Old Man of the Mountain Scrapbook

Old Man of the Mountain Scrapbook
The N.H. Division of Parks and Recreation has received an outpouring of condolences - from citizens of New Hampshire
as well as from people across the country and even from around the world. So many are mourning the loss of this familiar
icon and have taken the time to share their feelings. Following are samples of their contributions, photos of the day after
the collapse and of the Man himself before and after the tragedy.
If you would like to submit any thoughts or remembrances regarding the Old Man for possible inclusion in this online
Scrapbook, please e-mail the Division at [email protected]
To submit recommendations for the future of the Old Man, please e-mail the Old Man Revitalization Task Force at
[email protected].
*Images submitted for this scrapbook can be found on the last pages of this document.
To forget the old man in the mountain is like forgetting the face of God. Once you've seen it you can never forget. I am
saddened that so many of us have lost our "face." We will never forget. I was a child the first time I saw the face. I
thought God had put his face there on the mountain to let us know he was watching over us. Perhaps the stone has
crumbled, but God still watches over us all. I would be happy to contribute to a reconstruction effort if such is planned.
Very respectfully, Rick Cooper, Flowood, MS
I just saw that the Old Man passed away. When I was a child, we took family car trips every summer, traversing all 48
continental states over the years. One of my clearest and fondest memories is the sensation of awe--even after having seen
Mt. Rushmore--that God and Nature had fashioned this indisputable representation of Earth's most vulnerable specie in
seemingly indestructible form. I'm so glad he was memorialized on the New Hampshire state quarter. I hope the
governor's planned "monument/restoration" is flooded with more than enough donations. I am truly grateful I had the
opportunity to join history by laying eyes on that American wonder. Best regards and deepest condolences, Margo
Lemberger
I was saddened to hear of the Old Man of the Mountain collapsing. I spent several summers in the 1960's visiting
Meredith, NH, and each year would look forward to visiting the Old Man of the Mountain. It was amazing how perfect it
was in its features, for being a natural formation. I hope something can be done to either restore it or a fitting monument
can be built. Carol Mershon
As a former resident of Conway, New Hampshire for 20 years, I was so distressed to read about the Old Man of the
Mountain. It's almost like losing a member of one's family. It will always be a symbol of N.H. whether he's there or not!
Sincerely, Mrs. Barbara Ferguson Baker, Durham, North Carolina
I was so sorry to hear what happened to the Old Man. My baby daughter who is almost 9 months has not seen him yet and
that makes me incredibly sad. The Governor says that his time has not passed yet. I hope not. It really feels like we lost a
member of the family. Take Care, Mrs. Rachel Bilodeau
My wife's first reaction when we heard the sad news was to call her brother who was in Florida. He is John Tucker, a
former Speaker of the NH House. He was devastated with the news. He reminded us that when he was Speaker, the
Christmas cards he sent out had the "Old Man" on the front. It was truly a symbol which reflected the independence of the
NH and its citizens. Steve Ciardelli, Burlington, VT
I am so sad that the Old Man of the Mountain has collapsed! I have visited this sight since childhood and have so many
memories of this area. I have gone mountain climbing in this area and this is a fond memory of that time! I just am in
shock and saddened by this! Lisa Cabello
While reading the news this morning on the Internet, I was deeply saddened to read where the Old Man succumbed to
Mother Nature. It was during the late 1980's that my husband and I who at the time were stationed in Plattsburg New York
with the USAF, came to Franconia Notch for a camping outing. We visited the State Park, The Flume, The Basin and
hiked many trails in the area. We were in awe of the mountainside and had always hoped to get back to the area again to
explore the beauty of New Hampshire. We are now living in Stavanger Norway, and wanted you to know, that with the
falling of the Old Man of the Mountain, we will continue to hold a special place in our memory book of New Hampshire
and the Franconia area. I will search through my photo albums today and step back in time to pay tribute to something I
felt was quite awesome. Best of Luck to the area and hope to see you again soon. Sincerely, M.B. Deaton
I heard the shocking news of our loss of our famous landmark. It's really sad. I reflected on my last visit to the location to
observe the stone face. There were many other people eager to get a glimpse of the structure. It was an unbelievable sight
to see. In many ways we are proud of it being a trademark of our state. Like reported on TV, we knew it wouldn't be up
there forever, but no one thought we'd see the day it would be gone. As the song goes, "You Don't Know What You Got
Til It's Gone." Sincerely, Jackie Varney, Alton, N.H.
So Sorry to hear of the demise of The Old Man of the Mountain. He was such a visual landmark of my childhood of
skiing trips to Franconia, since 1946. He and The Flume and the avalanche evidences were the exciting end to our travel
from Boston to Cannon MT.,(which we aptly called "Can-on," as that was our learning position, mostly). On days that we
got rained out, we did the "touristy things," like trudging through the snow to peek in Bette Davis's cottage, and some big
hotel for hot chocolate that was guarded by giant Wiemaranas(sp?)...being a 7 yr old, that was a giant dog ,and I would
stay in the car, so someone would bring out the hot chocolate. I learned to ride a bongo-board in the basement of the hotel,
which came in handy for surfing in later years. I knew New Hampshire had the honor of being the first state to have a
voting count each election; I moved to Portsmouth to be a teacher, found a wonderful husband in the AF, and return each
summer to be with my brother in Concord, and walk the beach in Rye. My brother told me all the flags are at half-mast
because of the crumble of The Old Man. Well, he has had a great, long run, will be missed, but New Hampshire has many
wonderful attributes that will keep visitors coming and loving. My condolences, Jane McGregor
As a native New Hampshirite, the Old Man has always stood as an enduring symbol of my roots. On every trip to Berlin,
the Old Man has stood as the gate keeper of my journey - welcoming me back to my home and bidding me farewell until
the next time. He will be sorely missed. Michelle Demers
I am now a resident of Wilmington, North Carolina, but I used to live in Goffstown, N.H., for most of my life. When I
heard of this...there are no words to describe how I feel...I feel like I have lost a member of my family. I remember just
last year I took my fiance up north to see the Old Man. Thank God I did... I hope and pray there is a way that the rest of
the Old Man can be saved. The White Mountains are really beautiful and it is so sad to hear of the loss. I will always have
happy memories as a child and of this past year of seeing "our" Old Man. Sorry to hear of the loss. Cynthia M. Olson
I'm very sad to see the old man gone. I have visited a few times, and have very fond memories of this landmark and the
area around it. Though the old man will be missed, the beauty of God's craft is still very alive in New Hampshire. Tom
Brucat
When I first heard of the story of the Old Man falling from his great throne, much sorrow fell over me. For years I've
enjoyed this great piece of New Hampshire folklore. That great story I have passed down to many of my children except
one who was going to take her first journey to Cannon Mountain with her older sister this summer. They will still be
going but without the wisdom the Old Man stood for. That there are forces out there that we can't explain and this simple
man's story of how we as a people can persevere through the centuries. Only in God's hand could this monument have
been built but with God in our hearts we can rebuild and should for generations to come. My Deepest sympathy to the
people of New Hampshire for the loss of your oldest resident. Frank Cruz, New Bedford, MA
I'm sorry for your loss. As a former resident of NH, I knew something bad would happen when I left for New Jersey this
week!, but I never imagined this. I'm thankful that I finally did see the 'Old Man' just before I left, the first time in my 28
years of living in the Live Free or Die state. A treasure is lost. Sincerely, Cory Nickerson
As former residents of Vermont nearly 30 years ago one of our favorite places to visit was the Old Man of the Mountain.
We always took family and friends to see this special place. My wife and I were truly shocked to see the news today in
our hometown newspaper (Evansville, IN) of its demise. We are saddened and have been busy today looking at the
pictures we took from our visits and even looking at the New Hampshire quarter. We took the Old Man for granted and
now he is gone but our memories will remain. I know the State and its citizens will make the right decision on how best to
remember the Old Man on the Mountain and for all future generations to be able to recall its gloried past. Dick and Terri
Neumann, Evansville, IN
Dear Parks Dept.,
I have lived all over the United States, but New Hampshire has always been my "home." Growing up in New Hampton
and traveling every year to the Old Man was part of my family history. My father took my mother on a moonlit drive to
the Old Man in 1934, and I wouldn't be surprised if he proposed to her there. But being a quiet man, like The Old Man, he
never shared that secret. I feel a great loss personally and I know all of the people who love New Hampshire are mourning
today. Susan Tsiatis
I feel like I should be sending a sympathy card to the Franconia Park Department. Losing the Old Man must be like losing
a family member. I have been going to Franconia since the mid 60`s , there wasn't a time passing through the Notch I
didn't look up to say hello to the Old Man. I was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news. I feel honored to have seen such
a beautiful piece of nature. Glenn Fosberg
We were shocked and saddened -- as you all must have been -- by the news we heard this morning about the "Old Man of
the Mountain." We have vacationed in New Hampshire almost every year for the last 15 years and we love the Franconia
Notch region! Please, please, please!!!... don't let the Governor put up some bogus plastic "Old Man of the Mountain" to
replace the original.
Part of the wonder of "natural wonders" is that they are transitory. The boulder at the Flume Gorge is more -- not less -interesting because a huge rock is no longer precariously perched between the rims of the flume and no one can say
exactly what happened to it. Natural wonders are formed in a mystery and vanish the same way. If there is a message that
is being shared with us by their existence you will only obscure it by making a plastic replacement.
New Hampshire is a state of glorious granite reality ... let Florida keep its plastic fantasyland. We've only gone to Florida
once and the sunshine and fantasy were nice but we have no plans of going back soon, however, we'll be back for two
weeks in New Hampshire for the twelfth time this summer.
As the kids say, (please) "Keep it real." The Schindler Family, Long Island, New York
My grandfather bought a big old house in Bethlehem N.H. in 1947. He converted it into a hotel/guest house and called it
"the white mountain lodge" which he ran mostly alone until his passing away in 1977. Three generations of our family
spent our summers there--or at the very least spent his birthday in August with him. Part of the "ritual " of going to New
Hampshire every year was an obligatory day spent at Franconia Notch State Park--a visit to the Old Man of the Mountain,
splashing around in the lake and buying maple sugar candy.
I have lived in France for the past 14 years. My wife is British. I've told her about New Hampshire, and have promised to
take her there someday--not only to see a beautiful part of America, and my grandfather's place, but to see the Old Man's
profile. I feel like an elderly relative has passed away, and I didn't get a chance to tell him I loved him, or to say goodbye.
My thoughts are with all of you who live and work in the area, who have lost something very special. Sincerely,
Bradleigh Weiss
It was with great sadness that we read about the collapse of the Old Man. Thirty five years ago I took my new bride on her
first visit to Franconia Notch and the park on a fall weekend. She fell in love with the area as I had done as a boy when
visiting with my parents. We returned often as a couple and then as a family as our two girls grew up. We were looking
forward to bringing our granddaughter in a couple of years to see the attractions of Franconia Notch State Park and its
crown jewel, The Old Man of the Mountain. Despite this "act of Nature," New Hampshire, and particularly the Franconia
Notch area, will remain our favorite summer and fall vacation spot. Tony Spino, Waterbury, C
I am writing to let you know how sorry I am to hear that the old man is gone. I will admit that I am deeply saddened. I live
in Massachusetts, but I collect Old Man memorabilia,and I have lots of happy memories of the fallen man. I will never
forget the first time I looked up and saw that profile, with awe and happiness. I always have made it a point to see the
Great Stone Face when I go to the mountains. I remember as a kid growing up, I would have yearly vacations at different
cabins in the Lakes Region. My mom and dad and I would stay at a cabin, but we went to the Mountains region, and I
would insist on stopping to view the Old Man, and they always did.
I went two years in a row with my mother, this is more recent, and mom and I would always stop to view the Old Man
and stop at the shop to buy collectible and everyday stuff. I will admit that when I first found out, I was in denial, thinking
"No, he's still there." Whenever I watch the news and hear about the devastating collapse of the old man, I feel numb all
over, and in disbelief that he is actually gone. I watched the news this morning and I was in tears as they showed the
empty mountain. I said to myself, "I can't beleive he's gone, and it still hurts, because it's new, and I am in deep pain and
sorrow - my mourning the loss of New Hampshire's and New England's biggest landmark. I figured I would share my
thoughts with you at this very difficult time; it's hard for all of us, we all are in deep sadness. I must tell you that it insults
me when someone says "It's just a landmark." No, not to the people who loved the Old Man, for people who grew up and
had traditions of viewing it every year. Lots of people would say that it's cruel to say that. True, it's a stone profile, but to
us he became a lifelong friend, and watched over us. It's like losing a friend of many years, and I tell you, the Old Man is
not just a landmark - to millions it's history and a wonderful sight created by nature. I want to say I am so very sorry about
the devastating loss, it must hurt all of you, and may God bless you and help you get through this sad time. It truly is a sad
time for all New England, we all will miss the old man. We love you old man, RIP.
Christine Scullion
On Saturday morning (05-03-03) while out of the state I received a call on my cell phone from my 10 year old
granddaughter, Marissah. She was crying and barely audible. She said that she had to tell me something awful had
happened, the "Old Man" had fallen down. The "Old Man" was important to us as we traveled to see him often and had
made a trip only a few weeks ago. I was glad that we did. There was something mystical about the Great Stone Face and
we always stopped to say hello... We will miss him dearly. I have included the last photo I took of him on that day.
Rep. Robert J Letourneau, District 77, Derry, NH
As a born and raised New Hampshirite, here in Meteora, Greece, the famous monastary rock formations are the spirit of
my relatives and ancestors, which totally identifies the culture of my people. The Old Man of the Mountain is no different.
It embodies the innate spirit of New Hampshire's kinfolk - tough and hardy. As hard as it may be, let The Old Man rest
and let bygones be bygones. After all, God placed The Old Man of the Mountain here and God took him for His own
reasons. There will never be another like The Old Man. The State of New Hampshire would be making a grave error and
would be doing a disservice to all, if a quasi Old Man is erected. New Hampshire folks need to grieve and move on like
the tough image that the Old Man of the Mountain portrayed - tough and hardy.
Steve Letares, Meteora, Greece, Former New Hampshire Resident
We would like to send our thoughts to all of New Hampshire in the loss of "The Old Man of the Mountain." We are
thankful we had the opportunity to see him many times on trips through the Notch. We live in the Adirondacks & know
how special our mountain friends are! Sincerely, Lynn Osterberg & Family
I was about 12 when I read The Great Stone Face by N. Hawthorne the first time (I'm 64 now) and I remember our teacher
saying this was a real place that N.Hawthorne wrote about. Today I saw on my Internet ticker tape that the wonderful
granite Old Man had collapsed. I would just like to extend to all of you who loved the Old Man my sympathy. The loss of
this symbol has to be devastating to all who have been involved in his care and to the community in which he lived.
Sherrill Eichler, Door County WI
Dear New Hampshire,
Here in NJ. We are sorry for you and the loss of the Old Man. We Americans share the loss of our natural landmarks and
treasures, He'll be missed. Don Z.
I must say that I have never been to New Hampshire. As a history buff and a Park Ranger at the San Antonio Missions
National Historical Park I felt a great connection with the Old Man. All of these things have such deep and personal
meaning to the people they touch. Please accept this poem as my condolences. Tom Castanos
Stone Man
Ageless antiquity wearing me thin
All of the elements pounding again
Upon my weathered and ancient brow
The ravages of time have taken me now
I stared for millennia across grassy fields
I saw when they came, to reap all the yields
First by the handful, then by the score
They carved out their homes, they opened the door.
As simple as I was, they looked up to me
And made me a symbol, of all they would be
They came by the thousands, recorded my face
They made me an icon, a giant with grace.
But no one, not even a stone man like me
Can stand here forever, even I must now sleep
So as they all dreamed of things I can't know
I slipped from this mountain to rest far below.
But I am not gone, I have done what I must
You say "ashes to ashes", but I am the dust
But keep to my memories, bid me "adieux"
And cherish each moment as I have with you.
I spent 17 years living in NH, and visited the Old Man often. Although I now live in Seattle, I too have brought my
children just as my father brought me to see this incredible sight. When my brother told me it had fallen, I thought it was a
joke, and not very funny, but now know that it had indeed occurred. We will all miss him.
Barry Lott, Seattle Washington
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the collapse of the Old Man. My daughter is one of many who collects state
quarters. Upon hearing the news she became very upset. While in grammer school she wrote a state report on New
Hampshire. Now as a college student, she still feels a connection to New Hampshire. Add our hopes to those from all over
America that repair and restoration will be possible. God Bless you and God Bless America! Sibak Alan A. Garcia
I remember vividly as a child having my Dad point it out to me on one of our many vacation trips in N.H. A very sad day
for N.H. Jason Vaillancourt
It is with a heavy heart that I write to you concerning the demise of The Old Man of The Mountain. Not a wonder made
by man, but one created by nature with an unseen hand behind her. I share in the sorrow with you. May God bless us all....
Sorry for the loss to your state. My favorite season is Autumn, and New Hampshire seems to be the most beautiful fall
day never ending. Hopefully, I can visit it someday, and get to see what the old man saw way up there.
Sincerely, Cathy Cottrell
As an amateur poet, I often find that poetry is the best way to express my feelings. Here is my poem entitled, Farewell,
Old Man, for inclusion in the online scrapbook. Thanks.
Walter S. Greenwood, Jr., Newbury, NH,
May 5, 2003
Farewell, Old Man
I could not wait, each chance to see,
The Old Man's face, so proud and free.
At first he'd hide, a cliff of stone,
But then appeared his face alone.
He always seemed so glad to be,
In his place so he could see,
His loyal fans from miles around
Who looked in awe at what they'd found.
The great stone face he's called by some
God put him there so all could come,
To see the marvel of God's hand
For he's unique throughout our land.
We heard the news the other day.
What God had formed, God took away.
My heart stood still, how could it be?
I must return so I can see.
As I approached it looked the same.
A cliff of rocks that hid his frame.
But 'round the curve I saw it all
He was not there and tears did fall.
I walked the trail to Profile Lake
And sat in grief, yet no mistake.
Beyond the cliff the sky was bright
But in my heart it seemed like night.
Yet as I looked, he still was there.
The great stone face without a care.
Farewell, Old Man, you'll always be
A shining light for all to see.
THE LOSS OF THE OLD MAN
By: Cassandra Shawver (10 years old)
He sat on a cliff for thousands of years
But once he fell it gave us all tears
He was a state emblem for all of New Hampshire
We kept him together with cable and wire
It kept him together for a very long time
But the day of his death could have come anytime
Many people fixed him up as a job
But now without him they are starting to sob
The day he fell was May, 3 2003 a Saturday
Everyone thought that day was far away
He fell very proudly right next to a lake
When I first heard the news I thought it was all Fake
Help me say it, I know you can
Help me say "Farewell, Old Man"
Some of my favorite memories of New Hampshire are while riding the roads on a motorcycle. I was a passenger on one
trip and took a photo while we rode by. The shot is one of my best memories, the Old Man's profile high and proud. A
breathtaking scene I relived as I picked up my film. That photo along with other of beautiful New Hampshire were left
behind to a former beau. I wish I had it here today to share with you all. I grew up in Connecticut, and East Coast is still
home after many years. When I read the shocking news on the Internet, I immediately called Mom in CT. I look at the
2000 state quarter, and a refrigerator magnet and there the Old Man still stands. I am sorry my children have missed this
beauty in nature.
Cathie Dainton Piacente, Portland Oregon
I have just read that the Old Man has fallen, what a wonderful sight it was. I will gladly donate to any fund that helps to
restore this landmark. Please keep me posted. My wife and I made a point to see him when we traveled to your state from
Alaska in 2001. We are truly saddened by this. K. Purcell
From my heart: He was a part of my life since I was a small child before I could remember. My mother did not drive and
did not get out much, but every fall we took our trip to mountains to see the Old Man and to see the leaves change, not
that we had to go that far to see the leaves, since we lived in Campton, NH. He was a part of my family.
My sister and I have talked for a few years about going home to visit graves of our loved ones. She got cancer, when she
was well, she got it again. Then I came down with Hep C. If we were ever to make our trip we figured now was the time.
Oct 8 to 15, 2002 we made our trip. We visited graves in Westfort, MA, and Plymouth, NH and of course the Old Man of
the Mountain, along with the Indian Head, and Clark's Bears. The day was raining, clouds covered him, but we waited and
I got pictures of him. At the time I didn't know it would be the last ones I ever took. What a shock. I can't describe the
feelings I felt when I heard the news.
See, he has died, I think a monument would be nice but I think a large flag pole with our nation's flag and the state flag on
the top of the mountain would serve him with greater honor than anything else. He served his time just like the rest,
standing proud for all who knew him. Thank you and I will probably be back in the near future to see him one last time
before I go.
With great pride, Gladys (Latuch) Kuhse, Phoenix, AZ
I still can't believe he's gone. My husband and I have visited the Old Man many times throughout our lives. Some of those
visits were as children during family vacations. Together in 2000 we spent our summer vacation in New Hampshire. The
memory of that trip will last a lifetime. We visited the Old Man many times during our stay and made a special point to
drive by him often to say goodnight. One of our most treasured memories was the day we spent fishing in Profile Lake
under his watchful eye. It was our hope to take our children to visit him and let them experience the incredible power of
his profile and the joy it brings. For anyone who has had the privilege to have visited him, he will never be forgotten. It is
my belief that reconstruction should take place so generations to come could experience that same feeling of joy and
amazement of what once was created by nature for all of us to enjoy. Donna Nenninger
As a 36 year old woman I have many memories of our dear "Old Man." Growing up on Massachusetts South Shore, my
family took the famous road trip to Franconia Notch year after year. I have so many stories I would like to share with the
world, it's tough to pick. However, I guess the most significant visit I had with "him" was the summer of 2001, when I
traveled to Cannon with my own family. We parked the car and set off on the lovely path to the viewing area. My three
year old son, tired from body surfing along the highway all day, kept asking me, "Where are we going Mommy? What's
down here?" To which I replied, "Just be patient, there is a BIG SURPRISE at the end." When we finally arrived in that
lovely little viewing area, next to that peaceful little lake, I took a seat on a bench. I sat my little boy in my lap and said,
"Look up, Cam." I can still see his little tan face and messy blond hair turn towards the mountain. He scanned the sky for
a moment, looking for whatever it was I wanted him to see. Then, he saw him! His big blue eyes got bigger than I had
ever seen them before and he said, "Look Mama, there's a man up there!" I said, "Yes there is, son. He's been there for as
long as Mommy can remember." To which my son asked, "How did the man get there Mom?" I replied, "God put him
there." My son paused for a moment, as if he was really processing God and his awesome power and said, "God can do
anything." "Yes he can, baby. Yes he can." When I first heard the news I thought I heard it wrong. The "Old Man"
couldn't have fallen, it must be something near it, I said to myself. Then, on Sunday morning, while lying in bed, watching
a national television news show, I saw the pictures. I sat up and literally shed a tear. This amazing symbol of my
childhood and now my son's childhood was gone. My sister called later that night and we mourned together. New
Hampshire always warms our hearts and heals our souls. Saturday our hearts and souls broke in a way that can never be
healed. Farewell my old friend, thanks for the memories. Beth Comerford, Plymouth, MA
Back in the 1800's my family owned the land that the Old Man had called home. This is a great loss for my family. I
would like to say that I hope that there is no attempt to rebuild the nature made wonder that we have all appreciated for
years. It woudn't be the same. To me this was like someone broke the china plate that has been in the family for years.
There is no satisfactory replacement. New Hampshire is a beautiful state full of nature's wonders and this is just another
turn in the cycle of nature. Thank you for your time. Ann-Marie Rosa
Good Bye. Miss You Old Man, Doug, Fairbanks, Alaska
I have lived in NH all my life, I remember as a small boy my parents taking me to the Old Man and how amazed me and
my little sister were at this. We always looked forward to our trips to Manchester so [on our way through] we could see
the Old Man sitting up there. In later life I always stopped on the way back from our many motorcycle rides to gaze at him
on the way home. My wife who came here to NH in 1998 to live from California probably summed it up the best the first
time she saw it, she said oh my god, it is FAR more amazing than in the pictures I've seen, I hope you people here
NEVER take that for granted. Well isn't it funny that she was one of the first ones to find out that it collapsed on Saturday,
as she works at Mt. Washington Hotel and people started calling about 8:45-9:00am and asking. The first thing she did
was call me at home and say to me the Old Man is gone, even though I was born in California I feel the loss, it's like I lost
part of ME this morning. I shared her grief.
After she got off work at 5:30 we drove down there to see in person - when we looked up, our hearts both sank. I think
what I am trying to say here is imagine a person who has only lived here for 4 years being from all the way across the
country being so moved and upset at the passing of the Old Man, it was as if a family member had passed away. The last
thing she said to me was it would be like all the redwoods in California disappearing in a fire and never growing back. I
agreed and we drove home, somehow changed after the events of the night before. YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT
FORGOTTEN. Sincerely, Wink and Addy (Whitefield NH)
He was always there when you needed him. Through snow, rain, fog and especially on those glorious fall days surrounded
by the yellow and red and orange scarf that fall would throw over his shoulders. My own old man, Del Paine, who died
more than a decade before THE OLD MAN, was just as much a product of New Hampshire man, despite spending most
of his life editing Fortune Magazine in New York. We went around the world together, but for me there will never be as
vivid a memory as the very first time my dad pointed that craggy face out to me. I was no more than five. We were
heading north to Vermont and I couldn't figure out what my father was talking about, and then we pulled over and we
walked back. My father wanted to make sure I'd always know when to look up. Since then, I never drove the Notch
without looking up and thinking about my own old man. Maybe it was because the NH Old Man was always there, and
there were lots of times that my parents weren't, I cried as hard when I heard the news as I ever did at my parents' graves. I
empathized with him. God knows there are times when the weather, the news, the climate (political or otherwise) just
becomes too much and you want to just give up and let go. And I guess that's what he did. KD Paine
My parents are New Hampshire natives; as a kid, we took several family vacations to N.H., and I always loved to stop and
look at the Old Man. As with so many people, I saw the Old Man as the embodiment of rugged Yankee independence.
The Old Man and the famous, "Live Free or Die" motto made NH unique and special.
As an adult, I have made 6 trips to NH, usually in the fall to see the foliage. Unfortunately, as is typical in the fall, the
weather didn't always cooperate when I stopped at the Old Man. It was always cloudy, and sometimes he was obscured by
clouds or fog. But I took pictures anyway.
Then last summer, I brought my wife to New Hampshire for the first time. We met up with my Dad, who flew in from
Texas, and my sister and her family, who flew in from North Dakota. My grandmother still lives in NH, and she joined us
on our trip to the White Mountains.
