the show resumed.

Around noon I left for the Norm Wrenn Memorial car show at Lee Raceway in Lee, New Hampshire. Wrenn, who had recently passed away, was a supporter of many charities and local children and the car racing community. A feature of the show was a burnout contest on the race track. Screeching tires, screaming engines, lots of noise and smoke made from some pretty good video, even through a chain link fence. There was no more rain.

My coverage of the Aviation Museum show can be seen at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/aviation2021/

For video and photos from the Lee show, click here:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/wrenn/

British Car Day

July 11, 2021 — The Larz Anderson Auto Museum in Brookline, Massachusetts, was lucky to get one of the few dry days in this rain-soaked July for its British Car Day. I've been to the Larz Anderson many times. Besides the museum, they have several shows a year on their broad lawns, usually dedicated to one category, nation or brand of cars. I was stunned when I walked onto the field. It was the biggest show I can ever remember on the museum's property. There was virtually no space left on the main lawn, and cars were filling up another lot across the road.

The cars were all of British manufacturr. There were a few I never heard of, such as a Bowler and several Caterhams. I could have gotten a lot more pictures than I did, but I went for variety rather than quantity, selecting the best examples (in my opinion) of the many models, and avoiding a lot of repetition. There are also photos taken inside the museum of some new acquisitions since I was last there. You can see the results of my efforts at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/anderson21british/

"A Chorus Line"

July 6, 2021 — For my first time in an indoor theater since March 15, 2020, I traveled to Meredith, New Hampshire, where I had a reservation for A Chorus Line at the Interlakes Summer Theatre. To their credit, Interlakes is not dropping their COVID guard completely. They ask, but don't require, patrons to wear masks. The audience is separated into well-spaced groups to achieve social distancing. As a group of one, I was surrounded by empty seats. I never had so much space to enjoy in a theater, except that the Interlakes rows are so narrow I didn't have room to stretch my legs and sat sideways in my seat for most of the performance.

One of the most successful shows ever produced, originally directed and choreographed by Michael Bennett with music by Marvin Hamlisch and lyrics by Edward Kleban, A Chorus Line is an ambitious challenge for small summer theater companies. I saw it once before at the Eastern Slope Playhouse in North Conway, New Hampshire, ten years ago. I gave it a good review for its multi-talented, mostly young cast, and great song and dance numbers. This Interlakes production was equal in every way if memory serves me. The show demands singing, dancing and acting talent, a tall order this cast achieved for the most part. The Interlakes production was directed and choreographed by Gustavo Wons with music direction by Spencer Stern and costume design by DW Withrow.

A Chorus Line plays out on a bare stage. In the Interlakes production a mirror covers the entire back of the stage, visually expanding the dance numbers. It's covered by a curtain at times when the effect is not needed. Zach, a choreographer, needs to select four men and four women out of seventeen applicants for his planned musical. Along with their talents, each of the applicants is asked to give personal details about themselves, their family history, hopes and aspirations. They comply with song, dancing and monologue, often accompanied by the entire company. This takes up most of just over two hours of the play. They have markedly different personalities and backgrounds and a hodgepodge of attire. A few spice up their monologues with salty language and sexual references.

Finally, Zach makes his decision on his eight dancers. The final scene is food for thought for the more thoughtful in the audience. Is this what these eight very different people from different backgrounds, with high hopes for stardom, really wanted? A Chorus Line doesn't answer this question, in case the question even occurs to us. Some of us may see it as simply great entertainment with dazzling, energetic dance numbers, pretty girls in skimpy costumes, a fine orchestra, moments of comedy and poignancy, and it's all of those.

 

York Auto Show

June 20, 2021 — My first time at the York Auto Show in York, Maine, was a pleasant surprise. There was a large turnout of cars in a wide variety. The day was sunny and pleasant, warm but not as hot as much of the month of June so far. I could go on and on describing the great cars, but I'll just let you see for yourself at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/yorkshow/

"Betrayal"

June 17, 2021 — The Winnipesaukee Playhouse in Meredith, New Hampshire, has enlarged the outdoor amphitheater they built last year so their limited productions could be viewed in the greater safety of the outdoors during the pandemic. They plan to use it for several productions this season. They still require patrons to wear masks for the duration of the play, but they serve drinks and refreshments. All employees and performers are required to be fully vaccinated.

