Capturing the Essence of Wolfeboro 

By Rosalie Triolo

Photos: courtesy of Lana Santoro

In her recent book Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, the oldest summer resort in america, Lana Santoro has captured through the lens of her camera the character and spirit of this small picturesque New England town.  On her first visit to Wolfeboro to meet her future in-laws, Lana was captivated by the friendly welcoming feel of downtown Wolfeboro. Over the years on following visits, she and her husband, Chris, would drive to places outside of town discovering Dimon’s Corner in north Wolfeboro. On the outskirts she photographed old farm houses and stone walls some of which may have been built a century ago. With each return trip Lana’s fascination and love of the area grew, as did the number of photos in her collection. These photos she would use to create a calendar depicting the four seasons of Wolfeboro. Her first Wolfeboro calendar was published in 2007 and the 2022 calendar can be purchased on her website. 

 Lana commented, “A calendar needs scenery, but my photos also tell the story of an entire town. Its warmth and the memorable personalities you come to meet.” A story built from photos of red doors, wreaths and American flags fluttering in the summer breeze on the Fourth of July. A town where the young, the old and tiny children fill the sidewalks of Main Street waiting for a parade to begin. Stories of old buildings with histories going back to the late 1800s which have been renovated and still in use today. 

One of her favorite places to walk is Cate Park. Its waterfront gazebo where in summer bands entertain the community and artists display their work. The statue of grandpa and child in conversation, sharing thoughts and ice cream cones. “For me,” says Lana, “This is a beautiful representation of Wolfeboro. A town friendly and hospitable to all generations. I think of downtown Wolfeboro as its heart, Cate Park as its soul, and as boats approach from the Lake, I think of Dockside Grille as its welcome mat.” 

A photographic journey through Wolfeboro, the book’s cover introduces the reader to a colorful 160-page story. The MS Mount Washington approaching the Town Docks in Wolfeboro Bay passing by the Dockside Grille, and in the background standing taller than other buildings, the Town Hall with its prominent clocktower. 

Within the pages of her book, Lana takes the reader on a stroll down Main Street and the outskirts of Wolfeboro.  

Black’s Paper Store decorated according to the season where customers are welcomed to browse through racks and shelves filled with clothing, cards, gifts, souvenirs and toys. The Saturday after Thanksgiving a parade down Main St., with Santa Claus coming to town, the lighting of the Community Town Christmas Tree which stands in front of Black’s Paper Shop, and Santa’s Hut, across from Hunter’s Market, is opened for boys and girls to visit with Santa and give him their Christmas wish lists. 

Another long-standing tradition, the Yum-Yum bakery shop where for over 50 years customers have enjoyed an assortment of baked cookies, donuts and cakes. Since its opening, the Yum-Yum has changed hands, and over the years improvements have been made to the interior of the shop. The exterior of the bakery has been renovated affording customers additional seating on the spacious patio.

The Durgin Stables complex, built in 1875, houses the Country Booksellers shop. Inside, books for everyone’s preference, and toys for little children line the shelves. Books labeled “Staff Picks” usually help the undecided reader make a choice. 

 Rediscovering one of Wolfeboro’s landmarks built in the late 1800s, the old Town Hall was recently renovated. At one time it housed the Public Library and on the third floor there was a movie theater which no longer exists anywhere in town. The library was then moved to another building on South Main Street, next to the Public Safety Building, and most recently was renovated, updated and modernized.   

On Railroad Avenue, Bailey’s Bubble, a summer tradition, for families with young children, teens and for older generations, bustles with excitement as customers wait in long lines to choose their favorite flavor ice cream for sundaes with toppings, ice cream drinks or ice cream cones.     

Lana describes Wolfeboro as, “A family walkable town.” When her brother and his family visited Wolfeboro, they were impressed by the diversity of recreational activities available to families with children, the variety of restaurants and quaint little shops. 

The Depot Station on Railroad Avenue, which also dates to the late 1800s, is the start of the Cotton Valley Rail Trail. From the old Depot Station to Fernald Crossing Station in Wolfeboro, the trail extends 3.2 miles. The entire trail is 12 miles long extending from Wolfeboro, to Brookfield, and ending at Turntable Park in Wakefield. In spring, summer and fall this picture-perfect trail, some of which meanders alongside Back Bay, is ideal for running, walking and biking. In winter, when covered with snow, it is an excellent place to snowshoe and cross-country ski. 

A short drive from the center of town, The Nick, a 27-acre sports facility, provides baseball and softball fields, a six-lane synthetic track, picnic area, children’s playground and pavilion, an enclosed dog park, and a skateboard area. The Nick is run by the Wolfeboro Area Recreational Association (WARA) a non-profit organization.

A town of 58.5 square miles, Wolfeboro is a popular destination for vacationers. A town where people from big cities and a faster paced life come to enjoy boating, kayaking, canoeing, watersports and fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee, Crescent Lake and Lake Wentworth. It is a town that is steeped in history; a town at ease with itself as captured in photos by Lana Santoro. Its schools are represented: Carpenter School, Brewster Academy, Kingswood High School and Middle School, and Crescent Lake School. The Kingswood Art Center has been recognized for the performances that have taken place there throughout the years. In November tickets were sold out to each of the performances of ABBA’s Mamma Mia. 

The museums throughout the town, such as the Libby Museum, Clark House Museum and New Hampshire Boat Museum, provide learning experiences and as well as the history of Wolfeboro. You can’t miss the Wright Museum on Center Street with an armored tank breaking through its brick façade. A non-profit organization which recognizes and honors the contributions of Americans during the World War II era, the museum provides educational programs and through memorabilia offers a look into life during the 1940’s. 

The Fire Fighter Memorial at Town Hall, and New Hampshire Civil War Monument on the corner of South Main St. and Center St. are tributes to those who have given service to the Town, and country.  

The Wolfeboro Photo Book is a 160-pages journey that Lana has shared with residents and visitors.  It is truly amazing how the young woman, who came to town for a visit, cherishes the character, feels the warmth, and has captured with the lens of her camera the essence of Wolfeboro. 

In this one sentence Lana expresses her feelings, “This is my love letter to the Town of Wolfeboro.”

Lana Santoro, Ph. D is a teacher, an educational consultant, writer and modestly claims she is an “amateur” photographer. 

If you are interested in either her 2022 Calendar, Fine Prints, Photography Gifts or the Wolfeboro Photo Book, all information can be found on www.thewolfeborobook.com.