It was a glorious summer day. A few clouds, but the wind kept them moving. When we pulled off at the Old Man viewing
area, the view was picture perfect. My wife had the camera, and I remember shouting at her, "Hurry! Get the picture
before the clouds move in!" We took several shots of the Old Man that day, and they're the best pictures I ever got of him.
I'm grateful that I got to see the Old Man in person one last time, and that my wife, brother-in-law, and nieces got to see
him at least once in their lives. After the collapse, my sister wrote that she, too, was glad they got to see the Old Man in
person. Her husband, she said, had always wondered just what all the fuss was about, and he was rather impressed once he
saw the rock formation.
The Old Man is part of everyone who loves New Hampshire. He will live forever. Gary Dulude, Chandler, Arizona
First off, let me start by saying that commenting on public affairs is not something I normally do. The discussion on the
Old Man is something that to me is important and a sacred symbol of our state. Last year on a canoeing trip, I had the
opportunity to show this state treasure to a person from another country.This was after already being on the road for
several hours and looking forward to home. This added to the time by another couple of hours. I've seen the Old Man
many times and suppose I was starting to take it for granted. Upon arriving I realized how unique our state symbol was.
My friend was awestruck by him and it rekindled my pride in the Old Man. We must put it back. When this generation
passes, our state symbol will be forgotten and a trivia answer without it. I want my daughter to be able to gaze upon it in
her lifetime. She will know it has been fixed but her imagination will carry her to the same sense of awe my friend had
upon seeing it. This is our state's identity and we must put it back for the generations to follow. God may have put it up
and taken it down but he transferred ownership upon taking it down. Now it's up to us to return it to its glory. The old man
is still there, he just needs to be put back together, in a sense. Sincerely, J. G.
When I heard that the Old Man of the Mountain had fallen I couldn't believe it. My parents brought my brother and me on
our first trip to NH when we were 5 years old and it became a yearly family vacation to visit the White Mountains every
summer. No trip was complete without viewing the Old Man; my brother and I insisted on this and our parents never
argued. My husband and I took our first trip together to the White Mountains while we were dating and years later we
spent our honeymoon there as well. We have also kept with tradition and would like to take our children on a yearly
summer trip to the White Mountains as well. We had hoped to take our 2 year old daughter to NH this summer and of
course we were going to introduce her to the Old Man. I have tears in my eyes as I write this, at first I thought I was silly
to be so saddened by the loss of the Old Man of the Mountain since I am not a NH native but I feel better to know that
other people from everywhere are mourning in their hearts as well as I am. I am deeply saddened by this loss and I hope
something will be done to keep the spirit of the Old Man alive because he will never be forgotten. RIP Old Man WE
LOVE YOU! Heather Studley, Warwick, RI
I took this image several years ago, originally it was a color photo, but I converted it to black and white and did some
other artwork to it as well.
I went to Franconia Notch the day this image was taken to specifically take a photo of the "Old Man." I used to fly gliders
in Franconia and I always used the Old Man as indicator that I was getting close to Franconia Airport.
I'm sorry I took the Old Man for granted. Craig Hermle Salem, New Hampshire
The Old Man of the Mountain is just what his name says he is, an old man that watched over us like a great god, our Old
Man of the Mountain and great state of New Hampshire. We should let our old man rest in peace, he is a natural
occurrence, not something created for a tourist attraction. We will all truly miss him. I will not feel the same as I pass
through the Notch, I haven't missed one year of seeing the Old Man. As I pass by him, I strain my neck looking back at
him until I can't see him. He brings back many happy childhood memories of all those Sunday drive car trips our family
has taken. An appropiate memorial would be the next step to take. Marlene Adair, Danbury New Hampshire
We live in Plymouth, and as soon as we heard the news at noon on Saturday we went up to the Notch to see with our own
eyes that it was true. We were there early enough that there was plenty of room in the Profile Lake parking lot, so we
walked in to Profile Lake, saw the helicopter and the roped climbers, the turnbuckles hanging in the air, and yes, it was
true. After a few tears, which surprised us, as we drove home we chatted about the best way it could be remembered, be
memorialized. Celia suggested that rather than any attempt to re-create it in stone, or fake stone (I was suggesting the
Disney Imagineers could figure out how and do a very realistic job, but...it wouldn't be the same), it would be better to do
a simple but meaningful silhouette, done in black steel (or some such alloy), but just the outline of the profile from the
side, not solid, visible only from the exact angle the Old Man himself was visible from. The wind could blow through, the
anchors could be regularly checked and easily tightened, and it surely could be done less expensively than a re-creation. I
can't send a picture with this message tonight, but her vision can be simply described as similar to what you would get if
you took a picture of the remaining cliff from the old viewing angle, and traced onto it with a single line of black marker
the profile outline of the Old Man as it would have projected out were it still there. Not a re-creation, a memorial, steel
anchored to granite, a pretty good symbol to remind us of the Old Man in our roots. I suspect we are not alone in this idea;
already today I've heard that a friend of a friend wants a similar memorial structure. I think it meets the desire to
remember what was there without trivializing it with a fake re-creation. Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Wendy Palmquist (state resident since 1981)
Celia Gibbs (native, for many generations back on both her father and her mother's sides), Plymouth, NH
How do you say goodbye to something that you never realized had so much meaning until it was gone? As I read the
entries from people all over the world, mourning the loss of the Old Man, I feel such sadness all over again. It's that
sadness I felt when hearing "the Old Man of the Mountain has fallen," and the utter disbelief of those moments after. It's
the sadness I have when I walk down my hallway and see a sign above a closet door that says "Don't forget to visit the
Old Man of the Mountain."
As I sit and read, and re-read the words of others that echo all those of my own, I too remember the summers spent in
New Hampshire, the pilgrimages to Franconia Notch, the Old Man who held his head high above the most magnificent
few miles in all of the world, the fascination that came over you every time you saw him and the quiet understanding that
he'd be there when you came back... I think to myself how lucky I was, we were, to have that magnificent experience.
How the Old Man connected centuries of Americans together, giving us all the experience of looking up at his great stone
face and seeing God's glory. I sit and think about how thankful I am that I sat with him at Profile Lake last June, and how
in awe I was even after all those visits years before. I am thankful for knowing him and being able to visit him every time
I could. I am thankful for God's beauty and mystery in giving us something so precious. I am thankful for having been
given memories of a lifetime...of that special place and watchful eye of the person who was always there to greet me. I am
thankful for my sweet New Hampshire. Natalie Salser Sebastian, Lexington, Kentucky
We cannot believe this happened. My wife and I had the privilege of visiting the site of the Old Man last year. I do have
pictures of the Man in the Mountain but instead I am submitting a picture of us at the turn off. You cannot see the Old
Man but this is how we would like to remember the site. Please consider adding our picture to the scrapbook. Thank you
Sincerely, T. Delaney
While growing up in New Hampshire my parents have taken my brother, sister and I to the White Mountain region
countless times. Over the years we'd also go up with friends from time to time and check out the foliage. Or perhaps a
camping trip near the Flume or even just a leisurely ride on the Kancamagus Highway.
Remember while walking in the woods one day you tripped and sprained your ankle, Ma? Brother, how about that hunting
trip in N. Woodstock when you accidentally shot your foot because you couldn't see that log covered with snow? And
Sister, do you recall the time when a friend and I wandered off the trail and got lost, (if only for 10 minutes or so), up near
the Basin? Boy, I do.
Last summer our whole family, including my future sister-in-law, went for a ride on the Cog Railway. Before we got there
we HAD to stop and say hi to the Old Man, being that it was my son's and niece's first time. And also just to relive the
awe and excitement he always made me feel while gazing up at him. I don't know if they'll remember him by memory
alone (they are young). But I do know I took for granted that he'd always be up there, gazing down at us, giving us a sense
of serenity and security. And it saddens me to think that my future grandchildren won't get the opportunity to view him in
person. I think it's true that only New Hampshire'ites can appreciate, for lack of a better word, the magnitude of loss which
occurred on Saturday, May 3rd, 2003. Old Man of the Mountain, you will be sorely missed. From here on out you'll live
in our hearts, as you've always done, and into our scrapbooks for future family generations.
Your fellow Granite Staters, Cheryl, Mike and Jake, Manchester, NH
So sorry He is gone. As a kid, I was awestruck by the Old Man, while camping/hiking the area on summer family
vacation. I always thought of Him as a national monument. Cynthia Hains, Pennsylvania
I was so sad to hear of the demise of the "Old Man." My wife and I were fortunate enough to see him just once, in 2000.
Needless to say, he made quite an impression on us. I collect every New Hampshire quarter that bears his likeness. He
was the centerpiece of the beauty of New Hampshire and we mourn his passing with you.
We encourage you to rebuild him if at all possible, and I'll be sending my financial contribution to assist in that effort.
We'd like to be there for the memorial service to be held May 10 but that's just not possible. We'll get back up there as
soon as possible to take in the beauty that the Old Man overlooked from his perch on the mountain. It just won't be quite
the same without him. Your friends in Texas, Jim & Beverly Kirkendall
I am in the state of VA and have lived in NH for more than 37 years. I was so heart broken to hear of his collapse today at
work. My family would go there often for picnics, and I was there 2 years ago on my Harley showing friends this
awesome mountain man. I will be forever saddened when I go home to visit and no longer can go see my Old Man of the
Mountain. Sincerely, Deborah Ricker
I can't believe that he actually fell, but I don't think he should be rebuilt because it just wouldn't be the same. I remember
going up north to the Basin to walk the trails and then I would always go to see the Old Man before I would go home. We
will all miss him but I think it's just time to let him go and move on. Stacy, Laconia, New Hampshire
So sorry He is gone.
As a kid, I was awestruck by the Old Man, while camping/hiking the area on summer family vacation. I always thought of
Him as a national monument. Cynthia Hains, Pennsylvania
It was in 1965 that I first visited the Old Man of the Mountain. I am from Canada, but my uncle lived in NH and while
visiting him he drove a friend and myself up to see the "Old Man." My next trip was in 1976 with my husband, sister and
her husband. We were travelling in our truck camper and visited my uncle again, who to us was known as the "Old Man
of the Mountain." We returned home by way of the White Mountains and visited the Old Man again. For the past nine
years I have spent my Autumn vacations with my relatives from Rhode Island visiting in the White Mountain region and
never missed a chance to drive past or visit the Old Man. On my next trip it will be sad not to see him, but I will always
cherish the memories. My deepest condolences - Linda Hiscoe, Nova Scotia
Looking up at the Old Man was always a wonderful thing.... no matter the weather, there he'd be, strong as ever. As a
Vermonter who's been in the west for years, I almost cried when I heard the news.... and I heard it from the BBC World
News Service! He will be missed by so many, but never forgotten. Mary LaMoy, Boise, Idaho
It was a very sad moment when I turned on the news and heard the "Old Man" had passed away. My husband and I have
been vacationing in the White Mountains since we started dating in 1987. In fact, my husband proposed to me at The
Flume. We made it a point to see the Old Man every time we visited New Hampshire. It will be sad to go back this year
and not see him overlooking things. It was like losing an old friend. Wendy Andrews, Clinton, CT
My wife and I were driving up to visit relatives up in Vermont last Friday. By the time we got up to Lincoln the clouds
started to break a little. We decided to stop in the Notch to take some pictures because of the way the clouds were hanging
down over the hills and mountains. By the time we got into the Notch the cloud effect wasn't as dramatic as it had been
near Lincoln. To our surprise the Old Man was visible. We have driven through there many times on days like last Friday
and it was usually covered in clouds. So I took a picture of the Old Man as well as a couple others of different things. The
picture is not date stamped (unfortunate now knowing what happened a few hours later) but it is from last Friday, May
2nd at approximately 7pm. They are both the same picture, one is cropped and one is how the picture actually looks. If
anything, this should reaffirm what the two hikers/climbers said they thought they heard later on that evening because the
Old Man was still there when we went through on that evening.
Thank you, Chris and Sarah-jane Nadeau
Since I was a child, the Old Man was a friend and awesome natural treasure that the great state of NH was proud and
thankful to have as a model of freedom and class. The last time I saw him was Christmas day, when I and my sons drove
from Concord to Jefferson to visit my elderly mom (who passed away on March 21). We took pictures at the pulloff in
Franconia and we will permanently cherish them. When I was growing up (and even also lately), I guess I took him for
granted, as if he would always be there. When I just received a copy of the Suunday Union Leader that my sister-in-law
mailed me, I had tears and outward emotions that I can hardly describe. I live in Orlando now, but know I want and will
return to NH in the not too distant future. And when I do, I will still stop at the pulloff in Franconia to look up and pay my
respects! Sincerely, Ralph B. Josselyn, Orlando, FL
To our Friends, Family and Fellow New Hampshire residents, and all those who have ever seen & loved the "OLD MAN
of the MOUNTAIN." I am in Singapore for three months with my husband, so very far from our home in Hampton, NH. I
was devastated when my sister e-mailed me the terrible news of the collapse of New Hampshire's great profile. But to
know that with all that is happening around the world at this time, the nation stopped and wept. On Monday May 5th, The
Straits Times (the Singapore and Pacific Area newspaper) printed a piece from REUTERS on the collapse, along with the
now very well-known picture of the "Old Man" with the US flag waving proudly overhead. It is a beautiful sight that is
burned in the hearts & minds of all who have ever seen it. I will always remember, with great joy, the visits to Franconia
and the "Old Man" with my parents (lifetime residents of NH) and with my children. The sadness will come knowing that
our five granddaughters & soon to be grandson will only learn through family stories. We will teach them with pride!
Karen L. Current, Hampton, New Hampshire
Ever since I first saw the Old man as a small boy, I went back to Franconia Notch as often as I could to gaze in wonder at
this marvel of nature. Just last summer I brought my fiance to New Hampshire just to see my old friend, and though I had
not been there for many years, I still felt the same wonder and awe as I did that first day when I was six years old. I can't
seem to stop thinking about the loss I feel. It's like losing a family member in a way. I have many, many photos of the Old
Man that I will treasure even more. My sympathies to the people of New Hampshire. You have lost a true icon.
Philip C. Gallant, Schenectady, New York
If appropriate, I'd like to offer the lyrics to my song, "Good-bye Old Man" for inclusion in the scrapbook. I sang the song
to the NH state senate yesterday. If people want to hear the song, they can go to my web site, http://www.kensheldon.com
and click on the link there.
"Good-Bye, Old Man" by Ken Sheldon
Good-bye, old man.
Good-bye, old friend.
You may be gone, but your spirit lives on in this rocky land.
Good-bye, old man.
That solemn brow,
that craggy face,
as tough as the people from so long ago who settled this place.
As old as the hills,
as old as the land,
a primeval profile in granite not carved by human hands.
Good-bye, old man.
Like a great grandfather watching down on us all,
we never thought that you would ever fall.
It's like a death in the family,
it's hard to believe.
There's an empty place where you used to be.
The winter was hard,
and now I know
how you must have felt after all those years
of ice and snow.
You must have been tired,
and maybe you knew,
that when it's your time to go there's not much that you can do.
So you slipped away
in the dead of night
and in the morning we saw, but couldn't believe our eyes.
Good-bye, old man.
Good-bye, old friend.
You may be gone, but your spirit lives on in this rocky land.
Good-bye, old man.
Good-bye, old man.
Good-bye, old man.
Good-bye, old friend.
© Ken Sheldon 2003
Friends, Every year we take a car trip to your beautiful State, we have visited most of your fantastic sites in the White
Mountains. Until last summer we had not visited The Old Man, although we said each year we intended to do that. I am
glad that we did, as it was our last chance. So sorry to learn that it is no more. You have a beautiful State with friendly
people and we will be going back there in a few months. Kindest regards, Royce Stewart
When I graduated from High School in 1967, I and my sister visited your state. Took our hike through the parks. When
we saw the Old Man of the Mountain, what a sight! It was breathtaking that it was not man made. Can't believe it is gone!
In some ways we would like to see it rebuilt, it would never be the same. But at least a memorial to him should be marked
for generations to come to never forget! Unsigned
A city boy from Brooklyn, NY, I came to Dartmouth College in 1992 and the "granite of New Hampshire" changed me
forever. Even after graduating and moving back to NYC, I would still travel to NH to every month to serve in the Army
National Guard there, and to hike and camp in the Whites. I have spent much time staring up at the granduer that was the
Old Man. He embodied the spirit of rugged independence that makes NH such a great state. Now he is gone and I feel like
a part of me is gone. I am sure I am not alone in feeling that way. Brandon del Pozo
My word! I was devastated to hear of the recent collapse of the Old Man of the Mountain. I'm a resident of New Jersey,
born and raised here, but as a child my father took my brother and I camping in Franconia Notch. That's when we first
made our acquaintance with the great Stone Face. Since that time I have returned several times to enjoy the beauty of the
White Mountains... and pay my respects to the Old Man. This past August my brother and I returned for the first time with
our families to share this wonder with them. We camped at Lafayette campground as we did when we were young and we
revisited many of the same haunts we recalled from our childhood. In a world where so much changes, it was a joy to be
able to turn the clock back and revisit some precious childhood memories and create some new memories, for ourselves
and our children. How thankful I am now that they were able to experience the wonder the Profile for themselves. Now
He's gone... and we all share your loss. Indeed, the news of the collapse was like hearing of the loss of a cherished family
member and brought tears to my eyes. Please accept these condolences from the Friedman families of Ocean Grove and
Toms River, New Jersey. We grieve with you. Gene Friedman, Ocean Grove, NJ 07756
Old Rock Man New Hampshire
The old rock man of New Hampshire
has finally succumbed
crumbling under the same erosive forces of nature
that gave him birth
The news bulletins of his demise
were the very first time I
of him, had ever seen or heard
I wonder
through all those years he was here
deftly defying gravity as he did
there staring, aloft on his cliff
always adrift, gazing off
Exactly what it was he saw
Since he wasn't of much at a propensity to talk
I'm afraid the wisdom of his visions is, to us, forever lost.
Art Humbert, Florida Philharmonic Orchestra
I'll never forget the day I first saw Old Man of the Mountain. I was in awe. I think we often forget the intricate work that
God's hands create nor do we appreciate His handiwork the way we should. Cannon Mountain and Franconia Notch are
the most beautiful places I have ever had the privilege to see in person. It took my breath away the first time I witnessed
this beautiful place. I could feel God's presence and His greatness looking up at The Old Man. No human could ever
create a face with such majesty and grace. Yes, some say his face was hard, but I say it was noble and genteel just like I
imagine God's face to be. So even though his sight is hidden from us once more, his presence lives on.
Fern Lehmann, Goochland, Virginia
To the People of New Hampshire: I once was a resident of Manchester for 2 years, so I knew what the Old Man meant to
NH and its people. I saw the Old Man in July 1993 on a trip to Colebrook. I said to my girlfriend at the time, "What's the
big deal, I don't see a thing." That's because I was driving north when we passed the Old Man and I looked behind me to
the south - I couldn't believe it. What a sight. I'm from Boston so I don't see anything but smog most days of my life. I am
sorry for your loss. Steve Murphy, Revere, MA
I was shocked and saddened by the news of the collapse. I've been to NH many times, including Franconia Notch. I have
taken the same pictures of the Profile each time I visited. The last time I was there, in the summer of 2000, I took my son
to see it for the first time. He was 9 at the time. As we walked down the pathway, and the Face came into view, his first
words were "Look Dad, it's God on the mountain." Dave Emery , New Jersey
Reading through these scrapbook memories I see that there are many people who have the same experiences as myself.
My first trip to NH was in July 1964. I was 9 yrs. old and this is where our family spent our summer vacation. We rented a
cabin from a family friend in Alexandria. After the 4 hour drive which seemed forever to a 9 year old, we settled in at the
cabin and the next day we took our first sightseeing day trip. That's right, we headed straight for the Old Man of the
Mountain. We all found it to be a great experience, and of all the places we visited that summer, the Old Man was the
most memorable. We took another family vacation to NH in 1967, and of course the Old Man was at the top of the list to
revisit. As the years went by and we all grew up, I remember returning to NH several times for camping and hiking and
mountain climbing. Each time I always stopped to see the Old Man. Whether it was summer, autumn, winter or spring he
was a man for all seasons. I'll always remember most of all that summer of 1964 when I saw him for the first time.
CJF.......Fall River, MA
Men can never recreate what nature carved out for thousands, possibly millions of years. Nature should take its course at
this Franconia Notch historical site. The symbol of New Hampshire ought to be recreated in a small museum with
photographs from those who visited this natural wonder. But man should not change what the natural elements have done,
or will do to this mountain in the future. Alex Mavradis-Boston
When I see pictures or hear news of the Old Man of the Mountain, I think of pleasant thoughts of the time my family
spent at Franconia Notch. It was years ago when my daughter was a little girl and she brought a friend along. We had a
great time, and still talk of it today. Walter Thornton and Family, Massachusetts
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the "Old Man Of The Mountain" collapsing. I have been traveling to
New Hampshire every summer at the Indian Head Resort in Lincoln, NH for about 8 years. Every year that I go with my
parents we always drive a few miles up the road and stand behind the plaque on I-93 and look up at "him." I am now 19
years old and it hurts to know that "he" won't be up there anymore. I believe that something should be done in memory of
the "The Old Man." I'm sure everyone has their own unique and personal memories of the great gift God himself gave
New Hampshire. Thank You, Aaron Moniz
My wife, Mary Ann, was born in Lebanon, NH where we currently live. I was born in Whitefield, NH and we believe The
Old Man should lay where he fell. We think that a Memorial dedicated to all those that choose to "Live Free or Die"
represented by the names of NH men who have fallen in the line of duty would be a fitting site for all. Perhaps a series of
memorials based on fallen War Veterans, Police and Firemen that gave their lives in the line of duty. Paul A. Mason
The Old Man, By Paul A. Mason
All of New Hampshire will remember
When the Old Man passed away.
Engraved in stone both year and day
Two thousand three, the third of May.
A facial profile sculptured by the tools
Of Weather and Time,
Then laid to rest according to the rules
Of Weather and Time.
We grieve the loss of This Old Man,
But we cannot fault the Master's plan
Because, in a way both just and holy,
He humbles the mighty, and lifts up the lowly.
I never even imagined that the collapse of the "Old Man" was even possible. Those things you just don't think about. I
grew up in NH. Every summer we would visit the "Old Man." I've been living in Florida for the past 10 years and am very
homesick for NH. I even carry around an "Old Man of the Mountain" key chain. It is the greatest symbol of NH. He will
be missed. Sheila "Penn" Groff, Tampa, FL
Our family drove by earlier in the day before the fall, during heavy rain headed to Errol. As usual I looked up, I knew he
was there in the clouds. I'd like to think we must be one of the last and closest people in his memories. Tears come to my
eyes and when it is cloudy again, as we are traveling by, the memories of the Old man will never fade in our hearts and
spirit. Bion Reynolds
A few years ago, I spent a summer in New Hampshire, working for the Audubon Society. I enjoy hiking and beautiful
scenery, so I was informed that I had to visit Franconia Notch and see the Old Man of the Mountain. What an incredible
place! Now, living in California, we have some spectacular scenery ourselves, but I fell in love with New England, and
my trip to Franconia Notch sealed the deal for me. I heard about the collapse of this icon on none other than Saturday
Night Live, and immediately logged onto the Internet to see if it was actually true. I am deeply sorry that it was. I will
always treasure my memories of your beautiful park! Sincerely, Kristina
I always loved the Old Man. I live in New Jersey but did get the opportunity to visit New Hampshire twice. Both times
my family went to Franconia Notch to see The Old Man of the Mountain. The summer of 2000 we went and my
grandfather came too, we had the best day and took many pictures. He died that October. I was glad to spend the day with
both old men. I will miss seeing that profile. It was a great symbol of such a beautiful state.
R.I.P. Old Man of the Mountain. Kenny Kling
In July of 2000 we had what is probably the only family trip our daughter will have taken with her grandpa. He had just
been rediagnosed with Lymphoma and we took him along for the vacation. He had not been to New Hampshire since the
late 60's and had a wonderful time with his granddaughter and visiting the other "Old Man" and going up Cannon
Mountain on the tram. I'm glad to report that our tough old man is still going strong and is currently doing spring planting
on a local farm down in PA where he lives! Our 6 year old is very sad that she won't be able to show her brothers the "Old
Man" though. As an avid outdoor person, I'm very glad I had the chance to meet the rugged old guy and see his handsom
profile! It was a wonderful vacation. Serinda Conner and family, Milton, DE
PS We will still be back, there is still much to enjoy in that area!
Thanks for sharing the grace of God with the world. Some places would have tried to profit from his glory. It was a day of
sorrow when we lost the Old Man. I'm glad my children were able to witness the splendor. We will miss his strong silent
appearance overlooking the valley - guarding, watching, protecting the great state of New Hampshire.
Thanks, the Sullivan family of MA
I was raised in and live in Maryland. As a child growing up, every summer included several weeks of vacation in New
Hampshire. A visit to The Old Man was, of course, an annual affair. How sad that while planning my first trip back with
friends in 33 years, one of my favorite memories perished. Robin Smith
May 8, 2003
An Old Man Remembered
The sudden collapse of the "Old Man of the Mountain" last week was not at all unexpected. But, it was a systemic shock
to many of us. As some have said, the process of his death was the same as his birth. We did not own him; we could not
save him. We will mourn his passing, before the realization that change is nature's most exclusive prerogative. Indeed,
geological changes sometimes mimic biological alterations. The fact that we are alive to witness his death is proof of that.
Perhaps, the greatest realization is that as earth hurls through space, we really are just along for the ride. Nature takes no
requests. Nor does it consult with us before it makes a change.
When I heard the undeniable news, I was on the Maine coast. Earlier, I had been in a restaurant in Portsmouth, NH, when
the waitress mentioned that someone had just come in and said he'd heard the Old Man had fallen. I could not believe, nor
accept that real possibility. I drove into Maine, parked and waited for the hour's newscast on Boston radio. I hoped against
hope, that the lead story would not include anything about my native state. It did. The newscast ushered in and said "An
icon that has symbolized the Granite State since colonial times is GONE!" Indeed, it was all true. I paused for a moment
out of respect and remembrance. I then got about what I was doing, but things were not the same. Perhaps, for many of us,
things will never be quite the same!
