A Look Back ... Interesting entries from the
Sandwich Reporter
OCTOBER 2024
October 4, 1888: The Barn of John N. Peaslee at the North part of town, was burned last Sunday about noon. The fire was caused by his little 3-year old child lighting a match on the hay mow. The barn, with contents, including horse, wagon and harnesses, was burned to the ground, and it was with difficulty that the house was saved. There was no insurance. We understand that the neighbors have kindly turned out and are helping him get the frame out for a new barn. (This house was located across from Road’s End off the North Sandwich Road and was last owned by Bernard Swan. SHS ed.)
The Town fair this year promises to be the most successful one held, and extensive preparations are being made to make it a success. People from adjoining towns are invited to bring articles for exhibition. Let everyone turn out and come and bring what you can to exhibit.
(An excerpt from an article describing the renovations done to the White Church at the corner of Wing Road and Whiteface Road.) The centre piece behind the pulpit is beautiful. It was one of the pieces imported for the ornamentation of Trinity church, Boston, and not being used was secured by Mr. Harry Berry, who placed it upon the walls of the church. It represents Christ rising triumphant from the grave.
October 12, 1893: Gilman Moulton and wife went to Lowell Tuesday. They expect to visit the World’s Fair before returning home. Alonzo McCrillis and wife, Mrs. Carrie McGaffey, S.B. Wiggin, Charles B. Hoyt and Will Chase started for the World’s Fair Wednesday. (This would have been the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago, IL held in 1892/93. (SHS ed.)
Mrs. W.D. Leach will sell at auction on Tuesday Oct. 17, at 9 o’clock a.m., eight cows, oxen, sheep, hog, wagon, sleigh, 100 bushels corn, 20 bushels barley, beans, potatoes, harnesses, household furniture, a large lot of farming tools and other thing too numerous to mention.
The work on the Methodist Church is progressing finely, and the church will be ready for occupancy in a few weeks. The new organ has been finished and boxed, all ready for shipping as soon as the church is ready to receive it. When finished we shall have the finest church edifice in the county.
A large nice looking cow was found dead beneath an apple tree upon the side of Young Mountain a few days since. What caused her death or who is the owner is not known by the writer.
October 25, 1906: Work has again started in the gold mines, under new management.
A valuable horse belonging to Marcellus Wallace of this town, was accidently shot and killed last Saturday.
WANTED – Good girl for general housework; wages $3.50 per week no washing. Apply or write to Mrs. D. H. Sherman, Center Sandwich, NH ($3.50 in 1906 would equate to about $122.32 today. SHS ed.)
Lewis, the young son of Seth Garland, of Center Sandwich, had the misfortune to fall from the roof of the hen house, breaking both bones of the forearm. Dr. A.B. Hoag set the fractured bones and has the case in charge.
October 3, 1918: Clarence Brown and his bride spent Saturday and Sunday on the top of Mt. Israel. (Clarence was the Fire Look Out on Mt. Israel starting in May 1916. SHS ed.)
Cupid has been busy at North Sandwich of late with good results, while there are prospective candidates in line. We had much rather hear of this than the Spanish plague which brings fear and unrest.
Mr. R.E. Pickthall holds the record on raising squashes. Having brought in two turbans that weighed 28 ½ pounds each.
On account of the prevailing epidemic which is raging everywhere so the schools are closed, Miss Maybeth Smith and Glen Smith are home from Lancaster, Mass., and Miss Blanche Burrows from Rumney, N.H..
Plymouth Fair has been ordered closed on account of the epidemic.
October 26, 1926: (From a longer article covering the whole Fair) “What might be said of the Midway would fill this whole issue of the Sandwich Reporter and that would be unfair. On the midway one deals with fakirs, but by no means does that mean fakes. As a rule, they play the game square (as square as one expects) and stand ever ready to aid one of his kind who may have met with hard luck.
The wrestlers, blanket men, corn and ring games, hot dogs, fortune tellers all were there and while we hear it intimated that they carry away our money we know they leave a part for rent of the grounds, for nearly a fourth part of the Fair receipts come from them. The livelier the midway, the livelier the fair.
The best result of the fair is that nothing was stolen and no one was injured as far as the fair officials learned. The nearest loss of human life was when a trained monkey escaped from its owner and attempted to cross the street was run over by a passing auto.”
Moses Hall returned to Campton last Friday, where he expects to remain the coming winter.
October 31, 1935: Demerit E, Smith, 67, a lifelong resident of Sandwich, committed suicide at his home on Sunday afternoon using a .32 caliber revolver. (This would be the Mead Base building at the end of Diamond Ledge Road. SHS ed.) Mr. Smith, who had been in poor health for several months, attended to his usual work about the home, soon after eating his dinner, went into a room adjoining the kitchen and shot himself through the head. His wife, Mrs. Eva Smith, heard the shot and notified Mr. Arthur Avery, the nearest neighbor, who immediately called Dr. Frank Lovering of Moultonborough, and other assistance. Dr. Lovering, acting coroner, gave a verdict of suicide. Mr. Hiram Smith, accompanied by his daughter, unaware of his brother’s death, called at the house a short time after the tragedy. Services were held at the home on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Bearers were Harry Blanchard, Col. Charles B. Hoyt, Paul Townsend and Arthur Avery.
Quimby School Notes – Missing visitors and pupils can usually be found in the Biology room. At present, it is hard to tell if the room is supposed to be a hot house, zoo or aquarium. Many new plants and animals have been added during the past week. The new plants are three kinds of cactus, a great variety of house plants brought in by the students and three kinds of water plants whose home is in a large balanced aquarium. The new animals are some tree toads and two lizards that came from Texas. The class also expects to house a small alligator soon. Shelves have been built around the room for these interesting exhibits.
At the Mountain Scenery Farm on Bald Hill in Albany, Baldwin, Northern Spy and Greening Apples were for sale, $1.00 per bushel, bring your own container!
The Town fair this year promises to be the most successful one held, and extensive preparations are being made to make it a success. People from adjoining towns are invited to bring articles for exhibition. Let everyone turn out and come and bring what you can to exhibit.
(An excerpt from an article describing the renovations done to the White Church at the corner of Wing Road and Whiteface Road.) The centre piece behind the pulpit is beautiful. It was one of the pieces imported for the ornamentation of Trinity church, Boston, and not being used was secured by Mr. Harry Berry, who placed it upon the walls of the church. It represents Christ rising triumphant from the grave.
October 12, 1893: Gilman Moulton and wife went to Lowell Tuesday. They expect to visit the World’s Fair before returning home. Alonzo McCrillis and wife, Mrs. Carrie McGaffey, S.B. Wiggin, Charles B. Hoyt and Will Chase started for the World’s Fair Wednesday. (This would have been the World’s Columbian Exhibition in Chicago, IL held in 1892/93. (SHS ed.)
Mrs. W.D. Leach will sell at auction on Tuesday Oct. 17, at 9 o’clock a.m., eight cows, oxen, sheep, hog, wagon, sleigh, 100 bushels corn, 20 bushels barley, beans, potatoes, harnesses, household furniture, a large lot of farming tools and other thing too numerous to mention.
The work on the Methodist Church is progressing finely, and the church will be ready for occupancy in a few weeks. The new organ has been finished and boxed, all ready for shipping as soon as the church is ready to receive it. When finished we shall have the finest church edifice in the county.
A large nice looking cow was found dead beneath an apple tree upon the side of Young Mountain a few days since. What caused her death or who is the owner is not known by the writer.
October 25, 1906: Work has again started in the gold mines, under new management.
A valuable horse belonging to Marcellus Wallace of this town, was accidently shot and killed last Saturday.
WANTED – Good girl for general housework; wages $3.50 per week no washing. Apply or write to Mrs. D. H. Sherman, Center Sandwich, NH ($3.50 in 1906 would equate to about $122.32 today. SHS ed.)
Lewis, the young son of Seth Garland, of Center Sandwich, had the misfortune to fall from the roof of the hen house, breaking both bones of the forearm. Dr. A.B. Hoag set the fractured bones and has the case in charge.
October 3, 1918: Clarence Brown and his bride spent Saturday and Sunday on the top of Mt. Israel. (Clarence was the Fire Look Out on Mt. Israel starting in May 1916. SHS ed.)
Cupid has been busy at North Sandwich of late with good results, while there are prospective candidates in line. We had much rather hear of this than the Spanish plague which brings fear and unrest.
Mr. R.E. Pickthall holds the record on raising squashes. Having brought in two turbans that weighed 28 ½ pounds each.
On account of the prevailing epidemic which is raging everywhere so the schools are closed, Miss Maybeth Smith and Glen Smith are home from Lancaster, Mass., and Miss Blanche Burrows from Rumney, N.H..
Plymouth Fair has been ordered closed on account of the epidemic.
October 26, 1926: (From a longer article covering the whole Fair) “What might be said of the Midway would fill this whole issue of the Sandwich Reporter and that would be unfair. On the midway one deals with fakirs, but by no means does that mean fakes. As a rule, they play the game square (as square as one expects) and stand ever ready to aid one of his kind who may have met with hard luck.
The wrestlers, blanket men, corn and ring games, hot dogs, fortune tellers all were there and while we hear it intimated that they carry away our money we know they leave a part for rent of the grounds, for nearly a fourth part of the Fair receipts come from them. The livelier the midway, the livelier the fair.
The best result of the fair is that nothing was stolen and no one was injured as far as the fair officials learned. The nearest loss of human life was when a trained monkey escaped from its owner and attempted to cross the street was run over by a passing auto.”
Moses Hall returned to Campton last Friday, where he expects to remain the coming winter.
October 31, 1935: Demerit E, Smith, 67, a lifelong resident of Sandwich, committed suicide at his home on Sunday afternoon using a .32 caliber revolver. (This would be the Mead Base building at the end of Diamond Ledge Road. SHS ed.) Mr. Smith, who had been in poor health for several months, attended to his usual work about the home, soon after eating his dinner, went into a room adjoining the kitchen and shot himself through the head. His wife, Mrs. Eva Smith, heard the shot and notified Mr. Arthur Avery, the nearest neighbor, who immediately called Dr. Frank Lovering of Moultonborough, and other assistance. Dr. Lovering, acting coroner, gave a verdict of suicide. Mr. Hiram Smith, accompanied by his daughter, unaware of his brother’s death, called at the house a short time after the tragedy. Services were held at the home on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Bearers were Harry Blanchard, Col. Charles B. Hoyt, Paul Townsend and Arthur Avery.
Quimby School Notes – Missing visitors and pupils can usually be found in the Biology room. At present, it is hard to tell if the room is supposed to be a hot house, zoo or aquarium. Many new plants and animals have been added during the past week. The new plants are three kinds of cactus, a great variety of house plants brought in by the students and three kinds of water plants whose home is in a large balanced aquarium. The new animals are some tree toads and two lizards that came from Texas. The class also expects to house a small alligator soon. Shelves have been built around the room for these interesting exhibits.
At the Mountain Scenery Farm on Bald Hill in Albany, Baldwin, Northern Spy and Greening Apples were for sale, $1.00 per bushel, bring your own container!
SEPTEMBER 2024
September 13, 1888: One of the most melancholy events which has transpired in this village of Centre Sandwich for many years occurred on Wednesday morning of this week. About one o’clock Mrs. John O. Smart was startled by a fire in the adjoining building – the house of Miss Irene McGaffey, an aged lady, who was then alone in the house. Mrs. Smart gave the alarm and a crowd soon gathered. The first to arrive, Messers. James Webster and Geo. O. Hanson, endeavored to reach the room where they supposed Miss McGaffey to be, to learn if she had already made her escape. The door was locked, but it was instantly forced and Mr. Webster entered, but the smoke was so dense that he could not remain but a few seconds. George Hanson and Dr. Hodsdon at once went to the chamber on the outside, and Messers. Hanson, Webster and McGaffey, and others, found Miss McGaffey dead, but the fire had not reached. She was taken at once to Mr. Webster’s, but it was found she had been apparently dead for some time – suffocated with smoke and probably dead instantly. The fire was kept down for a while and once or more seemed extinguished, but it was so completely on fire in every part that after an hour or more it got beyond control and it took all the exertions of the people to save the adjoining houses of John O. Smart and James Webster and the shops of Charles Atwood and Benjamin Smith and the buildings of Henry F. Dorr. The night was cloudy, but perfectly calm, otherwise nearly one-fourth the village would probably have burned. Fortunately Mrs. Whittle and her children, who occupied part of the building, were absent on a visit to friends in a distant part of the state, and were saved from danger which would have resulted in a still more fearful calamity. Miss McGaffey was about seventy-five years old and was born in Sandwich and had spent nearly her whole life in this town except a few years in Rochester, NH. The funeral will take place Friday at 10:30 a.m. (Miss McGaffey lived in a house that was on the site of today’s Town Green in front of the Home Industries building. Her house was near the east entrance to the Industries’ driveway. SHS ed.)
September 13, 1894: The heavy showers of Monday afternoon and evening cleared the atmosphere to a great extent. They also cleared the atmosphere of the smoke which has been so thick for the past two weeks. (This probably was smoke from the Great Hinkley Fine in Minnesota which started on September 1, 1894 and burned over 350,000 acres and killed 418 people. SHS ed.)
The potato yield this year is above the average. Samuel Chase has raised over two hundred bushels of very nice ones.
B. Frank Fellows has three acres of ensilage corn, some of which stands twelve feet high and weighs from five to six pounds per stock, four hundred stocks to the tone.
There was a game of ball last Saturday between the Sandwich and West Ossipee teams which resulted in a tie, the score being 24 to 24. A hard rain was falling during the entire game. The ball became so slippery that it was almost impossible to handle it and errors were numerous. All kinds of foul means were used by some of the West Ossipees to win the game, and after the seventh inning they refused to play the game out. The game was played on Pike Perkins’ grounds. (In South Tamworth, the former Community School. SHS ed.)
Squam Lake is lower than it has been for eight years.
September 2, 1909: Tuesday morning was probably the coldest August morning for fifty-five years in this vicinity. The thermometers showed from twenty to thirty degrees above zero, a fair temperature for a winter morning, and much damage was done to growing crops. The drought has delayed the growth of corn, and it is so backward that it now seems to be a complete failure, while potatoes will fall below half a crop.
One of our well known young ladies received a brief call from a well-known business man of one of the largest cities in Massachusetts. He came to Ossipee on the six o’clock train, he secured an automobile and reached the home of his loved one only to find her not there. After a little he reached her side only to linger for one short hour, then the auto and the train, as the inexorable demands of business called him from the presence of one who possessed for him such charms that the ride of nearly three hundred miles in coming and going was a matter of but small moment.
September 11, 1913: A great excitement was caused last Monday when the alarm was given that Chas. Hoyt’s barn was on fire. Help was summoned and, after a hard struggle, the fire was confined to the barn and carriage house. The fire then spread to the fields and for awhile it looked as though it would spread to the woods. Nearly seventy-five tons of hay was burned and also a large hog. The furniture was removed from the house, which caught in the ell, but it was soon put out. The sympathy of everyone is extended to Mr. Hoyt. (This is the house on Mount Israel Road across from Dale Road. SHS ed.)
September 25, 1924: The poultry building on the fair grounds is being erected under the supervision of J. Randolph Coolidge, architect, and Charles McGregor, carpenter. Other improvements are being made on the grounds and driveway.
The old Benjamin Smith shop, which has been an eyesore on Main Street for a long time, we understand from the Quimby trustees, is to be removed this week. We await its removal with interest. (This would have been an old blacksmith shop about where the tennis courts at the corner of Quimby Field Road and Main Street are today. SHS ed.)
Advertisement – Sandwich Town and Grange Fair – “Biggest Ever” - Monday October 13
Mr. Read of Warren, R.I. has purchased the well-known Stanton place owned by F.A. Bryer. (at the corner of Elm Hill Road and North Sandwich Road. SHS ed.) Mr. Read expects to move here in the spring and run a poultry farm. He is recognized as one of the leading poultrymen in his state and we are rejoiced that he has selected Sandwich as his future home.
Waldron’s dog team of nine huskies will be at the Sandwich fair led by the noted Chinook.
North Sandwich - Prof. Cornelius Weygandt and family have closed their summer home and returned to Philadelphia.
September 20, 1934: North Sandwich - Miss Benz was in the arena and enjoyed two games of eight ball while the chauffeur and two dogs were on guard outside. (It is believed ‘the arena’ referred to was the pool room at Ansel Lee’s store. This writer, remembering Miss Benz in her later years, takes great joy in the mental picture of Miss Benz shooting pool while the chauffeur waited. SHS ed.)
We are having a little fire in the morning just to remind us of winter when the ice gets to be two feet thick.
Potatoes in most places are turning out good.
The eight-ball was lost and we did not know what to do until Prof. Stevenson from his museum of fine arts had an eight-ball on hand and sent it down to the arena.
September 13, 1894: The heavy showers of Monday afternoon and evening cleared the atmosphere to a great extent. They also cleared the atmosphere of the smoke which has been so thick for the past two weeks. (This probably was smoke from the Great Hinkley Fine in Minnesota which started on September 1, 1894 and burned over 350,000 acres and killed 418 people. SHS ed.)
The potato yield this year is above the average. Samuel Chase has raised over two hundred bushels of very nice ones.
B. Frank Fellows has three acres of ensilage corn, some of which stands twelve feet high and weighs from five to six pounds per stock, four hundred stocks to the tone.
There was a game of ball last Saturday between the Sandwich and West Ossipee teams which resulted in a tie, the score being 24 to 24. A hard rain was falling during the entire game. The ball became so slippery that it was almost impossible to handle it and errors were numerous. All kinds of foul means were used by some of the West Ossipees to win the game, and after the seventh inning they refused to play the game out. The game was played on Pike Perkins’ grounds. (In South Tamworth, the former Community School. SHS ed.)
Squam Lake is lower than it has been for eight years.
September 2, 1909: Tuesday morning was probably the coldest August morning for fifty-five years in this vicinity. The thermometers showed from twenty to thirty degrees above zero, a fair temperature for a winter morning, and much damage was done to growing crops. The drought has delayed the growth of corn, and it is so backward that it now seems to be a complete failure, while potatoes will fall below half a crop.
One of our well known young ladies received a brief call from a well-known business man of one of the largest cities in Massachusetts. He came to Ossipee on the six o’clock train, he secured an automobile and reached the home of his loved one only to find her not there. After a little he reached her side only to linger for one short hour, then the auto and the train, as the inexorable demands of business called him from the presence of one who possessed for him such charms that the ride of nearly three hundred miles in coming and going was a matter of but small moment.
September 11, 1913: A great excitement was caused last Monday when the alarm was given that Chas. Hoyt’s barn was on fire. Help was summoned and, after a hard struggle, the fire was confined to the barn and carriage house. The fire then spread to the fields and for awhile it looked as though it would spread to the woods. Nearly seventy-five tons of hay was burned and also a large hog. The furniture was removed from the house, which caught in the ell, but it was soon put out. The sympathy of everyone is extended to Mr. Hoyt. (This is the house on Mount Israel Road across from Dale Road. SHS ed.)
September 25, 1924: The poultry building on the fair grounds is being erected under the supervision of J. Randolph Coolidge, architect, and Charles McGregor, carpenter. Other improvements are being made on the grounds and driveway.
The old Benjamin Smith shop, which has been an eyesore on Main Street for a long time, we understand from the Quimby trustees, is to be removed this week. We await its removal with interest. (This would have been an old blacksmith shop about where the tennis courts at the corner of Quimby Field Road and Main Street are today. SHS ed.)
Advertisement – Sandwich Town and Grange Fair – “Biggest Ever” - Monday October 13
Mr. Read of Warren, R.I. has purchased the well-known Stanton place owned by F.A. Bryer. (at the corner of Elm Hill Road and North Sandwich Road. SHS ed.) Mr. Read expects to move here in the spring and run a poultry farm. He is recognized as one of the leading poultrymen in his state and we are rejoiced that he has selected Sandwich as his future home.
Waldron’s dog team of nine huskies will be at the Sandwich fair led by the noted Chinook.
North Sandwich - Prof. Cornelius Weygandt and family have closed their summer home and returned to Philadelphia.
September 20, 1934: North Sandwich - Miss Benz was in the arena and enjoyed two games of eight ball while the chauffeur and two dogs were on guard outside. (It is believed ‘the arena’ referred to was the pool room at Ansel Lee’s store. This writer, remembering Miss Benz in her later years, takes great joy in the mental picture of Miss Benz shooting pool while the chauffeur waited. SHS ed.)
We are having a little fire in the morning just to remind us of winter when the ice gets to be two feet thick.
Potatoes in most places are turning out good.
The eight-ball was lost and we did not know what to do until Prof. Stevenson from his museum of fine arts had an eight-ball on hand and sent it down to the arena.
AUGUST 2024
August 11, 1887: The young man mentioned in last week’s issue of the Reporter, who passed through here with a stolen team, was captured at Cornish, Me., and taken back to Wentworth for trial.
About three weeks ago Mrs. Aaron B. Hoyt closed her house and went to Melvin Village on a short visit. On her return she found that the house had been entered during her absence, and every room ransacked. Beds were torn to pieces and drawers and cupboards emptied of their contents. It was evident that the thief was frightened away, as a bundle of silverware and a nice lap robe were left done up on the table, together with part of a pitcher of lemonade and part of a can of corn. The only articles missing are a silver quarter 98 years old, a silver watch and a headstall. (A headstall is a piece of horse tack used to guide the equine. SHS ed.) Two weeks ago Saturday night as Joseph Downs, of South Tamworth, was going into his house late at night he heard a noise in the barn and upon going in he found his horse loose in the floor. The next morning upon going into the barn he found a headstall, which proved to be Mrs. Hoyt’s done up in the other half of the paper used to do up the lap robe in. The house of Burleigh Hoyt, at the Centre, was recently broken into and things turned upside down, but nothing of any value has been missed.
Blueberries are thick on Red Hill. Early apples and pears have put in an appearance.
August 10, 1893: Important Notice – On Tuesday, July 25, 1893, my wife being temporarily insane left my house and has not been seen since. She is 62 years old, cannot speak English, when last seen was dressed in dark dress and bonnet, had a dark grey shawl on her arm. To any person who will kindly detain her and notify me I will consider a great favor. Joseph Besson, Centre Harbor, NH
August 17, 1893: Mrs. Joseph Besson, who wandered away from her home at Centre Harbor in a fit of insanity, was recently found on Red Hill, after an absence of over two weeks, in a nearly famished condition.
Last Thursday at our office the thermometer registered 93 in the shade, on Friday 90, and on Saturday 88; while on Sunday it was cold enough to be uncomfortable out riding without an overcoat.
Owing to the dryness of the weather, many of the wells in the vicinity are dry. Frost is reported to have been seen in a number of places in town on Monday morning.
A little over a week ago Mrs. Geo. Prescott, while plucking a chicken, pricked her hand with the spur from the effects of which blood poisoning set in, her hand and arm swelling to the shoulder. On Saturday morning it had got so bad that it was decided to take her to the hospital at Portland, her husband and Dr. Hodsdon accompanying her. Upon arriving there Saturday evening an operation was performed. Eight openings were made in her arm and the puss drawn out, and she seemed to be doing nicely until about eight o’clock Sunday morning when she died very suddenly. It is supposed that some clotted blood was carried to her heart, clogging some of the valves.
August 11, 1910: It is estimated that nearly $1500 damage was caused by washout in the highway during the severe storm of last week. ($1500 in 1910 would be roughly equivalent to $50,000 today. SHS ed.)
The Rev. E. Newell has gone to Washington, D.C to take part in the Sixth World Congress of Esperantists which will be held August 14 to 21. Mr. Newell has made a special study of the new universal language, Esperanto, and is a member of the New England Esperanto Association. He with members from Portland, Concord, Manchester and other cities will represent New England in the Congress.
August 20, 1925: The news of Mrs. Robert T. Hutchins’ sudden death came as a great shock to the community. Mrs. Hutchins was the owner of the Hodge and Geo. H. Smith farms, on which she was expending a vast amount of money in remodeling and erecting new buildings. It was while blasting on this estate, for a new dam, that she was hit upon the head by a small piece of rock, which caused her death, while standing by her husband several hundred feet away. The town has met with a great loss and the family has the sympathy of all. (This would have been at the Partridge Hill Farm on Range Road. SHS ed. )
Through the continued generosity of our respected citizen, D.D. Atwood, it has been possible to construct a new sidewalk on Skinner Street from Dearborn’s store to the Dr. Hoag homestead.
A new electric line has been built from “Sunshine Farm” owned by Harry Blanchard to the Stanton homestead now owned and occupied by M. Read formerly of Warren, R. I.. (That would have been from opposite the Police Station to the house at the corner of Elm Hill Road. SHS ed.)
Among the acts at the Redpath Chautauqua in Conway this week were the Royal Blue Marimba Band, Frank H. Hollmann with a lecture and demonstration on pigeons, a demonstration by Evelyn D. Hansen on “Home Decoration” and a debate on international questions between English and American debaters.
August 9, 1934: On July 23rd and ancient Indian “dugout” was recovered from the depths of Bearcamp Pond, off its eastern shore by Master Edward Ball, a student, and Ben Bullard, camp counselor, both staying in Sandwich, NH. While engaged in bathing, its boat-like outline some days ago caught the keen attention of Master Ball and much diving was necessary for confirmation. Found to be loaded with stones and additionally wedged under a submerged, water logged tree, dislodgement was difficult. When relieved of its burden of years, the craft rose, was caulked with makeshift material and in spite of its long immersion actually carried the boys across the lake with good buoyancy.
(Subsequent carbon dating puts the age of the dugout in the late 18thIt is still a remarkable piece of history and craftsmanship and can be viewed at the Marston House. SHS ed.)
About three weeks ago Mrs. Aaron B. Hoyt closed her house and went to Melvin Village on a short visit. On her return she found that the house had been entered during her absence, and every room ransacked. Beds were torn to pieces and drawers and cupboards emptied of their contents. It was evident that the thief was frightened away, as a bundle of silverware and a nice lap robe were left done up on the table, together with part of a pitcher of lemonade and part of a can of corn. The only articles missing are a silver quarter 98 years old, a silver watch and a headstall. (A headstall is a piece of horse tack used to guide the equine. SHS ed.) Two weeks ago Saturday night as Joseph Downs, of South Tamworth, was going into his house late at night he heard a noise in the barn and upon going in he found his horse loose in the floor. The next morning upon going into the barn he found a headstall, which proved to be Mrs. Hoyt’s done up in the other half of the paper used to do up the lap robe in. The house of Burleigh Hoyt, at the Centre, was recently broken into and things turned upside down, but nothing of any value has been missed.
Blueberries are thick on Red Hill. Early apples and pears have put in an appearance.
August 10, 1893: Important Notice – On Tuesday, July 25, 1893, my wife being temporarily insane left my house and has not been seen since. She is 62 years old, cannot speak English, when last seen was dressed in dark dress and bonnet, had a dark grey shawl on her arm. To any person who will kindly detain her and notify me I will consider a great favor. Joseph Besson, Centre Harbor, NH
August 17, 1893: Mrs. Joseph Besson, who wandered away from her home at Centre Harbor in a fit of insanity, was recently found on Red Hill, after an absence of over two weeks, in a nearly famished condition.
Last Thursday at our office the thermometer registered 93 in the shade, on Friday 90, and on Saturday 88; while on Sunday it was cold enough to be uncomfortable out riding without an overcoat.
Owing to the dryness of the weather, many of the wells in the vicinity are dry. Frost is reported to have been seen in a number of places in town on Monday morning.
