Update on Bonnie and the 1852 fire at the Shovel Shop

Thanks to all the folks who have been asking about Bonnie. Her left hind leg seems to be back to normal and her right leg is a little slow but much improved. She was full of life yesterday which was the first day off her pain killing medication. This morning she seemed a little more restrained (I may have woken her up at 6:30 am), but she was enthusiastic about getting a bit of carrot. Our Executive Director says she can stay if is not in "any" pain. Need to explain that "any" isn't the way old age works. Bonnie at 7 is entering her so-called "golden" years. The teachers definitely want Bonnie back because it turns out she was quite a sensation with the kids. Edwin meanwhile has become a diva it seems, hiding his head when he should be showing off his eyes and ears for the NRTs adaptations program.

Finally got to the part in Mrs. Oakes Ames diary where she describes the fire that destroyed the original finishing shops on March 3, 1852. She claims that a lantern used by Patric Quinn fell in a tub of varnish setting off the fire. She notes that her husband came home about 4 am in a better mood than she expected and went to bed. Her sons remained at the fire until later. On the following Sunday after church the family took a carriage ride to the site and she declared it "dismal" Surprising that she didn't walk down to see it since even I would call it a short walk-guess ladies walking that distance just wasn't done. By March 8 carpenters were at work building the temporary factory that ultimately became the four duplexes on Oliver Street. Quinn was 34, born in Ireland. He and his wife Eliza from Nova Scotia had a 2 year old son Frederic. I need to do a little more research, but it appears that Mr. Quinn wasn't in Easton for the next census-more on this tomorrow!