St. John’s Church – Sandwich, MA

 In 1896, a lot was purchased at 159 Old Main Street which measured 60 feet by 123 feet.  The fundraising efforts of the Woman’s Guild of the church, as well as, donations from summer visitors including former president’s wife Frances F. Cleveland, resulted in $1219.75 of the needed $1600.00 for the Carpenter’s estimate.  The rest was covered through pledges and they hired Robert H. Slack of New Bedford as the architect.  He designed a small church with a nave to seat 100 parishioners, a small sacristy, and a belltower.  Construction began on March 13, 1899.  It was decided to leave the interior woodwork natural and to paint the ceiling a robin’s egg blue as it was soothing and peaceful

Faber-Castell Art pens and Holbein Watercolors in a Stillman and Burn Beta Sketchbook. Sketched loosely in the Studio
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Pointsettia

The Pointsettia is indigenous to Mexico and Central America, the poinsettia was first described by Europeans in 1834. It is particularly well known for its red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. It derives its common English name from Joel Roberts Pointsett, the first United States Minister to Mexico, who is credited with introducing the plant to the US in the 1820s.

Wild poinsettias occur from Mexico to southern Guatemala, growing on mid-elevation, Pacific-facing slopes. Wild poinsettia populations are highly fragmented, as their habitat is experiencing largely unregulated deforestation. They were cultivated by the Aztecs for use in traditional medicine. They became associated with the Christmas holiday and are popular seasonal decorations. Every year in the US, approximately 70 million poinsettias of many cultivated varieties are sold in a six-week period.

Faber-Castell Art pens and Holbein Watercolors in a Stillman and Burn Beta Sketchbook. Sketched loosely in the Studio

Merry Christmas – Chatham Light

The Chatham Lighthouse is all decked out for the holidays.

Considered the iconic landmark of the town, the Chatham Light stands 48 feet tall and 80 feet above sea level overlooking the infamous Chatham Bar. It is one of the few lighthouses in America that still operates 24 hours a day.

The Chatham Light is an operational lighthouse under the US Coast Guard.

The Chatham Light was originally a pair of lighthouses, called the “Twin Lights”, and this site was just one of three lighthouse locations in Chatham – the others being the Stage Harbor Light, and the Monomoy Light. More history below.

Faber-Castell Art pens and Holbein Watercolors in a Stillman and Burn Beta Sketchbook. Sketched in Studio

Persimmons

I am not sure if I have ever tried a Persimmon. They look so good, I will have to try them.

Even though some varieties of persimmons look just like small tomatoes, they’re actually a type of berry They grow on fruit trees and, depending on the variety, can range in color from light orange to dark reddish-orange. Persimmons are in season in mid-fall to early winter.

Holbein Watercolors in a Stillman and Burn Beta Sketchbook. Sketched in Studio.