Three important new objects that shed light on the life of Franklin Pierce have been placed on display in the foyer of the Museum of New Hampshire History. All three items were almost unknown to historians who study the life of Franklin Pierce before the opening of “Franklin Pierce: Defining Democracy in America.” The items include a hotel register from 1864 where Pierce registered with his ailing friend Nathaniel Hawthorne. Former President Pierce had persuaded his good friend to take a trip through the White Mountains in hope that it would restore the author’s poor health. Meeting in Boston, Pierce began a carriage trip through the White Mountains with Hawthorne on May 17, 1864. After stopping at Center Harbor, they reached the Pemigewasset House in Plymouth, N.H., at sunset on May 18, 1864. Pierce registered at the hotel for his ailing friend and himself, but unfortunately discovered at 3 am the next morning that Hawthorne had died in his sleep. The second item is a rare photograph, or ambrotype, of Mrs Pierce’s aunt, Abigail A. Means, who assumed many of the duties of hostess at the White House for President Franklin Pierce, 1853-57, while her cousin and friend Jane Means Pierce mourned the death of her son Benny. After living at the White House, Abby Means returned to live in the Means House at Amherst. The third item is a telegraph message from 1852 that was the first news received in New Hampshire of Pierce’s surprise nomination by the Democratic convention. The Democratic Party nominated the unknown Franklin Pierce as its candidate for President in Baltimore on June 5, 1852. News of Pierce’s nomination reached Concord, N.H.’s telegraph office in the Eagle Hotel Block by the next day. John C. Moore, a newspaper reporter boarding at the American House in Concord, recognizing the news as an important event in history, preserved this copy of the telegraphic announcement. The objects have been given or loaned to the New Hampshire Historical Society. The Museum of New Hampshire History is at 6 Eagle Square. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and Sunday noon to 5 pm. For information 603-228-6688 or www.nhhistory.org.
18 Jan 2005 / 0 Comment
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