NH Daylily
Cathy & Gary Johnson own a farm at 48 Mason Road in New Ipswich, NH. A circa 1800 farmhouse known as the Davis-Russell House was a gift to them from their friend Bud when he passed away in 2007. Bud’s parents, Al and Gladys Hobbs purchased the property in the late 1950’s.
Al Hobbs had a passion for daylilies. However over time the field became overgrown. Cathy & Gary restored the daylilies into a working “pick your own” daylily farm, which operates in July just as the flowers are in their full bloom. Daylilies are the perfect perennial and I’ve had great success with the field grown varieties from this farm.
Cathy & Gary did not have their annual sale in 2021. They sold out of a lot of lilies and so did their wholesaler. The weather was also a factor as well as some medical problems. However they do have daylilies as well as honey, berries and vegetables. Call or text (603)930-2189 to set up an appointment to view the farm. It is well worth the effort.
The Wall Murals
On a visit in 2019, Gary and Cathy told me about the Davis-Russell house. The told me that it contained wall murals painted by Rufus Porter who apparently would paint a mural as payment for a place to stay. I had to do some research about this guy.
Rufus M. Porter (May 1, 1792 – August 13, 1884) was an American painter, inventor. and founder of Scientific American magazine. His obituary described his “long career of usefulness as an inventor of turbine water wheels, windmills, flying ships, rotary engines, and sundry contrivances for abolishing as far as possible agricultural labor”.
I found that there is a museum called the Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity located in Bridgton, Maine. How interesting to think he stopped by in New Ipswich to paint some walls. Gary took me on a tour to take some photos.
This last mural intrigues me because the building over the mantle resembles the Barrett House, a landmark building located on Main Street in New Ipswich, NH. Was that intentional? No way to truly know.
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