Country Mischief

I grew up about a mile from the center of Templeton. My first girlfriend lived right in the center. I spent the first years of my schooling in the small brick building that sits right next to the ice cream barn, where I learned that oil and mayo together make the best Italian sub to be eaten. I have climbed the stairs to the bell tower of the First Congregational Church. I have listened to flute and violin being played behind the historical society during tea time. I have followed paths behind the historical building deep into the woods and found hidden roads and campsites. I used to ride my bike the mile down Hubbardston road to the center, past old dumps, where my neighbor and I dug out deep blue bottles from half a century ago, and past cursed foundations and blackberry patches and old men with far too many animals: geese, goats, even an occasional mountain lion.

I love Templeton Center. It is a beautiful, quaint center, set up in the tradition of a town common (originally named for the common space used to graze cattle communally). I still think that I may retire and buy a house there.

My father was tutored in the center by one Mrs. Stone. She owned a magnificent brick house cornered in the far end of the center. The house was built from the ballast bricks that the original occupant used to keep the ship he came over on balanced in the water. Eventually Country Mischief bought the building. I was slightly horrified, to be honest, when they did. They are a "primitive decoration" store. I have since changed my tune. They have done wonderful things with the building and, really, the center as well. My favorite memory is of the time that they decided they were going to pump Christmas Carols into the center of town. The town eventually put a halt to it... boo town.

Country Mischief eventually opened a breakfast and lunch restaurant in part of the building. I must tell you, a better breakfast would be hard to find. The specials speak for themselves. I highly recommend the herbed bread toast. We went this morning. The kids love the place for all of the quirky art inside. Henry found what he was sure was a voodoo doll. Nora was taken with an old, rotary phone. I am in love with the architecture. Jenny loves the decor. I am going to post a few pictures from this morning. Check out the one with the "specials," and the one in the eerie red hallway!
This restaurant and building are definitely not one to be missed.