Rethinking My Controversial ‘Old Man’ Stance

Sixteen years ago, when I first found out about the collapse of the ultimate symbol of New Hampshire, "The Old Man of the Mountain" I reacted in a very controversial manner.

I laughed hysterically for about 16 straight years.

I figured that, after all, it was just a pile of rocks on a hillside and gravity and harsh spring thaws had finally caused the inevitable.

This piece above from WCVB-TV has helped to change my feelings as well as the following quote from New Hampshire icon Daniel Webster.

"Men hang out their signs indicative of their respective trades; shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the Mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men." - Daniel Webster

My nephews were all born years after the Old Man crumbled, and to think that they'll never get to experience the joy of seeing that face on Profile Mountain as you cruise up on Route 93, has finally made me stop my ignorant howling.