Heirloom Harvest Project Presents 3rd Annual Barn Dinner

STRATHAM—
The Heirloom Harvest Project, in collaboration with Seacoast Eat Local and Slow Food Seacoast, proudly announces its third annual Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner. This year, the five-course meal will highlight not only local heirloom vegetables, but also heritage breed animals, all raised by local farmers and growers. The grand historic barn at Berry Hill and Meadow’s Mirth Farms in Stratham, NH, will again host this unique event whose goal is to raise funds for local food-based community organizations while generating awareness of sustainable food and farming, agricultural biodiversity, and the community’s extraordinary collaboration of farmers and chefs. Ten of the area’s most celebrated chefs will collaborate on a spectacular menu that will be served by a volunteer crew of impassioned community members.
The 2011 Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner will be held (rain or shine) on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at Meadow’s Mirth / Berry Hill Farm in Stratham, NH, with beverages and passed hors d’oeuvres served from 4–5 p.m. and white tablecloth dinner in the barn beginning promptly at 5 p.m.
Led by Chef Evan Mallett of the Black Trumpet Bistro, ten chefs will prepare elegant dishes highlighting heirloom vegetables grown by local farmers. Complete with locally produced beverages and live music from Mary Dellea emanating from the hayloft, the Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner is always a night to remember. Farmers, chefs and community volunteers will be in attendance and honored at the event.
In addition, Slow Food Seacoast will be distributing free heirloom seeds of the produce featured at the dinner, as well as teaching about how to save your own seeds in the future. Knowing that genetic diversity begins with open pollinated heirloom plants and rare breeds livestock, this dinner highlights the Slow Food philosophy which suggests that if you value the preservation of these historically significant varieties, “...the best thing you can do is eat them!”
Chef Mallett says that, in 2009, he was “not alone in being a chef who had a vision to host a dinner in a barn, but my desire to do something like this didn’t have a cause linked to it.” That was until Evan participated in Slow Food’s Ark of Taste–a celebration of heritage and heirloom varieties that are considered to be at risk or endangered. Now inspired by the plight of heirloom vegetables, Mallett has become engaged with organizations that are striving to preserve and protect this tradition.
Josh and Jean Jennings of Meadow’s Mirth were extremely receptive to having the event held at their barn. The final piece of finding chefs who also supported the cause easily fell into place. “The deep-rooted collaboration of chefs and farmers will sustain this idea well into the future,” says Mallett. In recent months, this event has led to the development of the Heirloom Harvest Project, a network that will continue to build these connections between farmers, chefs and community year-round.
The event would not be possible without the support of many businesses from the community, including Dole & Bailey, Exeter Events and Tents, Farnum Hill Cider, General Linens, Maine Shellfish Co., M.S. Walker, Salmon Falls Winery, Smuttynose Brewery, Salmon Falls Winery, Throwback Brewery, and Vermont Butter & Cheese.
Tickets for this event have sold out in record time this year, and participating organizations are grateful for the community’s overwhelming response. If interested in supporting the Heirloom Harvest Barn Dinner as a volunteer, please contact Briana Cribeyer, Event Coordinator, at briana.cribeyer@gmail.com.
For more information: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heirloom-Harvest-Project/150781324991804.
Photo caption: The Heirloom Harvest Project will present their 3rd Annual Barn Dinner on Sunday, Sept. 18. (Courtesy photo)

Prescott Park Arts Festival Helps More Than 300 Families

PORTSMOUTH—
This summer, local families in need have been able to enjoy Prescott Park Arts Festival’s events. As part of the festival’s Families-In-Need program, more than 300 season memberships subscriptions were distributed to families through organizations such as Families First, Cross Roads House, New Hampshire Child Advocacy Center, Seacoast Cancer Center and Amy’s Treat.
While all Prescott Park Arts Festival events are offered to the public at no fixed admission, the Families-In-Need program offers challenged families complimentary membership buttons to allow entry and enjoyment of events without being asked for the suggested donation, including the musical production “The Wizard of Oz” and the River House Restaurant Concert Series with performances by acts like Shawn Colvin and Taj Mahal.
“Our gatekeepers welcome everyone, but many people simply don’t feel comfortable entering the park without making a donation, especially in front of their children,” says Prescott Park Arts Festival’s executive director, Ben Anderson. “With a challenging economy, this program has become more important than ever. The letters and thank you cards alone that we receive each year from parents or children are worth this effort.”
Last season, Piscataqua Savings Bank launched a special program, matching every Family-In-Need donation made by individuals on a one-to-one basis. This year, through ongoing generosity of donors, Prescott Park Arts Festival has succeeded in nearly tripling the number of complimentary memberships distributed through this program.
“The beauty of the program,” Anderson adds, “is these memberships are identical to those purchased by our patrons, and they are awarded at the discretion of the selected organizations, keeping everything anonymous to both us and the general public.”
To donate to a family-in-need, simply go to the Festival website www.prescottpark.org, or call (603) 436-2848.
All events offered at the Prescott Park Arts Festival are presented free of charge with a suggested donation of $5 - $8.
For more information on the festival, or to see a full schedule of events, visit www.prescottpark.org, or call 603-436-2848.

