Literature Trail

John Greenleaf Whittier
The great abolitionist poet, journalist, and essayist John Greenleaf Whittier (1807-92) was born in the southwest parlor of his family's Homestead, situated amidst 148 acres of lush farmland. In 1831, at the age of twenty-four, he published his first book of prose, Legends of New England. Five years later, in 1836, Whittier moved to Amesbury where his career as a poet and abolitionist flourished. He became known as the Quaker Poet, and one of the 19th century's "Fireside Poets."

One of Whittier's most famous poems, "Snowbound: A Winter Idyll," tells of his memories of a fantastic childhood snowstorm and its evocative imagery crisply captures the magic and power of a New England blizzard, as the family gathers with cider and chestnuts around the hearth while the wind shakes the windowpanes of their Haverhill home.

"What matter how the night behaved? What matter how the north-wind raved? Blow high, blow low, not all its snow Could quench our hearth-fire's ruddy glow."

Whittier was an editor of area newspapers including the Essex Gazette and the Anti-Slavery Reporter, served in the state legislature where he championed abolition, and co-founded the venerable Atlantic Monthly magazine. 2007 marks the bicentennial of Whittier's birth.

Special events: Celebrate John Greenleaf Whittier’s 200^th anniversary all summer long at sites in Amesbury and Haverhill. For details, visit:
www.johngreenleafwhittier.com (Haverhill)
www.whittierhome.org (Amesbury)

Birthplace of John Greenleaf Whittier
Address: 305 Whittier Road, Haverhill
Phone: 978-373-3979
Website: www.johngreenleafwhittier.com
Hours: May 1-October 31, Wednesday-Saturday: 10-5, Sunday: 1-5
Admission: Adults $5, Seniors $3; Students over 18 $3, Students under 18 $2, Family maximum $10

Haverhill Public Library
Address: 99 Main Street, Haverhill
Phone: 978-373-1586
Website: www.haverhillpl.org
(The library contains works by Whittier.)