Daniel Webster went to Hell to save one NH farmer, but who will save his heavenly farm? Webster called his Franklin, NH farm the sweetest spot on Earth. Scientists agree that its black alluvial soil is ideal. But can historians also save the Webster homestead and a Civil War orphange? Daniel could use an angel or two.
Daniel Webster had a farm. And on that farm he had a cow. He also had prized imported cattle, sheep, pigs and grew amazing vegetables in the rich black alluvial soil along the Merrimack River in what is now Franklin, NH. Few know even today that the nation’s most famous orator and defender of the union was also a successful farmer. Like Washington and Jefferson and Adams before him, Daniel Webster loved the land. Now that very land is on the brink of being preserved for all time. Or is it?
"The immediate threat is gone," says Julie Iffland of the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national conservation organization. "But this is not done. It is not saved."
Last year the historic Daniel Webster Farm almost turned from a field of dreams into a field of condos. Developers planned to build 130 manufactured homes on the 141-acre property that may just be the oldest continually farmed land in the state. In two tense midnight-hour public sessions, conservationists, historians and Franklin citizens defeated the plan to develop what Webster himself called "the very sweetest spot in the world." TPL stepped in at the nick of time to purchase Webster Farm for $1,750,000 from the new owner. The developer, for a quick half million dollar profit, opted to abandon plans to build.
But TPL is only a "bridge" organization, according to Colin Cabot, president of the recently formed Webster Farm Preservation Association.
"They (TPL) need their money back," Cabot says, "and if they don’t get it, they lose their job. The bridge fund allows conservation forces to save pieces of property, but they have 11 other projects to support."
Julie Iffland, the TPL senior project manager concurs. She says that her nonprofit group acts as "risk-takers", jumping in to provide money to save land, that when paid back, goes into the next project. But sometimes she has to act the part of the bad guy to make good things happen.
"We didn’t step in to say – OK, relax folks. We stepped in to create a window of opportunity. We are an interim step. If we cannot pull this off, we may have to sell it. We did not sign on just to leave all this money on the table. At this point in the game Daniel Webster needs an angel."
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...
Daniel Webster had a farm. And on that farm he had a cow. He also had prized imported cattle, sheep, pigs and grew amazing vegetables in the rich black alluvial soil along the Merrimack River in what is now Franklin, NH. Few know even today that the nation’s most famous orator and defender of the union was also a successful farmer. Like Washington and Jefferson and Adams before him, Daniel Webster loved the land. Now that very land is on the brink of being preserved for all time. Or is it?
