Chickens!

In the spring of 1912, A.N. Bush and his wife, Lulu, spent several nights at the Bush House, the home of his father and his sister, Sally. While sleeping in the guest bedroom, A.N. and Mrs. Bush were disturbed by a brood of nine chickens who had wandered away from the barnyard and were roosting near the house. A.N. complained, "One rooster crowed all night. He would keep it going three or four times a minute till he got us awake, then would stop. No sooner had we got to sleep again that he would start up." All of this nocturnal noise was particularly annoying because, according to A.N., the home was located in the countryside and was supposed to be peaceful!

We're in the city now, and things are especially busy this weekend as the Salem Art Fair and Festival takes place in Bush's Pasture Park. Tours are half price during the Art Fair (July 18-20), so it's a great time to see our current exhibit, which features historic photographs and stories about the animals who inhabited the lives of the Bush family. We'll also be demonstrating how to make lavender wands, and we'll be selling wands to benefit our Restoration Fund. Hope to see you here!

Welcome, Neighbors!

When the Bush House was built in 1878, it was an elegant farmhouse situated outside the boundaries of the City of Salem. The nearest neighbors were located to the north, across the County Road, or to the west beyond the yet-unnamed High Street. In those days, hospitality was extended to Bush family members and friends, political allies and commercial partners, Salem's high society, and the down-and-out in search of a hot meal.

By 1953, when the House became a museum under the auspices of the Salem Art Association, the City of Salem had expanded to embrace the old home with its surrounding parkland and growing neighborhoods to the south, east, and west. The Bush House Museum opened its doors to welcome the community to view art exhibits, participate in classes, and hear stories about the family who helped shape Salem's history.

Those doors are still open, and you're welcome to stop by, especially if it's been a while since you've visited us. Since we understand that you can't come every day, we're also opening our virtual doors to the Internet community. We're here to tell stories -- and to listen to your stories -- about the Bush family and the history of Salem. We're here to show you historic photographs, to highlight objects from our collection, to let you know what's on exhibit right now and what we're learning about.

So here's our invitation to you: come back and visit again soon. Tell us what interests you, or ask us a question. You're welcome. And, thanks.