What’s New at the Loon Center

What’s New at the Loon Center

By Rosalie Triolo

This year the Loon Center in Moultonboro presents “Nature Talks.” The program begins at 7 pm every Thursday from July 11 until August 22. Loon Center Senior Biologist and Executive Director, Harry S. Vogel, is enthusiastic about this year’s variety of interesting programs and exhibits by experts in their fields. Topics will include Wildlife Photography, Social Black Bears, Creatures of the Night, Astronomy for Birders, Geology of the Lakes Region, and Rehabilitating Raptors.

Rick Libby of “MooseMan Nature Photos” will present his view of The Wildlife of New Hampshire. From walking in the remote woods of Maine to kayaking the lakes of New Hampshire or watching birds in the blue skies, Rick has photographed wildlife for over 40 years. He began with a little Kodak camera and through the years has graduated to professional Nikon cameras and lenses. On July 11, Rick will share his love of the quietness of the woods and his passion for photographing wildlife without disturbing their lives. You can view Rick’s fascinating photos at moosemannaturephotos.com.

Did you ever come across a black bear cub(s) up in a tree? You probably stopped in your tracks while cautiously and with some trepidation looked around for its (their) mother. These could very well be orphaned cubs. In his book “In the Company of Bears,” Ben Kilham, of the Ben Kilham Bear Center, talks about the world of black bears. He has observed and studied wild black bears in the Northern New Hampshire woods, watching the animals’ interaction with one another and their behavior patterns from friendships to codes of conduct. The black bears in the wild reveal extraordinary generosity toward one another. “The haves” - those black bears with an abundance of food - share with “the have nots”, those black bears with an insufficient food supply. Ben and his sister, Pheobe Kilham, work to rehabilitate and release injured, orphaned and abandoned cubs back into the wild. Cubs are brought to them at the Bear Center by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. The Center has been in operation since 1993 when they received one to five cubs a year, In 2012, they received 30 cubs, including cubs from the neighboring states of Vermont and Massachusetts. Join Ben Kilham on July 18 and become acquainted with the social black bear.

What are Creatures of the Night? On July 25, a naturalist from the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness, accompanied by three live Creatures of the Night, will discuss why some animals forage for food in the dark, while others use the dark to escape predators. An article in the January 8, 2019 edition of National Geographic was titled, “How do animals see in the dark?”

“Nocturnal animals have evolved physical traits that let them roam in the dark more effectively.” Key words physical traits. “The eyes get bigger and the pupils widen. For example, owl eyes are so big they can’t move in the socket, but their wide pupils help them collect more light.” If you would like to learn more about the Science Center you can view their website at www.nhnature.org.

Spend an interesting evening with Marc Stowbridge of Tamworth, NH listening to his talk on Astronomy for Birders on August 1. Marc is a member of Astronomers Without Borders and in 2008 he and the New Hampshire Astronomical Society founded The Library Telescope program. The Cook Memorial Library in Tamworth, NH was the first in New Hampshire to have a Library Telescope. It came fully equipped for people to check out (with reinforced connections, laminated instructions, and accessories) by Marc Stowbridge. Stargazers and Bird Watchers (Birders) have a lot in common and Marc will be talking about how a birder’s tools can be used to view the night sky.

Ancient volcanoes, inundation by shallow seas, mile-thick sheets of glacial ice and today’s climate change are all part of New Hampshire’s long and dynamic history, as you will find out from Jim Vernon’s Nature Talk. A Senior Hydrogeologist with Nobis Engineering, Jim Vernon specializes in groundwater sources for water supply and has conducted studies, development and protection in a variety of geologic settings. The landscape we are familiar with in the Lakes Region today has evolved over hundreds of millions of years. Interestingly, ancient volcanoes occurred about 100 million years ago in the Ossipee Mountains. Unlike today’s Ossipee Mountain range, when looking up at the mountain, there appear to be individual peaks which are what is left of a large, now extinct volcano. Three major eruptions about 10 million years apart changed the appearance of the volcano. Ninety-million years ago the second eruption created the famous ring dike. Join Jim Vernon on August 8 for a fascinating talk on the Geology of the Lakes Region.

Not all baby animals that are alone are abandoned. Diane Hime is a federally and state licensed wildlife rehabilitator from New York, specializing in the rehabilitation of raptors, porcupines, fawns and foxes. Diane and her husband, Jim Hime, run a wildlife rehabilitation non-profit organization. North Country Wildcare takes in sick, injured or “known” orphaned wildlife and cares for them until they are ready to be released back into the wild. Diane said, “Getting them to live is only part of the equation.” On August 15, Diane will talk about rehabilitating raptors and you’ll be introduced to three live raptors.

Listening to the haunting call of the loons on the lake makes one wonder and want to learn more about these majestic creatures. On August 22, at an End of Season Report, meet John Rockwood. “The Loon Man NH” is a Common Loon educator, author, naturalist and professional nature photographer. He will share photos and video of local loon families. Harry Vogel, Senior Biologist and Executive Director, of the Loon Center, will present trends in New Hampshire’s loon population and preliminary statistics on how loons fared in NH this year.

For information on the Loon Center, call 603-476-5666 or visit www.loon.org. The Loon Center is located on Lee’s Mill Road in Moultonboro, New Hampshire.

 

The Libby Museum is a Natural History Treat!

The Libby Museum is a Natural History Treat!

By Sarah Wright

If you’ve never visited The Libby Museum of Natural History in Wolfeboro, you’re missing out on a treasure trove of local history. The first time I went there, I was amazed at how many interesting artifacts and animal specimens were packed into a fairly small space. I’ve been back multiple times since, and I notice something new each time.  

Exhibit in the Libby Museum. Courtesy photo

The taxidermy specimens on display are beautiful, and give the viewer a rare, up-close look at some of our local species. Then there are the Native American artifacts, like arrowheads, and even a dug-out canoe. There are plenty of other artifacts from museum founder Dr. Henry Forrest Libby’s life as well, including his dentistry tools and other popular household items from the late 1800s and early 1900s, like combs, hairpins, and pottery. I found the old money to be especially interesting, since we once had different currency for the Confederacy, back before the Civil War. 

From time to time, more artifacts are added to the unique collection, like an old photo album that was found in the attic of Dr. Libby’s former home across the street from the museum. For art lovers, there is a changing art display that currently features nature photographs by Jane Kelley, entitled “Wings & Things: Nature of New Hampshire.” 

My kids have always liked the activity table where they could look at rocks and gems with a magnifying glass, or dig for shells in the sand and match them to the pictures. They also have a scavenger hunt for kids, and if they locate everything on the list, they can earn a small prize. 

In the woods next to the museum, enjoy some real natural history and take a stroll on the Libby Woods Walk. This was the dream of former Executive Director Lauren Hammond, and after cutting some branches and receiving wood chips from the town, it opened a few years ago. It’s a short loop through the woods, and even toddlers can manage it. It’s also an interpretive trail, so everyone can learn about and identify the native plants and trees that Dr. Libby originally planted there years ago. There’s an area of the woods with a ramp that leads to an old barn’s foundation, and the museum sometimes uses the spot for painters or children’s story time. Dr. Libby’s old hunting lodge is also visible from the trail, although the building is now used for apartments. 

The story of Dr. Libby is fascinating. I’m sure many people know that he attended Brewster Academy, but did you know that he married his Latin teacher? To make money, they moved to Boston, where Dr. Libby became a dentist, first learning as an apprentice and then later getting his degree from Harvard. He was also an inventor of sorts, devising a method of filling teeth with gold and then discovering that he could burn gypsum in a kiln to make plaster of Paris (which can still be seen at the museum.) 

Dr. Libby and his wife, Hattie, continued to summer in Wolfeboro, eventually moving his house across the ice to where it stands now, across the street from the museum. At the time, he owned much of the coast line as well as Rattlesnake Island. 

Dr. Libby had always been interested in science and nature. He started making little nature boxes of his collections in order to study them more closely, and then moved on to skeletons and taxidermy. (Most of the animals on display at The Libby Museum are from his original collection.) News of his hobby spread, and soon the townspeople were bringing Dr. Libby new artifacts, animals, plants, or bugs to add to his collection. After a while, he decided he no longer had enough room to house the items, so in 1912, he set about building a public museum to display them. He supposedly used wood from trees on Rattlesnake Island to construct the museum.

The museum was an instant hit as everyone wanted to take a look inside. Dr. Libby’s father liked to sit out front to greet visitors as they filed in. One particular story that I learned from Alana Albee, current Executive Director of the museum, was the sensation caused by the “Wolfeboro Cootie.” During World War I, a woman in Wolfeboro received a letter from her son who was on the battlefield. A little lice-like bug was in the envelope with the letter. The woman brought the bug to Dr. Libby to display at the museum, and it’s still there today! At the time, it served as a connection to the war, no matter how small. People wanted to see it.

Over the years, The Libby Museum has expanded its offerings to include numerous events and programs. Summer day camps for kids are very popular, with the Young Explorers science program for ages 5 to 7, open now for registration. Every Wednesday at 2 pm throughout the summer, all ages can enjoy the free Wildlife Adventures show, where visitors get up close to live animals and learn fascinating facts about them. “Mrs. Libby” might even be there to walk you around the museum and answer questions about the exhibits. 

New this year are Art Classes. Learn from artist Stephanie Blackstock Ayers and choose from Wildlife Sketching on Saturday, July 27 from 10 am to 12:30 pm or Landscape Painting with oil and palette on Saturday, August 10 from 10 am to 2:30 pm. Sign up in advance at www.thelibbymuseum.org or by calling 603-569-1035. 

You can also buy passes at The Libby Museum for the Museum Loop tour. Take an antique boat ride on Lake Winnipesaukee from the Wolfeboro town docks to The Libby, and then hop on Molly the Trolley to visit the NH Boat Museum, the Wright Museum, and the Clark House complex. Call 603-569-4554 for more information. 

The museum’s latest undertaking is a Restoration Project and Expansion. This is very exciting news for a museum that opened over 100 years ago. Architects began planning the project on June 1, and details will be ready by this September. 

The Libby Museum is located at 755 North Main Street, and is currently open from 10 am to 4 pm on Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 4 pm on Sundays. From Labor Day to Columbus Day, the museum will limit its hours to Saturday and Sunday only, before closing for the season. 

For more information, call 603-569-1035 or visit www.thelibbymuseum.org. You can also follow The Libby Museum on Facebook. Make a plan to explore this unique local museum today! 

Woodsy and Wonderful: Field Fine Art Studio

Woodsy and Wonderful: Field Fine Art Studio

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

The days of summer are fleeting, and when the forecast calls for sun and warm temperatures, one must take advantage and explore unknown areas. 

Thus it was that I decided to drive to the Sandwich, New Hampshire area for a hike on a trail that looked like fun. I never explored the trail - I got wonderfully distracted when I instead discovered Kathryn Field Fine Art Studio on a quiet country road in Sandwich. (A sign on the rural road announcing a yard sale or farm stand or shop are like magnets to me. If someone who lives way out in the country has taken the time to create a shop, I am always appreciative enough to stop out of curiosity. But as a lover of art, I certainly could not resist a sign pointing to a side road for an art studio.)

As I traveled through the pretty little village of Sandwich, I drove by the Tappan Chair shop (another great place), and continued on to Taylor Road. This is a beautiful area with rolling fields, old farmhouses and that rural tranquility I so appreciate. 

I was looking for a particular hiking trail and didn’t much care if I got a bit lost because the nice, sunny afternoon stretched before me. That is when I spotted a colorful sign in the shape of an artist’s palette with the words “Field Fine Art”. On impulse I made a turn and headed down a side road even deeper into the woods, which led to a wonderful art studio and the multi-talented Kathryn Field, who is the epitome of a busy, working artist.

Artist Kathryn Field

Kathryn maintains a studio in a building adjacent to the home she shares with her husband in the private setting. If one wanted to get away from it all way out in the woods, this would be how to do it. And yet, Kathryn is anything but a hermit. Her studio is often filled with students taking the variety of workshops she offers to the public.

On the day I visited, Kathryn was busy in her studio preparing for an upcoming exhibit. She met me in the yard with a welcoming smile and an invitation to come to the studio. Admittedly, my visit was a bit unusual in that I just happened upon the place, but it is advisable to call ahead (contact information at the end of this story). Luckily Kathryn had the time on this particular day to show me her artwork and explain about the summer workshops she is gearing up to present.

Kathryn’s studio is a huge, bright space with a tall ceiling where she works on a variety of projects. It is also where students can spread out with supplies to do watercolors, prints and drawings when taking a class.

When I visited, Kathryn was working on a large oil painting of sun filtering through trees. It was a beautiful painting and she said it is for her upcoming exhibit at the Museum of the White Mountains in Plymouth, New Hampshire. 

The walls are filled with Kathryn’s paintings and here and there a sculpture is placed, showing the range of her art skills. “I was educated at Temple University's Tyler School of Art, and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison,” she explained. “I started as a jeweler but switched to sculpture.” 

Sculpture was clearly her first love and she taught sculpture and design at Ohio State University, Washington University in St. Louis, the School of the Chicago Art Institute, Western Michigan University and Lake Forest College. After moving to New Hampshire, Kathryn was a lecturer in art at Plymouth State College and taught for many years at the Holderness School.

“I have been painting for 20 years,” she explained. “First I did watercolors and then oils.” For two years, Kathryn lived in Australia, where she was fortunate to study with talented painters. During that time, she also taught and she speaks of her time in Australia with great fondness.

After returning to the United States, Kathryn lived and worked in Sandwich. Teaching has always been part of her life, with a desire to share and pass on the skills she has to others who want to create. “We moved to Sandwich full time in 1999,” she said. “The land is a family property and we built our house and the studio here. I was working on commissions and thought that my studio seemed really big for just me, so I decided to open it up for workshops.”

The studio is indeed perfect for classes, but Kathryn includes use of the beautiful property surrounding her home and studio as well. She invited me to take a walk and I soon saw why this would be a more-than-perfect place for plein air painting. The large flower garden, and the soft green lawns around the home, offer a variety of scenic spots any artist would love. An old stone wall runs along the back of the property, and in the distance more fields seem to roll on to meet the mountains.

“When it’s nice weather my students can set up outside or if it’s rainy, they can paint on the screened porch of my house,” Kathryn told me. I spotted a large sculpture at the edge of the field and asked her about it. “Let’s go take a look,” she invited. Near the stone wall is placed a large sculpture that Kathryn created, titled “Balance”. It is modern and graceful and yet fits well in the wooded setting.

Kathryn works full time as an artist and has crafted a life anyone would envy, but she has achieved it by dedication to her art practice and a willingness to focus solely on art and teaching. “A typical day for me is exercising in early morning and then getting right into the studio for six or seven hours.” It might sound like fun and games, but in reality it is hard work to maintain that focus and skill to complete not just any painting, but rather to create successful, top-notch works of art. Along with painting, Kathryn puts time into marketing her work and creating and publicizing the workshops she offers throughout the year.

The workshops are well-thought-out and geared for areas of art her students wish to explore. “Usually the classes are made up of six to eight people. This gives everyone room to spread out and get lots of individual attention. I have a number of returning students and some are summer people from as far away as New York and North Carolina,” said Kathryn.

This summer, she is offering a variety of classes, including a Watercolor Portraits Workshop on July 2 and 3 and also on July 26 and 27; Landscapes in Watercolor on July 18 or July 6 and 7; an August class will be offered on August 13 and 14. Handmade and Altered Books will take place on July 23; Introduction to Printmaking is scheduled for July 11 or July 21. The nice thing about these classes is that all materials are provided. Students only need to bring their lunch, which is a relaxed meal on Kathryn’s porch or outside if the weather is fine.

With the skills of a true, dedicated teacher, Kathryn has taught students as young as age three and as elderly as age 94. “I like to say I can teach anyone to draw,” she added with a smile.

Off site, she spends a lot of time teaching as well. This summer, she will be at the Sandwich Children’s Center to teach clay and collage classes. At the Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery at Sandwich Home Industries she will be offering a Drawing Animals and Nature class on July 28.

Surrounded by the beauty of fall foliage on Kathryn’s property, autumn workshops will offer a wonderful time of year to take a watercolor or other class; Kathryn also offers private classes for those who cannot attend the scheduled workshops.

