Stateman Daniel Webster called his Franklin, NH farm the sweetest spot on earth. Judging by these images by Gail Rousseau, we are inclined to agree. This gallery was collected through the seasons as environmentalists, farmers and preservations battled to preserve this unique land along the Merrimack River from condo development.
Gail Rousseau Photography
745 South Main Street
Franklin NH
Sometimes a single location captivates a photographer who returns time and again, year after year. That’s how it has been Franklin photographer Gail Rousseau who continues to wander the 141-acre historic farm that once belonged to NH-born Daniel Webster. This unique farm, one of the oldest consistently farmed areas in New Hampshire, includes almost a mile of pristine frontage along the Merrimack River that accounts for the dark fertile soil.
Gail’s photos recently helped preservationists save the land from development into 130 machine- made houses. Current the local preservation group is collecting funds, a total of $2.5 million dollars, to save the land and a campus of buildings that include the original 1780s Webster farmhouse, a Civil War orphanage and a the former home of the Sisters of the Holy Cross. The unpaved road through the fields was first surveyed by Revolutionary War hero John Stark and, even earlier, was the site of a frontier fort during the French and Indian War.
Gail was transplanted from Massachusetts to Franklin 20 years ago. She has been carrying a camera since age 10 and grew up reading LIFE and LOOK. She attended New England School of Photography, Boston MA, married and raised a daughter. She recently collected 30 years of images of Peaks Island, Maine into a small book and has a new calendar of island photos. Gail is a member of the Manchester Art Association, has exhibited recently at the Lincoln-Levy Gallery and appeared in Preservation Magazine. She hopes to collect these and other Daniel Webster Farm pictures into a future book. Readers can contact Gail via email to this web site.
All images copyright Gail Rousseau. All rights reserved.
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...
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...
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.
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
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...
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...
