Maple Hill Farm
Maple Hill Farm
Maple Hill Farm was named by Franklin Colburn, owner from 1868-1917. Franklin planted maple trees in front of the house along Ridge Road to commemorate the nation's centennial. Originally a two room cottage built in the 1700's, the cottage grew until 1917 to its present state.
In 1964 the Beaver Brook Association was formed to preserve open space and to provide environmental and educational opportunities to the public. Maple Hill became part of the Beaver Brook Association property in 1974. Shortly afterward, work was begun to restore the Maple Hill residence (the farm, the barn, and the cooper shop) to its former attractiveness which took over a period of four years. Restoration was directed by Ellen and Hollis Nichols, Charles Hosmer and John Spear. Charles Hosmer lived in the house until 1985 and was the caretaker for Maple Hill until a director was appointed. At that time it was decided to make Maple Hill the central office for Beaver Brook.
Garden design and horticulture began in earnest at Beaver Brook when the trustees designated Maple Hill as the associations horticultural center. Its purpose was to develop this as an educational resource and a way to supplement learning programs in Hollis, N.H., and the surrounding communities. Consequently, Dick Bacon, horticulturist and writer, was appointed to direct the horticultural programs at Maple Hill. Maple Hill was to become a demonstration center of good garden practices; courses of study of interest to the community were begun.
* As written by Mary Cover on the 'Development Of The Gardens At Maple Hill', from the Maple Hill Farm And Gardens notebook, September, 1994. (As a former Maple Hill Gardener, Mary Cover's written record of the Maple Hill Gardens begins with this historical account and extends through 1994. In the early spring of 1997, Mary Cover left Maple Hill Gardens to tend her Heavenly Father's gardens.)