Dorchester, birthplace of American chocolate!

On Sunday Feb 19th we were finally able to attend the annual chocolate event at the Dorchester Historical Society - what fun! The capacity crowd learned about the history of chocolate, introduced to the US in Dorchester in 1765 (factoid via presenter and judge Rebecca Scheier of Tie Your Apron), celebrated the 3 cook-off winners (congratulations Jack Dennerlein, Candice Gartley and Judy Raup!) and tasted lots and lots of delicious homemade chocolate-y treats. Afterwards, walked the dog for 20 miles or so to work off all those calories!

DotPark4 fundraiser Weds. Nov. 10

RE: Dorchester Park benefit event on Nov. 10 - they always throw a great party! Hope to see you at the Ledge in Lower Mills.

Annual Tide Mill Conference next Saturday November 7

Anyone interested in industrial history and what it can teach us about renewal energy sources should take note - on Saturday November 7, head to the 5th Annual Tide Mill Conference at the Dorchester Historical Society's headquarters, the William Clapp House (1806) at 195 Boston Street. There will be a full day of presentations on the history of tide mills, where they were located, how they operated, and updates on preserving remaining historic sites. Also, plan to attend the always-fun Friday evening "schmoozing" on November 6. To see an excellent article click here.

Tide Mill Institute - 2008 Conference

Those interested in history and alternative energy sources may want to attend an unusual event coming up on Nov 7 & 8, 2008. Every November, the Dorchester Historical Society hosts this international conference for tide mill enthusiasts. A tide mill harnesses the power of rising sea water, both incoming and outgoing, to run machinery. The Clapp family, early settlers of Dorchester who once owned the property now housing the historical society, ran a South Bay tide mill close by their Boston Street home. [see page 7 of The Clap Memorial in my library]

chocolate - one of many Dorchester firsts

I am craving chocolate, maybe because I live within a mile of Lower Mills, the location of the country's first chocolate factory.