Visiting Robert Frost's Home

October 6, 2010

Today we make two stops:  Woodstock, Vermont – often confused with Woodstock, NY-

For us it’s primarily a rest break.  We’d been driving in the rain most of the day and got out to stretch our legs and support the local economy.  A few purchases in the book store,  hot cider at the local Fair Trade coffee shop, and a few pictures later we were on our way. 

But the big stop of the day was at the Stone House Museum.  In Shaftsbury, VT, it was the home of the poet Robert Frost.  A simple series of displays tell the story of his life and the background of some of his poems.  Well known for Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening, he led a fairly simple life.  This poem has been made into the most beautiful picture book illustrated by Susan Jeffers.  If the children in your life don't have a copy of this, then remember the holidays are just around the corner and it's beyond delightful.

The display said he was interested in sciences and had a mind that naturally understood some elements of physics. 

He loved the rural life and was a passionate farmer.  His home boasted an apple orchard.  Referring to it he said, "One of my apple trees, standing stock still and rooted, earns more money in a year than I can earn with all my locomotion and artistic detachment." The society that runs the museum has made arrangements to graft some his favorites, MacIntosh, Northern Spy, Red Asterachan, and Red   Delicious, onto the surviving trees. 


Here is the backyard of the Stone House leading into a road less travelled.