A little over a week ago Mrs. Geo. Prescott, while plucking a chicken, pricked her hand with the spur from the effects of which blood poisoning set in, her hand and arm swelling to the shoulder. On Saturday morning it had got so bad that it was decided to take her to the hospital at Portland, her husband and Dr. Hodsdon accompanying her. Upon arriving there Saturday evening an operation was performed. Eight openings were made in her arm and the puss drawn out, and she seemed to be doing nicely until about eight o’clock Sunday morning when she died very suddenly. It is supposed that some clotted blood was carried to her heart, clogging some of the valves.
August 11, 1910: It is estimated that nearly $1500 damage was caused by washout in the highway during the severe storm of last week. ($1500 in 1910 would be roughly equivalent to $50,000 today. SHS ed.)
The Rev. E. Newell has gone to Washington, D.C to take part in the Sixth World Congress of Esperantists which will be held August 14 to 21. Mr. Newell has made a special study of the new universal language, Esperanto, and is a member of the New England Esperanto Association. He with members from Portland, Concord, Manchester and other cities will represent New England in the Congress.
August 20, 1925: The news of Mrs. Robert T. Hutchins’ sudden death came as a great shock to the community. Mrs. Hutchins was the owner of the Hodge and Geo. H. Smith farms, on which she was expending a vast amount of money in remodeling and erecting new buildings. It was while blasting on this estate, for a new dam, that she was hit upon the head by a small piece of rock, which caused her death, while standing by her husband several hundred feet away. The town has met with a great loss and the family has the sympathy of all. (This would have been at the Partridge Hill Farm on Range Road. SHS ed. )
Through the continued generosity of our respected citizen, D.D. Atwood, it has been possible to construct a new sidewalk on Skinner Street from Dearborn’s store to the Dr. Hoag homestead.
A new electric line has been built from “Sunshine Farm” owned by Harry Blanchard to the Stanton homestead now owned and occupied by M. Read formerly of Warren, R. I.. (That would have been from opposite the Police Station to the house at the corner of Elm Hill Road. SHS ed.)
Among the acts at the Redpath Chautauqua in Conway this week were the Royal Blue Marimba Band, Frank H. Hollmann with a lecture and demonstration on pigeons, a demonstration by Evelyn D. Hansen on “Home Decoration” and a debate on international questions between English and American debaters.
August 9, 1934: On July 23rd and ancient Indian “dugout” was recovered from the depths of Bearcamp Pond, off its eastern shore by Master Edward Ball, a student, and Ben Bullard, camp counselor, both staying in Sandwich, NH. While engaged in bathing, its boat-like outline some days ago caught the keen attention of Master Ball and much diving was necessary for confirmation. Found to be loaded with stones and additionally wedged under a submerged, water logged tree, dislodgement was difficult. When relieved of its burden of years, the craft rose, was caulked with makeshift material and in spite of its long immersion actually carried the boys across the lake with good buoyancy.
(Subsequent carbon dating puts the age of the dugout in the late 18thIt is still a remarkable piece of history and craftsmanship and can be viewed at the Marston House. SHS ed.)
JULY 2024
July edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab your favorite summer beverage and enjoy!
July 29, 1886: Master Frankie Blackey presented this office with the first native cucumbers of the season last Monday.
A few days since, Samuel Blackey fell, breaking several ribs and otherwise injuring himself. He is said to be failing and cannot recover.
Last Tuesday, just before noon, Bessie, a four-year-old daughter of Arven Blanchard, fell from a chair, breaking her right arm just above the elbow.
A large number of boarders and visitors are in town, and picnics, boating and mountain excursions are the order of the day.
Prof. Metze will give one of his interesting entertainments at G.A.R. hall, tomorrow evening, consisting of New and Novel Illusions, Wonderful Magic Wonders, Ventriloquism, Mesmerism, and his wonderful Mind Reading, the whole to conclude with a dance.
July 4, 1895: The luscious raspberry is ripening on every hand and soon will be abundant. A good crop of blueberries is the prospect at the present time. Already they have begun to mature in the warm and sunny places. Blackberries will also be plentiful.
After a week of bad weather, which included Sunday, the sun again condensed to put forth its rays and shine upon the just and unjust. The late rainy spell was not without good results for our farmers report that grass has gained steadily and that the harvest will yield more than enough to compensate for the put back in haying.
Baseball is being strongly agitated in this section of the town and soon a club will be organized. The boys are of the opinion that they can show a clean pair of heels to any club in the vicinity and “jog under the wire without feeling distressed in the least.” The personnel of the nine will be given later.
Frank A. Breyer cut a quantity of grass on the Adams farm June 24, and raked it into winrows a week later. So much for the foul weather.
Notice. To the parties that the subscriber would like to talk with, he wishing to buy the Aquilla Adams estate and all that belongs to it; also Mrs. Ulman’s, all that she has in the town of Sandwich, and the Furber farm and all that belongs to it. Now, with impunity and coldness he will pay the money on the date of the deed. Mark this at a fair price. J.E. Hilton
Frank Hanson has started out with his fish cart and will visit Centre Harbor and vicinity every Thursday and Sandwich every Friday.
Charles Scriggins is again in trouble over his dog. He claims that some person has been dropping poisoned meat near his residence in order to kill the animal.
July 14, 1910: Uriah McDaniel has sold his baby bear to parties at Woodstock. The consideration was a little under seventy-five dollars. Mr. McDaniel had quite an exciting experience delivering the youngster. He put him in sort of crate and started for North Sandwich. The bear evidently did not like such close quarters and after a while bursting his box or crate. McDaniel leapt upon him and managed to hold onto him until the post office in Whiteface was reached. He telephoned the parties in North Sandwich and they can out in their auto and somehow managed to carry him away. Mr. McDaniel had one of his hands pretty badly lacerated by the mouth and claws of the bear and his clothes pretty badly demoralized. Mr. McDaniel’s specialty in the bear business is to convert live ones into dead ones and he has been very successful in that line but in the transportation business I guess he will proceed with much care. There have been many callers to Mr. McDaniel since he captured the little fellow some weeks ago.
From and advertisement from the Maine Central Railroad: Don’t fail to take the 1 day trip over Mt. Washington – Up through the Crawford Notch by rail and Fabyan’s to the summit and down the other side in Mountain Wagons and Coaches via Glen House Road, Jackson and Glen Station. Leaves North Conway Station at 7am, arrives summit of Mt. Washington at 10.55 am and back to North Conway at 6 pm. Fare $10.05.
July 17, 1924: Repair work on chimneys seems to be in vogue. Those having chimneys repaired include J.A. Smith, Mrs. R. Russell, Mrs. A. Gilman, Wm. Scriggins, and the M. E. parsonage.
Frank Hanson is in charge of the haying at the farm of Geo. S. Hoyt’s.
The Canning Club, under the direction of Mrs. Jessie Ambrose, meets regularly at the Quimby House. They are now fully organized and actively at work.
Advertisement – The New Moon – Gift Shop and Tea Room – Mrs. J. S. Smith, Mrs. A. E. Curtiss. Center Sandwich, N.H. Tel. 31-3
Hand weaving a specialty. Fine embroideries. Art Novelties. Home cooking at reasonable prices. Ice Cream, Candies, Drinks, Fruit, etc.
Articles sold on commission.
(This predates the Sandwich Home Industries by two years. SHS ed.)
Advertisement: Banish the Hand Pump – Use a Duro Water System.
In primitive counties woman is regarded somewhat as a beast of burden. She is subjected to all sorts of drudgeries, does practically all the work and her lot is hard and discouraging. This custom is regarded as inhumane and uncivilized. Yet thousands of women in this country today are shackled to the old fashioned hand pump. In many cases they carry the water considerable distances after pumping it. The amount of time and energy lost is incalculable. Duro Water systems have liberated thousands of women, and men, from the grinding toil of pumping and carrying water. They have brought comfort, cleanliness and health where drudgery, dirt and disease prevailed before. (We take for granted turning on the tap today for instant potable water. SHS ed.)
July 19, 1934: Russell Pease is doing some bass fishing in Squam Lake and bringing in some good ones. Russell is a member of the tribe and has all the paraphernalia for fishing, hunting, camping, etc.. He thinks nothing of disappearing into the tall timbers of the foothills with a war whoop not to be seen for days. Russell is a wild Indian, come and see him.
We say of some people (when we question their honesty) that they would take anything not nailed down or out of their reach. B. R. Chase thought he would go up to his brother’s place, the old town farm (On Wing Road SHS ed.), and get a part of a window but when he got there windows, frames doors, brick and glass had all been moved away. Mr. Chase looked to see if the foundation rocks were there.
July 29, 1886: Master Frankie Blackey presented this office with the first native cucumbers of the season last Monday.
A few days since, Samuel Blackey fell, breaking several ribs and otherwise injuring himself. He is said to be failing and cannot recover.
Last Tuesday, just before noon, Bessie, a four-year-old daughter of Arven Blanchard, fell from a chair, breaking her right arm just above the elbow.
A large number of boarders and visitors are in town, and picnics, boating and mountain excursions are the order of the day.
Prof. Metze will give one of his interesting entertainments at G.A.R. hall, tomorrow evening, consisting of New and Novel Illusions, Wonderful Magic Wonders, Ventriloquism, Mesmerism, and his wonderful Mind Reading, the whole to conclude with a dance.
July 4, 1895: The luscious raspberry is ripening on every hand and soon will be abundant. A good crop of blueberries is the prospect at the present time. Already they have begun to mature in the warm and sunny places. Blackberries will also be plentiful.
After a week of bad weather, which included Sunday, the sun again condensed to put forth its rays and shine upon the just and unjust. The late rainy spell was not without good results for our farmers report that grass has gained steadily and that the harvest will yield more than enough to compensate for the put back in haying.
Baseball is being strongly agitated in this section of the town and soon a club will be organized. The boys are of the opinion that they can show a clean pair of heels to any club in the vicinity and “jog under the wire without feeling distressed in the least.” The personnel of the nine will be given later.
Frank A. Breyer cut a quantity of grass on the Adams farm June 24, and raked it into winrows a week later. So much for the foul weather.
Notice. To the parties that the subscriber would like to talk with, he wishing to buy the Aquilla Adams estate and all that belongs to it; also Mrs. Ulman’s, all that she has in the town of Sandwich, and the Furber farm and all that belongs to it. Now, with impunity and coldness he will pay the money on the date of the deed. Mark this at a fair price. J.E. Hilton
Frank Hanson has started out with his fish cart and will visit Centre Harbor and vicinity every Thursday and Sandwich every Friday.
Charles Scriggins is again in trouble over his dog. He claims that some person has been dropping poisoned meat near his residence in order to kill the animal.
July 14, 1910: Uriah McDaniel has sold his baby bear to parties at Woodstock. The consideration was a little under seventy-five dollars. Mr. McDaniel had quite an exciting experience delivering the youngster. He put him in sort of crate and started for North Sandwich. The bear evidently did not like such close quarters and after a while bursting his box or crate. McDaniel leapt upon him and managed to hold onto him until the post office in Whiteface was reached. He telephoned the parties in North Sandwich and they can out in their auto and somehow managed to carry him away. Mr. McDaniel had one of his hands pretty badly lacerated by the mouth and claws of the bear and his clothes pretty badly demoralized. Mr. McDaniel’s specialty in the bear business is to convert live ones into dead ones and he has been very successful in that line but in the transportation business I guess he will proceed with much care. There have been many callers to Mr. McDaniel since he captured the little fellow some weeks ago.
From and advertisement from the Maine Central Railroad: Don’t fail to take the 1 day trip over Mt. Washington – Up through the Crawford Notch by rail and Fabyan’s to the summit and down the other side in Mountain Wagons and Coaches via Glen House Road, Jackson and Glen Station. Leaves North Conway Station at 7am, arrives summit of Mt. Washington at 10.55 am and back to North Conway at 6 pm. Fare $10.05.
July 17, 1924: Repair work on chimneys seems to be in vogue. Those having chimneys repaired include J.A. Smith, Mrs. R. Russell, Mrs. A. Gilman, Wm. Scriggins, and the M. E. parsonage.
Frank Hanson is in charge of the haying at the farm of Geo. S. Hoyt’s.
The Canning Club, under the direction of Mrs. Jessie Ambrose, meets regularly at the Quimby House. They are now fully organized and actively at work.
Advertisement – The New Moon – Gift Shop and Tea Room – Mrs. J. S. Smith, Mrs. A. E. Curtiss. Center Sandwich, N.H. Tel. 31-3
Hand weaving a specialty. Fine embroideries. Art Novelties. Home cooking at reasonable prices. Ice Cream, Candies, Drinks, Fruit, etc.
Articles sold on commission.
(This predates the Sandwich Home Industries by two years. SHS ed.)
Advertisement: Banish the Hand Pump – Use a Duro Water System.
In primitive counties woman is regarded somewhat as a beast of burden. She is subjected to all sorts of drudgeries, does practically all the work and her lot is hard and discouraging. This custom is regarded as inhumane and uncivilized. Yet thousands of women in this country today are shackled to the old fashioned hand pump. In many cases they carry the water considerable distances after pumping it. The amount of time and energy lost is incalculable. Duro Water systems have liberated thousands of women, and men, from the grinding toil of pumping and carrying water. They have brought comfort, cleanliness and health where drudgery, dirt and disease prevailed before. (We take for granted turning on the tap today for instant potable water. SHS ed.)
July 19, 1934: Russell Pease is doing some bass fishing in Squam Lake and bringing in some good ones. Russell is a member of the tribe and has all the paraphernalia for fishing, hunting, camping, etc.. He thinks nothing of disappearing into the tall timbers of the foothills with a war whoop not to be seen for days. Russell is a wild Indian, come and see him.
We say of some people (when we question their honesty) that they would take anything not nailed down or out of their reach. B. R. Chase thought he would go up to his brother’s place, the old town farm (On Wing Road SHS ed.), and get a part of a window but when he got there windows, frames doors, brick and glass had all been moved away. Mr. Chase looked to see if the foundation rocks were there.
JUNE 2024
June edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab some lemonade or iced tea and enjoy!
June 12, 1890: Folsom Tilton, a brother of Chas. E. Tilton of this place, died at the Massachusetts hospital last Sunday evening, from the effects of a bad burn about a week before, caused by some naphtha which was on his hands taking fire and communicating to his clothing, burning him very badly about the legs and bowels, where he tried to wipe the naphtha from his hands. He was about 53 years of age, and was unmarried.
Last Sunday morning, at about half past six, the house of Chas. S. Clark was burned to the ground, together with the shed and barn, which were connected, and about 35 tons of hay and $150 worth of farming tools belonging to Mr. Clark. The house was occupied by a Mr. Edward Brown and family consisting of his wife and four children. Mr. Brown got up before the rest of the family and went to the house of L. G. Clark, a short distance away, to milk his cows when little boy came running up in his night clothes and said the house was all on fire. He with Mr. Clark hastened back but were too late to save anything of value. The family all escaped in their night clothes, two of them being obliged to jump from the chamber window. Mr. Brown loses nearly everything he had as all his household goods and clothing were burned.
Yesterday morning, Mr. J.E. Hilton sent us out a mess of new potatoes for our dinner. We think that Mr. Hilton has the start of anyone in this vicinity on an early garden.
June 14, 1900: Grass and garden stuff are looking fine, and the crops promise to be abundant.
The measles patients are all doing well now, although some of them had two or three days of a good deal of discomfort.
Mr. Sullivan Niles was quite seriously injured in the Northern Union Station at Boston, last Friday. He was caught between the cars and the side of the building and knocked down, sustaining the fracture of two ribs besides other injuries.
Charles B. Hoyt is putting up poles for a private telephone line to his residence.
Langdon Ambrose. Who has been in Boston for a few days with his little boy, returned home Monday. He reports the little one as apparently doing well. The operation (a deep seated ear complaint) was performed Wednesday of last week by Dr. Leland, the celebrated specialist upon ear and throat disease. The operation seemed to be a success, and it is hoped that a complete recovery may take place. Mrs. Ambrose will remain some time longer at the hospital with him.
June 18, 1908: Stage for West Ossipee leaves at 4:30 am; Center Harbor and Meredith at 8:15 am. Mail open at 5:00 pm. Robert Russell P.M.
Anyone finding a Russian Andale terrier, black and tan, short tail and wiry hair, please notify Julius Ulman
Wednesday evening by courtesy of J.E. French the association will take a steamboat ride on the lake, calling at Welch Island, where dinner will be served, then embarking for The Weirs in time for the trains going north and south.
Mrs. Stanley Quimby has been passing a few days of late with her daughter, Mrs. Maud Bryar. It is seldom that Mrs. Quimby takes a vacation but it so happened that one of our best known and most highly respected young-old ladies was passing a short time there and promised to faithfully see to the care of the house and to the welfare of Mr. Quimby for a part of each day at least and so she got the dinner at the proper hour; failing to find the trumpet to call them to dinner she walked out and called. She will be ninety-four years old if she lives until July, and she is able to read, write and sew without spectacles and she has done some fancy sewing recently that would put some young ladies to their best to match. The lady mentioned is Aunt Lucy Quimby and her mind is clear and her bodily health good.
Advertisement – ‘Nothing on Earth will Make Hens Lay like Dr. Hess’ Poultry Panacea’
June 28, 1917: Movies every Tuesday night in the Town hall attract a large crowd.
Curtis Cook caught the banner string of trout last Saturday. The largest trout weighed 1 ½ pounds, but all were good ones.
First class carriage and automobile painting done at the Sandwich Inn. Satisfaction guaranteed. Prices reasonable. Wallace Nudd.
The Samuel H. Wentworth Library will be open every Wednesday afternoon from 2 to 5 pm and every Saturday from 2 to 5 and Saturday evening from 5-8 o’clock during the months of July and August.
ADVERTISEMENT – New Hampshire Lacks 569 Men for The Regular Army, and must recruit at least 100 men daily if she is to make good at the final roll call for the state on Saturday night. Carroll County should provide 32 men, so far none have enlisted. Do Your Duty
The Bijou Theatre in Conway was advertising a ‘Special Vaudeville Act for Saturday June 16th – Acrobatic Buck Dancing and Whistling – Formerly of Drew Bros. Minstrels’
June 7, 1934: North Sandwich - Two old farmers got together at the store and it was horse and cow. One horse was so good he would run a mowing machine in the winter time.
The Women’s Club now has five active members who are pool players and are leading the men at times.
C(harles). R. Fellows is making a visit to the old place on the hill. It is true that he did sell this farm to Miss Benz, but the one thing that he did not sell was the key to the places where valuable relics as arrowheads, spears and tomahawks left buried by the Indians of long ago. There has been much digging of trenches and underground work going on at this place by workmen but not one word can we get from any of the men as to what they may have found in research work. Mr. Fellows is now getting on to 86 years, eats well, drinks well, walks, talks and drives his Ford which is paid for, tells stories that come to him from his long life on the farm. Just what Mr. Fellows will do with this key is not known. Can anyone living gift this secret or will he keep it to himself. Mr. Fellows is not interested in buried cities recovered neither is he interested in finding and digging out any of these things once used by the Indians. He thinks that the best thing to do is to stay away from underground places just as long you can.
June 12, 1890: Folsom Tilton, a brother of Chas. E. Tilton of this place, died at the Massachusetts hospital last Sunday evening, from the effects of a bad burn about a week before, caused by some naphtha which was on his hands taking fire and communicating to his clothing, burning him very badly about the legs and bowels, where he tried to wipe the naphtha from his hands. He was about 53 years of age, and was unmarried.
Last Sunday morning, at about half past six, the house of Chas. S. Clark was burned to the ground, together with the shed and barn, which were connected, and about 35 tons of hay and $150 worth of farming tools belonging to Mr. Clark. The house was occupied by a Mr. Edward Brown and family consisting of his wife and four children. Mr. Brown got up before the rest of the family and went to the house of L. G. Clark, a short distance away, to milk his cows when little boy came running up in his night clothes and said the house was all on fire. He with Mr. Clark hastened back but were too late to save anything of value. The family all escaped in their night clothes, two of them being obliged to jump from the chamber window. Mr. Brown loses nearly everything he had as all his household goods and clothing were burned.
Yesterday morning, Mr. J.E. Hilton sent us out a mess of new potatoes for our dinner. We think that Mr. Hilton has the start of anyone in this vicinity on an early garden.
June 14, 1900: Grass and garden stuff are looking fine, and the crops promise to be abundant.
The measles patients are all doing well now, although some of them had two or three days of a good deal of discomfort.
Mr. Sullivan Niles was quite seriously injured in the Northern Union Station at Boston, last Friday. He was caught between the cars and the side of the building and knocked down, sustaining the fracture of two ribs besides other injuries.
Charles B. Hoyt is putting up poles for a private telephone line to his residence.
Langdon Ambrose. Who has been in Boston for a few days with his little boy, returned home Monday. He reports the little one as apparently doing well. The operation (a deep seated ear complaint) was performed Wednesday of last week by Dr. Leland, the celebrated specialist upon ear and throat disease. The operation seemed to be a success, and it is hoped that a complete recovery may take place. Mrs. Ambrose will remain some time longer at the hospital with him.
June 18, 1908: Stage for West Ossipee leaves at 4:30 am; Center Harbor and Meredith at 8:15 am. Mail open at 5:00 pm. Robert Russell P.M.
Anyone finding a Russian Andale terrier, black and tan, short tail and wiry hair, please notify Julius Ulman
Wednesday evening by courtesy of J.E. French the association will take a steamboat ride on the lake, calling at Welch Island, where dinner will be served, then embarking for The Weirs in time for the trains going north and south.
Mrs. Stanley Quimby has been passing a few days of late with her daughter, Mrs. Maud Bryar. It is seldom that Mrs. Quimby takes a vacation but it so happened that one of our best known and most highly respected young-old ladies was passing a short time there and promised to faithfully see to the care of the house and to the welfare of Mr. Quimby for a part of each day at least and so she got the dinner at the proper hour; failing to find the trumpet to call them to dinner she walked out and called. She will be ninety-four years old if she lives until July, and she is able to read, write and sew without spectacles and she has done some fancy sewing recently that would put some young ladies to their best to match. The lady mentioned is Aunt Lucy Quimby and her mind is clear and her bodily health good.
Advertisement – ‘Nothing on Earth will Make Hens Lay like Dr. Hess’ Poultry Panacea’
June 28, 1917: Movies every Tuesday night in the Town hall attract a large crowd.
Curtis Cook caught the banner string of trout last Saturday. The largest trout weighed 1 ½ pounds, but all were good ones.
First class carriage and automobile painting done at the Sandwich Inn. Satisfaction guaranteed. Prices reasonable. Wallace Nudd.
The Samuel H. Wentworth Library will be open every Wednesday afternoon from 2 to 5 pm and every Saturday from 2 to 5 and Saturday evening from 5-8 o’clock during the months of July and August.
ADVERTISEMENT – New Hampshire Lacks 569 Men for The Regular Army, and must recruit at least 100 men daily if she is to make good at the final roll call for the state on Saturday night. Carroll County should provide 32 men, so far none have enlisted. Do Your Duty
The Bijou Theatre in Conway was advertising a ‘Special Vaudeville Act for Saturday June 16th – Acrobatic Buck Dancing and Whistling – Formerly of Drew Bros. Minstrels’
June 7, 1934: North Sandwich - Two old farmers got together at the store and it was horse and cow. One horse was so good he would run a mowing machine in the winter time.
The Women’s Club now has five active members who are pool players and are leading the men at times.
C(harles). R. Fellows is making a visit to the old place on the hill. It is true that he did sell this farm to Miss Benz, but the one thing that he did not sell was the key to the places where valuable relics as arrowheads, spears and tomahawks left buried by the Indians of long ago. There has been much digging of trenches and underground work going on at this place by workmen but not one word can we get from any of the men as to what they may have found in research work. Mr. Fellows is now getting on to 86 years, eats well, drinks well, walks, talks and drives his Ford which is paid for, tells stories that come to him from his long life on the farm. Just what Mr. Fellows will do with this key is not known. Can anyone living gift this secret or will he keep it to himself. Mr. Fellows is not interested in buried cities recovered neither is he interested in finding and digging out any of these things once used by the Indians. He thinks that the best thing to do is to stay away from underground places just as long you can.
MAY 2024
May edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy!
May 24, 1888: Advertisement – MAPLE HOUSE, Centre Sandwich, NH, Thomas E. Burley, Prop. A pleasant quiet and healthy location, 8 miles north from Centre Harbor; P.O., stores, churches within a five minute walk, delightful drives and picturesque mountain scenery. Connected with this is a cottage. Board by day or week. Good livery connected and parties taken to all places of interest in the region. (The Maple House is today the home of Mallory Hathaway and David Patridge located across Maple Street from the Sandwich Historical Society. SHS ed.)
The trees are beginning to look as though we are going to have a summer after all.
The man who broke the lock and stole a bushel and a half of beans from J.E. Hilton’s granary is well known, and if he will bring back a few to plant he will be given pork in exchange.
Mr. Wentworth drove his pair of bay horses from Concord to this place last Thursday in eight hours stopping two hours of that time in Laconia, and reports the road in places quite muddy.
Sargent Vittum died suddenly at his home in the East part last Saturday. He lived with his father, Nathaniel Vittum, and on Saturday morning went over to his place to get a manure fork and not returning at noon his father and his brother went over to see why he did not return, and found him dead in the house. He was 32 years old and unmarried.
Lewis Q. Smith, a veteran of the late war of the Rebellion, comes from a long line of soldier ancestry. He, as before stated, served in our late war. His father, John Smith, was a soldier in the war of 1812. His grandfather, Eliphalet Smith, served in the Revolutionary War, and we are told his great-grandfather was a soldier in the old French and Indian war of 1755.
May 18, 1893: Our tax rate this year, including the highway tax, is $2.72
Last Friday afternoon a fire got started in Daniel Moulton’s pasture near Red Hill River and burned over several acres before it could be got under control. Quite a number of young pines were damaged by the fire.
NOTICE – The undersigned Selectmen of Sandwich, hereby give notice that they are ready for building (complete from foundation) the new town hall in Centre Sandwich; inclusive of timber and all necessary materials, paint and finish, to render the building suitable for occupancy. Schedule of timber, plans and specifications may be seen at the residence of Paul Wentworth, Sandwich N.H. or Henry P. Dorr, Centre Sandwich, N.H. It is desired that all bids be made in writing on or before Saturday May 17, 1893.
Advertisement – CONSUMPTION! That dreaded and dreadful disease! What shall stay its ravages? Thousands say Scott’s Emulsion of pure Norwegian cod liver oil and hypophosphites of lime and soda has cured us of consumption in its first stages. Have you a cough or cold acute or heading towards consumption? Make no delay but take Scott’s Emulsion
May 9, 1901: Samuel Wiggin met with a quite a serious accident Monday. He was returning home from the Centre when his horse became quite frightened and turned around in the road throwing Mr. Wiggin out and inflicting painful injuries on head and spine.
Whiteface – Our community was shocked to learn the first of the week that most serious charges had been preferred against William Nichols, one of our well known townsmen. His wife and daughter Celia complained of the improper usage of the latter by her father, and a warrant was issued and served on Monday; but upon the way to Moultonboro while in the custody of the officer, he jumped from the carriage and fled. The nature of the offence, incest, the tender years of the child, not yet fourteen years of age, and yet in the not far off future to become a mother, call for more than passing comment on the matter. The father, it is not necessary to say, is a moral pervert; but the mother of the child is an estimable woman, and to her and her family the sympathy of the people of our community is given. It is hoped that the criminal will be captured and brought to justice, and if, as alleged, the officer having him in charge neglected the ordinary precautions of handcuffs or fetters of some sort, he is censurable. A man charged with an offence which would mean in Massachusetts a ninety-nine year sentence and in New Hampshire the heaviest sentence except for willful murder, need no favor which would make escape easy.
May 11, 1916: Last week W. Leroy White made a trip to Boston and Concord where he was admitted to the New Hampshire Bar.
