The Gardens at Maple Hill Farm

I had not yet met Ellen Nichols the first few times I went to Maple Hill Farm. I knew that Maple Hill Farm had beautiful gardens and a trail system operated by the Beaver Brook Association. It was a beautiful place to visit and I would go there with my children who were about 3 and 4 years old.

I was working as the Activities Director at an Assisted Living Facility when I met Ellen Nichols who was there only a short time recovering from an injury (I believe it was a broken hip). We talked about the area and Hollis, NH and she asked if I was familiar with Maple Hill Farm. Of course I was, and explained how I would take my boys there. She was thrilled as she explained that she and her husband, Hollis Nichols, had donated the land and that the Beaver Brook Association had been founded by her husband and his cousin.

This past weekend I went back to visit the gardens. It has been at least eight years since I visited. It was a beautiful place to spend the afternoon, a great place to say good-bye to summer, and great place to remember a lovely lady from Hollis, NH.

Ellen B. Nichols
May 5th 1911 - Sept 22nd 2000