‘Snow-Bound Weekend’ takes place Feb. 11 and 12

HAVERHILL — Snow-Bound Weekend, a dramatic re-creation of John Greenleaf Whittier’s famous poem, “Snow-Bound,” will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 11, and noon to 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 12, at the poet’s Haverhill birthplace.

The biennial re-creation features the Whittier family and friends, in full period dress and performing scenes from the famous poem. The cast includes Augustine J. Reusch Jr. as John Greenleaf Whittier and Patricia Feller as Narrator. Outside, horse-drawn sleigh or wagon hayrides will be provided and, in the shoe shop, poetry will be read and period music performed. The last performance of “Snow-Bound” begins at 3:30 p.m. Hot apple cider and donuts are served.

Whittier originally conceived Snow-Bound as a means of conveying to his niece, Elizabeth, the challenges of life in early nineteenth century Haverhill. Similarly, visitors to the birthplace during Snow-Bound Weekend will experience the warmth emanating from the poet’s own farmhouse hearth as they savor the scent of apples roasting by the fire,” say organizers of the event that began in 1995.

Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $5 for students ages seven to 17, and free for children six and under. Parking is not allowed at the birthplace, but free parking and a shuttle will be available at Francis H. Maroney Inc. and Biggart’s Ice Cream. Both are located just off I-495 at Exit 52, Route 110. For more information, visit www.johngreenleafwhittier.com.

The Trustees of the John Greenleaf Whittier Homestead are responsible for managing the farmhouse museum and more than 70 acres of property associated with the birthplace of the famed poet, abolitionist, editor and politician. The house, constructed in 1688 by Thomas Whittier, is substantially the same as when the poet lived there between 1807 and 1836.

Snow-Bound was first published Feb. 17, 1866.

And, for the winter fireside meet,
Between the andirons’ straddling feet
The mug of cider simmered slow,
The apples sputtered in a row,
And, close at hand, the basket stood
With nuts from brown October’s wood.

Augustine J. Reusch Jr. portrays John Greenleaf Whittier during the 47th Annual VFW Santa Parade, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011. The theme of the parade was “Celebrating Haverhill’s Treasures.”

Coco becomes president of Whittier trustees

HAVERHILL, Mass. (11/18/11) — Tim Coco was elected president of the Trustees of John Greenleaf Whittier Homestead at Wednesday’s annual meeting of the 118-year-old trust, succeeding Dr. Raymond F. Comeau.

The Trustees of the John Greenleaf Whittier Homestead are responsible for managing the farmhouse museum and more than 70 acres of property associated with the birthplace of famed poet, abolitionist, editor and politician John Greenleaf Whittier. The house, constructed in 1688 by Thomas Whittier, is substantially the same as when the poet lived there between 1807 and 1836. The birthplace is the setting of his most famous poem, Snow-Bound.

“Difficult decisions must be made in the years ahead as expenses needed to maintain a 323-year-old farmhouse increase while revenues remain nearly flat,” Coco said. “I believe one solution is raising awareness of Whittier’s importance. Although his poetry was popular, Whittier’s stronger contributions to society were his successful efforts toward achieving equality and justice for all. He advocated both for the abolition of slavery and women’s suffrage long before those became popular political positions.”

Coco is president and chief executive officer of COCO+CO. Inc., an advertising agency. He is also the founding president of Public Media of New England Inc., operator of WHAV; a director of the Merrimack Valley Economic Development Council; director of the Haverhill Citizens Hall of Fame; and a member of the Occupational Advisory Board at Northern Essex Community College.

Besides Coco, others elected were Arthur H. Veasey III, vice president; Marcia Rogers, treasurer; Richard J. Sheehan Jr., secretary; and Elinor Curtin Cameron, Shirley Osgood-Bailey, James P. Cleary III and Glen Hamilton, trustees. Comeau and Bernard J. Gallagher were elected to the newly formed posts of trustees emeritus. Augustine J. Reusch Jr. continues as museum curator.

Comeau was presented with a certificate of appreciation along with a 1909 edition of Whittier’s collected works.

Whittier Birthplace formally opened in 1893 after former Haverhill Mayor James H. Carleton purchased the house and land and donated it to the Haverhill Whittier Club, founded in 1886.

Fifth grade students honor poet Whittier and his sweetheart

HAVERHILL, Mass. (6/2/11) — A Tribute to Lydia Ayer and John Greenleaf Whittier will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 9 in Walnut Cemetery, Kenoza Street, Haverhill, at the grave site of Lydia Ayer.

Under the direction of Whittier Birthplace Curator Augustine J. Reusch Jr., fifth grade students from Bradford Elementary School will recite Whittier’s poem, “In School Days,” in memory of Lydia Ayer, Whittier’s childhood sweetheart. The public is welcome to attend. There is no charge

Two students will be dressed as Ayer and Whittier respectively, while other students will read poems about John Greenleaf Whittier. A bouquet of flowers will also be left at the grave site.

