Many years ago, William Varrell was talking with an old carpenter's wife in Rye. "Father was the town photographer. We still have the glass negatives," she mentioned. Thus began Varrell's fascination with the old images that breathe new life into long-forgotten events and faces from Rye's past. Rye is a small town without major industries or impressive public buildings, but it has a long and colorful history. Alas, there were no cameras to record the colonial settlements, the Native American massacres, or Rye's proud role in the Revolutionary War. However, the dawn of a thriving...
Many years ago, William Varrell was talking with an old carpenter's wife in Rye. "Father was the town photographer. We still have the glass negati...
Founded in 1634, Ipswich is one of the oldest towns in America. It currently has more First Period houses still lived in than any other community in the United States. It was originally the home of Colonial governors, renowned furniture makers, sea captains, and the Heard family, who were giants in the China trade. Added to the early settlers were immigrant millworkers and millionaires who built summer mansions. As nearby towns with broader rivers and deeper harbors became commercial successes, Ipswich went into decline. It was this "hibernation" that enabled Ipswich to maintain its earliest...
Founded in 1634, Ipswich is one of the oldest towns in America. It currently has more First Period houses still lived in than any other community in t...