Seacoast Irish Festival Tickets on Sale Now

DOVER—
Tickets to the September 10th return of the Seacoast Irish Festival, underwritten by Centrix Bank, are now available online at www.seacoastirishfestival.org and can also be purchased in person at the Dover Chamber Visitor Center, located at 550 Central Avenue in Dover.
The tickets are $15 in advance, and will be $20 at the gate on September 10th. The Festival will feature over a dozen performers over the course of the afternoon during a rain or shine celebration of Dover’s Irish Heritage.
For those individuals and families looking to further support the Festival, the committee is offering a $100 “Friends of the Festival” ticket package that includes 2 tickets to the Festival, 2 commemorative Festival T-shirts, 2 Festival Pint Glasses, and a listing in the Festival Program. “Friends of the Festival” packages are available online or through the Chamber Visitor Center.
The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Dover Main Street to produce the event again this year, after working together to resurrect it in 2010 following a 5–year hiatus. The event was formerly put on by the Dover Police Charities from 2001 to 2005 before being shelved for a variety of logistical reasons.
“Many people have expressed how pleased they are to have the Festival back,” said Chamber Executive Director Molly Hodgson Smith. “There’s been a great outpouring of support from businesses and individuals alike, and Centrix Bank has led the way in assuming the role of event underwriter for the second consecutive year. Their generosity and level of community involvement cannot be overstated.”
The 2011 edition of the Seacoast Irish Festival will once again be held in the highly visible, downtown location at the Rotary Arts Pavilion in Henry Law Park. Confirmed performers include Bradigan, Sundays Well, Patsy Whelan, the McTeggarts, Schooner Fare, Kevin Byrne and many other special guests.
The event will culminate with a rousing musical tribute to the late Eugene Byrne, performed by many of the Festival performers and some very special guests. Byrne, a long-time Dover resident, was one of the Festival’s original “Founding Fathers,” and was instrumental in bringing the Festival back in 2010, assembling the entertainment lineup and also performing on stage himself throughout the day.
“We’ve really missed working with Eugene this year,” noted Dover Main Street Executive Director Carrie Eisner, adding, “He was loved so much, and by so many people. This tribute is special to everyone on the Festival Committee, and really to everyone who knew Eugene. He was such a visible and enthusiastic contributor to Dover’s rich Irish heritage, and he loved nothing more than to perform and make people happy. This is a celebration of that giving spirit.”
Kelley’s Row headlines a host of food and beverage providers that will be on site at the Festival, which begins at noon and runs until 9:00 p.m. In addition, crafters and artisans will be selling Irish art and jewelry, along with a full slate of music, dancing and other traditional Irish entertainment. The family-friendly event will also feature a variety of children’s activities.
Major corporate sponsors of the Festival include Centrix Bank as the event’s exclusive underwriter; Burns Bryant Cox Rockefeller & Durkin as stage sponsor; and Shaheen and Gordon as a presenting sponsor, along with Eastern Propane, Dermatology & Skin Health and Dover Honda/Dover Chevrolet. Additional sponsors include Dennis Munson Plumbing and Heating; One Washington Center; McEneaney Survey Associates; Mr. Electric; D.F. Richard Energy; Langdon Place; CB Gitty Crafter Supply; Robert Chaplick, CPA; and Bob Sherwood Landscaping.
For more information on ticket sales and entertainment schedules, please visit www.seacoastirishfestival.org. Proceeds from the event support the Chamber’s and Main Street’s economic and business development programs, which are critical to keeping Dover’s economy strong and preserving its quality of life.
Photo caption: The 2011 Seacoast Irish Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 10 in downtown Dover. The musical entertainment includes Sunday’s Well, pictured here performing at the Festival in 2010. (Courtesy photo)

