19th Anniversary of The Collapse
Members of the public are cordially invited to visit the Old Man of the Mountain Profile Plaza and Historic Site in Franconia Notch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, to reminisce about the iconic rock face, which collapsed 19 years ago on May 3, 2003.
Several board members of the all volunteer Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund, including the Fund's President Emeritus, Dick Hamilton, will be on hand to greet visitors, recall the Old Man's history, and answer questions. District 1 Representative Dennis Thompson will also attend.
Hamilton was instrumental in creating the nonprofit Legacy Fund and spearheaded the drive that raised $750,000 to build the plaza and erect the seven steel "profilers" that recreate the visage of the Old Man looking out over Franconia Notch.
"People from around the world still have an emotional attachment to the Old Man," says Brian Fowler, President of the Legacy Fund board. "One way to acknowledge this connection is by purchasing one of the 1,000 granite pavers that make up the plaza. There are still 162 medium-size pavers for sale and inscription. They make a great gift to recognize or remember a friend or relative, and income from the paver sales funds various projects at the site. We expect there won't be any left by the end of the summer."
Legacy Fund board members are already making plans to commemorate the Old Man next year on the 20th anniversary of the collapse. "The board is discussing various options and we'd be happy to hear from the public," he says. "If you have an idea or two, come and see us at Profile Plaza on May 3."
The Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund website, www.oldmannh.org, includes information about the history, geology and science of the Old Man, and highlights all of the visitor experiences available in Franconia Notch.