Along with her busy teaching life, Kathryn works daily on her own art and is represented by Patricia Ladd Carega Gallery in Center Sandwich, and Brothers Gallery in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. She is currently busy with work to be shown in a November 5 to December 13 exhibit at the Museum of the White Mountains, titled “Walking in the Whites: A Poet/Painter Dialogue”. Kathryn’s visual art will be shown with the poetry of Tim Muskat. Visitors will experience a sense of place, through poetry and paintings focused on the experience of the White Mountains. An opening reception will take place on November 5 from 4 to 6 pm.

Upcoming this summer, Kathryn will also be a featured stop on a unique Summer Garden Tour. The July 20 event is presented by Cackleberries Garden & Gift Shop and will run from 9 am to 3 pm. Nine beautiful gardens in Sandwich and Holderness will be on the tour, with proceeds from the admission price going to two local charities. This will be a great chance to see Kathryn’s garden and also to visit her studio. (For tickets, visit www.cackleberriesgardencenter.com.) 

The days of summer are indeed fleeting. When a nice summer or fall day is upon us, put aside your chores and just get in the car and drive. You might find yourself on a rural road with someone interesting waiting to share their shop with you. And if you are exceptionally fortunate, you might find yourself in a wooded, wonderful place where creativity is encouraged and the world of art awaits.

For information on classes and Kathryn’s art, visit https://fieldfineart.weebly.com/, email KathrynFieldFineArt@gmail.com or call 603-273-1326.

The Meredith Sculpture Walk Brings the Art Outdoors!

The Meredith Sculpture Walk Brings the Art Outdoors!

By Sarah Wright

We’ve already been lucky this spring to have some sunny weekends to get out and explore the Lakes Region. Locals and visitors alike are enjoying the beautiful weather, taking advantage of what looks like the beginnings of a wonderful summer season. 

I decided to take my kids on a day trip to Meredith recently, to appreciate some art outside on the Sculpture Walk. Sponsored by the Greater Meredith Program, this is the start of the 6th annual walk, with the purpose being to develop awareness and enjoyment of public art in Meredith for residents and visitors. The outdoor exhibit is also made possible by committee volunteers, and the generosity of sponsors and land owners. Many people are involved in this innovative project. 

We headed out early on a Sunday morning during Bike Week, ready for crowds. To tempt the kids into the car, I promised them we’d stop at Moulton Farm along the way for warm, delicious donuts from Cider Bellies. (I prefer the ones with the maple drizzle, but for the boys, it’s sugar all the way!) Cider Bellies Doughnuts is located on the farm at 18 Quarry Road in Meredith. The donut stand is open on Friday through Sunday, from 8 am to 2 pm. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. After relaxing a bit and admiring the colorful fields and flowers at the farm, we were on our way again. 

When we arrived at Main Street in Meredith, the place was hopping! It was a lovely morning, so I wasn’t surprised, but even so, I easily found a parking spot. All of the sculptures are centrally located, arranged mostly in a loop, so it’s not difficult to see all of the display sites marked on the map. Maps are available in a few locations along the route, but I printed a map beforehand from the Meredith Sculpture Walk’s Facebook page online. This season, there are 32 sculptures positioned along Main Street, in the Mill Falls Marketplace, and in the lakeside Hesky, Scenic, and Clough Parks. Removing the sculptures from last year and then installing the new pieces is a process that takes time. We did find that a few of the sculptures were missing, but it’s a transitional exhibit. Of course, those pieces might also have been purchased, as that’s an option, too, if there’s a special sculpture that “speaks” to you. 

I thought we should start in Clough Park and work our way back from there through Scenic Park and then over to Hesky Park. I was immediately struck by the variety of sculptures in all different mediums. There were metal sculptures like Black Sailboat, made from copper and steel, and a sculpture of metal geese flying across a sunny sky. One that I liked in particular was called Space Between Leaves, a circle of green metal leaves that framed the view of Meredith Bay in a lovely way. In contrast, there was the smoothness of Geisha, carved from Portuguese pink marble, which almost looked like it was made of polished bone, and the Picasso-esque, Marble Woman. It was a great opportunity to discuss art with my kids, and I described how an artist can look at a block of wood or marble, or a piece of metal, and see something inside of it that they can bring out by using their imagination. We also talked about the time and effort that it took to create each piece. 

As we walked into Hesky Park, we had the added treat of hearing a pair of loons out on the water. It was a rare sight, so close to the town docks! We enjoyed the lighthearted nature of some of the sculptures there, like the large wooden dog with a space the shape of a bone carved out of its “stomach,” and the whimsical Three Graces, made from welded aluminum. 

The Red Alert sculpture.

After crossing Main Street, we walked up Lake Street where we were greeted by a large metal piece called Red Alert, that made me think of a rooster. The kids disagreed! That was a fun part of the walk, too, interpreting each sculpture in our own way. Criss Cross reminded my boys of chopsticks (perhaps they were hungry?), and was on display next to the recently installed bronze “Archie” sculpture on a bench at the Community Park. We took a break with Archie before continuing down the road to the Mill Falls Marketplace, where there was such a variety of pieces! We saw everything from stone pumpkins to a metal guitar, and a flying owl. It really felt like an exciting scavenger hunt. 

The Sculpture Walk is fun for everyone, and a great way to introduce kids to art, while giving them the freedom to run around. It’s also a great way to get some exercise on a nice day. Take your time and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy by the water. Explore on your own at your own pace, or go on a docent-led tour and discover fun and interesting facts about the artists and sculptures. Tours meet in the Oglethorpe Lobby at Mill Falls Marketplace on Wednesdays at 10 am from July 18 to August 22, and at 10 am on Saturdays from July 21 to September 15, or by appointment. 

Call 603-279-9015 for more information or visit www.greatermeredithprogram.com to learn more about the amazingly interesting Meredith Sculpture Walk.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without stopping into the Innisfree Bookshop at Mill Falls, one of our favorite bookstores. We each picked out something for our summer reading. Choose to make a day of it like we did, and enjoy the shops and restaurants at the Mill Falls Marketplace. The Marketplace is open at 10 am every day, closing at 5:30 pm on Sunday through Thursday, and open until 9 pm on Friday and Saturday. It was a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours in Meredith, and I’m already curious to see what next year’s Sculpture Walk will bring! 

Remembering the Civil War at the Tamworth History Center

Remembering the Civil War at the Tamworth History Center

Story & photos Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

If you want to learn about the Civil War, there are thousands of books on the subjects. They give facts and figures, such as how many men perished in which battles, and the dates and names of camps and officers.

But if you want to know the human side of the war, and how it crept into the lives of local people, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Tamworth History Center on 25 Great Hill Road in Tamworth. (The road is in the downtown area, quite near the Barnstormer’s Theatre.)

The Laker often gets press information from the History Center and I have been curious about what the place might offer. On a blustery Friday in June, I decided to venture off Route 25 (I was on my way to North Conway) and visit the Tamworth History Center. I was aware they were presenting an exhibit this summer on the Civil War and also gathering information from anyone who had a relative from Tamworth who fought in that war. 

A call to the Center put me in touch with Bob McLean, curator. Although the Center was not open on that particular Friday, Bob was available and happily met me to talk about the Civil War project and to show me around the exhibit.

Before we toured the exhibit, Bob filled me in on some history of the building and the Tamworth History Center’s origins. “The Tamworth Historical Society formed in 1952,” he explained. “From the start, it was an active group. In around 2012, I joined. A few years ago, it was suggested we change the name from the Tamworth Historical Society to the Tamworth History Center, because we are more than a historical society. We also focus on education and involvement with the village.”

The group purchased a house in the center of the village that dates from 1830. It had a number of owners over the years, and was used as a residence, offices and apartments through the decades. When the History Center acquired the building, it needed repairs as many old structures do. The group targeted a part of the building - the first-floor entrance and exhibit rooms - to renovate with plans to renovate other parts of the building in the future. The result is a wonderful, bright and welcoming space with polished wood floors and great exhibit areas. 

“We finished the repairs and opened in 2016,” Bob explained. “Our first summer, we had an eclectic mix/theme on exhibit. Last year, we presented an exhibit of White Mountain artists, which was very popular. This year, we will be offering the exhibit on Tamworth in the Civil War.”

It is a far-reaching subject, but the exhibit manages to educate about the overall effects of the war, and the battles. It also goes well beyond those facts and offers us a look at how the terrible conflict impacted local families. In large part, we now know the local, human-interest side of the Civil War due to Bob and the work he has done on the subject.

It turns out Bob is a treasure trove of Civil War information, and he is just the kind of person I relish speaking with; he makes local history come alive not by statistics, but rather by relating stories of real people. When Bob and his wife moved to Tamworth in 1996, he found himself in an area steeped in history. 

“I was in a ‘Civil War mood’ and I studied the names of local soldiers on the town’s Civil War monument,” Bob said. (These are men who perished in the war.) 

That was the beginning of a project that brought all sorts of information to light as Bob researched names and families and when men left Tamworth to fight far away. “I studied the names on the monument and it grew from there,” he says. 

In sharing information on the Civil War and Tamworth, Bob began by saying that each town had a draft requirement goal to meet. Recruiting offices sprang up in each town, and local men knew they would each be given a $300 payment when signing up. (The payment was split into two installments of $150 each, and was something much needed by many struggling families.) Most men who joined up were in their 20s and 30s, with the oldest being in their 40s. 

After signing up, the men received orders of where to go and were given free passage on a railroad to get to the training camps. “Each state had training camps,” Bob said. “And by the way, we cannot discount the impact the railroads had on the war. The north had a lot of railroads, making it easier to move troops. The south had fewer railroads.”

Civil War uniforms in the exhibit.

In doing his research, Bob gathered a lot of information and decided to write up what he discovered. He did research at the local library and traveled all over Tamworth to locate cemeteries and the final resting places of those who fought in the Civil War. His work was extensive and he started to divide up the information, such as local Tamworth doctors in the war, the recruiting system, the battles fought, etc. This included the names, and it is the names of real, local people that bring home to us the impact of the war.

“I found a lot of interesting information,” Bob agreed. “Some of it was unexpected, such as the story of David M. Gilman from Tamworth. Actually, that is new information, and I just learned about it three months ago.”

David Gilman started his service in the Civil War as a private. He was wounded and sent home to Tamworth to recover. In 1864, he was healthy enough to return to duty and made a captain. It was then that he oversaw men from the “U.S. Colored Troops”. (The name “Colored” is considered offensive today, but was typical wording of the Civil War time period.) The troops was comprised of about 200,000 former slaves and free men, all of whom were non-white. All of the officers were white, and Bob shook his head when he says, “In tough battles, the ‘Colored Troops’ were sent in first.” Gilman survived and returned to Tamworth. 

It makes one wonder how a man from a non-integrated place such as tiny Tamworth would have handled the command. Had he ever seen a non-white person before the war? Did he make friends among the soldiers under his command? How did those troops feel about Gilman? There is no way to know, but Bob’s research brings the human side of the war front and center.

I asked Bob why Tamworth men signed up for a conflict so very far away. Most had no experience with slavery, so was it the reason they fought? Bob said, “I think they really believed slavery was wrong. And also, President Lincoln was a master of persuasion.”

As we began to tour the Civil War exhibit, Bob stopped at a glass case holding old photo portraits of a young husband and wife. He said this is a poignant story of the war, and relates that the couple were from Tamworth. “The man was Ira Blake and the young woman was Lucy Blake,” he told me. Lucy had a great skill as a writer and when Ira was fighting far away in the war, she wrote to him constantly. 

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Lucy Blake, wife of Tamworth Civil War soldier.

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Tamworth resident, Ira Blake, a Civil War soldier.

Ira was a sharp shooter and was wounded in 1864. The couple had a 1 ½ year old child, and Lucy left the baby in the care of relatives so she could travel to the hospital in Alexandria, Virginia to nurse her husband. She was a kindly person and while caring for Ira, she stepped in and also helped care for other wounded soldiers. What she must have seen after her quiet life in rural Tamworth one can only guess. She did write of her experiences while there; sadly, Ira died from his wounds in the fall of 1864. She returned to Tamworth and waited for her husband’s body to be transported home for burial. Lucy never remarried, but her journals are part of the exhibit and bring home just one story of the hardships of war. 

“The librarians at the Cook Library here in Tamworth were very moved by the story of Ira and Lucy and they put on a reading using the couple’s letters. I must tell you that by the end of the presentation, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house,” said Bob.

Many of the wonderful items in the exhibit are from the collection of Jim Sutherland, who grew up in Tamworth. A partial list of items on display are two military uniforms of Union soldiers, old photographs, gear for a typical soldier, including a tin cup and plate and crude utensils, and guns and swords. 

Whether you are from Tamworth or just visiting the area on vacation, the exhibit is a must-see. And if you had a relative from Tamworth who served in the Civil War, the Tamworth History Center members would love to hear from you. Information from the Center asks, “Do you and your family have photos, belongings, or stories passed down, relating to a Tamworth ancestor who served in the Civil War, or to life in town in the 1860s? We want to tell the stories of Tamworth veterans’ families who still live here. Did your ancestor return home after the war? Did he move west, with or without family members? How else did his experience affect the family? Did your family farm here languish, or grow? Did your forbears start new ventures further west? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Bob McLean, and Becca Boyden, Chris Clyne and Michelle Longley want to hear from you. (Becca specializes in curating family genealogies and stories. Michelle is a researcher and exhibit designer.)

Contact via email: tamworthhistorical@gmail.com.

Exterior of the Tamworth History Center.

From a young man who traveled far away and commanded a group of former slaves to the story of a young couple forever separated by war, the stories of the Civil War live on. The exhibit at the Tamworth History Center ensures that we remember those who served and their very human stories.

The Tamworth History Center is open Memorial Day to Columbus Day on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. During July and August, the Center also is open on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Call 603-323-2911 for information.

Canterbury Shaker Village’s Traditional Craft Days

Canterbury Shaker Village’s Traditional Craft Days

Courtesy of Canterbury Shaker Village.

Step into the sounds and sights of yesterday at the 2nd annual Traditional Craft Days at Canterbury Shaker Village, on June 29 and 30. Bring the family and visit with craftspeople, listen to live music, enjoy delicious food and even try your hand at lacemaking, felting, weaving, rug hooking or letterpress printing.

Over two dozen fine artisans and craftspeople will be sharing their skills over this fun weekend designed for all ages. Featured craft demonstrations include basket making, blacksmithing, leatherworking, jewelry making, woodblock printing, letterpress printing, spinning, woodworking, sewing, rug hooking, weaving, rug braiding, traditional boat building, broom making, and oval box making.

The event is open from 10 am to 4 pm each day and admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children, and free for children under 5. Members of the Village receive half price tickets. Tickets cover admission for both days. An additional $10 will be required to take the Village’s guided tour, A Canterbury Tale. 

For more information and to purchase tickets for this event, please visit: www.shakers.org.

Live music, sponsored by the New Hampshire Council on the Arts, starts at 11 am on Saturday with Badger’s Drift bringing past favorites and fresh material in the tradition of the troubadour. At 2 pm, Doug Hazard and the Sandwich Rangers step in with a New Hampshire blend of music and song writing. Visitors on Sunday will be entertained by different musicians starting at 11 am with Ragtime Jack Radcliffe with Andria Kim Stramecki, who offer traditional country blues. At 2 pm, Entangled Strings, Liz Kantz’ six-piece big band, will perform well-loved Americana music.

Food will be provided by Betty’s Kitchen, along with the Village’s own Café, located in the Creamery, which is stocked with delicious locally-made sandwiches, soups, quiches, coffee, drinks, and pastries.

A series of short, 30-minute programs will be offered throughout the weekend, covering topics such as the Village’s current furniture exhibit, the woodwork in the Dwelling House, the sisters’ textile industry, Shaker architecture, and a special, behind-the-scenes look at the second floor of the North Shop.

Courtesy of Canterbury Shaker Village.

Garry Kalajian will demonstrate blacksmithing, local furniture maker Tom McLaughlin will demonstrate veneering techniques, and fellow NH Furniture Master Roger Myers will showcase his woodworking. Master basket maker Barbara Francis will return, along with leather worker, Diane Louise Paul. Other participants include Sanborn Mills Farm and the New Hampshire Spinners & Dyers Guild, as well as Canterbury Shaker Village’s own demonstrators located within the various historic buildings on the property.

