We asked seven of Discover Concord’s writers and historians to imagine a holiday shopping list with a twist: If you could give a gift to one person from Concord’s past, whom would you choose and what would you give? Their answers range from the practical to the poignant to the wonderfully unexpected.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
| Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsRALPH WALDO EMERSON
The Gift: A Journal
by Kristi Lynn Martin
For Ralph Waldo Emerson: a journal to keep his thoughts. Emerson was the heart and center of the community and humbly gave to so many people in tangible and intangible forms; he doesn’t always receive the appreciation that his generous spirit deserves.
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Dr. Kristi Lynn Martin is an independent interdisciplinary scholar specializing in Concord’s 19th-century literary circle. She has worked with Concord’s many literary sites, including the Emerson House.
Margaret Fuller
| Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsMARGARET FULLER
The Gift: A Book of Her Legacy
by Tammy Rose
At a serene Walden sunset,
I would give her a book.
With all the updates.
All the writings & works she inspired.
What the Margaret Fuller House looks like now:
filled with laughter, community & inspiration. And on the beach, a giant circle of women
in “Conversation,”
telling how
she brought us
through our own storms.
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Tammy Rose runs TranscendentalConcord.org, which is a series of creative projects including location-based theater, YouTube videos, and podcasts all about the town’s history, literature, and the people who share their love of these topics with visitors.
COLONEL JAMES BARRETT
The Gift: A Gown and Bonnet—for Rebeckah
by Alexander Cain
I would give Colonel James Barrett a fine new gown and bonnet—meant for his wife, Rebeckah, of course. While Colonel Barrett was busy leading the militia, Rebeckah hosted 120 British soldiers, served them breakfast, put up with their search of the homestead, and sent them away with nothing. She even had to clean up after them! The card would read, “To Colonel James Barrett: One gown and bonnet for Mrs. Barrett, with compliments, and a gentle reminder that hiding the King’s stores was much easier than getting back into your wife’s good graces.”
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Alexander Cain serves as director of a youth career exploration initiative in the Greater Boston area. He regularly delivers lectures on the military and social influences of April 19, 1775, and is the founder of the critically acclaimed blog and podcast Historical Nerdery.
Henry David Thoreau
| Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsHENRY DAVID THOREAU
The Gift: Solitude
by Richard Smith
What would I give Henry Thoreau for the holidays? This is the man who proudly wrote that he “cultivated poverty.” So, what do you give the man who wants nothing? Thoreau loved his solitude, and even the best company was “wearisome and dissipating.” Leaving him alone is probably the best gift I could give him!
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Richard Smith has lectured on and written about antebellum United States history and 19th-century American literature since 1995. He is a public historian and living history interpreter and regularly writes for Applewood Books/Arcadia Publishing.
Ellen Garrison
| Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsELLEN GARRISON
The Gift: Her Legacy
by Nikki Turpin
My favorite historic Concordian is Ellen Garrison, and my gift to her would be legacy. Her story, words, and impact were overlooked for too long, but now, Concord celebrates Ellen Garrison Day. I’d want her to know that we are honored to tell her story, that her name is spoken with love, and that future generations will carry it forward with pride.
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Nikki Turpin is president of the board of directors of Robbins House, a Concord museum and historic site that preserves and shares the stories of African American history in Concord.
Louisa May Alcott
| Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsLOUISA MAY ALCOTT
The Gift: Health—and the Knowledge That She Made a Difference
by Jan Turnquist
I would give Louisa May Alcott girlhood health to again run free. I would also give her the knowledge that girls everywhere claim Jo’s courage as their own and that her efforts for universal enfranchisement and equal rights made a difference. Finally, I would want her to know that when she said, “Life is my college. May I graduate well and earn some honors,” she did!
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Jan Turnquist is executive director of Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, an internationally acclaimed portrayer of Louisa May Alcott, historical consultant, and Emmy winner for her Orchard House documentary, which streams on PBS.
Amos Bronson Alcott
| Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsAMOS BRONSON ALCOTT
The Gift: A Shopping Spree at
Debra’s Natural Gourmet
by Victor Curran
Bronson Alcott refused to eat meat, eggs, or dairy products. Coffee and tea had no place on his table. He even avoided root vegetables like potatoes and carrots because they grow down, not up. His contemporaries mocked his preferred meal of fruit, bread, and water. Today, folks who want a diet that promotes the health of the planet as well as their own health have many more tasty options. And that’s why my holiday gift to Bronson Alcott is a shopping spree at Debra’s Natural Gourmet.
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Victor Curran is a Concord history educator, tour guide, museum interpreter, lecturer, and writer
