Robert Frost Farm Historic Site in Derry, NH: Preserving History
Nestled on several acres of sprawling countryside, surrounded by natural wonders like shade trees and a babbling brook, the Robert Frost Farm immediately pulls you in and connects you to nature and history. This site is a national treasure, just like its namesake, and it should be and is preserved for current and future generations.
The Robert Frost Farm Historic Site has been meticulously restored and repaired so we can learn about the celebrated American poet and life at the turn of the 20th century. These historic preservation efforts require significant expertise and work, including old home foundation repair.
What Is the Robert Frost Farm?
What is an English class without Robert Frost’s poetry? “The Road Not Taken,” “Mending Wall,” and “Nothing Gold Can Stay” are just a few cherished works the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet gifted us.
Before he penned these classics, Frost worked as a farmer in Northeast New England. He and his family called a white clapboard house built in 1884 in Derry, NH, home for almost 10 years (from 1900 to 1911).
Situated on 13 acres, the property was gifted to Frost’s family by his grandfather on the condition that he work the land. It wasn’t easy, but Frost tended to livestock, chickens, and vegetables while soaking up his surroundings as inspiration for future literary works of art.
Why Does the Robert Frost Farm Still Matter Today?
Many houses dating back more than 100 years that are part of the fabric of our country’s history are disappearing. They may fall victim to age and decay or undergo updates with modern construction techniques.
However, some homesteads continue to join the ranks of protected properties on the National Historic Register and/or state parks. The Robert Frost Farm Historic Site checks both of those boxes.
In 1965, the State of New Hampshire acquired the farmhouse buildings. Today, the property is managed by the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation and recognized as a New Hampshire Historic Site. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its national historical importance.
Preserving Historic Homes: More Than Just Four Walls and A Roof
The house changed ownership over the years, but historic preservation efforts began once the State secured the property.
Frost’s eldest daughter, Lesley Frost Ballantine, was instrumental in the restoration efforts, thoughtfully selecting décor and elements evocative of the family’s time in the house. Many features are replicas, including wallpaper and furnishings, but the kitchen’s soapstone sink used by Frost’s wife, Elinor, is original to the house.
That sink was not just a sink, and the kitchen was not just a place to eat. The Robert Frost Farm is more than walls and a roof—it was the family’s home, a place where they laughed together and created cherished memories. And it was Frost’s poetic muse.
The Challenge of Historic Preservation
Restoring a home, particularly one that is hundreds of years old, presents various challenges. Along with public interest and funding, there’s the matter of the work itself. While staying true to original elements, aesthetics, and building materials is important, so are safety and structural integrity, ensuring the home lasts for centuries. It’s a balancing act.
Soil shifts, wood rots, and materials age, requiring updates and old home foundation repair. The Robert Frost Farm Historic Site has undergone several repair projects, including barn and house foundation stabilization, beam replacement, new roofs, plaster repair, and electrical upgrades. Some of the foundation work entailed using dry-laid stone.
Historical Home Repair and Protection
Long before poured concrete or concrete block became standard, many pre-20th century homes were built with materials like stone and brick. Though sturdy, they can suffer from wear and tear over time. It’s important to consider the foundation type before tackling old home foundation repair.
Depending on the foundation, extent of the damage, permitting, and other restoration requirements, foundation repair for historic preservation and extending the life of your home can include:
- Tuckpointing or Repointing: Removing and replacing damaged mortar
- Wall Repair: Reinforcing foundation walls with anchors, braces, or carbon fiber straps
- Piering: Correcting foundation settlement with pier systems (helical, push, or slab piers)
- Floor Stabilization or Joist Support: Installing adjustable crawl space support jacks to stabilize and raise sagging floors
- Moisture Management: Installing basement waterproofing systems, including interior drains and a sump pump, or encapsulating a crawl space with a vapor barrier
💡 Pro Tip:
Old homes can benefit from a wall vapor barrier installation to prevent moisture intrusion, aid the waterproofing process, and enhance the appearance of stone or brick walls. Dehumidifiers also improve indoor air quality and control humidity levels to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Carrying Lessons from the Past Into the Future
Many homes in Northeast New England shouldn’t be discounted as outdated structures. They have stories to tell, especially properties that are pieces of history, like the Robert Frost Farm.
Frost once wrote, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” His farm in Derry, NH, was more than a residence; it was the fertile ground where his poetic voice emerged. The landscape—its long winters, rugged stone walls, and still mornings—found their way into his verses.
Walking the farm today is a reminder that environments help shape narratives that often leave a lasting mark on the world.
Need Old Home Foundation Repair? Trust Groundworks
The Robert Frost Farm Historic Site is an example that historic preservation goes beyond saving structures—it safeguards craftsmanship, character, and the cultural fabric of a community. These places offer a window into how earlier generations lived and imagined their futures. In a rapidly evolving world, they ground us in something lasting and tangible.
Caring for a historic home is an expression of dedication. It demands investment, perseverance, and often, thoughtful compromise. It’s always a balancing act—respecting history while ensuring the space remains functional, safe, and welcoming for today’s needs.
If your house needs old home foundation repair and extra TLC, contact Groundworks for a free inspection and repair estimate. Preserving the past for the future is important to us, and we want to help you create a safe home you can be proud of.
Foundation Repair FAQs
Ignoring foundation cracks can lead to various problems that can become costly both in terms of money and health. The cracks can become more extensive, jeopardizing the structural integrity of the entire foundation. Other risks include water infiltration, mold growth, and pest intrusion. All these issues can endanger your family’s safety and decrease the overall value of your home.
Yes, foundation issues can significantly decrease your home’s value and make it difficult to sell. Proper repair can restore value and ensure structural integrity.
Groundworks’ solutions are made to last long-term. When you have your foundation repaired by us, it comes with a lifetime warranty of the home. This warranty is transferrable to new homeowners should you decide to sell your house.
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