A special woodblock engraving created by R. P. Hale will be for sale celebrating the 50th anniversary of the museum. Hale also will be demonstrating period letterpress printing and wood engraving. Additional 50th anniversary events include a book signing on Saturday from 2-4 pm in the Carriage House with the author of the Village’s new publication, In Union: the People, Places, and Stories of Canterbury Shaker Village, and a dedication of the newly bricked patio at the Horse Barn on Sunday at noon with special free refreshments for all.

The event is sponsored by the Mount Washington Cog Railway, celebrating 150 years; Cog staff will bring “Peppersass,” the first ever mountain climbing steam engine, to the event. Additional sponsorship is generously provided by Sullivan Creative. Event planning and organizing was done by Canterbury resident, Dave Emerson, who runs Old Ways Traditions and was a founder of Wood Days, which inspired this event.

The museum is a member of the NH Heritage Museum Trail, which connects the public with culturally rich heritage institutions in New Hampshire. For more information, visit nhmuseumtrail.org.  

Canterbury Shaker Village is open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm, and seven days a week beginning on Labor Day through October 27. The Village is open weekends in November and holds a popular Christmas at Canterbury event the first two Saturdays in December. Groups of 20 or more receive discount admission if booked in advance.

 Canterbury Shaker Village is located at 288 Shaker Road in Canterbury, New Hampshire, just off Route 106 south of Laconia and north of Concord, NH.

Canterbury Shaker Village: a very special place

Canterbury Shaker Village: a very special place

By Mark Okrant

Springtime at the VIllage; courtesy photo

Those of us who are passionate about heritage settings couldn’t be much more fortunate. New Hampshire offers many opportunities to view relics of our past, from traditional museum collections to historic buildings, landscapes, and communities. Among the best examples of the latter is Canterbury Shaker Village, located on Shaker Road in Canterbury, New Hampshire. Founded in 1969 to preserve the 200-year-old legacy of the Canterbury Shakers, the Village is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its incorporation. 

How did Canterbury Shaker Village come to be? The group we call the Shakers began in England during the 18th century, when Mother Ann Lee formed a religious society among a group of religious dissidents. Initially called the United Society of Believers, they were labeled Shaking Quakers because of a peculiarity in their manner of worship. During the 1770’s, these Shakers made their way to the United States. Once here, followers established 19 self-contained communities, and a number of additional sites, all situated from Maine to Kentucky. Twelve of these were in New England, with community number seven founded at Canterbury. Today, the only remaining Shaker community is at Sabbathday Lake in Gloucester, Maine.

Shakers just as easily could have been labeled “shockers,” for members of established Christian sects were scandalized by the group’s practice of engaging in dancing during worship. One can imagine the reaction from a visiting congregation of staid, sober Puritans upon viewing the Shakers as they whirled about and clapped their hands during prayer meetings.

The differences between the Shakers and others did not end there. Shakers practiced a form of communal, or shared, ownership. Members lived simply, believed in equality of the sexes, and practiced passivism. They also were aggressive entrepreneurs, adopting new technologies and reinvesting their earnings into enterprises that benefitted both themselves and the surrounding community. It did not take long for Shakers to earn a reputation for quality, integrity, reliability—as well as generosity toward the region’s poor. 

Shakers practiced celibacy; therefore, propagation of the sect necessitated the ability to attract new members from outside. Amazingly, despite this limitation, the village achieved a population of 300 during the 1850’s. Moreover, the community remained active for 200 years until 1992, when Ethel Hudson, the last Shaker, died.  

Canterbury Shaker Village was established as a National Historic Landmark in 1993. Each year, tens of thousands of visitors follow Routes 393 and 106, before taking a left-hand turn, then traveling 2.7 miles along bucolic Shaker Road to reach the Village. Most arrive for the purpose of learning about the heritage of this interesting religious group. However, once immersed in the Village’s atmosphere—during a stay that typically lasts from two to three hours—many guests use visits as a time to reflect upon contemporary society, while renewing the human spirit in the process.

The entire site is 694 acres and includes structures, fields, forests, gardens, a nature trail, and mill ponds. Thus, there are both indoor and outdoor components to be experienced at Canterbury Shaker Village. Visitors should be prepared to walk moderate distances on paths of dirt and gravel, and be ready for the vagaries of New England weather. The 25 restored, original buildings, most dating to the 19th century, are fascinating and harken back to a time when buildings did not have air conditioning or heat.

Highlights of a visit include a first-generation meetinghouse and a dwelling house, both of which date to the 18th century. All of the buildings in the Village exemplify well-preserved architecture, and contain objects, manuscripts, and/or photographs. Visitors may choose to explore, both indoors and out, on their own or join one of the guided tours provided daily by the Village. 

Highlights of a visit include a first-generation meetinghouse and a dwelling house, both of which date to the 18th century. All of the buildings in the Village exemplify well-preserved architecture, and contain objects, manuscripts, and/or photographs. Visitors may choose to explore, both indoors and out, on their own or join one of the guided tours provided daily by the Village. 

Highlights of a visit include a first-generation meetinghouse and a dwelling house, both of which date to the 18th century. All of the buildings in the Village exemplify well-preserved architecture, and contain objects, manuscripts, and/or photographs. Visitors may choose to explore, both indoors and out, on their own or join one of the guided tours provided daily by the Village. 

During my visits, my favorite activities have been the demonstrations, which include broom making, letter-press printing, oval box making, woodworking and chair taping, spinning, weaving, rug braiding, and sewing. After a fulfilling day, we have never been able to resist the museum store, which offers artisan quality goods that represent the workmanship and resourcefulness of the Shakers. Some of the more popular craft items include oval boxes, baskets, brooms, and personal care products. 

No Village experience is complete without a visit to the Creamery Café. Here, the Concord Food Co-op and the Crust and Crumb Bakery provide light lunches, snacks, and drinks. Items in the museum store and café are locally produced, and prepared with Shaker traditions in mind.

This season, Canterbury Shaker Village will be offering a series of outstanding events. These include:

June 29 and 30 Traditional Craft Days

July 6 The Woodwright’s Apprentice

July 7 Medicinal Plant Walk

July 13 What Are Angels and How to Communicate With Them

July 14 Learn to Tape a Shaker Chair

July 23-Aug 3 Arts Week

August 4 Mushroom Walk

August 17 New Hampshire Permaculture Day

August 17 Shaker Oval Box #3

Each of these events necessitates purchasing tickets; it is recommended that interested people do this in advance.

The Village operates on a seasonal schedule, and is open from 10 am to 4 pm. During the summer, Shaker Village is open from Tuesday through Saturday. From Labor Day to October 27, it is open seven days per week, while only on weekends during November. Finally, during the first two Saturdays in December, the very popular Christmas at Canterbury is observed.

Canterbury Shaker Village is located at 288 Shaker Road in Canterbury. For more information, to purchase tickets, and to schedule a group tour or other event, call 603-783-9511, or use the Village’s user-friendly website, www.shakers.org.

Back on the Trail at the Science Center

Back on the Trail at the Science Center

Story and photos by Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

We’ve all heard the saying that you’re never too old to learn something new. I never thought much about that philosophy until a recent visit to the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center in Holderness.

For years, the Science Center was the place I took my son and daughter in the summer and fall. Especially in the summer, the Science Center held great appeal because we could be outside and walk a nice trail and see lots of animals we could never hope to observe otherwise. 

Now that my kids are grown and living and working elsewhere I have not had as many opportunities to spend an afternoon at the Science Center. But when my daughter Megan called and said she was coming home for a visit a few weeks ago, she mentioned she really wanted to go to the Science Center. I think it holds a lot of great memories for her, as well offering a place for a nice, long walk on the trail. 

She chose well because the weather on the Thursday we made our way to Holderness was sunny and breezy. The June sky was bright blue and full of fluffy clouds, making it a perfect Lakes Region day for any outdoor activity.

We found ample parking in the large lot and made our way to the gift shop for tickets. The first thing I always noticed and something that impressed me is how clean and beautiful everything is at the Center. The buildings remind me of visiting an Adirondack style home, and they fit well in the wooded setting. There is no trash as on trails I have taken in other places, and I believe those who visit are respectful of the fact that this is a place animals reside. The animals deserve to live in a good, safe environment and the Science Center is truly a place where they come first, which is as it should be.

Charming sculpture at Kirkwood Garden

We started our walk on the Live Animal Exhibit Trail at the Wood Energy building/area where we learned some information about wood burning and energy. Next was the Life Underground building, where we saw displays on microscopic creatures that live under the soil. It seems these creatures grind, tear, and shred dead plants, which is very helpful. Their work decomposes plant and animal material and recycles nutrients, which all helps with air and moisture. (This was something of which I was completely unaware.)

There was also information on the burrows that chipmunks need to thrive. Although humans are unaware, chipmunks live under ground and create tunnels and passageways that are three or more feet deep. It is here they have shelter, and it is where they raise their young and are protected from predators.

We also got information in this area of the trail on bats and the dreaded White Nose Syndrome that can devastate the bat population. (There is information on what you can do to help the bats, such as building a bat house in your yard and planting a pollinator garden to attract food for bats.)

The Water Matters Pavilion is a beautiful space that fits into the wooded setting. Inside the building there are huge aquariums with all sorts of fish, and displays about the water cycle and ice on the lakes and ponds. Also included is information about loons and the industrious beaver population. 

Before we entered the next portion of the trail, with live animals in natural enclosures, there was a large sign with a headline asking, “Why Do We Exhibit Native Wildlife?” It is worth sharing some of that information, so the reader understands the Science Center philosophy. “We view these animals as ambassadors for their species and exhibit them in natural settings so visitors can appreciate their beauty, observe their behavior, and better understand their lives.”

If you have wondered where the animals come from, the sign also explains, “Most of the animals exhibited at the Science Center are here because they are unable to survive in the wild. Some are orphans and cannot take care of themselves. Others were injured and are unable to catch their food or escape from predators.”

The coyote display gives all sorts of fascinating facts about the animal. We are shown coyote tracks and given a device to listen to the call of the coyote. The natural enclosure offers the coyote a huge space with a large glass observation window. It gives us a chance to see the animals at a distance, but close enough to really observe these animals in a natural setting.

Next was information on moose (and a giant moose carving in the greenery that was pretty realistic!), and fox and fisher cats. 

Out of everything we saw on the trail, our favorite hands-down was the bobcat and mountain lion areas. I was interested to see how similar the bobcat is in its mannerisms to a house cat, although I am quite sure it would be a different story to confront one of the majestic creatures! 

The majestic Mountain Lion

The most fascinating animal we saw and the place we spent the most time was at the mountain lion area. We were visiting in the afternoon, and many of the animals were taking a post-lunchtime rest, as was the mountain lion. But the huge animal opted to take its rest at the front of its natural enclosure, leaning up against the window. We got to see the animal up close, although separated by the thick glass. Words can hardly describe what it was like to watch this animal as it dozed in the sun so close to us. We were amazed at how huge its paws are and how easy it would be for such an animal to fight off a predator with a swipe of a paw. When you get close enough to such an animal that you can see its eyelashes, you see nature without a filter. It was mesmerizing and we quietly watched the mountain lion. The animal was so relaxed that it sprawled on a rock and now and then opened its eyes to gaze at us.

We have always loved the deer enclosure and the chance to observe these gentle creatures and this day was no exception. Two deer were snoozing in one spot while another grazed on some grass. In the nearby building we learned a lot about deer and their life cycle. 

Not far away, we opted to get off the trail and headed to Kirkwood Gardens, also part of the Science Center. The gardens are open to the public and were looking beautiful on the sunny June day we stopped by. 

Turkey vulture

Back on the trail, visiting the otter area brought back many fond memories; my kids, when young, loved this area. Because of the clever way the otter area was built, visitors can watch the otters as they swim and then surface to rest on the rocks. The water tank can be viewed through the glass and visitors get to see the otters as they swim under water as well as on the water’s surface. There is a fun kiddie slide in this area as well, and it is always a favorite with youngsters.

We were very impressed with the fairly new Interactive Playscape and Megan commented that if she were still a kid, she would love to spend all day in the natural playground area. There was a slide, rope course, things to balance and climb on, and much more. (Any kid who visits the Science Center will get quite a workout here!)

The Gordon Children’s Center was in place when my kids were young and I was glad to see it still is on the trail. It also brought back fond memories with exhibits on two floors and lots to see and do.

Then it was on to the fascinating Black Bear area. We observed from the vantage point of the top floor of a building, two black bears in their huge natural enclosure below. One was dozing and across the huge enclosed outdoor area, the other was walking around and seemed to be more interested in exploring than taking a nap. Again, seeing these animals up close is quite a fascinating experience.

Last on the tour was the raptor area with lots of information about owls and other raptors. Viewing was through large glass enclosures and it was quite something to see the creatures, ranging from Turkey Vultures to an owl and others.

We walked over the pretty marsh boardwalk area and by a field and were soon back at the entrance. No visit is complete without a stop in the Howling Coyote Gift Shop, where we shopped for everything from books, stuffed animals, and so much more.

If you are visiting the Lakes Region for a vacation, no matter what your age, or if you are a year round resident like me who “just hasn’t been to the Science Center” in a while, I urge you to visit this summer or fall. Every time I return, I learn something new and see it all as if for the first time.

Megan commented that she has decided to make a trip to the Science Center an annual event. I suspect it is because it brings back so many fond childhood memories, as well a realization that although her little-kid days are past, she is never, ever too old to learn something new.

Another reason to visit this summer is a new exhibit called Dinosaurs Alive! It will feature five spectacular, gigantic, animatronic dinosaurs that look, move, and sound like the real thing – and one even spits! Visitors will be able to see the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit for a limited time, from July 1 through September 30, in natural settings along the live animal exhibit trail. Dinosaurs Alive! is included in regular trail admission and free for members. 

The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is located on 23 Science Center Road in Holderness. It is open daily from May 1 through November 1, 9:30 am to 5 pm (last admission is at 3:30 pm). For information, call 603-968-7194 or visit www.nhnature.org.

Alton Bay Water Bandstand Celebration Day

Alton Bay Water Bandstand Celebration Day

If you have passed through Alton Bay, you likely spotted something unique: a bandstand in the middle of the water. You may have wondered what the town does with such a pretty structure. Is it simply for decoration? Is it just a conservation piece? Do bands actually perform in the bandstand, and if so, can you hear the music from the shoreline?

This summer the public will get a chance to see the bandstand put to good use at the Alton Bay Water Bandstand Celebration Day on Saturday, June 22. A hard working Alton Water Bandstand Committee has been organizing a day of events that will take place at the bandstand and also on land in Alton.

The purpose of the day is to celebrate the renovation of the bandstand. The iconic structure was built in around 1928 when a spirited and civic-minded group of men placed a cribbing of logs and rocks on the ice during the winter. When spring arrived, the crib seated itself on a shallow ledge formation in Alton Bay. The men went to work and built the platform and bandstand above the cribbing. In those days, the bandstand was the place where judging of boat races took place and it also was a great spot to hold band concerts for the enjoyment of all.

The bandstand, from its water location in Alton Bay, is a beloved symbol of the town and summer residents and locals know they are in the town when they see the pretty bandstand. But time took its toll on the structure and the committee, with the support of the town and citizens, has brought the bandstand back to its original glory.

Alton Bay Water Bandstand

The June 22 event will be a daylong celebration including events on the bandstand and on land as well. Events kick off at the Alton Bay town docks with the NH Boat Museum’s antique boat show from 10 am to noon. A fun cardboard boat race beginning at the town beach and sponsored by the Alton Business Association goes from 10 to 11 am. The Fire Department’s Touch a Truck takes place in the Alton Bay parking lot from 10 am to 5 pm. From 11 to 11:30 am the Police Department’s K-9 demonstration will be held in the new gazebo.

From noon to 1 pm, the NH Boat Museum’s Antique Boat Parade starts at the town docks. A community tailgate picnic will be held in the Alton Bay parking lot, followed by a 1 pm fly-over in Alton Bay by the Alton Bay Seaplane Base. 

The water bandstand dedication will be held at 1 pm at the land bandstand. At 1:30 pm, the Donna Marie Puppet Show happens, followed by a great waterski show by the Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team.

A barbershop concert at the Alton Bay land bandstand starts at 4 pm with Lakes Region Chordsmen. From 5 to 7 pm, 104.9 radio broadcasts at the land bandstand presented by “Guido the Hawk.” The day of fun winds down with a water bandstand concert featuring Organized Chaos from 7 to 9 pm.