Money Magazine Ranks Dover Among Top 100 Communities

DOVER—
The City of Dover, New Hampshire is one of the best places to live in the country, according to Money Magazine.
Each year, the September edition of Money Magazine ranks the top 100 communities based on a number of factors, including quality of life, job opportunities, schools, safe streets, economic strength and weather.
Dover ranks number 90 on the list and is touted for its character; family friendly attractions, including the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire; and modern use of historic buildings.
“We’re obviously proud that our community is being recognized nationally for something we have long known locally – Dover is a great place to live,” said Dover City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr.
City of Dover Economic Development Director Daniel Barufaldi said he expects Dover to continue to score well.
“It’s a pleasure to see the outstanding quality of place and of life in Dover being nationally recognized,” Barufaldi said. “I fully expect that Dover’s future national ranking will continue to rise over time.”
Dover is one of only three New Hampshire communities to make the list this year. Hanover and Merrimack, New Hampshire also rank in the top 100 this year.
The list draws upon the most recent Census figures, which places Dover’s population at approximately 30,000.
For more information and to view the complete list, visit: http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2011/snapshots/PL3318820.html.
Photo caption: Money Magazine recently ranked Dover #90 on their list of America’s best small towns. (Photo courtesy The Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce)

Back-to-School Shopping with Operation Christmas Child

HAMPTON—
As schools nationwide prepare to open their doors for another year of learning, many parents are shopping for back-to-school bargains using a school-issued supply list as their guide.
But this year, kids across New England and the rest of the United States are thinking beyond their own backpacks and buying supplies for kids they have never met.
In the midst of their school shopping, Americans are stocking up on items for Operation Christmas Child (OCC), a massive year-round project of Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization based in Boone, NC.
Since 1993, OCC has hand-delivered shoe box gifts to more than 86 million hurting children overseas. To make this ministry work, participants fill shoeboxes with an assortment of school supplies, toys, necessity items and letters of encouragement that will soon be shipped and distributed to kids in some 130 countries.
Parents and kids alike love getting extra notebooks, colored pencils and erasers to pack in their shoebox gifts. During back-to-school sales they can get items for great prices, which enables families to help even more children in need.
This shoe box packing effort, requiring months of organization and preparation, will reach some 8.5 million kids who are suffering because of natural disaster, disease, war, terrorism, famine and poverty. For many of these children, the shoebox will be the first gift they have ever received.
Those participating in this annual effort are encouraged to enlist families, churches, scout troops, community groups and businesses to take advantage of back-to-school sales by collecting school supplies for shoe box gifts.
After purchasing everything that’s on your back-to-school list, simply fill shoe boxes (cardboard or plastic) with school supplies, toys, personal items (comb, toothbrush and toothpaste, facecloth, etc.) and, if desired, a letter of encouragement.
Then, when National Collection Week comes around (this year it’s November 14-21), drop off the gift boxes at a collection site near you. The local collection site in this region is at the Hampton Falls First Baptist Church, located at the junction of Routes 1-88 in Hampton Falls, across from the town common.
Detailed step-by-step shoebox packing instructions are available at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ. For more information on how to participate in Operation Christmas Child, call (800) 353-5949 or visit www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Photo caption: Hannah White (pictured) has been packing Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts for needy kids overseas with her family for most of her life. The Whites have collected thousands of shoebox gifts in their garage since 2002. (Photo courtesy of Samaritan’s Purse)

Fashion’s Night Out: From Milan to Manhattan, From Paris to Portsmouth!

PORTSMOUTH—
Fashion’s Night Out, an international fashion event taking place on September 8, 2011, will feature Portsmouth, NH as an official participant, which is great news for Portsmouth retailers and fashionistas alike. The Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce and its Retail Committee are galvanizing local retailers to participate by hosting special in-store events, creating an international fashion party from Milan to Manhattan, from Paris to Portsmouth!
Valerie Rochon, Tourism Manager for the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, reports that member retailers are planning events to take place September 8, 2011.
“Fashion’s Night Out began in New York City in 2009 as an after-hours shopping extravaganza with special events and entertainment. We are delighted Portsmouth is joining in the fashion fun this September 8, 2011,” said Rochon. Rochon reports several retailers have signed up to participate. In-store events and a special presentation at The Music Hall on September 8th are being planned and will be announced shortly.
If you are a retailer and would like to participate, please contact Valerie Rochon at tourism@portsmouthchamber.org.