North Sandwich – Clarence Brown began his duties at Mt. Israel Look Out Station on Monday of this week. (For a number of years the NH Forestry Department had a Look Out Station on the northern summit of Mount Israel mainly because of the logging activity at that time in the Beebe River valley. The original Warden’s Trail ran from Mount Israel Road, near today’s Booty Farm, up the northeast spur to the summit. It had a phone line running parallel to it to report any smokes. Remains of this trail and phone line could still be found 25 years ago by this writer. SHS-ed)
Wonalancet – Two trampers from West Ossipee stayed at Ferncroft Sunday night and climbed Whiteface Monday. They report snow waist deep and that the roof of the upper camp blown off. Elias Sanborn came from New York to have a look at it before it was remodeled and to do some fishing. (This would have been Camp Heermance, the upper of the two shelters on Whiteface. SHS-ed)
May 7, 1931: J. Frank Atwood, James Rogers and Leroy White as Selectmen, Clarance Graves, Earle Peaslee and Ryvers Ainger as Road Agents were in attendance at the Good Roads meeting held in Plymouth last week.
Through the courtesy of the Grammar school pupils under the direction of their teacher Miss Ladd, our shut ins and our sick were remembered with May baskets, fourteen homes were visited and cheered by the commendable act. In these days of rush for pleasure and amusement, the performance of such acts are neglected and we more appreciate Miss Ladd for her influence which extends outside the school doors.
Over two hundred and sixty tickets were turned in at the Firemen’s Ball last Saturday evening which testifies to the popularity of this annual event. The hall was gayly decorated with colored streams with the stage banked with greens filled in by small flags. The well-known Sargent’s six piece orchestra furnished music for dancing.
While working in the Notch last Monday a large bobcat was seen within a few feet of the workmen.
May 24, 1888: Advertisement – MAPLE HOUSE, Centre Sandwich, NH, Thomas E. Burley, Prop. A pleasant quiet and healthy location, 8 miles north from Centre Harbor; P.O., stores, churches within a five minute walk, delightful drives and picturesque mountain scenery. Connected with this is a cottage. Board by day or week. Good livery connected and parties taken to all places of interest in the region. (The Maple House is today the home of Mallory Hathaway and David Patridge located across Maple Street from the Sandwich Historical Society. SHS ed.)
The trees are beginning to look as though we are going to have a summer after all.
The man who broke the lock and stole a bushel and a half of beans from J.E. Hilton’s granary is well known, and if he will bring back a few to plant he will be given pork in exchange.
Mr. Wentworth drove his pair of bay horses from Concord to this place last Thursday in eight hours stopping two hours of that time in Laconia, and reports the road in places quite muddy.
Sargent Vittum died suddenly at his home in the East part last Saturday. He lived with his father, Nathaniel Vittum, and on Saturday morning went over to his place to get a manure fork and not returning at noon his father and his brother went over to see why he did not return, and found him dead in the house. He was 32 years old and unmarried.
Lewis Q. Smith, a veteran of the late war of the Rebellion, comes from a long line of soldier ancestry. He, as before stated, served in our late war. His father, John Smith, was a soldier in the war of 1812. His grandfather, Eliphalet Smith, served in the Revolutionary War, and we are told his great-grandfather was a soldier in the old French and Indian war of 1755.
May 18, 1893: Our tax rate this year, including the highway tax, is $2.72
Last Friday afternoon a fire got started in Daniel Moulton’s pasture near Red Hill River and burned over several acres before it could be got under control. Quite a number of young pines were damaged by the fire.
NOTICE – The undersigned Selectmen of Sandwich, hereby give notice that they are ready for building (complete from foundation) the new town hall in Centre Sandwich; inclusive of timber and all necessary materials, paint and finish, to render the building suitable for occupancy. Schedule of timber, plans and specifications may be seen at the residence of Paul Wentworth, Sandwich N.H. or Henry P. Dorr, Centre Sandwich, N.H. It is desired that all bids be made in writing on or before Saturday May 17, 1893.
Advertisement – CONSUMPTION! That dreaded and dreadful disease! What shall stay its ravages? Thousands say Scott’s Emulsion of pure Norwegian cod liver oil and hypophosphites of lime and soda has cured us of consumption in its first stages. Have you a cough or cold acute or heading towards consumption? Make no delay but take Scott’s Emulsion
May 9, 1901: Samuel Wiggin met with a quite a serious accident Monday. He was returning home from the Centre when his horse became quite frightened and turned around in the road throwing Mr. Wiggin out and inflicting painful injuries on head and spine.
Whiteface – Our community was shocked to learn the first of the week that most serious charges had been preferred against William Nichols, one of our well known townsmen. His wife and daughter Celia complained of the improper usage of the latter by her father, and a warrant was issued and served on Monday; but upon the way to Moultonboro while in the custody of the officer, he jumped from the carriage and fled. The nature of the offence, incest, the tender years of the child, not yet fourteen years of age, and yet in the not far off future to become a mother, call for more than passing comment on the matter. The father, it is not necessary to say, is a moral pervert; but the mother of the child is an estimable woman, and to her and her family the sympathy of the people of our community is given. It is hoped that the criminal will be captured and brought to justice, and if, as alleged, the officer having him in charge neglected the ordinary precautions of handcuffs or fetters of some sort, he is censurable. A man charged with an offence which would mean in Massachusetts a ninety-nine year sentence and in New Hampshire the heaviest sentence except for willful murder, need no favor which would make escape easy.
May 11, 1916: Last week W. Leroy White made a trip to Boston and Concord where he was admitted to the New Hampshire Bar.
North Sandwich – Clarence Brown began his duties at Mt. Israel Look Out Station on Monday of this week. (For a number of years the NH Forestry Department had a Look Out Station on the northern summit of Mount Israel mainly because of the logging activity at that time in the Beebe River valley. The original Warden’s Trail ran from Mount Israel Road, near today’s Booty Farm, up the northeast spur to the summit. It had a phone line running parallel to it to report any smokes. Remains of this trail and phone line could still be found 25 years ago by this writer. SHS-ed)
Wonalancet – Two trampers from West Ossipee stayed at Ferncroft Sunday night and climbed Whiteface Monday. They report snow waist deep and that the roof of the upper camp blown off. Elias Sanborn came from New York to have a look at it before it was remodeled and to do some fishing. (This would have been Camp Heermance, the upper of the two shelters on Whiteface. SHS-ed)
May 7, 1931: J. Frank Atwood, James Rogers and Leroy White as Selectmen, Clarance Graves, Earle Peaslee and Ryvers Ainger as Road Agents were in attendance at the Good Roads meeting held in Plymouth last week.
Through the courtesy of the Grammar school pupils under the direction of their teacher Miss Ladd, our shut ins and our sick were remembered with May baskets, fourteen homes were visited and cheered by the commendable act. In these days of rush for pleasure and amusement, the performance of such acts are neglected and we more appreciate Miss Ladd for her influence which extends outside the school doors.
Over two hundred and sixty tickets were turned in at the Firemen’s Ball last Saturday evening which testifies to the popularity of this annual event. The hall was gayly decorated with colored streams with the stage banked with greens filled in by small flags. The well-known Sargent’s six piece orchestra furnished music for dancing.
While working in the Notch last Monday a large bobcat was seen within a few feet of the workmen.
APRIL 2024
April edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy!
April 7, 1887: Robins have made their appearance.
The traveling is getting to be very bad.
W.M. Weed has been cutting his ice this week.
Most too much snow for the comfort of sugar makers.
Last Thursday, H.H. Whittle hauled 7000 pounds of freight from West Ossipee to this place with four horses.
April 28, 1887: Now that the severity of the winter is gone, we questioned some of our oldest citizens to the past, and we fail to discover a winter where there has been more snow and ice, more cold and heat, changes that have been sudden and violent as has marked the one just taking its final exit.
Smelts are running.
The ice is going out of the pond and frogs have put in an appearance.
The dam at Red Hill Pond gave away last Sunday night.
Chas. Moulton of Moultonboro recently killed an otter that measured 5 feet and 7 inches.
A few days since James E. French killed ten striped snakes while out for a morning walk.
The showers of this past week have improved the roads very much in some places, while in others where the frost is just coming out, it is very bad.
April 9, 1908: The snow storm of Wednesday night and Thursday Morning and the cold weather which followed made it seem as though winter had come back for another visit.
The Silhouette Social which was held in the C.E. hall Wednesday evening of last week was a very enjoyable occasion. 27 silhouettes were hung on the wall for all present to identify. Mrs. Elmer Hart identified 25 which was the largest number guessed and Mrs. Moses Brown guessed the smallest number. Maple syrup, doughnuts and pickles were served in the lower hall. About 50 were present.
Obituary – Mrs. Dorothy A. (Vittum) Graves died at Sandwich, N.H. March 27, 1908. She was the widow of Ross C. Graves (who died in Sandwich, March, 1884) and the daughter of Moses and Sally Vittum.
Mrs. Graves lived and spent all her days on the homestead place. Like all good women her thoughts were for home and children, and not traveling about here and there. Her record was made and enshrined where she was, still is, and ever will be will remembered. A more hospitable, kind and Christian greeting was not to be found in East Sandwich than in her presence. She made no show, but lived the truth. (The Ross C. Graves house is on Vittum Hill Road near the intersection with Frog Pond Road. SHS ed.)
Gardner Bullard and a young friend were here the first of the week, presumably came up to have a taste of the maple sugar crop, which has been doing finely as of late, it now promises to be more than an average year.
Frank P. Tilton concluded a ten years’ service for the Government, April 1, having carried the U.S. Mail twice each day between the Whiteface and North Sandwich Post Offices. The early hour of the morning mail has made it necessary to get up early summer and winter; Mr. Tilton has not been in bed past 4 a.m. weekdays for the ten years; in winter that is an early hour. The distance covered in that time from the carrier’s door has been about 28,000 miles in all that time most 3,000 miles per year.
April 7, 1910: C.O. Smith’s mill has a narrow escape from being totally destroyed by fire early Sunday morning. Smoke was first seen coming from the mill about 5:30 am by Mrs. C. S. Burnham upon whose land the mill stands. Mr. Burnham rushed to the mill and Mrs. Burnham to the telephone and aroused the neighbors. By tearing down, and using plenty of water, he managed to extinguish the flames by the time that people got there. (This mill was on North Sandwich Road just north of, and opposite, of Elm Hill Road. SHS ed.)
Sapping is nearly over. Cornelius Turner picked up his buckets over a week ago.
Mr. Wm. Tebbets, who lives near Center Sandwich, is a man able to carry on his farm, although 90 years of age at his last birthday, April 2. The writer noticed him drawing out his barnyard manure of late. He has shoveled and drawn to the fields 35 loads this spring. He cut and drew his firewood and attended his stock and pigs at the barn and expects to carry on his place this season. We would doubt his record could is equaled in the state. (William Tibbetts lived on Upper Road near the North Sandwich Road intersection. SHS ed.)
At White’s Garage in West Ossipee, “One Cadillac Touring Car. 5 passenger. This car has top and curtains, gas headlight, generator, Etc. I will guarantee in perfect condition for $325. Vigil D. White”
April 5, 1934: (In the aftermath of the fire of February 1934 moves were afoot to help rebuild the Lower Square)
Sandwich Town and Grange Fair – At a meeting called last Saturday afternoon it was unanimously voted to loan the town $5,000 for its immediate use without interest. The auditor’s report showed a balance of over $10,000 before this vote was made. (The $5,000 in 1934 is about equivalent to $116,000 today. SHS ed.)
Friday and Saturday of last week the hearings relative to the widening of the main street drew a good attendance of interested citizens. The consensus of opinion was in favor of widening in the burned area about 20 feet in the side where the stores formerly were and on the opposite side enough for a sidewalk. In the section where the Dearborn store was located (Approximately the site of today’s Post Office building. SHS ed.) it is expected that a cut will be made to round and improve the corner and a road toward Squam Lake. Mr. Dearborn and others wishing to re-build have expressed their willingness to cooperate.
North Sandwich - It is said that there is not much frost in the ground but on the highway the frost has gone down three feet freezing water pipes for B.R. Chase. Mr. Chase does not swear.
April 7, 1887: Robins have made their appearance.
The traveling is getting to be very bad.
W.M. Weed has been cutting his ice this week.
Most too much snow for the comfort of sugar makers.
Last Thursday, H.H. Whittle hauled 7000 pounds of freight from West Ossipee to this place with four horses.
April 28, 1887: Now that the severity of the winter is gone, we questioned some of our oldest citizens to the past, and we fail to discover a winter where there has been more snow and ice, more cold and heat, changes that have been sudden and violent as has marked the one just taking its final exit.
Smelts are running.
The ice is going out of the pond and frogs have put in an appearance.
The dam at Red Hill Pond gave away last Sunday night.
Chas. Moulton of Moultonboro recently killed an otter that measured 5 feet and 7 inches.
A few days since James E. French killed ten striped snakes while out for a morning walk.
The showers of this past week have improved the roads very much in some places, while in others where the frost is just coming out, it is very bad.
April 9, 1908: The snow storm of Wednesday night and Thursday Morning and the cold weather which followed made it seem as though winter had come back for another visit.
The Silhouette Social which was held in the C.E. hall Wednesday evening of last week was a very enjoyable occasion. 27 silhouettes were hung on the wall for all present to identify. Mrs. Elmer Hart identified 25 which was the largest number guessed and Mrs. Moses Brown guessed the smallest number. Maple syrup, doughnuts and pickles were served in the lower hall. About 50 were present.
Obituary – Mrs. Dorothy A. (Vittum) Graves died at Sandwich, N.H. March 27, 1908. She was the widow of Ross C. Graves (who died in Sandwich, March, 1884) and the daughter of Moses and Sally Vittum.
Mrs. Graves lived and spent all her days on the homestead place. Like all good women her thoughts were for home and children, and not traveling about here and there. Her record was made and enshrined where she was, still is, and ever will be will remembered. A more hospitable, kind and Christian greeting was not to be found in East Sandwich than in her presence. She made no show, but lived the truth. (The Ross C. Graves house is on Vittum Hill Road near the intersection with Frog Pond Road. SHS ed.)
Gardner Bullard and a young friend were here the first of the week, presumably came up to have a taste of the maple sugar crop, which has been doing finely as of late, it now promises to be more than an average year.
Frank P. Tilton concluded a ten years’ service for the Government, April 1, having carried the U.S. Mail twice each day between the Whiteface and North Sandwich Post Offices. The early hour of the morning mail has made it necessary to get up early summer and winter; Mr. Tilton has not been in bed past 4 a.m. weekdays for the ten years; in winter that is an early hour. The distance covered in that time from the carrier’s door has been about 28,000 miles in all that time most 3,000 miles per year.
April 7, 1910: C.O. Smith’s mill has a narrow escape from being totally destroyed by fire early Sunday morning. Smoke was first seen coming from the mill about 5:30 am by Mrs. C. S. Burnham upon whose land the mill stands. Mr. Burnham rushed to the mill and Mrs. Burnham to the telephone and aroused the neighbors. By tearing down, and using plenty of water, he managed to extinguish the flames by the time that people got there. (This mill was on North Sandwich Road just north of, and opposite, of Elm Hill Road. SHS ed.)
Sapping is nearly over. Cornelius Turner picked up his buckets over a week ago.
Mr. Wm. Tebbets, who lives near Center Sandwich, is a man able to carry on his farm, although 90 years of age at his last birthday, April 2. The writer noticed him drawing out his barnyard manure of late. He has shoveled and drawn to the fields 35 loads this spring. He cut and drew his firewood and attended his stock and pigs at the barn and expects to carry on his place this season. We would doubt his record could is equaled in the state. (William Tibbetts lived on Upper Road near the North Sandwich Road intersection. SHS ed.)
At White’s Garage in West Ossipee, “One Cadillac Touring Car. 5 passenger. This car has top and curtains, gas headlight, generator, Etc. I will guarantee in perfect condition for $325. Vigil D. White”
April 5, 1934: (In the aftermath of the fire of February 1934 moves were afoot to help rebuild the Lower Square)
Sandwich Town and Grange Fair – At a meeting called last Saturday afternoon it was unanimously voted to loan the town $5,000 for its immediate use without interest. The auditor’s report showed a balance of over $10,000 before this vote was made. (The $5,000 in 1934 is about equivalent to $116,000 today. SHS ed.)
Friday and Saturday of last week the hearings relative to the widening of the main street drew a good attendance of interested citizens. The consensus of opinion was in favor of widening in the burned area about 20 feet in the side where the stores formerly were and on the opposite side enough for a sidewalk. In the section where the Dearborn store was located (Approximately the site of today’s Post Office building. SHS ed.) it is expected that a cut will be made to round and improve the corner and a road toward Squam Lake. Mr. Dearborn and others wishing to re-build have expressed their willingness to cooperate.
North Sandwich - It is said that there is not much frost in the ground but on the highway the frost has gone down three feet freezing water pipes for B.R. Chase. Mr. Chase does not swear.
MARCH 2024
March 3, 1887: One of our exchanges recently remarked that the back of winter was broken, but it must have remarkable recuperative power judging from the weather this past week.
Last Thursday was a very stormy day, nearly a foot of snow falling on a level. Towards the night the wind came up and before morning the roads were entirely blockaded and the stage was unable to get through from West Ossipee. Saturday afternoon and evening we had another heavy fall of snow which was piled into the roads again, making them as bad or worse than before, and travel by team had to be suspended all day Sunday. The mail from West Ossipee did not reach here from Thursday morning until Monday afternoon. We guess this will pass for a genuine snow storm.
The people back on the hills are about snowbound. E.H. Fogg started out with his cattle Monday morning and in returning home, the hill below his house was so drifted he had to unyoke them and let them go single. When about halfway up the hill they concluded that they would not go any further, so Mr. Fogg had to go home and get their dinner and carry it to them and then shovel a path for them, the snow being about two feet above them on each side.
March 24, 1887: (Town Meeting was once a much livelier affair as witnessed by portions of a letter from S.N. Fogg that described a meeting in the 1850’s that appeared in the Reporter. SHS ed.) The year before the Town House was built, the annual election was held in the Baptist church in North Sandwich. (The White Church at the corner of Wing and Whiteface Roads. SHS ed.)…It soon became apparent that intoxicants were on the ground and someone called for a stay of the proceedings and made a statement that such was the case and moved that a committee of ten be appointed to banish all intoxicating beverage from the grounds. The motion passed and the committee was appointed. Elias Fogg and myself were on that committee, the other names I do not now recollect. A well-known citizen of North Sandwich had a barrel of cider on “tap” in the shed on the north side of the church and it was very evident it was tinctured with rum. I was well acquainted with the man and did not like to see him suffer any loss, and as soon as the committee was announced I went in advance of the others and told him what had been done and advised him as a friend to close up and thus save his stock in trade. The only thanks I received was “mind your own business.” Very well, said I, if you will not take my advice you must take the consequences. By that time the balance of the committee was on hand and they seized the barrel of cider and rolled it down in front of the church and knocked out the bung and suffered its contents to be poured out in the presence of the thirsty crowd of lookers on that saw it mingle with the snow and slush, and make its way to the gutter. That committee was a target for the rest of the day for the spleen of the rum element. I was standing on a seat in one of the slips about midway of the church when I was pointed out to a notorious rough from the western part of the town, who approached and made himself more familiar then was agreeable, and he very unexpectedly found himself laying lengthwise of the slip underneath my feet. He was then taken up bodily and carried out of the church uttering curses and imprecations on us all. The work of the committee on that day had a salutary effect and the day closed without the usual exhibitions of drunkenness.
March 4, 1909: At the last meeting of the Mt. Israel Grange it was decided to have a rummage sale on town meeting day, open to the public at 11 a.m., in the Grange upper hall. Most of us have things we get tired of and do not care for, we do not feel that they are suitable to give away, in this way others can get good out of them at trifling cost. This sale will include gents, ladies and children’s clothes some just as good as new; eggs, butter fruits and vegetables of all kinds, plain popcorn, corn cakes and corn balls, homemade candy. A new tall silk beaver hat will be given to the man getting the most votes for selectman. It will be on exhibition through the day and presented when he takes his oath of office. It is expected that the ladies will come and make this a social day for all.
A maple sugar social was held at the grange hall on Tuesday evening. The syrup was given by Mr. Moses Hall and the proceeds were given to the two churches. A conundrum was given by Moses Hall and Miss Belle Forbush, guessing the right answer, took the prize. Also a conundrum was given on Mr. Hall namely; “Why is Mr. Moses Hall unalike a maple tree?” Because he gives his syrup without tapping. The company then went to the lower floor where they were served with sugar on snow, and a bountiful supply was on hand.
March 25, 1909: The Rummage Sale held on the upper floor of the Grange hall was a decided success. The vegetable stand realized $1.45. At the candy table $1.52 was taken in. People did not forget the popcorn stand for $2.50 was realized. Miss Mabel Graves and Miss Mabel Quimby were successful in bringing to the sale $12.30 worth of rubbers. $3.00 was given by interested friends. The souvenir check list was quite an attraction, $4.51 being taken in. At the cake table $4.60 was in the money bag. Mr. Howard Blanchard won the cake for guessing nearest to the weight of the cake. The Rummage Sale proper brought in $19.82, making in all $50.00. The tall silk hat was given to Mr. George Thompson for receiving the highest number of votes. All are pleased with the results.
March 20, 1919: Loveland Hines died at his home near North Sandwich, Wednesday. He attended town meeting on Tuesday and appeared to be in normal health. Wednesday the neighbors, not seeing any smoke coming out of his chimney, investigated and found him died in bed.
Town meeting day passed off very quietly this year. After a very stirring business meeting as usual, money was appropriated for the expense of decorating soldier’s graves for Old Home Day and a larger amount for the roads than last year. A vote was also taken to raise the sum of $100 to perpetuate the names and celebrate the return of the soldiers from the recent war. It was also voted to allow the clock to be moved from the town hall to the M.E. church free of expense to the town.
Last Thursday was a very stormy day, nearly a foot of snow falling on a level. Towards the night the wind came up and before morning the roads were entirely blockaded and the stage was unable to get through from West Ossipee. Saturday afternoon and evening we had another heavy fall of snow which was piled into the roads again, making them as bad or worse than before, and travel by team had to be suspended all day Sunday. The mail from West Ossipee did not reach here from Thursday morning until Monday afternoon. We guess this will pass for a genuine snow storm.
The people back on the hills are about snowbound. E.H. Fogg started out with his cattle Monday morning and in returning home, the hill below his house was so drifted he had to unyoke them and let them go single. When about halfway up the hill they concluded that they would not go any further, so Mr. Fogg had to go home and get their dinner and carry it to them and then shovel a path for them, the snow being about two feet above them on each side.
March 24, 1887: (Town Meeting was once a much livelier affair as witnessed by portions of a letter from S.N. Fogg that described a meeting in the 1850’s that appeared in the Reporter. SHS ed.) The year before the Town House was built, the annual election was held in the Baptist church in North Sandwich. (The White Church at the corner of Wing and Whiteface Roads. SHS ed.)…It soon became apparent that intoxicants were on the ground and someone called for a stay of the proceedings and made a statement that such was the case and moved that a committee of ten be appointed to banish all intoxicating beverage from the grounds. The motion passed and the committee was appointed. Elias Fogg and myself were on that committee, the other names I do not now recollect. A well-known citizen of North Sandwich had a barrel of cider on “tap” in the shed on the north side of the church and it was very evident it was tinctured with rum. I was well acquainted with the man and did not like to see him suffer any loss, and as soon as the committee was announced I went in advance of the others and told him what had been done and advised him as a friend to close up and thus save his stock in trade. The only thanks I received was “mind your own business.” Very well, said I, if you will not take my advice you must take the consequences. By that time the balance of the committee was on hand and they seized the barrel of cider and rolled it down in front of the church and knocked out the bung and suffered its contents to be poured out in the presence of the thirsty crowd of lookers on that saw it mingle with the snow and slush, and make its way to the gutter. That committee was a target for the rest of the day for the spleen of the rum element. I was standing on a seat in one of the slips about midway of the church when I was pointed out to a notorious rough from the western part of the town, who approached and made himself more familiar then was agreeable, and he very unexpectedly found himself laying lengthwise of the slip underneath my feet. He was then taken up bodily and carried out of the church uttering curses and imprecations on us all. The work of the committee on that day had a salutary effect and the day closed without the usual exhibitions of drunkenness.
March 4, 1909: At the last meeting of the Mt. Israel Grange it was decided to have a rummage sale on town meeting day, open to the public at 11 a.m., in the Grange upper hall. Most of us have things we get tired of and do not care for, we do not feel that they are suitable to give away, in this way others can get good out of them at trifling cost. This sale will include gents, ladies and children’s clothes some just as good as new; eggs, butter fruits and vegetables of all kinds, plain popcorn, corn cakes and corn balls, homemade candy. A new tall silk beaver hat will be given to the man getting the most votes for selectman. It will be on exhibition through the day and presented when he takes his oath of office. It is expected that the ladies will come and make this a social day for all.
A maple sugar social was held at the grange hall on Tuesday evening. The syrup was given by Mr. Moses Hall and the proceeds were given to the two churches. A conundrum was given by Moses Hall and Miss Belle Forbush, guessing the right answer, took the prize. Also a conundrum was given on Mr. Hall namely; “Why is Mr. Moses Hall unalike a maple tree?” Because he gives his syrup without tapping. The company then went to the lower floor where they were served with sugar on snow, and a bountiful supply was on hand.
March 25, 1909: The Rummage Sale held on the upper floor of the Grange hall was a decided success. The vegetable stand realized $1.45. At the candy table $1.52 was taken in. People did not forget the popcorn stand for $2.50 was realized. Miss Mabel Graves and Miss Mabel Quimby were successful in bringing to the sale $12.30 worth of rubbers. $3.00 was given by interested friends. The souvenir check list was quite an attraction, $4.51 being taken in. At the cake table $4.60 was in the money bag. Mr. Howard Blanchard won the cake for guessing nearest to the weight of the cake. The Rummage Sale proper brought in $19.82, making in all $50.00. The tall silk hat was given to Mr. George Thompson for receiving the highest number of votes. All are pleased with the results.
March 20, 1919: Loveland Hines died at his home near North Sandwich, Wednesday. He attended town meeting on Tuesday and appeared to be in normal health. Wednesday the neighbors, not seeing any smoke coming out of his chimney, investigated and found him died in bed.
Town meeting day passed off very quietly this year. After a very stirring business meeting as usual, money was appropriated for the expense of decorating soldier’s graves for Old Home Day and a larger amount for the roads than last year. A vote was also taken to raise the sum of $100 to perpetuate the names and celebrate the return of the soldiers from the recent war. It was also voted to allow the clock to be moved from the town hall to the M.E. church free of expense to the town.
FEBRUARY 2024
February edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!
February 2, 1888: Did you see the eclipse last Saturday?
Has there been a time since the beginning of the Christian era when it has taken so many Roman letters to express the year as now? MDCCCLXXXVIII. Thirteen letters. Rather inconvenient when one is in a hurry.
The storm of last Thursday and Friday was one of the worst ever experienced in this region. The snow commenced to fall on Wednesday evening and continued all day Thursday, accompanied by a high wind, which drifted the snow in every direction completely blockading travel. The stage which started from the Centre on Thursday morning was unable to reach this place (Lower Corner) at all on that day, but managed to reach here Friday afternoon. The Weed hill was drifted so bad that the horses had to be unhitched and shoveled through and the sleigh hauled by hand. Moultonboro Corner was reached that night, and Centre Harbor on Saturday when the stage had to be abandoned and the mail was taken on a hand sled and hauled to Meredith, returning that night to Centre Harbor, bringing only the letters, reaching this place about noon Sunday, which was the first communication from the outside world since Wednesday night previous. By Monday the roads had been made passable and on Monday night we were rewarded by a four days paper mail. The railroads were all blockaded and on many roads the trains were all canceled. Thursday’s Boston mail train did not reach Meredith until Saturday. Many accidents were reported with some loss of life and considerable property damage. Three passenger trains were blockaded at one time between Meredith and Plymouth.