For information, contact Jonathan Downing at 603-767-4710.

Storm Chasing: A Twisted Pleasure

Storm Chasing: A Twisted Pleasure

By Mark Okrant

There are a number of people who get their kicks by driving all over the landscape in search of violent storms. Many do this in the name of scientific investigation, while others are adventure seekers or simply curious. These adrenaline junkies are known as storm chasers. Most are searching for tornadoes; however, others prefer to track lightning and thunderstorms, cumulonimbus clouds, tropical cyclones, or hail storms. 

Severe thunderstorm with lightning from 2017.

Dr. Eric Hoffman is one of five professors in Plymouth State University’s (PSU) meteorology program. New Hampshire’s only undergraduate meteorology degree program is housed in the state-of-the-art Judd Gregg Meteorology Institute, on the top floor of Boyd Hall at PSU. Like his colleagues, weather phenomena have been a lifelong passion for Dr. Hoffman. However, unlike many in his profession, he has experience as a storm chaser.

During interviews of storm chasers conducted more than a decade ago, participants listed a range of motivations for this pastime. These include the mystery of the unknown, the open road, being one with nature, and thrill seeking/risk taking. However, for scientists like Dr. Hoffman, the purpose of the chase is for collecting scientific and empirical data that will enhance future efforts to predict the nature of these violent bursts of nature. 

Who are these storm chasers? While it is not a requirement, many have backgrounds in meteorology, the branch of science concerned with the processes and phenomena of the atmosphere as a means of forecasting the weather. The vast majority are males in their mid-thirties; most have college degrees, are lovers of nature, and reside in the central or southern U.S. states.

Unless storm chasers are working in a faculty or researcher capacity at a university, or have obtained rare funding from a federal agency, these hardy souls generally are not paid. Recently, a handful of entrepreneurs have developed chase-tour services, a slightly crazed form of niche tourism.

According to historic information, the first recognized storm chaser was a man named David Hoadley, whose efforts to track tornadoes in North Dakota began in 1956. Hoadley founded a magazine called Storm Track, where he published his findings. Another pioneer of storm spotting was Neil Ward, who tracked storms in Oklahoma, during the 1950s and 1960s. The first coordinated activity sponsored by an institution dates back to 1969. The Alberta Hail Studies (AHS) employed a small fleet of vehicles fitted with meteorological and hail catching equipment. Field personnel were kept abreast of weather phenomena and directed where to travel by a radio controller at a radar site. A major breakthrough occurred in 1973, when a team comprised of University of Oklahoma and Severe Storms Laboratory personnel completed a successful chase of that state’s Union City tornado. 

Beginning in the late 1970s, the media brought attention and funding to storm chasing. Four events are credited with the emergence of widespread interest in this activity. These are: The Weather Channel (1982), development of internet activity (1990s), the movie Twister (1996), and the Discovery Channel’s reality series, Storm Chasers (2007 to 2011). Meanwhile, improvements to an innovation called Mobile Doppler Radar Intercept allowed people in the field to have greater freedom in finding storm paths, thereby expanding storm chasers’ ability to get closer to tornadoes.

Even with the aid of the National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Channel, and improved radar systems, there is no guarantee that a chaser will actually view a storm event. Countless hours—labeled “extreme sitting”—are spent waiting, while analyzing data and forecasting probabilities before speeding toward a hopeful event. During a typical outing, storm chasers may drive hundreds of miles to position themselves for the chase. In this ultimate gamble with nature, exact timing and a good deal of luck are needed to view these spectacular, albeit short-term, meteorological events. Just as any professional poker player can attest, more often than not, all of the preparation and sudden action produces a “bust,” when the storms they are chasing don’t fire.

This is a seasonal activity. In the southern states, spring and early summer—especially the months of May and June—are peak times. In the Midwest as well as Tornado Alley, sobriquet for the Great Plains, the summer and fall months are the peak period for chasing. 

Why is the Great Plains region a preferred place to view tornadoes; and why not New England? When you visit the plains for the first time, the feeling of openness and exposure to nature is commensurate with being in a small boat on the ocean. In this region, there are no mountains or forests to block your view of the onset of storms. Therefore, a forming cyclonic system—the type that produces tornadoes—can be viewed from a substantial distance. Additionally, the low moisture profile of the atmosphere makes it possible to view the full structure of the tornado.

Meanwhile, here in New Hampshire, the atmosphere rarely produces systems that are conducive to forming a tornado cell. Even when one develops, all of those beautiful mountains and forests make storm viewing extremely difficult. Furthermore, according to Dr. Hoffman, this region tends to produce high precipitation super cell thunderstorms, wherein the large amount of rain near the storm’s center acts like a curtain, rendering any tornado activity nearly impossible to spot.

The tornado of July 24, 2008 provides evidence of what Dr. Hoffman described. That day, a one-half mile wide tornado spent 90 minutes on the ground, cutting a swath between the towns of Deerfield and Freedom. The storm destroyed a dozen homes, damaged 200 more, and caused the first tornado-related death within New Hampshire in more than 60 years. Despite the fact that the NWS measured wind speeds of up to 135 miles per hour, and labeled it an EF-2 (on the Enhanced Fujita scale of 0 to 5) tornado, there was no credible sighting of a funnel. 

Storm chasing is not for the weak of spirit. Along with the threat from the tornado’s winds, one needs to be very concerned about lightning, large hail, flooding, hazardous road conditions, wandering animals, downed power lines, flying debris, and dramatically reduced visibility. Then there is another great risk—the presence of other storm chasers madly in pursuit of the same quarry.

Being in the right place at the right time allows one to see nature in one of its most violent and spectacular states. In discussing Dr. Hoffman’s two experiences as a tornado chaser, he emphasized the respect one must have for both nature and human life. One must know the physical structure of these magnificent storm systems, as a slight miscalculation could place the storm chaser in immediate peril, or miss the event entirely. While these stalwarts live for the chase, all are cognizant of the value of human life, and are continually respectful of the people whose lives may be instantly disrupted by one of these powerful storms.  

Motorcycles as Fine Art - the Paintings of Stephen Hall

Motorcycles as Fine Art - the Paintings of Stephen Hall

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

An iconic scene known to many who attend Motorcycle Week as interpreted by Stephen. (courtesy photo)

“I’ve always loved to draw,” says Stephen Hall. Like most artists, he is aware that if you love to draw, you will find a way to bring it into your life in some form or another.

Cautioned by his high school art teacher to not pursue a career in illustration art, because competition at the time was fierce, Stephen opted instead to focus on engineering. It was a fine career choice and it kept him busy, but Stephen says he still found a way to draw in his spare time.

Perhaps his training as an engineer gave him the skill to draw with precision and that is just what he did some years later when he began to do highly detailed drawings of motorcycles.

He laughs when recalling, “In 1969 I had a Honda 305 motorcycle. I associated it with the feeling of freedom. And even then, I was always drawing.”

Although he did not have that motorcycle for very long, Stephen always remembered the bike. Years later, after living in Vermont, where he raised a family, he resided in the village of Bath, New Hampshire. Even later, Stephen moved to the Concord area to be closer to his sons. One day, perhaps recalling his own motorcycle from years ago, Stephen decided to draw his son’s bike.

“It was a precision portrait,” he recalls. “I was always interested in computers and when I got digital painting software, it gave me the tools to do the precise drawings.”

In that program, with drafting tools built in for measurements, Stephen was able to get the details he needed. He drew freehand using the program and measured using a ruler. Airbrushing is also involved and the finished product is a piece of artwork that would please any motorcycle enthusiast or art lover.

A view of the historic Colonial Theater in downtown Laconia, painted by artist Stephen Hall. (courtesy photo)

Stephen’s incredible motorcycle art, both digital and acrylic, will be on display in an exhibit titled “Live Free and Ride” during the month of June at VynnArt Gallery in Meredith. Anyone and everyone who loves art and motorcycles should plan to see the show; artwork will be for sale.

Says VynnArt Gallery owner Vinnie Hale, “During the winter months I am closed for business on Tuesdays. But behind the scenes there are five of us who meet and have a closed paint session, Stephen being one of us. During one of our conversations I mentioned that the third year I was open, a gentleman came in and bought $7,000 worth of art work during Motorcycle Week. And years since, I have continued to do well. To make a long story short, Stephen shared with me that he is a motorcycle enthusiast. I thought it would be a cool idea for a show during bike week and asked if he could do a motorcycle themed show. He immediately accepted the challenge. I put him on my calendar of events and wished him good luck. A week before deadline he came in with unbelievable art work. It is a mixture of acrylic paintings and digital art. You have to see it to believe it.”

A press release from the gallery explains, “Several of Steve's motorcycles are drawn using a 13-inch tablet. The workflow is detailed and very time consuming. To start a drawing, he calculates precise measurements to establish key points and angles in the drawing. Then he freehand draws the motorcycle parts in correct proportions and placement. The next step is to add layers of airbrushed color, shading, text and backgrounds. These steps are also done freehand. The rest of his works are acrylic paintings on artist board or canvas. The bikers are posing on their machines in front of familiar Lakes Region scenes such as the iconic Weirs Beach sign.”

However, motorcycle art isn’t the only thing Stephen creates. His eyes light up when he begins to talk about acrylic painting of landscapes. Many of his paintings are of historical places and old buildings. Fans will recognize his series of paintings of the former mill brick buildings in downtown Laconia. “I paint a lot of typical old mill buildings in the area,” he says.

When he resided in Bath, New Hampshire, Stephen was a member of the Ammonoosuc Region Art Council and networked with other artists. This was invaluable to give him access to a supportive artistic group. At that point, he was largely self-taught, but that changed when he became a member of the Lakes Region Art Association after moving to the Concord area. He met and took lessons with well-known local artist Gerri Harvey who is a skilled acrylic painter. 

Gerri taught Stephen how to mix paint on the palette and how to keep acrylic paint wet and useable when he is painting. 

On his website www.stevehallart.com, Stephen explains, “When I began painting in acrylics two years ago, there was no looking back. Having previously worked in pen and ink and in digital drawing programs, I was curious and wanting to try this new medium. My first acrylic piece was of Mount Monadnock, painted as a lesson with artist, Gerri Harvey. After moving to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, surrounded by beautiful lakes and majestic mountains, what drew me the most were the historical and iconic scenes and buildings. Like many New England mill towns, Laconia, my new home city, has a river running through it. While inspired by my surroundings, what I found myself most wanting to paint were the mills, farms, neighborhoods and city streets so rich in color and story, left by those who were here before us. My hope is that by looking at my art, you will pause and take notice of the rich warm red of the bricks, of the architectural details of a bygone era, of the slant of the late winter sun touching the tops of the buildings. And in that moment, you will see what I see, care about preserving the history of each place, feeling your connection to those who were here before us and those who will cherish these places long after we are gone. I hope you will become a part of the story.”

Some of those wonderful street scenes include paintings of Laconia during all sorts of weather, a view of the old Colonial Theater, and another of an intersection in the downtown area, to name but a few scenes. 

For those who are intrigued with Stephen’s motorcycle artwork, the VynnArt Gallery show is a wonderful opportunity to view the work up close. “There will be eight digital drawings of motorcycles in different forms and four paintings of bikes as well,” Stephen explains. 

These days Stephen is not focusing so much on the digital motorcycle artwork, for a variety of reasons. While fun to do, each digital piece takes many hours and like many artists, Stephen has evolved and now spends a lot of time painting and taking workshops to learn new things. 

He and his partner, Gerri Harvey, share a studio space in Laconia and seem to always be busy between painting or getting ready for an exhibit. Gerri also teaches and both are past members of the Lakes Region Art Association.

What are Stephen’s future goals as an artist? “I hope to get better and find more places to exhibit my artwork,” he says.

Stephen paints because of the positive feeling he gets from it versus feeling driven to create to sell a lot of paintings. Like any artist who just loves what he is doing, Stephen Hall still finds time to draw and to make art an everyday part of his life.

To see Stephen’s work, plan to stop by VynnArt Gallery at 30 Main Street in Meredith or call the gallery at 603-279-0557.

Stephen also has an exhibit titled “Stephen Hall’s New Hampshire” at Brothers Gallery at 107 B Lehner Street in Wolfeboro with a June 27 reception from 4 to 7 pm. (Call Brothers Gallery at 603-393-4791.)

Alternately, you may view more of Stephen’s artwork, including some of the detailed motorcycle art, on his website, www.stevehallart.com.

Grand Vacations at Grand Hotels

Grand Vacations at Grand Hotels

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Dining room display with china and menu card from the days of the Grand Hotels.

Everything about the hotels was grand and beautiful. You could escape for a week or a summer in the glorious White Mountains of northern New Hampshire when heat hit the city. You would wake each morning as the cool mountain air filled your hotel room, and your assigned maid would bring you a cup of tea or coffee and maybe buttered toast with homemade jam. Your day would begin with servants meeting your every need and it would be the same way throughout your day. From breakfast to dinner in the ornate dining room with wealthy friends and business associates, a vacation in the grand hotels of the White Mountains afforded a luxurious experience like no other in the 1800s and early 1900s.

I have always been fascinated by New Hampshire’s grand hotels and even got to experience a bit of what those Victorian-era families of wealth once enjoyed on their lengthy summer vacations. Some years ago, a magazine story assignment meant a trip to The Balsams for the day to tour the facility and have lunch. I will never forget the day and the long drive from the Lakes Region that ended when I rounded the last curve in the mountain road and suddenly the sprawling and beautiful, red tiled roof hotel was before me. I rolled down my car window and was amazed that the smell of balsam from towering trees filled the air. It was like stepping into a fairy tale world and it just got better when I sat down to “lunch” in the dining room where the attentive staff was ready to meet the diner’s every need. It was a buffet but there was enough gourmet food to feed a crowd and all of it was scrumptious. My visit offered just a glimpse at what wealthy vacationers who stayed at the grand hotels experienced each and every moment of their summer stay long ago.

When I recently learned one of my favorite places, the Museum of the White Mountains, is featuring an exhibit this summer called The Grand Hotels of the White Mountains, I had to make the drive to Plymouth to see what it was about.

The museum is located at 34 Highland Street in Plymouth and is part of Plymouth State University. Admission is free and the museum is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm; it is closed on Sunday. It is well worth the drive a bit “up north” from the Lakes Region to visit this museum and specifically, to see such a great exhibit.

The day I visited was a weekday morning in late May, and the gallery already saw a number of people browsing the exhibit. There is something decidedly magical about the notion of wealthy people on vacation in the Grand Hotel era. It might be why so many people are drawn to stories of the Titanic’s elite passengers. It is truly a “how the other half lives” story and sparks the imagination. The Titanic was a passenger ship and the grandest of its time, but the Grand Hotels of the White Mountains could certainly hold their own in the opulent category.

Excursions were a must for White Mountain guests.

The exhibit starts with a display by the front desk area with old photos of the huge Pemigewasset House, once the towering statement piece of the town. Opened in 1841, the hotel burned in 1862 and was rebuilt in 1863 and ran until it again burned, this time in 1910. From 1912 to 1957 it served the public after being rebuilt, but closed when times changed. The photos show just how grand and sprawling the hotel once was as a place passengers stopped when the busy train service passed through Plymouth.

Large posters throughout the exhibit tell the viewer the history of the hotels, such as the Crawford House, which opened in 1850 and burned in 1859. It was rebuilt and reopened and in business for many years until it closed in 1975 and was destroyed by another fire in 1977. When it reopened for a second time (in about 1859), it was the largest hotel in the White Mountains at that time. At its busiest, it could accommodate 400 guests and covered over an acre of land. These days, the site of the former hotel is now home to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center. 

To get a further glimpse at the luxury vacations that guests experienced, an old photo of the music room at the Kearsarge House in North Conway shows us a high ceilinged room with a polished wooden floor and comfortable chairs scattered around the space. The height of luxury at the time (1860s), the hotel was illuminated by gas lights.

The Balsams opened in 1874 in Dixville Notch and it is this hotel that particularly fascinates me. Because it was so far north and travel was slow, guests were assuredly committed to stay more than a few days. In its heyday it was run by Henry S. Hale, who transformed the former rather modest hotel into something grand that could accommodate 400 guests. Visitors were treated to daily meals made from the freshest produce and meats at leisurely sit-down affairs. (Surely a vacation in the White Mountains in those days couldn’t be undertaken without expecting to gain a few pounds!) The Balsams, like most of the Grand Hotels in the area, experienced its ups and downs, such as financial hardships during World War II.