It was not until later that I began to ponder the significance of such an epic event. Many believe the Old Man is a remnant
of the last great glacial age. While the rock that was The Old Man is old, shape formed of this rock may be relatively
young by comparison. Since during my lifetime, I've witnessed the aftermath of rock peeling away from Cannon Cliff, I
assume that during the past 10,0000 years other, perhaps more significant events transformed Cannon Mountain much
more dramatically. Indeed, the mountain may have completely lacked distinction just before a great catastrophic event
eroded underlying rock just enough to destabilize the granite slopes and set the stage for what happened last Saturday. We
know that process left something in its wake besides the chaotic nature of granite outcroppings. It left us with this most
breathtaking illusion we called "The Old Man of the Mountain" - an illusion loaned to us for an eon. Last Saturday, that
loan suddenly came due. How old is the Old Man? No one can possibly know for sure. But what is known is that the
granite profile was first seen by white people about the same year they confirmed the source of the great rivers in the
Louisiana Purchase. And, prior to that, the Native Americans in the area paid homage to him with deed and custom. They
worshiped him as we did.
And so, I continued to think about the Old Man's life and death both with respect to my life and the lives of the millions
that have journeyed to see him during the past, almost 200 years. Since I was located near a coastal lighthouse when I got
the news, that had some bearing as to why my thoughts gravitated toward an analogy of an artifact of cultural history
serving as a point of reference for ships at sea, and that of an object of natural history serving a similar purpose. The Old
Man did not keep ships at sea safe, but like the lighthouse, the Old Man transcended human existence to weave a common
thread through and between generations of people who came to bear witness to this phenomena. For me, the greatest
impact of this symbolic loss will be the irrevocable termination of this continuum with our past.
In this respect, I can think of no object that speaks to our generation in the exact same language as it spoke to Daniel
Webster and countless other men and women who came to listen to his silent message. Those viewing the Old Man last
week shared the same view as those that came during the closing centuries of the last millennium. While interpretations
may vary, the message does not. Strength, forbearance, and perhaps, faith, all flow from seeing the OLD MAN. There is
nothing that I can think of that will replace the sheer beauty of form; nothing that conveys the sense of connectivity with
the past as the Old Man's steadfast guardianship over Profile Lake. Nothing will ever again kindle that sense of awe.
Nothing!
Until now, most of those who stopped to look toward that mountain became transfixed by this seemingly omnipotent, but
inanimate object. Even as we broke our protracted stare, many walked away with that image etched forever upon our
being. No camera ever made could better record that moment than the human spirit.
We all expected the OLD MAN to bear silent witness to our passing. Instead, we mourn his. While logically, most felt
that something so enduring would span our existence as it has for generations, the notion that he could be gone in an
instant was relegated to the repressed regions of our minds. Perhaps, we grew complacent of his vulnerabilities, as we do
our own. Ironically, as we became immersed in life, we also sometimes ignored the ephemeral intangibles that gave it
meaning. We occupied ourselves, with ourselves. This event may change some of that - at least for me.
The passing of the OLD MAN should remind us of the finite nature of all things. Perhaps his final message should be:
Look beyond ourselves, as we live each day like it was to be our last, and then accept the enviable change that will sweep
us away like old age and gravity took OUR OLD MAN. J. R. Crossett, Bethel, Vermont
My family has made many trips to Franconia Notch in the last twenty years. On the final evening of each trip we always
went to the Old Man. We always made a habit of saying goodbye and promising to come again. I'd like to share this poem
I wrote this past week.
Donald P James Jr, Franklin, CT
Profile
I'd love to stand here again as a newlywed,
green leaves of spring,
dried leaves of summer,
amber leaves of autumn decorating the mountain.
I'd love to look into the setting sun
or between low clouds
flowing past like fingers of the artist
who placed you there.
I'd love to stand here again
with my children,
at two or three,
letting them touch the coolness of the lake below you,
just to see how cold the water is.
I'd love to one more time after dinner,
in a tiny Lincoln restraunt,
go to see the old man.
To stare up into the early dusk and study the profile.
I'll come again,
to say goodbye to an old friend,
to once again stand in a place of peace,
to once again taste a little piece of heaven upon this earth.
And I'll come again in remembrance
of being a newlywed,
a father
and a man.
Goodbye Old Man.
Taken August 2002 on our bike ride through Franconia Notch....
He will be well remembered by us Connecticut folk who come up to visit every year as we camp the White Mountains.
Mark & Cheryl Davis
My parents took us on a vacation to New Hampshire when I was small. I remember Dad pointing up to the Old Man and I
couldn't believe it! What an amazing formation, especially to a small child! We visited the Old Man several times on
vacations. I last visited the Old Man four years ago on the way back from Boston. He was just as awe inspiring then as he
was the first time that I saw him. I cried when I heard that he had fallen. I had planned on taking my children to see him
this summer. Carolyn Van Goch, Whitby,Ontario
The Old Man meant a lot to me
From the time I was a child
The yearly trips to see his face
His strength arising from the wild
New Hampshire holds a special place
In my heart and those of others
The Old Man always stood so proud
And symbolized that "we are brothers"
For us who have had the privilege
Of comfort from this face of stone
Let us be tasteful in memorializing
This image for our own
Goodbye Old Man
Though we cannot see your face
In our hearts and souls
You have a special place
I dedicate this poem to my father (John Isaacson) who brought me every year as a child to view this amazing landmark.
Karen Isaacson Thys...Centerville, MA - 5/11/03
Unfortunately, I cannot be there today. I now live in IL. I certainly miss my lakes & mountains, as I grew up in the center
of NH. My dad's friends used to kid him about posing for the carving. I especially share that now, because so many people
do not understand the significance of the profile on the NH quarter. I knew that The Old Man had had rather regular face
lifts, but it is devastating to think of his 'losing face.' I would like to see a current photograph. Of course, a major face lift
is a dubious thought, but I suppose that plan does win more votes than letting nature take its course & losing such an
indescribable landmark. I, quite sincerely, would appreciate updates on this matter.
Is Dittrich, very proud daughter of Milton S. Graton, The Last of the Covered Bridge Builders
Hello to all in New Hampshire,
It was a very sad day when I heard about the fall of the Old Man of the Mountain rock formation. I saw the rock formation
for the first time in the early 70's when I visited my brother and his wife who reside in Manchester, NH. I was still in high
school at the time, but I remember it vividly. I think I may even have a photo that I took of it stored somewhere. I was
extremely sad to hear about the collapse of the formation. The story about the collapse was headline news on our local
Internet provider based out of Houston, TX (Everyone's Internet) the same day it happened. I was happy to see that they
carried the article on their home page. I have since read more about it and viewed the before and after photos in a CNN
article on the web. I live in San Antonio, TX and just wanted to pass on my thoughts.
Sincerely, William C. Stribling
I first became acquainted with the Old Man when I was just a young boy. It inspired me then, and his memory still
inspires me now, nearly 40 years later. Just the thought of him there, high above, situated at the edge of Cannon
Mountain, never fails to bring a feeling of awe and peaceful tranquility to my soul. Throughout the years, I would find
myself making ANY excuse to make the approximate 3 hour drive from my home on Cape Cod just to drive through
Franconia Notch and literally say "hello" to the Old Man. Today, I have a heavy heart. Goodbye old friend, I will miss
you greatly. Roland Babineau, So. Dennis, MA
I was surprised and saddened when I heard on the news the Old Man tumbled on May 2, I thought he'd outlast us all.
Franconia Notch is one of my favorite places and it's lost its most famous resident. I was thinking of taking vacation there
this summer to show my wife the Old Man because she never got to see it, unfortunately she won't now. But the White
Mountains are still a great place to visit and while the Old Man is gone - I feel fortunate to have seen him 3 times and
each one was an unforgettable experience. Because the Profile meant so much to so many, is it really gauche to consider
restoring him? After all - it's the state symbol. Jim Donnelly
I am from a large family from the 60's and when we went to see the Old Man my Dad would tell us when it was coming
up. We'd all cram to one side of the car (hope you were not on that side to begin with because now you're on the bottom)
and we'd wait and come around the corner and there he was - the Old Man big as can be and always an amazing sight.
Then around another corner and gone, but we're still straining to see the last glimpse of him. I would still do this with my
husband and son to this day. My husband comes from Jefferson so we travel through the Notch quite a bit. It will be very
sad next time we go home. Good bye and good luck Old Man, we miss you already. Sue Ayer
I was very much saddened by the loss of the Old Man. I guess I thought, like so many others, that he would be there
forever. As a child, my parents would take the family to the Notch to picnic and to view the Old Man. I was fascinated by
him...he was so unique...watching over the Notch. Sometimes he would appear through breaks in the clouds...and it was
magical. New Hampshire was truly blessed to have this treasure, and he will be missed. But, like an old friend, while he
was here, he made our lives so much richer. Dick Yelle, Methuen,MA
My name is Zita Clough and I live in Iowa now but I grew up in NH. As a child, my parents used to take our family to the
White Mountains in the fall each year. I have very fond memories of our time in the White Mountains. It saddens me
greatly of the loss. I hope there is something that can be done to bring back the Old Man, it's just not the same knowing
he's not there. I wish I could be there on the 10th of May along with the rest of the mourners. Thank you for creating this
site Zita M. Clough
I am 16 years old now, and I still appreciate what the Old Man meant to me. When I was younger, and even still today,
my family and I would make our 3 1/2 hour car trip up to Vermont. On the way we would pass the Old Man and only get
a glimpse of him. We never stopped to see him close up, although sometimes we would stop at Boise Rock. I only wish
we would have stopped to see him because now he is gone. I don't think I ever thought he would be gone forever. I
thought he would live on. The day that I found out he was gone, I realized that he never would be gone really, because
every time we drive by him now, I will still see the Old Man and his memories. Sincerely, Lisa S. Westford, MA
I am a native of Maine. Ever since the 5th grade I have vacationed up in the White Mountains with my friend and her
family twice a year, one week in July and the weekend of Labor Day in September. We did this every year for 7 years.
Plus my family has vacationed in the mountains several times, always staying at the Indian Head Resort. When I
vacationed with my friend and her family, we stayed a few miles up the road from the Old Man.
When I was told of the Old Man's falling, I was very very sad. I spent the rest of the day crying because I feel, as well as
many, many others, that I have lost a part of my family. Seeing him was the greatest thing for me. I couldn't wait till the
vacation time came every year because I knew I was going to see the Old Man. I was and still am amazed at the wonderful
creation Nature made.
I have a 5 year old and a 5 month old, both boys. On Sunday, May 11th, 2003, for Mother's Day I told my husband that
the ONLY thing I wanted for Mother's Day was to take a trip to see the remains of the Old Man of the Mountain. My
oldest son got to see what he looked like before he fell only in pictures. When he saw where he was he said he was sad
that he couldn't see his face up there anymore. I am saddened that my 5 month old will never get to see the Old Man in
anything other than pictures.
My husband and I took our honeymoon in the White Mountains and took a weekend for our 7th anniversary back up
there. I am glad we did. Again I am deeply saddened by the loss New Hampshire has suffered and a lot of families have
too. He was truly one of the greatest wonders I have seen. I will always remember him by closing my eyes and just seeing
him in my mind. And as I continue to grow, and my children grow up also, I will always make sure they have the history
of one of the greatest natural wonders New Hampshire was able to have.
THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN WILL TRULY BE MISSED BY MY FAMILY!!! HE WILL REMAIN IN OUR
HEARTS AND THOUGHTS FOREVER!!! GOOD BYE OLD MAN....WE WILL MISS YOU VERY
MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Berry Family, Acton, ME
A face to remember
I was only a child when I first saw your face. I remember all the questions I asked. How did you come to be? Who was the
first to find you? As you look down upon me I feel an inner urge that made me feel I never wanted to leave, but I did. I
have since returned several times to marvel at your splendor, then one day I hear he's gone! "The old man is gone! What!"
I utter in disbelief. I now sit and question myself, when I return to the place of your birth, also the place of your death, will
my eyes fill with tears? Or will I simply say goodbye, for yours is a face I shall never forget!
Fondly, Linda L. Kizer, Mystic, CT
My father was a career military man, and one thing about military life that goes unnoticed is that a military family rarely,
if ever, takes a traditional vacation (when vacation time comes, it's back to Gramma's).
Well, years ago I made a list of things that my children would see. A "to do list," left over from my childhood memories
of wanting to see this or that. The "Old Man" was on that list. Three years ago I took my children up through New
England, we rode the Cog Railroad to the top of Mt. Washington, and we stood near a small lake and gazed up at the "Old
Man." I remember joking to myself "scratching number 8 off life's to do list, priceless!" Somehow that trip is more
priceless now.
I know there will be a restoration debate, and the people of New Hampshire will consider this their decision, but the "Old
Man" was a National Treasure. My family and I are just fortunate to have taken that trip, for we, like so many other
visitors to your state, have lost something too. Michael Bellows et al, Hartsville, South Carolina
This morning I learned of the loss of what is a monument in so many ways for so many people. Some of the earliest
memories I have are of camping with my parents in Franconia Notch and I still can recall the awe I felt as a child at the
sight of the Old Man. My father proudly used to boast that he had once hiked to the top and stood on the Old Man's head.
Quite sad, like a death in the family. John Griffin, Ann Arbor, Michigan
My parents came from the midwest. I have lived all my life here in NH. I didn't hear about the Old Man of the Mountain
crumbling until Sunday afternoon. I had just gotten back from a camporee and hadn't been near a radio or TV. I looked at
the paper in disbelief. I am very sad this has happened and I'm afraid that Franconia State Park will never be the same. I
think it's nice that people think it should be rebuilt but I don't want something manmade to replace it. This may truly be an
issue that could divide our state. I couldn't think of another natural landmark that a state had and lost until I read an
editorial in a local newspaper. It mentioned Mount St. Helen's and that was one of the most amazing transformations I've
ever seen.
I am going to miss seeing the Old Man of the Mountain. I can remember many fond memories of visiting him when I was
younger and taking pictures. I read where a Girl Scout troop from Peterborough were possibly the last people to see him. I
can imagine their excitement on seeing him, some of them for the first time. I almost think you could draw a parallel to
the first settlers to see the Old Man and the Girl Scouts of today. They were seeing something they'd never seen before in
person and they were awe struck. I'll miss you Old Man but I'll never forget you. Laura Ward, Plainfield, NH
Let Old Man Go
By Jeffrey Spaulding Stamps
Franconia Notch, May 6, 2003. -- One of my earliest primary school memories, growing up in the 1950s in a small
farming community in New Hampshire, is of drawing the profile of Old Man, "the great stone face." I and countless
others have doodled that visage repeatedly through the years. As a skier, Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch was "my
mountain," which I have regularly visited throughout my life, a journey that always has kept me connected with Old Man.
I introduced my daughters to him when I first put them on skis as toddlers. Old Man's portrait adorns many corners of my
280-year-old West Newton home and the chicken coop I still maintain as a camp on a Lake Winnipesaukee island.
The Old Man of the Mountain stood for the flinty, self-reliant New Englander, symbolizing our self-image as Ralph
Waldo Emerson's hero, the independent man. He was the Granite State Yankee, cast as the original Marlboro Man,
embodying the state's motto, "Live free or die."
I loved Old Man and mourn his passing. I plan to attend his memorial service in the Notch this weekend. But like others,
I've been thinking about whether we can or, more important, whether we should bring him back.
As deep as Old Man lives in my 400-year-old New England genes, I agree with the Boston Globe editors who think we
need to let him go for this basic fact of life: Change is constant. We all pass. He was the Old Man, after all.
But I think there is a deeper reason to let him go, really let him go. As with the passing of any patriarch, Old Man's fall is
an opportunity to reassess where the family is and where it's going. New Hampshire and the world around it have changed
mightily in the past half-century, moving decisively beyond the archetypes of rugged, rigid, self-reliant independence.
Without losing what's powerful and noble about independence, we need to become equally adept at reaching out and
connecting with others, recognizing our interdependencies and our parts in the great planetary game we all are playing.
The truly independent "man," who needs no one, doesn't exist. No way. Never has. People have always lived in families,
and families have always lived in groups. Humans have always congregated, as the 1.7-million-year-old remains of camps
of 25 people (one of those "magic numbers" in anthropology) in Olduvai Gorge attest. Together, we have evolved cultures
and civilizations but not as Lone Rangers (who wasn't so lone, he rode with Tonto).
Americans are the most independent bunch on the planet. In culture surveys and academic research, the United States
repeatedly occupies one extreme of the social-independence scale. By contrast, Asian countries tend to the other extreme,
with the Europeans occupying a cultural middle ground.
Independence is our strength, but it also is our weakness. Our national trait, and the awesome power it carries in its
swagger, has just been put on display as never before in Iraq: the paucity of international support, successful independent
action, and the now-current struggle to transition to the immensely more complex process of nation building and Iraqi
integration into the world system.
In our time-crunched, always-changing, 21st-century, Information-Age global economy, relationships and connections-interdependencies and collaborations local and distant--are the new coins of the realm, the stuff of the vastly thickening
web of socio-economic life.
We really need to let go of the stony Old Man, of going-it-alone, and allow new symbols to become visible that carry us
forward to our interrelated future together.
Jeffrey Stamps is co-author of six books on networked organizations, including Virtual Teams (Wiley, 2000). He was
born and grew up in Gilford, New Hampshire.
A friend of mine, Stephen Scott of Salem, NH, wrote this poem and I thought that you should see this.
Thank you, Donna Stone, Northfield, NH
The Ole' Man Of The Mountain
Goodbye you ole' Man
Wherever you are
We just don't understand
Why you left us this scar
Inside our hearts
And inside our souls
That has tore us apart
And left us with holes
Cause, you were so great
Way up above
You just stood for our state
And filled it with love
But, now is the time
To help us look back
And maybe rewind
So we don't go off track
From what you have done
For so many years
By being the one
And chasing our fears
So now it's our turn
To give back to you
To show what we've learned
And what you made TRUE
When we moved to Maine in the early 1990's we took a trip to visit my sister in Plattsburg, NY. When we were getting
near the "Old Man" we pointed him out to our children. My son, who was about 5 at the time, kept saying he couldn't see
it. We said, it's right in front of us. He still didn't seem to see it. Finally he said "That's it?" and we said "Yes." He then
asked where the rest of the Presidents were. He had it mixed up with Mt. Rushmore. We still laugh every time we think
about that. Thanks, Mary (now in Michigan)
Though I live in New York, I have family in New Hampshire. As a child, my parents brought me up at least twice a year.
Always going to see the Old Man. I have always held a special place in my heart for the Old Man. The whole area has a
special feeling about it. Now that I've grown I have brought my husband, children, and the last trip with friends to New
Hampshire, and of course to see my special place. I am very grateful that they got to see your wonders, and in the same
hand so sad. I have memories, yes, but I will always miss the Old Man and what it stood for, for me.
With Much Sadness, Lisa Passarell
I was a young girl (4 or 5) when I first saw the Old Man of the Mountain. My family and I were on vacation in New
Hampshire, and my Dad pointed him out for me. I have fondly remembered it all these years - I am now 40. I am bringing
my 4 year old son up to NH this summer and had hoped to show him the Old Man. I was devastated to hear that Mother
Nature reclaimed him! He will be greatly missed! The Old Man stood proudly all those years as a symbol of the state of
New Hampshire and our country. Patricia J Kaczmarczyk
Two years ago, my relationship with a very Old Man began. At that time, my knowledge of him was vague; pictures I had
seen of him few and far between. However, in two years' time, that Old Man became very dear to me. On Saturday, May
3rd, I heard the alarming news that my friend, New Hampshire's Old Man of the Mountain, had fallen from where he had
stood 1200 feet above Profile Lake.
I live in Titusville, a small town in the NW corner of Pennsylvania - a town noted in history books as the birthplace of the
Oil Industry. Tourists come to my little corner of the world to see the first oil well drilled by Colonel Edwin Drake. Last
June, for the first time in many years, I became a tourist myself when I had the good fortune to journey to New Hampshire
to view a face that had become familiar to me because of the many photographs my good friend, John, a New Hampshire
native, had sent to me.
I remember my disappointment, during my first trip north, when John took me to an Old Man viewing area and I was
unable to see the Old Man's face because of adverse weather conditions. "Where is he?" I repeatedly asked my friend.
When John could only point up and answer, "Right there!" I cursed my bad luck to have arrived at such a significant place
when all I could see was mist and swirling clouds.
However, a few days later, when I returned on my own on a wonderfully clear day and hiked to the viewing area on the
opposite side of the Parkway, I was so moved by my first glimpse of the Old Man that I sprouted goose bumps that only
subsided after I had shot a whole roll of film.
It now comes to mind that I have personally photographed that Old Man during every season save autumn - when I
followed a route to the Great North Woods other than the Franconia Notch Parkway. No matter, since John has sent me
photographs of that dear Old Man during every season of the year.
This summer, I had planned to take the Tram to the top of Cannon Mountain for a view of the Old Man from a vantage
point I had never seen, and now - never will.
In retrospect, I find it hard to comprehend that the Great Stone Face - one who has touched so many lives - is gone
forever. Though I have only had the pleasure of his acquaintance for a scant two years, my grief at his passing is
profound.
Here in northwest Pennsylvania, I feel very much alone in my grief. Though the Old Man's passing was mentioned on
National News the evening of May 3rd, newspaper coverage in my "region" was understandably, bare bone.
For thousands of years the Old Stone Man watched over Franconia Notch. True to New Hampshire's state slogan - I
believe the time has come to let the Old Man live free forever in memory, and die in peace. Susan Tarr, Titusville, PA
Dear Friends,
Following is a poem written by Edwina Landry, a copy of which she left at the base of the Old Man site on Saturday. Like
so many, I mourned the Old Man's passing, but it was Edwina's poem that reduced me to a puddle. I was truly moved. It's
what my heart felt, but didn't know how to express.
P.S. Thanks to all of you, as well, for your efforts on this project.
Gratefully, Barb Harte
Dear Barb,
Thank you for your kind words; you made my day. I am humbled and pleased that my words moved you so much.
Actually, the entire piece was not published, but edited. Following is a copy for you to have in its completeness. I left a
copy in a frame at the base of the Old Man site on Saturday. Perhaps they will put it in the museum for many other people
to read as well. Although I have only lived in NH for almost four years now, it too is the only place that has ever felt like
home. When I visited Franconia Notch before I moved here, I knew this was the place I was meant to live. The Old Man
is a part of us all. You are in my prayers. Edwina
(Contributed by Edwina Landry, Concord, NH, May 6, 2003)
THE OLD MAN SPEAKS
For over 10,000 long years I looked down upon the beauty of New Hampshire,
The place I call home.
Carved from the ancient glaciers, I held stories within me from times long past.
I may have looked the same from a distance
But if you looked close you would see the weathered lines that the wind, rain, ice and snow continued to chisel
Into this Old Man's face.
This ever changing New England weather continued to constantly re-create me
As it does those who I looked down upon.
We were building character together and my love for you grew.
Expressions of wonder, excitement, and love were the joys I loved to look down upon.
Thousands of you flocking to enjoy the beauty of this notch
That is why I was created
To draw you to love the beauty of these White Mountains.
Some of you even climbed up to take a closer look.
You touched my face.
The warmth of your flesh and blood against my cold granite skin moved me as much as it did you.
Some of you hung seemingly trapped for hours because I did not want to leave your embrace so soon.
Yet, for everything there is a season,
And in the early spring of 2003 my time to look down upon you from this peak was over.
As quietly as I could this Old Man came down from his lofty perch.
It was not because I wanted to leave you.
You cared for me, restored me, and I am eternally grateful, but I was not meant to sit here forever.
It was time to return to the earth from where I began
It was time to be free.
Do not cry tears of sadness for me, only tears of joy.
For I am not gone from this hallowed place; my spirit remains.
I walk with you now.
It is time for you to look upon this state as I once did and care for each other the way you cared for me.
It is you who make up New Hampshire not me.
The torch has now been passed
You must be the guardians of each other now.
The rocks, the trees, the water, the wind, rain and snow
All carry my life force through these mountains.
This Old Man has not left you but changed.
I move freely now.
No longer do I simply sit here looking down upon you
But now I soar and sing and embrace each one of you.
So continue to come to this hallowed place.
Feel my spirit and care for this earth as you cared for me.
Protect it, nurture it, and feel restored as you walk among this beauty.
Gaze up on a clear and sunny day and you will see me.
Look into each other's eyes; you will find me there.
I have not died
I am here still
Only now I live
Free.
Like most residents from New Hampshire, I was deeply saddened by what I saw on the front page of the newspaper on
Saturday morning, May 3rd, 2003. I'm only 24 years old but in those 24 years are great memories of my parents driving
my sister and I up to the Mount Washington Valley and Franconia Notch to see all the beauty that is New Hampshire.
However, of all the amazing sights there were to view, there was always one main sight that I really cared about the most.
That site was the Old Man of the Mountain.
I remember stopping and viewing him from the platform and thinking to myself, how did he get there? I couldn't fathom
the brutal strength that nature possessed and that same strength that gave us this amazing profile. Also amazing was how
long he clung to that mountain. As the years went by in trips to the North Country and trips to Canada, I couldn't drive by
the Old Man without gazing out my window up at him. Even if the clouds were too thick to actually see his profile, it
didn't matter; I knew he was there. It is so ingrained in my head that there will never be a time that I go by that mountain
where I won't look. Having said that, it's tough to imagine him NOT being there.
He was our state symbol. The fact that he is on our signs, license plates, souvenirs and other state pieces should act as
testimonial that we will never forget him and he will always be in our thoughts in some way. It is my personal opinion
that he not be replaced. There is absolutely no way that man can recreate what nature gave us those many years ago. I do
believe that we should not forget where he was and I also believe that there should be some sort of monument to celebrate
the great views he gave us and the great memories that came along with those. There are fitting ways of doing that and
trying to reproduce him would be an insult to the wonder that he truly stood for and the majesty that created him.
Following is my personal contribution to the memory of New Hampshire's "Old Man of the Mountain." It is a poem that I
wrote from my own collection of memories from the past 24 years along with what is well known by all from New
Hampshire, that the Old Man of the Mountain was some something truly special, truly New Hampshire and truly one of a
kind. Thank you for your time and God Bless.... Sincerely, Scott A. Turcotte, Manchester NH
"An Old Man from NH"
Written by Scott A. Turcotte, May 5, 2003
He watched our every move with strength and with grace,
He existed for years, this old man's face.
To some he was rock, to some he was cool,
To others he was family, his demise seemed so cruel.
How did he get there, not much is known,
The force of mother nature, a crafting of stone.
Thousands would come, to see his amazing face,
Thousands would gather for pictures, at his mountain's base.
The symbol of our state, a symbol of faith,
A symbol of nature, was his strong weathered face.
Over the years, this man had grown tired,
Through harsh bitter winters, his will had become mired.
Some didn't get it and just never will,
He wasn't just a rock, on the side of a hill.
To this state he was more, a family member, a friend,
NH loved and cherished him, deeply saddened by his quiet end.
