Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump is a popular attraction located in Schiller Woods, a beautiful forest preserve in Cook County, Illinois. This unique water pump has become a source of fascination for visitors of all ages. The magic water pump is a large, whimsical structure that stands prominently in the middle of a clearing in the woods. It is designed to look like an old-fashioned water pump, complete with a long metal handle and a wooden base. However, what makes this pump special is its ability to perform magical tricks when operated. Children and adults alike can't help but be captivated by the pump's enchanting abilities.
Children and adults alike can't help but be captivated by the pump's enchanting abilities. When the handle is turned, the pump produces a stream of sparkling, glittering water that seems to defy gravity. The water shoots into the air, forming intricate patterns and shapes before cascading down in a dazzling display.
Salem Witch Village
WITCHCRAFT IN SALEM VILLAGE
The first European settlement in present-day Danvers, Massachusetts, was called Salem Village. This village was established in the late 1630s when a group of farmers moved 5 miles from Salem Town to the area now known as "Danvers Highlands." The inhabitants remained legally part of Salem, though from the 1660s they began petitioning for independence. By 1672 Salem Village became a separate parish at which time they built a meeting house and hired their own minister. In 1689 the village established a covenant church with Rev. Samuel Parris as their new minister.
In early 1692, Rev. Parris's 9-year-old daughter Elizabeth, 12-year-old niece Abigail Williams, as well as other neighborhood girls began to fall into horrid fits. Their parents tried to discover what was causing their distress, and village doctor William Griggs gave his opinion that the girls were the victims of witchcraft. Put upon to tell who was causing their afflictions, the girls finally accused three village women, and warrants were sworn out for the arrest of Sarah Osburn, Sarah Good and Parris's slave, Tituba.
On March 1, 1692, magistrates John Hathorne and Jonathan Corwin conducted an examination at the Meeting House. Sarah Good and Sarah Osburn were separately examined and as they answered the questions put to them, the "afflicted" girls went into horrific fits. To all present, the girls were obviously victims of these women's witchcraft. Though the two protested their own innocence, Tituba unraveled a confession of meeting with the devil and stating there were still other witches in the neighborhood. This evidence was sufficient for the magistrates, and the three women were jailed. The girls' afflictions did not abate, however, and still more villagers became "afflicted."
Soon more accusations were made, and by the end of March Church members Martha Cory and Rebecca Nurse were also arrested, examined and jailed. No longer were just the lowly being accused, but people formerly in good standing in the community. By May, scores of "witches," both men and women, had been examined in Salem Village, and jails were being filled with up to 150 accused persons from many towns including Salem, Topsfield and Andover. Dozens of people under excruciating religious, civil and family pressures found themselves confessing to being witches.
In May, Governor William Phips called a special court to try the cases of those accused witches who had not confessed. Convening in Salem in June 1692, the court quickly condemned Bridget Bishop to death. During July, August, and September, 18 people, including Nurse, Good and Cory were hanged. In addition, one man, Giles Cory of Salem Farms, died under torture. At least 5 others including Sarah Osburn died in jail. By the new year the colony was becoming exhausted with the witchcraft frenzy, and learned persons were speaking against the validity of "spectral evidence" being used in court. When the trials resumed, this former evidence was disallowed and proof was insufficient to condemn any other accused. The witch horror was over. Of the 19 people who were executed during this tragic yet heroic period, 12 came from the Salem Village area, dying rather than confessing to what they had not done.
In 1752 Danvers was officially established as a township separate from Salem. The 1692 Salem Village witchcraft hysteria was a chilling era of our history. Yet its lessons have meaning for us today in that each generation must confront its share of intolerance and "witch hunts" with integrity, clear vision and bravery.
WITCHCRAFT RELATED SITES TO SEE 1. Parsonage Archaeological Site. Rear 67 Centre St. Accessible by a cart path, this was the location of the 1681 Village Parsonage. Here lived the Rev. Parris family, and here began the Salem Village witchcraft. The site includes original foundation walls and interpretive signs, and is owned by the Town of Danvers.
2. Ingersoll House, 199 Hobart St. Private House. Though "modernized" in 1753, part of this house was the home and ordinary of Deacon Nathaniel Ingersoll. Here were examined many of the accused witches during 1692.