Transportation for guests at Dixville Notch.

But running a huge hotel was very expensive and when times changed and wealthy vacationers could easily travel to Europe and other places, a Grand Hotel vacation wasn’t the only choice. In 1954, the hotel faced bankruptcy and was auctioned. Purchased by Neil Tillotson, the property was transformed into a four-season resort. It operated for many years very successfully. In 2011 it was sold. 

There is a lot of information on other hotels of the White Mountains as well, and it is all quite fascinating. But equally fascinating to me are the displays that tell the human nature side of day-to-day life in the hotels. 

Bell hop uniform from Maplewood Hotel, courtesy Bethlehem Heritage Society.

A “leisure in the library” display tells us that when you were a guest at a mountain hotel, you expected comforts and entertainment. Boredom was not allowed! Rich furnishings in lobbies, lounges, reading and writing rooms and music salons where guests met and mingled was a necessity. Such leisure-time displays as a mini library with books of the time period and an old bingo card from the Mountain View House show a few ways gentrified guests passed the summer hours when bad weather might keep them indoors: writing letters to those far away and playing cards and games with other guests.

There are also bits of information on some of the Grand Hotel managers and owners. One early hotel couple, William and Mary Jane Dodge, opened their home to weary stagecoach passengers on a rainy summer night in 1865. Those lucky guests enjoyed the hospitality and surroundings so much that they prevailed upon the couple to open their home the following summer. This inspired the Dodges to put an addition on their farmhouse and open it as an inn. The house/inn got larger over the years, and it must have been a great place to stay due to the welcome of William and Mary Jane. The inn grew and grew and today, it is The Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa, a popular place for guests to stay at any time of the year. 

William and Mary Jane’s black-and-white photos are on display in the exhibit and their story is a testament to the hardworking farmers and others who were clever enough to turn modest homes into inns. This in turn, opened the White Mountains to travelers and eventually, the Grand Hotels.

Beautiful paintings by talented artists show the grandeur of White Mountain landscapes. Such artists at Benjamin Champney, whose “Mt. Kearsarge from Diana’s Bath” painting done in 1877, adorn the walls of the museum. For decades, popular artists spent summers painting and staying at hotels among the mountains and selling their artwork to wealthy hotel guests. 

The less talked about side of White Mountain Grand Hotels is the story of the waiters and waitresses, bell hops, cooks, maids and others who worked at lodging establishments all over the area. While the wealthy vacationed in style, it was these workers who made all that possible. 

I was fascinated by a lengthy typed list of do’s and don’ts for staff at the Maplewood Club dining room. From rules on attire for waitstaff, such as the expectation that uniforms and aprons be spotless and well-pressed to the requirement that shoes have rubber heels, the dress code was strict. No painted fingernails and little makeup were allowed. No socializing was allowed and waitstaff could not talk among themselves while on duty. No leaning against walls, touching your own hair, no gossiping, and eating for staff was only allowed in the Help’s Dining Room. The list went on and on for a number of pages and is a glimpse into just what staff did in those days to keep a job…and to always ensure the guests were happy.

A table set with china of the time period and a menu card on display bring the past with all its luxuries to life. The menu card lists such foods at Broiled Sardines on Toast, Potatoes Normande, Fillet Mignon, Corn Starch Pudding with Cream, Mocha Cake and Wine Jelly. Some of these foods would not find their way onto the table of any eatery today, but at the time they were accepted fare for wealthy people.

Another display tells of a less than pleasant part of life among the Grand Hotels long ago. We are told that Jewish guests were not welcome to stay at the Wentworth Hotel and Cottages. The owner had the tables turned on him when a wealthy Jewish man from New York - Nathan Amster - purchased the hotel. It seemed that Mr. Amster was turned away when he tried to check in to the hotel due to his Jewish heritage. He got the last laugh when he bought the hotel and changed the rule so that only Jewish people were welcome at the resort!

One of the more poignant displays at the museum is a large photo of a group of female employees taken around 1915. It is from an old employee photo album of The Balsams in Dixville Notch. We see six women dressed in dark uniforms with white aprons and collars. They lean against a stair rail, and one woman stares off to her right, while the others gaze directly at the camera. Perhaps they were catching a much-needed break in an employee’s-only designated area and someone with a camera captured the moment.

Portrait of waitstaff at The Balsams, circa 1915, Stephen Barba collection.

The exhibit is a must-see for anyone fascinated with the White Mountain Grand Hotel era. You will learn a lot about the many hotels that once dotted the northern New Hampshire landscape and all aspects of vacationing in the area.

Everything about the Grand Hotels was indeed grand and ornate. Times have changed and we don’t normally experience vacations in this manner any longer, but a visit to the Museum of the White Mountains will take you back, if only for an hour or so, to a time when luxury ruled.

An extensive list of lectures is scheduled for the summer focusing on the exhibit, such as the June 19 program titled “Grand Hotels as Summer Rituals” from 5:30 to 7 pm. For information on the programs, and the Museum of the White Mountains, visit https://www.plymouth.edu/mwm/ or call 603-535-3210. 

Eat Healthy and Fresh at a Farmers Market

Eat Healthy and Fresh at a Farmers Market

By Sarah Wright

Whether you’re entertaining at home, or interested in eating healthier home-cooked meals, a farmers market offers plenty of options. Shopping at a farmers market is a trend that’s here to stay, with new markets popping up every summer. More and more people want to know where their food is coming from. I’ve been going to a local market for the past few years, and the crowds have grown substantially…along with the variety of vendors. Not only can consumers purchase locally grown fruits and vegetables, there’s also goat cheese, eggs, baked goods, honey, farm-raised meats, flowers, and even gluten-free options available at today’s markets.

Wolfeboro Area Farmers Market, Clark Park, Wolfeboro. Courtesy photo

By shopping at a farmers market, you’re getting quality, fresh products for a fraction of the price, supporting local businesses, and socializing within your community. I know that I appreciate being able to meet with local vendors and ask questions about their products. Although there are winter farmers markets, there’s nothing like shopping at an outdoor market on a beautiful summer’s day. Here are some wonderful farmers markets to visit in the Lakes Region.

One of the newest markets in the area is Gilmanton’s Own Market in the Four Corners Brick House at 525 Province Road in Gilmanton. Gilmanton’s Own is a non-profit association aimed to preserve and promote agricultural opportunities in Gilmanton and to provide farmers with a voice and outlet to distribute local products. This will keep farming viable and vibrant in the community. This year, the market opened for the season in April. Many products are available, as well as meat, fresh bread and other baked goods, syrups, honeys, jams, mustards, soda, spices, soaps, and even clothing and other artisanal items. Local produce will be offered as it comes into season. Hours are Thursdays from 1 to 5 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from noon to 4 pm. For more information, visit www.gilmantonsown.wordpress.com.

Did you know the Laconia Farmers Market has been around for over 40 years? This market provides customers with fresh vegetables, garlic, herbs, fruits, berries, natural meats, delicious farmstead jams and jellies, baked goods, artisan breads, and a selection of unique handmade crafts. There are organic and gluten-free products as well. The market also accepts credit cards and SNAP/EBT cards. The Laconia Farmers Market is located in the City Hall parking lot on Beacon St. and is open on Saturdays from 8:30 am to noon, from June through September. For information and dates the market is open, visit www.laconiafarmersmarket.com.

The Gilford Farmers Market is located at the Benjamin Rowe House at 88 Belknap Mountain Road. At this market, which is hosted by the Thompson-Ames Historical Society, you’ll find fruits and vegetables, flowers and plants, dairy and maple products, baked goods, farm meats, and crafts. There’s also music, face painting, and Rowe House tours with educational exhibits. The Gilford Farmers Market is open from mid-June through September, from 9 am to noon on Saturdays. Visit their Facebook page for the most up-to-date information.

The Wolfeboro Farmers Market at Clark Park on South Main St. will be open on Thursdays in June until October 3, from 12:30 to 4:30 pm. At this market, you’ll find produce, baked goods, cheeses, honey, milk, farm meats, flowers, dog treats, herbs, soap, wool products, vegan ice cream, and seafood, with options for lunch as well. There were over 30 vendors at last summer’s market, so you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. The market also accepts SNAP benefits. Visit www.wolfeboroareafarmersmarket.com.

The Wakefield Marketplace, on the corner of Wakefield Road and Route 16, is open through October 5 on Saturdays, from 9 am to 3 pm. There will be many farmers this year offering fresh produce, flowers, jellies, pickles, farm fresh eggs, dairy products, maple syrup, baked goods, and farm meat. Artisans will be selling hand-painted and sewn items, knitted and crocheted creations, jewelry, wood products, and other unique crafts. For further information, visit www.wakefieldmarketplace.org.

Visit the Farmington Farmers Market on the Congregational Church side lawn at the corner of Central and Main Streets, and you will find seasonal vegetables, plants, homemade goods such as pies, jams, quilts, dog biscuits, hats, and even pot holders. The market is open on Saturdays until October 5, from 8:30 am to 1 pm.

Farmers Market tomatoes

The Tamworth Farmers Market is located in the Unitarian Church parking lot at 30 Tamworth Road (Rt. 113) on Saturdays, from 9 am to 1 pm, through October 26. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available, along with flowers and plants, cheeses, mushrooms, maple syrup, herbs, baked goods, farm meat, hard cider, prepared food, artisan demonstrations, and crafts. Enjoy musical entertainment as you browse vendors. For details, visit www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org.

Check out the Sandwich Farmers Market, open until Columbus Day in October, on Saturdays from 9 to 11:30 am and also on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 pm. Visit the market at the Corner House on Vittum Hill Road in Center Sandwich for locally grown produce, seedlings, meat, eggs, coffee, flowers, breads, soap, handmade crafts, and more.

The Bristol Farmers Market & Craft Fair has been at the Mill Stream Park on Route 3A for four years. Sponsored by the Bristol Lion’s Club, the fair is an opportunity for locals to share their produce and products every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm until October. Vendors’ items include organic fruits and veggies, goat milk products, yogurt, bread, eggs, maple syrup, jams, jellies, pies, fudge, and dessert items. Crafts vary from wooden bowls, baskets, clocks, and kitchen serving items, to canes, cutting boards, jewelry, pottery, birdhouses, photography, hand painted art, wind chimes, pillows, handbags, quilts, and much more.

The New Hampton Farmers Market is located at the Town House off Rt. 104 in New Hampton. The market is open Saturdays, 9 am to noon from June to October. The market features locally grown and freshly picked produce. There will also be for sale locally made crafts and even raw milk. In the past, live music has added to the festive atmosphere at the market; call 968-9530 for updates.

Farmers markets are open rain or shine, and some now accept credit cards and SNAP/EBT cards. To add to the experience, many markets feature musicians. Farmers markets promote local agriculture, while also helping consumers make more educated choices about their food purchases. Whether you’re shopping for everyday meals or hosting guests for a backyard barbeque, purchasing food for a picnic, or just spending time browsing the community market, farmers markets enrich our lives. Experience one this summer! It is advised to call ahead for hours and dates.

Day Tripping Motorcycle Trek Adventures

Day Tripping Motorcycle Trek Adventures

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Although I am not a motorcyclist, like many bikers, I like to take to the roads in search of fun, unusual places to explore. Each year, come June and Laconia Motorcycle Week, I like to share some of the places I discovered.

You don’t need to own/ride a motorcycle to find these places, which are a lot of fun to visit; rest assured the places I am writing about can be reached by either car or motorcycle. They make for interesting out-of-the-way treks when bikers are looking to spend a day away from the race action and explore the hidden parts of the Lakes Region that might otherwise be overlooked.

The places mentioned here are some of my favorites listed in no particular order. I happened to discover them on various treks; consult a map or GPS if you are unsure of routes.

Who says motorcyclists can’t enjoy artwork? You might even want to take a new work of art home with you after a stay in the Lakes Region. If so, drive on Rt. 3 from Laconia to the Tanger Outlet at 120 Laconia Road Suite 132 in Tilton and stop at the Laconia Art Association’s gallery. It is chock-full of wonderful work by Lakes Region artists. Many of the paintings and other artwork depict Lakes Region scenes, and would make great additions to an art collection. The gallery is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm; call 603-998-0029 or visit www.lraanh.org.

Heading back to Laconia, a stop at the historic Belknap Mill in the downtown area is a treat. The Mill, built in 1823, is the oldest unaltered brick textile mill building in the country. It long ago ceased operation as a mill, but a Wheel House area retains the huge old wheels that once powered the Mill. The Wheel House is full of information and displays of how the Mill once operated. Knitting machines stand as a testament to the days when mill workers populated the old mill building. The Mill’s Riverside Art Gallery has changing exhibits, which are free to attend and the public is welcome. The Belknap Mill is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 4 pm. Located at 25 Beacon Street East, there is plenty of free parking just steps from the Mill. Call 603-524-8813 or visit www.belknapmill.org.

Exterior of the Belknap Mill.

A lot of people love to fish, but how many of us know where the trout and other fish we catch might come from? If you want to visit a pretty area on a rural road, head to New Durham from Alton. The Powder Mill Fish Hatchery is a fascinating place with lots of long, narrow water-filled breeding tanks where teeny fish become full-grown specimens, eventually released into the many rivers of the state.

At the Alton Traffic Circle, take a left onto New Durham Road (there’s a McDonald’s at the start of the road and you can’t miss the turn). This scenic road with its many pastures, cows, farms and step-back-in-time feeling is among my favorites. Before heading to the Fish Hatchery, I suggest a quick ride by the New Durham Meeting House on Old Bay Road. It isn’t all that far from the village area, and it is quite a pretty drive in the summertime.

The Meeting House has a simple, clean architectural style and you can imagine many men, women and children who attended meetings, socials and church services at this place long ago. The building is pure New England architecture at its finest – no gingerbread trim or fancy windows or pathways to clutter up the simplicity of the place.

When I visited, I noticed a little sign on the corner of the building that stated: “The New Durham Meeting House & Stone Pound were entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 by the United States Department of the Interior. Built by early settlers in 1772 the Meeting House combined town offices and a house of worship. It is located on a six-acre lot set aside for public use that includes an animal pound (1809), the oldest town cemetery and the militia training grounds.” History hangs heavy in the air, but not in a spooky way. Rather, it is a peaceful, welcoming place. (Be aware it is likely to be closed but you can see the exterior of a true old-time New England meetinghouse.)

Powder Mill Fish Hatchery.

Back on Old Bay Road, drive to the center of New Durham and you will soon take a right-hand turn to Merrymeeting Road and the Powder Mill Fish Hatchery. The road is scenic, and after a few miles you will see a wooden sign, stained a dark brown, with letters carved into the surface. The sign reads “Powder Mill Hatchery” and the area is the property of the New Hampshire Fish & Game Department, with visitors welcome from 8 am to 3:45 pm.

You can park and take a stroll to see the long outdoor pools stretching on and on, with raised areas where spectators can stand to get a better look. The 1940’s were a time of huge expansion for fish hatcheries and it was in 1946 that construction of the Powder Mill Hatchery commenced. You will learn a lot about the life cycle of a number of fish, which start their lives in tray incubators, stacked like drawers of a dresser. Once warmer weather arrives, the fish are moved outside where they live until they grow to stocking size.

Be sure and bring quarters so you can use the fish-feeding machine – insert a quarter and turn the knob for a handful of fish food. Or sit at the picnic table and enjoy an outdoor lunch surrounded by nature’s beauty. The Powder Mill Fish Hatchery is located at 288 Merrymeeting Road in New Durham. Admission is free, and the public is welcome. Call 603-859-2041 for further information or visit www.wildlife.state.nh.us.

Newfound Lake as seen from Wellington State Park beach area.

I cannot think of a better place for motorcyclists to visit than the Newfound Lake area. There are waterfalls and short hiking trails and an abundance of scenic beauty. To reach the area, travel Route 104 from Meredith for about 15 miles to the downtown Bristol area. You will see signs for Newfound Lake. Take a left onto West Shore Road and get ready for a fun lakeside ride, but please drive slowly and watch for pedestrians. Follow the road as it skirts the lake and then turn right and continue on West Shore Road with signs for Wellington State Park. You can choose to pay an admission to visit Wellington, a NH state park where you will find hiking trails, a great beach with swimming and picnic tables. Or you can opt to continue on West Shore Road and again skirt Newfound Lake. You will soon come to the “ledges” area, and you will find yourself riding with a towering rock hill on one side…and Newfound Lake quite close to you on the other side!

