Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument

History lessons with Steffasaurus: The Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument is a statue that honors the poet who was born in Portland in 1807. It was dedicated on September 29^th, 1888 (six years after Longfellow’s death); it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Why do I love the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument?
1. He always has the most seasonally appropriate flowers and other flora decorating his base (well done, City of Portland). Oh, and for winter, the trees in his little park are a-​glow with color (two years ago it was blue and green lights; this past year it was purple and red ones… happy sigh).
And now some poetry: «The best thing one can do when it’s raining is to let it rain.»
2. He is home to some serious Congress St. characters (who want your change; do you have change?; I just need some change, man).
Some more poetry, say I: «If we could read the secret history of our enemies we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.»
3. He dresses up for Christmas. I don’t know of any other statue that dresses up for Christmas, do you? Annually, olé H. W. Longfellow pulls out his knitted scarf and beautifully decorated gifts, and tackles the season head-​on. Good on him for getting his shopping done so early each year.
One more poetry-​bit for old times sake: «I heard the bells on Christmas Day/​Their old, familiar carols play,/And wild and sweet/​The words repeat/​Of peace on earth, good-​will to men!»