2023-10-20: Historical Society

Click timestamps in the text to watch that part of the meeting recording.

Swampscott Historical Society Presentation: “Sickness and Evil in original Lynn”

1. Agenda

  • 1:05 Welcome and Introductions: Molly Connor, President of the Swampscott Historical Society, welcomes attendees, provides logistical details (refreshments, sales table, upcoming events), acknowledges the Swampscott TV broadcast, and introduces the speaker, Andy Rapoza, highlighting their collaborative research on the Humphrey House.
  • 3:11 Presentation: “Sickness and Evil in original Lynn” by Andy Rapoza: The author discusses his book “Promising Cures,” focusing on the fears (wilderness, Native Americans, crime, disease, witchcraft) faced by early colonists in Original Lynn (including Swampscott) and their use of folk magic and ritual protection marks/objects, with specific examples from local homes, particularly the Humphrey House.
  • 1:14:14 Audience Questions and Answers: Andy Rapoza fields questions from the audience regarding topics such as the historical meaning of symbols (pentagrams), map sources, the evolution of belief in symbols, the end of the Salem witch trials, and specific findings (poppets) at the Humphrey House.
  • 1:27:04 Closing Remarks & Refreshments: Molly Connor concludes the formal presentation, thanks attendees, and invites them for refreshments.

2. Speaking Attendees

  • Molly Connor (President, Swampscott Historical Society): [Speaker 2]
  • Andy Rapoza (Author, “Promising Cures”): [Speaker 1], [Speaker 7] (Brief overlap/correction during presentation)
  • Audience Member (Male, Unidentified): [Speaker 5]
  • Audience Member (Female, Unidentified): [Speaker 6]
  • Audience Member (Female, Unidentified): [Speaker 4]
  • Audience Member (Male, Unidentified): [Speaker 3]
  • Audience Member (Male, Unidentified): [Speaker 8]
  • Unidentified Attendee (Possibly speaker’s associate/organizer): [Speaker 9]
  • Technical Marker/Ambient Noise: [Speaker 10]

3. Meeting Minutes

Event: Swampscott Historical Society Presentation - “Sickness and Evil in original Lynn” by Andy Rapoza Location: Swampscott Public Library (Broadcast by Swampscott TV) Date: [No Date Provided in Metadata]

Proceedings:

