The "Boston Herald" reported his retirement plans in its 9/8/61 issue. "Walpole [NH] is famous for its scenic setting. High on a hilltop with a magnificent panorama is Autumn Hill Gift Shop. Here on a 100-acre farm, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Petrie and their 23-year-old son, Eric, have established an unusual and distinctive gift shop. A huge old dairy barn has been transformed into a shop with five departments: Country Store, Back Parlor, Country Collection, Garden Room, and Country Kitchen".