This is a pretty ride taking you by older cottages and lots of lake views. Eventually the road comes to Hebron Village and you can stop and grab coffee or beverages and snacks at the Hebron Village Store or take in the scenic and tranquil beauty of the village green. If the tiny Hebron Library, near the village green, happens to be open, stop in to see a true New England village library. (I visited last summer and took advantage of their book sale, which was held in the entrance area. I scored some great book bargains and had a nice time browsing through the tiny library with its comfy chairs and shelves of books.) Call 603-744-7998.

One of my favorite off-the-main-road spots is Sculptured Rocks Natural Area near Hebron. Just follow the signs in the village area; Sculptured Rocks (part of the NH State Parks system) is a short trek down Sculptured Rocks Road. There is plenty of parking across the street from the rocks area.

I always bring my camera when visiting Sculptured Rocks. It’s a very unusual and pretty spot. Rock formations were created thousands of years ago by glaciers thrusting through the area. It is a wonderful place to visit and you will be amazed at the rock formations.

Head back to Bristol if you want to take a great little hike to find gorgeous views of the area. Take High Street (off Rt. 3A) by the Federated Church. Stay on this road until you come to a right for New Chester Mountain Road; take this road to the entrance and parking area for the Slim Baker Conservation Area. This place is a favorite of many people and hikers love to take the various paths and trails. Please park your bike in the parking area and do not take it beyond this spot.

The Slim Baker Area is a 135-acre tract of conserved land on Little Round Top Mountain in Bristol, set up in 1953 as a memorial to Everett “Slim” Baker, a dedicated and much-loved local conservation officer with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. Slim dreamed of setting up a “school for outdoor living” in the Newfound Lake area, and the Slim Baker Area is the fulfillment of that dream. The Slim Baker Area is maintained by the Slim Baker Foundation, and open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, and camping. The gem of the property is undoubtedly Inspiration Point with its huge wooden cross, outdoor cathedral and rustic wooden benches.

Another Newfound-area memorable location is Profile Falls. To reach the area take Rt. 3A south toward Franklin. Profile Falls is just off Rt. 3A a few miles out of Bristol (take a left onto Profile Falls Road) and is a public area with a lot of free parking. You can take a path for a quick walk to see the beautiful Profile Falls (please be careful on the steep section of the trail as you near the Falls) or bring your lunch and spread out on a picnic table in the shady park area.

For those who want a real rural adventure…with a giant boulder at the end of the trek, a day trip motorcycle ride to Madison Boulder can’t be rivaled. To reach the amazing boulder, head from the Lakes Region to the village of Madison (I must warn you, it is a long – but fun – drive).

Once in Madison, take a left onto Route 113. You will be treated to beautiful views of the not-so-distant White Mountains. After driving a few miles, take a left onto Boulder Road. About a mile on this road, take a right-hand turn at a big sign that will let you know you have reached the Madison Boulder area. Take the road about 1/4 of a mile to a large parking area. You will soon see the mammoth rock up on a rise among tall pine trees.

“Amazing!” was my reaction the first time I saw this hulking rock. This is no ordinary boulder. I am used to seeing big rocks (who isn’t in the Granite State?), but I have never seen anything like the Madison Boulder. A wooden sign gives information about the boulder, which says it was a gift to the State of NH in 1946 in memory of James O. Gerry and A. Crosby Kennett.

The story of this giant rock goes like this: the Madison Boulder is thought to be the largest known erratic in New England, and among the largest in the world. The huge granite rock measures 83 feet in length, 23 feet in height above the ground, and 37 feet in width. It weighs upwards of 5,000 tons and part of the roughly rectangular block is buried, probably to a depth of 10 to 12 feet.

Historically, the 17-acre Madison Boulder site was acquired by the state of NH in 1946. In 1970, the Madison Boulder was designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior because the enormous erratic, "is an outstanding illustration of the power of an ice sheet to pluck out very large blocks of fractured bedrock and move them substantial distances."

Be sure to take some photos when you visit Madison Boulder because when you tell your friends back home about it, they may want proof of just how towering this old rock really is!

Speaking of towering, hulking stone objects, I would highly recommend a biker on a day trip adventure put the Tilton Arch on the list of places to visit. You can glimpse the Arch because it stands above the town of Tilton and resembles the Arc de Triomphe.

In downtown Tilton, take a left onto Summer Street. By following this road less than a 1/2 mile, you will see a modest sign directing travelers to take a right up a road to the Tilton Arch.

I’m always excited to see the Arch up close. There is a parking lot available to cars and other vehicles. Everything about the Tilton Arch is big and breathtaking. The Arch, which stands like a silent and proud giant, was made with artistic skill to last through the ages. Under the curve of the Arch a huge stone vault sits, and is a puzzle to many. Is someone entombed in the vault, or is it a symbol, like the many statues that adorn various public areas in Tilton?

History tells us that although reminiscent of the famous Arc in France, this local monument is in reality the work of the town's immensely wealthy resident, Charles Tilton. The Tilton Arch, looming 55 feet in height, is deceptive. It might be assumed that Mr. Tilton commissioned the Tilton Arch to be built as a copy of the Parisian monument. In truth the arch is a replica of the Arch of Titus, which was raised between Rome's Palantine Hill and the Coliseum in 79 A.D.

The tale goes that Charles Tilton could see the hill on which he would build his arch from the front porch of his mansion atop School Street Hill in Tilton. Because Charles hoped that Tilton and Northfield would merge, he built the Arch on Northfield soil in 1883 as his final resting-place. He hoped to be buried in a huge stone vault under the Arch, but this plan was never to be realized when residents of Northfield rejected the merger. (Charles felt strongly about his burial place being in the town of Tilton.)

Although the plans for his monument never materialized, there was no going back once the hulking Arch had been erected on the hilltop overlooking Tilton. Composed of hewn Concord granite, with a 40-foot width, the Arch has a block of Spanish marble between its two columns. A Numidian lion guards the block, and the pedestal and figure weigh an amazing 50 tons.

There are many unusual and fun places to visit in the area while you are here for Bike Week. Along with the planned motorcycle events, try to fit in some time to head out and meander around for a fish hatchery visit, a stop at the amazing Tilton Arch or the hulking Madison Boulder, to name but a few places. There is no doubt that you will have wonderful memories (and photos) to share when you get home.

Hands to Wood. Wood to Water.

Hands to Wood. Wood to Water.

There’s a boatload of watercraft resources around the Lakes Region

By Mark Foynes

Although it is not officially summertime yet, it’s never too early to plan excursions to get out on the water. My kayak lays dreaming - and I dream of my kayak.

Handmade at Newfound Woodworks

To be sure, the region boasts high quality pre-built vessels available at reputable boat dealers throughout the region - from Alton and Wolfeboro in the east, through Gilford and Laconia and thence into the Newfound and Squam regions. Meredith, Moultonborough, and Center Harbor also boast quality marinas. Some of these establishments have been serving customers for decades. 

But the allure of the lakes induce some to want to construct their own watercraft. 

Hands to wood. Wood to water. And from water to heart and soul.

Youth Boat Building workshop at NH Boat Museum

For those who wish to construct their own canoes, kayaks, and rowboats, there are educational, hands-on programs throughout the region. There are also several purveyors of specialty woods ideal for boat builders.

One such resource is Newfound Woodworks in Bristol. The family-owned company offers a wide selection of materials and build kits. Newfound also offers specialty woods for custom builders. Newfound has been serving customers for 35 years, as of 2019.

Their website notes, “We create cedar strip canoe, kayak and rowing boat kits. Our kits are engineered so that you can build these beautiful boats using mostly just hand tools. If you do not want to build your own, we would be happy to build it for you as well."

It continues, “We offer cove & bead strips of Northern White Cedar, Western Red Cedar, and Alaskan Yellow Cedar. These species can be mixed to create a pattern in your canoes or kayaks. Our goal is to help you achieve a successful boat building endeavor.” Their website, listed below, accesses links to some of what their kits look like upon completion.

The late founder, Michael Vermouth, writing about his endeavor recalled, “I started the Newfound Woodworks in October 1984 as a woodworking/cabinet shop. I manufactured custom doors, windows, cabinets and furniture for about three years. Then I found Ted Moore’s’ book “Canoecraft” and built a Prospector and Red Bird canoe…I became fascinated with this process because the boats were lightweight, strong, reasonably maintenance free and incredibly beautiful.”

Michael died in 2016, and the company is now run by his hand-picked successor and long-time associate Alan Mann and his partner, Rose Woodyard. She is a boat builder, as well as an owner. (Yes, she helps run a custom lumber operation and her name is Woodyard; when we chatted by phone, pun making was restrained).

Both are passionate about Newfound. Visitors are welcome to browse and chat at their Bristol facility. "We have finished boats to see, as well as having typically about 4-5 boats in different stages of build in the build room," they say.

“Company here is always welcome,” said Mann. Both he and Woodyard stressed that building relationships with customers and high-quality products are core values of their business. 

“If you know exactly what you want or are unsure of what you need, we can help,” Mann said. He added, “If you’re looking for advice, we can also help set you in the direction that’s right.”

Newfound has a robust local business throughout the Lakes Region, but they’ve also shipped to far off locales. These include all 50 states, the UK, Colombia, Australia, Finland, and New Zealand. 

Newfound’s canoe kits range in price, starting from $1,500. The website notes that a kit includes a “plan sheet and layout sheet, Stripbuilding Notes, and a CD of Construction Pictures. Coved and Beaded 6-ft. to 10-ft. Northern White Cedar Strips, About 30 percent Full Length Western Red Cedar Strips, Solid, pre-milled Ash Outwales, Scuppered Ash Inwales, Ash Thwart or Yoke, Natural Cane/Ash Seat(s), Ash Seat Hangers, Seat Hardware, Stem Laminations, Deck Material, Fiberglass, Slow Cure, Low Viscosity, Non-Blushing Epoxy, Epoxy Application Supplies, and Varnish.”

Newfound also offers two-day build workshops. While the summer events do generate some revenue, Woodyard noted that the “real value is allowing people to have a hands-on experience with an experienced builder, and get out on the water in ‘A Functional Work of Art’ they made with their own two hands.”

Another supplier that caters to boat builders is Goosebay Lumber in Chichester, about a half-hour’s drive from Alton Bay. It’s a quick scoot down Rte. 28 and just a smidge down the way on Rte 4.

Goosebay is a family business managed by a father and son tandem. 

Carl Mahlstead Sr. started his sawmill in 1978. Originally the mill served the construction industry and homeowners with structural and exterior-grade lumber. But as time went on, Goosebay began to specialize in furniture-grade and fine finish lumber. Having a love of boating, an extension of this evolution involved an expansion into provisioning boat builders with specialty lumber needed to construct water-worthy vessels.

Carl said, “For me it was personal - I love boating and we’re proud to supply great materials to people who share my passion.”

When we briefly chatted, Mahlstead was opening for business and he had customers to attend to. So we followed up via phone and got his partner and son - also named Carl.

Carl Jr. recalled jaunting about the lumberyard in the 1980s. During Goosebay’s early years, most of the trees that were milled on-site were native soft and hardwoods like pine and oak. 

As the business evolved, the company began to import exotic woods like ebony, mahogany, and teak. This transition attracted a number of furniture craftsmen, as well as local boatbuilders, who prize the resiliency of this tight-grained stock.

The elder Mahlstead was able to develop a niche market based on his own interest in boating, the younger Carl explained. While Goosebay still mills construction-grade wood, the company has established itself as a specialty purveyor that can supply high-end furniture makers and boat builders.

The raw timber is sourced from reputable sources, the younger Mahlstead noted. 

“We don’t just buy from someone who says, ‘I know a guy,’” he joked. 

Mahlstead said that he wants customers to know they are purchasing the highest quality wood that is responsibly sourced. He said that much of Goosebay’s timber is kiln-dried. This ensures that milled lumber is ready for use, and also free of invasive insects like the Asian longhorn beetle, which hitched a ride on low-grade pallet wood shipped in by other dealers.

Rather, Goosebay diligently researches the reputations of dealers who have contacts in Africa, Asia, and Central and South America. “We definitely get lumber from those guys,” Mahlstead said.

Goosebay prides itself on high-quality boat building materials, as well as quality wood for finish carpenters and cabinetmakers. The company can boast a wide range of boat-building materials. These include marine-grade laminates, mahogany, teak, and water-resilient epoxies to keep crafts together.

Carl has noted a shift in inventory. As species such as rosewood are in decreasing supply, Goosebay is always in search of quality substitutes. One such species is Paulownia.

A recent Japanese encyclopedia noted, “Paulownia wood is very light, fine-grained, and warp-resistant.” It’s used in the construction of regional musical instruments and is a suitable boat-building substitute for rosewood or mahogany.

Another new wood that Goosebay offers is Iroko. Its heartwood has a yellowish color, it is very durable, and resistant to both rot and insect attack; it’s sometimes used as a substitute for Teak.

Wood-database.com boasted the lumber’s appeal: “Given the high prices of genuine Teak, Iroko could be considered a low-cost alternative. The wood is stable, durable, and has an overall look that somewhat resembles Teak.”

Kids build boats and enjoy launching at NH Boat Museum

For hands-on learners of all ages, one of the region’s leading resources for builders of all ages is the N.H. Boat Museum in Wolfeboro. For well over a decade, this non-profit organization has held youth boat building workshops. Their success has resulted in the expansion of the program to include adults and family groups. In the latter category, groups can consist of children and parents or grandkids with their grandparents.

Executive director Martha Cummings said that boat building is “a way to engage kids and bring families together by engaging in a shared project”. 

The Adult and Family program will run nine days from July 6 to 14. Sessions take place between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm.

The museum’s website describes the program as a way for “adults or a team of parent(s) or grandparent(s) and child to assemble a selected boat project.” 

It continues, “We will provide all the tools, supplies and expertise to help you build your boat.” And, “At the end of the session, a special launching on Lake Wentworth will be held to celebrate the completion of the craft.”

Participants can build a two-person canoe, a one-man kayak, an 11-ft. skiff, a 12.5-ft. paddleboard, or a dinghy.

The Boat Museum also offers a youth-only workshop, which runs from July 29 to August 9. Students can build a two-person canoe, a one-person kayak, or a Bevin’s skiff. The museum offers scholarships to youth demonstrating financial need.

“It’s really a great way for kids to feel a great sense of accomplishment by building something under the oversight of great builders and then go out on the water and enjoy their own creation,” Cummings said.

Boat Museum youth workshop expenses include kit costs, which range between $795 and $1,495, depending on the model a participant wants to make. The canoe kit is the least expensive. There is also a registration fee: $30 for museum members and $60 for non-members. 

“It’s really an integral experience,” Cummings explained. “The kids work the materials in a hands-on setting with experienced guidance, and in the end, they have something tangible to show for their work, and it allows them to get outdoors and enjoy our Lakes.”

For Further Investigation - Boatbuilder Resources:

The N.H. Boat Museum: The Wolfeboro-based museum prides itself on advancing a continuum of the state’s boating heritage. To this end, this non-profit, member-supported organization devotes gallery space to display classic water vessels, noting the craftsmanship entailed in each boat. The museum keeps this tradition alive by helping participants of all ages learn the fine craft of boat building. To learn more about Boat Museum programs, visit nhbm.org/boat-building. Additionally, the museum sponsors lakeside boathouse tours and a highly-prestigious regatta, as well as other educational and enrichment programs including a summer lecture series. The N.H. Boat Museum is located at 399 Center Street in Wolfeboro; call 603-569-4554.

Newfound Woodworks: This company can be a one-stop-shop for beginners as well as a resource for the experienced builder. The business offer beginners’ workshops and, with its own woodyard, it can be a perpetual source for new- and long-time builders. The co-owners are almost always on site and willing to talk about how they can help. Newfound.com is where you can find additional information about the products, services, and boat building resources offered. Like the Boat Museum, they offer build workshops. There is also an option to sign up for their e-mail newsletter that can alert you to upcoming events and special deals. Even in the offseason, they take calls; if you go to voicemail, they promptly return messages left at 603-744-6872. Their email is info@newfound.com. At newfound.com you can find a full-color catalog of their offerings.