  • Opening 1:05: Molly Connor, President of the Swampscott Historical Society, opened the event, welcoming attendees both in person and watching via Swampscott TV. She mentioned upcoming events and refreshments. Connor introduced the speaker, author Andy Rapoza, detailing how they connected during COVID over shared enthusiasm for the Humphrey House and its historical markings. She noted their ongoing “scavenger hunt” for markings, including recent discoveries.
  • Presentation by Andy Rapoza 3:11:
    • Introduction & Book: Rapoza began by outlining the presentation’s focus: the fears of early colonists in “Original Lynn” (Lynn, Swampscott, Nahant, etc.) and their use of magic for protection. He introduced his four-volume book, “Promising Cures,” emphasizing it was a “labor of love” 4:30, not for profit, setting his author royalty to zero 5:15. He highlighted that the entire work is available for free online via FamilySearch.org [6:00 - 7:25].
    • Colonial Fears: Rapoza vividly described the harsh realities and fears of 17th-century settlers: isolation, wilderness threats (animals), perceived threats from Native Americans (“servants of the devil” according to some ministers 9:21), and the pervasive belief in witches and the devil, citing Biblical references (Exodus 22:18 12:00, 1 Peter 5:8 12:26) and court testimonies [12:38 - 14:30]. He stressed that misfortunes were often interpreted as signs of God’s anger or witchcraft [14:30 - 18:10]. Rapoza noted witchcraft accusations were widespread in New England well beyond the 1692 Salem trials 18:10.
    • Ritual Protection: He explained that while ministers advocated prayer, many colonists felt the need for additional protection, turning to folk traditions involving “countermagic” or “white magic” [21:44 - 23:00]. This involved symbolic interpretations of numbers (3, 5, 12), plants (mountain ash 20:25, garlic 21:05), carving protective marks (hexafoil/daisy wheel 23:14, saltire cross/X 23:37, Virgin of Virgins/VV 24:26), and hiding ritual objects near entry points (doors, windows, fireplaces). A key concept presented was the belief in inversion: broken items becoming whole, weak becoming strong in the spirit world 23:40.
    • Local Examples: Rapoza presented findings from six old houses in Original Lynn. Examples included a boy’s shoe (c. 1740-1760) 26:05 and shredded Bible pages 26:58 found in a Linfield home possibly linked to family tragedies. Extensive marks at the Tapley House in Linfield were detailed (parallel lines/jail bars, saltires, VV marks, concentric circles representing geocentric cosmology, candle burn marks, mesh marks/demon traps, dated 1719) [27:45 - 32:39]. A mesh mark was also noted on an 18th-century gravestone 32:39.
    • Humphrey House Focus [33:30 onwards]: Rapoza shifted focus to Swampscott’s Humphrey House, using the 1636 John Winthrop map to show its isolated location 34:22. He proposed four historical periods/reasons for fear among its occupants:
      • Evildoers (1634-41): Referencing the sexual abuse of Sir John Humphrey’s daughters, Dorcas and Sarah [38:25 - 41:17].
      • Enemies (1630-1700): Fear of Native Americans, citing alarms (1642) 42:00, King Philip’s War (1675-78) 44:00, and French/Indian attacks (1689-95) 44:20. He discussed possible Native American artwork found on Humphrey House posts, noting protection marks underneath the art, suggesting the marks predate the art [44:45 - 46:12].
      • Witches (1647-97): Although no direct accusations were found in eastern Lynn (Swampscott), Rapoza showed a map illustrating the proximity of numerous accusations in surrounding towns (Salem, Marblehead, Andover, Boston), arguing residents would have felt surrounded and fearful [46:12 - 50:38].
      • Sickness (1630-1800): Highlighting smallpox, particularly the 1721-22 Boston epidemic that killed prominent Lynn resident (and Humphrey House owner family member) John Burrough [52:00 - 57:24]. He connected this fear to shifts in gravestone iconography used by the powerful Burrough family.
    • Humphrey House Findings [57:24 onwards]: Rapoza detailed marks found, crediting Molly Connor for many discoveries. These included concentric circles, a triangular mesh/demon trap, solar symbols, an intentional candle burn mark over the fireplace 59:41 (explained technique and meaning: light repelling evil), complex mesh marks behind and beside the fireplace interpreted as nets/cobwebs/portcullis/jail bars [1:02:28 - 1:06:36], indigenous art potentially painted over earlier solar symbol engravings on a post 1:06:36, hexafoils found in the attic and near the attic door 1:07:50, and a cluster of X marks (saltires) and a starburst found “yesterday” 1:08:46. A coin found in a wall near a door was presented as a possible building sacrifice 1:09:58.
    • Other Ritual Objects: He briefly described objects found elsewhere (horse skull with names, concealed cat [1:10:14 - 1:11:45]) and explained “witch bottles” (Bartmann jugs containing urine, nails, etc., meant to trap or harm a witch) [1:11:45 - 1:13:27].
    • Conclusion: Rapoza summarized that while who made the marks and exactly when remains uncertain, the why relates to deep-seated fears and beliefs in the supernatural, using ritual protection alongside religion. He ended by noting the Burrough family crest’s later use by a Humphrey Street business 1:13:55.
  • Audience Q&A 1:14:14:
    • An audience member asked about the pentagram symbol on mountain ash berries, querying its association with evil. Rapoza clarified that historically, the pentagram was a sacred, protective symbol, its negative connotation being much more recent 1:14:30.
    • Another attendee asked for the source of the Winthrop map. Rapoza identified it as likely from the Norman Leventhal Map Collection at the Boston Public Library, available online 1:15:16.
    • A question arose about whether people continued using symbols over centuries without understanding the original rationale, similar to modern superstitions. Rapoza acknowledged the difficulty in proving intent but pointed to consistent patterns (placement near openings) and historical references supporting the protective interpretation. He compared it to modern habits and superstitions, emphasizing the uncertainty but also the compelling evidence from multiple sites 1:17:14.
    • An attendee inquired about the factors leading to the end of the Salem witch trials. Rapoza cited growing unease among some clergy, the influence of high-profile accusations (Governor Phipps’ wife), and crucially, the disallowing of “spectral evidence” by the court 1:21:15.
    • A final question asked if “poppets” (effigy dolls) were found at the Humphrey House. Rapoza stated none had been found there, noting that hidden objects are harder to discover than marks without disruptive investigation 1:23:08. He mentioned examples found elsewhere (Linfield doll, child’s shoe, crutch).
  • Closing 1:27:04: Molly Connor thanked the speaker and attendees, reminding them of refreshments as the library prepared to close.

