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Farewell to an Old Friend
Sunday, May 04, 2003 - Posted at 2:08 am EST
AlwaysPhotographing is deeply saddened to learn of the demise of New Hampshire's famous icon, the Old Man of the Mountain at age 30,000. The Old Man, shown here in a 2002 photograph by Richard Cox, succumbed to "natural causes". There were no witnesses to his collapse which happened either late Friday (5/2) or early Saturday (5/3), but authorities are confident that there was no foul play.
In his prime, the Old Man, was a natural stone profile that inspired Daniel Webster to say "In the mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show that there He makes men." In 1851, the Old Man was featured in Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic short story, "The Great Stone Face".
Since his discovery in 1805, the Man had one of the most photographed faces in New Hampshire. His image also appeared on license plates and road signs thorughout the state. The Man was so identified with his state that his image was chosen to appear on the New Hampshire state quarter -- leading some to claim that it is the only two-headed coin.
In his declining years the state of New Hampshire tried to forestall the inevitable with regular cable and epoxy applications. Governor Craig Benson eulogized the Old Man on Saturday, saying that he was a testament to New Hampshire's Yankee character and the resolve of its people and, "the ultimate symbol of those who would Live Free or Die." Benson pledged to start a fund for the Old Man's restoration.
Sad as we are to see him go, we think that its time to let the Old Man rest in peace. If we want man made attractions, we'll go to Mount Rushmore!
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National Press Photographers Association
Thursday, May 01, 2003 - Posted at 10:23 pm EST
Best of Photojounalism 2003 -- A picture of a "found" situation that features strong human interest, or a fresh view of an everyday scene.
A friend sent us this link to the very interesting
winners of this competition. The third and fourth place photographs are particularly humorous.