February 8, 1894: North Sandwich - We spoke of the children of John T. Bickford in a recent issue. They have all found homes in this part of the town. Mrs. Sherman Quimby has the youngest, Mrs. William Quimby, Mrs. John P. Canney and Mrs. George Morse each have one. (From the January 18, 1894 edition of the Reporter: The writer referred last week to the children of John T. Bickford, lately bereft of their mother. Since writing last week, we have seen Mr. Bickford and are authorized to state that as he finds himself situated he thinks it best if possible to find homes for his children in some good families where they can have that care which is impossible for him to extend to them. There are four children, and one will seldom see four better behaved and brighter little ones than they, All girls, the oldest is eight years of age, the next seven, the two youngest four and two. There are twenty-five homes in town where a child could be taken in to their own and the child’s advantage. It is useless to be supremely interested in India or China and neglect home interests. No better service can be rendered than to take a homeless child and rear and train him or her for a life of usefulness. Putting the matter upon the lowest plane, as a matter of insurance, our secular interests demand that we help care for every needy one in the best manner that we can afford, and that the evasion of such duty will bring returns not satisfactory to us.
February 20, 1905: Why is it that driving around over the country the one universal cry is for better roads in Sandwich? Our road agents are elected and paid for looking after the highways, nothing else.
So Grover Cleveland, our only living ex-President, is to spend a second season with us. Ought we not feel boastful that our good old town of Sandwich is beautiful enough to attract so illustrious a citizen of the United States.
Harry Wallace, Oscar Bundy and Arthur Corliss have finished sawing white birch for Elmer Elliott, having sawing 229 cords of the same. Ed. Bennett and his brother Charles have sawed 138 cords for W’ S’ Tappan at the base of Black mountain.
February 10, 1910: J. A. Smith, the boatman on Squam lake, has put in over 300 tons of ice.
Quite a lot of brown tailed moths nests have been gathered and burned.
Geo Wiggin can grind a bushel of corn on the cob in 4 minutes with his gasoline power.
Land around Squam Lake is getting valuable. A few acres known as High-heath has been sold for $10,000. It will be used for building purposes.
There is money in keeping hens even in Sandwich. Daniel D. Atwood got over 700 eggs from his 36 hens in January. They are all pure R. I. Reds of the laying strain. He believes is pays better to keep thoroughbred then scrubs as the first cost but little more.
February 1, 1917: The Sandwich Local Telephone Company was formed in a small way about fifteen years ago and now covers Sandwich, the greater part of Moultonboro and part of Tamworth with its lines, 23 in number, and a central office in Center Sandwich where they are connected with the long distance. The line is owned and managed by local people and for fifteen dollars a year (About $384.00 today. SHS ed.) free local service has been furnished to all renting phones. Arrangements have just been made to build a new joint line with the New England Tel. Co. from Moultonboro to Center Sandwich so that the new electric light company operating in Moultonboro can have one side of the highway for those wires soon to run to Center Sandwich where they will be welcomed by all.
February 18, 1926: The wonderful display of handmade rugs now on exhibition at the Wentworth Library, not only exceeds the wildest dream of the committee in charge, but of the Historical Society as well, that sponsored the undertaking. “Swamped in rugs” was the exclamation of Mr. Coolidge when assisting in hanging and arranging of the vast number. There are rugs of every sort, pattern and design on display, those made by our great-grandmothers down to the one made by the school children. They consist of hooked, braided, woven and crocheted rugs made from silk, yarn, cotton and woolen, old rags and new and even the corn husks. Last Saturday afternoon and evening Geo. M. Mead, Esq. of Boston, President of the Society, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Beede of Wellesley, two of its active supporters, came with Mr. Chandler, the rug expert from Jordan, Marsh and Co., for the purpose of meeting the people and examining the exhibit. (This exhibit, mainly arranged and sponsored by Mary and J. Randolph Coolidge, is considered the seed that bloomed into the Sandwich Home Industries later that year. SHS ed.)
Mr. W.B. Marston had a new radio installed to replace his old one. Mr. Marston was the owner of the first radio installed in town.
Quimby High School – The girls’ basketball team has elected Frances Martin captain to take the place of Frances Reeves.
At Connors Cash and Carry Market in North Conway, “A Safe Place To Economize”, Tomatoes were 3 cans for 25c, Egg Noodles were 10c a package and Sugar was $5.75 per 100 pounds.
February 19, 1942: Phil Elliott is working in the woods at Whiteface with Charles Bickford. The logs coming out are for the use of the navy in dock work. Last Saturday high winds made it too hazardous for logging and the men had to stop work for the day.
Plans for the collection of waste paper and metal are now under way and will be started soon. Mrs. Randolph Coolidge has it in hand and funds will go to the Red Cross War Fund. Definite instructions will appear next week as to preparing bundles for collection. In the meantime, save!
Quimby’s basketball team lost to Meredith Junior Varsity last week, but the girls’ game was a tie. Monday night in Madison the boys again lost 26-20 but the girls’ team were victors 30-3. Nice work, Quimby girls!
Red and White Lenten Food Sale for meatless meals at Farrington’s Cash Market in Conway included: Silver Rapids Salmon – 2 tall cans 39c, Red and White Fish Cakes – 2 10oz. cans 25c, Baxter’s Finest Clam Chowder – 11 oz. can 23c. Over at Allard’s Market - Oven Fresh Hot Cross Buns 15c a dozen.
February 2, 1888: Did you see the eclipse last Saturday?
Has there been a time since the beginning of the Christian era when it has taken so many Roman letters to express the year as now? MDCCCLXXXVIII. Thirteen letters. Rather inconvenient when one is in a hurry.
The storm of last Thursday and Friday was one of the worst ever experienced in this region. The snow commenced to fall on Wednesday evening and continued all day Thursday, accompanied by a high wind, which drifted the snow in every direction completely blockading travel. The stage which started from the Centre on Thursday morning was unable to reach this place (Lower Corner) at all on that day, but managed to reach here Friday afternoon. The Weed hill was drifted so bad that the horses had to be unhitched and shoveled through and the sleigh hauled by hand. Moultonboro Corner was reached that night, and Centre Harbor on Saturday when the stage had to be abandoned and the mail was taken on a hand sled and hauled to Meredith, returning that night to Centre Harbor, bringing only the letters, reaching this place about noon Sunday, which was the first communication from the outside world since Wednesday night previous. By Monday the roads had been made passable and on Monday night we were rewarded by a four days paper mail. The railroads were all blockaded and on many roads the trains were all canceled. Thursday’s Boston mail train did not reach Meredith until Saturday. Many accidents were reported with some loss of life and considerable property damage. Three passenger trains were blockaded at one time between Meredith and Plymouth.
February 8, 1894: North Sandwich - We spoke of the children of John T. Bickford in a recent issue. They have all found homes in this part of the town. Mrs. Sherman Quimby has the youngest, Mrs. William Quimby, Mrs. John P. Canney and Mrs. George Morse each have one. (From the January 18, 1894 edition of the Reporter: The writer referred last week to the children of John T. Bickford, lately bereft of their mother. Since writing last week, we have seen Mr. Bickford and are authorized to state that as he finds himself situated he thinks it best if possible to find homes for his children in some good families where they can have that care which is impossible for him to extend to them. There are four children, and one will seldom see four better behaved and brighter little ones than they, All girls, the oldest is eight years of age, the next seven, the two youngest four and two. There are twenty-five homes in town where a child could be taken in to their own and the child’s advantage. It is useless to be supremely interested in India or China and neglect home interests. No better service can be rendered than to take a homeless child and rear and train him or her for a life of usefulness. Putting the matter upon the lowest plane, as a matter of insurance, our secular interests demand that we help care for every needy one in the best manner that we can afford, and that the evasion of such duty will bring returns not satisfactory to us.
February 20, 1905: Why is it that driving around over the country the one universal cry is for better roads in Sandwich? Our road agents are elected and paid for looking after the highways, nothing else.
So Grover Cleveland, our only living ex-President, is to spend a second season with us. Ought we not feel boastful that our good old town of Sandwich is beautiful enough to attract so illustrious a citizen of the United States.
Harry Wallace, Oscar Bundy and Arthur Corliss have finished sawing white birch for Elmer Elliott, having sawing 229 cords of the same. Ed. Bennett and his brother Charles have sawed 138 cords for W’ S’ Tappan at the base of Black mountain.
February 10, 1910: J. A. Smith, the boatman on Squam lake, has put in over 300 tons of ice.
Quite a lot of brown tailed moths nests have been gathered and burned.
Geo Wiggin can grind a bushel of corn on the cob in 4 minutes with his gasoline power.
Land around Squam Lake is getting valuable. A few acres known as High-heath has been sold for $10,000. It will be used for building purposes.
There is money in keeping hens even in Sandwich. Daniel D. Atwood got over 700 eggs from his 36 hens in January. They are all pure R. I. Reds of the laying strain. He believes is pays better to keep thoroughbred then scrubs as the first cost but little more.
February 1, 1917: The Sandwich Local Telephone Company was formed in a small way about fifteen years ago and now covers Sandwich, the greater part of Moultonboro and part of Tamworth with its lines, 23 in number, and a central office in Center Sandwich where they are connected with the long distance. The line is owned and managed by local people and for fifteen dollars a year (About $384.00 today. SHS ed.) free local service has been furnished to all renting phones. Arrangements have just been made to build a new joint line with the New England Tel. Co. from Moultonboro to Center Sandwich so that the new electric light company operating in Moultonboro can have one side of the highway for those wires soon to run to Center Sandwich where they will be welcomed by all.
February 18, 1926: The wonderful display of handmade rugs now on exhibition at the Wentworth Library, not only exceeds the wildest dream of the committee in charge, but of the Historical Society as well, that sponsored the undertaking. “Swamped in rugs” was the exclamation of Mr. Coolidge when assisting in hanging and arranging of the vast number. There are rugs of every sort, pattern and design on display, those made by our great-grandmothers down to the one made by the school children. They consist of hooked, braided, woven and crocheted rugs made from silk, yarn, cotton and woolen, old rags and new and even the corn husks. Last Saturday afternoon and evening Geo. M. Mead, Esq. of Boston, President of the Society, and Mr. and Mrs. Carl Beede of Wellesley, two of its active supporters, came with Mr. Chandler, the rug expert from Jordan, Marsh and Co., for the purpose of meeting the people and examining the exhibit. (This exhibit, mainly arranged and sponsored by Mary and J. Randolph Coolidge, is considered the seed that bloomed into the Sandwich Home Industries later that year. SHS ed.)
Mr. W.B. Marston had a new radio installed to replace his old one. Mr. Marston was the owner of the first radio installed in town.
Quimby High School – The girls’ basketball team has elected Frances Martin captain to take the place of Frances Reeves.
At Connors Cash and Carry Market in North Conway, “A Safe Place To Economize”, Tomatoes were 3 cans for 25c, Egg Noodles were 10c a package and Sugar was $5.75 per 100 pounds.
February 19, 1942: Phil Elliott is working in the woods at Whiteface with Charles Bickford. The logs coming out are for the use of the navy in dock work. Last Saturday high winds made it too hazardous for logging and the men had to stop work for the day.
Plans for the collection of waste paper and metal are now under way and will be started soon. Mrs. Randolph Coolidge has it in hand and funds will go to the Red Cross War Fund. Definite instructions will appear next week as to preparing bundles for collection. In the meantime, save!
Quimby’s basketball team lost to Meredith Junior Varsity last week, but the girls’ game was a tie. Monday night in Madison the boys again lost 26-20 but the girls’ team were victors 30-3. Nice work, Quimby girls!
Red and White Lenten Food Sale for meatless meals at Farrington’s Cash Market in Conway included: Silver Rapids Salmon – 2 tall cans 39c, Red and White Fish Cakes – 2 10oz. cans 25c, Baxter’s Finest Clam Chowder – 11 oz. can 23c. Over at Allard’s Market - Oven Fresh Hot Cross Buns 15c a dozen.
JANUARY 2024
January edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!
January 6, 1887: Last Tuesday morning was the coldest this season, the thermometer going down to 12 below zero here (Lower Corner), while at the Centre it was 28 below and at the east part 32 below. North Sandwich – Oliver Ambrose is suffering quite a severe attack of erysipelas. (A bacterial infection of the skin’s outer layers. SHS ed.)
Frank N. Foss reports trapping as very good thus far. He has caught two fishers, eight sable and six mink. Frank is a fellow that can just get them if he once strikes their trail. He is a true descendant of his grandfather, Isaac Foss, who was a perfect Nimrod in his day, some half century or more ago.
January 13, 1887: (Part of a longer letter from James H. Hayes of Dover)…It was at the old “number 7” school house just above the Centre that I first attended school. The house had not then been changed to the modern style. The boys and the girls sat facing each other and the seats were elevated, the floor being inclined so much that if a boy or girl were not careful when there was snow on their feet they would sit down rather “solid”. At that time (early 1850’s) there were fifty or sixty scholars in attendance… (The Number 7, or Harmony school house, was the building that stood on the corner of Grove Street and Heard Road and was torn down last year to build a new residence. Dick and Judy Stoehr lived there for many years. SHS ed.)
January 15, 1891: Last Sunday, a little past noon it began to rain, and kept it up through the afternoon and night, when the wind increased almost to a gale, breaking off many limbs from trees in the vicinity. Monday morning the snow was so soft that it was almost impossible for a team to get through, and in many of the drifts a horse could not get through. The stage managed to get as far as Wentworth hill where it got into the snow and broke down, help had to be secured to get the team out, after which it returned to the Centre where it stayed until the next morning. During Monday night it came on colder and froze up the roads so where no team attempted to go through we have excellent traveling. Considerable damage was done in several buildings by the water backing up under the shingles and leaking in, where the snow was deep on the roof and the water could not run off fast enough.
January 22, 1891: Frank H. Webster had a two year old steer break a leg last Thursday while coming down from Ossipee mountain with a load of logs. Yesterday Joseph Wentworth caught 15 pickerel in Red Hill pond, eight of them weighing over 2 pounds each, the largest weighing 5 pounds. What came near proving a disastrous fire occurred last Friday morning at the house of Mrs. Joel F. Cotton. A little past one o’clock in the morning, as she was not feeling well, she got up and went downstairs to get something to take. Upon returning to her room she set the lamp down and stepped around to the other side of the bed to slip off her dress which she had put on to go downstairs, when the lamp exploded setting fire to the bed. She immediately rushed to her nearest neighbor’s, Mr. Freeze, and gave the alarm which soon spread, and by the prompt and earnest work of the neighbors the building was saved. The fire was mostly confined to the chamber in which it originated, but spread out through the shed chamber which adjoins it. The insurance agent was up Wednesday morning and adjusted the insurance on the furniture which amounted to about $25, but there was no insurance on the buildings, consequently the damage to the house by water and fire will be a loss, although not a serious one. It was a very narrow escape all around, for if she had been a few feet nearer the lamp her clothes would have ignited.
January 10, 1901: For Sale – Three pairs of heavy horses, also fifteen heavy and light horses; five yolk of oxen and one Hereford bull, registered, at F.A. Bryer’s, Sandwich.
In making my canvass about Centre Sandwich I went up over the sightly elevation lying towards Sandwich Notch on the top of which are two fine looking summer residences located immediately in back of H. E. Moulton’s summer boarding house on the main road leading to the Notch. I am told that advantage has been taken of the shaft of the old abandoned gold mine, which struck a spring, and filled up with crystal water, for a water supply. The residents on this castellated have the advantage of extended and picturesque views, pure air and elegant water right out of a gold mine.
January 16, 1913: At the special town meeting that was called Tuesday, the 14th , it was voted to accept the bequest of the late Samuel Wentworth of Boston, for the purpose of erecting a town library at Center Sandwich. The long spell of damp weather has caused much sickness in our midst and the doctor’s services have been in evidence, while the ice has kept the blacksmiths busy. There is scarcely enough snow to skid logs, to say nothing of getting them into the mills. The ice roads make it kind of dangerous for some of our horsewomen who have been training their young horses this fall and winter. Mrs. Horatio Rogers is driving a fine three year old colt, it is her claim that no man has ever drawn rein over him, and that she has it quite well broken. Mrs. Cornelius Turner drives a nice two year old, while Mrs. James Plummer uses one every few days.
January 8, 1920: Henry Thompson had the misfortune to break his leg while skidding logs on Rattlesnake mountain last Friday. The log rolled down striking him near the ankles, breaking both bones. It was several hours before he could reach home with the aid of the men who were working with him. Saturday morning it was thought best to take him to Laconia Hospital where the X-ray could be used as the leg was badly swollen when it was set. His many friends hope for his speedy recovery.
January 3, 1935: Whiteface - Had a heavy wind storm that at times seemed like heavy thunder, uprooting trees and doing quite a lot of damage. Thursday, Friday and Saturday had a heavy snow storm so that the plows had to go over the roads several times. Saturday there was no mail. The plow got out of commission. On Sunday the road was opened. There was about 14 inches of snow on the level, and in some places even more. Sandwich – Mrs. Earle C. Peaslee, Representative – The Sandwich Volunteer Fire Department was called out last week for a chimney fire at Elisha Mudgett’s. Later the chimney at the Town Hall burned out, and about 7:30 the next morning the Department was called to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Thompson. Fortunately no great damage was done. The siren sounded the call on Tuesday morning for “no school” because of the severe storm. (Those of us of a certain age remember eagerly listening at 7 a.m. for the 3-3-3 signal from the air horn at the Fire Station to announce “no school”. SHS ed.) Denley Emerson of Brookline spent the weekend with Harold Woodward. Quimby School Notes – The annual alumni Supper was held at Quimby School Wednesday December 26 th . Due to the bad storm only 17 were present. Supper consisting of oyster stew, waldorf salad, rolls, pickles, ice cream, cake coffee and peanuts was served in the Agricultural room at 6:30. Evelyn Brown and Elizabeth Nixon were waitresses and Erma Russell and Carrie Gilman assisted them in the kitchen. We are pleased to announce that “Whiskers”, our small black kitten is well on the road to recovery. What a relief to find that he is still able to spill things around the cottage even if it does give us more to clean up. On Sale at F.S. Allard & Co. in Conway – Sugar 10 pounds 47c – Cloverbloom Butter full pound 34c – Sardines 5 cans 25c – Corn Flakes 3 for 25c – Pigs Liver 2 lbs for 25c – Hamburg 2 lbs for 25c – Tripe 2 lbs for 25c - Fowl 25c lb – Oysters 25c pint.
January 6, 1887: Last Tuesday morning was the coldest this season, the thermometer going down to 12 below zero here (Lower Corner), while at the Centre it was 28 below and at the east part 32 below. North Sandwich – Oliver Ambrose is suffering quite a severe attack of erysipelas. (A bacterial infection of the skin’s outer layers. SHS ed.)
Frank N. Foss reports trapping as very good thus far. He has caught two fishers, eight sable and six mink. Frank is a fellow that can just get them if he once strikes their trail. He is a true descendant of his grandfather, Isaac Foss, who was a perfect Nimrod in his day, some half century or more ago.
January 13, 1887: (Part of a longer letter from James H. Hayes of Dover)…It was at the old “number 7” school house just above the Centre that I first attended school. The house had not then been changed to the modern style. The boys and the girls sat facing each other and the seats were elevated, the floor being inclined so much that if a boy or girl were not careful when there was snow on their feet they would sit down rather “solid”. At that time (early 1850’s) there were fifty or sixty scholars in attendance… (The Number 7, or Harmony school house, was the building that stood on the corner of Grove Street and Heard Road and was torn down last year to build a new residence. Dick and Judy Stoehr lived there for many years. SHS ed.)
January 15, 1891: Last Sunday, a little past noon it began to rain, and kept it up through the afternoon and night, when the wind increased almost to a gale, breaking off many limbs from trees in the vicinity. Monday morning the snow was so soft that it was almost impossible for a team to get through, and in many of the drifts a horse could not get through. The stage managed to get as far as Wentworth hill where it got into the snow and broke down, help had to be secured to get the team out, after which it returned to the Centre where it stayed until the next morning. During Monday night it came on colder and froze up the roads so where no team attempted to go through we have excellent traveling. Considerable damage was done in several buildings by the water backing up under the shingles and leaking in, where the snow was deep on the roof and the water could not run off fast enough.
January 22, 1891: Frank H. Webster had a two year old steer break a leg last Thursday while coming down from Ossipee mountain with a load of logs. Yesterday Joseph Wentworth caught 15 pickerel in Red Hill pond, eight of them weighing over 2 pounds each, the largest weighing 5 pounds. What came near proving a disastrous fire occurred last Friday morning at the house of Mrs. Joel F. Cotton. A little past one o’clock in the morning, as she was not feeling well, she got up and went downstairs to get something to take. Upon returning to her room she set the lamp down and stepped around to the other side of the bed to slip off her dress which she had put on to go downstairs, when the lamp exploded setting fire to the bed. She immediately rushed to her nearest neighbor’s, Mr. Freeze, and gave the alarm which soon spread, and by the prompt and earnest work of the neighbors the building was saved. The fire was mostly confined to the chamber in which it originated, but spread out through the shed chamber which adjoins it. The insurance agent was up Wednesday morning and adjusted the insurance on the furniture which amounted to about $25, but there was no insurance on the buildings, consequently the damage to the house by water and fire will be a loss, although not a serious one. It was a very narrow escape all around, for if she had been a few feet nearer the lamp her clothes would have ignited.
January 10, 1901: For Sale – Three pairs of heavy horses, also fifteen heavy and light horses; five yolk of oxen and one Hereford bull, registered, at F.A. Bryer’s, Sandwich.
In making my canvass about Centre Sandwich I went up over the sightly elevation lying towards Sandwich Notch on the top of which are two fine looking summer residences located immediately in back of H. E. Moulton’s summer boarding house on the main road leading to the Notch. I am told that advantage has been taken of the shaft of the old abandoned gold mine, which struck a spring, and filled up with crystal water, for a water supply. The residents on this castellated have the advantage of extended and picturesque views, pure air and elegant water right out of a gold mine.
January 16, 1913: At the special town meeting that was called Tuesday, the 14th , it was voted to accept the bequest of the late Samuel Wentworth of Boston, for the purpose of erecting a town library at Center Sandwich. The long spell of damp weather has caused much sickness in our midst and the doctor’s services have been in evidence, while the ice has kept the blacksmiths busy. There is scarcely enough snow to skid logs, to say nothing of getting them into the mills. The ice roads make it kind of dangerous for some of our horsewomen who have been training their young horses this fall and winter. Mrs. Horatio Rogers is driving a fine three year old colt, it is her claim that no man has ever drawn rein over him, and that she has it quite well broken. Mrs. Cornelius Turner drives a nice two year old, while Mrs. James Plummer uses one every few days.
January 8, 1920: Henry Thompson had the misfortune to break his leg while skidding logs on Rattlesnake mountain last Friday. The log rolled down striking him near the ankles, breaking both bones. It was several hours before he could reach home with the aid of the men who were working with him. Saturday morning it was thought best to take him to Laconia Hospital where the X-ray could be used as the leg was badly swollen when it was set. His many friends hope for his speedy recovery.
January 3, 1935: Whiteface - Had a heavy wind storm that at times seemed like heavy thunder, uprooting trees and doing quite a lot of damage. Thursday, Friday and Saturday had a heavy snow storm so that the plows had to go over the roads several times. Saturday there was no mail. The plow got out of commission. On Sunday the road was opened. There was about 14 inches of snow on the level, and in some places even more. Sandwich – Mrs. Earle C. Peaslee, Representative – The Sandwich Volunteer Fire Department was called out last week for a chimney fire at Elisha Mudgett’s. Later the chimney at the Town Hall burned out, and about 7:30 the next morning the Department was called to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Thompson. Fortunately no great damage was done. The siren sounded the call on Tuesday morning for “no school” because of the severe storm. (Those of us of a certain age remember eagerly listening at 7 a.m. for the 3-3-3 signal from the air horn at the Fire Station to announce “no school”. SHS ed.) Denley Emerson of Brookline spent the weekend with Harold Woodward. Quimby School Notes – The annual alumni Supper was held at Quimby School Wednesday December 26 th . Due to the bad storm only 17 were present. Supper consisting of oyster stew, waldorf salad, rolls, pickles, ice cream, cake coffee and peanuts was served in the Agricultural room at 6:30. Evelyn Brown and Elizabeth Nixon were waitresses and Erma Russell and Carrie Gilman assisted them in the kitchen. We are pleased to announce that “Whiskers”, our small black kitten is well on the road to recovery. What a relief to find that he is still able to spill things around the cottage even if it does give us more to clean up. On Sale at F.S. Allard & Co. in Conway – Sugar 10 pounds 47c – Cloverbloom Butter full pound 34c – Sardines 5 cans 25c – Corn Flakes 3 for 25c – Pigs Liver 2 lbs for 25c – Hamburg 2 lbs for 25c – Tripe 2 lbs for 25c - Fowl 25c lb – Oysters 25c pint.
DECEMBER
December edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!
December 2, 1886: Last Tuesday afternoon Eugene Young was bitten in several places by Mr. Weed’s dog.
We are having some poor traveling just at present. Part of the time it is quite good sleighing and then a good rain will carry it nearly all off and wagons will again put in an appearance.
The Baptist people are to have a Christmas tree.
The Indian summer that never fails to come in November, failed to put in an appearance until the last of the month. We had three beautiful days then.
December 17, 1891: Mt. Israel Grange has purchased the Quaker church at the Centre and it is to be fit up as a Grange Hall.
The barn shed of Geo. Beede which was blown over several weeks ago, and repaired, was partially blown over again a few days ago.
Miss Amy Tappen met with quite a severe accident one day last week. She dropped the bars to let some cattle out of the field and as they were passing through one of these hit one end of the bar swinging it around so it struck her in the face, knocking out several teeth and badly bruising her face, she being unable to see out of either eye for several days.
December 24, 1891: Noted in the Collector’s Sale Notice of Non-Resident Lands is an entry for John L. Davenport, of Hartford, Ct, for land formerly owned by Pallet. It was for 340 acres valued at $220.00 with an outstanding tax bill of $6.16. This was probably the land formerly of Nathaniel Pallet which sat high above Atwood Pond in the Notch near the Thornton Town Line.
December 12, 1901: Mrs. Samuel Chase met with a painful accident on Monday, falling and striking her head on a pail, resulting in a severe cut on her head which bled profusely until an hour and a half later, when controlled by a physician. In falling, she knocked over a lighted lamp, breaking the chimney, but fortunately the lamp remained intact, thus saving the horror of burning as well.
December 19, 1901: The freshet has done a good deal of damage in this town. It washed away the Aaron Beede bridge, so called, near the Whiteface schoolhouse, and the Page mill and all the machinery in it, and Weeds mill. It damaged the roads badly all over town.
Whiteface – The great rain on Saturday did considerable damage in this vicinity. The bridge at Whiteface Intervale was undermined at one end, the road near John Atwood’s on Bennett Street, washed out badly, while the frost coming out left the road in generally bad condition, but the greatest damage occurred at Page’s Mill. The mill was swept away with all its contents, the loss upon the same being about twelve hundred dollars, perhaps more, and no insurance
Will Taylor had a very exciting experience in the mountains near here a few days since. He was in pursuit of a deer and came in sight of an old bear and two cubs. He concluded to tackle the old one and fired his rifle and she fell apparently dead. As Mr. Taylor rushed in to secure his prize he was somewhat surprise to find papa bear upon the scene and ready to take a hand. Mr. Taylor deemed discretion the better part of valor and retreated. A little later he returned to gather his prize, but she had revived and gone. He tracked her by the blood upon the snow, but at a late hour was compelled to give up the pursuit only to renew it again at a later day, but at last accounts Mistress Bruin was still in the enjoyment of her freedom.