Goosebay Lumber: Located in Chichester, this family company is a little more than a half-hour away from Alton, Wolfeboro, and New Durham. They specialize in exotic woods, boat building supplies, and pride themselves for service to the traditional watercraft community. They also pride themselves for responsibly sourcing their supplies, considering matters such as resource sustainability, the non-introduction of invasive insects, and labor conditions. Goosebay is open year-round and their friendly staff pick up the phone quickly if you call 603-798-5135. A full description can be found at goosebaylumber.net; the site also includes a surfboard blog and how to build one. Visit goosebaylumber.net to see all their resources, including interactive user blogs.

The Guild of N.H. Woodworkers: This organization has a long list of resources ranging from material suppliers to workshops. Visit gnhw.org/boat-building-links to identify resources and classes. Some of the resources are in N.H., and supplemented by others in Maine and Mass.

Test Your New Hampshire Trivia Knowledge

Test Your New Hampshire Trivia Knowledge

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

The cover of Joyce Endee’s book, “501 New Hampshire Trivia Questions & Photos”

You might have seen her at any one of the Joyce’s Craft Shows taking place in the Lakes Region and beyond in the summer and fall. Joyce Endee has been producing craft shows for years, some indoors and others under big tents in outdoor areas. 

Organizing the well-attended fairs is a lot of work and Joyce explains that she begins planning and public relations efforts for the shows in the early winter. “I have 14 fairs on the schedule and it keeps me busy year round. Most are two-day shows,” she says.

Although this story is not about her craft fairs, they are nevertheless part of the path that led Joyce to her latest venture – a trivia book about New Hampshire. 

With a teaching background, Joyce was a professor at a community college in Nashua, New Hampshire with an emphasis on English and business. After her three children were born, Joyce found it more difficult to get the teaching job she desired. After Joyce and her husband Charlie and their children moved to Gilford, New Hampshire in the early 1990s, she “ended up in the craft fair business.” Many of her vendors sell their creations in all of her fairs, from Wolfeboro to North Conway to the Laconia area and Tilton, as well as southern New Hampshire, which attests to the popularity and success of the shows.

Over the years Charlie handled the computer work that was necessary to produce the shows, but in recent years that has changed. After Charlie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, he was unable to carry out his previous duties and eventually had to enter a local nursing home for skilled care. Joyce visits him every day for lunch, but not having her lifetime partner at home certainly left a huge hole in her life. Although busy, she wanted to find a way to fill in some of her down time and maybe create additional income so her husband could receive at-home care in the future.

The answer - writing a book - made a lot of sense because Joyce has a background in English and she is very organized. If one attends a Joyce’s Craft Show, it is obvious the woman at the helm is a go-getter and isn’t afraid of hard work. And she is willing to try something new if it interests her. Joyce smiles as she says, “I doubt if I will ever retire. I like to keep busy.”

And “keep busy” she has, by writing a book called “501 New Hampshire Trivia Questions & Photos.” The book is currently available on Kindle. (Joyce hopes to have a printed book version out in the near future.) 

“I started researching the book in 2014,” Joyce explains. “I still love to teach, although my job is an event presenter of craft shows. The book is a fun way to educate people. And because it is history-oriented, I learned while doing the research.”

Joyce also wrote the book to supplement her income because the craft business tends to be seasonal, although it keeps her busy nearly year round with pre-planning for the following year. 

“I researched a lot and it took me about four years to complete,” Joyce adds. Part of that research was talking to New Hampshire people about specific areas of interest that could become a trivia question/answer. For example, Joyce talked with the folks at the Mount Washington Weather Observatory to learn how they keep track of weather with instrumentation. It was a great learning experience and definitely got Joyce thinking about something new and interesting.

The trivia questions in the book “start out easy and then become more challenging as the book progresses,” she explains. Accuracy was very important to Joyce when writing the book and she worked hard to vary the trivia questions so that it was family oriented and every age could play. (An easy question, for example, was ‘What is the state flower?’ The answers to the questions follow on the next page; questions get more difficult as the book progresses.)

Information from Joyce at the beginning of the book explains, “This book contains 501 questions and photos based on New Hampshire’s history of people, events, and places. You will have fun individually or on teams as you answer the numerous, educational multiple choice questions. You will learn about New Hampshire and delight in its history and heritage as you read and answer the various questions on history, art, literature, science, sports, geography, animals, government and New Hampshire's famous people and events. You will enjoy the fun of playing a trivia game and will learn a great deal about the awesome State of New Hampshire. The questions are meant to be educational and interesting. Play by yourself or with others.”

All that work delving into New Hampshire’s many aspects meant the book was not just a few pages; indeed it turned out to be quite lengthy. “I researched over 1,000 questions and the book ended up being 253 pages in length,” Joyce says. “I worked on it year round.”

Perhaps immersing herself in the book and doing all that research was a very good thing for Joyce because it filled in the times when she wasn’t working. She also learned a great deal about New Hampshire, from history to the state’s geography to its people and much, much more. “I have always loved New Hampshire and the Lakes Region in particular. And I have always loved the history of the lakes and mountains, so this project was a natural for me.”

Charlie also loves the book and is very proud of Joyce’s efforts. She included her whole family in the project and credits, in the book, her daughter Victoria in particular who helped with the graphics. In the book she writes, “I especially want to thank my wonderful daughter, Victoria, who was extremely instrumental with the necessary computer expertise for the book’s layout and publication. Without exaggeration, I could not have finished it without her.” 

Along with the many trivia questions, Joyce has added some colorful photos to give a complete picture of the state, such as a shot of the Old Country Store in Moultonboro and a photo of the M/S Mount Washington on the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee. The grandeur and splendor of the state’s many regions draw the reader in. If you have not visited each area of the state, the book will make you want to get in your car and head to the White Mountains, the seacoast and other areas of the state.

“I still love to teach,” she reflects. “The book is fun, and it teaches a lot to readers, which fulfills my desire to continue to be an educator.”

It is hoped that Joyce will eventually create enough additional income from the book to provide at-home care for Charlie, something that is very important to her. With a summer and autumn season full of fairs, plus getting the book printed, the future will be busy for Joyce. 

Because she “likes to keep busy” and has no plans to retire, her schedule, it seems, is just the way she likes it.

To learn more about “501 New Hampshire Trivia Questions and Photos” and for a complete list of Joyce’s upcoming craft shows, please visit www.joycescraftshows.com or email joyceendee@gmail.com.

*Buy the book on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/501-Hampshire-Trivia-Questions-Photos-ebook/dp/B07DNNHVGY

Bring on Summer Events for Family Fun!

Bring on Summer Events for Family Fun!

By Sarah Wright

Summer is almost here, and many families are already planning their summer vacations. The Lakes Region is a wonderful place to make memories in the summertime, with swimming and boating on the lake, hiking, mini-golf, go-karts, and many other great activities. In addition to all of that fun, there are some exciting local events planned that the whole family can enjoy together. Here is a list of just some of the spectacular events happening in our area this summer. There really is something for everyone!

Family Day at the Wright Museum in Wolfeboro is scheduled this year for Sunday, July 14 from 11 am to 3 pm. Tour the World War II museum, ride around Wolfeboro in a World War II era vehicle, talk with re-enactors from many of America’s wars, and enjoy live music. Children will also love the face painting, caricatures, balloon artist, magic show, and live animal show. Food will be available to purchase. It’s the museum’s most popular event, so don’t miss it. The museum is located at 77 Center Street. For more information, call 603-569-1212 or visit www.wrightmuseum.org.

Climbing wall at Nickfest.

Photo courtesy Nicholas J. Pernokas Recreation Park (The Nick)

Active families won’t want to miss Nickfest on Saturday, July 13 (rain date: July 14) at Brewster Memorial Field on Main Street in Wolfeboro. From 11 am to 4 pm, families and friends can enjoy a selection of inflatable games including the Boot Camp Challenge, Moebius Combo, Vertical Rush, Jumbo Slide, Mini Ball Bounce, High Striker, and the Castle Bounce House. There are also four-way bungee trampolines, a climbing wall, pony rides, a photo booth, petting zoo, face painting, and live music by the Carolyn Ramsay Band. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Thanks to all the 2019 sponsors, 100 percent of the proceeds will go directly to The Nick to fund the operation and maintenance of the park. Tickets are available at Nickfest or in advance at Black’s Paper Store in downtown Wolfeboro. For further information, call 603-569-1909 or visit www.thenick.org.

Plan to come back to Wolfeboro when The Nick hosts Circus Smirkus, presented by All Saints Episcopal Church, with performances on Sunday, August 11 at 2 pm and 7 pm; and on Monday, August 12 at 1 pm and 6 pm. Don’t miss the amazing acrobatics of these skilled circus performers! The Smirkus midway opens one hour before showtime and features splendid Smirkus novelties and food concessions like popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, ice cream, and bottled water, lemonade, and iced tea. Tickets are available online at www.thenick.org, or at Black’s Paper Store in Wolfeboro and the Innisfree Bookstore at the Mill Falls Marketplace in Meredith.

Circus Smurkus will perform at The Nick this summer.

Photo courtesy Nicholas J. Pernokas Recreation Park (The Nick)

On Saturday July 20, The Loon Center in Moultonborough will host its 42nd Annual Loon Festival. This free event starts at 10 am and features crafts, storytelling, face painting, and balloons for the kids, slide presentations by loon biologists for adults, and live music and the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center Discovery Table with animal exhibits for everyone. Try your hand at the Pin the Chick on the Loon game or take a Loon Facts quiz and win three throws at the dunk tank! Food and beverages will be provided. For more than 40 years, the Loon Preservation Committee has worked to preserve the Common Loon and its habitat in New Hampshire through research, education, and management activities. This event will be held rain or shine. The Loon Center is located at 183 Lee’s Mill Road in Moultonborough. For details, call 603-476-5666 or visit www.loon.org.

Children will love the Truck, Tractor, Wagon Day at The New Hampshire Farm Museum on Saturday, August 3, from 10 am to 3 pm. Explore three centuries of travel and farm work, as it was done in the “olden” days. Part of the farm’s collection of tractors and wagons will be available for rides, and kids will be able to sit at the wheel of big trucks as well as fire and police vehicles, construction equipment, classic cars, and vintage military vehicles. It’s the most fun kids can have on a farm! While you’re there, be sure to tour the farm house and visit with the animals at this wonderful New Hampshire gem. The museum is located at 1305 White Mountain Highway in Milton. Visit www.nhfarmmuseum.org for more details, or call 603-652-7840.

Castle in the Clouds is a beautiful place to visit, and the walking trails, water fall, and fish feeding make this a great outing for kids. On Saturday, August 10, from 11 am to 2 pm, the Castle celebrates Family Fun Day. The Lakes Region Conservation Trust has partnered with the Moultonborough Recreation Department to provide a day of lively music, activities and games, and other fun. The whole family can enjoy this free event in the Meadows at Shannon Pond when entering from Ossipee Park Road. The event is also included in the price of admission to the Castle. Purchase food from a local food truck, ice cream and light snacks from Cones in the Clouds, or bring your own picnic lunch. Family Fun Day is held rain or shine. Castle in the Clouds is located at 455 Old Mountain Road in Moultonborough. For more information, call 603-476-5410 or visit www.castleintheclouds.org.

Castle in the Clouds. Courtesy photo

Explore nature at the 17th Annual Woods, Water, & Wildlife Festival at Branch Hill Farm on 307 Applebee Road in Milton Mills. This family-friendly celebration will take place on Saturday, August 10 from 10 am to 3 pm, and features fun and educational outdoor activities. Everyone can enjoy hayrides to the river, wild animals from Squam Lakes Science Center, fishing in the pond, kids’ crafts, a petting zoo, demonstrations of traditional rural skills, a kids’ discovery walk in the woods with obstacle course, a scavenger hunt, a permaculture garden, and more. Food and baked goods will be available for purchase, and this event is held rain or shine. Presented by Moose Mountains Regional Greenways and Branch Hill Farm, the festival is free for kids ages 12 and under.

Do you like county fairs? Kick off fair season in the Lakes Region with the Belknap County 4-H Fair on Saturday, August 10 from 9 am to 7 pm and on Sunday, August 11 from 9 am to 5 pm. Enjoy live music, lots of prize-winning farm animals, and yummy treats. Children under age 10 are free. The fairgrounds are located on Mile Hill Road in Belmont.

Last, but certainly not least, if you’re looking for something to do indoors, treat the family to an entertaining theatrical performance by The Interlakes Children’s Theatre in Meredith. The theatre is planning lots of great shows this summer for young audiences. On July 13 and 14 at 11 am both days, fall in love with Annie; on July 27 and 28, laugh along with Shrek the Musical at 11 am both days; and on August 10 and 11, enjoy a magical performance of The Wizard of Oz at 11 am both days. The theatre performances are at the Inter-Lakes High School auditorium located at 1 Laker Lane in Meredith. Call 603-707-6035 or visit www.interlakeschildrenstheatre.org for more information.

Lakes Region Memorial Day Observances

Lakes Region Memorial Day Observances

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

Memorial Day means different things to different people: at this time of year snowbirds return and open up their summer homes, children appreciate a long weekend when the weather is warm, gardeners begin to plan for the summer season, and many yearning to be near the water travel to the Lakes Region. But most of all, it is a time when observances honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice and made possible the many pastimes and freedoms we enjoy today.

Historically, Memorial Day was once known as Decoration Day.

Memorial Day May 27th

It has always been a time to honor and remember the fallen who served our country, whether 100 or more years ago or today, or at any time in the history of the United States.

A number of Memorial Day observances are taking place around the area, including the events listed here.

Memorial Day observances in Laconia will take place on Monday, May 27. Parade participants will gather at Garfield Street at 9:30 am. Marchers will stop at the bridge on Main Street (near the Landmark Inn) for a brief memorial service for those veterans who served on the water during World War II (veterans of the Navy and Merchant Marines). Following this, the parade will commence down Main Street to Veteran’s Park, across the street from the Gale Memorial Library. At the Square, the American Legion will conduct a ceremony; guns will be fired in salute.

Marching in the parade will be members of the Laconia American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Laconia Police and Fire Departments, Scouts, and the Laconia High School Band. (Anyone wishing to march in the parade may do so by meeting at Garfield Street at 9:30 am.) After the parade, the VFW Post #1670, located at 143 Court Street, will serve a complimentary luncheon. Those wishing further information should call 603-832-6345.

The village of Meredith Center will observe Memorial Day on May 27, with a service at Oakland Cemetery at 8 am, followed by a 9 am service at Meredith Village Cemetery.

In Meredith, a parade in the downtown will gather at the American Legion Post #33 on Plymouth Street at 9:30 am. The parade proceeds to the Meredith Library on Main Street, where a service will be conducted at the War Memorial. The parade then proceeds to Swazey Cemetery on Lang Street, a short distance from the library. After this, the parade proceeds to the Hesky Park Bandstand’s POW/MIA Flagpole, where Bob Jones and Jeanie Forrester will speak. After the parade, there will be snacks at the American Legion Post #33 on Plymouth Street.

Gilford observances will be held on Monday, May 27 with parade participants gathering in the parking lot of the Gilford Community Church on Potter Hill Road at 9:45 am. The parade will proceed to the WWI/WWII Memorial and Pine Grove Cemetery, where Rev. Michael Graham will lead a prayer; there will be a Pledge of Allegiance and wreath laying. All veterans are invited to participate in the parade; an antique firetruck will be available so that disabled veterans requiring rides can be in the parade. Please call the Gilford Town Hall at 603-527-4700 to make needs known.

Wolfeboro’s observance will be on Monday, May 27. According to American Legion Post #18 Parade Marshal Harold A. Chamberlin, all veteran’s graves in Wolfeboro and Tuftonboro will be decorated. The annual Wolfeboro parade forms at 9:30 am in Brewster Field (next to the Congregational Church). The parade begins at 10 am, proceeding to several locations for flag ceremonies: first to Pickering’s Corner at Brewster Field, then to Carpenter School on Main Street, and then to the Wolfeboro Post Office. The flags will be lowered to half-staff, and a ceremony will take place. The parade will then head to the downtown dockside location for a service with speaker state Rep. John MacDonald. For information on the parade, call Harold Chamberlin at 603-569-4296. In the event of rain, the program will be held in the Wright Museum.

