Ripton, Vermont

After the passing of his wife in March of 1938, Robert Frost struggled with grief, finding it unbearable to continue his usual routines. The memories at The Gulley, his previous residence, were too painful, so he returned to the Stone House to live with his son. The following summer, seeking solace and support, Frost attended the Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference in Ripton, Vermont. There, he found comfort and friendship from colleagues Ted Morrison and his wife Kay, who became lifelong friends. Kay assumed the role of Frost’s secretary, taking over the tasks once performed by Elinor, Frost’s late wife. Frost, who never remarried, returned to Ripton almost every summer until his passing in 1963.

The Homer Noble Farm

Frost purchased the Homer Noble Farm to have a summer residence while visiting Ripton. The property included a large farmhouse and a quaint cabin. While the Morrisons occupied the farmhouse with their family, Frost preferred the privacy of the cabin, where he could write undisturbed. Kay Morrison spent hours each morning assisting Frost with his papers. The cabin became a haven for literary discussions and late-night conversations with visitors and admirers. Today, Middlebury College owns the property, utilizing the farmhouse for faculty accommodations.

The Bread Loaf Inn and The Robert Frost Walking Trail

The Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, established in the mid-1920s, remains an important event to this day. The inn, owned by Middlebury College, hosted the Robert Frost Conference in 1999 to celebrate the poet’s 125th anniversary. The event brought together scholars and enthusiasts from across the country, fostering discussions and programs dedicated to Frost’s poetry. Nearby, the Robert Frost Trail offers a picturesque hike featuring Frost’s poems, developed with the assistance of Frost’s friend Reginald Cook, known as “Doc Cook” at Middlebury College. Frost and Cook often enjoyed walks together, observing nature and discussing poetry.

In 1964, a historical marker was dedicated to Frost near the Homer Noble Farm, honoring his legacy as a distinguished American poet and his affinity for Vermont. The trail, curated by Cook, offers a unique opportunity to explore Frost’s poetry amidst the natural beauty of Ripton.