We are pleased to learn through a Manchester paper of the promotion of Arthur M. Heard to the position of Cashier of the Amoskeg National Bank, which position he is so well qualified to fill.
December 9, 1909: FOR SALE – One standard Edison phonograph, 40 records, one large horn and stand, all in first class condition. One pair of 5 year old Devon oxen, good shape and good workers, also 9 young Shropshire sheep, extra good one. Cornelius Turner, Center Sandwich, N.H. – Telephone Connection
West Ossipee - It is reported that Mr. Mudgett has received a permit from the state highway commission giving him permission to use a traction engine to haul lumber from Paugus (This would have been the sawmill site on today’s Bolles Trail in Wonalancet, SHS-ed) to the West Ossipee Railroad Station. Much opposition seems to be developing along the route. People seem to think no one can pass such a monster, that is with an ordinary horse. It is doubtful that the road between West Ossipee and Tamworth could be made any worse than it is and it is possible that in winter a hard wide road would be the result but prejudice is bound to develop against all new innovations no matter whether practical or not.
December 23, 1915: Cyrus Blumburg has gone to Cuba for the winter.
E. Wood Perry, the celebrated artist who has spent many seasons in Sandwich, passed away Dec.14 at his New York home at the advanced age of eighty-five. Mr. Perry won many friends while among us and his genial ways and cultured manners will be greatly missed.
Wonalancet – The mail still comes as inconvenient as ever. We heard a Tamworth Resident make the suggestion that “…the mail comes once a week and that J. G. Arling go after it with his oxen…” which does go to show that nothing is quite as bad as it might be. Still, we are far from satisfied with the present arrangement and we are hoping for a change for the better soon.
Fred Bickford has been hauling in the logs for Miss Marjory Gane. The trees were blown down by the high winds that struck with unusual force there this fall.
December 18, 1930: The timely discovery of fire around the chimney of Marshall Vittum’s home, formerly the Isaac Smith place, saved the place from what might have been total destruction. This is one of the large farm homes at East Sandwich. (This is the former Fred Bickford farm on Bearcamp Pond Road. SHS ed.)
In a longer report of the Ladies Aid Meeting held on December 11th, it is noted “Mrs. Grace Burrows, chairman of the apron and quilt committee, allowed no idlers until a certain amount of work had been accomplished. Mrs. Burrows expressed satisfaction at the amount done during the day and those who know Mrs. Burrows best will readily concede that there must have been a large amount of sewing done to receive her approbation.
Christmas was coming and at the I.G.A. Store in Conway you could buy Mince Meat – two packages for 23 cents, a carton of “Xmas Pkg” Camel cigarettes for $1.19, IGA mayonnaise –no oily taste, delicious, 8oz. jar for 19 cents, Bell Poultry Seasoning 9 cents a package.
The Carroll County Telephone Company was suggesting that “The Christmas gift of a single party telephone line number where the service would be either two or six party service would be unique. It would take away that ring number following the number; single party service has a number only.
December 2, 1886: Last Tuesday afternoon Eugene Young was bitten in several places by Mr. Weed’s dog.
We are having some poor traveling just at present. Part of the time it is quite good sleighing and then a good rain will carry it nearly all off and wagons will again put in an appearance.
The Baptist people are to have a Christmas tree.
The Indian summer that never fails to come in November, failed to put in an appearance until the last of the month. We had three beautiful days then.
December 17, 1891: Mt. Israel Grange has purchased the Quaker church at the Centre and it is to be fit up as a Grange Hall.
The barn shed of Geo. Beede which was blown over several weeks ago, and repaired, was partially blown over again a few days ago.
Miss Amy Tappen met with quite a severe accident one day last week. She dropped the bars to let some cattle out of the field and as they were passing through one of these hit one end of the bar swinging it around so it struck her in the face, knocking out several teeth and badly bruising her face, she being unable to see out of either eye for several days.
December 24, 1891: Noted in the Collector’s Sale Notice of Non-Resident Lands is an entry for John L. Davenport, of Hartford, Ct, for land formerly owned by Pallet. It was for 340 acres valued at $220.00 with an outstanding tax bill of $6.16. This was probably the land formerly of Nathaniel Pallet which sat high above Atwood Pond in the Notch near the Thornton Town Line.
December 12, 1901: Mrs. Samuel Chase met with a painful accident on Monday, falling and striking her head on a pail, resulting in a severe cut on her head which bled profusely until an hour and a half later, when controlled by a physician. In falling, she knocked over a lighted lamp, breaking the chimney, but fortunately the lamp remained intact, thus saving the horror of burning as well.
December 19, 1901: The freshet has done a good deal of damage in this town. It washed away the Aaron Beede bridge, so called, near the Whiteface schoolhouse, and the Page mill and all the machinery in it, and Weeds mill. It damaged the roads badly all over town.
Whiteface – The great rain on Saturday did considerable damage in this vicinity. The bridge at Whiteface Intervale was undermined at one end, the road near John Atwood’s on Bennett Street, washed out badly, while the frost coming out left the road in generally bad condition, but the greatest damage occurred at Page’s Mill. The mill was swept away with all its contents, the loss upon the same being about twelve hundred dollars, perhaps more, and no insurance
Will Taylor had a very exciting experience in the mountains near here a few days since. He was in pursuit of a deer and came in sight of an old bear and two cubs. He concluded to tackle the old one and fired his rifle and she fell apparently dead. As Mr. Taylor rushed in to secure his prize he was somewhat surprise to find papa bear upon the scene and ready to take a hand. Mr. Taylor deemed discretion the better part of valor and retreated. A little later he returned to gather his prize, but she had revived and gone. He tracked her by the blood upon the snow, but at a late hour was compelled to give up the pursuit only to renew it again at a later day, but at last accounts Mistress Bruin was still in the enjoyment of her freedom.
We are pleased to learn through a Manchester paper of the promotion of Arthur M. Heard to the position of Cashier of the Amoskeg National Bank, which position he is so well qualified to fill.
December 9, 1909: FOR SALE – One standard Edison phonograph, 40 records, one large horn and stand, all in first class condition. One pair of 5 year old Devon oxen, good shape and good workers, also 9 young Shropshire sheep, extra good one. Cornelius Turner, Center Sandwich, N.H. – Telephone Connection
West Ossipee - It is reported that Mr. Mudgett has received a permit from the state highway commission giving him permission to use a traction engine to haul lumber from Paugus (This would have been the sawmill site on today’s Bolles Trail in Wonalancet, SHS-ed) to the West Ossipee Railroad Station. Much opposition seems to be developing along the route. People seem to think no one can pass such a monster, that is with an ordinary horse. It is doubtful that the road between West Ossipee and Tamworth could be made any worse than it is and it is possible that in winter a hard wide road would be the result but prejudice is bound to develop against all new innovations no matter whether practical or not.
December 23, 1915: Cyrus Blumburg has gone to Cuba for the winter.
E. Wood Perry, the celebrated artist who has spent many seasons in Sandwich, passed away Dec.14 at his New York home at the advanced age of eighty-five. Mr. Perry won many friends while among us and his genial ways and cultured manners will be greatly missed.
Wonalancet – The mail still comes as inconvenient as ever. We heard a Tamworth Resident make the suggestion that “…the mail comes once a week and that J. G. Arling go after it with his oxen…” which does go to show that nothing is quite as bad as it might be. Still, we are far from satisfied with the present arrangement and we are hoping for a change for the better soon.
Fred Bickford has been hauling in the logs for Miss Marjory Gane. The trees were blown down by the high winds that struck with unusual force there this fall.
December 18, 1930: The timely discovery of fire around the chimney of Marshall Vittum’s home, formerly the Isaac Smith place, saved the place from what might have been total destruction. This is one of the large farm homes at East Sandwich. (This is the former Fred Bickford farm on Bearcamp Pond Road. SHS ed.)
In a longer report of the Ladies Aid Meeting held on December 11th, it is noted “Mrs. Grace Burrows, chairman of the apron and quilt committee, allowed no idlers until a certain amount of work had been accomplished. Mrs. Burrows expressed satisfaction at the amount done during the day and those who know Mrs. Burrows best will readily concede that there must have been a large amount of sewing done to receive her approbation.
Christmas was coming and at the I.G.A. Store in Conway you could buy Mince Meat – two packages for 23 cents, a carton of “Xmas Pkg” Camel cigarettes for $1.19, IGA mayonnaise –no oily taste, delicious, 8oz. jar for 19 cents, Bell Poultry Seasoning 9 cents a package.
The Carroll County Telephone Company was suggesting that “The Christmas gift of a single party telephone line number where the service would be either two or six party service would be unique. It would take away that ring number following the number; single party service has a number only.
NOVEMBER
November edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!
November 3, 1887: The selectmen of Sandwich have called a special town-meeting to be held at the Town House, Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 10 A.M., to see what action the town will take with reference to payment of bills for breaking snow in the winter of 1886 and 1887, over the highway winter taxes for the year 1886. The bills are said to amount to about twelve hundred dollars, over the winter highway tax, provided, they should be allowed as returned by the several highway surveyors. No appropriation was made at the last annual town meeting to meet this extraordinary demand. (1886-87 must have been one snowy winter. $1200 dollars in 1887 would be the equivalent of about $39,000 today. SHS-ed)
Mr. Sam Chase is making his usual yearly improvements by getting rid of stones in his fields. We wish more of our farmers were taken the same way. We do not wish our readers to think he is the only one improving their farm, but how many neglect them and then find fault because the get such poor crops. (Samuel Chase lived on Smithville Road. SHD–ed.)
November 10, 1887: L.G. Clark has five yoke of the finest oxen in town.
There are now 450 books in the Sandwich Library.
Quite a snow squall last Saturday, accompanied by high winds.
Pie Supper – Ladies of the Free-will Baptist Society will serve a supper in the Masonic Hall, Friday evening, Nov. 18, from 6 to 8 o’clock. Chicken pie will be followed by the various kinds of pie for which New England housekeepers are justly famous. Price 15 cents. Everybody is cordially invited to come.
November 10, 1892: We had quite a snow storm on Thursday, and some sleighs are seen on our streets.
Mrs. J. F. Cotton offers a reward of $100 for the recovery of the horse, carriage and harness, which was stolen from her stable on the evening of Saturday November 5, and the conviction of the thieves. Horse thieves are supposed to have a faint idea of honor, but to take the only horse of a lone widow is, according to our idea, one of the most contemptable acts that has ever taken place in this community. Frontier justice promptly administered in this case could not be far from true justice.
November 17, 1892: Last Saturday Albert Tilton took his canon to the shore of Red Hill pond where it was fired quite a number of times with the hope that it might raise the body of Charles P. Tilton, recently drowned there, but without success.
On Thanksgiving evening A.P Jaclard of Moultonboro will celebrate the recent election of Cleveland by a supper and grand torchlight procession. Albert (Tilton) will be there with his canon and will fire a salute both afternoon and evening. (On November 8th, Grover Cleveland had defeated Benjamin Harrison to become President, the only non-sequential terms, to date, in US history. This was the first US election to use the, so called, Australian Ballot, the type we still use to this day. For a charming account of ‘Lection day 1892’ in Tamworth, see Frank Bolles “At the North of Bearcamp Waters” SHS-ed)
November 24, 1892: The remains of the late Charles P. Tilton were recovered last Saturday about noon, after being in the water about four weeks. It had been thought best to make one more effort for its recovery and Saturday was the day decided upon when quite a number gathered at the pond with several new grapples, and commenced their labors, which at last proved successful. The grapple caught onto a strap around his body to which was attached a pair of field glasses. The remains were taken to the house of A.E. Tappan near the shore of the pond. Undertaker Webster was summoned to take charge of the remains, which were interred in the cemetery near this village that afternoon. The body was in a good state of preservation and looked quite natural, not being disfigured or bloated, but it commenced to change very soon after being taken out of the water and it was found necessary that the internment should take place as soon as possible.
November 2, 1903: Mrs. Edith Heath has killed this fall, three coons, two muskrats, seven rabbits, one skunk, one hedgehog, three partridges, one deer and one crow. Who can beat that for a woman with a gun?
Our enterprising trader Almon E. Carter, has just put in a five-horsepower Miami gasoline engine, and a giant steel grinder. He expects to grind both western and domestic corn. He has also put in a cob crusher for the accommodation of farmers who have no such accommodations nearer than Moultonboro Falls. His outfit includes a complete rig for wood sawing. A bit of enterprise of this sort is almost startling in our quiet village. Success to the new business. (Almon Carter operated the former Hoit’s Store at the corner of Squam Lake Road and Skinner Street which burned in the 1930’s. He was the father of A. Ellsworth Carter, Jr. who many of us remember. SHS-ed.)
Whiteface - Lewis Elliott and Frank Trask caught another bear, making three within so many weeks, While Uriah McDaniel also secured another one. Bear hunting in Sandwich equals anything known here for years.
November 9, 1903: Water is very low in the Asquam Lakes.
The boys and girls celebrated Hallow-e’en with a parade of the streets, house to house, visitation, funny garbs, lots of noise, and fun, for themselves and their friends
North Sandwich - Mr. Chas. Webster’s mother, Mrs. Abigail M. Webster, is one of the smart old ladies who claim Sandwich as their home. Although Mrs. Webster is 92 years of age she recently walked a distance of two miles to visit her great-granddaughter, Hattie Plummer.
November 5, 1925: Whiteface - Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Tappan, Harlan Farrar, Mr. and Mrs. Aliston Grant and son, Lyle, from here and Mr. Arthur Tappan of Arlington, Mass, are on their way to Hollywood, Florida where they will spend the winter, going over the road in three cars, seeing the sights along the way, camping.
An attempt to get away with Carroll Brown’s car last week by two fellows was frustrated by the appearance of another car. They abandoned the car near Mr. Cartland’s sap house and took to the woods. Wilfred Stone was at the place picking apples when the attempt was made and they threw him down and held him. After they left, he went for help, and he was pretty well scared. (Carroll Brown lived at 122 Brown Hill Road. SHD-ed)
November 19, 1925: Willard Tibbets is wiring for electricity the Smith Homestead, occupied by Mrs. Ella Blanchard and Miss Angelina Smith. Mr. Tibbets has completed the wiring of the Fred Burrows house.
Wm. Curtis, who has been a jobber for the Parker Young Company for the past four years, is moving from Sandwich Notch to another lumber job near Waterville.
The high wind of Saturday night blew down the flag pole at the Center school. (Today’s Children’s Center.)
F.S. Allard and Co. Market in Conway was advertising Thanksgiving specials. In addition to turkey and chicken, Saturday specials- Boiling Beef 17 Cents a lb. lean and no bone, Veal Roast 25 cents a lb., Tub Butter 57 cents a pound, Pickled Tripe 3 lbs. for 21 cents, P&G Soap 6 for 25 cents “Strictly Cash and Carry”
November 3, 1887: The selectmen of Sandwich have called a special town-meeting to be held at the Town House, Tuesday, Nov. 15, at 10 A.M., to see what action the town will take with reference to payment of bills for breaking snow in the winter of 1886 and 1887, over the highway winter taxes for the year 1886. The bills are said to amount to about twelve hundred dollars, over the winter highway tax, provided, they should be allowed as returned by the several highway surveyors. No appropriation was made at the last annual town meeting to meet this extraordinary demand. (1886-87 must have been one snowy winter. $1200 dollars in 1887 would be the equivalent of about $39,000 today. SHS-ed)
Mr. Sam Chase is making his usual yearly improvements by getting rid of stones in his fields. We wish more of our farmers were taken the same way. We do not wish our readers to think he is the only one improving their farm, but how many neglect them and then find fault because the get such poor crops. (Samuel Chase lived on Smithville Road. SHD–ed.)
November 10, 1887: L.G. Clark has five yoke of the finest oxen in town.
There are now 450 books in the Sandwich Library.
Quite a snow squall last Saturday, accompanied by high winds.
Pie Supper – Ladies of the Free-will Baptist Society will serve a supper in the Masonic Hall, Friday evening, Nov. 18, from 6 to 8 o’clock. Chicken pie will be followed by the various kinds of pie for which New England housekeepers are justly famous. Price 15 cents. Everybody is cordially invited to come.
November 10, 1892: We had quite a snow storm on Thursday, and some sleighs are seen on our streets.
Mrs. J. F. Cotton offers a reward of $100 for the recovery of the horse, carriage and harness, which was stolen from her stable on the evening of Saturday November 5, and the conviction of the thieves. Horse thieves are supposed to have a faint idea of honor, but to take the only horse of a lone widow is, according to our idea, one of the most contemptable acts that has ever taken place in this community. Frontier justice promptly administered in this case could not be far from true justice.
November 17, 1892: Last Saturday Albert Tilton took his canon to the shore of Red Hill pond where it was fired quite a number of times with the hope that it might raise the body of Charles P. Tilton, recently drowned there, but without success.
On Thanksgiving evening A.P Jaclard of Moultonboro will celebrate the recent election of Cleveland by a supper and grand torchlight procession. Albert (Tilton) will be there with his canon and will fire a salute both afternoon and evening. (On November 8th, Grover Cleveland had defeated Benjamin Harrison to become President, the only non-sequential terms, to date, in US history. This was the first US election to use the, so called, Australian Ballot, the type we still use to this day. For a charming account of ‘Lection day 1892’ in Tamworth, see Frank Bolles “At the North of Bearcamp Waters” SHS-ed)
November 24, 1892: The remains of the late Charles P. Tilton were recovered last Saturday about noon, after being in the water about four weeks. It had been thought best to make one more effort for its recovery and Saturday was the day decided upon when quite a number gathered at the pond with several new grapples, and commenced their labors, which at last proved successful. The grapple caught onto a strap around his body to which was attached a pair of field glasses. The remains were taken to the house of A.E. Tappan near the shore of the pond. Undertaker Webster was summoned to take charge of the remains, which were interred in the cemetery near this village that afternoon. The body was in a good state of preservation and looked quite natural, not being disfigured or bloated, but it commenced to change very soon after being taken out of the water and it was found necessary that the internment should take place as soon as possible.
November 2, 1903: Mrs. Edith Heath has killed this fall, three coons, two muskrats, seven rabbits, one skunk, one hedgehog, three partridges, one deer and one crow. Who can beat that for a woman with a gun?
Our enterprising trader Almon E. Carter, has just put in a five-horsepower Miami gasoline engine, and a giant steel grinder. He expects to grind both western and domestic corn. He has also put in a cob crusher for the accommodation of farmers who have no such accommodations nearer than Moultonboro Falls. His outfit includes a complete rig for wood sawing. A bit of enterprise of this sort is almost startling in our quiet village. Success to the new business. (Almon Carter operated the former Hoit’s Store at the corner of Squam Lake Road and Skinner Street which burned in the 1930’s. He was the father of A. Ellsworth Carter, Jr. who many of us remember. SHS-ed.)
Whiteface - Lewis Elliott and Frank Trask caught another bear, making three within so many weeks, While Uriah McDaniel also secured another one. Bear hunting in Sandwich equals anything known here for years.
November 9, 1903: Water is very low in the Asquam Lakes.
The boys and girls celebrated Hallow-e’en with a parade of the streets, house to house, visitation, funny garbs, lots of noise, and fun, for themselves and their friends
North Sandwich - Mr. Chas. Webster’s mother, Mrs. Abigail M. Webster, is one of the smart old ladies who claim Sandwich as their home. Although Mrs. Webster is 92 years of age she recently walked a distance of two miles to visit her great-granddaughter, Hattie Plummer.
November 5, 1925: Whiteface - Mr. and Mrs. W.S. Tappan, Harlan Farrar, Mr. and Mrs. Aliston Grant and son, Lyle, from here and Mr. Arthur Tappan of Arlington, Mass, are on their way to Hollywood, Florida where they will spend the winter, going over the road in three cars, seeing the sights along the way, camping.
An attempt to get away with Carroll Brown’s car last week by two fellows was frustrated by the appearance of another car. They abandoned the car near Mr. Cartland’s sap house and took to the woods. Wilfred Stone was at the place picking apples when the attempt was made and they threw him down and held him. After they left, he went for help, and he was pretty well scared. (Carroll Brown lived at 122 Brown Hill Road. SHD-ed)
November 19, 1925: Willard Tibbets is wiring for electricity the Smith Homestead, occupied by Mrs. Ella Blanchard and Miss Angelina Smith. Mr. Tibbets has completed the wiring of the Fred Burrows house.
Wm. Curtis, who has been a jobber for the Parker Young Company for the past four years, is moving from Sandwich Notch to another lumber job near Waterville.
The high wind of Saturday night blew down the flag pole at the Center school. (Today’s Children’s Center.)
F.S. Allard and Co. Market in Conway was advertising Thanksgiving specials. In addition to turkey and chicken, Saturday specials- Boiling Beef 17 Cents a lb. lean and no bone, Veal Roast 25 cents a lb., Tub Butter 57 cents a pound, Pickled Tripe 3 lbs. for 21 cents, P&G Soap 6 for 25 cents “Strictly Cash and Carry”
OCTOBER
October edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!
October 7, 1886: Someone had the kindness to dig a part of John Goodwin’s potatoes. When he put on help to dig them they found about one third of the piece had been dug over and the tops put back into the hill.
October 14, 1886: Last Sunday evening while returning from the temperance meeting, Miss Emma Glines was run over by Frank Goodwin and very seriously injured internally, although no bones were broken. At the present time she is unable to speak or move. The accident happened by Goodwin trying to run by another team. We hope that this will put a stop to the nuisance of racing horses in our streets, which has nearly caused serious accidents in the past, and makes it unsafe for ladies to be on the road.
October 21, 1886: The first snow squall of the season last Saturday morning. The mountain tops have put on a coat of white.
The steamer Lady of the Lake discontinued her regular trips yesterday, and today the stage commences its trips to Meredith.
October 10, 1889: Last Sunday and Monday were two of the wettest days of the season.
Mrs. E. A. Moulton, of Tamworth, 81 years old, has pieced two quilts during this year, one of which contained 1683 pieces, and the other 2766 pieces, besides doing considerable other work around the house.
Mrs. D.M. Merrill has made between thirty and forty cheeses this season besides an abundance of butter. There is a good market for all the home-made cheese and it pays much better than butter making, but it looks as though after a little it may become one of the lost arts around here.
October 5, 1903: The story that bears are thick in this region is indeed to be credited. Numerous and unmistakable evidences of their presence and numbers are found in very many places. Their cries are heard nightly on Young, Black and Flat Mountains, and occasionally they made themselves heard in the day time. The writer was out gunning one morning at daybreak and surprised one feed beneath a sweet apple tree.
The writer referred in last week’s issue to the rumor of Harry Atwood’s death at Rochester at the burning of The Brunswick, on the night of Sept. 25. The report proved to be true. Mr. Frank Atwood, brother of Harry, went to Rochester Saturday morning and identified the body, which was not badly burned, as he evidently died from suffocation. He returned with the remains Saturday evening. Internment was at the Village Cemetery at North Sandwich. (The Atwood’s lived at the corner of Whiteface Road and Fellows Hill Road. SHS ed,)
October 5, 1911: Mr. Bullard and family of Cambridge who have been at their house in Massachusetts for a couple of weeks have returned to their summer home here to enjoy the beautiful foliage that now clothes our hills and valley with autumnal glories. Their home is at the base of Flat Mountain, upon their right Sandwich Dome, in front Young Mountain, heavily wooded afford a prospect unsurpassed for autumn scenery.
The writer called at the Jose farm a few days since and found Mr. Louis Elliott, Mr. Jose’s right hand man, busily engaged picking and barreling the valuable fruit upon the hill. Some 20 barrels of the best varieties are ready for shipment.
October 14, 1920: This week the murder trial of George E. Brown of Brown Hill Road in Sandwich was getting under way in Carroll Co. Superior Court in Ossipee. Brown was accused of murdering Richard C. Dunn of Tamworth on February 9, 1920 who, Brown felt, was carrying on with Brown’s wife Myrtle. The Reporter writes” Judge Kivel presiding. The Judge is very dignified, and conducts his court with a great deal of fairness. It is hoped that the trial will be brief as they are expensive luxuries.” (On October 19th Brown was found guilty of second degree murder with a recommendation for clemency. He was sentenced to five to seven years in the State Prison and served just over five years. For much more on this, see the SHS 100th Excursion “Murder on Brown Hill by Jonathan W. Taylor. SHS ed.)
WANTED – An American, protestant house keeper for family of three adults in business during the day and a six year old girl. Location six miles from Boston. In a good house, all modern improvements, no laundry work. Salary $10.00 a week. M.W. Brooks, Watertown, Mass.
The Sandwich Historical Society gave a fine exhibition of antiques, old fashioned furniture and paintings in their rooms which have recently been secured and put into shape. (This was at the Marston House. SHS ed.)…The Sandwich Historical Society has made fine progress during the past few months. Its membership has more than doubled, and a great amount of interest has been manifest. Now that we have a suitable house for the Society, it is hoped that a great many more articles will be presented.
A large fire started in Sandwich Notch, Sunday, but with the aid of several hundred men working in the lumber camps it was under control after a few hours.
October 5, 1939: From the Quimby School Notes – The first assembly of the year was opened during the eighth period on September 26th by the reading of the 23rd Psalm. Norman Hodsdon, of the senior class, then led us in the Lord’s Prayer. Mrs. Florence Hodsdon directed the group in Rig-a-gig-gig. (Rig-a-jig-jig was a popular 19th century silly song/round that was popular because it could be performed without instruments. SHS ed.) The assembly program was turned over to Harold Presby who showed a three reel film on Alexander Hamilton. Miss Marguerite Jackson gave a short introduction to the movie and Miss Marvis Condon summarized the historic context between reels. To conclude a very successful program the teachers and students rose and sang the school song.
President Roosevelt set aside the week of October 8th as “Fire Prevention Week”. In observance of this the Quimby School boys are putting on a radio skit on October 3rd on “Fire Prevention”. The boys going to Manchester to broadcast over WFEA are: Roger Kelly, Raymond Martel, Lester Burrows, Norman Hodsdon and Philip Michael.
At the Clover Farm Stores in Conway and North Conway: Coffee 14 cents a pound, Spinach 12 cents a peck, Top Round or Sirloin Steak 29 cents a pound, Marshmallow Fluff (Large Can) 18 cents.
Gofkauf’s in Conway Village advertised “Beat the price rise due to the European War”: Genuine RCA Radio Tubes from 54 cents, Rubber Blade (Retro Fit) Defroster Fan for your car $1.79, Standard Service Brunswick Tires $5.45-$8.20 after old tire trade in. Free Mounting.
October 7, 1886: Someone had the kindness to dig a part of John Goodwin’s potatoes. When he put on help to dig them they found about one third of the piece had been dug over and the tops put back into the hill.
October 14, 1886: Last Sunday evening while returning from the temperance meeting, Miss Emma Glines was run over by Frank Goodwin and very seriously injured internally, although no bones were broken. At the present time she is unable to speak or move. The accident happened by Goodwin trying to run by another team. We hope that this will put a stop to the nuisance of racing horses in our streets, which has nearly caused serious accidents in the past, and makes it unsafe for ladies to be on the road.
October 21, 1886: The first snow squall of the season last Saturday morning. The mountain tops have put on a coat of white.
The steamer Lady of the Lake discontinued her regular trips yesterday, and today the stage commences its trips to Meredith.
October 10, 1889: Last Sunday and Monday were two of the wettest days of the season.
Mrs. E. A. Moulton, of Tamworth, 81 years old, has pieced two quilts during this year, one of which contained 1683 pieces, and the other 2766 pieces, besides doing considerable other work around the house.
