The Romance of Old New England Rooftrees

"The Romance of Old New England Rooftrees" by Mary Caroline Crawford is a compilation of historical stories from the early 1900s intended to capture the enchanting histories connected to the ancient homes scattered across New England, aiming to captivate individuals eager to experience the romantic past of the area through its buildings and the people who once lived there. The book begins with the story of Bishop Berkeley, an early 1700s settler of Newport, Rhode Island, sharing his ambitious dream to create a college in Bermuda that would teach both American and Indigenous youth in order to spread Christianity, showcasing his commitment to education and better moral character. It also mentions friendships with well-known authors like Jonathan Swift, including the sad story of Vanessa, offering a peek into the intersecting lives that impacted Old New England's culture and history.