The current play is "Betrayal" by Harold Pinter. In the first act, Emma (Krystal Pope) and Jerry (William Wilder), apparently old friends, have a rather awkward, cautious conversation. What's unknown to the audience at this point is their past, which will be gradually revealed as the play moves backward in time over nine years (if I counted correctly) in nine acts.

The acting by the cast of three (besides the aforementioned, A. J. Ditty is Robert), is excellent. Their British accents are convincing. This play by a master playwright with its sharp dialog was great entertainment, often funny, with brief flare-ups of anger, as the characters' deceits and lies become revealed. A. J. Ditty's drunken Robert was hilarious. Jim Rogato had a brief walk-on role as a waiter in this performance. He alternates in that role with Jim Gocha.

The setting was a mostly bare stage with a white floor and backdrop. A series of large cushioned blocks was ingeniously arranged to furnish each act's location, from a flat to a living room to a restaurant and others. The actors themselves arranged the blocks according to each act's requirements. This was the brain child of artistic director Neil Pankhurst who also directed the play. Not only that, but he also gets credit for scenic design and sound design. Costume design was by Lesley Pankhurst. John Findlay was the stage manager.

 

Mill City Car Show

June 12, 2021 — The show with the ungainly title "MCCNE Mill City All Wheels Car Show," hosted by the Mustang Car Club of New England, was held on the spacious Anne Dean Welcome Regatta Field in Lowell (Massachusetts) Heritage State Park. The field, soaked by heavy rain the night before, with some areas too swamped to park a car on, nonetheless had ample space for hundreds of vehicles. It's an excellent area for a car show where a long, straight road, with a wide shoulder to park on, free, runs along the side of the field. You simply step from your car onto the field.

The show featured a wide variety of cars, dominated by muscle cars, street rods, imports, some humorous creations, but not many classics. Heavy cloud cover dulled photography somewhat, but I'm pleased with the pictures I came away with. Hope you will be too. You can view them at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/millcity/

One Day, Two Shows

June 5, 2021 — This was the first day of what would become a 5-day heat wave with temperatures of 90 degrees and over, near record-breaking for this early in the season in New Hampshire. The Goffstown Rotary show, canceled last year for the first time in its history because of the pandemic, had an impressive turnout of cars and spectators. The pandemic was in decline, new cases were the lowest since the beginning more than a year ago, vaccinations were up and restrictions were being lifted, especially in the Northeast.

In spite of the high turnout, there were many cars I had seen and photographed before, some many times. I took pictures of the few I found exceptional and passed over most of those that can be found elsewhere on my site. I came away with less than 40 photos, hoping for a better score at my second show of the day in Loudon.

Muscle at the Museum, an annual show presented by NH Muscle Cars and hosted by North East Motor Sports Museum, larger than the Goffstown show, featured "funny cars," basically drag racers covered with brightly painted and decorated car bodies. Winners of a raffle were invited to sit behind the wheel of one of these cars and rev the engine to an ear-splitting roar.

The funny cars were unusual and photogenic, and I got a brief video of the engine revving, but other than that, like Goffstown, there were many cars I had seen before, and the heat and humidity were becoming oppressive, causing me and many others to cut our visit short and escape to our air conditioned cars for a cooling drive home, which hopefully for many would also have A/C.

I ended up with fewer pictures from the two shows than I normally take at a single event, but you can view the few I got at Goffstown at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/goffstown2021/

The Muscle at the Museum photos and a video are at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/muscleatmuseum/

Granite State Season Opener

May 22, 2021 — Our New England bodies, so recently gripped in the cold, damp, frosty final days of winter, aren't really prepared for a 90-degree day in May, but that's what we got for the Granite State Season Opener in Deerfield, New Hampshire. Hosted by NH Muscle Cars on the sprawling Deerfield Farigrounds, the July-like 90 was achieved in spite of mostly overcast skies with only occasional peeks of sun.

Turnout of both cars and spectators was impressive, with food concessions and other vendors doing a booming business. The show included a swap meet, live band and police dog demonstration. Not a face mask was in sight at this show reminiscent of pre-pandemic times. With vaccinations up and COVID cases in decline, it brought hope of continued improvement and a return to normal.

