The scene Sunday at Whittier Birthplace, 305 Whittier Road. (WHAV News photograph.)
The cast of ‘Snow-Bound’ performed in front of the very hearth described by John Greenleaf Whittier. (WHAV News photograph.)
More than 100 visitors decided they would rather be snowbound with John Greenleaf Whittier this past weekend than to do so in their own homes.
Visitors from as far away as New York witnessed dramatic re-creations of Whittier’s most famous poem, “Snow-Bound,” at Whittier Birthplace Saturday and Sunday. Curator Augustine “Gus” Reusch, who portrayed Whittier, said nature’s special effects enhanced the event.
“The weather was certainly fitting. We were snowbound in ‘Snow-Bound.’”
About 65 people attended the “Snow-Bound Weekend” Saturday and 53 on Sunday.
Vistors saw the snow-bound Quaker family and friends, in full period dress, play the scenes from the famous poem in front of the very hearth described by Whittier. The poet originally conceived Snow-Bound as a means of conveying to his niece, Elizabeth, the challenges of life in early nineteenth century Haverhill.
As he read the last line of the 1866 poem, Reusch reminded visitors, the outcome remains the same today.
“The world was ours once more. And the world is going to be ours after the storm tomorrow.”
The presentation was well done, well presented, and worth the effort to get out of doors to attend this event. I told people about this event, and sad to say, those folks profess to know nothing about John Greenleaf Whittier and his life; yet, people came from as far away as New York to join in the festivities..