reviews

Thoreau Is Still At Walden by Corrine H. Smith, Thoreau Society Member

The door stands open at the cabin replica near the Walden Pond State Reservation parking lot. A few yards away, folks hurry to the pedestrian crossing in an attempt to beat the crowd to the beach or to the hiking trails. Others, perhaps first-time visitors, see the vacant doorway and edge a bit closer with curiosity. They read the informational markers, touch the outstretched arm on the Thoreau statue, and glance back at the cabin again. A child runs ahead, peeks around the woodframe, and turns back with wide eyes. "He's here!" A few visitors exit the cabin, laughing. They've just spent some time with Henry David Thoreau, who is seated inside.

Richard Smith, a Concord historian and Living History interpreter, portrays the famous writer and naturalist at the pond at least once a month. To those who don't know much about Thoreau, talking to him "in person" can be enlightening. Stepping into the cabin is an immediate trip back to 1847, the second in Thoreau's two-year hiatus from village life.

A family is invited inside. "You are not from around here," says Henry. "I know the people of Concord. From where do you hail?" The reply always provokes more conversation. "Lowell?" he repeats. He looks at the young daughter. "Do you work at the mills?" She smiles and shakes her head. Another visitor is from below the Mason-Dixon line, and the host becomes serious. "You are not a slave-owner, I hope." Someone else has come from France. "Did you come by sail or steam?" To women wearing jeans, he notes "Is it customary for ladies to wear their brothers' trousers?"

In return, Henry answers questions about his life, his friends and associates. he shares with passion his views on slavery, government, war, and education. He is apt to have an opinion on any topic. What about food? "I find eating meat disagreeable to my imagination as well as my conscience." Each response reminds the visitors that they've been transported to pre-Civil War life. Not only a different time, but a different world.

As guests take leave of his company, he admonishes them to "watch for the carriages" when crossing nearby Route 126. People find themselves smiling as they walk back to their cars. While the 19th Century is a nice time to visit, it's a relief to come back to the 21st.

This article originally appeared on Concord MA in the Spring of 2004.

"As a Living Historian, it has been my privilege to be associated for some ten years, personally and professionally, with Richard Smith as Henry David Thoreau. Quite obviously in his first-person role his well-read and a learned scholar on his subject to the point that in persona he thinks, acts and reacts as one might expect from Thoreau. Richard is engaging, can be sly with an impish grin and a gleam in his eye, and is thought-provoking while engaging his audiences. I always deem it a pleasure and challenge to role play in concert with him in any arena. After a time with Richard you will truly believe that you have met Henry David Thoreau."

- D. Michael Ryan: Director, The Guild of Historic Interpreters: MMNHP Educator; Lecturer; Author; Historian; Re-Enactor; First-Person Interpreter, Concord MA

"Richard Smith as Henry David Thoreau puts the 'Living' in Living History. For visitors, talking to Richard at The Old Manse is like returning to the Nineteenth Century."

- Deborah Kreiser-Francis: Historic Site Manager, The Old Manse, Concord MA

"Richard Smith's portrayal of Henry David Thoreau was the highlight of our high school's AP English student trip to Concord in May, 2007. In addition to his superb and accurate performance as Henry (right down to the 19th Century costume), Richard was able to engage the students in a question and answer session that drew out even the most hesitant of students. Richard has researched Henry extensively. As a result, he presents him in such a forceful and factual way that you can not help but believe he is actually Henry. A must see!!"

- Wayne L. Dilts: English Department Supervisor, Butler High School, Butler, NJ; Member, Thoreau Society Board of Directors

"Richard Smith has generously given his time and talent for the Young Thoreauvians. He has led tours of Concord and portrayed Thoreau at The Old Manse for our group as well as supported us by actively attending Young Thoreauvian lectures and activities. I would recommend him for any school group or educational activity."

