The Madame Sherri Forest

The Conservation Commission
Chesterfield, New Hampshire

The 488 acres of the Madame Sherri Forest was generously donated for conservation to the Society for the Preservation of New Hampshire Forests by Anne Stokes. The forest is named for the eccentric Madame Antoinette Sherri. Madame Sherri, who had worked as a costume designer for the Zigfield Follies in the 1920s, had built her country "Castle" in the woods of Chesterfield. She became famous (or infamous) for the parties she threw for visitors from the city and was said to have driven about the town during the summer wearing a fur coat and nothing else. Madame Sherri died in 1965 at the age of 84 but for many years prior the castle had fallen to neglect and vandalism. On October 18, 1962 it was destroyed by fire. The foundation, chimneys and a grand stone staircase from the once magnificent house can be seen adjacent to the Madame Sherri Forest on a side trail close to the entrance off the Gulf Road.

Only the Best*
Madame Sherri

Indian Pond/Mine ledge
with
Fritz Wetherbee

Requires RealPlayer Pluggin.

New Hampshire Public Television's
NHPTV
Fritz Wetherbee
explores the life and death of
the remarkable women behind
Madame Sherri's
"Castle"

Presented by permission of
NH Public Television

Indian Pond & East Hill
from Mine Ledge Trail

Map for Text Browsers

Indian Pond from Mine Ledge Trail, 2001
(Click for detail)

Indian Pond
October, 1998
The main trail initially parallels a beaver pond and then slopes upward adjacent to a stream to Indian Pond. The pond is surrounded by rugged hills giving a sense of quiet isolation. The trail continues climbing steeply to ledges overlooking the pond and the mountains to the east. It eventually leads to Miner's Ledge and Mt. Wantastiquet.

Sherri Photo Album

Ann Stokes Loop Trail

The Madame Sherri Forest is the jumping off point for the Ann Stokes Loop Trail. This loop covers nearly 2 miles and provides an interesting tour of both the Madame Sherri Forest and the Cook Town Forest. The trail was dedicated October 17th, 1998 and has become one of the most popular trails exploring the natural beauty of Chesterfield. The loop includes a visit to Indian Pond as well as the excellent views of East Hill and covers widely varying terrain.

Ann Stokes at Dedication

Jeff Nugent's article in the Brattleboro Reformer from October, 1998 provides an excellent view of the Stokes Loop and highlights the trail's importance among the natural preserves of Southwestern New Hampshire and Southeastern Vermont.

Stokes Loop Map