Keeping to the left, a sweep of the road takes us to the old cemetery, laid out, as was the custom of the early days, on every large estate. It is surrounded by an iron fence and is fringed with trees, among which is a staunch willow which was brought as a slip from the grave of Napoleon I. It was fittingly planted here, and taking kindly to its new home, lends additional interest to the historic estate.
Inside the cemetery all of the Stark family lie buried, with the exception of the emigrant ancestor, Archibald Stark. Passing through the gates and up a flight of stone steps, a second enclosure is reached. Here lies Caleb Stark, so famous in American history, and over his grave a monument is erected to his memory.
Leaving the cemetery and following the wide stretch of road which winds in and out, with stone walls on either side, we drive through the heart of a woodland in the direction of the house. The road was bounded by monarchs of the forest,—tall, lofty trees, many of which bear the mark of the broad arrow and were known as "King's Trees," being marked in this manner in the early days, when they were set apart for use in the royal shipyard. Fortunately the king was cut down by One greater than an earthly forester, and they still stand to-day in all their glory,—monuments of the past and ornaments of the present.
In and out winds the wide avenue, between the drooping branches of these fine old trees, until it reaches the colonial mansion, which is a full half mile from the wooded entrance. The house is hidden from view, until the home plot is reached, by the dense foliage. It stands in the center of a large, open space showing fine lawns and old-fashioned gardens, bordered by more venerable trees, some of which are worth more than passing notice. For instance, a certain black walnut, which Major Stark transplanted from Ohio to its new home, took root here and is now grown to be one of the finest trees on the estate. Another, a beautiful elm, was set out by Miss Charlotte Stark, the last owner of the grant. Ancient button woods, veterans scarred and faithful, still stand as sentinels to guard the house, while mulberry trees shade the opposite side of the road. At the rear of the house is the garden, bright with old-fashioned flowers and fragrant with the odor of the blossoms our grandmothers loved.
Across the street are the barns. Here is stored many an interesting relic, including a saddle with silver mountings that was used by President Franklin Pierce during his term of service in the Mexican War. In the corner is the queer, old-fashioned, two-wheeled chaise used by Madam Stark for their annual drive to Portsmouth. In the house is still preserved the old-fashioned green calash which was worn by Miss Harriet Stark on this all-important trip.
The house was erected in 1785 by Major Caleb Stark and is known as the Mansion House. It was modelled after the manor houses of England, combining stately grandeur and picturesque repose. It is built of wood, two stories and a half in height, showing dormer windows, a gambrel roof, and a large, two-storied ell.
Everywhere an old-time atmosphere prevails—from the time one enters the grounds until the front door is reached. This entrance door is a curious one, being three inches thick and bearing a handsome brass lock and knocker which were brought over from England by Major Stark. Over the door is a row of old bull's-eyes, specimens of early American glass, green in coloring and rough inside where they were taken from the molding bar.
Plate LXIV.—Hallway, Stark Mansion; Parlor, Stark Mansion.