Keeping track of
the poet's houses

Victorian poet John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-1892) loaned his name to a lot of real estate. At least four houses claim his name, not to mention a mountain in New Hampshire and towns, streets, inns and schools all over the nation. The bestselling author of the "barefoot boy" and popularized Maud Muller and Barbara Frietchie still clings to a remnant of his literary fame, even today.

This early postcard tour focuses on Amesbury, MA and the house he called home most of his adult life. Whittier had lived here 30 years and was 59 before his fame suddenly blossomed. We picked up these postcards in the gift shop there to accompany our own Disposable Camera Tour of the poet's domicile. Compare our photos with the postcards to see how little has changed in the last hundred years since the house was established as a museum.

In addition, we've added images of Whittier's birthplace in Haverhill, MA, his place on Oak Knoll in Danvers, MA, and an early image of the house where Whittier died in North Hampton, NH. He died in the Granite State that he loved and pictured so often in his poetry. --- JDR

TOURING WHITTIER HOMES

The Whittier House 86 Friend Street Amesbury, MA 01913 (978) 388-1337 Open May 1-October 31 Tues-Sat 10am - 4pm Winter by appointment John Greenleaf Whittier was a citizen of Amesbury and lived here 1836-1892

Whittier Family Homestead & Poet's Birthplace 308 Whittier Road Haverhill, MA (508) 373-3979 Open May 1- October 31 Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm, Sun 1-5 pm Open Nov 1 - April 30 Tues - Fri & Sun 1-5 pm, Sat 10am - 5pm

Historic Homes of
John Greenleaf Whittier

(Click on thumbnails for full-sized
image and description of each card.)

PO Box 7158
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03802
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