New Hampshire Honors Fallen Heroes

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist
RYE—
On Sunday, August 21, those members of the Armed Services who have lost their lives in service to their country since 9/11 will be honored.
A Run for the Fallen New Hampshire, a 12-mile loop, will start and end at Odiorne State Park. Runners will be able to run the entire race or any portion thereof as trolleys follow the route to pick up anyone who’d like to stop, Julie Hurrie, one of the run’s organizers, said.
Along the run will be placards with soldier’s photos and information about them. Next to the photos will be families of the fallen.
Hurrie said the run is just as much about the families as it is about those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.
All runners will wait and gather about a quarter mile from the end of the race so all can finish together in what she termed “a finish in gratitude.”
Ms. Hurrie has run in Maine’s Run for the Fallen the last couple years, including last year’s run from Ogunquit to Portland.
She said he’s been “kind of waiting for someone to start one” in New Hampshire. “I got tired for waiting.”
As of early this week, 130 runners had registered for the run, but Hurrie expects the field to be at least 175 to 200 by the time it begins.
The object of the run is “a way for our citizens who enjoy their freedom to show their appreciation” to those who have given their lives to protect it.
She said many individuals, organizations and businesses have stepped up to help in the run.
Opening ceremonies will be kicked off with the reading of the names of New Hampshire’s heroes. This will be followed by a 21-gun salute by the Marine Corps League and a color guard ceremony by the ROTC of Winnacunnet High School in Hampton.
Following the run, runners, volunteers, and families of the fallen will have a free lunch provided by Carrabba’s Italian Grill. Entertainment will be provided by an Air Force rock band.
More information, including a listing of the fallen and the event’s sponsors, are available on the web at runforthefallennh.com.
This is a free event for everyone involved. It is funded by donations from the public and from businesses including Carrabba’s, Kittery Trading Post, Grappone Auto, Home Depot, Globe, UBS, Marshall’s Rentals, Leddy Grup, and the New Hampshire State Parks and the NH Civil Air Patrol.
Photo caption: A Run for the Fallen New Hampshire will take place at Odiorne State Park on August 21. (Courtesy image)

Annual Hampton Beach Children’s Festival Returns

HAMPTON BEACH—

Join the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hampton Beach Village District for five days of free fun for children of all ages at the Annual Hampton beach Children’s Festival, Monday August 15 through Friday, August 19.
Presented by TD Bank and jam-packed with music, balloons, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and much more, this is sure to be the most exciting Children’s Festival ever! The Hampton Beach Children’s Festival kicks off with a magic show and builds up to a Giant Costume Parade that marches almost the length of Hampton Beach on Friday, August 19. Every child gets a prize just for being in it! Tons of entertainment has also been added, including a train for the parade and a performance by the Extreme Air Jump Rope Team.
Each day will be a blockbuster filled with non-stop activity and entertainment, including mini-golf, a Ronald McDonald show, dancing, story tellers, balloons, face painting and more. There is even a kids’ bumper sticker contest.
All Children’s Festival activities are free and open to the public. For more information call the Hampton Area Chamber of Commerce office at (603) 926-8717 or visit the website at www.hamptonbeach.org for a complete Children’s Festival schedule and other Hampton Beach events.
Photo caption: The Hampton Beach Children’s Festival will take place Monday, August 15 through Friday, August 19. (Courtesy photo)

