Highlights from MYSTERY OF THE STURBRIDGE KEYS to be watching out for 
include local landmarks, including Lake Nipmuc, Route 16 and Taft Avenue in Mendon, Massachusetts; the Nipmuc Native American Nation. Morgan horses, the Rev. Adin Ballot, how the Quakers have been promoting women’s rights in the 1600s, and how immigration took place in the 1800s when our forefathers arrive to the United States.
The Nipmuc Native American Nation was called Nipnet. It extended south to Rhode Island, home to the Narragansett Native American Nation; north to New Hampshire and Vermont, home to the Pennacook and Wawinak Native American Nations; west to the Pocomtuc and Mohican Native American Nation; and east to the Massachusett, Wampanoag and Nauset Native American Nations.
The greater Mendon area has numerous historical footprints of the Nipmuc Native American Nation, such as the gleaming shores of Lake Nipmuc. It was a pleasure to grow up in this area. Old Sturbridge Village is the setting of this fiction work of art. From here half of the family members in this book time travel back into history, ancient history and pre-history. They are very surprised to learn what they learn.
Horse lovers will appreciate knowing that the two fictional Morgan horses in this fiction novel, are from Figure, the real horse owned by Justin Morgan. He was a teacher, composer and horseman who lived in Springfield, Massachusetts. It was the practice in 1830 to call the horse by the owners name. Figure’s colt became the founding sire of the Morgan breed. These horses are known for their charisma and companionableness.
The Morgan horses in this story are named Gitche and Manitou. Gitche Manitou is the Native American name for Great Spirit, God. Morgan horses are also able to out walk, out run and out pull any other breed of horse, making them a perfect fit for the Old Sturbridge Village setting.
The Rev. Adin Ballot was a real person who influenced Mendon through the Mendon Unitarian Church, a sister church to Hopedale. Much of his humanitarian and religious philosophy has trickled down to this day.
The Quakers were one of the first group to promote women and women’s rights. They even allowed women to speak and teach at the Religious Society of Friends Meetinghouse. Additionally they also promoted women authors.
When it comes to immigration, this book takes a look at what the people of 1830 had to do to come to this beautiful United States of America. It is good to remember.
MYSTERY OF THE STURBRIDGE KEYS 