Whittier (1807–1892) was born and raised in Haverhill, Massachusetts at his family’s farmhouse built by ancestors in 1688. His first printed poem appeared in 1826 in the Newburyport Free Press, where anti-slavery activist William Lloyd Garrison served as editor. With Garrison’s encouragement Whittier joined the abolitionist cause and later became one of the founders of the Republican Party. He also served as a state legislator during 1835 and 1836, edited a number of newspapers and was associated with the Atlantic Monthly Magazine from 1857 until his death.

Whittier is best known for his poem Snow-Bound, written in 1866. He received an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree from Harvard in 1886.

The Birthplace was formally opened to the public in 1893 after former-Mayor James H. Carleton purchased the house and land and presented it to the Haverhill Whittier Club.

Whittier Club Summer Meeting Features ‘Priscilla and the Hollyhocks’

HAVERHILL, Mass. (4/6/11) —“Priscilla and the Hollyhocks,” with Marie Rawlings and the Calvary Baptist Youth Choir, will be performed during the summer meeting of the Haverhill Whittier Club at 2 p.m., June 12th at Whittier Birthplace, 305 Whittier Road.

Marie Rawlings, fiddler and storyteller, narrates the musical adaptation of Anne Broyles’ “Priscilla and the Hollyhocks.” She will be joined by the Calvary Baptist Youth Choir. The presentation is free to the public, but donations will be accepted. Those wishing to attend should bring lawn chairs. Visitors may also attend early and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds.

The story is based on true events in the life of a young slave girl who was sold away from her mother. Her only gift from her mother is the talent of making dolls from hollyhock flowers. She is purchased by a Cherokee family and forced to accompany them on the “Trail of Tears.” Through a chance encounter with a man she met years before, she is purchased by Basil Silkwood and set free.

Through song, story and drama, the audience will hear this little known tale of young Priscilla. As Priscilla finds her freedom, spectators will hear her tale of sorrow and longing.

Whittier Birthplace and Calvary Baptist present ‘Priscilla and the Hollyhocks'

HAVERHILL, Mass. (2/10/11) —In observance of Black History Month, Calvary Baptist Church and John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace are sponsoring a musical adaptation of Anne Broyles’ “Priscilla and the Hollyhocks.” The presentation takes place at 1 p.m., Sat., Feb. 19 at Calvary Baptist Church, 13 Ashland St., Haverhill.

Marie Rawlings, fiddler and storyteller, narrates the tale. She will be joined by the Calvary Baptist Youth Choir under the direction of Joseph Devoe. The program is free to the public and suitable for all ages. In the event of snow, the program will take place at 1 p.m., Mon., Feb. 21. Parking is available in the lot next to Calvary Baptist Church.

The story is based on true events in the life of a young slave girl who was sold away from her mother. Her only gift from her mother is the talent of making dolls from hollyhock flowers. She is purchased by a Cherokee family and forced to accompany them on the “Trail of Tears.” Through a chance encounter with a man she met years before, she is purchased by Basil Silkwood and set free.

Through song, story and drama, the audience will hear this little known tale of young Priscilla. As Priscilla finds her freedom, spectators will hear her tale of sorrow and longing.

‘Snow-Bound Weekend’ takes place Jan. 16 and 17

HAVERHILL, Mass. (1/1/10) — Snow-Bound Weekend, a dramatic re-creation of John Greenleaf Whittier’s famous poem, “Snow-Bound,” will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 16 and 17 at the poet’s birthplace in Haverhill.

The re-creation will feature the Quaker family and friends, in full period dress, playing the scenes from the famous poem. The cast includes Augustine J. Reusch, Jr. as John Greenleaf Whittier, Elizabeth Patterson as Mary Whittier and Patricia Feller as Narrator. Outside, sleigh or wagon hayrides will be provided, period music performed and farm animals will be on display.

Whittier originally conceived Snow-Bound as a means of conveying to his niece, Elizabeth, the challenges of life in early nineteenth century Haverhill. Similarly, visitors to the birthplace during Snow-Bound Weekend will experience the warmth emanating from the poet’s own farmhouse hearth as they savor the scent of apples roasting by the fire,” say organizers of the event.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and children under 14. Parking will not be allowed at the birthplace, but free parking and a shuttle will be available at Francis H. Maroney Inc. and Biggart’s Ice Cream. Both are located just off I-495 at Exit 52, Route 110. For more information, call (978) 373-3979.

Snow-Bound was first published Feb. 17, 1866.

And, for the winter fireside meet,
Between the andirons’ straddling feet
The mug of cider simmered slow,
The apples sputtered in a row,
And, close at hand, the basket stood
With nuts from brown October’s wood.

