Let me tell you about my old man…
He was a very old man indeed…. some say he was born an estimated 2,000 plus years ago during the post-glacial period.
Even though he was so very old his passing was deeply mourned by New Hampshire residents as well as those of its sister New England States.
The Old Man in the Mountain. What a sight he was…so majestic…so proud. He sat boldly on the shoulder of Profile Mountain, which juts out into space, some 1200 feet above Profile Lake.
His profile was not to be missed by anyone visiting New Hampshire’s Majestic White Mountains.
I can’t tell you how many times we’ve pulled off the highway to stop at the viewing station simply so we could look at him, take pictures and just marvel that he was there.
A natural phenomenon…not created by man, but cherished by mankind. The joy never wore off…never became a yeah so what…been there done that type of attraction.
One day when we least expected it he was gone…simply gone. We didn’t have a chance to say good bye, take one last photo.
We knew he was ailing a little bit and had heard about tentative gentle repairs being done and minor mending needed but no one expected this… I am talking, of course, about The Old Man of the Mountain, whose stony countenance simply vanished overnight and was discovered missing on May 3, 2003.
May 3 2003 is a day many New Hampshire ites will never forget…like remembering where you were when JFK or Bobby got shot…9-11 and Martin Luther King...of course while nowhere near the same tragic scale and magnitude those events where, but a day we’ll not forget anytime soon.
I’m sorry if you never got to see him in real life…my shots don’t do him justice but I’ve included many links that have great photos of New Hampshire’s Old Man in The Mountain for your viewing pleasure.
Former New Hampshire governor Craig Benson can sum it up much better than I can …so I’ll leave you with his words.
"From its mountainous perch, the Old Man has stood for centuries as a testament to the steadfastness of New Hampshire's Yankee character and the resolve of its people. This rugged yet beautiful monument fit the character of the pioneers who founded this state, the immigrants who built it, and the spirit of those who live here today. It was the ultimate symbol of those who would "Live Free or Die." And while that symbol may have fallen, that spirit still remains."
-- Governor Craig Benson
Interested in learning more about the great state of New Hampshire... check out my friend Ann Cummings blog
and find out why so many of us love our state!
We know that you don't care what we know ....until you know that we care!
Jay and Monika McGillicuddy
Prudential Verani Realty
Hampstead NH
603-548-7728
When looking for KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE plus SERVICE at its best. Don’t make a “move” without the help of Jay & Monika your R. E. Professionals. Combined 44 years of R.E. experience 4 U
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Oh my word, Monika even I am in mourning! It's been years since I lived in New England but certainly remember hiking that area and enjoying the serenity and the view of the "Old Man" I'm saddened for you!
Thanks Carole,
I know it sounds corny but I really miss him!
It has been about five years since I have been in New Hampshire, but I made several trips there before that, and each time we had to drive the Old Man in the Mountain. It wasn't a trip to New Hampshire unless we did that. I guess we will have to find a new site now.
Hi Monika
Like so many others I too have visited The Old Man, and could not believe he "fell off the face" of the Earth so to speak. Like a silent Sentry he guarded the path to the White Mountains inspiring all who drove by him....I cannot imagine how the mountain must miss him most of all....
George...the old man viewing site is still there and people stop there just to look at the spot where he once was...seems to be just as popular as before...just in a different way.
Allison...It looks so bare without him up there!!! I love your silent Sentry...guarding the path...how very true those words are. I'm glad that you and George got to see him in real life ..the photos just didn't really capture him.
Monika,
Great minds must think alike!! I have a list that I keep ideas on for posts that I want to do, and this has been on there for almost 2 weeks now!! You beat me to it.......!! I'll just keep mine for sometime down the road.
We surely do miss our Old Man in the Mountains, that's for sure!!
Ann
Thanks Ann, I just wish I had taken an "After Photo" when we were there last month!!! Drove right by on our way home from the state convention.