In Alton, a May 27 Memorial Day observance with parade participants gathering at 9:30 am at Monument Square to line up in the order of marching. There will be an invocation and then the parade will start at 10 am and proceed to Riverside Cemetery for brief remarks and a playing of Taps. The parade then returns to Monument Square to conclude with a placing of wreaths on the war memorials, as well as a reading and music. There also will be rifle volleys and taps.

Center Harbor’s observance will be held on May 27, with parade participants gathering at 11:45 at Chase Circle. The parade steps off at noon, proceeding to Nichols Memorial Library where the Star Spangled Banner will be played by the Inter-Lakes Marching Band and with Eliza Beaudoin singing the National Anthem and Boy Scout Sage Kim reading “In Flanders Field”; there will also be a prayer and gun salute and laying of wreath at the War Memorial monument. Following this, at the town docks, there will be music by the Inter-Lakes Marching Band, a gun salute, Echo Taps played and a wreath toss to the water. The final stop will be at the Lakeview Cemetery across from the Congregational Church for services with playing of “Washington Post March”, Eco Taps, a 21-gun salute and laying of a wreath. Rev. Fred Doscher will deliver the message. Marching will be Meredith Legionnaires, I-L Marching Band, Boy Scouts, Center Harbor Fire Department honor guard and guests. The Town of Center Harbor invites interested veterans, Scouts and civic organizations to participate. Please call the Parks & Recreation Department at 455-1632 with any questions.

Moultonborough’s Memorial Day event starts at 10 am on May 27. Parade participants will gather at Blake Road near the Central School, and then process along Route 25 to the town hall. Presentation of wreaths will take place at Blake Road, The Historical Society, and the Public Library. Castle in the Clouds provides a trolley to carry veterans along the parade route. There will be a ceremony at the town hall to honor veterans. In the event of rain, the parade will start at the town hall and work in reverse, with the ceremony being held indoors at the Moultonborough Academy auditorium.

The village of Sandwich will feature a Memorial Day Remembrance Program on Monday, May 27. At 10 am, the program will begin at the Honor Roll next to the Post Office. For information, call Chief Doug Wyman at 603-284-7139 or Jennifer Wright at 603-284-7701.

Bristol’s observances will be held on May 27 and will step off at 9:30 am at the Freudenberg-NOK parking lot on Route 104 and proceed to Homeland Cemetery for prayers, wreath laying, rifle salute and Taps. Participants then go to the Musgrove Bridge on Pleasant Street to place a wreath in the water for servicemen who lost their lives at sea. The parade will proceed up Lake Street to the Newfound Middle School and end with a ceremony there. There will be speeches, wreath laying, National Anthem and selections played by the school band. A bus will take participants back to the Freudenberg-Nok parking lot at the conclusion of the ceremonies. If the weather does not cooperate, a ceremony will be held in the Middle School gymnasium.

On Monday, May 27, the V.F.W. Memorial Day Service will take place in Ossipee on the lawn in front of the town hall at 10 am. In the event of bad weather, the ceremony will be held inside the town hall.

Make Tracks to The North East Motor Sports Museum

Make Tracks to The North East Motor Sports Museum

Story & Photo by Mark Okrant

Much like a treasure chest, New Hampshire is home to a number of jewels in the form of historic museums. One of the gems awaiting the auto racing enthusiast, or any traveler seeking something different, is the North East Motor Sports Museum (NEMSM), situated at 922 Route 106, in Loudon. As you approach the New Hampshire Motor Speedway (NHMS) grounds from the south, you will see a big blue-and-white sign on the east side of the road. You owe it to yourself to visit this facility.

Opened on June 10 of 2017, the museum’s mission is to preserve the northeastern U.S. racing history, with a focus on New England. Walking through the door, you can’t help but be inspired to continue your visit. Visitors are greeted by the museum’s executive director, Tom Netishen, or volunteers from the board of directors, who willingly donate their time as docents. The enthusiasm of these people is infectious, and you will soon find yourself being guided through the impressive collection housed inside.

Display at the museum

A few steps from the entrance, visitors encounter two of the museum’s showpieces, a 1915 Duesenberg race car and a Stanley Steamer car dating back to the 1890’s. Like the other objects in the museum’s collections, it is apparent that a great deal of time and effort has been expended to keep these in mint-condition and properly displayed.

Other than the two classics described above, a wealth of motor sports history awaits. There are cars with a New England background from virtually every racing discipline. At the far end of the building, there is a display showing two vintage dragsters pre-staged at the starting line, waiting for the Christmas tree to signal them to begin the race. Another highlight is one of Joey Logano’s orange and white sprint cars. Logano is New England’s most successful driver, having won the 2018 NASCAR Cup Championship—the equivalent of a golfer winning the Masters.

A number of racing motorcycles also are on display. Other items of interest include cases of championship trophies, and a case filled with driver helmets that enables one to see how design and technology have improved the safety of drivers. Mounted on the museum walls are posters and a number of action photographs. There is even a soap box derby display that will be of particular interest to young visitors.

Built entirely by donations of money and services from the motor racing community, the museum attracts an audience of approximately 5,000 visitors annually. Many of the people who were on site the day I visited were seniors. As a long-time tourism industry researcher and educator, I’ve witnessed the decline and demise of hospitality businesses and tourism attractions that failed to recognize their audience was aging. I asked Director Netishen how he planned to ensure that the museum would survive and thrive.

Netishen didn’t pause for an instant to answer this question. While the museum’s primary purpose is to preserve the region’s racing history, he told me his board’s intention is to “inspire a wider audience to be involved in motor sports.” To accomplish this, the museum has begun to reach out to other racing fans, including a younger audience. Board member Bob Bianchi has constructed a slot car track that allows four players at one time to compete on a scaled one-quarter mile speedway. Children, teens, and young adults are the primary participants at the slot car track, but older attendees are an attentive audience, and occasionally partake. Another new feature is the iRacing Simulator. This gaming chair-computer screen apparatus provides museum guests the opportunity to simulate driving a powerful race car on one of a number of race tracks. (The sights and sounds of the device completely captured the attention of a teenager who was at the controls during my visit to the museum.)

Netishen has other ideas as well. As funds become available, he plans to add more interactive displays that will appeal to young and more mature audiences alike. Two of these will simulate activities that long-time racing competitors know very well. One is a display that will allow museum guests to change a race car’s tire inside the museum. A second is a cutaway race car engine that will allow patrons to see first-hand how one of those powerful motors works.

Netishen intends to give rally cars—popular with an under-age-25 audience—a prominent position in the museum’s collection. Then, using a piece of adjoining land, he is considering offering rally school classes that may include a driving component.

One element designed to attract a larger audience is already in place. Netishen and his board recognize that events are critical to attracting larger audiences. Toward that end, the museum is presently raising funds to add an 8,000 square foot function space on adjacent land that was obtained as part of a 2017 90-year lease agreement with NHMS. With this new space, the museum will be able to dramatically increase what is already a busy event schedule.

On May 4, NEMSM held its first annual Historic Motor Sports Exposition. The event hosted all of the region’s mobile and fixed museums devoted to car racing. An estimated audience of 500 to 700 attended this year’s event. As a result, the exposition is scheduled for May 2 in 2020.

Other events during the 2019 season are:

May 25-26 - Super-modifieds, featuring a display of these cars on the museum floor

June 1 - New Hampshire Muscle Cars – a car show featuring 50 to 75 cars

June 9 - Gypsy Tour Ride – in conjunction with Motorcycle Week – travel by motorcycle from the Weirs to NHMS, then breakfast at NEMSM

June 30 - Regional Pontiac Show – 100 cars of Nor’eastern Pontiac members

July 19 - Honoring Joey Logano – the greatest New England race car driver to date

Speaking with Tom Netishen, one cannot help but catch his enthusiasm. A man of 30 who has worked in most positions on every side of auto racing, his vision for NEMSM is extremely compelling. Netishen sees the facility as a “social gathering place and the hub of motorsports in New England.” He envisions the museum as much more than a venue to view racing memorabilia. It is a place for racing industry people to share their stories with enthusiasts and soon-to-be enthusiasts. With this goal in mind, NEMSM will be a compelling place to visit for all generations well into the future.

The North East Motor Sports Museum is open two days per month during winter; then every Saturday until Memorial Day. After June 1, the museum is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, from 10 am to 4 pm. General admission is $10, $7 for people age 65+, and free admission for children under the age of 12. The public is encouraged to join the museum as members, and donations are gratefully accepted. Netishen will be happy to discuss hosting events in this most interesting facility. www.nemsmuseum.com

Summer Cottages…Large and Small

Summer Cottages…Large and Small

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

When we think of a summer cottage, a tiny, one or two room wooden structure comes to mind. The cottage might fit more than one vacationing family, with everyone spending long, lazy days on a nearby beach or boating on the lake.

Another type of summer “cottage” brought wealthy people to the Lakes Region, where their version of a summer place was quite different. If you were a wealthy Bostonian or upper-class member of New York society in the late 1800s to mid 1900s, your summer cottage might have up to 10 rooms, a luxurious screened porch and every amenity possible.

When upper-crust members of society built summer homes in the Lake Winnipesaukee and White Mountain areas of NH, they brought with them what their idea of “cottages” and vacationing should be.

Castle in the Clouds

Undoubtedly the most famous estate in the Lakes Region is the property known as Lucknow or Castle in the Clouds. The castle’s original owner, Thomas Plant, was a wealthy inventor and businessman who bought the mountain property in about 1911. The Moultonboro site was perfect for Plant’s ultimate home, which he envisioned as sitting high on a mountainside with incredible views of the lake and mountains. The mansion was made of cut stone and had every modern-day amenity such as state-of-the-art showers, central vacuuming, a cooled wine cellar, forced hot water heating and more.

The Castle welcomes the public daily for tours in the spring, summer and fall, as well as offering the estate for many activities.

Elsewhere in the area, the Schrafft family, owners of a famed candy company, came to the Squam Lake region and put down summer home roots in the early 1900s. According to Squam by Rachel Carley, Robert Herman Otto Schulz (of Boston) and his wife, Louise Schrafft, built a home on a cove in the area. They named their summer home Indian Carry after a supposed Indian trail on the land. Not one to do things sparingly, the couple’s estate had seven buildings, including the large home as well as a boathouse and bunkhouse.

Most likely Louise’s family visited her summer home and fell in love with the area as well. Her brother, William Schrafft and his wife built nearby on a rise with breathtaking views of the area. The home was called Chimney Pots and was designed in a chalet style, probably large and well furnished.

Other Schrafft family cottages were Lochland, later to be purchased by television broadcaster William S. Paley (Frank Sinatra and other Rat Packers were said to be among the guests to the home) and the former Sunset House (inn). Benjamin Moore paint chairman Livingston Moore once owned the property.

In nearby Tamworth, an old Boston family built a summer cottage in the 1890s. Elliott Channing Clarke liked the area and began to buy and consolidate small farms, which he built into one large country estate called Great Hill Farm.

A successful engineer, Clarke added on to a one-and-a-half story, circa 1790s home. He filled the estate with gaming tables, beautiful furniture and big game trophies from his hunting expeditions.

According to Summer Cottages in the White Mountains – The Architecture of Leisure and Recreation 1870 to 1930 by Bryant F. Tolles, Jr., among the first houses built with the express purpose of becoming a summer “cottage” in the Squam Lake Region was that of engineer William Norton. The Nortons were so impressed with the beauty of the Squam area that they bought land in Holderness. On the site they built The Pines, a wonderful summer home. According to Squam by Rachel Carley, it was the custom to build summer homes away from the lakes and ponds in the late 1800s. It was thought that insects around water bodies carried illness; the Nortons built their cottage near the top of Shepard Hill, which gave them great views of the lake and mountains.

Friends and associates of Mr. Norton soon followed to the Shepard Hill Area. One of the enterprising groups built the Asquam House hotel. The hotel would become a busy spot with summer tourists over the years.

One visitor, John Nicolay, was private secretary to Abraham Lincoln and later a marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court. The cottage that Nicolay built for his family’s summer use was called Tannenruch. The property remained in the Nicolay family until the death of John’s daughter, Helen Nicolay, a respected artist and writer.

Occasionally a famous person or family built or bought a summer home in the Lakes Region. Actor Claude Rains was one such personage that settled in the area. Rains was well known in the 1930s and 1940s as a character actor. He was quite a famous movie star in his time, perhaps best known for his role as Inspector Renault in the 1942 film classic, “Casablanca”. Towards the end of his life, he resided at the former Weed house at the junction of Route 109 and Little Pond Road in Sandwich.

Rains had an impressive resume as an actor; he was known for his roles in “The Invisible Man” and as Sir John Talbot in “The Wolf Man”. He also had a role as a Nazi spy in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Notorious”, and he earned four Academy Award nominations during his career.

When Rains and his wife sent their daughter to camp in New Hampshire, they were introduced to the area, according to written accounts. A family friend who resided in Sandwich each summer invited the Rains family to visit.

The couple must have decided to relocate to New Hampshire and it is said Rains missed the country life when he resided elsewhere. Eventually, Rains approached Denley Emerson, a Sandwich real estate agent, about finding a manor-style in the Sandwich area, and Emerson successfully brokered the sale of the Weed house. Rains bought the property from Dorothy Weed, age 84 in 1963.

The Rains family modernized the home somewhat, but every effort was made to maintain the original. Rains believed in keeping the integrity of historic houses and barns. The kitchen was updated, and he had a small porch enclosed, and an icehouse turned into an art studio for Mrs. Rains. Other alterations were cosmetic, such as painting the walls. Rains also took pride in the yard, planting lilacs, magnolias, hydrangeas, and crabapple trees. Claude Rains enjoyed his time in the area, and passed away in the late 1960s.

In the Newfound Lake area, a farm in the Whittemore Point (Bridgewater) locale was purchased by E. P. Lindsey of Boston. Refurbished from top to bottom, the farm had a cottage for hired help and a modernized barn. Many renovations were made to the brick farmhouse. Lindsey may have been originally from the Newfound area, and it is known that as a young man he worked as a common laborer in Bristol. Eventually, he amassed a fortune, and when his wife died in the 1930s the estate was valued at over $1 million.

While the wealthy upper class were settling in the Squam and other lake areas, farmers and innkeepers were starting to take in summer vacationers on a more modest scale.

In 1880, the first summer boarding house was built in Bridgewater on the eastern side of Newfound Lake. Originally called Lake View House, the structure was three stories high, with a dining room, dance hall and 75 bedrooms.

Soon other hotels sprang up in the area, according to Newfound Lake, by Charles Greenwood: Elm Lawn; Bayview House, and later, Pasquaney. Large farms continued to help meet the demand for lodgings, and just a few were Ackerman House, the Silas Brown property known as Newfound Lake Farm, and the Norman Smith farm. The largest town in the area was Bristol, and it boasted the Hotel Bristol and the G. G. Brown Hotel in the mid-1800s.

Cottages were also springing up around the lake in the late 1800s. One area on the eastern side of Newfound Lake near Bridgewater became known as "Cottage City." Owned mostly by professional and local businessmen, the summer homes were at the time the largest grouping of private cottages.

By the early part of the 1900s, housekeeping cottages sprang up in the area to meet the demand for inexpensive tourist housing. The cottages were rented to visitors for a week, or sometimes for an entire summer.

W. F. Darling of Bristol built a large group of cottages in the 1920s. The colony was first known as Hiland Park with about 100 cottages. Guests could rent a cottage, cook their own meals, and best of all, relax on their porch and take in the wonderful views. Eventually this cottage colony would become known as Bungalow Village.

Vintage Lake Winnipesaukee Postcard

About this time, at the foot of Newfound Lake, Walter Prince bought over 1,000 feet of shore property, on which he built a cottage colony. Prince saw further opportunities for income by building a store, restaurant and gas station. Everything the vacationer could want—from a dip in the lake, to dinner in a restaurant and gas for the family car—was at Prince's.

On Lake Winnipesaukee, cottage colonies, as well as private summer homes/cottages have come and gone over the years. There was the Terrace Hotel in Laconia, a stately inn overlooking the water; the Sweetwood Cottages, Little Cape Codder Cabins, Look Off Rock Cabins, to name but a few of the summer lodging establishments that offered overnight or longer accommodations to the vacationing public.

Whether a modest wooden structure or a cottage colony or inn establishment, or a grand private summer home for a wealthy person, the Lakes Region attracted all sorts of people. Their homes may have been different, but the thing that brought them here: the beauty and tranquility of a summer spent by the water, is something they had in common.