Old Man of the Mountain is gone

Manchester Union Leader ^ | May 3, 2003 | Staff Reports

[billorites]

The Old Man of the Mountain has collapsed.

The beloved New Hampshire symbol fell from its rocky perch 1,200 feet above Profile Lake in Franconia some time within the past day.

Workers at the Flume reported the incident early this morning. It is unknown exactly when the face fell because it has been hidden by clouds and fog for more than a day.

Dick Hamilton, president of the White Mountain Attractions, said it appears the forehead fell and took the nose with it.

“I never thought I’d see the day this would happen,” said Hamilton.

The face was comprised of five stones turnbuckled to hold it in place. The rods that secured the face were still visible early yesterday. The face was first secured with cables and turnbuckles about 100 years ago and routine work on it was done on a regular basis.

It is unknown exactly when the famous profile collapsed because it has been hidden by clouds and fog for more than a day.

The face was discovered in 1805, and is believed to be one of the most photographed natural wonders in the Northeast.

It is unknown if any of the face is intact below its perch, or where the pieces might be. The area below the face is rocky and remote and some officials believe the falling pieces of the face may have broken even when they hit the ground.

It is also unknown exactly where the fallen pieces are located. No injuries have been reported.

The profile is located in Franconia State Park to the West of Route 93. The profile is about 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide and has been the subject of many poems. It appears on the New Hampshire quarter and on state road signs.

[billorites]

Dang!

[The Hon. Galahad Threepwood]

[Criminal Number 18F]

Aw, nuts.

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F

[lsee]

Here's another view

[woofie]

Its a sign...I dont know of what, but its a sign

[billorites]

Somewhat like a death in the family.

[Momaw Nadon]

Build It Back!

[woofie]

Now will be known as "Micheal Jackson of the Mountain"

[Clara Lou]

I'm sure that it must be global warming. It couldn't possibly be that nature takes its own course.

[rabidralph]

It is unknown exactly when the face fell because it has been hidden by clouds and fog for more than a day.

Bush knew!

[Porterville]

I thought Merle Haggard died

[Porterville]

I thought Merle Haggard died

[AmericanInTokyo]

Abu Sayyef terrorists?

[AmericanInTokyo]

"Get rid of Joe the Grinder, BETTER be there alone!"

[GraniteStateConservative]

It's on the state quarter, our road signs, on travel brochures, and on our license plate since 1926. This is just wild.

[AmericanInTokyo]

"The old man from the mountain's comin' home, home, home. Thought I'd better warn you, so I called you on the 'phone. Get rid of Joe, the grinder: you better be there alone. The old man from the mountain's comin' home.

I've been a-workin in the sawmill, an' I'm all uptight and tense. I got wind that someone's been diggin' under my back fence. Thought I'd better call y'all, an' let you know today, That the old man from the mountain's on his way.

Yeah, the old man from the mountain's comin' home, home, home. Thought I'd better warn you, so I called you on the 'phone. Get rid of Joe, the grinder: you better be there alone. The old man from the mountain's comin' home. Wind it up, son, wind it up.

I been workin' my dang fool head off all for a dollar bill. Now I need a bunch of good lovin', so I'm comin' down the hill. Don't need no friendly Henry's warmin' up my bed. And the old man from the mountains means what he said.

Yeah, the old man from the mountain's comin' home, home, home. Thought I'd better warn you, so I called you on the 'phone. Get rid of Joe, the grinder: you better be there alone. The old man from the mountain's comin' home. Wind it up, son, one more.

Yeah, the old man from the mountain's comin' home, home, home. Thought I'd better warn you, so I called you on the 'phone. Get rid of Joe, the grinder: you better be there alone. The old man from the mountain's comin' home."--Merle Haggard

[Sloth]

[lsee]

ROFLOL!!!!!

[sultan88]

Oh No!!! We used to visit this site every year when I was a kid and we went to see my grandparents in New Hampshire. It was such an unusual attraction. Seeing the photos brings back happy memories.

[Cacophonous]

Looks like the girl I was with last night...she needs a facelift too.