Description
In 1805, a member of a survey crew working on building a road through New Hampshire's Franconia Notch walked down to Ferrin's Pond (today's Profile Lake), gazed up the side of Cannon Mountain, and was mesmerized by what he saw–the state's most iconic symbol, the Old Man of the Mountain profile. A few years later, the Flume Gorge, an 800-foot-long natural gorge, was discovered. These natural curiosities quickly gained national attention, and by the mid-1800s, Franconia Notch was a tourist mecca; the limited stagecoach travel through the notch became daily, and the simple overnight accommodations were replaced with the Flume House and the Profile House, two grand hotels that could accommodate hundreds of overnight guests. After fire destroyed the Profile House in 1923, the property was put for sale. A joint effort between the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, the State of New Hampshire, and the New Hampshire Federation of Women's Clubs led to the creation of the Franconia Notch Forest Reservation and Memorial Park (today's Franconia Notch State Park) in 1928. This book takes readers on a journey through the rich and fascinating history of Franconia Notch during the mid-19th to late 20th century.
About the Author: Erin Paul Donovan is a writer and professional photographer based in Bethlehem, New Hampshire. Donovan specializes in historic preservation and environmental conservation photography and has been documenting the history of the White Mountains for 26 years. His work has appeared in numerous publications worldwide; including Backpacker Magazine and Readers Digest, and in publications by the Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Countryman Press, National Forest Foundation, Rizzoli International Publications, and The Wilderness Society.
Steve Hill (verified owner) –
Erin Paul Donovan has published another fine histiorical accounting, this one focused on the intriguing metamorphisis of New Hampshire's White Mountains wilderness, a large, untamed and fascinating area that will become known as Franconia Notch.
The author stitches together numerous and varied archival photos, clear commentary, and some obscure details, that, all together, tell a remarkable story of ascention. Mr. Donovan not only does thorough book research and interviews, he is also an avid hiker and naturalist; he actually visits and documents each and every location mentioned in his writings.
They say the price of history is immeasurable. Yet, for a modest price you can have history in your hand. I recommend Erin Paul Donovan's Franconia Notch Book.