The Summer Film Review

By Chip Schrader
Movie Reviewer
The big story on Box Office Mojo’s website reports the summer box office has been hot in 2011 with “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” grossing over 1 billion dollars worldwide, and “Transformers 3” approaching that staggering number. We have seen comic book heroes hit the screen, low brow comedies, and plenty of sequels that are guaranteed to gross a few dollars for the studios. The industry saves Oscar potential films later in the year and into the next year, and pedals the popcorn-pushing pop culture flicks, often with a side of cheese, for the summer.
This has been the year of the comic book hero. We have seen “Green Lantern,” “Thor,” and “X-Men: First Class” released in the earlier wave of summer releases. In the latter half, we are reintroduced to “Captain America” and “Cowboys & Aliens.”
According to boxofficemojo.com, “Captain America” has only been out since July 22, yet it has already rolled in $117 million worldwide. It stars Chris Evans, Stanley Tucci and Tommy Lee Jones to ensure it has the star power to please audiences. “Pulp Fiction” fans will also see an appearance by Samuel L. Jackson. A new “Captain America” treatment has been long awaited, as the 1990 attempt has aged to the point it looks twenty years older (rightfully so).
“Cowboys & Aliens” pairs the legendary Harrison Ford with the latest James Bond Daniel Craig. John Favreau is the director, his most memorable onscreen moment of recent years being vomited upon by Paul Rudd’s character Peter Klaven in “I Love You Man.” In its first weekend alone it had already grossed a respectable 37 million, topping the box office. This looks like it may have enough cheese, humor and action to delight audiences, but between Ford and Craig, the acting talent implies that this is either a brilliant script, or the studio offered a boatload of cash.
Following up on “The Hangover Part II” and “Bridesmaids” earlier this summer, “Horrible Bosses” and “Bad Teacher” hope to cash in on unsavory characters with a belly full of laughs. Among the many “Horrible Bosses” stars are Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston and Colin Farrell. Aniston and Farrell are well disguised in these films as they play in unexpected roles as Bateman leads his two friends in a plot to kill their cruel employers. Surprisingly in this economy, it is not considered a threat to national security.
“Horrible Bosses” director, Seth Gordon’s, first film – the documentary “The King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters” – documents one man’s fight to defeat and prove his record high score in the Donkey Kong arcade game. This gem is available on streaming Netflix and is worth the watch just for the eccentric characters who frequent the arcade. Gordon has earned a place in many cult filmgoers’ hearts with that one.
Last, but not least, Cameron Diaz stars in “Bad Teacher” alongside “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” writer and star Jason Segal, and Justin Timberlake, fresh off of an acclaimed role in “The Social Network.” All three stars have proven their silver screen charm and charisma, and the movie is knocking on the door of the 100 million dollar mark.
At the end of the season, two films are poised to be billion dollar runaways in this memorable summer with the promise of “Cowboys & Aliens” and “Captain America” to bring in more revenue. It seems we now live in a day where a $100 million payoff is a given, and the thrills and laughs are a high commodity in a society wishing for wonder and escape.
Photo caption: (Courtesy movie poster for “Cowboys & Aliens”)

Thunderbirds Return to Pease

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist
PORTSMOUTH—
It’s been 25 years since the United States Air Force Thunderbirds have performed in the Seacoast, but their long awaited return will be accomplished next weekend.
The F-16 Fighting Falcons with the easily recognized red, white and blue design will headline the Service Credit Union Boston–Portsmouth Air Show at the Pease International Trade Port Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-14.
A year ago, a crowd estimated at 70,000 attended the two-day event that featured the United States Navy’s Blue Angels and a crowd of similar size is anticipated this year, said Herb Gillen, spokesperson for the show. Those returning to this year’s event will find several changes to enhance their enjoyment of the festivities.
Gillen said one of the top concerns following last year’s show was the handling of traffic and soon after the event, meetings were held with safety officials to come up with “a better plan this year.”
He said the parking plan has been refined and “a more coordinated effort” is in place to move people on and off the trade port. He added, however, it would still be best to “get there early” as “there’s plenty to see.”
There will also be “heavy emphasis” on water and helping people “stay cool” during the show. Free water will be available from Monadnock Mountain Spring Water of New Hampshire and water will also be sold at a reduced rate.
In addition, a concerted effort has been made to secure large-scale static airplanes to help provide shade in the main spectator area.
Gillen said Portsmouth Regional Hospital is establishing water and misting stations and more concession areas have been increased from 18 to 37 to reduce the time spent in line a year ago.
A heat index flag system has been established and the show announcer will stress the need for people to keep hydrated during the show.
Military demonstrations by the United States Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, the Navy F-18 Super Hornet and the New Hampshire Air National Guard KC-135 are scheduled. The Super Hornet will also be featured in the Navy’s Legacy Flight with an F4U Corsair.
Civilian aerobatic displays include the National Aviation Hall of Famer Sean D. Tucker, New England native Michael Goulian, and Jason Newburg.
Teams performing include Team AeroShell with four AT-6 “Texans,” The Northeast Raiders flying Yakovlev 52’s and Nanchang CJ6’s, and Team Heavy Metal; a new jet demonstration team flying four L-39’s and one T-33.
The show will also have MIG-17 and P-51 Mustang demonstrations as well as a solo demo by the F4U Corsair.
There will also be a large number of on-ground aircraft displays and the popular Kidz’ Zone Play Area.
Tickets for the show are available at www.BostonPortsmouthAirShow.com. The Service Credit Union Boston–Portsmouth Air Show is again being jointly produced by the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America and the Brain Injury Association of New Hampshire.
At a recent press conference announcing the various aspects of the show, Steve Wade, CEO, of the Brain Injury Association said: “We are excited to once again bring a world-class lineup to our air show fans throughout New England. Pease will be rocking with the Thunderbirds and this phenomenal lineup.”
Michael Kaufman, CEO of the Daniel Webster Council, Boy Scouts of America detailed the show’s enhancements for 2011. “We are very excited for the show and know that these site enhancements will go a long way to improving the fan experience this year. We are thrilled to have such strong community and business support to the make the air show a success.”
Photo caption: The United States Air Force Thunderbirds will perform a long-awaited return performance at Pease International Trade Port August 13-14. (Photo courtesy thunderbirds.airforce.com)

