Nostalgia
By Gwendolyn Danner
Harvard Herald
© Northwest Herald, used with permission
No date
Courtesy Harvard Historical Society

"... things donated by Helen Galvin...

Another gift item is a pencil drawing by E. A. Burbank to illustrate a poem superimposed on the lower portion. The verse is, "My Cabin in the Hills" by Addison N. Clark It is a simple little story.

When cares beshroud me like a pall
and days are gray with myriad ills,
I turn my back upon it all
and seek my cabin in the hills.
'Tis there I find my antidote for
worry of the sort that kills -
Heartache and strife are both remote
from that sweet refuge in the hills.
Within its walls true peace I find
Each restful day and night instill
new strength to cope with humankind -
Strength born of God's eternal hills.
O Friend of Mine this word to you
As Summer brings her endless thrills:
Would you your shaken faith renew?
Then build a cabin in the Hills!

The poem seems to suggest - to me, anyway - sizable hills. But Mr. Burbank has drawn hills not far from home I think. His cabin looks small and his trees do hot tower too high.

The picture could have been made at Lake Geneva excepting for a bush or two in front. There is a path with a deer, a small dog, steps leading down from the cabin, a fence. It is dated 1946 - only three years before he died. Eighty seven years old, and still seeing the world with the artist's eye. I would like you to see the picture. I presume it will be on exhibit - a copy of it - this is to be returned, at the Harvard Historical Museum when it again reopens.

..."