Effingham, NH: In 1986 Patricia “Pat” Parker and Janet Normandeau left the suburbs of Washington, D.C. and purchased Snow Farm in Effingham. In the ensuing years they immersed themselves in the life of their farm and the Effingham community.
They restored the farm, gardened, and raised ducks, geese and sheep. They entertained, made countless friends, and brought the community closer together by starting up the “Coffee Break,” a weekly social gathering held at either the Effingham Historical Society or the old Town Hall. They also co-wrote a weekly column for the Northern Light newspaper called “Scratchin’ ‘Round Effingham” by “A Couple of Ol’ Hens.” The column ran for many years, providing town news and whimsical commentary, and ensuring that the two would always be remembered in town as the “Ol’ Hens.”
Community service was important to their lives as well. Janet served on the Planning Board and the Conservation Commission. Together they delivered Meals on Wheels.
When Snow Farm became more than they could manage, they relocated in 2003 to Province Lake Road where they enjoyed life together and their beautiful view of Green Mountain until Pat passed away in March 2023 at age 96. Janet stayed on, caring for the property. She was out and about on her rider mower just a few days before she passed away on August 3, 2024 at age 91.
Three of Janet and Pat’s friends, Kate Hartnett, Racheal Stuart and Maria Crockett, have been serving as Trustees of their estate. Knowing how much the land and Effingham’s natural environment meant to both Pat and Janet, the Trustees mapped out a plan for a permanent legacy to the “Ol’ Hens” and to ensure the protection of the 16-acre property. They had the idea to place a conservation easement on the property to add to the wildlife corridor established by the Forest Society’s 2,336-acre High Watch Preserve around the summit of Green Mountain. They contacted Green Mountain Conservation Group (GMCG), a land trust and watershed protection organization headquartered just four miles away in Effingham.
“When Kate called our office and shared their idea to work with GMCG, it was immediately apparent we had a win-win opportunity for the community, for land conservation, and for GMCG,” said GMCG Executive Director Matt Howe. “On November 14th we closed on the acquisition of Pat and Janet’s 16.5-acre property with their two-bedroom home. Our next step is to place a conservation easement on the land.”
Because the Trustees made a private bargain sale and worked with a conservation-friendly realtor who provided pro-bono services, GMCC was able to purchase the property for below market value. Once the conservation easement is in place, GMCG will place the house on the open market. Proceeds from the sale will support GMCG’s year-round research, education, advocacy and land conservation programs to protect the Ossipee Aquifer and Ossipee Watershed.
When all is done, there will be a permanent legacy to Janet and Pat, the land will be conserved, and GMCG will have additional resources for its important work in the watershed.
“As Trustees of the Normandeau-Parker Estate, we are so grateful to be able to honor Pat and Janet in this way,” stated Kate Hartnett. “A precious piece of Effingham with its stunning view of Green Mountain has been protected while keeping the remainder of the property and house on the Effingham tax rolls.”
Added GMCG Board Chair Peter Zack of Porter, Maine, “We want to extend our deep appreciation to the Normandeau-Parker Trustees for their generosity, their creativity, and their commitment to land conservation. GMCG will memorialize this gift, both at the site and at our headquarters, being sure to note Pat and Janet’s decades of service to the Effingham Community they so loved.”
