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In Memoria

We would like to re-member those who have been a part of our museum family through the years:

Dorothea Ruggles Abe Kezerian Linda Hall

Carl Hilgenberg Norman & Gladys Kinne

Robert Labontre

We are thankful for the donations made in their memories.

Donations above and beyond.

Carol Anne Gilis

Donald Anderson Bruce &Jody Blaney

Everet Blodgett Ron Bolt

Mary Boulanger Milt & Joan Bratz

Don & Mary Ann Butson Nancy Collins

Peter & Sue Cooper Raymond & Mary Corey Dick & Sandy Hamilton

Ed & Erin Hennessey Dorothy Herbert Roberta Lavoie

John & Peggy Maynes Connie McDade

Robert & Alice Muh Mr.&Mrs. Henry Peterson

Helen Pike Steve Plant

Dianne & Val Poulsen Wayne B. Ruggles Ron & Pat Stevens

Susan,Frank & Sarah Sa-madi

Barbara Walker Brien Ward

Linda & Bob Warden Mona & Gerald Winn

2 Union Street, Littleton, NH 03561 1-603-444-6435

Curator: Richard F. Alberini E-mail: lhistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Facebook: Littleton Opera Historic Society Web Site: littletonnhmuseum.com

July 2018 Since 1967

Life Membership

Life Memberships are now available. We realize that you have already paid your 2018 dues or are already a life member. Consider this a friendly “heads-up” that it will be included as an option on January’s billing.

Old Main Street #9

Taken from the hand written work of

Geo. Furber in 1895. Mr. Furber was a

newspaperman. He was the publisher of

the Littleton Record and the early Little-

ton Courier in the late 1890s.

We’re continuing our trip heading

east on the north side of Main Street.

The next house to the east (corner of

Main and Church Streets) was built

by Josiah Kilburn in 1827 who sold it

to Francis Hodgman (Eleanor

Hodgman Porter’s grandfather) about

1833. Hodgman exchanged with Dr.

Burns for a beautiful Greek revival

which was torn down to make way for

the new library in 1902. This was the

home of Francis until his death in

1865. It was located on the corner of

Main and School Streets. He also gave

40 acres of land on Oak Hill Avenue to

make up for the value of the property.

I believe that LHS is located on a

piece of it. Back to the corner of Main

and Church. The property was owned

by Cpt. John Pierce in 1895.

The next house to the east, on the op-

posite side of Church Street (currently

a dentist office) was built by John

Merrill in 1836. He sold this house

and his shop near the Thayers Hotel

to William Bailey who occupied the

house as a residence and kept store in

the shop. Bailey sold the house to Rev.

C. E. Milliken who sold to Henry

Green, present owner (1895). Bailey

sold the store to Henry Merrill who

sold to Ira Parker.

Dr. Adams Moore built the next

house to the east, (1895) owned by

Miss Anna Brackett in 1832. He occu-

pied it until his death. It was sold to

C. W. Brackett and from him descend-

ed to his daughter. There was origi-

nally an office building on the lot built

by Dr. Moore and occupied by him and

Squire Carleton for many years. It

was afterward bought by C. W. Rand

and moved to his lot and used by him

as an office. Later, R. Bishop bought

and moved it to the Bowman lot front-

ing on Mill Street. In 1881 Joseph

Rivers bought and moved it to

Chiswick Avenue and finished it into

a house owned by Charles Parker

(1895).

The next house to the east was built

and owned by Dr. T. E. Sanger. Noah

Farr, father of the late John Farr,

bought the lot for a load of potatoes

and built a house in 1819. Farr sold to

Timothy Edson and he to Truman Ste-

vens who enlarged it. Stevens sold to

Dr. Sanger who removed the house

and built the present one in 1873. The

old house is now owned by Loren Bow-

man and stands near where the old

school house stood, west of Brook

Street (now Jiffy Mart).

Important Notice: Open to ALL

Annual Meeting: Jan.11, 2019 at 6:00 pm-Tower Room in the Opera House. Guest Speaker at 6:30 pm.

Tim Lewis, author of:

A Cog Kid recalls the Jitney Years at the Mt. Washington Railway.

