Painting

Object Name:

Painting

Object ID:

2026.011.02

Creator:

Drummond, Jesse -- Artist

Date:

circa 2009

Description:

Painting. Watercolor of David Souter's Weare, NH home with the mailbox at an angle in the lower left corner, by Jesse Drummond, c. 2009. Yellow flowers and small trees occupy the foreground with the weathered brown house and faded barn door in the background. Signed, "Jesse" in black paint in the lower right corner.

Material:

Watercolor
Paper

Dimensions:

H-8.375 W-10.875 inches

Provenance:

From the collection of Justice David H. Souter. Included in Centennial Auctions estate sale on April 14, 2026.

The painting was a gift to David Souter in 2009. His letter accompanying the painting states, "News on your retirement was often accompanied with a photo of your house in Weare. A photo I thought would make a nice watercolor painting. In appreciation for your years serving our country, please accept this watercolor as a gift from me. Sincerely, Jesse Drummond."

The weathered and rusted mailbox from Justice David Souter's Weare, NH, home became a symbol for him and his modest lifestyle. Following his 2005 vote in the "Kelo vs. City of New London" decision in favor of eminent domain for commercial developments, Libertarian activist Logan Darrow Clements started a petition to seize Justice David Souter's property for the creation of "The Lost Liberty Hotel." Clement was photographed next to the tilted mailbox with the weathered brown house in the background. Images of the mailbox and property became symbols of the eminent domain debate and David Souter himself.

Credit Line:

New Hampshire Historical Society Purchase, Katharine Prentis Murphy Fund

People:

Souter, David H. (1939-2025)

Subjects:

Courts, Supreme Court justices, Judges, Activists