- Laryssa Duncan: Member, Thoreau Society Board of Directors; Founder, The Young Thoreauvians

"Whether it's visiting Mr. Thoreau in his cabin at Walden Pond, walking with him in the woods, listening to his lectures and readings, or conversing with him in a public arena - Richard Smith brings Henry Thoreau to life. I love introducing the kids in my Unitarian Universalist classes to Mr. Thoreau; he keeps them involved and captivated. This is one historical figure they will definitely remember!"

- Lisa Rubin: Director of Religious Education, First Parish, Bedford, MA

Walden Watermelon Party - from Ranger Dispatch, Vol. 1, No. 2; Fall 2007; by Michael W. Mitchell, Visitor Services Supervisor

Walden Pond State Reservation Park Interpreters Danielle Priddy and Christopher O' Neill held the annual end of summer Watermelon Party this past Labor Day Weekend. The program featured Henry David Thoreau portrayed by Living Historian Richard Smith and tasty watermelons served by Park Interpreters Priddy and O' Neill. Over 350 park visitors participated, making the Watermelon Party one of our most successful programs of the season.

Many visitors who participated in the program are visitors who come to the Watermelon Party every year to celebrate the unofficial end of summer. Park Interpreters Priddy and O' Neill shared stories with visitors and answered their many questions while the visitors enjoyed tasty watermelons on a hot late summer day. Many first time participants of all ages also attended this year. It is always fun to watch visitors' facial expressions as they approach the Thoreau house replica only to be greeted by two friendly Park Interpreters offering free watermelon. Visitors are then taken back in time to 1846 when they enter the Thoreau house replica to visit with and discuss the issues of the day with Henry David Thoreau.

Thoreau was known throughout Concord for the juicy watermelons that he grew in the summer months during his two year, two month, and two day stay at Walden Pond. Thoreau once said, "In the dog days we come near to sustaining our lives on watermelon juice alone, like those who have fevers. I know of no more agreeable and nutritious food at this season than bread and butter and melons, and you need not be afraid of eating too much of the latter" (Wild Fruits). I think it's fair to say that those who participated in this year's Watermelon Party would whole-heartedly agree with Mr. Thoreau.

"I wanted to thank you for coming to the Paul Pratt Memorial Library on February 13, 2008. Your portrayal of Henry David Thoreau reading 'Walking' was informative, enlightening, and a pleasure to watch. The audience was captivated by your performance and had many positive comments afterward.

As you know, 'A Visit With Henry David Thoreau' was the first of many Thoreau-related events we have planned for our town-wide reading initiative, Cohasset Reads Together... What better way to begin our adult programming than with a visit by Mr. Thoreau!"

- Gayle Walsh: Adult Services/Reference Librarian, Paul Pratt Memorial Library, Cohasset, MA

"Every year I have the great privilege and joy of leading my class of high school juniors into the woods of Walden to meet Henry David Thoreau face-to-face, and they are never disappointed. Ricahrd Smith as Henry instantly captures the full attention and admiration of seventeen-year-olds with his astonishingly good scholarship, seamless presentation, and obvious love and passion for his chosen path. Furthermore, his transformation is so complete that students find themselves able to suspend reality and buy into the idea that the year is really 1845. The best part of Richard's portrayal of Henry is that he challenges students' assumptions and has productive conversations with them, as opposed to simply lecturing them. This gets students excited and allows them to dig deep, ask text-based questions, and challenge Thoreau himself. As Fall rolls around each year, I find myself eagerly anticipating my yearly pilgrimage to Walden. I have been meeting with Richard for 8 years now, and every year his brings some fresh new piece of scholarship or a new perspective to his portrayal, a portrayal which is in no way romanticized. Henry can be endearing and inspiring, just as he can be stubborn and difficult. Richard brings all of this to his nuanced portrayal, which helps students wrap their minds around the man himself and his philosophies. Richard is a rare gift to students and teachers of Thoreau, and I am so fortunate to be able to work with him each year.

- Amanda C. M. Lombardo: English Teacher, Brimmer and May School, Cambridge, MA

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