ESTHER HOWE WHEELER ANDERSON
The breadth and depth of Esther’s achievements might be obscured by her magic as a grandmother (and mother.) Each of sixteen grandchildren born over a span of twenty years received the same introduction into the fascinating world of nature, whether at her farm, in the nearby woods or on field trips around the state. Each child recalls walks in the woods, stopping to identify a lady slipper, Jack in the pulpit or Indian pipe. Her enthusiasm never waned and her patience never wore thin as she hosted waves of children.
Still, she addressed each of her other interests with an equal passion showing a remarkable ability to organize and process. Even as Esther raised her three children, she oversaw operation of the Frank Wheeler truck farm. She also personally cultivated and was recognized in New England for her herb garden. Her related notes and photographs were donated to the Herb Society of Massachusetts of which she was an avid member. And, in addition to the farm animals, she raised and trained Saint Bernard dogs which she showed with the Kennel Club.
Perhaps her dearest passion was to ride in the woods of Concord, Lincoln and Sudbury on her favorite horse, Lincoln Lady. On her explorations, she photographed natural phenomena noted in the writings of Henry David Thoreau. She coupled images with the relevant quotation and presented “Thoreau Country” around New England. Her slide collection was donated to the Special Collections in the Concord Free Public Library. Esther was a charter member of The Thoreau Society..
Throughout all her interests and occupations she was relentless in documenting photographically, including movies, her family and her environs. She left a full picture.
Much has been written about Esther which will give a more detailed picture. It is highly recommended reading. A good start to understanding her legacy is written by her grandson, Bill Anderson, called “Esther Howe Anderson: The Eyes of Thoreau.” See below.
EHA: THE EYES OF THOREAU, BY WWA
CONCORD LIBRARY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS: ESTHER HOWE ANDERSON
CONCORD ORAL HISTORY: REFLECTIONS ON ESTHER AS GRANDMOTHER BY K EMERSON
THE WHEELER SISTERS (BILL’S AUNTS, ESTHER’S SISTERS
WILLIAM WHEELER: BILL’S GREAT UNCLE
RAISING A FAMILY AT THE FARM / RUNNING THE MARKET