He couldn't last forever, most knew this day would come,
It wouldn't be in their lifetime, still, a shock this is for some.
Now that he's gone, he'll never be forgotten,
New Hampshire will always remember, that Old Man of the Mountain.
I was very sad to hear of the destruction of the Old Man of the Mountain. I grew up in New England and spent many
happy days in the White Mountains. The loss of the Great Stone Face is not just a loss to the Granite State, but to our
whole country as well. It was one of our national treasures, a natural wonder to behold. To me, the Old Man will always
symbolize the great state of New Hampshire. Mrs. Carole Leonard, Charleston, South Carolina
We first visited The Old Man in 1969. Our last visit was during the fall of 2001 when we took an exchange student from
Belgium that had spent a school year with us on a tour of northern New Hampshire. We can't remember how many
pictures that girl took of the Old Man. We had told her about him but she didn't believe it until she saw it! We are sure the
Old Man was one of her greatest memories of her stay in the USA along with her visit to the state of New Hampshire, and
our family will always remember the Old Man. The Deering Family, Raymond, Maine
This area was one of the most beautiful I saw on my trip to New England back around 1985. We stood at the waterside
and viewed/photographed it on one of our many stops. It is so hard to believe that one of our favorite natural treasures is
gone. I am so glad I phototographed this Old Man and will always treasure it on paper and in the best cameras of all, my
mind and heart. Goodbye old friend. Thanks for the memories. Pam Taylor, Dallas, Texas
I was very saddened to hear of the collapse of the Old Man of the Mountain, the news brought tears to my eyes and a
feeling of loss in my heart. He resembled my own father's profile, who passed away a few years ago so I had a fond
attachment to the rough yet gentle presence those old boulders emulated.
I first visited the Franconia area 32 years ago while on vacation with my parents when I was 12. We live in southeast
Pennsylvania and were so impressed with the White Mountains, having the Pocono Mountains to compare them to - the
mountains in NH were just spectacular, especially the Old Man. I then had to return to see the Old Man again in 1993 now bringing my first two children to vacation there - one of our fondest memories of the trip was our bike ride along the
route that takes you right up to Profile Lake to view the Old Man - the kids thought he was so cool!
We just returned again last August with my 3rd daughter who was born in 1995 (since she obviously was born after our
trip in 93, I wanted to take her now to the Franconia area) - she was 7 years old last summer, just old enough to make the
same bike trip along the Old Man route - she thought he was just "awesome." We actually went to Profile Lake twice that
week, and the woman at the souvenir shop remembered her from the first visit since she was non-stop talking about the
Old Man while she was getting her ice cream cone at the counter.
She was also upset when we had heard of the collapse and had hoped that he could be fixed. Since I was pregnant last
summer with my 4th child, we planned to return yet again in a few years with the latest edition to our family. We will
definitely be back again to Franconia - but it just won't be the same without the Old Man of the Mountain.
With my deepest sympathy to those who held the Old Man close to their heart,
Diane Mohan, Bensalem, PA
Hello, I am a fourth grader at Memorial School in Bedford, NH. Here is a poem that I wrote about the Old Man.
BY:Hunter
The Old Man of the Mountain
This is one of the worst things that happened to us
He had to fall some time but why now
Every person in New Hampshire is talking about this
On top of being at war, the NH symbol died
Looking at him was peaceful
Day by day he made us feel happy
Many years has past since he was discovered
After all these years he came crashing down
Nothing could ever replace him
On May 2nd or 3rd 2003 he fell
For years many have driven by to see him
The last time I saw him is how I`ll remember him
He was the best NH symbol anyone could ever pick
Each person had something special, he was mine
Many peaple love it, like Mr. Nielson
Outstandind example of a human
Unfortunately now it`s gone
Never to be forgotten
Time will help us heal
After ten thousand years it all came to an end
I will never feel the same
Now we can only remember an old friend
My name is Le'roy, I live in Maine now, I grew up in NH and used to take trips to the mountains and go snowboarding,
sightseeing, go visit the basin, the flume, Boise rock. but who could forget the Old Man of the Mountain. Man, it didn't
seem like you were into the mountains until you finally saw him. I will miss him alot and it brought tears to my eyes when
I heard about this. NH has lost a good friend and landmark but it wont be forgotten. Le'roy
Part of New Hampshires history has been lost and that is so sad. So many people will miss seeing it when they visit the
beautiful state of New Hampshire. In The Wind, Lyn
Several years ago my husband and I climbed White Mt., ventured along the Franconian Parkway and saw a black bear
cross the road in front of us. We had the opportunity to climb Mt Washington with our car, and see the profile of the Old
Man. Shortly afterwards, I believe that somewhere in Peru, the 231 highest winds recorded was beaten. And now the face
of the Old Man is gone. I am truly moaning this because I wanted all seven, soon to be nine, of our grandchildren to go to
New Hampshire and see all of the wonders that my husband and I have seen. Now this cannot be, we are truly sorry for
the loss, not only for the people of New Hampshire, but all of the people of other states and other countries that were not
given the opportunity to view it. Sincerely, Janet and Skip Cooper Long Island, NY
I was born and raised in New Hampshire and one of my earliest memories is seeing The Old Man with my Dad. I was
very young and can remember clearly asking my Dad how he got there, his reply was "God put him up there to remind
you and me that he's watching over us and that we'll never be alone so long as we can see him looking, and watching. And
when we see him looking down at us it's a comfort to know that we are safe in his presence, and that our prayers will be
answered because he's listening." I do go home as often as I can and have brought my children to the Old Man several
times in their lives and they have come to respect the Old Man as much as I do. My family was in New Orleans on the day
we lost the icon of my sanctuary, enjoying the yearly jazz and heritage festival celebrating my son's 19th birthday when
the call came to me on my cell phone and I heard the words "The Old Man' fell and is not going to be waiting for me the
next time I come home. The words cut through me like a knife! The tears started pouring out and when I told my children
of the bad news we all had a group crying session there with 50 to 60 thousand people around us sharing in our grief. I
still have a hard time accepting the fact that he's gone. My icon, my sanctuary, it was to me a place where I felt safe with a
knowing that everything in life was going to be okay because he's watching out for me. We will go to the sight and hike
the trail that leads to where he was and pay our respects but I won't say goodbye, I'll thank him for what he meant to me
and I consider myself very fortunate to have come from a part of the world where the Old Man lived and watched over me
for the first half of my life. I just wish somehow that it didn't happen on my son's birthday, and so does he. It was the
worst thing that could have happened to him on that day. Debby in Louisiana
OLD MAN DOWN
by AM de Rham, Sugar Hill, NH, 5/3/03
The Old Man came down
Last night or today
Not to happen in our lifetime
The shock, oh go away
The symbol of our state
Of rocks, mountains, lakes
The image is seen everywhere
Even on license plates
Many bolts and cables
Held the Old Man there
Bound to happen sometime
But now ? It's just not fair
The winter past was brutal
Enough to make me move
The ice and bitter cold
Rested in every grove
Then yesterday, it rained all day
Fierce, cold and steady
Two slides could be seen below
Where the Man went when ready
The Indians said beware
If the Old Man should come down
There will be no summer after
Saying that brings a frown
The people came to look
At what was not there
And for sure there was nothing
The Old Man worse for wear
Poets wrote of him
Nathaniel Hawthorne too
The Great Stone Face
Lost forever from view
I wish I had something brilliant or inspirational to say about what has happened to the Old Man. As a New Hampshire
native, I grew up in the White Mountains only minutes from the Old Man. As a child, I always enjoyed looking out the car
window each time we would drive by. As an adult, I moved to Southern New Hampshire. Each time I traveled north to see
my folks, as I drove by the viewing site, just like a little kid, I would always try to catch a glimpse of him. Likewise, when
I traveled south to return home, I would do the same.
Over the last few years, my two boys (ages seven & four) would fight to get the window seat so that they could get the
best view of the Old Man. I would never say a word because I did the same thing when I was their age. They even play a
game in the car to pass the time, counting all the "Old Mans" they see on road signs etc.
The Old Man was unique. There was nothing like him in the entire world and he was right here in New Hampshire. I
knew him for 33 years and I will miss him. Perhaps the most solemn part of losing the Old Man is that it reminds us of our
own mortality. God put him there "as a sign to show that he made men." Maybe God took him away to show us that no
one on Earth is immortal, not even the Great Stone Face. Tom Walker, Weare, NH
My sister-in-law sent me this poem written by a friend when she heard about it. She said it flowed.
Steve Ciardelli, Burlington, VT
by Stephie May 4, 2003
The Old Man is gone
The face is gone.
Can this be true? Old Man in the Mountain
Where are you?
Natural wonder
Stately pride
All gone in a night
With a silent rock slide.
Rock is forever.
How can this be?
A sculpture from God
For the whole world to see.
The craggy features
That created the face
New Hampshire granite
Thought firmly in place.
Proudly it reigned
Cliff high in the air
Facing each storm
With courage and flair.
Enduring the elements
Basking in sun
Silhouette against the sunset
When each day was done.
The pride of New Hampshire
A symbol of strength
Of solid endurance
And infinite length
Is gone.
Like Death, a reminder
Of life's fleeting pace
That nothing's forever,
Just a gift of God's grace.
I spent every summer of my youth in Woodsville, NH, my grandparents' home. I traveled to Woodsville the day after
school let out and didn't return home to New Jersey until the day before it started again. I did this until the age of 16. I still
visit every chance I get, usually every other year.
Every trip to NH included a visit to the "Old Man." No matter how many times I viewed his awesome face it was as if it
were for the first time. I can sit by the lake for hours in peaceful reverie. My whole family is in mourning for loss of an
old friend.
I don't believe he should be restored but a large granite memorial at the base on Profile Lake would be wonderful. And
don't do away with the gift shop and nature walk. He should remain the symbol of this beautiful state.
Barbara Moloney, Southampton, New Jersey
I really hated seeing about that on the news! It is the most popular nature site in New Hampshire if not in New England!
Who's going to keep an eye on Franconia Notch now that the Old Man died? He can never be replaced, not even if
someone made one, because that wouldn't be natural like the Old Man. I live in Arkansas and have never had the pleasure
to see him in person and sorry to see him go!..........Tom
Submitted by André Beaulé
THE GREAT STONE FACE
Ten thousand years ago, when the Appalachian spine was formed,
five blocks of granite were piled (domino like)
on the edge of a cliff.
The Lord God saw this and said it was good,
for they formed a profile that future humans would recognize as a face.
The Lord said:
"Many centuries hence, I will people this land.
The first people will be nomad hunters and fishermen,
and they will worship this face as the Great Spirit of the Mountain."
"Later I will bring people from the East across the ocean
and they will see in that stone face the spirit of themselves
as loggers and farmers living in this granite land."
In the cold and the wind, and in the fog and the rain,
they will look up and say: "We can make it because in this land God makes men."
For nearly two hundred years, men will be inspired by the character of this face.
They will try to save this fragile old man for future generations.
But alas, in the first years of the twenty-first century
those old granite blocks will tumble on a foggy night.
"Remember O people
to all things there is a beginning and an end.
All living creatures, all planets and stars,
all the universe will end."
"Remember O people,
that I your God, your Creator,
am the only one
who is FOREVER."
I first visited the Old Man in 1974. At that time his biggest threat was Interstate 93. I was aware of the controversy before
I actually met the Old Man. But, upon meeting him the first time I understood how important this proud Old Man really
was. His majestic presence overseeing the beautiful White Mountains gave one a sense of awe beyond description, as well
as an overwhelming feeling of inner peace. Over the years, I have made several other visits to the Old Man, for it was
impossible to visit the White Mountains without being drawn to see him. He will always have a special place in my heart.
Roz from NJ
Farewell stone face, I will miss you. Millie Cole Hammond
It is with deepest regret that I heard the news reporting the loss of the Old Man. I held him dear to my heart due to the
many years I spent sharing time with him on Cannon Mountain. My grandfather, HarrySimonds, was a night watchman at
the Cannon Mountain summit. I believe I spent more of my childhood on top of Cannon than anywhere else. I was
fortunate that on one of Neils Neilson's trips he allowed my grandfather and I to come along. That was one of the most
memorable days of my life. After spending many years looking up at the Old Man from Profile Lake I was able to share in
his view looking down to the valley below. To celebrate the event my grandfather "Pa" wrote the following poem.
How good the times we two may share
This Northern clime with its pure air
When all the substance which is man
Communes with God and the lovely land.
With you and me such was the case
On gazing at the great stone face
To marvel at it all that day
And recall what Hawthorne had to say.
Need I remind you at that time
We two by mutual love inclined
Stood on the profile to drink the view
And taste the love of life anew.
It keeps man from growing old
And in a sense insures the soul
When close to God and boy and man
Upon the promontory stands.
Although the physical structure is gone, forever will live the spirit and memories of the great Old Man, as do those who
loved him so, Harry Simonds and Neils Neilson to name just two.
Trevor Whipple, Barre, VT (Hometown - Littleton)
Last September I traveled out to New Hampshire from Michigan to visit my dad who was there working for the summer.
The first place he took me was to see the Old Man of the Mountain. My dad had me take a picture of his profile with the
Old Man above him so he could show the rest of the family 'Two Old Men'. I'm so glad I got to see The Old Man of the
Mountain, and with my dad. It will always be a very special memory for me. I was shocked when I read that The Old Man
collapsed. Thanks for the memories!! Unsigned
I grew up in Nashua but I live in Arizona now. When I found out that the Old Man fell, I was grief stricken. Then I started
to remember how every summer our family made a trip to see him. I still see him in my mind, looking out over NH and
how proud he was. Four months ago my mother and I purchased plane tickets for us and my two young sons to come to
NH. They have never been to see the Old Man of the Mountain and so I have been telling them all about him. I am so sad
that my boys will not get a chance to see him. They will never get to see the present that God had given to the state of NH.
I know that he will be greatly missed but he will live forever in our hearts. Annette Pena
I am proud yet humbled to have been part of the crew of waterproofing engineering which placed the large turnbuckles on
the site in the summer of 1958. One can only speculate if closing the 1927 gap would have prolonged his demise. When I
retired to NH in 1996 I felt I was with a friend. Now that he is gone I don't think anything would replace him, but a large
plaque at the viewing site would help us remember him fondly. Matthew Nastasia, Seabrook, NH
I don't know the first time I saw him. What feels like hundreds of visits was probably, in reality, maybe ten. Childhood
memory-recall can exaggerate that way. But trips to New England always spelled magic for me: my grandmother's Crazy
Cake, sledding in White's Park, exploring my grandparent's attic, and a day trip to the White Mountains to see the Old
Man.
My sharpest memory comes from when I was ten or eleven. Driving around the base of Mount Cannon, I pressed my face
to the back window, looking up to the high cliff, anxious and excited as it slowly turned and the face majestically revealed
itself. Dad parked and I shot out of the car, running to the Profile Lake to see him again. It wasn't that I wanted to be first;
it wasn't a contest at all. I just wanted to see him by myself. I'd seen the other attractions, walking hand-in-hand with my
family. We had walked through the Flume, ridden the Tram and enjoyed the bears at the Trading Post, but this was time
just for me and him...a moment or two alone, just to take him in...just to say hello.
His face was stern, but not harsh. He always appeared just about to speak, or better, as if his weathered granite mouth was
gently open in song...a low, comforting note, a warming sound whispered to the neighboring mountains and the admiring
visitors below. More like a drawing he seemed to me than a formation of rock, even when I looked at him up close with
binoculars. The gray and pink granite, set against the blue sky, the lights and shadows of the passing sun...all conspired to
animate his noble countenance.
I remember wishing I knew how to meditate, but that might mean closing my eyes to him, which was dumb.
I remember stirring the tiny rocks in the cold shoreline water of the lake with my bare feet, and just watching him, and the
serenity of the mountains around him.
I remember realizing that now I knew where my favorite place on Earth was.
My last trip was two summers ago, during a twenty-year-overdue reunion with my New England family. Little had
changed in 20 years. The natural shoreline of the lake was gone, replaced now with a terraced granite tile walkway. It
looked nice, though I prefer the natural shore. The walkway was dotted every 15 feet with those big brass-colored
viewfinders to see him up close, if you had 75 cents. The gift shop had expanded, like they do, and the highway sounded a
bit busier. But as I reached the edge of the lake and looked up, there he sat, my old friend, singing his unending song. I
quietly voiced my hello, and my regret for the long time between visits. And then, as always, I sat and just watched him.
No time had passed at all.
But last week he fell. I can't fathom it. A long battle with Nature had ended, but with Nature as the cruel victor. He was
there long before we were, and was supposed to outlast us all. Pictures taken recently are gruesome to me. Like a grieving
widow forced to identify the remains of her husband killed in battle, I winced when I first saw images of the remaining
jagged outcropping of rock. The warped and twisted iron turnbuckles splayed out in the empty air, jagged spidery fingers
desperately groping for the delicate formation they'd been installed to protect decades before, which was now a pile of
indistinguishable rubble, crumbled below them.
New Hampshire mourns the loss of its greatest symbol. The White Mountain Tourism Association contemplates life after
the collapse of its number one attraction. Proposed plans for everything from a site memorial to a fiberglass reconstruction
have begun to pop up, and no doubt the debate will rage long into the coming months. Some have even said that the
collapse is a symbol of God's displeasure with the current Face of Mankind. But I can't listen to politicians and idiots now.
Right now, I've lost a constant, a family member...a friend.
When my father passed away, I was thankful for the relationship that he and I shared, and grateful that he had visited me
shortly before he died. So it is with the Old Man. Did I cry for a pile of granite rubble at the base of a small mountainside
in northern New Hampshire? Yes. And I get wistful now each time I look at the many images I have of him. But as I stare
at them now, much in the same way I've stared at him so many times from the shore of that beautiful peaceful lake, he's
still singing, still a picture of strength and serenity. And as with the passing of any family member, my grief will fade, and
my memory will keep him singing forever.
JJ Jackman
When my father -in law passed away, we climbed to the top of the Old Man & spread his ashes there. That is what he
wanted. I think this was back in 1989. My daughter, now 18, was only 4 years old and we took turns carrying her up with
us. She does not remember but I will never forget. Shari
I grew up in Groveton New Hampshire. As a child it was always a joy to see the mystical face. I would see the face every
Tuesday in February as I traveled on a school bus for the ski program at Cannon Mountain. When I moved to New York,
it was always fun to describe the Man to outsiders. In 2000, my husband and [I] vacationed in New Hampshire. I was
excited to show him my state and the man that watched over it.
As I picked up my NY paper May 3rd, I almost cried. I am glad my husband was able to see such a remarkable natural
wonder. May New Hampshire honor the Old Man of the Mountain...
With Regret, Beverly L. Mack, Farmington NY
It is with deep regrets that we, the Baron family, also mourn the loss of the Old Man of the Mountain and pass our
sympathies to the residents of Franconia Notch and of New Hampshire. Since first honeymooning in the White Mountains
27 years ago we have returned 6 times since. While others from our area (SW. Pa.) go south or east to the ocean we have
always longed for the beauty of Northern New Hampshire. Our children now grown, even anxious to return each time.
Fortunately for us we had just visited the Old Man this past September, bringing along my cousin and his wife for their
first inspiring view of the Old Man. So we were able to see him for the last time fairly recently. We will continue to return
to the White Mountains, for the beauty and solitude of the area will continue to live on, even beyond its most famous
inhabitant's absence.
God Bless, Live Free or Die. - Andy, Justina, Gabe, Geoff & Gina Baron, Belle Vernon, PA
I have been a lifelong resident of New England, and now hold "dual citizenship" - having homes in Massachusetts and
New Hampshire.
The passing of the "Old Man" was like the passing of a beloved family member. He has watched over us for generations
and now he is gone. I will always remember his profile guarding my way home from many a day spent in the mountains.
He will be sorely missed. Ed Robbins, East Somerville, MA
I heard about his collapse while I was out of state. I felt as though I had lost a friend. I know that there are probably many
who would say that I'm crazy, but I also know that there are those of us who knew him very well, and are in a state of
shock and disbelief.
Not everyone realizes that he was climbed often. One of New Hampshire's classic rock climbs, Lake View, went right up
his face. I have climbed him many times in my climbing career, and I hope that I never forget some of the beautiful scenes
that could only be taken in from his majestic face. I shared many good times on his face with many good friends and
family members.
I am not too embarrassed to admit now that I think he had life in him. I know it sounds absurd, but when I was in the
notch I felt as though he could see me. I felt watched. There was a certain degree of comfort in knowing that he was up
there. I hope that there were others that felt it too.
My kids will never be able to climb him now. My boys are 9 and 7 years old, and they would have been able to climb him
in about 4 or 5 years. I feel very sad that they never even got a chance to see him.
I don't think we should put rocks up there and piece them together in some macabre imitation of him. Only God could
make him. I will miss my friend in the mountains. Peter N. Vatistas
I am originally from Rochester, NH and now reside in San Diego, CA. My dad used to take our family on weekend drives
to see the OLD MAN and through the White Mountains during the summer & fall months. It was an enjoyable time for us
kids growing up and we will always cherish those fond memories.
He was a great NH icon and when I run into people out here from New England, they especially know the significance. It
is sorely missed. Linda C. Wetteland
I am so sorry we lost the Old Man. Went to visit him many times as a child. Luckily last year I was able to introduce my
wife and 3 year old child to him. My wife was amazed and loved it. We are going back again this year to pay our respects
again. My family moved from New Hampshire when I was in the 4th grade but the Old Man has always been in my heart
(I don't know why). Felt like a member of my family died when I heard the news. Good Luck New Hampshire, Live Free
or Die. Robert W. Ames III from Las Vegas NV
On Memorial Day, let us remember the Old Man ...
For he leaves us a stern legacy. All must go, but he stayed with us through Sept. 11 and Iraq. He would do no less for the
country he loved. And let us remember the slogan of the state he chose as his own, the legacy he leaves with us: Live Free
Or Die. Hail and farewell. Richard Rogers
I would like to add my photo of him to your website. I travel to CT often and I have this photo of him placed in my rear
window of my jeep, the response I get is wonderful. There are people all over the world who have been to the notch and
will never forget. Bob C, Goffstown NH
The night I heard that the Old Man had fallen on the news my heart stopped. Of all the memories I remember the most
was my trips to see this site. Born and raised in Florida I would make trips with my parents and grandparent to see this
wonderful sight God gave us. My grandmother passed away last year and we planned to have a memorial for her this June
and the one thing I told my three daughters was that we were going to New Hampshire to say goodbye to greatgrandma
and to see the Old Man who was on the coin that I collected for each one of them. Now I will say goodbye to two great
things in my life, my grandmother and the Old Man, but no one can take the memories that the two of them gave me. May
they both rest in peace. Shelby O'Connor, Largo, Florida
I moved from New Hampshire to North Carolina when I was eight years old and haven't been back since. The Old Man of
the Mountain was the greatest of my childhood memories. He was a source of camping under the stars, breath taking
views and lovely hikes. Now I mourn his disappearance. I will remember this great landmark all-ways.
Andrew Knowlton, Rocky Mount, NC
Hello from a fan of The Old Man.: This poem was written by my daughter, to her father for a Dad's day gift.
Unfortunately he passed away before she could deliver it to him. She has given me permission to share it with you all. I
have it matted and framed with a picture of The Old Man of the Mountain beside the poem. She had known The
Mountain.
" Fan of the Old Man"
By Betty Dunbar Gaudet, May 15, 2000
Dedicated to Richard Burpee Dunbar, 1923 - 2000. My Dad and the mountain in my life.
THE MOUNTAIN
A rock was born and tempered strong, daily lessons of right and wrong.
Mountain traversed and sharpness honed, his soul was mountain spirit grown.
He learned to yield to inner rule, face chiseled rock and blue eyes hued.
Mountain vision human born. Manhood proven. Softness shorn.
Once mature to his surprise, pebbles of resemblance, with childlike eyes.
Steadfast gaze, volcanic heat, those innocent eyes looked up to meet.
Words missing from his lips. Cold spray of garden hose, shivers and clothing drips.
The mountain watchful, discord dealt firm. Sorrow filled cries followed fresh sun rise.
The mountain immovable, rigid where it stood, Teen eyes heard voice that boomed. Mountain influence around us
loomed.
Roof provided, missive taught well, expectation to excel.
Fear trembled through me outside his door, no choice but enter and endure,
Clear objective - success is first. His disappointment in me was the worst.
The mountain took all challenge standing his ground,
If trouble dared to raised a look, he boldly crushed it down.
The mountain saw no reason to question proven technique, he instilled lessons to all within his keep.
Through example the mountain showed, his life style and choice of road.
Try to be perfect - or as close as mountain can be.
Expose perfection. You must be bold. Avoid detection and weakness told.
The mountain liked for others - to view one profile.
The perfect peak with light just right, always enhanced his rugged height.
Observers at a distance of the mountain's choice,
Saw brush strokes of omnipotence, impenetrable and steep.
They looked on in awe, saw power and might. But a casual view was one with out personal insight.
They saw what the mountain wanted - of course. Viewed rocky cliffs with no remorse.
Never suspecting that birds and deer and streams so clear, could lay below his cloak of oak.
If explorer set forth, cross cold hard ground, to seek the peak or penetrate his mist and cloud,
The panorama to be seen, that mountain took care to always screen,
One could see fleeting of inner being,
A life in the sun and near a lake, with choices often hard to make.
Taught by the mountain of childhood, many years ago, where hard times endured, and sympathy was cured.
Inner feelings he once felt, control over them firmly dealt.
As time rambled on, a small crack grew,
On one occasion a tiny ray of stray feeling showed through.
Although that feeling emerged in code, 'twas mine to unravel, if I so choose.
To engage or disconnect, the choice was mine to select.
The past need not be destiny, I started to suspect.
I Chose to investigate that passage many years back, when first I noticed that tiny crack.
I tread the lane the mountain could no longer keep me from,
What I saw before me shocked my soul and gripped my heart.
On one side there was a groove, where life wore mountain down to smooth.
Angle upward a fierce façade, to hide apprehension of times that were hard.
Deep gullies describe that hurt was felt, though not displayed - his rock could melt.
A bluff of confidence, precarious at times, could be seen through a series of hopeless climbs.
I found as I hiked farther on, that he held a treasure of mountain song.
Whispers of love and admiring looks. Respect for life, murmured his gurgling brooks.
The leaves of his trees sang softly but clear, a rustling of love - for those he held dear.
Wildlife abound everywhere around, nurtured and free sent to greet me.
His inner calm is what was found, when I reached the center of his crown.
In a deep fissure, off worn path, I discovered infinite love that I boldly unmasked.