‘Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea’ – Historic Images at the Seacoast Science Center

RYE—

“Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea” is now on exhibition at the Seacoast Science Center. The exhibit, on loan from the Rye Historical Society, chronicles the Golden Age of Rye’s Victorian Resort Era of the mid-1800s to the 1960s. As the advent of the railroad system in the 1840s made travel much easier and affordable, luxurious hotels sprang up along the eastern American shore. In Rye, those of modest means vacationed in 22 boarding houses. The establishment of eight grand hotels, such as the Atlantic House in 1846 and the Ocean House in 1848, secured Rye’s place as one of the more significant seaside destinations for well-to-do travelers. The images in this exhibition showcase the accommodations along the shores of Rye, as well as the many activities vacationers enjoyed during their stay. The exhibition, on display through December 31, was made possible by the generous support of the Greater Piscataqua Community Foundation. The Seacoast Science Center is open daily, 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. For more information call 603-436-8043 or visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org.
Photo caption: The exhibition, “Summering in Rye: Over a Century by the Sea,” now on display at the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, showcases summer visitors in the mid-1800s. (Photo courtesy of William M. Varrell and the Rye Historical Society)

The Story of Joltin’ Joe’s Biggest Feat

By Chip Schrader
Book Reviewer
Sports Illustrated contributor Kostya Kennedy’s biography of the late great Joe DiMaggio is the latest of many, but takes on a special spin. “56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number In Sports” covers the span of the 56-game hitting streak that landed Joe DiMaggio a record that has held for seventy years; a record that is lasting longer than even that of Iron Horse Lou Gehrig’s record of playing 2,160 consecutive games, broken by Cal Ripken.
Yes, DiMaggio is a Yankee, and New England is not known to be Yankee-friendly territory. But, this biography covers his relationship with brother Dom DiMaggio, the legendary Boston center fielder known for his wireframed glasses and ability as a contact hitter. In fact, the early years of the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry is depicted with the crowds’ banter each DiMaggio faced when playing each other. During that season, a bench-clearing brawl the Yankees and Red Sox waged make this a fascinating read for New England fans showing us how old that rivalry really is. Moreover, Joe DiMaggio is an undisputed champion on the field and at the plate, and has earned his place alongside rival Sox legends Jimmie Foxx, Ted Williams, and Babe Ruth (pre-curse Bambino, of course).
While typical sports biographies dig into the personal struggles, tragedies and scandals while doing a play-by-play of each great record or title their subject might hold, Kennedy sticks to one record, and the social context in which this historic record was made.
The racism and social isolation that Italians faced is among the interesting frameworks of this time period. Kennedy delves into acquaintances of DiMaggio and how they were unwittingly linked to the mafia, and even puts in the passing detail of a friend’s daughter’s bulimia. Kennedy’s research is so deep, the reader marvels at how he could ever have found all of these facts and anecdotes. Did Kennedy just bunk with Joe in a past life?
Another major theme is the pending war. At the beginning of DiMaggio’s streak, before it was really even noticed, FDR’s speech at Yankee stadium about the horrors unfolding in Europe hung over the baseball season. Hitting legend Hank Greenburg was already enlisted at this point, and athletes were beginning to get heckled for not following suit.
The writing is as impeccable as the research. Kennedy uses snappy phrases that grow invisible and becomes the natural flow of the book. At a time where biographies are just expanded gossip rags, “56” is a welcome departure from our cynical era.
DiMaggio’s imperfections were touched upon, but the real news was what he achieved that halcyon summer, and the world in which he was doing this. No steroids, no million dollar contracts, and no elevation of athletes to unnecessary heights. DiMaggio was considered too greedy wanting a figure well under $50,000 per season. Hardly the spoiled and pampered superstar of today.
Baseball fans and history fans are highly recommended to read this book. No matter what jersey an athlete might wear, their numbers, the consistency of their game, and the era in which they played make the legend; rival or not.
Hardcover, Sports Illustrated, Released March 2011.
Photo caption: (Courtesy book cover image of “56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number In Sports” by Kostya Kennedy)