Mrs. D.M. Merrill has made between thirty and forty cheeses this season besides an abundance of butter. There is a good market for all the home-made cheese and it pays much better than butter making, but it looks as though after a little it may become one of the lost arts around here.
October 5, 1903: The story that bears are thick in this region is indeed to be credited. Numerous and unmistakable evidences of their presence and numbers are found in very many places. Their cries are heard nightly on Young, Black and Flat Mountains, and occasionally they made themselves heard in the day time. The writer was out gunning one morning at daybreak and surprised one feed beneath a sweet apple tree.
The writer referred in last week’s issue to the rumor of Harry Atwood’s death at Rochester at the burning of The Brunswick, on the night of Sept. 25. The report proved to be true. Mr. Frank Atwood, brother of Harry, went to Rochester Saturday morning and identified the body, which was not badly burned, as he evidently died from suffocation. He returned with the remains Saturday evening. Internment was at the Village Cemetery at North Sandwich. (The Atwood’s lived at the corner of Whiteface Road and Fellows Hill Road. SHS ed,)
October 5, 1911: Mr. Bullard and family of Cambridge who have been at their house in Massachusetts for a couple of weeks have returned to their summer home here to enjoy the beautiful foliage that now clothes our hills and valley with autumnal glories. Their home is at the base of Flat Mountain, upon their right Sandwich Dome, in front Young Mountain, heavily wooded afford a prospect unsurpassed for autumn scenery.
The writer called at the Jose farm a few days since and found Mr. Louis Elliott, Mr. Jose’s right hand man, busily engaged picking and barreling the valuable fruit upon the hill. Some 20 barrels of the best varieties are ready for shipment.
October 14, 1920: This week the murder trial of George E. Brown of Brown Hill Road in Sandwich was getting under way in Carroll Co. Superior Court in Ossipee. Brown was accused of murdering Richard C. Dunn of Tamworth on February 9, 1920 who, Brown felt, was carrying on with Brown’s wife Myrtle. The Reporter writes” Judge Kivel presiding. The Judge is very dignified, and conducts his court with a great deal of fairness. It is hoped that the trial will be brief as they are expensive luxuries.” (On October 19th Brown was found guilty of second degree murder with a recommendation for clemency. He was sentenced to five to seven years in the State Prison and served just over five years. For much more on this, see the SHS 100th Excursion “Murder on Brown Hill by Jonathan W. Taylor. SHS ed.)
WANTED – An American, protestant house keeper for family of three adults in business during the day and a six year old girl. Location six miles from Boston. In a good house, all modern improvements, no laundry work. Salary $10.00 a week. M.W. Brooks, Watertown, Mass.
The Sandwich Historical Society gave a fine exhibition of antiques, old fashioned furniture and paintings in their rooms which have recently been secured and put into shape. (This was at the Marston House. SHS ed.)…The Sandwich Historical Society has made fine progress during the past few months. Its membership has more than doubled, and a great amount of interest has been manifest. Now that we have a suitable house for the Society, it is hoped that a great many more articles will be presented.
A large fire started in Sandwich Notch, Sunday, but with the aid of several hundred men working in the lumber camps it was under control after a few hours.
October 5, 1939: From the Quimby School Notes – The first assembly of the year was opened during the eighth period on September 26th by the reading of the 23rd Psalm. Norman Hodsdon, of the senior class, then led us in the Lord’s Prayer. Mrs. Florence Hodsdon directed the group in Rig-a-gig-gig. (Rig-a-jig-jig was a popular 19th century silly song/round that was popular because it could be performed without instruments. SHS ed.) The assembly program was turned over to Harold Presby who showed a three reel film on Alexander Hamilton. Miss Marguerite Jackson gave a short introduction to the movie and Miss Marvis Condon summarized the historic context between reels. To conclude a very successful program the teachers and students rose and sang the school song.
President Roosevelt set aside the week of October 8th as “Fire Prevention Week”. In observance of this the Quimby School boys are putting on a radio skit on October 3rd on “Fire Prevention”. The boys going to Manchester to broadcast over WFEA are: Roger Kelly, Raymond Martel, Lester Burrows, Norman Hodsdon and Philip Michael.
At the Clover Farm Stores in Conway and North Conway: Coffee 14 cents a pound, Spinach 12 cents a peck, Top Round or Sirloin Steak 29 cents a pound, Marshmallow Fluff (Large Can) 18 cents.
Gofkauf’s in Conway Village advertised “Beat the price rise due to the European War”: Genuine RCA Radio Tubes from 54 cents, Rubber Blade (Retro Fit) Defroster Fan for your car $1.79, Standard Service Brunswick Tires $5.45-$8.20 after old tire trade in. Free Mounting.
SEPTEMBER
September edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Grab a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy!
September 4, 1890: Last Thursday evening Misses Maude and Alice Arey, who are spending the season at their usual summer home at Mr. Samuel Chase’s farm on Burleigh Hill, entertained their young friends with a hayrack ride to Center Harbor via the Squam Lake road, returning thence on the stage route to the Centre. The hayrack tastily decorated with evergreen, golden rod, flags and bunting and filled with bonny young ladies and gentlemen presented a gay appearance as it spun along the road…At about 10 o’clock pm the joyous party drew up in front of the Hon. Wm. M. Weed’s mansion. Which was decorated and illuminated for the occasion where they were cordially received…and were treated with a fine collation, after which the mansion was made to ring with music and song, and last but not least, a genuine old Virginia Reel was danced in the spacious parlor As the “wee sma” hours approached, the merry ones hied to their homes, each one declaring that it was the best time in their lives.
September 7, 1893: We have had several slight frosts in the past week.
The fifth annual Sandwich Town and Grange Fair will be held at Centre Sandwich on Thursday Sept. 21. There will be a grand street parade at 9:30 a.m. led by the band. A fine exhibition of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, fruit, vegetables, farm machinery, fancy work, etc. is expected. Also a first class baby show, pulling matches of horses and oxen, horse trotting, running races, foot and bicycle races, and other sports. Cash premiums will be offered. A farmer’s dinner will be furnished by the Grange for 25 cents. (Noted in a fair wrap-up in the September 28th edition of the Reporter “…citizens marched back to Beede Hall [At Beede Academy, site of today’s Quimby Transportation Museum] where the baby show was being held. But eight entries were made, and the following children took the prizes: The prettiest baby, Mary L., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Clements of Moultonboro; the most tastily dressed baby, Bertha, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otis Evans of Moultonboro; and the heaviest baby of its age, Ruby Cotton, also of Moultonboro. Our Sandwich people should brace up and not let Moultonboro capture all the baby prizes.”)
Geo. W. Morse has one of the finest grape vines that the writer has ever seen. It is heavily laden with fruit. (George Morse lived in a house that was located between the Pothole parking area and the corner of Young Mountain Road. SHS ed.)
Rather a remarkable occurrence took place here during the recent drouth. An ox belonging to Mr. Knight of Tamworth broke out of the pasture, presumably in search of water, and his body was found a short time since upon the bank of a river some half mile from the pasture. He evidently drank himself to death, as he probably died from internal injuries inflicted by the water.
September 2, 1897: Ex-Gov. Busiel and friends were in town over Friday night on their way through Sandwich Notch to Campton.
The mother of John, Charles and William Scriggins of Sandwich, Mrs. Mary M. Scriggins, aged 84, of Auburn, Me., is probably the oldest lady bicyclist.
Cornelius Turner, one of our most prosperous farmers is now milking eight cows. The butter is all sold to private parties. He puts it up in five pound tubs and then puts them in crates and forwards them to his customers. He has made 1200 pounds thus far this season. He feeds the skim milk to pigs and with their assistance makes quite a quantity of valuable manure with which he has made great improvement in the hay product upon his farm more than doubling the amount upon it when he bought it some half a dozen years ago. Mr. Turner will get 25 cents per pound for his September butter which will certainly pay. (Cornelius Turner lived at the end of Turner Road off Maple Ridge Road. SHS ed.)
September 1, 1898: The guests of Woodland Farm and Bumble-bee Cottage, with friends, held a corn roast on Swift River one day last week, and all declared it the most enjoyable of the season. (Woodland Farm was located on Teacup Lake Road. SHS ed.)
Rev. Geo. L. Mason, in company with Prof. W.S. Harris of Windham, made two trips to Black Mountain or Sandwich Dome, last week. The first trip was made Tuesday, but the view was almost a failure; but Friday forenoon a magnificent view was secured, the two mountain climbers having camped out all night. Those who ascend Black Mountain can leave their teams at Mr. Atwood’s (On Bennett Street), one mile from the base, Mr. Atwood and family being pleasant and social people.
September 18, 1902: Automobiles are frequently seen pushing their way up the steep hills about us. It looks to an outsider as though they needed about as close attention as a skittish horse.
September 5, 1912: The movement started Old Home Day leading toward the building of a library for the town of Sandwich came to a sudden halt Tuesday last when Col. C. B. Hoyt stated that provision had previously been made by a friend of Sandwich for the building and equipping of a first class library at no very distant day. The name of the individual and the sum provided was not given but Col. Hoyt assured all that a sufficient sum had been provided by will for the purchase and grading of grounds, building and furnishing a library also the gift of a private library and a good sum for the purchase of additional books, but that the proposed gift would go elsewhere if a library were built by the town or individuals prior to the time that the sum becomes available. (Col. Hoyt was aware that Samuel H. Wentworth of Boston, and a son of Sandwich, had provided a sum in his will for this purpose. The will still had to be probated in Suffolk Co. Probate Court. SHS ed.)
FOR SALE – The Lila T. Willis Hilton farm in Sandwich, NH. Good Buildings. House remodeled and well suited for a summer residence. Two hundred acres of land well divided into field, pasture, wood, pine, and hemlock timber lands. Land sold with buildings to suit the purchaser. Terms reasonable inquire of Charles Donovan, Trustee, Sandwich, NH (This was the Top o’ the World house. SHS ed.)
September 7, 1923: The Alfred Quimby High School opened Tuesday morning with an enrollment of nineteen pupils. This is very encouraging for a beginning, but we hope that others will come and make the most of this excellent opportunity within their reach.
(Advertisement) 600 MEN WANTED – For Beebe River, NH. Day work or piece work HIGHEST WAGES. Modern lumber camps, excellent board, ride to camp door on our railroad. Job lasts over a year. Go directly to the office of the WOODSTOCK LUMBER CO. in the railroad station at Beebe River. For information write Employment Dept., PARKER-YOUNG CO., 42 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.
September 4, 1890: Last Thursday evening Misses Maude and Alice Arey, who are spending the season at their usual summer home at Mr. Samuel Chase’s farm on Burleigh Hill, entertained their young friends with a hayrack ride to Center Harbor via the Squam Lake road, returning thence on the stage route to the Centre. The hayrack tastily decorated with evergreen, golden rod, flags and bunting and filled with bonny young ladies and gentlemen presented a gay appearance as it spun along the road…At about 10 o’clock pm the joyous party drew up in front of the Hon. Wm. M. Weed’s mansion. Which was decorated and illuminated for the occasion where they were cordially received…and were treated with a fine collation, after which the mansion was made to ring with music and song, and last but not least, a genuine old Virginia Reel was danced in the spacious parlor As the “wee sma” hours approached, the merry ones hied to their homes, each one declaring that it was the best time in their lives.
September 7, 1893: We have had several slight frosts in the past week.
The fifth annual Sandwich Town and Grange Fair will be held at Centre Sandwich on Thursday Sept. 21. There will be a grand street parade at 9:30 a.m. led by the band. A fine exhibition of horses, cattle, sheep, swine, fruit, vegetables, farm machinery, fancy work, etc. is expected. Also a first class baby show, pulling matches of horses and oxen, horse trotting, running races, foot and bicycle races, and other sports. Cash premiums will be offered. A farmer’s dinner will be furnished by the Grange for 25 cents. (Noted in a fair wrap-up in the September 28th edition of the Reporter “…citizens marched back to Beede Hall [At Beede Academy, site of today’s Quimby Transportation Museum] where the baby show was being held. But eight entries were made, and the following children took the prizes: The prettiest baby, Mary L., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilber Clements of Moultonboro; the most tastily dressed baby, Bertha, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Otis Evans of Moultonboro; and the heaviest baby of its age, Ruby Cotton, also of Moultonboro. Our Sandwich people should brace up and not let Moultonboro capture all the baby prizes.”)
Geo. W. Morse has one of the finest grape vines that the writer has ever seen. It is heavily laden with fruit. (George Morse lived in a house that was located between the Pothole parking area and the corner of Young Mountain Road. SHS ed.)
Rather a remarkable occurrence took place here during the recent drouth. An ox belonging to Mr. Knight of Tamworth broke out of the pasture, presumably in search of water, and his body was found a short time since upon the bank of a river some half mile from the pasture. He evidently drank himself to death, as he probably died from internal injuries inflicted by the water.
September 2, 1897: Ex-Gov. Busiel and friends were in town over Friday night on their way through Sandwich Notch to Campton.
The mother of John, Charles and William Scriggins of Sandwich, Mrs. Mary M. Scriggins, aged 84, of Auburn, Me., is probably the oldest lady bicyclist.
Cornelius Turner, one of our most prosperous farmers is now milking eight cows. The butter is all sold to private parties. He puts it up in five pound tubs and then puts them in crates and forwards them to his customers. He has made 1200 pounds thus far this season. He feeds the skim milk to pigs and with their assistance makes quite a quantity of valuable manure with which he has made great improvement in the hay product upon his farm more than doubling the amount upon it when he bought it some half a dozen years ago. Mr. Turner will get 25 cents per pound for his September butter which will certainly pay. (Cornelius Turner lived at the end of Turner Road off Maple Ridge Road. SHS ed.)
September 1, 1898: The guests of Woodland Farm and Bumble-bee Cottage, with friends, held a corn roast on Swift River one day last week, and all declared it the most enjoyable of the season. (Woodland Farm was located on Teacup Lake Road. SHS ed.)
Rev. Geo. L. Mason, in company with Prof. W.S. Harris of Windham, made two trips to Black Mountain or Sandwich Dome, last week. The first trip was made Tuesday, but the view was almost a failure; but Friday forenoon a magnificent view was secured, the two mountain climbers having camped out all night. Those who ascend Black Mountain can leave their teams at Mr. Atwood’s (On Bennett Street), one mile from the base, Mr. Atwood and family being pleasant and social people.
September 18, 1902: Automobiles are frequently seen pushing their way up the steep hills about us. It looks to an outsider as though they needed about as close attention as a skittish horse.
September 5, 1912: The movement started Old Home Day leading toward the building of a library for the town of Sandwich came to a sudden halt Tuesday last when Col. C. B. Hoyt stated that provision had previously been made by a friend of Sandwich for the building and equipping of a first class library at no very distant day. The name of the individual and the sum provided was not given but Col. Hoyt assured all that a sufficient sum had been provided by will for the purchase and grading of grounds, building and furnishing a library also the gift of a private library and a good sum for the purchase of additional books, but that the proposed gift would go elsewhere if a library were built by the town or individuals prior to the time that the sum becomes available. (Col. Hoyt was aware that Samuel H. Wentworth of Boston, and a son of Sandwich, had provided a sum in his will for this purpose. The will still had to be probated in Suffolk Co. Probate Court. SHS ed.)
FOR SALE – The Lila T. Willis Hilton farm in Sandwich, NH. Good Buildings. House remodeled and well suited for a summer residence. Two hundred acres of land well divided into field, pasture, wood, pine, and hemlock timber lands. Land sold with buildings to suit the purchaser. Terms reasonable inquire of Charles Donovan, Trustee, Sandwich, NH (This was the Top o’ the World house. SHS ed.)
September 7, 1923: The Alfred Quimby High School opened Tuesday morning with an enrollment of nineteen pupils. This is very encouraging for a beginning, but we hope that others will come and make the most of this excellent opportunity within their reach.
(Advertisement) 600 MEN WANTED – For Beebe River, NH. Day work or piece work HIGHEST WAGES. Modern lumber camps, excellent board, ride to camp door on our railroad. Job lasts over a year. Go directly to the office of the WOODSTOCK LUMBER CO. in the railroad station at Beebe River. For information write Employment Dept., PARKER-YOUNG CO., 42 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.
AUGUST
August edition - Director Jim Mykland has pulled together some interesting entries from the Sandwich Reporter (1883-1944). Enjoy!
August 19, 1886: A party of fifteen from the east part of town camped out on Red Hill last night.
It is said there are more summer visitors in town than ever before.
The following last of letter remain uncalled for at this post office this Thursday Aug. 19; Miss Anna M Waite, Mr. L.A. Goodwin, Elmer R. Hollander, Mrs. R. Kimball, Mr. F.H. Underwood, Mrs. M.E. Brown, Mrs. Addie Penniman
August 26, 1886: A Card: Mrs. Beede extends to the public her thanks for the past and prospective patronage, but, in consequence of the state of her health, feels compelled to suspend the High School under her instruction, for the present. Centre Sandwich Aug. 23, 1886 (Daniel Greenleaf Beede started the Beede Normal Institute (Beede Academy) in 1839. The school moved to the Academy building in about 1857. The Beede Academy was located where the Quimby Transportation Museum at 16 Maple Street is today. In 1863 the cost per term was from $3-$5. SHS ed.)
For Sale! Embracing the pasture, wood and timber, and a sugar camp of the Paul Hoag Farm, being about 75 acres. For terms, enquire of A.C. Tuttle on the premises or Lewis Hoag, adjoining the same. (The Paul Hoag Farm was at today’s 97 Elm Hill Road)
NOTICE: Master Joseph Tuttle and his papa and mama, propose holding a children’s meeting for the entertainment and benefit of such, on Saturday next, 28th inst., at 4 o’clock at Centre Sandwich. The place for holding said meeting will be designated by notice at the Post Office on or before said date. All interested in this class, please come with your little ones.
August 7, 1890: According to the census returns Carroll County loses 113, having a population of 18,111 against 18,224 in 1880. Wolfeboro gains one representative.
Steamer Lamprey will run an excursion from Centre Harbor on Friday, August 15, leaving at 8 o’clock am, to attend Forepaugh’s circus at Laconia, returning after the afternoon performance. It will be accompanied by the Carroll Cornet Band and Smith and Lamprey’s orchestra, who will furnish music for free dancing on the barge, on the trip to and from Lake Village. Round trip tickets 50 cents.
Alonzo McCrillis recently cut eleven acres of grass by measure, in 9 hours and 5 minutes with a 54 inch cut machine. If anyone can beat that we would like to hear from them.
The barn upon D.M. Merrill’s place was struck by lightning Thursday last and the buildings, of which there were several, were all burned. The barn contained some twenty-five tons of choice hay. The sheds were filled with a large supply of wood and farming tools. A part of the household furniture was saved and also quite a lot of farming tools. Total loss estimated at eighteen hundred dollars. Insured for eight hundred. Mr. Merrill has moved to the house of Wm. M. Weed. (David M. Merrill lived at the top of Merrill Hill on today’s Whiteface Road just past the Wing Road Intersection and across from the October Farm. SHS ed.)
August 15, 1895: Mrs. Charles R. Fellows gave a party Thursday night to the guests at the Highland Farm and their friends from the city in this vicinity and it passed off successfully, everyone seeming to enjoy themselves…In the course of the evening a sugaring off occurred and all did ample justice to that feature. The front of the house was very prettily decorated and everything done to make the evening one of pleasure. The finale was a moonlight ride at midnight, Mr. Fellows hitching up his team and taking them out. (The ‘sugaring off’ was probably shaved ice from the ice house over which hot maple syrup was poured. A local treat during sugaring time here in March made with snow, but an exotic treat for visitors from away in August. SHS ed.)
August 22, 1895: Parties going up through the woods towards Flat Mountain Pond from Bennett Street, found quite a fire in the woods and had to fight hard to subdue it. Evidentially the party camping there had accidentally set the fire and, becoming alarmed, left hastily. Anyone going into the woods ought to use the utmost care when building fires.
August 15, 1901: Last Thursday, a party of young people consisting of Mabel Quimby and brother Robert, Clifton, Sarah, and Wilber Quimby and friend also the Misses McCrillis, spent the night on Whiteface mountain. They report a fine time and lots of fun. There is a comfortable log camp in which to sleep. Robert and Wilber came down in three-quarters of an hour, the rest descending in a more leisurely manner.
C. Horace Vittum died at his home at the East part last Monday, from lock-jaw. About two weeks ago he stepped on a rusty nail, but kept at work until last Thursday, when it got so bad he had the doctor. He grew rapidly worse and died Monday evening after a great deal of suffering. He was fifty years old and leaves a widow.
August 10, 1903: The members of the Appalachian Club to the number of 35 or more, are in camp at Whiteface Intervale for a two weeks stay. They have some 15 tents, which make quite a village in miniature.
Clifton Quimby, of Worcester, met with quite a serious accident while in camp on Black Mountain. In cutting something the hatchet slipped and cut his knee quite badly. His companions had to carry him off the mountain and he has since been under our local physician’s care.
August 30, 1906: Erastus Bagley and Hesman Allen are haying on the Moses Hall place in Sandwich Notch.
The Gold Mining Co. have started to sink a new shaft in the field bought by them of John. C. Gilman. (This would have been across from 105 Dale Road. SHS ed.)
August 4, 1910: It is reported that two inches of hail fell in Sandwich Notch during the severe thundershower of last week.
August 1, 1918: The severe thundershowers Sunday caused considerable damage to the telephone system throughout town. The lightning struck the telephone at Chas. Burnham’s house and ran through the house. Into the cellar, where it knocked some of the foundation stones into pieces, a fragment of which struck Mr. Burnham in the head while he was working on his pumping engine. From there it went into the open shed, setting fire to some hay and finally the bolt went into the ground. An alarm of fire was sounded but the flames were quickly extinguished. A telephone pole near Frank Mudgett’s house was entirely demolished.
The US Committee on Public Safety calls attention to the new regulation promulgated by President Wilson…A special feature of this new regulation now in force is that no one is permitted to give, publicly or privately, alcoholic beverages to any man in uniform in any place in the United States. In other words, not only is it forbidden to sell liquor to soldiers and sailors, but one is not permitted to give them intoxicating liquors at home or in clubs or anywhere else while entertaining them.
August 19, 1886: A party of fifteen from the east part of town camped out on Red Hill last night.
It is said there are more summer visitors in town than ever before.
The following last of letter remain uncalled for at this post office this Thursday Aug. 19; Miss Anna M Waite, Mr. L.A. Goodwin, Elmer R. Hollander, Mrs. R. Kimball, Mr. F.H. Underwood, Mrs. M.E. Brown, Mrs. Addie Penniman
August 26, 1886: A Card: Mrs. Beede extends to the public her thanks for the past and prospective patronage, but, in consequence of the state of her health, feels compelled to suspend the High School under her instruction, for the present. Centre Sandwich Aug. 23, 1886 (Daniel Greenleaf Beede started the Beede Normal Institute (Beede Academy) in 1839. The school moved to the Academy building in about 1857. The Beede Academy was located where the Quimby Transportation Museum at 16 Maple Street is today. In 1863 the cost per term was from $3-$5. SHS ed.)
For Sale! Embracing the pasture, wood and timber, and a sugar camp of the Paul Hoag Farm, being about 75 acres. For terms, enquire of A.C. Tuttle on the premises or Lewis Hoag, adjoining the same. (The Paul Hoag Farm was at today’s 97 Elm Hill Road)
NOTICE: Master Joseph Tuttle and his papa and mama, propose holding a children’s meeting for the entertainment and benefit of such, on Saturday next, 28th inst., at 4 o’clock at Centre Sandwich. The place for holding said meeting will be designated by notice at the Post Office on or before said date. All interested in this class, please come with your little ones.
August 7, 1890: According to the census returns Carroll County loses 113, having a population of 18,111 against 18,224 in 1880. Wolfeboro gains one representative.
Steamer Lamprey will run an excursion from Centre Harbor on Friday, August 15, leaving at 8 o’clock am, to attend Forepaugh’s circus at Laconia, returning after the afternoon performance. It will be accompanied by the Carroll Cornet Band and Smith and Lamprey’s orchestra, who will furnish music for free dancing on the barge, on the trip to and from Lake Village. Round trip tickets 50 cents.
Alonzo McCrillis recently cut eleven acres of grass by measure, in 9 hours and 5 minutes with a 54 inch cut machine. If anyone can beat that we would like to hear from them.
The barn upon D.M. Merrill’s place was struck by lightning Thursday last and the buildings, of which there were several, were all burned. The barn contained some twenty-five tons of choice hay. The sheds were filled with a large supply of wood and farming tools. A part of the household furniture was saved and also quite a lot of farming tools. Total loss estimated at eighteen hundred dollars. Insured for eight hundred. Mr. Merrill has moved to the house of Wm. M. Weed. (David M. Merrill lived at the top of Merrill Hill on today’s Whiteface Road just past the Wing Road Intersection and across from the October Farm. SHS ed.)
August 15, 1895: Mrs. Charles R. Fellows gave a party Thursday night to the guests at the Highland Farm and their friends from the city in this vicinity and it passed off successfully, everyone seeming to enjoy themselves…In the course of the evening a sugaring off occurred and all did ample justice to that feature. The front of the house was very prettily decorated and everything done to make the evening one of pleasure. The finale was a moonlight ride at midnight, Mr. Fellows hitching up his team and taking them out. (The ‘sugaring off’ was probably shaved ice from the ice house over which hot maple syrup was poured. A local treat during sugaring time here in March made with snow, but an exotic treat for visitors from away in August. SHS ed.)
August 22, 1895: Parties going up through the woods towards Flat Mountain Pond from Bennett Street, found quite a fire in the woods and had to fight hard to subdue it. Evidentially the party camping there had accidentally set the fire and, becoming alarmed, left hastily. Anyone going into the woods ought to use the utmost care when building fires.
August 15, 1901: Last Thursday, a party of young people consisting of Mabel Quimby and brother Robert, Clifton, Sarah, and Wilber Quimby and friend also the Misses McCrillis, spent the night on Whiteface mountain. They report a fine time and lots of fun. There is a comfortable log camp in which to sleep. Robert and Wilber came down in three-quarters of an hour, the rest descending in a more leisurely manner.
C. Horace Vittum died at his home at the East part last Monday, from lock-jaw. About two weeks ago he stepped on a rusty nail, but kept at work until last Thursday, when it got so bad he had the doctor. He grew rapidly worse and died Monday evening after a great deal of suffering. He was fifty years old and leaves a widow.
August 10, 1903: The members of the Appalachian Club to the number of 35 or more, are in camp at Whiteface Intervale for a two weeks stay. They have some 15 tents, which make quite a village in miniature.
Clifton Quimby, of Worcester, met with quite a serious accident while in camp on Black Mountain. In cutting something the hatchet slipped and cut his knee quite badly. His companions had to carry him off the mountain and he has since been under our local physician’s care.
August 30, 1906: Erastus Bagley and Hesman Allen are haying on the Moses Hall place in Sandwich Notch.
The Gold Mining Co. have started to sink a new shaft in the field bought by them of John. C. Gilman. (This would have been across from 105 Dale Road. SHS ed.)
August 4, 1910: It is reported that two inches of hail fell in Sandwich Notch during the severe thundershower of last week.
August 1, 1918: The severe thundershowers Sunday caused considerable damage to the telephone system throughout town. The lightning struck the telephone at Chas. Burnham’s house and ran through the house. Into the cellar, where it knocked some of the foundation stones into pieces, a fragment of which struck Mr. Burnham in the head while he was working on his pumping engine. From there it went into the open shed, setting fire to some hay and finally the bolt went into the ground. An alarm of fire was sounded but the flames were quickly extinguished. A telephone pole near Frank Mudgett’s house was entirely demolished.