Of all the things I can remember about my childhood, going up to New Hampshire and seeing the Old Man for the first
time sure sticks out vividly. ( I remember my father pointing him out, and looking up in awe of this wise old face set in
stone.) And every time since then, going up and seeing his face always made me smile. Every time I close my eyes and
remember all the fun I had up in the White Mountains, Clark's Trading Post, the Flume, Basin, all those places would have
never meant as much to me as they do now if I didn't get a chance to drive by and see the Old Man. My wife and I are
planning a camping trip this June, and you'd better believe I am going to go through the Notch, and pay my respects to an
old friend. Scott McCall
It was with disbelief that I read the article in our Charlotte, NC newspaper a few weeks ago about the loss of the Old Man
of the Mountain. I must admit that I was stunned because I believed that he would outlive us all and be there for
generations to come so that grandchildren of our grandchildren could see him someday.
One of my first thoughts was about my father, who died five years ago. Growing up in Connecticut, we frequently took
trips to Vermont and the White Mountains and my dad always made a point to take us to view the Old Man. It didn't seem
like such a big deal as a 5-year old, but when you see his image on road signs, souvenirs, state documents, and other items
you realize how much he meant to all of New England.
I showed that newspaper article to my three kids who also expressed sadness that the Old Man became a victim to the
same geologic forces that created him years ago. Fortunately, during a trip back to Connecticut to visit relatives last
summer I was insistent we take a 3-day side trip up to the beautiful White Mountains so that my children could enjoy the
same happy memories that I have of those summers with my family all those years ago. We did stop to see the Old Man
while we were up there and, hopefully, my own 5-year old will someday realize what the Old Man meant as a symbol to
all of New England. Respectfully, Frank Cristante
My Mother, Mary Dunigan, moved me and my 7 siblings to Plymouth, New Hampshire in 1969. Being a widow with 8
children, money was tight. The White Mountains and particularly the Franconia Notch area has always been a great
destination for a family on a budget. It was common to pack lunch and pack the kids in the Country Squire and head north
for the day. Just like a family that keeps the memory of a loved one alive through the generations, the character
represented by the Old Man of the Mountain too will be kept alive. The Old Man has passed the torch to us and it is now
up to us to keep watch over the gift of the White Mountains. Tom Dunigan
I have seen the Old Man many times in my life and [am] still amazed how it looked, but it is memory. I live in
Massachusetts, I go every weekend to go snowboarding in the winter. I always like to see the Old Man of the Mountain.
Well, it is gone. The next time I go up it would not be the same anymore because it's gone forever. This picture was the
last time I saw it forever.
This picture I took means the world to me and it is the last thing I have in my memory of the Old Man of the Mountain.
Bye bye Old Man of the Mountain. Unsigned
I grew up with the Old Man and I am devastated at the loss. It brought me much pleasure to stop and admire him with my
own children just as my parents did for me. It is just unfortunate that I took it for granted to some degree, thinking it
would be there for my grandchildren to see someday. It truly saddens me to think that my future grandchildren will never
know the joy and excitement of finally seeing that magnificent profile. I am not looking forward to my next trip to New
Hampshire when we look up to see nothing where once stood a wonderful piece of history. Fortunately we all have our
wonderful memories and those of us who loved him will always remember and be able to share our memories.
Jocelyn Garlington, Rochester, MA
I am so sorry to hear that the Old Man is no more.
I grew up in Littleton and lived there approximately 27 years. The Old Man is part of my life in the north country. I
currently live in North Carolina and was looking forward to coming to NH this summer to share with my children what I
grew up with. It is almost like losing a friend, I have so many pictures of the Old Man which I will now cherish forever.
Whether it is there or not it will always be the Old Man of the Mountain. Everyone enjoy the memories of the Old Man.
Lisa Wise ( Ellingwood), Winston-Salem NC
This is incredible......I heard about it only this week from a friend who knew I had once lived in N.H. At first I thought he
was joking.....
It has been nearly twenty-five years since I lived in N.H. In 1969 I was hired as a surveyor by the (then) Department of
Public Works and Highways. It was the days of squabbling about I-93, and with all the controversy came a lot of survey
work in Franconia Notch. In 1976 the Department, at the urging of the Feds, embarked upon a program to study the
stability of the Old Man by making a photogrammetric map of the profile. In preparation for the photo shoot, which was
done from a helicopter, I did some surveying on the top of the Old Man's head. We had to be careful not to trip over the
turnbuckles and not to step on the epoxy, or worse yet, lose footing and go over the edge.
I knew it at the time: it was a privilege to be there and to see this work-of-the-Creator from a perspective reserved only for
a few. I had pestered my supervisor, "old man" Mr. Dan Nute of Littleton, to let me be involved......
I think about another "old man"....Mickey Libby, a fellow State Employee at Cannon who helped us find our way each
day from the Mountain Station to the Profile.....
I can only liken the "after" pictures in this scrapbook to those of the twisted aluminum arches of the World Trade Center:
The photo on Page 1 is extremely haunting for me; we sat on those turnbuckles and ate our lunch and talked about how
difficult it must have been for the guys who drilled those holes in the rock so many years before, all done by hand. Now
the claws, someone's labor of love, grab only at empty space. And yes, we talked about "what if this were to fall while we
sit here...." As someone so aptly put it on the CNN News Website, " we all knew it would fall, we just didn't think we'd
live to see it....." I can relate to that line of thinking.
My wife was able to find some of the photos taken during those days of surveying....poor 1970's quality and taken in
haste. I have one taken from the same spot as that on Scrapbook Page 2. In my photo, I was standing on the bar that
helped hold the forehead block in place....I can testify that there was nothing underneath it but air for several hundred feet.
The massive epoxy joint on the southerly vertical face was an ominous reminder of how precarious this really was...and it
appears from Page 2 that this was where the fatal wound was.
The most impressive photo I took from a small ledge directly beneath, near the Adam's Apple, looking straight upward
toward the chin. It was amazing how much of the profile appeared to be completely unsupported.
A quarter of a century of living and surveying on the desert have dulled many of the memories of the days of surveying on
Cannon Mountain; yet I find that I have a deep sadness about this event and I can only guess at the emotions of the
Nielsen's, and of all the other workers at Cannon.
Thank you, "old men," and thank you, Old Man......
Ben Gurney, Phoenix, AZ
The event discovered on May 3, 2003, brought shock and sad feelings to so many folks. My reaction that day prompted
me to contemplate and write my thoughts regarding the significance of the moment. I share with you my....poetic
expression.
Sincerely, Bernard
An Ode to the Old Man of the Mountain
By Bernard L. Smith, May 3, 2003
The Old Man of the Mountain has silently fallen, like tears, into the rock crypt of ancient legends;
A shrouded "Rock of Ages" acquaintance ceases to be, as swift glacial deposits slip into the sea;
The gravity of realism has weighed heavy on erosion's cause, at the cliff of classic folklore.
Now is a time our legendary majestic profile might invite contemplation,
As deliberate celebration could justly serve this sharing moment.
The Old Man of the Mountain has constantly nourished our inquiring inner trust.
Could we consider the beauty of his head held high, at the edge of the sky?
An ice carved silhouette reflecting shimmering spheres of boundless knowledge.
In striving to will our collective belief, might we discover an immaculate transformation?
"I am still here" expresses a script and vision of our quest forward.
The Old Man of the Mountain emerges as expressive humble remarkable perfection,
Inspired by its quiet visage entreating scholars commit to never fear being judged.
Our lives have conceived such incredible energy from this intriguing monument,
We too shall bestow the "...slings and arrows..." and triumphs of our treasure,
As we now cultivate a pastoral literary rock garden of brilliant tributes to its legacy,
The Old Man of the Mountain, Honored by Decree, The Profile Laureate of New Hampshire.
This is a short poem, story, and painting that may lead to honoring The Old Man.
Sincerely, Cheryl Pica
On May 3rd I left my studio at noon and rushed to meet my husband. We managed to find some time to be together and
headed to see a home he was building up north. As we approached the notch there was an unusual amount of activity and
we assumed some repairs were being done to old stone face, we continued on our way. A short time after arriving at our
destination one of the carpenters showed up with his young family, they too were there to see the progress on the new
home. The conversation immediately led to the news of the crumbling Icon and our hearts dropped as if losing a dear
friend. Our day became busy with meetings and everyone shared the same sentiment about the Old Man.
As we traveled home that day and we approached Profile Lake I was suddenly struck with a vision for a painting, one that
reflected the stone face in the water.
Well I had to paint it! The encouragement of artist friends would not allow me to do otherwise. As usual I spent some
time researching and came across a reference to Profile Lake being called The Old Man's Mirror. I instantly new this title
fit my vision.
The Old Man's Mirror
The stone face stood as an inspiration
The people's symbol of strength
Many eyes over centuries gazed up at his face
Although he has crumbled
And his dust fell to earth
We shall reflect in his mirror
And find strength in rebirth
My visiting daughter, Charris, told me the news. "Did you hear that the Old Man of the Mountain has collapsed?" My first
thoughts were that one does not joke about such a thing. The look on her face, however, told me that it was not a joke. For
days I kept saying that I found it difficult to believe that he is gone.
I grew up in New England & the Old Man was one of those landmarks that always told us that everything would be OK!
For decades my family & I vacationed, hiked, camped & relaxed in the White Mountains. No vacation was complete
without a good long look across Profile Lake at the stone face. We used our eyes, binoculars, spotting scopes & cameras
to appreciate the geologic formation we had come to know & love. We photographed it in all seasons & in all kinds of
weather. What a beautiful sight!
We are all truly sorry for the state's loss of its prized symbol. In our hearts & minds it will last forever! The Old Man may
be gone, but his spirit lives on in all who came to know & love him. We hope that perhaps one day, with all of our modern
construction wonders, that a fitting memorial could be erected to remind us of what was lost. The following are haiku
written at the time of the Old Man's demise. Please accept them as a form of remembrance for the sake of the Old Man.
Respectfully, Shawn & Pauline Whitney, Deerfield Beach, Florida.
water, ice, wind,
time & erosion
destroy the Old Man
the Old Man is gone,
boulders in the valley,
pastel leaves unfurl
blue Chevy pickup,
a young boy, a bygone day,
Old Man, my first time
full cold moon,
the Old Man silhouetted
against a blue sky
grim news indeed,
New Hampshire's oldest man
has passed away
beneath warm blue skies,
I hear the grave news that the
Old Man is no more
we can build Rushmore,
what of the Old Man?
could he rise again?
Again, we mourn the loss of a great landmark. The White Mountains will never be quite the same again.
Pauline Whitney
I am shocked to hear that we lost the Old Man. I lived in Massachusetts for most of my life, we as a family vacationed all
over New England. One of my favorite places was Franconia State Park, it would always amaze me how God could make
something so wonderful. I now live in Florida, and have wanted to take my husband who has always lived in the south
and never saw anything like it cause we have no mountains to see it. Now it is too late. May he rest in peace.
Lorraine Bell
I was born & raised in Dover, N.H. and have been to see the "Old Man" many times. Now I live in Pennsylvania and
when the N.H. quarters came out some people thought the N.H. representation of the "Old Man" on the quarter didn't
make any sense. Well, I clued them in on that and how important the symbol of the "Old Man of the Mountain" is and
how every school kid knows all about it. I am so thankful that I made a trip to N.H. two summers ago and was able to
show my child this amazing image. They know they come from enduring N.H. stock. The mountains won't seem the same
without the guardian. Barbara Stiver
The thought of the Old Man of the Mountain just disappearing is so inconceivable. I understand when it is said that the
State is in mourning. I think all of of us who take pride in National Monuments are feeling the loss. As per usual, the best
way I know of working through this feeling is with my poetry. The following is what just came flying through my head
and fingers onto the keyboard.
Sunday, May 4 - Stephanie Hersey Kolman, Native New Englander; Jackson, Michigan Transplant
(The poem was written and sent to her sister, Alison Hersey Risch of Madison, NH.)
The Old Man is Gone
The face is gone
Can this be true?
Old Man of the Mountain
Where are you?
Natural wonder
Stately pride
All gone in a night
With a silent rock slide.
Rock is forever.
How can this be?
A sculpture from God
For the whole world to see.
The craggy features
That created the face
New Hampshire granite
Thought firmly in place.
Proudly it reigned
Cliff high in the air
Facing each storm
With courage and flair.
Enduring the elements
Basking in sun
Silhouette against the sunset
When each day was done.
The pride of New Hampshire
A symbol of strength
Of solid endurance
And infinite length
Is gone.
Like Death, a reminder
Of life's fleeting pace
That nothing's forever,
Just a gift of God's grace.
I remember the movie Jerimah Johnson. I recall the mountain man Del who described the mountains as "God's finest
sculptures." Well, one of his most beautiful sculptures has fallen, and I believe he wants to see if the people of New
Hampshire are up to the task of putting him back. I have read many articles about him and how the people of this fine
state took pride in this symbol. Now I believe it's time for the people of New Hampshire to do the right thing and restore
the Old Man. The Old Man has had a major impact on my life. When I first saw him I had to travel to your state to see and
photograph him. It would be a terrible loss to future generations if they're deprived of the right to see the Old Man.
Joseph Pollakusky
We are from Connecticut and just came home from a visit to the Old Man's remains. we honeymooned in Franconia 16
years ago and first came 20 years ago. It has a very special place in our hearts and even though it has been 16 years since
we returned, we have decided that we will increase our visits to continue to support tourism even though the Old Man is
gone. As far as rebuilding, nature made the Old Man and nature took him. Let him rest in peace.
Sheryl and Bruce Alexander, Chester, CT
Appropriately, I have already shared the [following] tribute with Dave Nielson and it is with his approval that I
respectfully submit it for inclusion in the Old Man Scrap Book.... I am confident that you will be moved by the unique
events and personal circumstances captured in this piece.
Gary Groleau, Laconia, NH
Praise The Passing Moment
First the rains came.
Then the bitter cold.
Ice swelled cracks split and sheer rock.
Fissures open.
Conway granite grinds and quakes.
Steel turnbuckles torque and moan.
Cable strands snap like sinew.
The Old Man's final battle with gravity is lost,
Without witness, in the mourning black immensity of the Notch.
"Niels knew this day would come.
Year after year he labored in love to prevent it...but he knew.
He prayed he would never see the day.
He never did."
"When Lucien met Niels, missing was one of the iron legs
That once repelled the Stone Face of the Old Man.
Diabetes had ravished Niels' body, leaving him without a leg but not without hope.
Lucien was unaware that within the depth of his own gut, a deadly cancer grew."
"The two met per chance and circumstance on a Friday night.
Lucien's band played at the BCNH where Neils resided.
Neils would join in and improvise on his harmonica as the band's honorary member.
Lucien played flawless melodies, his fingers scaling the chromatics of his saxophone."
"Lucien and Niels would play music at the BCNH for many more Friday nights
Until fate intervened and took Neils in 2001.
His beloved Old Man of The Mountain, waiting no longer, collapsed on May 3, 2003.
Honore Lucien whispered his final sentiments of love to his family on May 20, 2003."
Music was the amalgam of a brief friendship,
Filling in emotional cracks,
Bonding with the strength of steel cable.
Men of faith and purpose,
Guided by songs of life,
In harmony with the melody of moment,
Rejoicing with acceptance
That while moments pass,
Their legacies would forever live on.
I really enjoyed reading other people's memories of what was such a wonderful family spot for so many people. I too
remember driving past and stopping with my family on camping trips in NH and climbs up Mt. Washington. New
Hampshire has always served as a summer stop for my family and the "Old Man" was always a memorable part of the
experience. He will be missed. I encourage all of us to let nature take its course and not rebuild but memorialize
somehow. A collection of people's photographs and memories will serve nicely. The Old Man of the Mountain will take
its place in history as a wholesome and innocent attraction from simpler times. Best regards, Gary VanDeurse
Our Old Man's Demise
On 5 - 2/3 - 2003 New Hampshire's Great Stone Face came down.
To the citizens of New Hampshire
He was our much beloved ancestor
Twas devastating when the "Old Man's" remains were found.
Whether alone or gathered together
Now, we'll all mourn him forever.
He was given to us and taken away, it's by God's will we are bound
(Submitted by Sarah M. Savary Brown)
Ashes
He lived a good life,
a long life,
a happy life,
watching and delighting
in those who came
to see him.
He was so tall,
he could see over
the tops of trees,
the birds flying,
the skies smiling and blue.
He could see other lands
beside his own, other flags flying.
He could hear the screams
of pain, could see the blood
of war, the lifeless bodies.
Through all this, he lived
in the peace and the calm of his woods.
But on the second of May,
Two-Thousand and Three,
he fell apart,
his rock-hard countenance
reduced to
tiny stones and pebbles.
The suffering his eyes had seen,
the pain his ears had heard,
had finally crumbled his spirit,
crushed his soul.
Like the Phoenix, like Christ,
perhaps he will rise again.
But for now,
the Old Man is gone.
(Submitted by Wilma Ecker)
Ode to the Old Man of the Mountain
Through many, many, countless years,
you stood so proud and had no fears.
In rain and snow, sleet, hurricane,
you bore it all and felt no pain.
That sturdy granite bound to hold
so stately; worth your weight in gold.
From near and far they came to view.
This "Old Man" they never knew.
To stand in awe and wonderment
God's handiwork. His merriment.
We never thought your end would come
In foggy clouds and strike us numb.
With shroud our maker hid your face,
To shield your end and show God's Grace.
As weather cleared and bared the truth
of your demise, all stood aloof.
No need of any human ban
We'll fondly remember "The Old Man."
Rest in peace, you served Man well
Your fame can never, never tell.
(Submitted by Emily Murphy, Andover, MA)
My son wrote this poem within the week after the "Old Man" fell. We wanted to share this with you. Lucas is 10 years
old, in 4th grade at North School in Londonderry, NH.
Enjoy, Tricia Hamann-Durrett
"Good Bye" to an Old Friend
God has given and God has taken. Up from granite then down to the ashes.
Onto the ground this great man has fallen, the Profile, the picture; all gone.
On this mighty ledge where he overlooked all the land, he is now blind.
Down to his death after 10,000 years for the land the Lord has made his call to end a life, an important life.
Bye old friend, goodbye. As I watch you blaze over the edge, you are only another memory.
Yelling to gather New Hampshire together to see your crumbled face; and no other will be the same.
Echoing down the mountain side. I know, you know, that God has given and God has taken.
(By Lucas Alexander Durrett, May 2003)
My Old Man Poem
he stares straight ahead
he looks far out there
from high on a mountain
which serves as his chair
has been a long time
he's watched over us
never a frown,
a whine, or fuss
a stoic Old Man
he seems to be
from where I sit
here under this tree
now he is gone
a thought comes to me
I know that Old Man
is finally free
May 3, 2003, D.L.Perry
My husband and I made a trip to Massachusetts in October 2002 for his 25th high school reunion. During this week-long
vacation, we spent a few nights in New Hampshire. This being my first ever trip to New England (especially New
Hampshire), I was overwhelmed by the beauty that is found within your state. We spent our time in the Fitzwilliam area
and spent a day finding and enjoying the covered bridges in the area. My husband wanted to take a day trip to the White
Mountains and to visit the Old Man, but from looking at the map, we felt we needed to plan that trip another time to be
able to really enjoy all the sights. He had visited the Old Man on several occasions while he was growing up and told me
how it was a favorite part of his trips to New Hampshire. We spoke of coming back in a couple of years and planning our
stay closer to the Old Man. The day that we heard the Old Man fell, I felt my heart fall with him. I will never meet the Old
Man, but I have found myself collecting as much information that I can find on him. We will still come back to New
Hampshire one day, since that is all I have talked about since we have returned home, by the way we also stayed on Cape
Cod a few nights, but New Hampshire has won my heart! I can't remember the last time I saw such beautiful country! I
have looked into real estate and I dream of possibly making a move someday. We live in Florida and everyone says I'm
crazy because of the winters. When I moved to Florida from New Jersey, it wasn't because of the winter weather and the
same with my husband. We moved because of family in Florida. I believe that if we were able to make the move now, we
would be looking for employment and real estate, but family is keeping us here for now, as we care for my elderly mother.
To the Old Man, "I may never get to meet you, but through all of the wonderful pictures and stories that I have been
reading, I feel as though we have met". Thank you and everyone who will keep the memories of the Old Man alive.
Nancy Harwell, DeBary, FL
This poem expresses how, although we have lost a state
symbol, we still have much to be proud of here in New
Crest Fallen
A mighty face
for eons stood.
Looked down on evil,
down on good.
Watched as history
took its turns,
as what man knows,
he soon unlearns.
A great impassive
face of stone
was given life,
worshipped by some.
And all who viewed
the stony visage
felt the power
of human image.
We believed
it would live past us,
A granite face
who would outlast us.
Now though our crest
has fallen down,
Hampshire. Jennifer Petersson, Enfield, NH
A pile of rubble
on the ground,
Crestfallen we are not.
Our state still shows
all nature's glory...
From mountaintop
to understory.
The beckoning of
sea and stream...
and all rivulets between.
Deer's flashing tail
Loon's haunting call,
our neighbor creatures,
great and small.
For though our crest
has rumbled down,
No silhouette of
smile or frown,
crestfallen we are not.
Our culture thrives,
it is not lost.
It's woodfires, lilacs,
Robert Frost.
Covered bridges
reach our past...
Birches sway,
(too weak for masts,
they kings' loggers,
did outlast).
There's sap collection
in the spring...
Former fields,
the stone walls ring.
Though our Man
has too proved mortal,
(his life, though longer,
not eternal)
We still remember
why we sought
his profile there
on mountaintop.
He stood for strength,
for pride, and beauty.
For solitude
and steadfast duty.
So in our state,
where we live free,
What means the most
to you and me?
We shall preserve
We shall hold dear
The treasures which
we still have here.
May we ourselves
reflect the face
that symbolized
New Hampshire's grace.
Growing up in NH meant a visit to the Old Man every summer. I left nearly half a century ago, and did not return to the
White Mountains until September 11, 2001. We planned to visit him that day. As we were checking out of the hotel we
learned the terrible news of the Twin Towers. Our first thought was to forego the visit, but after some reflection decided to
continue our itinerary. I never dreamed it would be goodbye to an old friend!
Kelly Carazczekowski
When I first met my husband we took a trip to New Hamphire for our first romantic weekend together. On that first trip,
we decided to take what was "our photo " by the base of the Old Man of the Mountain and have done so for the past 12
years. The last time we photographed the Old Man was in September of 2001. We were on a mission to take as many
photographs as we could for my father that trip. You see my father was dying of liver cancer and I knew he would never
see the Old Man ever again so we found the best photograph and framed it for my Dad when we returned from New
Hamphire. My father was so pleased to see the Old Man one last time. A few weeks later my father passed away and now
as Father's Day comes upon, I look up at that photograph hanging in my sit-in kitchen and remember the first time my
family and I went to New Hampshire camping and my father said as we drove through the Notch, "When I tell you to look
out the window, look up at the mountain and you will see a face. Look up, see that's the Old Man of the Mountain. He's
watching us as we go by." I will never forget the moment I first saw his face and I will truly miss saying, "Hello!" when
we visit him again on June 26, 2003. Sharen A. Mello
The Old Man of the Mountain is a significant part of my childhood memories. We would vacation in New Hampshire
many times each summer when I was growing up, and each of these trips always included a visit to the Old Man. As I
became an adult, I would often point out the "Old Man" to friends while visiting The Granite State. I have brought my
daughter to see the Old Man many times during her young life as well, so that she too can have the wonderful memories I
cherish. I was deeply saddened to learn of the Old Man's recent fate but will forever remember the joys of my summers in
New Hampshire and what the "Old Man" meant to me. Gail, Massachusetts
My grandmother lived in North Haverhill. She had always encouraged my fondness for the Old Man. She gave me a book
"Look To The Mountain" to read about frontier days and how that mountain man would encourage the people in the book.
Whenever I would come to New Hampshire I would take my grandmother to see him. The Old Man fell on Saturday
morning and my grandmother died on Sunday afternoon. I had both of my icons for New Hampshire pass away in the
same weekend. It really was a devastating time. My grandmother would have appreciated the only humor I could
summarize for the tragic events of that weekend: she decided that if the Old Man could give it up so could she. I miss her
so much and when I read the home page for this scrapbook I couldn't help but respond. All my life when I saw him I saw
her. I miss them both. Kathy Bunch Davenport, Florida
I remember the Old Man fondly. When I was a child, my parents would take brother and I for a Saturday drive from our
home in the seacoast area to"up North." Whether our destination was Lake Winnipesauke, the Kankamangus, or
Franconia Notch, I would still look for the Old Man. My brother and I would keep watch to make sure we didn't miss him.
I hope the Old Man is left in peace. A man-made recreation of him would lack what made him endearing and memorable;
he was a natural. Andrea Talbot, Dover, NH
On our honeymoon trip, George got out to take a picture and a huge black animal appropached the car. I screamed ,
thinking it was a black bear! But it turned out to be a large black dog! The Old Man was very impressive. It was the first
time I'd seen anything like that.
We had saved up all our gasoline rationing coupons back in the early 1940's to make the trip. We managed to have enough
gasoline to get up through New Hampshire and Vermont, starting from New Jersey. Our car was a 1940 four-door Dodge,
a second-hand car which cost $250. My mother made my father shake hands on an agreement to learn to drive it, but he
never did. I wore a white dress with a fruit print with red cherries and green leaves.
From Lucille, 85 years old, now living in Ohio
When I read the story of the collapse of The Old Man of the Mountain, I first felt a sorrow for those who held it near and
dear, then...I felt a deep personal loss when I read it was the inspiration for Nathaniel Hawthorne's story "The Great Stone
Face." It has long been a favorite story of mine, recalling its message, time and time again, throughout my life by way of
personal motivation, as well as sharing with others during appropriate teaching moments. I am so very sorry we have lost
such an uplifting, visible monument. With much respect and gratitude, Carole Walch, Wilsonville, Oregon
I have been thinking about the "Old Man" and how it played such an important part in my childhood. I grew up near
Franconia Notch and was a resident of NH for 20 years. When I was a child my grandmother (who was a school teacher in
Franconia) used to take me to see the great rock face every time I would come to visit. She would tell me stories of how
her husband had climbed the profile in years past.
Back then there was no interstate through the notch, only a two lane road with a small gift shop at the base of the Old
Man. I remember the smell of balsam thick in the air each time we would visit. I especially remember the glorious colors
of autumn and how beautiful the fall skies looked as a backdrop for the Old Man. I feel so fortunate to have had the
experiences with my grandmother and the "Old Man."
