We certainly have other places named in Biscuit Hollow that are as common to us as Harvard Square is to the blue-bloods. In general, more by happenstance than by purpose; more naturally than by necessity. Let’s see, all of us that lived in the valley knew the “springhouse”, the “hickory tree”, or the “upper gate”, all obvious derivatives. We had roads called “Sam Hill” for unknown reasons, and “Crotch Hollow” for reasons I dared not ask. If you were hunting or hiking, you referred to the “front ridge”, the “ravine”, the “bowl”, and every wood’s wizened inhabitant of Biscuit Hollow knew naturally whereof you spoke. The trail called the “high road” led you past the “PA rock” and the “big rocks”. The “middle road” passes “package rock”, a great seat and hunting location.
Other specific sites include Skip’s doghouse, the point, Gordy’s, the high pine, Dean’s barrel, air castle. Or the orchard, the swamp, the pines. You get the idea. And then, you have the camps on "Mount Laurel":
"Two Dogs", "Buzzard’s Nest", "Archer’s Den", "Timbuck Two", "Birch Saddle", "Green Bus".
So, I guess it might be natural to name the pond. It might even be easier than calling it by the boorish “new pond”. Versus the “old pond” that’s across the road from the “lower yard”. I spent my teenage through college summers on Long Pond, but the shape of our pond doesn’t really suggest an interesting moniker. My best friend’s grandfather owned Jay’s Pond in Troupsburg, but a label of Phil and Jann’s pond doesn’t excite either. Maybe Lou’s Lake, or Biscuit Hollow Beach. Jeff say’s Golden Pond, because he liked the movie. I visited Thoreau’s Walden Pond a couple of years ago but that name doesn’t fit. It appears peaceful,
But look in the other direction and Henry would no longer feel quite so inspired.
So, if you have any ideas for naming the pond, please jump in (pun intended).
5 comments:
Hmmm, a body of liquid in Bisquit Hollow? How about, "Gravy Pond"?
Years ago, the father built a great pond. He laboriously dug away the rocky ground, and he surrounded it with tall evergreens for protection. For many years the pond was enjoyed by all. Frogs flourished in its muddy bottom. Deer & Turkey came to drink its spring fed waters. Countless feathered friend sought rest in its surrounding branches.
But like the father, the pond grew older. The evergreens became overgrown. The pond filled with sediment. The animals found other watering holes. Eventually, even the frogs found the darkening water largely unfit for habitation. And as the father passed, seemingly so did this old pond.
Then came the time for the son to be the steward of this land. He invested in machinery. He cut back the weeds. He planted more trees. He shored up the sagging house. Finally, he decided to build his very own pond. His pond would be bigger. It would be deeper. The son’s attention was soon turned completely to his pond. After months of research, planning and work, there was at last a hole in the ground where a pond would one day be. But alas, it was dry. As the rains came, the pond began to slowly fill. The son spent more time & more money. He carefully groomed the banks and sowed wildflower seed. When it was finally full, he stocked it with fish. He installed a dock for swimming. This would be a pond all could enjoy. Every passing traveler would be allured by this new feature of the otherwise timeless landscape. Even the countless readers of the son’s blog would while away hours enjoying the photos & reports as the pond took shape. Then finally it was done. Now that it was full of fresh water, friends and family began to dip their toes from its dock or float lazily on hot summer days on its cool surface. It seemed that nearly everyone was or had been regularly distracted by this once dry hole in the earth.
The son had built his dream. And he called it…
The Wet Pond of Mass Distraction
So a canoe placed on said body of liquid would be called a "gravy boat"?
Very clever, Loren. I am pleased to be able to provide such a service. It's good to see you finally were able to take some time away from work (presumably).
I think that regardless of what you may name the pond... it will be called "Morehouse's Pond". I don't know if I would like to float in a "Gravy Boat" on "Gravy Pond".
Sorry to hear that you're sick. Hope you're feeling better.
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