Observations: The presentation was a detailed scholarly lecture delivered accessibly. Rapoza demonstrated deep familiarity with his subject, frequently referencing his extensive research for the book “Promising Cures.” The collaboration between Rapoza and Historical Society President Connor regarding discoveries at the Humphrey House was a prominent feature, highlighting ongoing local historical investigation. Audience engagement during the Q&A indicated strong interest in the specific historical details and interpretations presented.

4. Executive Summary

Swampscott Historical Society Hosts Author Andy Rapoza on Early Colonial Fears and Folk Magic

Author and historian Andy Rapoza presented findings from his extensive research on “Sickness and Evil in original Lynn” (part of his larger work “Promising Cures”) at a Swampscott Historical Society event held at the Swampscott Public Library. The presentation shed light on the lives and anxieties of the earliest European settlers in the region encompassing modern-day Swampscott.

Key Takeaways for Swampscott Residents:

  • Pervasive Fear Shaped Early Settler Life: Rapoza detailed how 17th and 18th-century colonists lived in constant fear – of the wilderness, illness (like devastating smallpox outbreaks [~50:38]), conflict with Native Americans [~41:17], crime, and a deeply ingrained belief in witchcraft and demonic influence, supported by Biblical interpretations and contemporary events [~8:09 - 18:10].
    • Insight: Understanding this context helps appreciate the intense pressures faced by those who founded the community and the motivations behind some of their seemingly unusual practices.
  • Folk Magic as Protection: Alongside religious faith, many colonists employed “countermagic” using ritual symbols and objects to protect homes and families. Rapoza explained common marks like hexafoils (daisy wheels), saltire crosses (X’s), VV symbols (Virgin of Virgins), mesh patterns (“demon traps”), circles, and intentional candle burns found carved or drawn near windows, doors, and fireplaces [~21:44 - 24:46; 59:41]. Hidden objects like shoes, coins, or even “witch bottles” served similar protective functions [~26:05, 1:09:58, 1:11:45].
    • Insight: This reveals a layer of folk belief and practice operating beneath the surface of official Puritan society, offering a more complex picture of early Swampscott history.
  • Humphrey House: A Window into the Past: Swampscott’s historic Humphrey House served as a central case study. Rapoza, in collaboration with Historical Society President Molly Connor, documented numerous protection marks on its walls and beams, including recent discoveries [~33:30, 57:24, 1:08:46]. He linked these findings to potential fears of specific occupants, like the isolated Humphrey family (including the tragic abuse of daughters Dorcas and Sarah [~38:25]), subsequent owners during periods of war and witchcraft scares, and the prominent Burrough family who owned the house during major smallpox epidemics [~52:00]. Possible Native American artwork was also noted [~44:45]. A coin found ritually placed in a wall offers further tangible connection to past beliefs [~1:09:58].
    • Insight: The Humphrey House is not just an old building; it’s an archive of its inhabitants’ anxieties and beliefs, underscoring its immense historical value to Swampscott and the importance of its preservation and continued study.
  • Accessible Local History: Rapoza emphasized his book, “Promising Cures,” representing 35 years of research, is available free online via FamilySearch.org, providing a valuable resource for anyone interested in delving deeper into the history of Lynn, Swampscott, and surrounding towns [~4:00 - 7:25].

