By Corinne H. Smith, Thoreau Society member,
formerly of Illinois and now living in Ware, Mass.
 The door stands open at the cabin replica near
the Walden Pond State Reservation parking lot. A few
yards away, folks hurry to the pedestrian crossing in an
attempt to beat the crowd to the beach or to the hiking
trails. Others, perhaps first-time visitors, see the
vacant doorway and edge a bit closer with curiosity. They
read the informational markers, touch the outstretched arm
on the Thoreau statue, and glance at the cabin again. A
child runs ahead, peeks around the woodframe, and turns back
with wide eyes. "He's here!" A few visitors exit the cabin,
laughing. They've just spent some time with Henry David
Thoreau, who is seated inside.
Richard Smith, a Concord Museum employee and historical
interpreter, portrays the famous writer and naturalist at
the pond at least once a month. To those who don't know
much about Thoreau, talking with him "in person" can be
enlightening. Stepping into the cabin is an immediate trip
back to 1847, the second in Thoreau's two-year hiatus
from village life.
A family is invited inside. "You are not from around
here," says Henry. "I know the people of Concord. From
where do you hail?" The reply always provokes more conversation.
"Lowell?" he repeats. He looks at the young daughter. "Do
you work at the mills?" She smiles and shakes her head.
Another visitor is from below the Mason-Dixon line, and the
host becomes serious. "You are not a slave-owner, I hope."
Someone else has come from France. "Did you come by sail or
by steam?" To women wearing jeans, he notes "Is it customary
for ladies to wear their brothers' trousers?"
In return,
Henry answers questions about his life, his friends and
associates. He shares with passion his views on slavery,
government, war, and education. He is apt to have an opinion
on any topic. What about food? "I find eating meat disagreeable
to my imagination as well as my conscience." Each response
reminds the visitors that they've been transported to
pre-Civil War life. Not only a different time, but a different
world.
As guests take leave of his company, he admonishes them
to "watch for carriage" when crossing nearby Route 126. People
find themselves smiling as they walk back to their cars. While
the nineteenth century is a nice time to visit, it's a relief to
come back to the twenty-first.
Backgrounds: These etherial cloud-like backgrounds are by Word of Mouth Web Design. Does it get any better than these?
 
 
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