(1950-1967) Snow date:1/18/19

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Museum Log: Northern Lights Music By Linda McShane

The Littleton Courier The following article was written by the late Linda McShane. Republishing Linda’s works help to keep her talent and creativity alive. Dick Alberini, Curator

____________________________________________

Museum Log: July 26, 1978

The museum staff has had several calls for help in tracing the history of blocks on Main Street. This week it was to help William Leonard

of Western Auto Store (currently Northern Lights Music) trace the long and varied history of the “Calhoun Building,” erected in 1833 by William

Brackett. Mr. Brackett, who came to Littleton in 1799, lived on the Meadow; and his “little red store” still stands as Leo Cote’s barn. He came up town to work for Roby, Curtis & Co. who ran the “Old Red Store”, located where the Methodist Church stands today. Later he and his brother Aaron bought out the Roby interests and built their own store opposite the Henry Tilton Home-stead (torn down in 1984). This store was the leading general store for the next 40 years. In studying the various pictures of Littleton’s Main Street, one can see that the building was remodeled three times, starting as a three-story building resembling one of the large homes at the time; next the third floor was enlarged. At a later date, the pre-sent ornate front was added. A search of the titles reveals many changes of ownership over the more than 150 years. Fred H. English’s general store was remembered with its open pickle barrel and huge glass potato chip container. The Museum has his huge coffee grinder on exhibit. In 1925 after the disastrous fire in the Boylston Bloc, the Littleton Hardware Co. bought this block which they owned for 50 years. Following in the interesting list of ownership of the “Calhoun Block” from, 1833 to 1978: 1832, William Brackett bought land from Moses Little; 1833 William and Aaron Brackett build the block; 1868, Weeks, Eaton, Calhoun; 1873, Eaton, Tarbell and Company; 1877,Eaton, Tar-bell and Green; 1879 Eaton and Green;1882, Eaton and English; 1886, English and Bond; 1901, Fred H. English; 1920. Jackson and Durgin; 1925, Littleton Hardware Company, 1950, Fletcher’s; 1977, Western Auto Store

2018, Northern Lights Music

The Underground Railroad

Our journey starts in Haverhill, NH at the Bliss Tavern. The tavern was one of the long chain of homes that constituted the Under-ground Railroad b y means of these stations, hundreds of slaves were helped to reach the Canadian border. Because of the leadership of Judge Edmund Carlton, Littleton was an active center in the whole anti-slavery movement. As a young man, Carlton had taught in Virginia, and what he saw at that time fired him to work the rest of his life to help free the slaves. A much respected lawyer, and the founder of the first sawmill in Apthorp, he lived at the top of the hill at the end of Carlton Street. Here many slaves were hidden as they made their way north. Today, it is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ron MacKinnon. From the Carlton’s, the slaves followed the riv-er, heading north to freedom. The “drinking gourd” also know as the Big Dipper and the North Star, pointed their way to freedom. Ed-mund Carlton and his wife were “conductors” on the Underground Railroad. After the Compro-mise of 1850, helping slaves to escape to free-dom was a Federal offense. Those who helped and were caught often faced stiff penalties of high fines and/or jail sentence. The Carletons hosted numerous anti-slave meetings in Littleton to help grow their cause.

Movie Night at the Opera House

Casablanca

August 18 2018

6:30 pm

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1936 January

K of C Home only one in N.E. With hotel facilities. Littleton first town featured on radio broadcast. Community House partially gutted by $5,000 fire.

February “White Mt. Storm Kings” first project to new amusement corporation. Southwest dust turns snow reddish brown.

March Snow Train Dances popular. Severe floods cripple North Country. Old Waterford bridge washed away—disappears; $2000,000 damage to roads alone, in this vicinity.

April N. H. Methodist delegates convene in 107th session at Littleton. Bishop Burns assisted by Bishop Bradley of India at 4-day conclave. Smallest baby born at Littleton hospital, weighing two pounds, six ounces.

May Work underway on modern Thayers dining room grill and soundproof bowling alley.

June St. Mary’s girls school moves from Poole estate to permanent home in palatial Beck’s “Seven Springs.”

July Cow milking contest at Premier Theater for milk-maids.

September Littleton Collegians claim N. H. semi-pro title, winning 37, losing 11, tying two.