John Greenleaf Whittier poetry vigil on Dec. 16 to 17

HAVERHILL, Mass. (11/21/07) — A 24-hour poetry vigil honoring the 200th birthday of poet John Greenleaf Whittier will take place at the Whittier Homestead in Haverhill, beginning at noon on Sunday, Dec. 16 and ending at noon the following day.

Participants will take turns sitting by the fire in the poet’s own farmhouse and reading poetry aloud throughout the night. Readers will be scheduled in 15 minute time slots. During the 24 hour reading, the museum doors will be open to the public. At the end of the vigil, cake and hot cider will be served to celebrate the poet’s birthday.

“Having a vigil captures the sacrifices Whittier made in his life as an abolitionist and labor rights activist. It will take at least 96 readers to fill 24 hours, a small number compared to the lives that were impacted by Whittier's life works,” said the curator of the birthplace.

John Greenleaf Whittier Homestead to host Wet Paint Auction

HAVERHILL, Mass. (10/9/07) — Haverhill’s first Wet Paint Auction will be held on Saturday, October 20, at the John Greenleaf Whittier Homestead at 305 Whittier Road.

Local artists will spend the day painting on the grounds. The public is welcome to observe throughout the day. A panel of judges will choose paintings to be included in a live auction later in the evening.

The evening reception begins at 6 p.m. and includes hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, music, door prizes and a silent auction. A live auction of juried pieces will begin at 8 p.m. Reservations are $25 per person.

Those interested may visit www.johngreenleafwhittier.com for more information. The Web site includes an artist registration form and biographies of participating artists.

This 200th anniversary event is hosted by the Trustees of the John Greenleaf Whittier Homestead. All proceeds benefit the continued restoration and maintenance of the poet’s birthplace.

Whittier portrait loaned to national gallery

HAVERHILL, Mass. (11/21/06) — A portrait of John Greenleaf Whittier, one of the premiere fireside poets of the 19th century is now on permanent loan and display at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Whittier’s portrait was selected to honor his work as a leading abolitionist.

The portrait is of Whittier at age 25. The portrait is on display as part of a collection entitled “American Origins, 1600-1900.” It is being shown in the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture.

The portrait was painted in 1833 and is part of the abolitionist series. The Whittier portrait is on permanent loan from the Whittier Homestead in Haverhill.

“The museum is delighted to have this portrait of Whittier as a young man. He can be found in the abolitionist group,” said Beverly Cox, of the Smithsonian.

Whittier’s portrait is hanging in Gallery 122 in the American Origins collection. Others famous Americans in the same collection include John Quincy Adams. A portrait of Margaret Fuller, another famous poet of the 19th century, is hung next to Whittier.

In return for loaning the portrait to the Smithsonian, the Smithsonian provided the Birthplace with an exact copy of the original painting. The copy has been framed and can be viewed in the family room of the birthplace.

Whittier Birthplace to honor James Hazen Carleton

HAVERHILL, Mass. (11/18/02) — Former Haverhill mayor and philanthropist James Hazen Carleton (1818-1893) will be formally remembered and honored by the Trustees of the John Greenleaf Whittier Homestead at a ceremony beginning at 3:45 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 20.

The effort to recognize Carleton began as an attempt by local residents to restore the Carleton fountain, now located near Winnekenni Basin. Carleton donated the fountain to the city in 1892 and it was originally located in Gale Park, said Bernard Clohisy, chairman of the restoration effort. The fountain was moved to its current location in 1914, he said. Because of the poor condition of the fountain and the estimated high cost of restoration, the effort to preserve the fountain ended in early 2001.

At the request of Clohisy and other members of the restoration effort, a brass plaque was recently installed on the Whittier home. The inscription proclaims, “Preservation of the John Greenleaf Whittier Birthplace would not have been possible without the generosity and dedication of the Honorable James Hazen Carleton. A friend of the poet and classmate at Haverhill Academy, Carleton purchased and endowed Whittier Birthplace in 1891 for the benefit of the public.”

Carleton presented the birthplace to the Haverhill Whittier Club in 1893. He also provided funds for its maintenance. The club established the Trustees of John Greenleaf Whittier Homestead as a private, non-profit trust to manage and maintain the property.

“The Whittier Homestead is an outstanding example of the old New England farm, located on its original site, is substantially the same as when the Poet lived there in 1807 until 1836. The homestead is the setting of his most famous and beloved poem Snow-Bound. Many settings from his poems are recognizable to those who have read them,” according to materials provided by the Haverhill Whittier Club.

Carleton also contributed to the Haverhill Public Library, Hannah Duston Monument, Haverhill City Hospital, YMCA, Carleton College in Minnesota (named for William Carleton of Charlestown, Mass.), Linwood Cemetery and many other charitable endeavors.