What starts out as a work meeting between our hosts Kim and Sarah turns into one of our favorite episodes. With the lurking shadow of the Witch Trials yet to come, we talk about strange phenomenon, naughty Puritans, and colonial gossip. We finish off with a lesson on how to summon a witch right to your door, or maybe just how to summon one of your really weird neighbors. You decide. Enjoy!
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00:00 The Historical Context of Witchcraft Accusations
02:32 Mary Lewis: A Journey to Faith
05:18 The Tensions Between Towns and Their Impact
07:53 The Arrival of Mary Lewis in Springfield
10:55 The Struggles of Early Settlers
13:52 The Influence of Preachers on Community Beliefs
17:01 The Challenges of Life in Colonial America
20:44 The Perils of 1800s Boat Travel
22:36 Life in 1643: Fasting and Famine
23:05 The Birth of Mary Morgan
25:02 The Role of Women in Early Springfield
28:13 The Impact of the English Civil War
29:13 Population Growth and New Arrivals
30:56 Building the Community: Pynchon’s Vision
32:20 Supernatural Events and Their Interpretations
35:40 The Narragansett-Mohawk War Begins
37:07 The Town's Development and Challenges
39:38 Legislation and Social Order
40:21 Signs and Omens in 1646
44:13 The Struggles of New Mothers
46:40 The Devil's Influence in Daily Life
50:16 The Birthing Chamber: A Space of Grief
51:36 Mary Lewis Parsons: A Complex Character
52:31 The Jealous Brickmaker
54:17 Mary's Struggles and Contributions
57:26 The Floods and Community Challenges
01:00:14 Hugh's Financial Troubles and Reputation
01:03:13 The Witch Accusations Begin
01:07:15 The Pudding Incident and Its Consequences
