Suanne Online: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, August 15-17

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, August 15-17

Visitor Center bust of
Augustus Saint-Gaudens

After getting a new set of tires in Bangor, ME, I headed west though northern New Hampshire into Vermont, taking a drive through the White and Green Mountains. I'm really looking forward to returning to this area at the beginning of October to enjoy the fall color show with husband John.

Cast of Lady Liberty for
the 1907 $20 Gold Piece

After driving through New Hampshire, I camped just inside the State of Vermont at Mt. Ascutney State Park. To get to this park from New Hampshire, you need to drive over the Black River through the 120' Downers or Upper Falls Covered Bridge which was built in 1840. Loved it! While at the park, I took advantage of a beautiful, but very steep drive up the mountain to several scenic overlooks. My campsite was near an old apple tree that was dropping fruit. Here I hoped to watch deer as I drifted off to sleep ... but, I didn't see anything that night, nor any sign the next morning.

Shaw Memorial. A larger-than-life sculpture.

The following day I drove a few miles back into New Hampshire to visit Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site. Augustus Saint-Gaudens (1848-1907) was the sculptor who designed the 1907 Twenty Dollar Gold Piece which many believe to be the most beautiful coin in America.

Some detail of the
Shaw Memorial

He was a gifted artist of more than 150 sculptures. I love his Abraham Lincoln statues. But, my favorite at this site is the Shaw Memorial depicting the man who lead black volunteer soldiers to fight in the Civil War. The detail is absolutely amazing.

In addition to lots of artwork, were beautiful expansive grounds -- several gardens, hiking paths, historic buildings, carriages and other artifacts.

Gallery Atrium & Pool, Saint-Gaudens NHS

The Adams Memorial, Saint-Gaudens NHS

Aspet, Pan Garden, Saint-Gaudens NHS

My next stop was at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Site in Vermont. George Perkins Marsh, Frederick Billings, and Mary and Laurence Rockefeller all lived on this land at different times in history. They didn't know each other. Each, however, made significant contributions to the concept of stewardship and preservation through their actions, published works, funding, and political involvement. Marsh is considered the "Father of Conservation," publishing Man and Nature in 1947. Billings, having read Marsh's writings, truly practiced conservation on the land. His farm continues to operate as it did after he purchased it in 1869, opening its doors to the public. The Rockefellers made sure, through their leadership and philanthropy, that the land was preserved and opened to the public. I didn't go into the farm, but I did enjoy exploring the museum and wandering the grounds. Here are some pictures.