Harlow Lent

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Written By John Freitag

Photo of Harlow Lent by Joe Mehling

Sherm Wilson and I were talking the other day about Harlow Lent, the last group of whose paintings will be for sale in the Strafford Town House on Saturday and Sunday as a benefit for the Strafford Historical Society. I mentioned to Sherm that Harlow was Strafford's first hippie. Sherm corrected me saying "Harlow was Strafford's first beatnik".

Harlow was definitely ahead of his time. An abstract artist and back-to-the- lander in the early 50's, he was a hard worker who also knew how to have fun. I can still recall how in the early 1970's he would invite people over for a full moon party and then offer rides to the moon for 5 cents in his old model A doodle bug. The closest we got to the moon being the top of the nearby hill where the Kynors now have their house.

While not originally from Vermont, Harlow was like other Vermonters: thrifty, honest, reliable and independent, and cared about his family, home, and community. And like other Vermonters his main object was not to become wealthy but to enjoy life in the midst of natural surrounding doing what he loved. Though he died almost 30 years ago, those of us who knew him and considered him a friend still keep a place in our hearts for him. The gift of his painting from his daughters is appreciated, not only to help out the historical society, but also in helping us all remember this remarkable and unique man once more.

John Freitag

I first moved to Strafford in 1971 while doing two years of civilian service as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War. I was involved primarily in organizing food co-op and NOFA, a farmers co-op. In 1976 I moved back with my wife Lisa and our 3-month-old son to work at Rockbottom Farm. I worked there for the next 6 and a half years. In 1983 I started working at the Newton Elementary School as the custodian/bus driver. I worked there until the summer of 2016. I have been involved in many civic organizations and town government positions over the years, including serving for 14 years as President of the Strafford Historical Society. My over 28 years of covering Strafford news for the White River Valley Herald has also given me insight into our community.

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