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Historical Society |
that New Boston was once the home of noted playwright Horton Foote?
The name may not be familiar, but Mr. Foote's work is well known to most of us. He received an Academy Award in 1962 for his screenplay adaptation of Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. The young Robert Duvall had his acting debut in this film, portraying Arthur "Boo" Radley. Two decades later in 1983, Foote wrote the screenplay "Tender Mercies" especially for Duvall, earning both of them Academy Awards. Foote was born in Texas in 1916. He began his career as an actor, but became better known for his writing abilities. His plays began appearing on Broadway in the 1940's, and in the 1950's, he wrote for several television series, including "Playhouse 90", "Philco Playhouse" and "U.S. Steel Hour". Foote and his family moved to New Boston in the mid 1960's, residing in a saltbox colonial on Bedford Road. His wife worked as a real estate broker in town and their four children graduated from Goffstown High School. Mr. Foote continued to write prolifically during his years in New Hampshire; "Tender Mercies" was produced during this time period. The family left town some time in the 1980's. At the age of 88, Foote is still an active writer. His latest play, "The Day Emily Married", is expected to open in New York on August 3. He recently completed his first novel entitled Days of Violence. He currently resides in Wharton, Texas, the town of his birth.To learn more about Horton Foote and a variety of other local history topics, visit the Historical Society building in Central Square. Written by Sandy Molloy, with materials from the New Boston
Historical Society collection and other sources. |