October 1,600 teachers take over Littleton for 3-day conven-tion of state body. Charles Mozrall honored for 43 years on Fire Department.

November Littleton has first woman legislator. Harry M. Farr 25 years a mail carrier. 1650 sandwiches fed to Democratic celebration crows at Opera House, also 800 doughnuts, 40 pounds of cheese.

1937

January Remich Park grandstand razed by midnight fire. (In March, district votes $7,000 for new grandstand.) (In July, Gov. Murphy officiates at dedication.

February

“Rubber checks” flood North Country towns. Chief Gardner releases postcard barrage of warning.

March Queen McMann goes to Florida as “Good will ambas-sador.” (In Feb.’37, elected Carnival Queen—12th an-nual Littleton winter carnival—3-day event).

May Littleton merchants issue first “Shopping News.” Cullen Hardware Corp. buys Richardson-Cameron business.

June Littleton observes first “community” Memorial Day; features float parade.

July Third thousand visit Skyline Farm in 17th season.

August Cornelia Otis Skinner gives famed monologues in Littleton.

September 500 firemen invade Littleton for state sessions, Chief C. R. Colby named NH head. Charles H. McCarthy completer 53rd year as Littleton barber.

November H. Hubert Merrill heads Grafton County Farm Bureau. Littleton Outing Club starts 13th year. Dr. S. L. Eaton president.

New flag: Catching attention & bringing people in.

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Littleton Area Historical Society:

The Beginning

There are a few people who remember the birth of the Historical Society, but many

more who don’t. Sometimes it’s a good thing to look at our past to understand our pre-sent and prepare for the future. It’s time to

look at our past. Members of the committee from the Little-

ton Colonial Club sponsored the initiation of the Historical Society. They arranged a pub-lic meeting for Sunday, May 21 (1967) at

7:30 p.m. at the Congregational Church Hall. Anyone in the vicinity of Littleton were

invited to attend the informal gathering and hear qualified speakers outline plans for the forming of such a society. This invitation

was published in the Littleton Courier, March 30, 1967 under the headlines Set May 21 For Public Meeting On Littleton

Historical Soc. Plans. Anticipation for the organizational meeting

was built through the local newspaper. Arti-cles were printed on a weekly basis to keep

the public informed of the steps that were being taken. “Continue Plans for Histori-cal Society In Area,” “Interest Grows In Plans for Historical Society,” Enthusiasm

Shown In Formation Of Littleton Histori-cal Society.” These were just a few of the

articles that were written to spike interest. Then, on May 4, 1967, under the headline Littleton Area Historical Group Plans Pro-

gram For May 21 Event” the first program was presented to the public. How exciting it

must have been to get this off of the ground and in the air.

The first program was held at the Congre-gational Church hall and was indeed a power-packed event. The objective of the so-

ciety was published. “...to bring together those people who have an interest in the history of Littleton and to join others with a like interest in furthering our

American heritage.” The slate of speakers

included Richard Fowle, well-known Little-ton man the vice president of the Vermont Historical society, who was to speak about

the formation of such a group. Mrs. Trevor

Mooney of Littleton spoke informally con-cerning the local angle.

The group was under the sponsorship of the Littleton Colonial Club and plans were made for it to become an independent soci-

ety at the May meeting, with its own slate of officers. An information blank was printed

in the March 30 issue of the Courier. The purpose of this form was to gather infor-mation on people who might be interested in

the Historical Society. At the time, Mary and Frances Heald were living in Melrose, MA. Mary wrote the following response on their

form: “Fran and I have read with much interest your plans for a Littleton Historical soci-

ety and do want to be associate mem-bers, and maybe not too many years hence active members, for we hope to re-

turn to Littleton for our permanent home

after Fran retires.” She then went on to say that they will be returning to camp (Manns Hill) shortly and that they have arti-

facts from Francis Hodgman, which are now on display at the museum. An attempt to invite Bette Davis was made

(What a boom that would have added to the meeting !) as a special guest. It was found

that Miss Davis was in Europe at the time. These are our roots from whence we sprung. The Historical Society and Museum

are going strong. With 3,800 square feet of Littleton History on display and a dedicated staff of volunteers, we’re looking forward to

a bright tomorrow. If you haven’t visited re-cently, please do. You don’t know what your

missing !