The US Committee on Public Safety calls attention to the new regulation promulgated by President Wilson…A special feature of this new regulation now in force is that no one is permitted to give, publicly or privately, alcoholic beverages to any man in uniform in any place in the United States. In other words, not only is it forbidden to sell liquor to soldiers and sailors, but one is not permitted to give them intoxicating liquors at home or in clubs or anywhere else while entertaining them.
JULY
July 1, 1886: Mabel and Alice Blanchard picked twenty quarts of wild strawberries last Saturday. * It is reported that there is to be a turnpike built to the top of Red Hill this season.
July 8, 1886: We had new potatoes and green peas, raised at home, on the 4th., also strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. * Many of our farmers have begun haying this week, and the click of the mowing machine is heard on our hills and in our valleys. The hay crop is much better this year than last and it appears that we shall get fully and average crop.
July 7, 1887: A slight shock of earthquake was felt here last Thursday afternoon at a little past 5 o’clock. It lasted several seconds and resembled a heavy freight train.
July 14, 1887: Ira Quimby cut four toes quite badly a few days since by stepping on a scythe. * A new lot of canned Goods, Oranges, Lemons, Bananas, Moxie, Peanuts and Confectionery just received at A. Blanchard’s.
(For those of you from away and who can’t remember the older folks calling soda ‘tonic’, Moxie was a drink made in Maine that had an, um, unique taste and was very popular in northern New England. In the 1920’s and 30’s they had a ‘Moxie Mobile’ that appeared as an advertising gimmick in parades and fairs that was a horse mounted in a faux Rolls Royce and controlled by the “rider” by a steering wheel mounted on the horses back. Just Google ‘Moxie Mobile’ for pictures (SHS-ed)).
July 21, 1887: It was a beautiful sight to see, a few days ago in these times of hurry and unrest, a fair young daughter of our town bringing choice bouquets of flowers in her hands all the way from her city home, to adorn the quiet resting place of those loved ones “who could no longer greet her coming.”
July 7, 1892: Last Friday, Steamer Mt. Washington when off the Tuftonboro shore ran within about 10 feet of a deer which was swimming across from the Gilmanton shore. (Gilford was originally a part of Gilmanton. SHS ed.) * Jo Hobbs and Uriah McDaniel have caught eight bears thus far this year. They have out a large number of traps and will doubtless make a big number before cold weather.
July 14, 1892: A party of six or eight men from Farmington are camping at Guinea Pond for a week or two. * The boarders are arriving in town from every direction, but there is one way that they will not care to come or go the second time, and that is the way from Centre Harbor by Squam Lake on account of the highway in John E. Wiggin’s district in Moultonboro. The road in that district is a disgrace to Moultonboro and an insult to all that travel that way.
July 21, 1892: Some sneak thief or thieves broke into O. C. Bickford’s slaughter house at the Centre Sunday night and stole about 25 pounds of steak. Entrance was gained by taking out several lights of glass and unfastening the window. This kind of thing is getting too common in this vicinity. Where are our officers? * A fair is to be held at the Centre October 4 under the management of the Grange. It is hoped that everyone will take hold and make it a success as the previous fairs were…Every farmer in town should raise something to exhibit.
July 27, 1899: A novel feature of the Grange entertainment to be given in the Town Hall, August 17, will be whistling by Mrs. Lewis Hawkins, a noted soloist. * Samuel Wentworth, Esq., of Boston, who has been spending a few days in town with his nephew, Paul Wentworth, has gone to Bethlehem to spend a few weeks. (When Mr. Wentworth dies in 1912, he bequeathed the Town $17,000 to build a public library “…of stone or brick and as near fireproof as possible.” This is today’s much loved Samuel H. Wentworth Library. SHS ed.)
July 10, 1902: A special feature of Old Home Week this year will be the bonfires upon not less than two hundred hills and mountains across the state on the evening of the first day, flashing from peak to peak and great joy attending the return of so many sons and daughters of New Hampshire.
July 17, 1902: We noticed a couple of our young old men the other day at the (Whiteface) post office. They had walked about three and a half miles and were to do the same distance back: Wilson Palmer and John Atwood, both in the seventies, but able to give many a younger man all the road he needs. Mr. Palmer has walked the distance some eight or ten times within the past few weeks and evidently enjoys it to the full. (Wilson Palmer was a longtime summer resident at Kinderheim on the Bennett Street Loop and John Atwood lived at this time in the Jose Place on Bennett Street. SHS ed.)
NOTICE. Whereas my wife, Nettie Tewksbury, has left my bed and board without cause or provocation, this is to forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account, as I shall pay no debts of her contracting after this date. Sandwich, N.H. July 14, 1902 signed Wesley Tewksbury. Witness: R.S. Batchelder
July 21, 1910: Steamer Sandwich will leave the Sandwich landing at 10 o’clock and will connect with both noon trains on the White Mountain Division (B&M RR) in Ashland. * A horse which was driven by Miss Mary Hoyt was frightened by an automobile one day last week. The horse started on a run down the street but stopped by the Methodist church where a number of men assisted in quieting the horse. We are glad neither Miss Hoyt or Miss Annie Marston, who were in the team, were hurt.
(Advertisement) Second Hand Automobiles. 22 horse power 5 pass. Buick Touring Car with top, glass front, clock, robe and foot rail, gas headlights and generator. This car was new this year and cannot be told from new. Will guarantee for the season, this Car cost $1450 this year. Price $1000. White’s Garage, Vigil D. White West Ossipee, NH.
July 8, 1886: We had new potatoes and green peas, raised at home, on the 4th., also strawberries, raspberries and blueberries. * Many of our farmers have begun haying this week, and the click of the mowing machine is heard on our hills and in our valleys. The hay crop is much better this year than last and it appears that we shall get fully and average crop.
July 7, 1887: A slight shock of earthquake was felt here last Thursday afternoon at a little past 5 o’clock. It lasted several seconds and resembled a heavy freight train.
July 14, 1887: Ira Quimby cut four toes quite badly a few days since by stepping on a scythe. * A new lot of canned Goods, Oranges, Lemons, Bananas, Moxie, Peanuts and Confectionery just received at A. Blanchard’s.
(For those of you from away and who can’t remember the older folks calling soda ‘tonic’, Moxie was a drink made in Maine that had an, um, unique taste and was very popular in northern New England. In the 1920’s and 30’s they had a ‘Moxie Mobile’ that appeared as an advertising gimmick in parades and fairs that was a horse mounted in a faux Rolls Royce and controlled by the “rider” by a steering wheel mounted on the horses back. Just Google ‘Moxie Mobile’ for pictures (SHS-ed)).
July 21, 1887: It was a beautiful sight to see, a few days ago in these times of hurry and unrest, a fair young daughter of our town bringing choice bouquets of flowers in her hands all the way from her city home, to adorn the quiet resting place of those loved ones “who could no longer greet her coming.”
July 7, 1892: Last Friday, Steamer Mt. Washington when off the Tuftonboro shore ran within about 10 feet of a deer which was swimming across from the Gilmanton shore. (Gilford was originally a part of Gilmanton. SHS ed.) * Jo Hobbs and Uriah McDaniel have caught eight bears thus far this year. They have out a large number of traps and will doubtless make a big number before cold weather.
July 14, 1892: A party of six or eight men from Farmington are camping at Guinea Pond for a week or two. * The boarders are arriving in town from every direction, but there is one way that they will not care to come or go the second time, and that is the way from Centre Harbor by Squam Lake on account of the highway in John E. Wiggin’s district in Moultonboro. The road in that district is a disgrace to Moultonboro and an insult to all that travel that way.
July 21, 1892: Some sneak thief or thieves broke into O. C. Bickford’s slaughter house at the Centre Sunday night and stole about 25 pounds of steak. Entrance was gained by taking out several lights of glass and unfastening the window. This kind of thing is getting too common in this vicinity. Where are our officers? * A fair is to be held at the Centre October 4 under the management of the Grange. It is hoped that everyone will take hold and make it a success as the previous fairs were…Every farmer in town should raise something to exhibit.
July 27, 1899: A novel feature of the Grange entertainment to be given in the Town Hall, August 17, will be whistling by Mrs. Lewis Hawkins, a noted soloist. * Samuel Wentworth, Esq., of Boston, who has been spending a few days in town with his nephew, Paul Wentworth, has gone to Bethlehem to spend a few weeks. (When Mr. Wentworth dies in 1912, he bequeathed the Town $17,000 to build a public library “…of stone or brick and as near fireproof as possible.” This is today’s much loved Samuel H. Wentworth Library. SHS ed.)
July 10, 1902: A special feature of Old Home Week this year will be the bonfires upon not less than two hundred hills and mountains across the state on the evening of the first day, flashing from peak to peak and great joy attending the return of so many sons and daughters of New Hampshire.
July 17, 1902: We noticed a couple of our young old men the other day at the (Whiteface) post office. They had walked about three and a half miles and were to do the same distance back: Wilson Palmer and John Atwood, both in the seventies, but able to give many a younger man all the road he needs. Mr. Palmer has walked the distance some eight or ten times within the past few weeks and evidently enjoys it to the full. (Wilson Palmer was a longtime summer resident at Kinderheim on the Bennett Street Loop and John Atwood lived at this time in the Jose Place on Bennett Street. SHS ed.)
NOTICE. Whereas my wife, Nettie Tewksbury, has left my bed and board without cause or provocation, this is to forbid all persons harboring or trusting her on my account, as I shall pay no debts of her contracting after this date. Sandwich, N.H. July 14, 1902 signed Wesley Tewksbury. Witness: R.S. Batchelder
July 21, 1910: Steamer Sandwich will leave the Sandwich landing at 10 o’clock and will connect with both noon trains on the White Mountain Division (B&M RR) in Ashland. * A horse which was driven by Miss Mary Hoyt was frightened by an automobile one day last week. The horse started on a run down the street but stopped by the Methodist church where a number of men assisted in quieting the horse. We are glad neither Miss Hoyt or Miss Annie Marston, who were in the team, were hurt.
(Advertisement) Second Hand Automobiles. 22 horse power 5 pass. Buick Touring Car with top, glass front, clock, robe and foot rail, gas headlights and generator. This car was new this year and cannot be told from new. Will guarantee for the season, this Car cost $1450 this year. Price $1000. White’s Garage, Vigil D. White West Ossipee, NH.
JUNE
June 9, 1887: Excerpts from a long obituary for John Cook who had passed away on June 4: John Cook was born December 14, 1795 and was one of the few aged men who had come down to us from the last century…
During these later years Mr. Cook has rendered valuable service in furnishing historic data of the early times in Sandwich. He was the younger associate of the old settlers, as they passed down the decline of life, and his memory had become enriched with recollections of those early days, when the old settlers lived in log cabins and rude houses, and contended with the wild tenants of the forest for autumnal harvests, and when the light of consuming forests shone at midnight like beacon fires from the mountain slopes.
June 16, 1887: Bro. Dorr of the (Carroll County) Pioneer gives the following graphic account of the last term of Probate Court: “There was quite a large attendance at Probate court last Tuesday at West Ossipee, especially of the mosquito family, and they were mighty full of business and always approached business end first. They managed to monopolize considerable of the time of the Court as well as others. They were determined to be masters of the situation, and the fight was long and bitter, and in the end the floor was strewn with dead skeeters. Administration upon their estate will probably be begun at the next term, for after death comes Probate court.” [The Carroll County Pioneer had the greatest motto ever for a newspaper: “The Pioneer endeavors to remove the underbrush from the forest of humanity.” SHS-ed.]
June 6, 1889: Try the celebrated Asbestos Paints, a full assortment at Heard’s.
The Secretary of the Board of Agriculture (has released reports for 1888 as follows): Sandwich, pounds of butter made, 103,500; pounds of cheese, 200; pounds of wool grown 4,215; tons of ensilage fed, 90; tons of commercial fertilizer used, 100; cash from summer boarders, $6,500.
As we were returning from temperance meeting last Sunday evening, we saw a young man, hardly more than a boy, laying in the gutter near the Centre, in a beastly state of intoxication, and unable to walk without help. How long he laid there we do not know, but we learned later that two companions assisted him to his house.
(Advertisement) Geo. Beede offers 10 hives of Italian bees for sale. Now is the time to buy and save your honey crop. It will pay. Combines pleasure and profit. Easy to manage. Nothing patented. Any boy or girl can do it. Instructions for first year free to anyone buying bees or fixtures. Price from $5.00 up.
June 11, 1891: It is expected that we will soon have a telephone line in operation from this town to Meredith, connecting there with the Laconia system.
An exchange says that the first woman honored with equal position and pay with men professors is Harriet Cook of Cormell, who holds the chair of history at that university. Miss Cook was a former resident of this town and a cousin of John O. Cook, and is well known to many of our older people. The town has reason to feel proud of her success.
June 25, 1891: Frank Atwood had new peas and potatoes for his dinner yesterday, Wednesday, raised on his farm.
S.H. Dorr has a shade tree on his farm near the house whose trunk, three feet from the ground is seventeen feet in circumference and whose spread of branches cover an area of sixty-nine square feet. This tree has grown from a small willow twig placed there some sixty or more years ago by Mrs. Ambrose who then lived on that place. To sit in its shade by the roadside on a hot summer day is cool and refreshing. It affords a fine resting place for man and beast. [Samuel H. Dorr lived in the house many of us remember as Switzer’s on Squam Lake Road just up from Great Rock Road. SHS ed.]
June 4, 1896: Sandwich is bound to keep up with the times as much as possible and the latest innovation is in the shape of better mail and stage service. The mail line between West Ossipee and Meredith has been divided and we now have a mail which leaves Center Sandwich at 5 o’clock in the morning, North Sandwich at 5.45, South Tamworth at 6.30, arriving at West Ossipee at 7.30, in season for the early morning mail to Boston, and returning leaves West Ossipee at 1.30 or on the arrival of morning mail from Boston. This arrangement makes it very convenient for passengers coming on the noon train to reach South Tamworth and North and Center Sandwich. [The times here are interesting; it took 45 minutes by stage to get from the Center to North Sandwich, another 45 minutes to South Tamworth and then an hour to West Ossipee. Just think about that when you’re zipping over Routes 113 and 25 next time! SHS ed.]
We learn that another cottage is to be built right off, near the one constructed by Mr. Stewart. [These would be the cottages near the top of Diamond Ledge. SHS ed.] The parties are three New York ladies, the Misses Hammond, who are now boarding at Diamond Ledge Farm, [A.C. Atwood’s] [Today’s 158 Diamond Ledge Road]. We are glad to welcome to our town people of the above class; their presence is an uplift to our townsfolks. Wherever cultivated, intellectual people sojourn, only for a portion of the year, beneficial influence is observant; we wish not less, but many more of the same kind would choose to make Sandwich their summer home… [For a charming vignette of the Diamond Ledge summer colony check out the SHS 21st Excursion, stop #38 at the Moulton Farm. SHS ed.]
June 7, 1900: Cider received some hard raps at the temperance meeting Sunday evening. No doubt this beverage is the curse of Sandwich, judging from the extent of its use.
Whiteface - Frank Grant burned a kiln of coal last week. They used to burn them frequently within the writer’s recollection. But the use of that dug from the earth killed out that industry.
June 1, 1903: Mercury registered 24 degrees Sunday morning. Ice as thick as window glass was seen in many places.
During these later years Mr. Cook has rendered valuable service in furnishing historic data of the early times in Sandwich. He was the younger associate of the old settlers, as they passed down the decline of life, and his memory had become enriched with recollections of those early days, when the old settlers lived in log cabins and rude houses, and contended with the wild tenants of the forest for autumnal harvests, and when the light of consuming forests shone at midnight like beacon fires from the mountain slopes.
June 16, 1887: Bro. Dorr of the (Carroll County) Pioneer gives the following graphic account of the last term of Probate Court: “There was quite a large attendance at Probate court last Tuesday at West Ossipee, especially of the mosquito family, and they were mighty full of business and always approached business end first. They managed to monopolize considerable of the time of the Court as well as others. They were determined to be masters of the situation, and the fight was long and bitter, and in the end the floor was strewn with dead skeeters. Administration upon their estate will probably be begun at the next term, for after death comes Probate court.” [The Carroll County Pioneer had the greatest motto ever for a newspaper: “The Pioneer endeavors to remove the underbrush from the forest of humanity.” SHS-ed.]
June 6, 1889: Try the celebrated Asbestos Paints, a full assortment at Heard’s.
The Secretary of the Board of Agriculture (has released reports for 1888 as follows): Sandwich, pounds of butter made, 103,500; pounds of cheese, 200; pounds of wool grown 4,215; tons of ensilage fed, 90; tons of commercial fertilizer used, 100; cash from summer boarders, $6,500.
As we were returning from temperance meeting last Sunday evening, we saw a young man, hardly more than a boy, laying in the gutter near the Centre, in a beastly state of intoxication, and unable to walk without help. How long he laid there we do not know, but we learned later that two companions assisted him to his house.
(Advertisement) Geo. Beede offers 10 hives of Italian bees for sale. Now is the time to buy and save your honey crop. It will pay. Combines pleasure and profit. Easy to manage. Nothing patented. Any boy or girl can do it. Instructions for first year free to anyone buying bees or fixtures. Price from $5.00 up.
June 11, 1891: It is expected that we will soon have a telephone line in operation from this town to Meredith, connecting there with the Laconia system.
An exchange says that the first woman honored with equal position and pay with men professors is Harriet Cook of Cormell, who holds the chair of history at that university. Miss Cook was a former resident of this town and a cousin of John O. Cook, and is well known to many of our older people. The town has reason to feel proud of her success.
June 25, 1891: Frank Atwood had new peas and potatoes for his dinner yesterday, Wednesday, raised on his farm.
S.H. Dorr has a shade tree on his farm near the house whose trunk, three feet from the ground is seventeen feet in circumference and whose spread of branches cover an area of sixty-nine square feet. This tree has grown from a small willow twig placed there some sixty or more years ago by Mrs. Ambrose who then lived on that place. To sit in its shade by the roadside on a hot summer day is cool and refreshing. It affords a fine resting place for man and beast. [Samuel H. Dorr lived in the house many of us remember as Switzer’s on Squam Lake Road just up from Great Rock Road. SHS ed.]
June 4, 1896: Sandwich is bound to keep up with the times as much as possible and the latest innovation is in the shape of better mail and stage service. The mail line between West Ossipee and Meredith has been divided and we now have a mail which leaves Center Sandwich at 5 o’clock in the morning, North Sandwich at 5.45, South Tamworth at 6.30, arriving at West Ossipee at 7.30, in season for the early morning mail to Boston, and returning leaves West Ossipee at 1.30 or on the arrival of morning mail from Boston. This arrangement makes it very convenient for passengers coming on the noon train to reach South Tamworth and North and Center Sandwich. [The times here are interesting; it took 45 minutes by stage to get from the Center to North Sandwich, another 45 minutes to South Tamworth and then an hour to West Ossipee. Just think about that when you’re zipping over Routes 113 and 25 next time! SHS ed.]
We learn that another cottage is to be built right off, near the one constructed by Mr. Stewart. [These would be the cottages near the top of Diamond Ledge. SHS ed.] The parties are three New York ladies, the Misses Hammond, who are now boarding at Diamond Ledge Farm, [A.C. Atwood’s] [Today’s 158 Diamond Ledge Road]. We are glad to welcome to our town people of the above class; their presence is an uplift to our townsfolks. Wherever cultivated, intellectual people sojourn, only for a portion of the year, beneficial influence is observant; we wish not less, but many more of the same kind would choose to make Sandwich their summer home… [For a charming vignette of the Diamond Ledge summer colony check out the SHS 21st Excursion, stop #38 at the Moulton Farm. SHS ed.]
June 7, 1900: Cider received some hard raps at the temperance meeting Sunday evening. No doubt this beverage is the curse of Sandwich, judging from the extent of its use.
Whiteface - Frank Grant burned a kiln of coal last week. They used to burn them frequently within the writer’s recollection. But the use of that dug from the earth killed out that industry.
June 1, 1903: Mercury registered 24 degrees Sunday morning. Ice as thick as window glass was seen in many places.
MAY
May 6, 1886: A Massachusetts paper says; “since the tirades by the press upon the cruel fashion of ornamenting ladies headgear with beautiful birds, we have noticed a decided change, and it is not so much the style now for a lady to adorn herself with innocent songsters that have been skinned alive to retain the color of their plumage.”
May 19, 1886: Squam Lake was never higher than it is at the present time.
Apple trees are in blossom, the fields are assuming their beautiful greenish tint, the tree putting forth their leaves, and the much needed rain has come.
May 27, 1886: Apple trees presented a fine appearance in blossom last Sunday. The day was termed “White Sunday”.
The White Mountain Express will commence running June 28; Lady of the Lake and Mount Washington steamers will make their first trip June 1.
May 16, 1889: As A.E. Tappan was plowing his field one day last week he ploughed up a piece of silver money dated 1716. We do not know the nationality of the piece, but think it is Spanish. It is a trifle larger than an American quarter of a dollar but not so thick, and is in a good state of preservation. (Abram Edwin Tappan lived at today’s 272 Little Pond Road)
Squam Lake –
A good time to fish for perch.
Full blossoms of Apple and plum tees this year
Mr. Otis Cook has put his lambs on the island to keep the grass and weeds down. (Kent Island – SHS ed.)
Mr. Shepard has commenced to move his logs from this end of the lake to Ashland. The steamer is doing the towing.
May 30, 1889: Speaking of catching big trout, Hubbard Leach, of South Tamworth, says that several years ago he and three other men caught a trout out of Squam Lake that weighed 37 ½ pounds, and he can prove it by two living witnesses. The trout was sold for $25.00 and sent to Boston.
May 5, 1892: The annual report of the state board of health for 1891 shows 7,368 deaths reported, being 19.56 per 1000 of population. Consumption caused 825 deaths, pneumonia 703, heart disease 568, apoplexy and paralysis 514, old age 410, and cholera infantum 319. (For comparative purposes, in 2022 the death rate in NH was 10.76% with a raw total of 14,700 deaths statewide. The population of NH increased by about 1,000,000 people between 1890 and 2020. SHS –ed)
94 dogs in town April 1st, and the owners of only six of them had taken out a license May 1st. The law says all dogs shall be licensed on or before May 1, or the owner may be fined $10 and costs. The Town Clerk will be in his office next Saturday for the purpose of issuing licenses to all who may desire, and a “dog killer” will be appointed on or before the 10th of the month to look after all unlicensed dogs.
May 12, 1892:
FOR SALE
The best mountain pasture in Carroll County, known as the Natt Hubbard pasture.
Inquire of
Chas Blanchard
John D. Hidden Executors
Chas. H. Remick
(This pasture was off the Mountain Road above the Hubbard Cemetery up the Weed Brook valley towards Black Snout Mountain in the Ossipees. SHS –ed.)
May 6, 1897: Wanted! Stock to take in the Hubbard pasture. Wm. McCloskey, Sandwich, NH
The location of the telephone line from here through South Tamworth, Tamworth Village, Chocorua to Conway and Ossipee is progressing finely. We are glad of it. (The line came from Laconia and Meredith to Center Sandwich earlier in the year, SHS – ed.)
Bicyclers are especially interested in a law passed at the last session of the legislature which makes it an offence, with a penalty of $20, to place upon any street, road, alley or public place, any article liable to injure the feet of children or animals or the tires of bicycles. This includes cinders, glass tacks and other rubbish. This is aimed especially at the man or woman with a malicious intent, but the intent is presumed from the act of placing material where it is liable to work injury to person or property.
May 24, 1900: One week from tomorrow, bright and early, rain or shine, Samuel B. Smith will start out with a long string of questions as to your name, age, pedigree, occupation, etc., and the only way to get rid of him will be to answer his questions as quickly as possible. The ordinary mortal will have about twenty-eight questions to answer while the business and professional men will have many more. Some of them seem unnecessary but Uncle Sam says he requires the information, so we might as well make up our minds to answer them promptly, and thus get through with them all the sooner. (This was the 1900 Federal Census. The population of Sandwich in 1900 was determined to be 1707, a decrease of 17.3% from 1890. SHS –ed.)
May 19, 1886: Squam Lake was never higher than it is at the present time.
Apple trees are in blossom, the fields are assuming their beautiful greenish tint, the tree putting forth their leaves, and the much needed rain has come.
May 27, 1886: Apple trees presented a fine appearance in blossom last Sunday. The day was termed “White Sunday”.
The White Mountain Express will commence running June 28; Lady of the Lake and Mount Washington steamers will make their first trip June 1.
May 16, 1889: As A.E. Tappan was plowing his field one day last week he ploughed up a piece of silver money dated 1716. We do not know the nationality of the piece, but think it is Spanish. It is a trifle larger than an American quarter of a dollar but not so thick, and is in a good state of preservation. (Abram Edwin Tappan lived at today’s 272 Little Pond Road)
Squam Lake –
A good time to fish for perch.
Full blossoms of Apple and plum tees this year
Mr. Otis Cook has put his lambs on the island to keep the grass and weeds down. (Kent Island – SHS ed.)
Mr. Shepard has commenced to move his logs from this end of the lake to Ashland. The steamer is doing the towing.
May 30, 1889: Speaking of catching big trout, Hubbard Leach, of South Tamworth, says that several years ago he and three other men caught a trout out of Squam Lake that weighed 37 ½ pounds, and he can prove it by two living witnesses. The trout was sold for $25.00 and sent to Boston.
May 5, 1892: The annual report of the state board of health for 1891 shows 7,368 deaths reported, being 19.56 per 1000 of population. Consumption caused 825 deaths, pneumonia 703, heart disease 568, apoplexy and paralysis 514, old age 410, and cholera infantum 319. (For comparative purposes, in 2022 the death rate in NH was 10.76% with a raw total of 14,700 deaths statewide. The population of NH increased by about 1,000,000 people between 1890 and 2020. SHS –ed)
94 dogs in town April 1st, and the owners of only six of them had taken out a license May 1st. The law says all dogs shall be licensed on or before May 1, or the owner may be fined $10 and costs. The Town Clerk will be in his office next Saturday for the purpose of issuing licenses to all who may desire, and a “dog killer” will be appointed on or before the 10th of the month to look after all unlicensed dogs.
May 12, 1892:
FOR SALE
The best mountain pasture in Carroll County, known as the Natt Hubbard pasture.
Inquire of
Chas Blanchard
John D. Hidden Executors
Chas. H. Remick
(This pasture was off the Mountain Road above the Hubbard Cemetery up the Weed Brook valley towards Black Snout Mountain in the Ossipees. SHS –ed.)
May 6, 1897: Wanted! Stock to take in the Hubbard pasture. Wm. McCloskey, Sandwich, NH
The location of the telephone line from here through South Tamworth, Tamworth Village, Chocorua to Conway and Ossipee is progressing finely. We are glad of it. (The line came from Laconia and Meredith to Center Sandwich earlier in the year, SHS – ed.)
Bicyclers are especially interested in a law passed at the last session of the legislature which makes it an offence, with a penalty of $20, to place upon any street, road, alley or public place, any article liable to injure the feet of children or animals or the tires of bicycles. This includes cinders, glass tacks and other rubbish. This is aimed especially at the man or woman with a malicious intent, but the intent is presumed from the act of placing material where it is liable to work injury to person or property.
May 24, 1900: One week from tomorrow, bright and early, rain or shine, Samuel B. Smith will start out with a long string of questions as to your name, age, pedigree, occupation, etc., and the only way to get rid of him will be to answer his questions as quickly as possible. The ordinary mortal will have about twenty-eight questions to answer while the business and professional men will have many more. Some of them seem unnecessary but Uncle Sam says he requires the information, so we might as well make up our minds to answer them promptly, and thus get through with them all the sooner. (This was the 1900 Federal Census. The population of Sandwich in 1900 was determined to be 1707, a decrease of 17.3% from 1890. SHS –ed.)