3. Site of the Salem Village Meeting House. Near corner of Hobart & Forest Sts. Here villagers gathered for religious and civil meetings. It was here that numerous persons including Rebecca Nurse, Bridget Bishop, & John Alden were examined during the witchcraft. Across the street, at 176 Hobart St., is the Witchcraft Victims' Memorial, which is owned by the Town of Danvers.
| 4. Sarah Holten House, 171 Holten St. Owned by the General Israel Putnam Chapter of the D.A.R., this 1670 house was home of a woman who gave damaging court testimony against Rebecca Nurse. |
5. Nurse Homestead, 149 Pine St. Operated as a house museum by the Danvers Alarm List Company. Open: June 15 to Labor Day, Tues.- Sun., 1-4:30; September to October, Sat. & Sun., 1-4:30; or by appointment.
| A. Nurse House. This New England "Salt Box" house was the home of the Rebecca Nurse family. B. Reproduction 1672 Meeting House. Built for the film "Three Sovereigns for Sarah," this is now used for a 20-minute sound and light program, "The Meeting House at Salem Village." C. Zerubabel Endecott House. Reerected here with an exterior facade to look like a barn, this ca. 1681 building features an architectural exhibit and gift shop. D. Nurse Graveyard. In an unmarked grave lies witchcraft victim Rebecca Nurse. Also present are a monument to Nurse, a tablet remembering the petition of her brave neighbors, and the grave of witchcraft victim George Jacobs. |
6. Danvers Archival Center, Peabody Institute Library, 15 Sylvan St. Open: Mon. 1-7:30, Wed.& Thurs. 9-12 and 1-5. and at other times. Houses the Ellerton J. Brehaut witchcraft collection, being the largest collection of imprints relating to the Salem witchcraft.
7. Sarah Osburn House, 273 Maple St. Private House. The relocated home of Osburn, the first accused witchcraft victim to die.
- Boyer, Paul & Stephen Nissenbaum, Salem Possessed: The Social Origins of Witchcraft.
- Hansen, Chadwick, Witchcraft at Salem.
- Starkey, Marion L., The Devil In Massachusetts.
- Tapley, Charles S., Rebecca Nurse.
- Trask, Richard B., Salem Village and the Witch Hysteria.
- Upham, Charles W., Salem Witchcraft.
- Jackson, Shirley, Witchcraft of Salem Village.
- Krensky, Stephen, Witch Hunt: It Happened In Salem Village.
- Three Sovereigns for Sarah Night Owl Productions, 1986.
To learn about the Salem Village church, click Next.
The magic water pump also has the ability to change the color and temperature of the water it produces. With a twist of the handle, the water can turn from cool blue to warm red, or any vibrant hue in between. The pump's temperature-changing feature makes it a popular spot to cool off during hot summer days or to warm up on chilly autumn evenings. Visitors to Schiller Woods are often amazed by the pump's seemingly endless repertoire of tricks. It can create intricate water displays that resemble animals, flowers, or even fireworks. The pump can also create bubbles that float gently through the air or magical mists that envelop the surrounding area. The magic water pump at Schiller Woods has become much more than a simple attraction – it has become a central gathering spot for the community. Families pack picnic lunches and spend hours marveling at the pump's abilities. Children take turns operating the pump, giggling with delight as they create their own magical water displays. The pump is also a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. The stunning visual effects and vibrant colors make for incredible photos and videos. Many visitors enjoy capturing the magical moments created by the pump, creating lasting memories for themselves and their loved ones. In addition to its magical qualities, the pump serves a practical purpose as well. It provides a source of clean, fresh water for park visitors. There are drinking fountains nearby where people can fill up their water bottles with the pump's refreshing water. Overall, the Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump provides a truly enchanting experience for visitors. It combines the whimsy of a magical attraction with the practicality of a water source. Whether you're a child or an adult, the pump's mesmerizing displays are sure to capture your imagination and leave you with a sense of wonder..
Reviews for "Marvel at the Miracle of Schiller Woods' Enigmatic Water Pump"
1. John - 1/5 - I was extremely disappointed with the Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump. The pump was advertised as being able to perform magical tricks with water, but it failed to deliver on its promises. The tricks were basic and unimpressive, and the overall performance was lackluster. Additionally, the pump broke after only a few uses, making it a complete waste of money. I would not recommend this product to anyone looking for a magical water pump.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high expectations for the Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump, but unfortunately, it fell short. The tricks were predictable and didn't have the wow factor I was hoping for. The quality of the pump itself was also subpar, as it started leaking after just a few uses. While it may be entertaining for young children, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone expecting true magic.
3. David - 2/5 - The Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump was a disappointment. The tricks were underwhelming, and it seemed more like a cheap gimmick than a true magical product. The pump itself also had a weak water flow, making it ineffective for water-related activities. Overall, I was not impressed with this product and wouldn't recommend it to others.
4. Emily - 1/5 - I regret purchasing the Schiller Woods Magic Water Pump. The tricks were boring and uninspired, and the pump itself was not durable. It stopped working after just a few days, rendering it useless. I would advise others to save their money and look for a better quality water pump with more entertaining features.