Last Sunday I ventured into New Hampshire to meet up with my mentor/professor/former supervisor/colleague, whom I first and foremost call my friend. We met in Hanover for a lovely visit and walked around the campus of Dartmouth College.
Before she arrived, I found the nearest university memorabilia store to pick up this patch. It was the only one they had, and to be honest, I had no idea what "Tuck" meant or the significance of 1900. This would typically go against my collection development policy -- the acquisition of a patch that may not be relevant to my experience in a city; however, in this case I argued that my visit with my friend gave the patch symbolic value (Who is James O'Toole?)**, and that superceded its lack of evidential or informational value (Who is T.R. Schellenberg?)**. I later discovered that Tuck is the name of Dartmouth's School of Business, founded in 1900. I'm sure my dad (also a patch collector extraordinaire) is shaking his head right now.
After my friend and I strolled through campus and toured the marvelous Baker-Berry Library, we had lunch at the Pine Restaurant at Hanover Inn. I had such a wonderful visit with her, and I am so glad that we have continued to stay in each other's lives since I finished school.
After we parted ways, I began the 2 1/2 hour trip back to Boston. Part of the drive is through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and includes one amazing scenic overlook. Once I got back onto I-93, it was still only 2:30 in the afternoon, so I had a lot more time in the day before I needed to get home. I kept my eyes peeled for brown signs along the highway. New England is so full of history that if you travel more than 20 miles on a highway, you're bound to come upon a historic site. And you know what that means -- PATCHES.
I was almost to Derry, New Hampshire when I came upon a brown sign that said "Robert Frost Farm." I took the exit. I arrived at the farm and was greeted by a very friendly staff person who told me the last tour of the day had just begun, so I paid my $4 and joined the group. Frost lived at the farm in Derry from 1900-1911, and many of his later poems are attributed to his years spent there. Unfortunately, they didn't have any patches at the farm's gift shop, but I suggested it as an addition to their merchandise. Perhaps when I take my pops there next time, we'll have a patch to collect.
**For those who do not understand, this is archives speak, specifically archival appraisal theory (although I'm actually partial to archival access theory). To learn more about the SLanguage, read my post about LSU or SListers Geaux toux Chicageaux.
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