The presentation highlighted the active historical research occurring locally, particularly the fruitful collaboration between Rapoza and the Swampscott Historical Society in uncovering and interpreting evidence at the Humphrey House.

5. Analysis

Andy Rapoza’s presentation offered a compelling, albeit unsettling, perspective on the mindset of early European colonists in the Swampscott area, grounded in extensive historical research and tangible archaeological evidence. His central argument – that pervasive fear drove the adoption of folk magic practices alongside Puritanism – was effectively supported throughout the talk.

Strengths of Argument & Presentation:

  • Contextual Grounding: Rapoza skillfully established the historical context of fear, citing primary sources like court records [~12:38] and Biblical interpretations [~12:00] that colonists themselves would have relied upon. This preempted modern dismissal of their beliefs as mere superstition, framing them as logical, if ultimately flawed, responses within their worldview (“try to see all of this through their eyes” 10:09).
  • Evidence Integration: The strength of the presentation lay in connecting broad historical anxieties (disease, witches, conflict) to specific physical evidence (marks, objects) found in local homes, particularly the Humphrey House [~57:24 onwards]. This localization made the abstract concepts concrete and highly relevant to the Swampscott audience. The discussion of the Burrough family’s prominence and tragedies [~52:00] effectively linked historical events to potential motivations for markings in the house they occupied.
  • Speaker Credibility: Rapoza’s clear passion, decades of research [~2:55], and transparency about making his work freely available [~4:45] lent significant weight to his interpretations. His collaboration with Molly Connor and the Historical Society [~2:00, ~58:15] further bolstered the presentation’s local relevance and suggested rigorous, ongoing investigation.

Dynamics and Effectiveness:

  • Rapoza’s Narrative: Rapoza employed a narrative style, weaving together historical accounts, interpretations of symbols, and descriptions of archaeological finds. While generally effective, the sheer volume of information and the slightly idiosyncratic “Bob” cue for slide changes occasionally made the pacing dense. His detailed answers during the Q&A [e.g., 1:17:14] demonstrated command of the subject but sometimes extended beyond direct answers.
  • Humphrey House as Anchor: The focus on the Humphrey House proved highly effective. By detailing specific marks [~57:24 - 1:09:58] and linking them to the documented history of its occupants and broader regional anxieties (witchcraft proximity map [~47:30], smallpox impact [~52:00]), Rapoza transformed the building from a static landmark into a dynamic site of past human experience and fear. The mention of very recent discoveries (“yesterday” 1:08:46) added a sense of immediacy and ongoing relevance.
  • Audience Reception: The nature of the questions asked during the Q&A [1:14:14 onwards] indicated the audience was processing the information thoughtfully, seeking clarifications on symbolism, historical context, and specific evidence. This suggests the presentation succeeded in conveying its core themes and stimulating interest.

Overall Assessment:

Based on the transcript, the presentation appears to have been a successful exercise in public history, making complex academic research accessible and relevant to a local audience. Rapoza effectively argued that fear was a powerful motivator for early Swampscott settlers, leading them to adopt ritualistic protective measures evidenced in surviving structures like the Humphrey House. The collaboration with the Historical Society strengthened the local connection and highlighted the value of preserving and investigating Swampscott’s historical sites. While dense, the presentation offered a significant contribution to understanding the deeper historical and psychological layers of the town’s origins.