I last saw him in the fall of 2000 and it was then my wife of 17 years met the stoic gentleman for the first time. It was a
thrill for me to show her something my grandmother had shown me for the first time.
I wonder why he had to fall and thought perhaps it was his time to rest. Dana
I am the author of the Scrapbook entry on Page 42......the surveyor who once worked on top of the Old Man...
The [photo below, left] is an unusual view taken from directly beneath the profile, looking vertically upward at the
underside of his chin. It was taken from a small shelf upon which we set up our surveying instruments during the course
of the work. The forehead block can be seen in the upper left. I'm sure someone a little more versed in the makeup of the
profile could identify the nose and chin slabs as well.
The [photo below, right], was taken from nearly the same vantage point as the "after" picture on Page 2 of the Scrapbook.
Although the photo appears "posed," part of the work involved my getting out behind the forehead block and taking some
measurements...I just happened to look up in time to get in a wave to the photographer. A careful comparison of the
[below, right] photo to the one on Page 2 of the Scrapbook reveals what portions broke away.
Ben Gurney, Phoenix, AZ
Geachte lezers,
Vorig jaar (maart 2002) heb ik met mijn zoon een bezoek gebracht aan jullie symbool The Old Man. Toen ik hoorde dat
de Old Man was neergestort, heb ik de foto´s van vorig jaar nog eens doorgekeken. Een van deze sluit ik hierbij in. Ik kan
me voorstellen dat het voor de inwoners van de staat New Hampshire een schok is om het 200 miljoen jaar oude symbool
te verliezen. De foto´s die ik nu heb verkrijgen hiermee een nog grotere waarde als ze voor mij al hadden. met vriendelijke
groeten,
[Translated for NH State Parks: My son and I visited your symbol of the Old Man last year (March 2002). When I heard
that the Old Man had collapsed, I looked through last year's photos one more time. I have included one of these photos. I
can imagine that it must have been quite a shock for New Hampshire natives to lose the 200 million year old symbol. The
photo I am including now is appreciated a lot more than before. With friendly greetings,]
Johan van Hirtum, Netherlands
I have written before, but I just wanted to share something. I went up to see where the Old Man once was, it'll be a week
ago Tuesday. I will tell you one thing, to see a faceless mountain is more painful than anyone can imagine, but if you are a
true lover of the Old Man, it is truly an awful site. I went with my mother to Franconia Notch State Park, and when I got
out to view it, before I looked with my binoculars at the devastation. I had chills all over my body, and when I first viewed
it, tears came to my eyes, and I felt the pain and sadness of the collapse all over again. I can't begin to tell you how awful
it was to see a faceless mountain. I am still very sad about the loss, we all are, but I do have a personal tribute. I have
copied info about the Old Man from your site to add to my personal tribute, what could it hurt? I am only making it for
my personal gain, as a tribute to our fallen old fellow, but I wanted to share my thoughts on the first sighting on the now
faceless mountain. God bless all of you. God bless the Old Man whereever he may be, and I pray that with the grace of
God, we can one day completely heal from this, even though it'll take a while, but I do take comfort knowing that we have
our memories, and the countless number of memorabelia, and being a huge Old Man Memorabelia collector, that makes
me smile. God be with you all. Christine Scullion
Just sending up to you an Old Man of the Mountain picture that I took back in 1993.... Down here in Virginia we have our
own Old Man of the Mountain. It is in the middle (central) section of Shenandoah National park and it goes by the name
of Stony Man. As you are driving south on Skyline Drive towards Skyland, you could see it looking upwards towards the
sky. Dave Lepkowski
Our family used to vacation at the Jack 'O Lantern Motor Resort (owned by the Keating family) back in the 60's and 70's
and it was sad news to hear that the Old Man of the Mountain had collapsed. We ALWAYS made it a point to go see the
Old Man, the other rock formation called Indian's Head (silhouette of an Indian head laying on its side), the bears and all
of the shops along Kangamangus highway. We will always love the beautiful scenery that New Hampshire had to offer
and will never forget the Old Man. Lowell E. Sharrah
Submitted by Richard E. Lippman,O.D.
June 2003
Up North in New Hampshire
Up there in North New Hampshire
Stood a symbol great and strongWay up in North New Hampshire
The symbol dwelled there oh- so long.
It was perched aside a precipitous cliff
So prominent and yet so strongThe Old Man of the Mountain
Stood sentinal for so long.
Millions would come and they would go
To see the Old Man throughThe wind and rain, the snow and fog
To remain stalwart and so true.
The Old Man of the Mountain,
His wisdom was so grandFrom generation to generation his soul
stretched 'cross the land.
Our heritage was sealed by
Words from such great menAs Webster, Hawthorne and ThoreauWho wrote of that great man.
Through endless time, and countless days
That Stone Face made us proud-
The Old Man of the Mountain
Had never let us down.
Now those rocks have fallen
The way toward the valley floor belowThe Old Man of the Mountain
Is gone, his station is no more.
The Old Man of the Mountain
Lives on in hearts for all to knowHis image is forever
Impressed in good mens' souls.
Way up there in North New Hampshire
Stood a Stone Man great and boldProtecting hills and valleys
In a pristine mountain home.
All who went to pilgrim there
Left with a different senseThat the Old Man of the Mountain
Gave us solace- and significance.
I heard about the collapse of the Old Man of the Mountain almost 2 months after its fall. It was in a passing conversation
with a friend that I remarked about visiting Franconia Notch and the Old Man when I was a kid, when I was informed
about this tragedy. I can't tell you how much this news has saddened me. I used to vacation with my family every summer
in New Hampshire as a child. For years in North Conway, and then in Wolfeboro, I always had to come away from our
trips with a new postcard or picture of the Old Man. When I visited his mountain for the first, and last time during the
mid-eighties, I was amazed. It was only a passing moment on the highway when my mother told me to look to the left to
see the Old Man, and then we stopped at a rest-site for a better view, but it left a lasting impression. To know that he is
gone from the mountainside leaving us all behind to remember his centuries of peaceful vigilance as our neighbor, is a
hard pill to swallow. It makes me think of my grandfather and how much he loved New Hampshire and everything it
stood for, and how his passing, eight years ago, left us with a void that we can never replace. It's the end of an era, and in
Franconia Notch, for those who loved this longtime friend, we are all a little bit lonelier without him.
Michael Sainz, Rhode Island
We are so fortunate to have been able to share and see this natural wonder during our lifetime.
Stephen D. Kipp, Lancaster, NH
My final viewing of the Old Man took place last summer. The photo [at right] was taken in June, 2002.
Warm Regards, J. "Stoker" Swartz, Charleston, SC
My New Hampshire roots go back to Capt. John Locke and I was four years old when my dad brought us kids to see the
Old Man. That was 1969, and I flew back last October to pay him a long, overdue visit. I had no idea I would have to say
goodbye for good. This is a sad time for New Hampshire and for those of us who are still holding onto those childhood
memories. He was a part of everyone's family. Susan Locke
Much more than a rock.....What a beautiful sight as I rounded another corner of snowmobile trail just last winter. I am a
NY resident all my life but spent many summers as a kid in New Hampshire. Now in my 40's I bring my kids to New
Hampshire every summer to enjoy the wilderness and great, very great outdoors. Last winter was my first viewing of the
Old Man....as I was with my brother and 5 friends on a 4-day snowmobile trip. On our way back to Walpole we were
passing through Franconia Notch. It was not my first [time that I] passed the Old Man but today was special. For the first
time the sky was clear and blue. Finally my chance to actually view the Old Man. And what a wonderful sight it was. Not
a face on the road sign. A true wonder of earth's beauty. I have to get my kids to see this, I thought. Not ever thinking that
this would be the only time I would ever see him. Well, to say the least, I was very saddened to hear about the loss of New
Hampshire's famous landmark. My heart goes out to the residents of New Hampshire and all those who love nature's
beauty. Sincerely, Alan H. Long Island NY
I grew up in Franconia, the son of a Mountain Man. My dad helped build the first Aerial Tramway on Cannon Mt. in the
late 1930's. After leaving Franconia in 1957, coming home always meant a ride through the notch to glimpse the Old Man
as I sped North, destination Franconia Village. He was more than a face, he was sign, a guide post, a landmark. Welcome
home soldier, welcome home son, welcome home husband, and father... welcome home. He will be missed.
Thomas Hunt
Such a devine inspiration, and as a child growing year after year with this natural beauty into adulthood during family
Vaca's...now had the chance just last year to show my children this neat rock formation for their first time. To see their
little eyes light up and see them point into the sky,and ooh & ahh at it, is remarkable and truly a hallmark moment. It
brings back memories, of when I first had seen it as a child. Too cool. We are going again soon to Franconia Notch on
vaca, and the feelings aren't quite the same as before. Something is certainly missing in our hearts as this manly image
upon the rocks is now gone. I thank god for allowing me and my family to have had the chance to see it one more time,
especially my children, at least the once in their lives. Now to show them photos, hope they remember. You might and
might not rebuild, either way, there is still natural beauty all around in the great wild of N.H. mountains. Breathtaking
Beauty, especially entering the mountains' edge. Maybe this should be the spotlight for now because it is truly
Spectacular! I feel as if I could touch the clouds, or better yet - Stuck in the most magnificent painting ever!
Best regards, Tiggers26
I have just returned from a trip to the Notch to say my goodbyes to a treasure. The Old Man has been a part of my life
since childhood and a very important part when I had some tough times. The Old Man has been so important that not one,
but TWO framed photos hang in my living room. When I heard the news at my winter home in South Carolina, I vowed
that one of the first things I would do when I arrived in Vermont was to visit the site for some closure. I did that today. So
long Old Man, it's been great. Doug Steimle, Columbia, SC and Greensboro, VT
My family and I had the pleasure of traveling to New Hampshire in 2001. We visited Franconia Notch, an incredible
natural site, and paid our respect to the "Old Man." I am very glad you immortalized him on your state quarter; he will be
truly missed. I am sending a 1940 postcard with a photo of the Old Man for your scrapbook. Vikki
I live in New Hampshire where the Old Man used to live
When I drive by I think of what he had to give.
He is in our history,
How he fell is a mystery.
Rain, sleet, hail, snow;
How he fell we'll never know.
Joy and happiness is how we feel;
He was made of rock but was always real.
Submitted by:
Ashley, Nicole, Dylan, & Joshua--participants of "Reading Rocks the Granite State" New Hampshire Summer Reading
Program at WEBSTER MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Wentworth NH (Sent in by Nance Masterson, Librarian)
Dear New Hampshire, I am saddened to hear of your loss of the "Old Man of the Mountain.".... I have a truly beautiful
photo that I would love to share with you. A few years past my daughter and son-in-law from southern Maine brought us
to visit the White Mountains and on this visit my daughter took a handsome symmetrical-side profile photo of "the Old
Man" .... The photo was taken in panoramic width, what makes this picture especially unique is that my daughter took the
photo as a vertical rather than a horizontal panoramic shot - it may very well be the only such photographic pose of the
Old Man of the Mountain. Not barring being prejudice because my daughter took the snapshot, I have to say it is the most
beautiful and unusual snapshot of the "Old Man" and the mountain that I've seen. I have framed the picture along with
another photo of the mountain that was also taken in a vertical panoramic pose, one that I photographed, and have
displayed them as an artwork ensemble in my home.... May I add that I hope the "Old Man of the Mountain" will be
reproduced as a memorial to the original, which served New Hampshire so well for the longest of time, a memorial so that
the "The Great Stone Face" will not to be forgotten in the rhythm of time. And let the history of its tragic falling be an
icon reminding us that nothing in this world last forever, so let's take the time to enjoy its beauty now...especially that of
the White Mountains. My condolences, Joan Albert
For the past seven-plus years, my family and I have been skiing during the winter at Cannon Mountain and we'd pass the
Old Man on the way up. Every morning, we would discuss whether or not we'd see him through the clouds as we drive by.
We've seen him in every season in all kinds of weather and he's always been there. Now...only time will tell.
Zach Levin, Belmont, Massachusetts
I have been coming up to New Hampshire White Mountains for the past 23 years and have always made it a point to visit
the Old Man of the Mountain. I was there when they rebuilt the road with the dividers to keep people from having auto
accidents while driving and looking to the side to view the Old Man. My future trips will not be the same without the Old
Man up there. Joseph Patrick Montalbano - New Jersey
Students from two fourth grade classrooms from a school in Atkinson, New Hampshire submitted their reflections of the
Old Man of the Mountain.
To view the pdf file of submissions from Maria Vanderhoof's class, click here.
To view the pdf file of submissions from Ms. Creegan's class, click here.
I was awestruck when I first saw him, an image I will never forget. The Old Man of the Mountain...How sad I was when I
heard the news, my sister called to tell of his demise. I thought of all the times I had been there, always looking forward to
seeing him. Like he was a god watching over us ...it was a safe feeling, to know he was there. Is sad to know that I can't
bring my children to see him ...But I will never forget ...
Sherri
As a young girl, living in Missouri during the Depression, one of our readers had a picture of the Old Man of the
Mountain and the story of it. I was fascinated that some folk at that time thought it looked like pictures of George
Washington. About 15 years ago, I had a chance to go to Franconia Notch and see the beloved Old Man of the Mountain.
I took pictures of it and it is etched in my memory. I was shocked that it has fallen down and I even cried a few tears
about it. Although the Old Man is no longer there, he'll always exist in my memory. Jennie From Missouri
I'm sure that I, like everyone else am finding it extremely difficult to cope with the loss of the Old Man....he meant so
much to us all.......the lyrics of a rock song by the Canadian band Simple Plan can help to relate such a loss.
"Meet You There"
Now you're gone,
I wonder why,
You left me here,
I think about it on,
and on, and on, and on,
and on, and on again.
I know you're never coming back,
I hope that you can hear me,
I'm waiting to hear from you..
Until I do,
You're gone away,
I'm left alone,
A part of me is gone,
And I'm not moving on,
So wait for me,
I know the day will come..
I'll meet you there,
No matter where life takes me to,
I'll meet you there,
And even if I need you here,
I'll meet you there.
I wish I could have told you,
The things I kept inside,
But now I guess it's just too late.
So many things remind me of you,
I hope that you can hear me,
I miss you,
This is goodbye,
One last time..
You’re gone away,
I’m left alone,
A part of me is gone,
And I'm not moving on,
So wait for me,
I know the day will come..
I'll meet you there,
No matter where life takes me to,
I'll meet you there,
And even if I need you here,
I'll meet you there,
No matter where life takes me to,
I'll meet you there,
And even if I need you here,
I'll meet you there.
I'll meet you there....
And where I go you'll be there with me,
Forever you'll be right here with me..
I'll meet you there,
No matter where life takes me to,
I'll meet you there,
And even if I need you here,
I'll meet you there...
I'll meet you there...
I'll meet you there..
And so farewell Old Man.....No matter where life takes
me, I'll meet you there.
~~~Anonymous
The Old Man - A Tribute
10,000 years I've watched you
Though you never knew my name
I only tried to guide you
But I never wanted fame
Now history has been recorded
To where I once long stood
Keep warm these thoughts and memories
I'm proud I did some good
Though I was only rocks and boulders
You always thought me more
I wanted only good for you
As you passed by this valley floor
You were a State to be proud of
For lo these many years
Stay well-be proud-of what you are
Shed not too many tears
You worked to keep me where I was
With your rods and pins and love
You hoped I'd stay forever
You felt safe with me above
Remember that with me there
You made out just fine
Continue on and do your best
You'll stand the test of time
Submitted by: Don Downing
We, the Newsletter Committee, at Eden Park of Brattleboro (a nursing home in Brattleboro, Vermont) would like to
submit this poem, written by one of our volunteers, to the State of New Hampshire. This poem was written after the Old
Man of the Mountain collapsed.
The author of the poem, "The Old Man Is Gone," is Barbara Dunn. Barbara is a volunteer that helps Eden Park residents
in many ways. She is a big part of our monthly newsletter and often submits poems and helps with writing articles, etc.
When Barbara submitted "The Old Man Is Gone" to our newsletter, we immediately thought what a wonderful gift to the
State of New Hampshire in memory of the "Old Man of the Mountain" that meant so much to people all over the world.
Sincerely, Karen M. Emerson, Assistant Activity Director and The Eden Park Newsletter Committee: Sam Achziger,
Editor, Suzanne Dawson, Lillian Rancourt, Marjorie Siskey, Arlene Atherton
THE OLD MAN IS GONE
The Old Man of the Mountain is gone
He can not see our tears
New Hampshire's famous profile
A guardian for countless years.
A victim of the elements
Or pollution in the air?
A warning from Mother Nature
Or does she no longer care?
Countless generations came
To gaze upon his granite face
From all walks of life
And nearly every race.
Why did he have to leave now?
Didn't he know we needed him there?
There's so little for us to look up to
And now the mountain is bare.
By: Barbara Dunn, N. Brattleboro, VT
So many times I drove past the Old Man. So many times I slowed down to take a quick peek - hoping not to get rearended! This past weekend (7/19) was the first time I had to drive through the notch since he made his grand exit, and I
was very moved. It's funny to think that a bunch of rocks perched on a mountain could have the effect on me that it has.
He will surely be missed. But, any attempt to "reconstruct" him should be avoided. The "awe" surrounding the Old Man
was in the fact that he was created by nature - NOT by man. In my opinion, a man-made Old Man would be as appealing
as the throat-choking cog railway. Rick
Old Man...Always Young
The outpouring of messages about the fall of the Old Man just proves something to me that I always felt, but never could
express, being a NH native: That face isn't just a bunch of incredible looking rocks up there. The Old Man is part of who
we are; he is the essence of our character. It's not exactly that we were "taught" to be rugged or independent; it was more
an innate sense we developed growing up where we did. What better state in which to "Live Free Or Die" or to have the
Old Man watching over you than New Hampshire. The Old Man may not be glancing down at us from Franconia Notch
any more, but if you love NH through and through...well, he just made a more permanent impression on your soul. I'm not
saying good bye...just thanks. Beth Loring
My name is Josh Padolsky, and when I was a very young child, I remember traveling up to the mountains in New
Hampshire and seeing the Old Man. I didn't think much of it at first but like the old saying goes, you don't know what
you've got till it's gone. Even though I cannot cherish the Old Man because he is not there anymore, he is still here in
spirit. He still roams the mountains of New Hampshire, maybe one day finding a new home. Now the Old Man is gone but
he has just gone away, like a vacation in other words, and we all should remember the times we traveled to him with our
families.
As frequent visitors to New Hampshire, specifically to our camping land in Lyman and our ski vacations at Cannon and
beyond, each trip through the Notch began and ended with our verbal greetings to the Old Man..."Hello Old
Man"..."Goodbye Old Man - see you next time!"
When my "Significant Other," an avid outdoorsman, was about to celebrate his birthday 15+ years ago, I planned a
surprise party for him entitled "The Old Man of the Mountain Turns 50." The invitations were printed on beautiful profile
cards which were purchased at a delightful shop in Littleton. Many of the guests were frequent visitors to NH and were
well acquainted with our non-present "host"...all thought that naming the party after the Old Man was a terrific idea. In
fact, I still have one invitation in my scrapbook as a memento. I had a great t-shirt made up for my gentleman as one of his
theme gifts, with the Old Man's stony profile and logo imprinted on the front and back. That shirt is now quite faded as the
result of many wearings since it became his favorite.
We have many fond memories of the Old Man, including his introduction to my two sons when they were still quite
young. As grown men, they now mourn the Old Man's passing as do we. Rest well, Old Man. LG, Franklin, MA
Wow! It's been three months since the Old Man came down and I just finished reading the scrapbook with my eyes still
shedding a few tears. I knew the strong feelings I held, but I am truly moved by the outpouring of emotion from people far
removed from this state who hold a special place in their heart after seeing this incredible natural formation for the first
time. I felt like I should contribute my feelings also.
I don't recall the first time I saw the Old Man, but it must have been in the mid-sixties on a family trip to the White
Mountains. I do remember the first time I was brought to Cannon Mountain to ski in 1970 by my best friend's brother, and
how he scared the heck out of me by telling me we would have to ski down the Cannon cliffs, which the Old Man sat
majestically above. But I will never forget the sight of the Old Man as we passed the cliffs and the Cannon slopes came
into view. It was spectacular! Ever since that day I have been drawn to this magical place called Franconia Notch. Thirty
years of skiing Cannon every weekend has allowed me to view the Old Man at least a thousand times. To this day it
amazes me how excited I get when I turn the corner and see him. I still get chills and the hair stands up on my arm. I truly
love the place I call"my favorite place on earth." So hearing the news about the collapse hit me real hard. I happened to be
in Tortola on vacation and saw the story on CNN. I couldn't believe it but it was true, he had fallen. To say I was sad was
an understatement. Right after I heard the news I recalled a story I had watched on PBS on one my favorite shows called
New Hampshire Crossroads. Fritz Weatherbee talked about how one of the future minor earthquakes we have in the
state,"might,--no, probably will bring the whole thing down." I remember thinking there's no way that will happen in my
lifetime. This might not be how it happened but the enormity of his description of the fall was right on. We were very
lucky to have this one-of-a-kind natural wonder for the time we did and I will hold on to those memories till I find the
same fate and fall to my demise. Thanks Old Man, I'll miss you. B Langer, Bedford NH
I have fond memories of the Old Man of the Mountain. I remember going there as a kid and couldn't wait to show my
kids. It was so exciting to try and find the face as we were driving. We would have a contest to see who could find it first.
We'll never forget the Old Man. We are taking our kids that way Labor Day weekend. Sorry to say we won't be able to
show them. Lori Plumley
I was born in New Hampshire and lived there until I was eight years old. I am now 49 and I have traveled far and wide in
the intervening years. I have always considered New Hampshire my home and the place I would tell folks that asked
"where are you from?" I have seen the "Old Man of the Mountain" many times as a child. In 1986 I took my children to
visit my home state and of course we went by "the Old Man." The kids were quite excited and fascinated by this natural
phenomenon. I recently heard from a long lost relative who still lives in N.H. and he told me about the collapse of the Old
Man. I am now a professional geographer and so have an even greater appreciation of this natural wonder. I can only say
that this has created an empty space in my heart; for I will still love my native state but I mourn the loss of this great
symbol. With sympathy and sorrow, Tim Heinse, Birmingham, AL
I was sad to hear of the "Old Man's" demise. I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit Franconia Notch State Park in the late
70's and view this New Hampshire treasure firsthand. Please accept my condolences on your state's loss.
Dick Evans, Oakland, CA
As long as I can remember I have passed by the Old Man of the Mountain, as a child from Massachusetts visiting
Vermont on every school vacation or later in life when I left New England and returned for a visit. Every return trip would
include a drive past the Old Man regardless of our destination......just at that certain time when he would come into view
from the road someone would say "there he is!!" No matter what was happening in my life, somehow everything was
alright once I saw him again.
I still remember the day I heard the news on television that the Old Man had slipped away. I never once thought that
"rocks" had fallen, I only remembered "someone" almost magical who had gone away. I have no plans to drive past
anytime soon, I will keep my memories.
Hannah Stearns, Kentucky
p.s. I hope there will be some sort of "memorial," maybe at the clearing I remember on the shore of Echo Lake.
Every summer my parents and I made a pilgrimage to see the Old Man of the Mountain until I was 11. I was saddened to
hear that my childhood memory is no longer. I have great memories of visiting him and local attractions. Because of his
collapse, my husband and I are coming up this fall to rediscover the area's beauty once again.
Mindy (Petruck) Linehan
I felt like a lost child when I heard this news on the radio. Too many memories came flooding back of this special place. I
used to work at Littleton Hospital for a few years and lived on the back side of Cannon near Haverhill, in the town of
Benton (home of Mt Moosilauke). Instead of taking Rt 116 home from Franconia, I always felt drawn to go down through
the Notch on the way home, even though it was a longer way home. In any kind of weather, from noonday heat to the
dead of a winter's night, I never felt alone with the "Old Man" keeping watch. He made you look UP at him! That alone
always brought a tear of awe & a lump in my throat as I wished him well upon encountering his gaze. This, I said to
myself,------ this is HOME! Listening to Niels Nielsen talk about him was like going to church!
To all the politicians and bureaucrats--Leave Him Be! Let him RIP! He, like each one of us, is Irreplaceable! Don't even
think of putting a cheap replica up there. This is NEW HAMPSHIRE---not Disney World! He lives on in the minds and
memories of millions of people all over the world who will tell of his story to the generations to come who did not see
him. I could go on but I'll sum up my feelings very simply. I am born & bred from Massachusetts. After living in New
Hampshire for 7 years and leaving it involuntarily, I truly understand the saying (Mark Twain, I believe)---"Every man
loves his 'native' state, even though he may not have been born there." Matthew Flynn, Westwood, MA
Sadly, I mourn the passing of the "Old Man of the Mountain." I am a Texan who first learned about this natural wonder as
an American literature teacher, teaching Nathaniel Hawthorne's "Great Stone Face." I knew that I would have to see him,
as I often seek out author's homes and story settings from American literature. Anyway, luckily, in the summer of 2002,
my husband, seven-year old son, and I spent three weeks touring the New England states. Seeing the Old Man up close
was wonderful. It was a chilly morning, and after a brisk walk up to the viewing area, we were all mesmerized by the
sight of him. We'll cherish the memory even more, now that he is gone. Fortunately, we see him each time we hold a New
Hampshire quarter. Stephanie J DeFord
Back in the l940 's when I was young, my parents and I spent the summers in New Hampshire. Those were simpler times
and it was a thrill when my dad would sometimes drive us to view the Old Man. It is one of my fondest memories. I feel
very sad about what has happened and I hope you all give him a fitting memorial. Evelyn
Having grown up in western Maine there were many visits to the Old Man of the Mountain. I had just arrived back in
Maine to visit my family when my wife called from Michigan and told me the Old Man had fallen off the mountain. It
was like a loved one had died. It was too hard to believe. I knew that they had been working hard for years to preserve it
and I felt sure they could do just that. It was much more than just some rocks on the side of a mountain in New
Hampshire, it was a special place of memories and quiet meditation to the millions of people who stood in silent awe and
reverence and gazed up at the Great Stone Face. Good-bye Old Man, you are gone but not forgotten. Your memory is
"forever" etched on the side of the mountain of our minds. Craig Morgan
I was born in N.H. and visited the Old Man of the Mountain when we all were little. I was trying to take my girls there but
couldn't make it. But next year we are coming to the mountains with my little girl, to keep the family trait going and hope
my daugters do the same. We have a lot of people here in Florida that are from N.H. that I know would like to help and
I'm going to pass on the help with the donation to help rebuild the Old Man of the Mountain. I'll never forgot the OLD
MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN. thank you from the Betts family
Please accept these few words as a tribute to your memorial collection for the Old Man. And be encouraged, for
restoration or not, the outpourings of remembrance you are collecting here will guard the legacy of Our Friend for
generations to come...
