On Friday morning, I put my hiking shoes on again for a long walk through the small town of Hollis, New Hampshire. We hopped in the Thomas More van and headed to the home of the Fahey family.
After English breakfast tea and homemade apple fritters, we began our walking tour of historic New England right in the Fahey's backyard. Dr. Fahey described the collision of trees in New Hampshire, and the unique arboreal environment that resulted.
From here, we walked down Federal Lane and discussed the low stone walls and clapboard houses that characterized the developing New Hampshire farmlands.
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| Stone wall, partially restored |
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| Clapboard house in the French style |
Then we walked through the trails of Hollis, learning about colonial development and the swamplands and native wildlife of the area.
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| ~ripples~ |
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| Preserved swamplands |
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| lots of lily pads |
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| Beaver dam. |
Dr. Fahey pointed out the remains of a small house and an animal pen (known then as a pound).
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| Dr. Fahey |
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| One corner of a house built in the 1700's. |
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| Dr. Fahey demonstrating one theory of how men constructed the walls of this pound. |
Along the way, we came upon a large, 200-year-old pond that had been drained just a few days ago by the local government. Dr. Fahey lamented the decision and explained the consequences of the action. Of course, the ecosystem of the area has been completely disturbed. You might be able to see the heron in the middle of the larger picture below. There are two herons that inhabit the pond area; with the draining of the pond, they have lost their natural home.
One of the most impressive features of New Hampshire is its trees, from perfectly planted forests to lines of orchard trees and so much in between. Just the variety along the trail was incredible.
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| As Dr. Fahey said, God didn't make this forest - man did. |
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| Apple trees |
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| Tree tops and blue skies |
At the end of the hike, we walked through the deserted colonial village of Monson. After difficulties with the local government in trying to establish Monson as a separate entity from the neighboring town, the villagers left Monson. Some of the ruins remain preserved today through the efforts of a local gentleman.
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| With Dr. Fahey as he describes the typical two-room colonial house |
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| Strolling through Monson. |
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| Looking back. |
After Monson, we picked up our picnic lunches and went to the central square of the village of Hollis. We learned about the history of the village, specifically regarding the Revolutionary War, during which 202 men of Hollis gave their lives. Finally, we visited the local cemetery and then returned to TMC.
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