“Although officially established in 1858,” she began, “it is believed that Old Middleton—then named simply ‘Middleton’—was actually founded much earlier.” “How much earlier?” the woman in the polka-dot coat asked. “That is the subject of vigorous debate,” Shae answered. “Some local historians believe that it could be as early as the end of the eighteenth century. What is known is that the original settlers were four families: the Lennoxes, the Carters, the Godwins, and the Deans—” “And they were running away from the Salem witch trials, right?” Travis interrupted.