Joshua Bryars, Monterey, MA
A scholar once stood here
A gentleman of noble stature
Sprung truly from stock of common man
Yet chosen to embody the princely form the relentless struggle of a hero in unrenowned wait.
He was a friend, a stranger
A myth whose very whisper emanated upwards
from the deepest settled stones of earth
Standing ready in a moment to impart a simple
sense of grandeur to any willing passerby
He was a giver, a beseecher to all to float forth
even the smallest of honest prayers that he himself
might appeal to the heavens in joint supplication
A supplier, a provider
A symbol whose inspiration came shyly, its wisdom
revealed only later in nostalgic afterthought
He was, in all, the fragile saint
With both the pressures and cares of nature and man
slung tirelessly upon his weathered shoulders
Each gentle feature softened by every outflow of
unassumed generosity
His hold ever-yielding with each release of
some silent, self-assured blessing
He, if any, knew the price of his own compassion
Yet he gave, and continued to give
Until all was imparted, until all had been assumed
in the name of love...
Until life finally gave way unto legend.
My mother had seen the Old Man many times in her life. A native Pennsylvanian, she is enamored with the New England
way, and had been visiting the Old Man for about sixty years. She first took me when I was about 7 in 1973. Every year
after that, I could not wait until we returned. The zenith of my admiration was when I went on my own to pay my respects
in 1997, and then when I introduced The Old Man to some very good friends and co-workers after that. It will not be the
same when I return to my White Mountains, and the Patriarch is gone. Fare thee well, Old Man. I will always remember
meeting you as a boy, knowing you as a man, and I will remember you to my children and grandchildren.
David Delduca, Akron, PA
Having grown up in Gorham New Hampshire and traveling many many times to Concord and other points south, I had the
privilege of seeing this Old Man numerous times, possibly hundreds of times. I was also able to share him with friends
and family from other parts of the country. I will miss him terribly on my visits home. Sadly,
Roxanne Wells, Manassas, Virginia
As a young boy vacationing from Massachusetts I was fortunate to see and admire the sight that is no more. I have been a
Florida resident for 13 years now and was deeply saddened with the news that the man is now just a memory, but I take
deep pride in knowing that I have been able to see a part of history, enjoying what most people now must see by photos.
Miss you guy, God Bless. James D.
To the Scrapbook people in charge: The Old Man of the Mountain leaves testament of the changing geologic "faces" of
the Earth. The fall of this prominent wonder is a reminder that the Earth is in continual change. This process has gone on
for billions of years and will continue to go on. There is little we can do to change or delay any major geologic occurences
from happening. Let the rocks stay where they are until other natural forces change them again. We now have witnessed
an example that these changes are part of an ongoing process. Steve Crusberg, Portland, CT
In 1983 my sister and her husband (Mary Jane & Brian) took me to see The Old Man. It was the most wonderful and awe
inspiring moment of my life. To actually see something on the side of a mountain that was not carved out by man but was
put there by God for man to enjoy. You see I am from Texas and there isn't much down here but a lot of flat stuff. Being
in the mountains for the first time was incredible.
This past summer my husband Benny and my two daughters, Hannah and Megan, and I went to Rocky Mountain National
Park. What a wonderful vacation. In starting to plan our next vacation, I said that I wanted to show my family The Old
man. I was then told of his collapse. What a sad day. I could not believe it. I hope that it is possible to repair him because I
would really love to show him off to a few more Texans. Good luck, Judy Jones, Houston, Texas
I am New Hampshire. I love my home state and everything about it. Over the last few years, the NH pride that my parents
gave to me has really started coming through and inspired me to explore our state as thoroughly as possible. After many
trips to the notch when I was younger, and skiing at Cannon every weekend, I started to feel a very personal connection
with the Old Man. He embodied the natural beauty and pride of New Hampshire. I felt like crying on May 3rd, and I feel
like crying right now thinking about it. We all felt the Old Man's presence in our lives in NH. Now that he's gone, it is our
duty to memorialize him in a respectful way. Thank you for your efforts towards this cause and God Bless New
Hampshire. Casey Coes, Newfields, NH
My name is Patricia Van der Riet and I work for the Division of Parks and Recreation. I am responsible for the Parks
website, and created this Old Man online scrapbook from the numerous submissions we received since his fall. In
compiling the scrapbook, I have been amazed at how the Old Man touched so many. I, too, have many childhood
memories of him. My family used to visit the Old Man every autumn as part of our annual trip to the White Mountains to
see the foliage. He was indeed a part of my New Hampshire heritage and I always assumed he would be around forever.
My husband Raymond grew up in South Africa, and his family still lives there in a beautiful coastal town called Gordon's
Bay, not far from Cape Town. Last Christmas, his father Russell, his sister Paula, and her husband John came to New
Hampshire for their first visit to the United States. During their stay, we took them north - to ride Cannon's tram and, of
course, to see the Old Man. It was a cold and blustery day, especially for visitors coming from a warm summer. I recently
came across these pictures of our brief stop to see the Old Man, and wanted to share them. They are one more memory to
add to my own Old Man scrapbook.
For years my wife and I have wanted to travel to New England to see the Fall color, so in the early part of 2003 we
booked our flight East from our home in Northern California and began making plans and plotted out our itinerary; of
course "The Old Man" was on our "To See" List. As we counted the months until our departure, we were saddened to
learn that the ol' guy was gone. However, we drove to Franconia Notch nonetheless to pay our respects, if you will.
10,000 years in the making and we missed it by 5 months, but the trip was everything we had hoped it to be and more.
Richard & Carolynn Hansen, Ukiah, California
I came across the news that the Old Man was no more by accident. I know it is months late, but I'm sorry to hear the news.
I have visited New Hampshire twice in the last few years and found it a beautiful place. I was lucky enough to see the Old
man for myself in October 2002. If ever I was fortunate enough to have the means to buy a property in the USA, New
Hampshire's White Mountains would be my first choice. D. Laird, UK
A collegue at work recently mentioned the fall of the "Old Man" - I was on Holiday from Ireland back in 2000, and whilst
travelling from Boston to Montreal, we stumbled across the Old Man - I stood in awe.... [Below] please find a couple of
the photos I took of him while there. Kind regards, Michelle Merne
New Hampshire's rugged beauty has etched within my soul unforgettable lessons. Memories uniquely attributed to God
and His use of Mountains and Men are hid beneath the deepest depths of a man's private thoughts. During the winter of
2004 while stationed elsewhere serving the U.S. Army, I learned of the falling of the Natural monument. That morning I
had seen five Soldiers off as they embarked on a journey that would take them to the current theater of operation in the
Middle East. I was relating to our Commander of the rough New Hampshire winter, as described to me from my parents
who were working through it, who was also a New Hampshire native. He mentioned that the "Old Man" was gone and the
effect it had on those of his family who lived in the area of the Notch. Primarily, I thought he was speaking of the death of
Niels F.F. Nielsen, Jr. who had died in Laconia, NH in 2001. Speaking on the subject further, I understood that he was
referring to the natural monument and not the man who epitomized the "Old Man." Poetically, I sit and wonder, how is it
that, so shortly after the Mountain's caretaker passed from here that also the Old Man of the Mountain left. Daniel
Webster's poem of the Men of New Hampshire, spoke of what he saw as a country where God Almighty stated Men were
made. "Men hang out their signs indicative of their trades; shoe makers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster
watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the Mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung up a
sign to show that there He makes men." I am curious in this day and age, have Men ceased to be? Utmost respect to Mr.
Nielsen & his comrade, The Old Man of the Mountain. James A. Norris, Abroad, with the Mountains within
Hi this is Alex Walsh and I want to tell you about my mom and dad's memories and my memories of the Old Man of the
Mountain. My mom and dad used to see him all the time when they were dating and when they didn't have me. My
grandma and grandpa took me up there on a cold and windy day where I couldn't see anything but then when I used my
binoculars I could see him. It was a tragic loss to New Hampshire and my family as well. As I drew pictures to my
girlfriend Nicole, she kept on saying that she was sorry for New Hampshire as well. I didn't know he fell until the day I
heard it on the news. He was a beautiful spotlight for New Hampshire as he was watching over us.... Thanks.
Brief description of concept: ...the Old Man in his prime overlooking a large cemetery field of white crosses...
The Will Of A Rock
Some people think a rock can't talk,
But, as you can see,
I'm not just any old rock,
A lot of good people gave me a spirit,
And I've got things I need to say,
A tribute or two that I need to pay,
And I want everyone to see and hear it.
You see them Crosses out there?
Well, some of them are for
New Hampshire Sons and Daughters!
They believed in a Creed,
"Live Free Or Die,"
And they answered a call,
Now their graffiti of arms, legs and lives
Are scattered all over the wall
Of God's Magnificent Hall,
As for my remains,
I would be pleased
If little parts of me,
Could be placed near or with
Each New Hampshire Star
That surrenders life
In the line of honor and duty
After the date: 5/3/2003.
And when the last little me is gone
I'll be at peace and rest
Knowing that I'm all over this State
And side by side with New Hampshire's
Very best!
Submitted by Paul Mason
As I look to the mountain, I no longer see my friend. A quiet man, who never had a bad thing to say. A tall man, who saw
every season change. He was friends among those who knew him, and those that came to visit had a new friend to watch
over them. By God he was created, by nature he left. I know that when I leave, as I look to the mountain, I will see my
friend "The Old Man" once more. Scott A. Rix, former resident of Merrimack NH now residing in WA
I first saw the Old Man of the Mountain when I was five. I was in awe of the figure. I asked my father several times how it
came to be there. After thinking about an answer, I believe he told me to ask a ranger. I have vacationed in the Franconia
area about 10 times since then, always looking forward to seeing the "Old Man." The vacation was not complete without a
look.
In 1990, visiting with my wife and then 3-year old daughter, I couldn't wait to show my toddler this sight. I asked her if
she saw the face on the mountain. I had barely opened my mouth to explain, when she asked; "Daddy, who put the man
there?" So who could explain something like this to a 3-year old? Like my father before me, I was speechless!
George Manes, Los Angeles
It was with great sadness that I read of the collapse of the Old Man of the Mountain in Franconia Notch. As a child, I went
up there every year in the last week of September and the first week of October to see him with my parents, and he was an
ever astonishing sight for me and for my brother.
Of course, the last time I visited him back in the early 80's, I read of the problems they were already having keeping him
together, but I hoped that, as he had already lasted so long, he would last at least my lifetime. It's sad to know that he's
gone, and I hope there will be some kind of memorial to him, if only some way of carving a replica in the rocks so that
future generations can get some idea of what he looked like. Philip van Lidth de Jeude, Alton, IL
I was born and raised in New England and my family liked to take trips to the White Mountains. We would stay in
Lincoln and then drive up to behold Franconia Notch and the Old Man of the Mountain. The Old Man had a presence over
the mountains that one could never describe; any description would cheapen that experience.
I had visited other parts of our nation, Quebec, and Europe. But the White Mountains with its Old Man would always be a
place of peace and calm in an increasingly uneasy world. I last drove through Franconia Notch in 1996 on my way to
Quebec and last looked at the Old Man. Little did I realize that I would see it for the last time. I got caught up with workrelated affairs at home and I had since moved farther away, to New York and Philadelphia during the closing years of the
last century and the first years of this century.
The news of the collapse of the Old Man was grievous to me and to other fellow admirers. It is still hard to fathom that an
important part of our past is now gone. The collapse was not completely unexpected; the formation had been weakening
through the long years and it was most probable that it could no longer be a part of this transitory world.
Although the Old Man of the Mountain is physically no longer among us, remember that the White Mountains is still a
place where we are lovingly watched by One who created us (and the Great Stone Face). I have long considered the White
Mountains as a gateway to places that did touch my heart and soul (places such as Boston, Quebec City, and Montreal).
These ancient hills will still beckon visitors, travelers, and settlers who wish to rest their weary bodies and souls for a little
while. The Old Man was there for a little geological while. But it shall still remain present in our hearts and souls.
Thomas Alton, Philadelphia, PA
Every summer, my parents would drive the family from Florida to Lake Winnepesaukee. I would always request that we
go see the Old Man of the Mountain. I always marveled at the face wondering how it got there. It never ceased to amaze
me as a child. I can't begin to explain how it saddened me that he has collapsed. I was planning a vacation to the Northeast
in October and picked his face as one of the stops. I will still go, if only to remember found memories.
Elinor Janvrin
Hello, My name is Abby Cox and I just recently moved away from New Hampshire where I have spent 12 years of my 16
years of life. New Hampshire is very special to me and when I heard that the Man on the Mountain fell off, I was so
saddened that I wrote a poem and wanted to send my love back to my home.
Abby Cox, 10th grade, originally from Exeter, NH
The Last Scent From Franconia
An Old man perched on Franconia Notch
Silent, proud, and still
Of hardest New Hampshire granite, stood the man up on this hill
Still he was delicate, like the glass bottle of perfume
Long would they be standing did everyone presume
The bottle dawned in frosted glass; its smell enticed the bees
The face was strong and symbolized New Hampshire's majesty
Her tallest mountains in the north and forests oh so plush
The beauty all around him gave the leaf peepers all a rush
But, all delicate things can crumble, from wind or slight of hand
Especially those so precious, and in such high demand
One day the bottle slipped from the counter upon the tile floor
One day the man fell from his roost and his profile was no more
And those concerned cried and cried for neither would return
The perfume bottle gave a last scent; his ashes twist from Franconia's urn
The first and only time we saw it...
Dany Flageole
It's Memorial Day today,
A day to remember our fallen heroes.
So we came to say,
Your falling is the greatest of our own personal sorrows.
You've stood proud and tall,
Through all of our wars.
And though Nature said it was your time to fall,
That spot on the mountain (and in our hearts) will forever be yours.
It will be sixteen years on July eleventh,
That we got married on your beautiful forehead.
And we'll come back on each July eleventh,
To savor our memories, with both pleasure and dread.
It's Memorial Day today,
A day to take the time.
And we just came to say,
We love you and we'll miss you, till the end of our time.
Guy and Sherry Hoover, N. Woodstock, NH (7/11/1987)
I have been visiting my sister in New Hampshire since I was 3 years old. Every trip to N.H. would also include two trips
to the Old Man of the Mountain - one trip on the way there and one trip on the way back home. When I purchased my
Harley, the first thing that I did was to spend two hours disassembling the tank to have it repainted. I wanted to stand out
and be different. I had the tank painted with the Old Man of the Mountain on it. It did stand out and it was different.
While waiting for the ride to the sky, I was approached by a reporter from the Concord Chronicle. She wanted a ride on
my Harley. I asked her to step away and take a look at the bike and explained that this was the only ride she needed to
complete her story. We spent the rest of the day on the ride with some fellow Illinoins. We finished up the ride at Weirs
Beach and said our goodbyes. Months later, I received a letter in the mail from the Concord Chronicle with the front twopage article enclosed about the trip we took on the Harley and the Old Man of the Mountain.
I will be making a return visit again this June with five friends and the Old Man of the Mountain.
Tommy Auger, Dyer, IN
I am a single mom of two boys. Every year for the past four years we go camping up in the White Mountains. The one
thing that we would look forward to is seeing The Old Man of the Mountain. To us, this meant New Hampshire. Like
when you go to Disney, when you see Cinderella's castle, you know you've been there. We just came back from a
camping trip, it's just not the same. He will be terribly missed. Kim Patenaude, and boys
I have written a poem [below] which was published in Poetribe Selected Poems 2003, page 16:
FAREWELL, OLD MAN
Your strong, jutting jaw weathered the blow
Of Appalachian wind for centuries.
Time carved New England face: stern
Lips taut, creased brow, and a pilgrim's intense stare
Eastward, as the cyclical sun broke through.
Old Man so close to God,
Did you ever get tired watching
The sorry glories of the world?
When your joints became fatigued and weathered,
Epoxy packed your cracks.
When your brow split with winter's icy grip,
Metal rods strengthened your fractures,
Held up your aging face,
The way Botox, tucks and lifts
Strive for youthful grace.
But behind our vision
Obscured by fogYour granite gaze gone forever.
They want to clone you now, Old Man,
Create a manmade replica
For future generations to see.
But perhaps your faceless landmark serves best
To remind us,
As we stand gazing up at the mountain,
That not even rock is eternal.
(c) Patricia Rose Pflaumer, Weymouth, MA
Memories of my friend
Six trips over the years to NH to regain the peace and solace that is constantly lost here at home in NJ, multiple trips to
my friend, The Old Man of the Mountain, have helped mend and heal me spiritually. I don't even know the exact time that
He (God) pointed me toward His calling card, but I remember it being a very rainy, overcast day that gift shop clerks
advised was not a good day to view the Old Man. While passing it on the upper highway, I silently looked at the clouds
and prayed for one, just one puff of God's breath to clear the image. To my total amazement, as if "from my mouth to
God's ears," a puff of wind gently cleared the total top of the mountain, revealing the majestic profile, and just as quickly,
it disappeared. The sequence of the pictures I quickly took - clouded, open, clouded - was proof of God's answer to my
quiet pleading prayer. Forever that moment is in my heart.
I recently struggled with visiting my old friend not knowing if I wanted to see the missing space of that granite face or
not. I decided, like an old friend going home to God, I needed to view my old friend. I didn't arrive until it was just past
dusk. The park was totally empty and the walk to the lake was almost as quiet as a death walk in a funeral. I so easily
remembered where you could start to see the profile of my friend and started looking up. Walking and looking and not
seeing, I decided to wait until I got to the viewing area to see my friend. How appropriate to use the words "viewing area."
In the darkness I could make out the blank area now at the mountain top, matching the empty area I thought I would have
in my heart not seeing him. I read your sign by the light of my flash on the camera, reread the "dentist..." sign and cried. It
was then that I realized that like friends that pass on, the memory of them is forever in your heart. And so is he.
I will watch your site on the Web to see what you have chosen to do in memorial to the Old Man slipping away. Until
something is decided, I am not sure I can visit the site again, especially in daylight. I feel God wanted me to visit at the
cusp of total darkness, as it eased the sight for me. I might add that I am losing my sight, so I feel totally blessed to have
seen my friend, The Old Man, so many times. When I enter into my total darkness, I know that profile will be something I
will be looking at again and again and again in my heart and mind.
Thank you for sharing your friend with me.
Kathi Patrick Bugger
The "Old Man" was a staple of our childhood vacations. We took family vacations every summer to the White Mountains,
in Lincoln, as we were growing up. We had a tradition that once we got there, about 5 1/2 hours from New Jersey, we just
had to go past the Old Man to say hello even before we got to our resort to check-in. This "WAS" tradition.
Now we bring our children here. We were heartbroken to see the fall of this true New England landmark. As New
Jerseyans, we are deeply saddened as we feel the White Mountains is our second home. Driving through the "notch" to
Cannon Mountain will never be the same as we would always look to our left to view him.
We see him every day as we proudly display pictures in our homes. A true landmark and he will always be in our hearts!
Elaine Wellbrock, New Jersey
My whole family had grown up in Salisbury, NH, 10 of us kids. Camping and hiking in the White Mountains was how our
family vacationed. A trip through the notch was always highlighted by seeing the old man. One of my older brothers was
so moved when the old man fell, that he went right out and got a big tattoo of the old man in his memory. I think it is quite
a memorial. We all miss him and are sad that our great-grandchildren will never see him as we did, he is forever in our
memories (and, "on Robbie's back shoulder"). Tina (Bartz) Farmer
I was saddened to lose the Old Man. I am sending you a poem I wrote about him.
Gloria Klein, Brattleboro, VT
Childhood Friend
He is gone
Special man
Of my childhood
Every summer
I would look forward to
His being there
At our vacation spot
Dear familiar face
Never changing
Strong looking countenance
Braving the elements
Now people come
To look at the place
Where he has fallen
Some bring flowers
Shed a few tears
And grieve
We will remember
The Old Man
Of the Mountains.
My dad had a special place in his heart for the Old Man of the Mountain. When he passed away, I found pictures from his
childhood visits there & also pictures taken by my grandparents during visits in their lifetimes. Here is a picture of me as a
little one. This was a day my dad really enjoyed with me. I went on the website to show my son, Sam, what the Old Man
of the Mountain looks like, now and then. Sincerely, Jessica Klemz
Living most of my life now in New Hampshire - when I had company from a state away or half way across the country,
I'd always take them to our beautiful White Mountains. Up one side and down the other. I always included The Old Man
of the Mountain! So many people in my life have seen this beauty because he was a sight to be seen. I watched the new
observation and underground walkway be put in and smiled when I realized that it was much nicer this way (traffic wise).
I sent lots of people via e-mail the sad news that had shared this beautiful natural sight with me. EVERY ONE was
saddened and could not believe that this happened nor did they want to. My son who was in Iraq at the time was sent
newspaper articles. He'd seen it many times from age 7 to adult when we brought his new bride to see him. I have many
photos of the profile and many friends with him. (I feel so blessed.) Memories are forever if you want to keep them, and I
sure am glad I shared so many with HIM. The Old Man is part of everyone who loves New Hampshire. He will live
forever.
Mrs. L. Johnson of Epping, NH
I grew up in Rhode Island, but we used to drive by the Old Man of the Mountain at least once a year on our visits to my
grandparents who lived in Canada. As a kid, riding in the back seat of the car would lull me to sleep, but my parents had
to promise to wake me up so I could see the Old Man. A couple of times they didn't and I was very disappointed. I haven't
been to New Hampshire in a very long time, but when I do it will be sad to not see him....
Doris Noblet, Alexandria, VA
I have very fond memories of our family trip to visit "The Old Man of the Mountain!" We visited in the mid to late 70s
when I was elementary school age. I remember thinking how AMAZING this sight was! How MUCH it TRULY looked
like a face!!! I was planning to bring my kids (now 4& 1/2 & almost 2) this summer to see it; before our usual summer
jaunt to Maine. It was only in my online "research" (refreshing my mind of things to see & do in the area) that I found out
about the "collapse" of the face! I'm very disappointed! Not that anything could have been done to prevent this (as it
seems from the timeline that I read online at the Franconia State Park website). My memories will remain clearly etched
in my mind & in my heart! Denise Gridley Tomlin, Maryland resident (formerly Connecticut resident)
Old Man of the Mountain
I grew up in the valley
Of the "Old Man" who stood tall
His tale was told by many
And his profile loved by all
Nathaniel Hawthorne's story
Said one day someone would come
Resembling this man's glory
With a wisdom matched by none
His face formed by God's own hand
Was carved in the mountainside
His great stone face blessed our land
He became New Hampshire's pride
Many people came to see
The image that he portrayed
Was it Christ from Galilee
And his brow where thorns had laid
Alas, we may never know
Cause early one morn in May
Slipping off that ledge of snow
He quietly went away.
Wendy 'Doran' Cincotta, originally from Lincoln, NH
My wife and I are lifelong Tennesseans who chose, back in 1982, to take a tour of New Hampshire, on our vacation.
During that time, we stayed in Danvers, Mass. but traversed New Hamphire, staying overnight in Concord, your capitol
city. While travelling your wonderful roads, we went by the Old Man of the Mountain -- what a sight! We regret so much
that it has fallen. Thankfully, its image is preserved on the New Hampshire commemorative quarter, for which the entire
Nation can be thankful. It is our hope that this landmark can somehow be reconstructed. Best wishes, Dr. Ken Jordan
My first time seeing the Old Man came in 1977. I was a year out of high school when two friends of mine and I decided to
go camping in the Notch, and see your beautiful State. This was all before I-93, the Route 3 dividers and tunnels. It was a
simpler time. We visited Clarks, The Flume, Mount Washington, Basin, Lost River, Polar Caves, etc. They were all
something to see. Yet I can relate best to other stories in your scrapbook describing how as the Old Man came into view,
you just stood in awe. He was forever fixed in your memory. I once took a helicopter ride across the face to say hello. I
traveled every year to the Notch from 77 -87, then my daughter was born. Life became busy and I didn't return to the
Notch until 1994 so I could show my daughter who was now seven years old. To see the Old Man through the eyes of a
child was a great feeling. We then spent 1994 - 2002 visiting with my daughter and her friends. In 2003 I invited my
nephew Jason who was born in N.J. 1977, but moved to California shortly after. My nephew flew in on May 4th, 2003. It
was so hard to believe or tell him that something he looked so forward to seeing and that stood for generations, had fallen
one day before his arrival. We stayed at Woodward's, visited the mountain, and shared in your grief. My nephew started a
scrapbook of Old Man postcards. I will miss the Old Man and saying hello & goodbye every year. I will forever cherish
the memories. I thank the Lord my daughter had many opportunities to get to know him. I believe a Memorial instead of
an artificial reconstruction would be best, but that is for the people of New Hampshire to decide. I will continue to visit
your State and one day move to the North Country. I have never written a poem before, but I submit the following as a
way to express my thoughts and feelings.
Respectfully, Wayne E. Rumsey, Wanaque, N.J.
HE TAUGHT US WELL
Way up in the Northern Land
The great Stone Face behold
High atop his mountain view
Our stories to be told
He slid silently from the mountaintop
The Old Man was no more
1000 shattered pieces
Upon the valley floor
Some call him the Sentinel
Or the Old Man of the Notch
They say the good Lord put him there
He always stood the watch
He taught us well
The torch was passed
It's now up to us to see
Our children learn
Of this great man
From our memory
In our darkest hours
No matter come what may
He was our inspiration
To live another day
While generations viewed him
They never thought he'd go
Yet time and weather took their toll
In the month of May we know
So when in the Notch
You feel a breeze or
See colors on a tree
Know the spirit lives and
You are safe in his company
By: Wayne E. Rumsey
I can remember as a child every summer, either camping at Sugarloaf campgrounds or taking day trips to Echo Lake. I can
remember the road through Franconia Notch before they extended Rt. 93. I will always remember driving through the
Notch, on our way to either the campgrounds, or the lake. Once Profile Lake would come into view, my father would look
back at my older brother and I in the rear view mirror, and say "Get ready to wave hi to the'Old Man'." It was so exciting.
It was like being welcomed to my favorite part of the state by a family member or friend. As he came into view we would,
both of us, crowd the window to watch this stoic magnificent face form out of the mountain. We would waive and smile
like fools. When we were done with our camping, fishing or swimming it was the same ritual going home. My father
would look back at us in the mirror and tell us to "Get ready to say goodbye to the 'Old Man' ." We would crowd the other
side of the window, a little sad saying goodbye until next time, or next summer. As we drove past him, we would follow
his disappearance through the rear window, until he was gone.
