The Old Colony Club held a 'Porch Talk' on Sunday, October 26, 2025. Club Parliamentarian, Tim Shobbrook, delivered an excellent talk on King Philip's War to 39 attendees. Marking the 350th anniversary of the war, Tim explained how it was one of the most consequential wars in American history, laying the foundation of a nation and the destiny of a continent. It was also one of the most devastating wars in American history, where entire economies were wrecked for generations and on a per capita basis had more casualties than most American wars. It is also a war that most Americans are unfamiliar with and one that was actively forgotten by both sides for their own reasons.

Intrigued by a 17th century map of New England hanging at the Boston Harbor hotel, Tim prepared for his talk over the next five months. In addition to books, his research included traveling to the locations where significant events took place, most of which required hikes and searches for largely undocumented markers. A handout containing photographs of his field research was distributed to attendees.

To complement the talk, an array of traditional New England food was prepared by John Sgammato, with dishes also contributed by Tim and Joannie Shobbrook, and David and Diane Peck.

Many thanks to Tim for an excellent presentation, to John Sgammato for extensive work on the food and drink, and to David Peck for organizing and promoting the very successful Porch Talk Program.

The presentation was recorded and is available below. Photos are also included in the gallery below the video.

Click on the photos to view a larger version and click the right or left edge, or use arrow keys, to navigate through them.