Grade 6 student wearing beaver hat and loving it!

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Memorial Day: 2018

A yearly occurrence that is always an honor to par-take in is the annual Me-morial Day Parade. As usual, Deb Cliche provided four willing young men from her sixth grade class

to proudly wear the original uniforms from our col-lection. This year’s participants were Camden Cook (WWII –Navy), Grady Hadlock (WWII-Army), Morgan Kelly (WWI-Army), Loren McCusker (Vietnam -Marine). The boys wore the uniforms with pride, each holding an American flag. People who attended the parade cheered and clapped from the sidelines as we drove past. A great experience for all involved.

Caledonian Record: 1876 Original Article: Newsworthy Littleton

Facebook This social media tool has proved to be a huge boost to getting the word out that we’re alive, well and ac-tive. Not only is this media used to post the weekly radio shows, we use it to make connections with people. One never knows what we’re going to post on our Facebook page. Here’s a very interesting ex-ample of what one posting can do.

Thread:

Tim Geiger: Family currently living in NH. Tim Geiger: My great great grandmother. Museum: Who’s side of the family? Can you give more info? Tim: My mother, Debbie Geiger,her side of the family. Her mother Elizabeth, my grandmother’s maiden name was Elliott. Henry Elliott the son of Charity was my grandmother’s father. Ann Weil: My great grand-mother. Ann Weil: My paternal grand-mother was Doris Bigelow, Charity Elliott’s eldest daughter. Facebook has kept many people actively involved with the museum as well as with the history of Littleton. As you can see, it is

a place to share memories and experiences. We now reach out to 1520 followers of our page.

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Exhibit at the Mascoma Bank Once again, the Mascoma Savings Bank on Main Street in Little-ton has opened their doors and lobby to the Historical Museum. It appears that our out-reach museum is doing

great. People are stopping in to visit the exhibit. It’s proven to be a vital public relations link to the town and neighboring areas for us.

This exhibit, in honor of Memorial Day and July Fourth, depicts Littleton’s involvement in the Civil War, Spanish-American War, World War I, and World War II. Artifacts, photographs and documents are on display for all to see and enjoy. Thanks to Peg Ryan, we have two new display cases: One in the museum and the other at the bank.

On display from the Civil War is Dr. Moffet’s “muck” cup, a sword, minie balls, posters, band uniform, and many other items. From The Spanish-American War, pictures of Littleton’s volunteers are gathered in a collage. World War I shows a photographic of Pvt. Greene who never made it to France due to the influ-enza. His death certificate announcing his burial at sea is also on display and so much more. World War II displays a framed photo of Dr. Bogle (Major) who’s house once stood on the site of the bank. There’s an assortment of ration stamps, medals for valor, and many more photographs. The display has attracted a lot of attention. We hope that you have time to see it if you’re in the area. It will remain at the bank through August.

NH Public Television Comes to the Museum

NHPTV is producing a series called My Hometown. Littleton was chosen as one of the locations and inte-rior of the museum as the backdrop for the recorded interviews.

The production team arrived on Thursday, May 10 to select their “studio.” Filming began on Friday and

ended on Saturday morning. Dick Alberini, museum curator, dressed in his Victorian attire for his portion of story telling. Anything to bring our existence to public awareness. We haven’t been told when the program will be aired, but we do know the Rebecca Rule, NH en-tertainer, is the host and will be coming to the museum in August to film her piece.

Hike to the Black Mountain Dam

Wondering where Black Mountain is located? Per-haps you’ll know it by another name: Parker Moun-tain or Manns Hill. Jim Duranty came to the museum a few months ago and told us of the remains of a

dam on Broomstick Hill. He offered to take me for a hike to the location. I took him up on it. Mind you, I’m not much of a hiker, but this was fun and not too strenuous. On Tuesday, May 15, I picked Jim

up at his home and we headed to Manns Hill. When we reached the old cemetery on Broomstick, we parked in front and struck off and into the bush. Jim had laid out the path quite respectfully. We followed the bright orange ribbons into the thicket and eventually reached the remains of the dam. Talk about impressed!

In 1879 the Apthorp Reservoir Company was to fur-nish the village with water. The company obtained the right to take its water supply from springs that were at the source of the Palmer Brook on Black Mtn. A storage basin was built on the Goodall Farm. And a pipe connection with the reservoir on Pine Hill.

