Robert Frost Farm (South Shaftsbury, Vermont) facts for kids
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Robert Frost Farm
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National Park Service photo, 1974
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 Location in Vermont
Location in the United States
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| Location | 0.25 mi. W of U.S. 7 on Buck Hill Rd., South Shaftsbury, Vermont |
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| Area | 153 acres (62 ha) |
| Built | 1790 |
| NRHP reference No. | 68000047 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 23, 1968 |
| Designated NHL | May 23, 1968 |
| Delisted NHL | March 5, 1986 |
The Robert Frost Farm, also known as "The Gully", is a special old farm in South Shaftsbury, Vermont. This farm was built around 1790. The famous poet Robert Frost bought it in 1929. It was his main home until 1938. While living here, Robert Frost won two important awards called Pulitzer Prizes for his amazing poems.
This farm was once named a National Historic Landmark. It was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1968. However, its special landmark title was removed in 1986. This happened because new owners changed parts of the farm that were important to its history.
Contents
What Does the Robert Frost Farm Look Like?
The Robert Frost Farm is in a country area of southern Shaftsbury, Vermont. It sits on the south side of Buck Hill Road. The farm covers about 153 acres. This land includes both open fields and thick woods. The main farm buildings are on a small hill, offering nice views to the north.
The Main House and Other Buildings
The main house is a 1-1/2 story Cape-style home. It was built around 1790. Robert Frost made some changes to it after he bought it. Later owners also made more changes. Besides the house, there is a barn on the property. There are also two smaller wooden buildings. Robert Frost used these smaller buildings as places to write his poetry.
When Did Robert Frost Live at the Farm?
Robert Frost bought the farm in 1929. His family likely started living there in 1930. Even though it was their main home, the Frosts usually stayed there only on weekends and during the summer. This was because Robert Frost had teaching jobs that kept him busy.
Robert Frost's Achievements at the Farm
Robert Frost wrote many poems while he lived at this farm. He won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry twice during this time. He received the award in 1931 and again in 1937. After his wife passed away in 1938, he spent much less time at the farm.
Changes in Ownership and Historic Status
The farm stayed in the Frost family until 1963. Then, it was sold to an artist named Kenneth Noland. He took good care of the farm, respecting its history with Robert Frost. While he owned it, the farm was named a National Historic Landmark. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Later, in 1984, a new owner made changes to the property that did not fit its historic look. Because of these changes, the Park Service removed its landmark title two years later. However, the farm is still listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
