DERRY — A local literary landmark received a financial boost from the federal government for much-needed repairs and preservation work.
The Robert Frost Farm, a national landmark, will receive $205,800 in federal money to restore, repair and preserve the famed poet's Derry homestead, owned by Frost, his wife, Elinor, and their children from 1900-1911 and thought to be the inspiration for a large portion of Frost's poetic work.
U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg visited the Frost Farm last week and announced the money would go to support the farm's upkeep and historic preservation work, part of a plan to ensure the farm's integrity and relevance for generations to enjoy.
This is good news for the local landmark, according to longtime farm trustee Laura Burnham. Burnham said the farm is gem because Frost wrote a great deal of his work here, inspired by the many trails, stone walls, brooks and meadows surrounding the simple white clapboard farmhouse and barn.
According to Burnham, the farm has a host of critical issues to be addressed. The foundation and roof both need repairs and drainage around the building needs to be improved, she said. The infusion of federal dollars will help jump-start renovation projects.
"We now have the funding to do the preservation work and keep this place forever," she said, adding that thousands of people from all over the world visit the Derry farm every year.
Benjamin Wilson, a historic sites specialist with the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, said the Frost Farm projects will be used as a model for preserving other historic properties and landscapes around the state.
"This is an honorable mission," Wilson said.
Sen. Gregg said the money will help Frost Farm continue its mission to be a place where people can gather to seek their own inspiration while learning about the poet who once called that property 'home'.
"On a day like today, can't you just see Robert Frost walking through that field?" Gregg asked the farm's visitors last week. "If you don't preserve history, you are losing the essence of your culture."
Burnham said the money comes at a time when the farm needed it most, and she joined with other farm trustees to thank Gregg for helping secure the funds for the most important preservation work.
"Robert Frost once said, 'I always entertain great hopes.' Today, I offer my sincere thanks to Sen. Gregg for making my 'great hopes' for preserving the Frost Farm come to fruition," Burnham said.
"This is a beautiful site," Division of Parks and Recreation Director Allison McLean said, "and one of my favorite spots."
The State of New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development has owned and managed the Frost Farm since 1965 and will oversee reconstruction efforts.
This Saturday, the New Hampshire Timberland Owners Association and other volunteers will plant a new tree at the farm to replace an old sugar maple that was taken down last September.
The planting takes place at 10 a.m., and the public is invited to attend.
To learn more about Frost Farm and its schedule for the summer, call 432-3091 or visit the farm online at www.robertfrostfarm.org.
