South Peak Resort, New Hampshire Optimism, and Pollyanna
One doesn’t wander around the neighboring town of Littleton, New Hampshire long before realizing it was once home to Eleanor H. Porter, author of the classic children’s novel “Pollyanna.” A statue of Pollyanna, arms flung wide, stands in front of the Littleton Library and Littleton hosts “The Official Pollyanna Glad Day” festival every summer.
Pollyanna is the heroine of the classic children’s novel of the same name. The orphan of missionary parents, she was sent to live with her distant and painfully stern Aunt Polly. Though she weathered much difficulty in her young life, Pollyanna managed to find something bright and wonderful in every situation; even when no one else could see her brighter view. As is often the case for orphans (especially in classic literature), great creativity is needed to survive their tragic circumstances. Pollyanna’s choice of perspective and attitude positioned her to see the good in everyone and treat them accordingly. She was zealous and persistent in her efforts, and “BY GOLLY AUNT POLLY” she was charming! In due time even the most miserable resident of Beldingsville, VT welcomed her vision and began to embody her expectations.
Pollyanna was the creation of Eleanor H. Porter, born on December 19, 1868, in Littleton, New Hampshire. Eleanor attended Littleton schools and later went to The New England Conservatory of Music where she studied voice and was part of the Cambridge Choral Society. Her most famous book, Pollyanna, was published in 1913. It topped the best seller list for two years, was translated into 12 languages, and by 1920, had been printed 47 times. Eleanor said of Pollyanna, “My relationship with ‘Pollyanna’ is a very personal one, because Pollyanna got me through my childhood.”
The name Pollyanna is deeply embedded in our culture. Such was the intensity of Pollyanna’s irrepressible optimism that she became known as “The Glad Girl” and “Glad Clubs” sprang up around the country. One could even play the “Glad Game.” Webster and Oxford dictionaries define Pollyanna as a person characterized by irrepressible optimism and a tendency to find good in everything, but popular usage of the term “Pollyannaish” is pejorative and symbolizes someone who is too naïve, blind to reality, and exhibiting excessive optimism. In fact, it’s just not cool to be “Pollyannaish.”
The story of Pollyanna has been filmed several times. Notable adaptations have been a silent version, starring Mary Pickford, and a Walt Disney film released in 1960 starring English actress Hayley Mills in the title role. I remember the vintage Disney version and can still hear the gleeful voice of Hayley Mills commanding those around her to see things her way.
Consider this quote from Pollyanna:
“Aunt Polly, you haven’t left me any time at all just to-to live…I mean living-doing the things you want to do: playing outdoors, reading (to myself, of course), climbing hills, talking to Mr. Tom in the garden, and Nancy, and finding out all about the houses and the people and everything everywhere all through the perfectly lovely streets I came through yesterday. That’s what I call living, Aunt Polly. Just breathing isn’t living!”
Read Pollyanna
So maybe, just maybe…you are ready to LIVE, too?
South Peak Resorts is a wonderful place to LIVE!
People escape to outdoor adventure, and create family memories here.
Testimonials
South Peak Resort—Ski-In / Ski-Out…a Master-Planned Community on Loon Mountain, New Hampshire
South Peak Resort on Loon Mountain is an exclusive, master-planned ski resort community that offers a private lift to owners for ski-in/ski-out access. South Peak Owners enjoy outdoor adventure, family fun, and escape from hectic city life. South Peak Resort is nestled between the Pemigewasset River and the base of Loon Mountain. Loon Mountain Resort has been ranked No. 1 in New England for access and one of The Top Ten Best East Coast Resorts by SKI Magazine’s 2010 Resort Guide. Loon has invested $20 million in the last 5 years to add additional terrain, uphill capacity, and state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming technology. A beautiful two hour drive from Boston, South Peak is the perfect destination for families looking for a year-round second home getaway.
It feels as if some of Pollyanna’s goodwill and charm…the essence of simplicity and warmth…still lingers here.
Links:
View Littleton Main Street Live
Glad to Be in Littleton
Project Gutenburg has many of Mrs. Porter’s books available for free download or download Pollyanna in audiobook at Librivox.org
