From them the writer bought the homestead and barn with sixteen acres of surrounding fields and woodlands and part of the shoreline in 1959. The house contained the furniture and household possessions, some going back to early days and with restoration are still used. The barn, built in the 1850’s and converted by the sisters into a studio and recreational area can also be used as a large indoor porch in addition to its other uses. It still has many implements used in the house and farm from its earliest days. A lean-to, attached to the south side of the barn when it was built, served as a buggy stall and now as a wood shed. One of the great pleasures that came from my purchase of the Burgess Place was a warm friendship that developed with Charles H. Packard. He lived close by on the Pond since the 1920’s. He was a veteran Plymouth police officer with a host of friends and was retired when I came to know him. He had the flavor of an earlier America about him, and was of an open, warm, friendly disposition. He cultivated a large vegetable garden in the open field between the house and the Pond. He was helpful to the Burgess sisters in many ways. He really loved this area by the Pond and it was easy for me to catch his affection. He helped me in innumerable ways to restore the house where repairs were needed. He was skilled in carpentry, painting, roofing, and could fix most anything that needed fixing. He was nearing his seventies when I first got to know him. He would visit the house each morning and evening for friendly greetings and conversation. He showed enthusiasm and devotion in his many projects about this place because he was very fond of it. The pleasant memory of Charlie Packard is a part of this homestead. One of the seasons at the Pond I particularly enjoy is the autumn months of September and October. Frosts usually do not occur until about the first of November, but as the days get shorter the foliage changes and colors are produced. Since there is such a variety of trees and shrubs the range of colors is vast. For a period of eight weeks every few days there are new and different delights for the eye. With most days of clear blue skies and sunshine and pleasant temperatures autumn can bring ecstatic experience here. CHAPTER XVI. TO THE PRESENT