Looking back now, he wasn't gone. He'll never be gone. He was the 'Old Man of the Mountain' watching over our beloved
White Mountains. Keeping us safe and secure, and guided. If you lost your way, look up until you saw the 'Old Man.'
From there everyone knew which way to go. I have a four-year old son. His first summer before he was one, my mother
and I vacationed in the mountains, and my boy got to see the 'Old Man.' He didn't know and didn't care then what he was
looking at but it was tradition, as I'm sure it was in most families, to show your children and grandchildren this wonderful
natural Gate Keeper to the mountains. Well, the next year the Man fell. I am heartbroken that I will never be able to share
him with my son. Drive by and tell him to wave. Admire him and look up to him. My heart was so broken when I read the
article in the Nashua Telegraph. I felt like I was reading the obituary of my father, my best friend.
Though he is physically gone, he will never be spiritually gone. It breaks my heart to stop at the lookout for the Old Man,
and not see him. But in my mind he is there. Majestic and awesome and looking out, protecting all who [enter] his realm. I
will never forget my summers as a child. And I will never forget what he meant to me. Jennifer Rix, Nashua, NH
How sad that the old man fell down. As a descendent of Daniel Webster, hearing stories from my dad about he being his
great, great, great uncle, (mine and my five sibling's great great great-uncle), the old man has always had a special place in
our hearts. My grandmother was a Batcheldor by birth and her great great aunt was married to Daniel Webster. The last
time I saw the "old man alive" was in 1988 just one year after the passing of my father. Fare thee well old man.
John Stacy, Union City, Ohio
[Below is] my poem about the loss of a part of our New Hampshire identity. Thank you for hosting the site and the
wonderful Scrapbook which is, itself, a piece of our State history. Sincerely, Maryanne Jensen-Gowan, Pelham, NH
Fallen Man
How would Daniel Webster explain this mess?
The falling face of God's humanity?
The stony strength belied fragility.
Reminder of a shattered human-ness.
The contours of the Conway granite face;
The jaw line resolute; the tired eyes;
Some fault, occasioned when the world was ice
Proved your undoing and your flight from grace.
If Webster's right - you're some advertisement
That God made Man, and weathered him with faults
Then such is confirmation that we're dust
Suspended between earth and firmament.
I cried when I learned that the Old Man of the Mountain was no longer with us. I'm not sure why I cried over a piece of
falling rock; it's not like I had never seen the guy who'd lived on the side of Cannon Mountain in Franconia Notch. Me
and the Old Man go way back. I've always been fond of older men, and he was definitely a favorite.
It's not that I'd never brought my daughter up to see him. I had introduced her to him when she was 4 years old. "Can you
see his face, honey?" I asked her, hopeful that she really could define the profile at such a young age. "Yes, I see his chin
and his nose and his mouth," she assured me, as we both stared up at the formation that nature had carved for us thousands
of years before.
Still skeptical about what she'd actually seen, a few days later, we pulled into a service station. "Look Mom, it's the Old
Man of the Mountain," she cried, pointing to his outline on the Official New Hampshire Inspection Station Sign.
He is everywhere. He's on license plates, road signs, calendars and post cards. He's on NH DOT and Parks uniforms,
turnpike tokens and all the State Police cruisers. He's on a bumper sticker gracing the back of my car, circled by the
words, "Live Free or Die." He's all around us, and yet, we'll never be able to see him again. Like the loss of an old friend,
he'll live on forever in our hearts and minds, and some of us will never forget him.
So long, Old Man. Betty Gagne,Somersworth, NH
In 1970, traveling with my family, we saw the Old Man for the first time. I got hold of an old postcard, the man in the
moonlight. Since then he hangs in a special frame in my entrance of the house, in Eastman, Quebec. I'm so sorry.
Georg Stein
As a former summer employee of Crawford Notch State Park 1971 & 1973, I had the opportunity to hike some of our
beautiful mountains. I fondly remember hiking up to the summit of Mt. Lafayette and overlook of the Old Man. I also
worked at the Hampton Beach State Park in 1970 which was in my hometown. I now belong to a truck club called Dodge
Truck World, NH Chapter. Most of the members of the club personalize their trucks with custom striping or paint. On the
rear of my truck is a stripe on both sides featuring the Old Man surrounded by a map outline of the State of NH. This is
my small tribute to the memory of the Old Man. Howard Page, Seabrook, NH
I was a little girl when I first saw the face, even though I only saw the Man of the Mountain once... He is very close to my
heart and hard to forget. In a way he was like GOD watching over us. –Anonymous
During the Night
by Sheila Roy
Borne on the side of Cannon Mountain...long ago
Your noble profile watched over Franconia Notch
Your natural place in this world and in our hearts
Your features etched by Mother Nature's humble taste
A symbol for New Hampshire to be proud of and admire
We tried our best to revere you and preserve you
But one day...you slipped...despite our efforts
Manmade, steel cables and turnbuckles failed to hold...
What Mother Nature carved...thus came undone
You slipped
from the
side of the
mountain
You slipped
from your
home
But not
from our
hearts
We shall
miss you
Who Called You Home, Old Man?
-Who called you home, 'Old Man'?
-Your jagged face to be seen no more-Did someone beckon you to the heavens?
-You lay in silent, pebbled, granite rubble- a sad fate of strength lost-Was it Nature's forces? The wet and frozen cold within your veins?
-What a cruel joke Mother Nature has played on us today-A million people mourn- your dedicated flock in this Granite State-In the spirit of 'Live Free or Die,' the 'Old Man' died in his sleep-In a quiet, rain and fog-enshrouded mist,
to be viewed no more as our icon-No one heard you fade from our eyes- an eerie night, you chose-Who called you home, 'Old Man'? Pray tell us, old friend,
for reasons unknown, your fate will rest in piecesJ.P. Polidoro, May 4, 2003 (submitted May 3, 2006), C 2003 J.P. Polidoro Longtail Publishing Laconia NH
Ode to The Old Man
In the silence of the wood, a rock disintegrates
There is no reason, other than nature and gravity's forces
A natural phenomenon, they say- weather, time and fate
Tumbling, rolling, thundering quietly
Grasping for branches, treetops and ledges to remain intact
It seems to crumble in the foggy dew of the sheer vertical wall from
which it fell, unnoticed and unashamed to admit it could no longer stand
Sadly, slowly, with arrogance it commands respect and descends
as if the gorge below grasps it with tentacles, requesting the elderly features of stone
First the chin, the nose...and cheeks....the jagged chin of time and weathered wind
Eons, millennia, glacier kisses of sculptured fabrications by mere chance
After all, it was in the path of ice
"Don't leave me!" cries the Mother mountain behind the face, rhetorically
"Stay for the masses, to be viewed forever
There are children that need to see you, for centuries yet
Don't fall from your lofty view...please don't!" the mountain cries
Gravity prevails as it separates from frozen fractures, domino-like synchrony
Desperately holding momentarily, it overpowers the wires of repair of decades
Wires Mr. Nielson, its caretaker, applied and tightened by hand, year to year for safeguard and posterity
"I go in darkness," it shouts to no one near
"I defy your braces, Sir"- the rock cries out in pain
A cable snaps like thread,
rebounding forcefully as if throwing up its hands in frustration
"I am overdue,"it reiterates in slow motion, "I can no longer stay"
Inertia, then sliding momentum unchained- full force downward
"Time...time no longer waits
I am not part of you anymore, Mother mountain
Time has called me down, inward and below in form and shape
Unrecorded, the mournful rushing sound wanes to distance echoes... then silence
The final pebble rolls to its resting place
Profile Lake ripples from the stone’s intrusion.
Surrounding ranges and valleys grasp to hold the Old Man's deafening fatal sound
It has passed to white noise, distant in miles and time
"Do not mourn New Hampshire
I am still part of the mountain, it cries -but in a different form
Pieces, small pieces of my former self
Pieces to be shared, in part, with the hillside of Cannon"
"An icon of granite you called me
Thank you for the accolade but I was mere stone
Stone that had no face if you we south, north or west of me
You only found me from the east,
a singular profile that disappeared when you walked a few steps to the side
"There will be another face to discover
Do not Mourn New Hampshire
Look about me
Look where men have not ventured
There are other faces waiting to be viewed
Some are larger, some are smaller, some with many sides
Find them New Hampshire!
Some are hidden in overgrowth and moss
Covered with lichen fascia and a grainy facade
Find them!"
"You can see me again- you must look down, not up.
I am merely transformed by time- Rejoice New Hampshire!
Do not mourn"
The Old Man
C 2003 J.P. Polidoro Longtail Publishing May 4, 2003 (submitted May 3, 2006)
Memories there for me were great, as a child my parents would take us there on a yearly trip. My memories were of fun
days as a family. Anonymous
On June 4th, 2006, my girlfriend and I wanted to pay our respects to The Old Man of the Mountain, so although it had
rained for two straight days, we drove to the bottom of The Old Man. Although there was no apparent trail, we hiked
through dense, wet forest to the bottom of the cliffs. We wanted to see his final resting place. After scaling giant boulders,
thern smaller rocks, we were finally there. We just sat and gazed upon it all, taking in all of the beauty that still remains. I
took a few pictures and we headed back down. Upon getting back home, we looked at the pictures we just took on the
computer and we were both amazed at what we saw. Where the old profile was, a NEW profile had been formed!!! We
rotated the pictures and it was visible as clear as day. The feeling of sadness that we both felt had practically disappeared.
We now know that the Old Man is not gone, he is just lying down, resting until the next geological shift wakes him up
again. Randy and Lisa
I am sitting at my computer in Sandusky,OH with tears rolling down my face. I have followed the stories of the Old Man's
collapse since 2003, but today is the first time I have accessed the scrapbook. I lived in Lebanon,NH for 6 years in the
1980's and was first introduced to the Old Man by my mother-in-law. She drove myself and my 3 children there within
months of our move out there. What an awesome creation of God's hands! As I read through page after page of other's
thoughts and memories, I realized once again how many awesome things I miss about the East. What wonderful gifts we
have that don't cost us a penny, yet mean SO much more when they disappear or change. Like all of us, the Old Man
changed, but will never be forgotten. Thanks to all who have written. You have truly touched my heart.
Sandy Fortier,OH
A couple of weeks ago I was flying my powered parachute over Mt. Washington. I happen to snap a few photos of
Tuckerman's Ravine. ... Look at the shadow line cast from the ridge line onto the ravine... Can you see the profile of the
Old Man??? Ray Godbout , Gorham, NH
I had to share this photo that was taken on September 30, 2006..by my 12 year old daughter
on our daytrip to view fall foliage. Sandy (Website page 76) (See image pages attached to the end of this pdf)
I finally revisited this icon early this month (October, 2006). True, I knew the face was gone, but I never in my life burst
into tears as when I looked up from the Northbound side not to see him there. Many was the time Mom, Dad, my sister
and I had gazed on that profile. I just took it for granted it had always been there, and always would. Words cannot
express my outburst. I'm 72 years old, for God's sake - I am in control of my emotions! What was wrong with me that I
burst into such heaving sobs that had people coming over to hug me, sharing my obvious grief! Most wept with me. I was
proud they understood my feelings, but tears won't bring him back!
I got to thinking. What is wrong with a replica of The Great Stone Face, so long as there is an explanation that it is a
replica, and a diorama explaining what once was, what happened, and that thousands of people donated money to restore
it for us who truly loved that Landmark? My ancestry is part Native American. I'm proud of it. I'm just as proud of the
Great Stone Face. Please re-create him. It will not be the same, of course, but to many like me, it is a symbol of something
very special and unique. I know I will cry again when I return to pay tribute to him, but it will be different because the
story will be there. We have monuments depicting George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, and others;
why not The Great Stone Face - The Old Man Of The Mountain? Frederick C. Goldrup, Lewiston, ME
My name is Kristin Abraham, and I am a visual artist working with musician, Alfonso Llamas to connect the entire
country through an art. The concept is titled The Nomadic Project, and we are visiting all fifty states, then responding to
them with our art. I paint a canvas for each state, which is then taken to the next state that we visit to be displayed until the
end of the year. The reason I am writing is that The Old Man's absence inspired the New Hampshire painting. While we
never made it to NH while he was around, we were surrounded by those who remember him. It seems that in his absence,
he's left quite a legacy. It is one that will clearly be passed down from generation to generation.
I felt that those who miss The Old Man may appreciate this note, and the knowledge that he won't be forgotten. [Above
right is a picture] of the NH-inspired painting that is displayed in Portland, ME as well as a press release to further explain
The Nomadic Project. Here is a link to the website, where a description of the New Hampshire inspiration is also shared.
http://TheNomadicProject.com/personification.aspx
Thank you for this opportunity to share our experience with The Old Man of the Mountain, and we wish you well.
Sincerely,
Kristin & Alfonso
I spent the first 25 years of my life living in southern NH (Salem) and summering in upstate VT (Willoughby Lake). That
annual family trip always took us directly through the Notch and past the Old Man. It was our "halfway" point, where we
always stopped to stretch our legs and have breakfast at the "Timbers" (and later, after that burned down, "Dad's"). We all
loved that miracle of nature and looked forward to our annual visit every year. We quite literally said 'hello' to it every
Memorial Day and 'goodbye' to it every Labor Day. My mother especially cherished it, as every year she would try to
convey to us children how lucky we were to have the wonder and awe of God's handiwork right there in front of us
without having to travel far away to see and enjoy it.
My beloved mother passed away on May 3, 2003. The Old Man collapsed only a few hours later. I guess once she left, he
saw no reason to stay any longer either. Maybe it was too hard for him to be on this earth without her. That's the way I
choose to think about it. It helps me cope with the loss of both my mother and a beloved childhood icon on the same day.
Sincerely,
Donna Wilkinson, Palm Bay, FL
Almost 40 years ago we took our four children, then ages 4,5,6,7 camping to Franconia Notch. We had a tent and had
camped for years. The highlight of our trip east was walking on the bridge up Franconia Notch, seeing the "Ol Man of the
Mountain" taking pictures of the kids with the mountain in the background.
What phenomenal memories, one of our biggest regrets is the fact that we cannot take our grandchildren on the same trip.
God Bless the people of New Hampshire, looking forward to seeing the memorial when it is completed.
Dick and Norma Peters - Auburn Hills, MI
My father was a Native New Englander. He brought me to see the Old Man when I was very young. I have made the state
of Montana home for over twenty years but return to New Hampshire very frequently. I was saddened to drive up the
notch and not see the Old Man looking over his domain. I also fondly remember my doxie Maedy splashing around in
Profile Lake under his watchful spell. I have many photographs of this American symbol. I mourn his passing and my
eyes will forever be drawn to where he used to rein. Meriam S. Nagel, Great Falls, Montana
This is the poem I wrote about the Old Man of the Mountain before he returned to the valley below...
Stefan Majewski Jr.
December's Promise
I had seen him in the mountains one winter; that morning was bitterly cold and gray
He seemed to be so frail and trembling, I asked what he was doing here on such a day
He whispered something about a promise to be kept on the winter solstice one December
Smiling he beckoned me closer; to ask me if the air was still as sweet as he remembers
Saying there was a time when he would climb the ravine himself, but now he was too old
I asked to whom was such a hold given, to be here today; he only said how he loved the cold
So I sat with him and he talked all day
Of a love for whom he would not say
He spoke of an angel whose beauty and unquenched passion is why he comes here each year
I thought I saw him crying; it was only the snow melting on his face that looked like a tear
We should leave I said; No he answered, I hear her as he pointed; he asked me if I could see
Laughing that how after all these years of painting, his eyes were not what they used to be
That is only the wind I told him; we should go it's getting colder and the sun is starting to set
Saying I should see how the stars fill the night's sky before we go; so let's not leave just yet
I couldn't bring myself to tell him no
Staying with him as it began to snow
Storms come and go quickly on these mountains they say; sure enough once again it was clear
We talked as the day turned to night of this angelic beauty of his; whom his heart held so dear
One by one the stars came out and he told me their names, pausing only at the most beautiful one
Whose loveliness dwarfed all others close by, there she is he said aloud, I told you she'd come
When I looked again a tear ran down his cheek, sensing my sadness he told me not to worry
That they were shed of love, not sorrow, but there was no time to explain, that he had to hurry
No longer could he stay, he must now return
Without saying why, only one day I'd learn
Some years later I returned on the first day of summer and came across the most fairest of maidens
As she walked through the fertile alpine gardens of the valley below, by her seductiveness was I taken
I asked for her name, she laughed, saying how I already knew, but had I seen this most handsome man
She was to meet him on a winter's day long ago, but fears she has missed him, would I help if I can
I told her of how we met that day and how he named the stars; seems like he has done that forever
Hearing her cry, I looked; in her place was a solitary white orchid; this mountain's loveliest treasure
It was then I first saw his face frozen in stone
Smiling as he gazed to where she has grown
Each year I repeat his journey to the mountains, to name the stars and retell a mythical story of how
From his perpetually entombed gaze he stands guard over her, on this most sacred of all places now
Of how on the first day of summer the fairest of all the valley's maidens dances for only his eyes
Warmed by her beauty, he smiles and when the last of the winter's snows melt, you'd swear he cries
And lest you were to think that it was from sadness he wept, he would say, you need not worry
That these tears cried were only of love, never of sorrow, and of how he no longer has to hurry
So long as winters end and summers arrive
So shall these endless tears of love be cried
My father took me to N.H. for the 1st time when I was 8 years old (1970) and I remember him pointing out THE OLD
MAN. I was totally in awe of its detail. How could it have such a realistic looking profile. It's amazing what nature can
create. 25 years later I returned with my children, then 3 and 5 years old, to see the old man for the first time. The look on
their faces was priceless. To see the wonder in their eyes was truly memorable.
We have since visited 4 times from 1996 through 2002 for vacations and have also brought my 2 stepchildren to
appreciate THE OLD MAN'S commanding presence and beauty. I was completely blown away at the news of THE OLD
MAN'S passing in May 2003. I truly believed I had the rest of my life to say hello to THE OLD MAN on all my future
visits to N.H. with my family.
As I drove north on Intersatate 93 in 2004 and saw THE OLD MAN missimg from his perch, I couldn't help but be
saddened of his demise. My family and I stopped and paid our respects. I have to admit that all my vacations from today
on in N.H. will just not be the same without him. He was always my first stop welcoming my family back for another
visit. Maybe some people will think it's silly to be sentimental about these kinds of things but when something, for
whatever the reason, becomes a part of your life you can't help but be attached. I can't explain why at 8 years old THE
OLD MAN left such an impression on me but it was profound enough to want me to bring my own children to see him
too. And I'm glad they got to see him a few times before he fell.
My OLD MAN (I affectionately called my father that) recently succumbed to Lou Gehrig's Disease in Nov. 2006. I will
always be grateful to him for introducing me to THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN and because of him it has now
become a family tradition to vacation in New Hampshire at least every other year. My father loved New Hampshire so
much he hunted there every year during his mid 20's through early 30's for whitetail and black bear, driving all the way to
Pittsburg, N.H. with his buddies to TALL TIMBER LODGE.
MY TWO OLD MEN : THEY STOOD TALL, THEY STOOD PROUD AND BOTH LOVED NEW HAMPSHIRE !
NICK, WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NEW YORK
Having spent many sublime days during my 85-year life span, including some in the 1920s, in and around the Notch hiking the trails, fishing in Profile Lake, picnicking and swimming at Echo, skiing at Cannon , and each time communing
with the grand Old Man - I, as did many others, felt a very special attachment to him. I am so grateful to the Nielsens and
their helpers for helping prolong his life, and to you and your group who are involved in perpetuating his memory. [The
poem below was] written on the afternoon of the early-morning's sad but inevitable loss. Might this be a fitting
accompaniment to the new memorial?
William V. Luti, Concord, N.H.
NOT GONE !
FRANCONIA NOTCH - MAY 3rd - 2003
Flung far aloft from frosty sleep on high,
Did ravens scream as thunder rolled across
To Lafayette and back to Cannon's wall?
Did startled doe, eyes wide with fright, spring up
Astride her puzzled fawn, when awful sounds
And swirling mist announced the Ancient's fall?
That sign hung out by Webster's God and mine,
Brought down by ice and thaw and Newton's law.
Is this the sight that greets the grieving morn?
Look down! Still mirrored in the tarn below,
His calm and noble mien yet shimmers there,
Not changed, but just as he was born.
Look up! And through the lenses of the soul,
Behold! Beyond the crest, the grand design,
Its features etched upon the distant blue.
As ever since the Sculptor's work was done,
From Profile's strand alone his face appeared,
So now! Depends upon your point of view.
An old man, being old, always dies and leaves homesickness. I knew his old face [for only a little while] before he died
(see photo). In wrinkles of time that looked at the horizon, one saw that he was wise and it made the people calm.
Jorge Henrique from Sao Paulo, Brazil
Ah, a reminder of my childhood, when my family went each year to New Hampshire from Chartierville and Bury, just
north of the border. Fantastic place, the Franconia Notch, the Flume, the Man, of course. Memories, memories...Well, I
guess it wasn't too surprising to see it fall. No rocky structure that incredible and unique could survive the power of
gravity and erosion indefinitely. Ah, geology, you cruel science.
Rock on, Philippe Robert-Staehler, Bury, Quebec, Canada (We love you New Hampshire!)
I am saddened by the loss of this Icon. I grew up seeing him every time we went to visit my grandparents. It has to be the
most memorable thought that I have as a child. I think everything possible should be done to resurrect the Old Man.
Sincerely, Robert W. Merriam, Pennsylvania
Having recently relocated to New Hampshire, I unfortunately never had the chance to visit the Old Man of the Mountain
before its demise. I had seen many photos and of course the ubiquitous license plate silhouette :). I was pleasantly
surprised during my recent trip to the Blue Mountains of Australia to see the familiar profile along the cliffs of Mount
Victoria, NSW, Australia. (Picture at right.) Kevin Alix, Jaffrey, NH
I drove the Continental Trailways of New England coach from Boston to Littleton NH for several years. Up through the
Notch twice a day I would see him. My passengers were in awe, and so was I. When I was a child, my parents would load
the 49 Ford and take us kids to see the Old Man of the Mountain. Quite a drive from Brookline, Mass. We all miss him.
God Bless. Bill Carey, Pensacola FL
I am from Georgia and I have wanted to go to New Hampshire all of my life. I am 66 years old and finally went there. I
have always been interested in the Old Man of the Mountain. I was sad when I finally got to visit New Hampshire and he
was gone. When I came home in August, I started writing a poem about him. I had a dream last night and I finished the
poem today and I would like to share it here.
Bevalene Waldrip Torbush, Georgia, U.S.A.
The Old Man of the Mountain
Over 2,000 years ago, he was created and got his start.
People from around the world came to see this hugh piece of art.
He was made of rock from the work of nature in her majistic mood
and captured our heart.
We loved him dearly and it was hard to part.
It was on May 3, 2003 when people got news that he was gone
They were hoping what they had heard was wrong.
Harsh weather for many many years took him away
"Gone but not forgotton" what is left to say
It was a nice drive out to see his face they had all grown to love so much
They had always been able to see it, but never be able to touch
The mountain is still there and stands alone
While "The Old Man of the Mountain" has a new home.
On the back of the New Hampshire quorter we can see his face
We can be happy to see it in this well known place
Beside it is written "Live Free or Die"
With this message and the picture we will never have to say good bye
In my dream last night, I saw him come back to a shelf
It looked like the side of the mountain where he had left
We never know what a hugh winter storm can do
Maybe someday they can bring "The old Man of the Mountain"
back when passing through.
I am a 7th grade Earth Science teacher at the Galvin Middle School in Canton, Massachusetts. My students recently did a
project on the "demise" of the Old Man of the Mountain in their study of erosion, and one of my students, Khalid Hijazi,
wrote a wonderful poem that I would like to share with you. It is about the natural destruction of one of New Hampshire's
most famous symbols -- the "Old Man of the Mountain" -- in 2003.
Sincerely yours, Katie Birtwell, Galvin Middle School, Canton, MA
'THIS IS A POEM DEDICATED TO
THE OLD MAN OF THE MOUNTAIN HIMSELF’
BY KHALID HIJAZI
For over 10,000 long years I looked down upon
The beauty of my homeland.
Carved by the ancient glaciers, I held stories
Within me from the times of the ancients.
I may have looked the same from a distance
But if you looked closely the truth would reveal itself.
You would see the weathered lines that the wind,
Rain, ice, and snow left behind, and continue to
Chisel into my old face,
Ticking away at what time I had left.
Finally, in the early spring of 2003 my time to look
Down upon you from this peak was over.
It was not because I wanted to leave you.
You cared for me, restored me, and I am eternally
Grateful, but I was not meant to sit here forever.
It was time to return to the earth from where I began.
It was time for me, like others before me, to be free.
So continue to come to this hallowed place.
Feel my spirit and care for this earth as you cared
For me.
Gaze up on a clear and sunny day and you will see
Me up in the sky.
Look into each other’s eyes, hearts, and souls,
And you will find me there.
I have not died
I am here still
Only now I live,
Free.
The Old Man of the Mountain holds a special place in the heart of my family. Many summers we spent camping in the
White Mountains and I always remember stopping on the highway to go and view the Old Man. He represents found
memories for me and my family. I am in my twenties now and I plan to return many times to the White Mountains,
where I will be sure to visit the memorial site and tell my children about the awsome site of the Old Man and how special
he was! He will never be forgotten in this Boston family. Michele, Boston, MA
Even though we are citizens of Canada we were saddened by the loss of the "Old Man" too. My wife and I almost cried
when we heard the news. We visited the White Mountains of New Hampshire many times over the years, especially
during the fall foliage season. I can remember my grandparents taking me to see the Old Man when I was a very young
child. Looking at it was always a thrilling experience no matter how many times that I saw it.
Daniel & Gail Bousquet-Quebec,Canada
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Profile House
Old Postcards
submitted by S. Pease
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Photos Submitted by Chris and Sarah-jane Nadeau, taken Friday, May 2nd at
approximately 7pm. Page 15
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Pictures submitted by AM de Rham,
taken at the Family Rememberance Day on May 10, 2003.
Bossie, the Old Man of the Mountain cow, belongs to the
White Mountain Animal League
and was acquired because of the Old Man mark,
to be a spokescow for this non-profit in NH of fourteen years.
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Photos (above & left) submitted by
Stephen Rand, Park Manager, Silver Lake State Park
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Page 64 submitted by M Merne
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These photos were taken on September 12th, 1999 at approximately 3:30 pm. I wanted to
share them with the people visiting your site. Thank you.
Ernest Blais, Berlin, NH. Page 70
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