Oscar Mayer

Many people think of hot dogs when they see the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. The same goes for how people think of witches when they visit Salem, Massachusetts. Nathaniel Hawthorne, one of America’s great novelists and short story writers, was born on July 4, 1804 in Salem. The house where his family lived at this time stands just a hop and a “bun” away from the House of Seven Gables, the home that inspired one of Hawthorne’s most famous novels. Living up to my “lucky dog” status, I was able to tour both.

Hawthorne's Birthplace

The House of Seven Gables

Did you know that the House of Seven Gables didn’t have seven gables when Hawthorne wrote the novel? Did you also know that many parts of the house, such as the the small shop and secret staircase, were added after the book was published to reflect the story? If you answered “no,” then you’re with me. I felt a little jaded until I was allowed to walk up this said secret staircase!