DERRY — It's a famous home to one of America's most prolific poets and can now boast being a national treasure.
Derry's own Robert Frost Farm has officially entertained visitors from all 50 states and many countries around the world.
At the historic farm on Route 28, farm manager Bill Gleed pushed another pin in a United States map last weekend to celebrate another spot that's home to a Frost fan.
All summer, the farm's staff documents the people who stop by the quaint farmhouse and barn to see the place Frost and his family called home for a decade while he taught English at nearby Pinkerton Academy.
Every time a visitor came from a new state or country, a push pin showed the spot on the colorful map.
"We got Mississippi, now we have all 50 states," Gleed announced on one summer afternoon. "And we have 26 or 27 foreign countries."
With Puerto Rico, Brazil, Mexico and other destinations now a push pin memory, one can say Frost fans have gone global.
The idea for the map came from a Pinkerton student, Gleed said. It's been fun to watch and mark the spots from where people travel to visit Derry and see where Frost lived, he said. Almost on a daily basis, a new country or state was represented.
"We got a new province in China today," Will Gleed said spelling out the word "Chengdu" for any farm visitor who may have stumbled on the spelling.
The farm manager's son was very interested in where people were from as well.
As site manager, Gleed said the farm has had many visitors this summer as one of New Hampshire's more popular destinations.
Through a strong network of volunteers and also state support, the farm is going strong as a historic spot where those who love Frost can gather for a nature walk, special programs and tours of the simple white farmhouse.
He said this fall a local Eagle Scout will begin working on a farm project to help keep the poet's home in good shape.
The farm is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit robertfrostfarm.org.
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