(continued on page 7 –Black Mtn Dam)

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(Continued from page 6 –

Black Mtn. Dam)

In 1889 a water cloud burst over Black Moun-tain, and when descend-ing waters struck the walls of the storage basin (dirt berms), they gave way, and an immense torrent overleaping the chan-nel of the Palmer Brook rushed down the valley, doing

great damage.

Upon first seeing the area, I was struck with great awe. The basin, as described in the pervious paragraph, is massive. I couldn’t see the other side. The entire structure

is made from soil with the exception of the control tower, which still stands at 20 feet. It did suffer dam-age on that ill fated day in 1889. The place is over-grown with trees and thicket, but the shape is still evi-dent. What really im-pressed me is that this structure was built by hand. There is no evi-dence of a road by which wagons or teams of oxen could access the area. In our opinion, the basin was formed by the removal of soil that was used to create the walls of the dam. An earthen wall snugged up to the tower. Water would enter the pipes from within the tower through a square entry in the bottom and travel to the Pine Hill dam (area still in use). All in all, not a bad hike and so very educational.

Birthday Treasure Hunt Several months ago, a par-ent called asking if we could help out with her son’s 10th birthday party. It seems that her son really likes the movie, National Treasure in which

Nicholas Cage scours the East Coast for clues that lead him to a huge treasure that was stashed away during

the American Revolution. Her son’s quest would start in the museum where they would receive clues to their next destination. Joan Noyes and Dick Alberini dressed in period garb to enhance the experience. Alberini created a scroll, complete with skull and cross bones, that welcomed the party goers to the museum and established a few rules and regulations. After 30 minutes or so, all clues were exhausted and the treasure hunters were off to the Pollyanna statue at the Public Library. Great fun for all and an introduction into Littleton history.

George C. Patten: Original Tool Box

People often ask about how we acquire artifacts. My main stand-by answer is that people donate them. As is the case of our latest acquisition: George C. Patten’s tool box . If you haven’t already made the connection by now, his mill is now located un-

der the waters of the Moore Dam. In an area known as Pattenville. John Patten, George’s great grand son , decided that the tool box, its contents and a number of photo-graphs and documents should come home to Littleton. John and his wife traveled from Seattle, WA to their granddaughter’s college graduation in Pennsylvania. From there, they

went to a relative’s home in Vermont. George’s tool box is now home and on display at the museum in the business exhibit. John filled us in on some family history. George Col-lingwood Patten was the son of George C. Patten, born in Boston in 1852. He married Jennie Sanborn in 1879. Jennie passed in 1882. A son, Frank Tracy was born in 1882.George named him after his brother who died at the age of 1 year and 9 months. Frank had a son Milton (we have the letter that he wrote to his father announcing Milton’s birth). Milton had a son John and John gave us the tool box. How’s that for a explanation of how we acquire artifacts?

Mr. Kilburn and Lakeway’s Grade 6 This time of year, so much happens at the museum. One activity that we look forward to happening is the Littleton project that is done by the 6th grade and the visit by Mr. Kilburn (Dick Alberini) to Kilburn Crags with the kids. May 30 for the visit and June 7 for the hike. Not many people hike the crags while dressed in a top hat and vest. Always an enjoyable experience.

George C. Patten

John Patten

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Officers and Board of Directors

President: Dick Hamilton‘17 V.P.: Nancy Collins ‘17

Secretary: Fay Lloyd ‘17 Treasurer: Wayne Ruggles ‘17

Curator: Richard Alberini Directors:

Glenn Stewart ‘20 Gary Kezerian‘20

Raymond Hopkins ‘18 Mary Boulanger ‘17 Roberta Lavoie ‘17

Jan Maltais ‘18 Historians: Fay Lloyd

Roberta Lavoie Nancy Collins Joan Noyes Jan Maltais

Business Members 2018

Littleton Lions Club Passumpsic Savings Bank

The Coffee Pot Restaurant Brien L. Ward, Attorney at Law

Pollyanna of Littleton Mona & Gerald Winn

YEROC John & Margaret Pilgrim

Porfido’s Market and Deli

Please support those who support the museum.