Last September's NH Muscle Cars show at Deerfield featured a good mix of American classics of the '30s, '40s and 50s, along with the usual muscle cars and customs we'd expect at a show sponsored by muscle car enthusiasts. This year's show was heavily dominated by the muscle variety with less participation by other classes. But it was a good show with high turnout and hundreds of cars, and promised a life beyond COVID.

My photographic coverage of this event can be seen at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/graniteopener/

Tank Demo Weekend

May 16, 2021 — I'm really broadening the scope of my so-called "Vintage Cars" page. I'm wondering if I should change the name of it to "Transportation Page" or "Anything That Moves Under Its Own Power Page." My most recent series is an exhibit and demonstration of military tanks. In the past I've included not only cars and trucks, but trains, airplanes, boats and even horses.

The Tank Demo Weekend at the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, Massachusetts was a demonstration of tanks speeding around a dirt track, along with exhibits of arms and other equipment and memorabilia from both world wars, with re-enactors dressed in authentic uniforms on hand to answer questions.

An announcer gave a running commentary on the tanks and other activities throughout the day. A highlight was a talk by a 97-year-old former tank gunner in Patton's Army in World War II. I can only hope I have his energy, humor and memory at that age, assuming I make it that far.

All three museums in the complex were open, American Heritage, Historic Aircraft and Classic Car Barn (ah, that makes it a legitimate entry in my Vintage Cars Page). There's video of the tanks and excerpts from the World War II vet's commentary, along with photos of the various military displays, and links to my visit to the American Heritage Museum in 2019 and the Aircraft Museum and Car Barn in 2015. You can see it all at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/tankday/

Bentley's Saloon First Car Show

May 9, 2021 — My third car show this early in the season bodes well for a good year, and these weren't small shows. All three were well-attended and drew a large number and variety of vehicles. Bentley's Saloon First Show of the Season, a day-time show in Arundel, Maine, launched Bentley's long season of cruise nights. I'm not good at estimating number of vehicles, but I think 200 would be in the ballpark. Not only the number, but a surprising variety greeted spectators.

Of course, there were the usual street rods and customs. I passed up many late model muscle cars because they dominated every show in 2020, but I did include a few I thought were exceptional. The show also included some stunning restorations of American standards from the '30s, '40s and ''50s. A few European models gave the show an additional touch of class.

So many motorcycles arrived in a steady stream throughout the day, they were turned away late in the show when there was no more space for them. I included photos of a very few, but my primary goal is to present 4-wheel vehicles.

If you're a fan of late model muscle cars, you'll find plenty of them in my 2020 shows. My coverage of Bentley's Saloon show can be seen at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/bentleys/

Cruising the Mountains 2021

April 24, 2021 — NH Muscle Cars knew scheduling a car show in April in the mountains of northern New Hampshire was a risky proposition. Snow and icy conditions are common in that region, sometimes into May. In fact, it did snow a few days before the show was scheduled. But they won their bet with Mother Nature. The sun came out, temperature climbed to near 70 and all the snow melted by the day of the show.

Littleton Elks Club Lodge 1831 hosted the show at their property in neighboring Bethlehem. Show cars drove in a parade beginning in Concord, 90 miles to the south. There were 40 to 50 vehicles and they drew an impressive number of spectators. There was a good variety of vehicles, including muscle cars, trucks, customs and '50s and '60s standards. Trophies were awarded.

You can see a selection of my favorites at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/mountains2021/

Bash for Nash

March 27, 2021 — The 2021 car show season got off to an early start when Epic Auto Sales hosted a  show dedicated to an 8-year-old boy named Nash, an avid car and truck enthusiast, who was diagnosed with a serious illness. The purpose of the show was two-fold, to give Nash an opportunity to spend a few hours among his beloved vehicles and to collect donations for his considerably medical costs.

The show was held at the New England Dragway in Epping, New Hampshire. Car and truck owners and spectators responded in large numbers, filling the expansive Dragway with a variety of cars, old and new, and some of the biggest trucks and heavy equipment I've ever seen.

The day was sunny and warmer than normal for March in New Hampshire. Nash was chauffeured around in a motorized cart with his family, and I'm sure he was thrilled with what he experienced. COVID-19 is threatening for the second year in a row, and signs urged people to wear masks and observe social distancing, which is getting to seem like a normal way of life.

My photos of the event can be seen at this link:

https://www.linwoodstreet.com/bashfornash/