APRIL
April 4, 1889: The “C” supper at the Masonic hall last Tuesday was well attended and a success financially and otherwise. Below will be found the menu:
Corned Cow Cranberries
Corn Crums Corn Cake
Corned Cucumbers
Churned Cream
Circle. Cup. Chocolate.
Caramel. Cream
Custard. Cream. Chocolate.
Caramel. Cocoanut.
Coffee
April 11, 1889: Smelts are running.
The ice is all out of Little Pond.
The ice still remains in Squam Lake but it is not strong enough to walk on unless you have as much faith as Mr. Cook and his men who came from the island (Today’s Kent Island – SHS ed.) Saturday evening, for they came in a boat part of the way and on pontoon the rest on very poor ice.
April 7, 1892: It looks as though sugar making is about over for the season. Not more than half a crop on an average is reported.
April 5, 1894: The old school house near Little Pond was taken down last week. (This was located on the small piece of land between the fire hydrant and the boat launch – SHS ed.)
Did you see the northern lights last Friday evening? They were exceptionally brilliant and beautiful.
Last Saturday evening at about 10 o’clock we were visited by quite a heavy earthquake, which waked up many people and rattles stove covers and dishes.
April 26, 1894: There has been a lot of fun for the boys and men around the shore of the lake the past few nights, with the net and the torch in hand and the smelts running. A large party from Meredith and Laconia enjoyed the sport. This is all right, but when they tear down four or five rods of high board fence and break down a nice woodbine, as a party of four young men from Meredith did for F.H.P. Abbott Monday night or Tuesday morning for the sake of making a big fire, it doesn’t appear just right.
April 12, 1900: The weight of the snow crushed in half the roof of the Durgin Bridge at North Sandwich.
J. A. Marston and son have completed their seasons work at verbena basket making, unless further orders are received. (These would have been wooden baskets for hanging verbena on your porch or house. - SHS ed.)
The following program will be given at the next regular meeting of Mt. Israel Grange Thursday evening, April 19: Music, orchestra; reading, “The Stock in the Tieup,” Geo. W. Thompson; music; concert selection, “Dream Waltzes;” the old time kitchen. Topic, “What crop, or what branch of farming is the most profitable, and why?”. An answer expected from each brother present. Music. “Joe Larue’s moose hunt,” by a Frenchman from Maine.
(At the March 18th Town Meeting this year (2023) the Moderator noted that there were two births listed in the Town Report as against 28 deaths and that this didn’t seem like a sustainable business model. The Town Clerk advised us later that there had been an additional two births in Town last year, but that the parents chose not to have them listed in the Report, which is allowed. So that brought the totals up to 4-28. Just to compare, in the 1900 Town Report there were 17 births and 17 deaths listed, an even swap. -SHS ed.)
April 3, 1902: A nice lot of maple sugar was made in a short time. Alonzo McCrillis reports a ton, L.C. Ambrose sixteen hundred; John Cartland two hundred gallons of syrup. Sugar and syrup brought good prices, Mr. Ambrose receiving as high as eighteen cents a pound for sugar cakes.
B. & M. R. R., Northern Division.
Trains leave West Ossipee as follows: For North Conway – 12:48, 5:10 p.m. / For
Boston – 7:58 a.m., 4:48 p.m.
April 4, 1904: The dwelling house of George Brown (Today’s 122 Brown Hill Road – SHS ed.) caught fire on Wednesday afternoon. But for the heroic efforts of Mrs. Brown, who was alone at the time, it would soon have gotten beyond control. Mr. Brown happened to return in time to supplement her efforts and it was drowned out. The trouble commenced around the chimney. (For more on the Brown family saga, see ‘Murder on Brown Hill’ by Jon Taylor in the SHS 100th Annual Excursion. –SHS ed.)
Corned Cow Cranberries
Corn Crums Corn Cake
Corned Cucumbers
Churned Cream
Circle. Cup. Chocolate.
Caramel. Cream
Custard. Cream. Chocolate.
Caramel. Cocoanut.
Coffee
April 11, 1889: Smelts are running.
The ice is all out of Little Pond.
The ice still remains in Squam Lake but it is not strong enough to walk on unless you have as much faith as Mr. Cook and his men who came from the island (Today’s Kent Island – SHS ed.) Saturday evening, for they came in a boat part of the way and on pontoon the rest on very poor ice.
April 7, 1892: It looks as though sugar making is about over for the season. Not more than half a crop on an average is reported.
April 5, 1894: The old school house near Little Pond was taken down last week. (This was located on the small piece of land between the fire hydrant and the boat launch – SHS ed.)
Did you see the northern lights last Friday evening? They were exceptionally brilliant and beautiful.
Last Saturday evening at about 10 o’clock we were visited by quite a heavy earthquake, which waked up many people and rattles stove covers and dishes.
April 26, 1894: There has been a lot of fun for the boys and men around the shore of the lake the past few nights, with the net and the torch in hand and the smelts running. A large party from Meredith and Laconia enjoyed the sport. This is all right, but when they tear down four or five rods of high board fence and break down a nice woodbine, as a party of four young men from Meredith did for F.H.P. Abbott Monday night or Tuesday morning for the sake of making a big fire, it doesn’t appear just right.
April 12, 1900: The weight of the snow crushed in half the roof of the Durgin Bridge at North Sandwich.
J. A. Marston and son have completed their seasons work at verbena basket making, unless further orders are received. (These would have been wooden baskets for hanging verbena on your porch or house. - SHS ed.)
The following program will be given at the next regular meeting of Mt. Israel Grange Thursday evening, April 19: Music, orchestra; reading, “The Stock in the Tieup,” Geo. W. Thompson; music; concert selection, “Dream Waltzes;” the old time kitchen. Topic, “What crop, or what branch of farming is the most profitable, and why?”. An answer expected from each brother present. Music. “Joe Larue’s moose hunt,” by a Frenchman from Maine.
(At the March 18th Town Meeting this year (2023) the Moderator noted that there were two births listed in the Town Report as against 28 deaths and that this didn’t seem like a sustainable business model. The Town Clerk advised us later that there had been an additional two births in Town last year, but that the parents chose not to have them listed in the Report, which is allowed. So that brought the totals up to 4-28. Just to compare, in the 1900 Town Report there were 17 births and 17 deaths listed, an even swap. -SHS ed.)
April 3, 1902: A nice lot of maple sugar was made in a short time. Alonzo McCrillis reports a ton, L.C. Ambrose sixteen hundred; John Cartland two hundred gallons of syrup. Sugar and syrup brought good prices, Mr. Ambrose receiving as high as eighteen cents a pound for sugar cakes.
B. & M. R. R., Northern Division.
Trains leave West Ossipee as follows: For North Conway – 12:48, 5:10 p.m. / For
Boston – 7:58 a.m., 4:48 p.m.
April 4, 1904: The dwelling house of George Brown (Today’s 122 Brown Hill Road – SHS ed.) caught fire on Wednesday afternoon. But for the heroic efforts of Mrs. Brown, who was alone at the time, it would soon have gotten beyond control. Mr. Brown happened to return in time to supplement her efforts and it was drowned out. The trouble commenced around the chimney. (For more on the Brown family saga, see ‘Murder on Brown Hill’ by Jon Taylor in the SHS 100th Annual Excursion. –SHS ed.)
MARCH
March 15, 1888: The storm which commenced last Sunday evening and continued until Wednesday was one of the worst for years, blockading the roads and entirely suspending travel. The storm increased in severity all day Monday and the stage was unable to get through on Monday night, and we were shut off from mail communications until Thursday. Many of the roads will be impassible for some time to come and it is with difficulty that people get from one part of town to the other. On Tuesday morning seven from this village started for the North on foot to attend town meeting. (Town Hall was located on Maple Ridge Road near Jim Hambrook’s at that time – SHS ed.) After a weary tramp of nearly three hours, our destination was reached only to find that the meeting had been adjourned. Then came the tramp homeward which about used up the whole of the party including ye editor. In many places the drifts are ten to twelve feet deep and walls and fences are buried up. (This was the Great Blizzard of ’88 that killed 400 people in the northeast and New England. It was a main reason for the burying of utility lines in New York City due to the damage it caused. – SHS ed.)
Owing to a little irregularity in the making out of the check list, the town meeting and adjournment last Tuesday was illegal, and a new warrant has been posted calling for a town meeting on Saturday, March 31.
March 5, 1891: The old Stephen Beede house at the Centre has recently been taken down. (This house was about where the old State garage is today. SHS has a wonderful painting of the house was donated by the Beede Family. SHS ed.)
March 5, 1896: The rain storm here die considerable damage to the roads and bridges and to cellars which are generally flooded. The McGaffey bridge at Whiteface was injured, one of the abutments giving way. Owen Gilman of Laconia, who is teaming from Whiteface keeps his horses at the Durgin place. Towards morning he awoke and heard the water rushing around. Upson going out he was unable to get into the stable, owing to the flood of water inside. He cut into it and found four feet of water which he let out. He had five horses in there with the water to their sides. He removed them to other quarters and they will not be the worse for their experience.
March 12, 1896: Loveland Hines has a cow which recently gave birth to a calf which had two perfectly formed heads, they being joined together at the neck, but it did not live. At a former time the cow, a young one, gave birth to twins.
March 16, 1899: The late town meeting was very quiet and orderly and a credit to our community. How much better than a scene of disorder and intoxication.
The legislature of New Hampshire has, at last, adjourned. We can say that at least they have not done much harm. Our representative, H. F. Dorr, … has been at the front in the effort to obtain better facilities for Sandwich produce in his advocacy of the Electric railroad from Meredith through Sandwich to Ossipee. The charter is granted and we have no doubt that his efforts will be rewarded by the completion of the road in the near future. (The railway would have run along today’s Route 25 in East Sandwich - SHS ed.)
March 7, 1901: The annual town report recently issued from this office shows a reduction of the debt of $2,096.55, leaving the net debt at $11,317.16. The average reduction of the debt for the past fifteen years has been nearly $2,500, and at the present rate the town will soon be freed from this old debt which has been in existence since the close of the Civil War. (During the Civil War, the town incurred significant debt to pay for soldiers bounties to meet the enlistment goals for Sandwich and to help pay for the war. That it was a significant debt can be inferred from the fact that here, 35 years after the end of hostilities, the town was still paying it off. It would be several more years before the debt was completely paid off. – SHS ed.)
March 14, 1904: The Sandwich House did a good business at noon Tuesday (Town Meeting – SHS ed.). Nearly a hundred dinners were served. A. E. Carter also cleaned out his stock of bivalves to the hungry citizens.
It is to be hoped that vote buying and vote selling, as a crime against decency, against manhood and against the state may sometime go out of fashion in this old and honored town. The tales of the old days are told with great relish around the grocery stove, and it is alleged that the party ties are spliced out with greenbacks and dinners to this day. We heard one diner say that he had scarcely emerged from the dinner room when he was hustled back and bidden eat again – which he did. He did not say whether both dinners were eaten for the same political party or not.
Owing to a little irregularity in the making out of the check list, the town meeting and adjournment last Tuesday was illegal, and a new warrant has been posted calling for a town meeting on Saturday, March 31.
March 5, 1891: The old Stephen Beede house at the Centre has recently been taken down. (This house was about where the old State garage is today. SHS has a wonderful painting of the house was donated by the Beede Family. SHS ed.)
March 5, 1896: The rain storm here die considerable damage to the roads and bridges and to cellars which are generally flooded. The McGaffey bridge at Whiteface was injured, one of the abutments giving way. Owen Gilman of Laconia, who is teaming from Whiteface keeps his horses at the Durgin place. Towards morning he awoke and heard the water rushing around. Upson going out he was unable to get into the stable, owing to the flood of water inside. He cut into it and found four feet of water which he let out. He had five horses in there with the water to their sides. He removed them to other quarters and they will not be the worse for their experience.
March 12, 1896: Loveland Hines has a cow which recently gave birth to a calf which had two perfectly formed heads, they being joined together at the neck, but it did not live. At a former time the cow, a young one, gave birth to twins.
March 16, 1899: The late town meeting was very quiet and orderly and a credit to our community. How much better than a scene of disorder and intoxication.
The legislature of New Hampshire has, at last, adjourned. We can say that at least they have not done much harm. Our representative, H. F. Dorr, … has been at the front in the effort to obtain better facilities for Sandwich produce in his advocacy of the Electric railroad from Meredith through Sandwich to Ossipee. The charter is granted and we have no doubt that his efforts will be rewarded by the completion of the road in the near future. (The railway would have run along today’s Route 25 in East Sandwich - SHS ed.)
March 7, 1901: The annual town report recently issued from this office shows a reduction of the debt of $2,096.55, leaving the net debt at $11,317.16. The average reduction of the debt for the past fifteen years has been nearly $2,500, and at the present rate the town will soon be freed from this old debt which has been in existence since the close of the Civil War. (During the Civil War, the town incurred significant debt to pay for soldiers bounties to meet the enlistment goals for Sandwich and to help pay for the war. That it was a significant debt can be inferred from the fact that here, 35 years after the end of hostilities, the town was still paying it off. It would be several more years before the debt was completely paid off. – SHS ed.)
March 14, 1904: The Sandwich House did a good business at noon Tuesday (Town Meeting – SHS ed.). Nearly a hundred dinners were served. A. E. Carter also cleaned out his stock of bivalves to the hungry citizens.
It is to be hoped that vote buying and vote selling, as a crime against decency, against manhood and against the state may sometime go out of fashion in this old and honored town. The tales of the old days are told with great relish around the grocery stove, and it is alleged that the party ties are spliced out with greenbacks and dinners to this day. We heard one diner say that he had scarcely emerged from the dinner room when he was hustled back and bidden eat again – which he did. He did not say whether both dinners were eaten for the same political party or not.
FEBRUARY
February 19, 1891: Chas. W. Donovan, Administrator, will sell the personal estate of Alpheus M. Hall, late of Sandwich deceased, at auction on Wednesday 5he 25th day of Feb., inst., at ten o;clock A.M., consisting of 1 nice black mare with foal, 1 nice 3 years old colt, 1 pr. Oxen 4 years old, 1 pr. 3 years old steers, 1 cow with calf, 7 nice sheep, 3 ½ tons of stable hay, 8 tons stock hay, 45 bu. wheat, oats, corn and pork, 2 wagons, 1 sleigh, 2 harnesses, farming tools, tin sap buckets and sap holders and a good variety of household goods.
(Alpheus built the main house at the Hall Place on Sandwich Notch Road in 1877. His father, Jerry, built the original house there which is now the woodshed of the present house. Alpheus was the father of Moses Hall. Probate records show Moses was paid $3 to dig his father’s grave. SHD ed.)
February 1, 1894: Wednesday morning Ed. Angier was unable to get through to the Centre with the stage and so left his team and took the mail on his back, carrying it a distance of over a mile to the Centre, where he took another team and started on his way rejoicing.
February 10, 1898
Cold, colder, coldest
30 below at the Center last Thursday morning.
Four feet of snow is reported in the woods and it takes the farmers most of the time to keep the
roads passable. We don’t hear the cry for more snow now.
February 17, 1898: Fish commissioner Frank Hughes of Ashland was in town last week looking after the fellows that break the fish and game laws.
It looks like sapping at the time of writing, but of course we shall have some colder weather to pay for this.
February 15, 1904: A party of friends of Moses Hall, who is acting as tenant-in-charge at Rosewood (Today’s Top of the World – SHS ed.) for Miss Lila Wallace of New York City, made him a call to cheer his loneliness Monday evening.
Egg stories seem to be the prevailing fad just now. Hens lay golden eggs this time of year. Moses Hall’s Rhode Island Reds and White Wyandottes have well earned a place beside the North Sandwich biddies and their rivals in Chocorua. Miss Wallace has housed them well and Mr. Hall knows how to coax them in the most approved fashion. His flock of twenty laid 458 eggs from Dec. 16 to Feb. 6.
A long obituary for Enoch Quimby Marston who passed away February 1, 1904 from a stroke. It recounts his service as a soldier, marching across the Isthmus of Panama, and his long years of service as the doctor in Sandwich. He survived his father Elisha, who built the building that houses the SHS Museum, who died at 101 years old by less than 18 months.
Mr. and Mrs. George S. Hoyt gave a very select dinner party Tuesday evening. (Their house is today’s 189 Wentworth Hill Road) A delightful social occasion was enjoyed the the following menu was served and discussed with due appreciation: Oysters on the half shell; Mock Turtle soup; Triscuit crackers; California celery; Columbia River boiled salmon, beech meal sauce; Delmonico potatoes; green peas; Young Chicken a la Maryland, Creole sauce; mashed potatoes; Florida lettuce, French dressing; Lobster in shell, mayonnaise dressing; Queen olives; wild cherry meringue; Florida strawberries, vanilla ice cream; assorted cakes; mixed nuts; layer raisins; Lowney’s bon-bons; followed by French favors containing each a number which drew some prize, from an automobile to a tin whistle. These gave much amusement. Mrs. Hoyt was assisted by Mr. Will Cook, caterer.
They say that the above paragraph is the first chapter of a continued story. The scene of the second chapter is in the drifts between the house of feasting and the Center. The actors are a horse bewildered by the storm and the uncertain footing in the drifts beneath which were growing deeper every minute, and three half exhausted men trying to shovel their way home. Time, somewhere in the vicinity of midnight. The sleigh would persist in summersaults and the wind acted as if it didn’t care. Chapter III shows a midnight attempt in the other direction. Sleigh dash smashed, shafts ditto; drifts all there. Chapter IV. A midnight journey with ox-sled to relieve an overcrowded Wanderers’ Home. Chapter V. Two matrons just could not resist the temptation to stay where Florida strawberries grow, no matter what becomes of their snow-bound husbands in the frozen North. Chapter VI. A telephone call from the Wanderers’ Home, “Hello, is that you? Seen anything of Ed! He left here an hour and a half ago.” Time, Wednesday forenoon. Ed is found, his icy arms encircling a friendly tree down the road. They say it took two hours and a half hours to bring him to. Chapter VII. Joyous home-coming of the Wanderers. Broken family circles reunited. Time, Thursday afternoon. Chapter VIII. The matron of the Wanderers’ Home declares that she will not date her next dinner party in the middle of a blizzard. And they lived happily ever after.
(Alpheus built the main house at the Hall Place on Sandwich Notch Road in 1877. His father, Jerry, built the original house there which is now the woodshed of the present house. Alpheus was the father of Moses Hall. Probate records show Moses was paid $3 to dig his father’s grave. SHD ed.)
February 1, 1894: Wednesday morning Ed. Angier was unable to get through to the Centre with the stage and so left his team and took the mail on his back, carrying it a distance of over a mile to the Centre, where he took another team and started on his way rejoicing.
February 10, 1898
Cold, colder, coldest
30 below at the Center last Thursday morning.
Four feet of snow is reported in the woods and it takes the farmers most of the time to keep the
roads passable. We don’t hear the cry for more snow now.
February 17, 1898: Fish commissioner Frank Hughes of Ashland was in town last week looking after the fellows that break the fish and game laws.
It looks like sapping at the time of writing, but of course we shall have some colder weather to pay for this.
February 15, 1904: A party of friends of Moses Hall, who is acting as tenant-in-charge at Rosewood (Today’s Top of the World – SHS ed.) for Miss Lila Wallace of New York City, made him a call to cheer his loneliness Monday evening.
Egg stories seem to be the prevailing fad just now. Hens lay golden eggs this time of year. Moses Hall’s Rhode Island Reds and White Wyandottes have well earned a place beside the North Sandwich biddies and their rivals in Chocorua. Miss Wallace has housed them well and Mr. Hall knows how to coax them in the most approved fashion. His flock of twenty laid 458 eggs from Dec. 16 to Feb. 6.
A long obituary for Enoch Quimby Marston who passed away February 1, 1904 from a stroke. It recounts his service as a soldier, marching across the Isthmus of Panama, and his long years of service as the doctor in Sandwich. He survived his father Elisha, who built the building that houses the SHS Museum, who died at 101 years old by less than 18 months.
Mr. and Mrs. George S. Hoyt gave a very select dinner party Tuesday evening. (Their house is today’s 189 Wentworth Hill Road) A delightful social occasion was enjoyed the the following menu was served and discussed with due appreciation: Oysters on the half shell; Mock Turtle soup; Triscuit crackers; California celery; Columbia River boiled salmon, beech meal sauce; Delmonico potatoes; green peas; Young Chicken a la Maryland, Creole sauce; mashed potatoes; Florida lettuce, French dressing; Lobster in shell, mayonnaise dressing; Queen olives; wild cherry meringue; Florida strawberries, vanilla ice cream; assorted cakes; mixed nuts; layer raisins; Lowney’s bon-bons; followed by French favors containing each a number which drew some prize, from an automobile to a tin whistle. These gave much amusement. Mrs. Hoyt was assisted by Mr. Will Cook, caterer.
They say that the above paragraph is the first chapter of a continued story. The scene of the second chapter is in the drifts between the house of feasting and the Center. The actors are a horse bewildered by the storm and the uncertain footing in the drifts beneath which were growing deeper every minute, and three half exhausted men trying to shovel their way home. Time, somewhere in the vicinity of midnight. The sleigh would persist in summersaults and the wind acted as if it didn’t care. Chapter III shows a midnight attempt in the other direction. Sleigh dash smashed, shafts ditto; drifts all there. Chapter IV. A midnight journey with ox-sled to relieve an overcrowded Wanderers’ Home. Chapter V. Two matrons just could not resist the temptation to stay where Florida strawberries grow, no matter what becomes of their snow-bound husbands in the frozen North. Chapter VI. A telephone call from the Wanderers’ Home, “Hello, is that you? Seen anything of Ed! He left here an hour and a half ago.” Time, Wednesday forenoon. Ed is found, his icy arms encircling a friendly tree down the road. They say it took two hours and a half hours to bring him to. Chapter VII. Joyous home-coming of the Wanderers. Broken family circles reunited. Time, Thursday afternoon. Chapter VIII. The matron of the Wanderers’ Home declares that she will not date her next dinner party in the middle of a blizzard. And they lived happily ever after.
JANUARY
January 7, 1886: About time to be laying in your supply of ice for the summer season.
Chas. Foss tapped some maple trees during the warm days of this month. The sap ran as fast as it generally does in the spring.
North Sandwich Scraps: There has been considerable going on in the North recently. Last Monday the selectmen were called to one J.T. B who had some 17 casks of cider in the cellar and was in consequence making himself troublesome and abusive as usual. The cider was seized on an execution, and removed from his premises, and preliminary arrangements made to give him a quiet home for a while in the near future unless he does better.
January 2, 1890: Tom Wadleigh of Meredith had his (logging) boom broken by the wind last Thursday night and about 750,000 feet of lumber was scattered nearly all over Lake Winnipesaukee.
All of the butter made by the Sandwich Creamery for the next year has been engaged to Geo. L. Clark or Worcester, Mass. for the use of the Asylum of which he has charge. It takes about 100 pounds per day to supply them.
January 16, 1890
North Sandwich Scraps: Our usually quiet community was startled Saturday morning by learning that the store of Alvah Webster (This was what we refer to as the North Sandwich Store at the corner of Maple Ridge Road and North Sandwich Road -SHS ed.) had been entered the night before by burglars and all the money in the money drawers taken. Mr. Webster estimates his loss between twenty and thirty dollars, all cash. Certain parties are suspected. The entrance to the store was effected by removing a pane of glass from the office window and then removing the fastenings of the window, the way was clear, We trust the guilty parties may be apprehended.
January 11, 1894: Ed. Downs and wife are rejoicing over the advent of a 9 3-4 pound daughter which appeared on the scene of action last Thursday. Ed. says if he cannot raise up a son he has a good prospect of some sons-in-law in the future.
Leverett Felch carried into a warm room a sort of cane which he had picked up in his mill. (Weed’s Mills -SHS ed.) After a short time a beautiful butterfly emerged from her winter quarters. Leverett thinks he shall try and keep it alive, if possible.
January 7, 1897
An Advertisement: Miss Adams is prepared to teach in Latin Caesar, Cicero, Virgil and Ovid. The Roman method of pronunciation taught. German to include Goethe, Schiller and Heine’s poems. Advanced French - Greek and Roman History - Physical and Ancient Geography, and Higher mathematics.
Testimonials from distinguished people.
Miss I. Adams
Centre Sandwich,
New Hampshire
January 21, 1897: Thermometer 40 degrees above Monday morning, 10 degrees below Tuesday morning - and this is a temperate climate.
The long look for snow is at hand and we go to press in quite a heavy snow storm, which will make the loggers and lumbermen rejoice.
Tuesday and Wednesday were extremely cold and disagreeable days to be out in, the thermometer ranging from 12 to 14 degrees below zero both days.
January 5, 1899: Paul Wentworth, F.O. Mason, H.W. Blanchard, A. M. Graves, C.H. Foss F.E. Tilton and Aquila Adams have put in their ice the past week. It was 14 inches thick.
Chas. Foss tapped some maple trees during the warm days of this month. The sap ran as fast as it generally does in the spring.
North Sandwich Scraps: There has been considerable going on in the North recently. Last Monday the selectmen were called to one J.T. B who had some 17 casks of cider in the cellar and was in consequence making himself troublesome and abusive as usual. The cider was seized on an execution, and removed from his premises, and preliminary arrangements made to give him a quiet home for a while in the near future unless he does better.
January 2, 1890: Tom Wadleigh of Meredith had his (logging) boom broken by the wind last Thursday night and about 750,000 feet of lumber was scattered nearly all over Lake Winnipesaukee.
All of the butter made by the Sandwich Creamery for the next year has been engaged to Geo. L. Clark or Worcester, Mass. for the use of the Asylum of which he has charge. It takes about 100 pounds per day to supply them.
January 16, 1890
North Sandwich Scraps: Our usually quiet community was startled Saturday morning by learning that the store of Alvah Webster (This was what we refer to as the North Sandwich Store at the corner of Maple Ridge Road and North Sandwich Road -SHS ed.) had been entered the night before by burglars and all the money in the money drawers taken. Mr. Webster estimates his loss between twenty and thirty dollars, all cash. Certain parties are suspected. The entrance to the store was effected by removing a pane of glass from the office window and then removing the fastenings of the window, the way was clear, We trust the guilty parties may be apprehended.
January 11, 1894: Ed. Downs and wife are rejoicing over the advent of a 9 3-4 pound daughter which appeared on the scene of action last Thursday. Ed. says if he cannot raise up a son he has a good prospect of some sons-in-law in the future.
Leverett Felch carried into a warm room a sort of cane which he had picked up in his mill. (Weed’s Mills -SHS ed.) After a short time a beautiful butterfly emerged from her winter quarters. Leverett thinks he shall try and keep it alive, if possible.
January 7, 1897
An Advertisement: Miss Adams is prepared to teach in Latin Caesar, Cicero, Virgil and Ovid. The Roman method of pronunciation taught. German to include Goethe, Schiller and Heine’s poems. Advanced French - Greek and Roman History - Physical and Ancient Geography, and Higher mathematics.
Testimonials from distinguished people.
Miss I. Adams
Centre Sandwich,
New Hampshire
January 21, 1897: Thermometer 40 degrees above Monday morning, 10 degrees below Tuesday morning - and this is a temperate climate.
The long look for snow is at hand and we go to press in quite a heavy snow storm, which will make the loggers and lumbermen rejoice.
Tuesday and Wednesday were extremely cold and disagreeable days to be out in, the thermometer ranging from 12 to 14 degrees below zero both days.
January 5, 1899: Paul Wentworth, F.O. Mason, H.W. Blanchard, A. M. Graves, C.H. Foss F.E. Tilton and Aquila Adams have put in their ice the past week. It was 14 inches thick.
A Look Back...
Society Friends and Members:
Barbara Pries, who writes the monthly feature on "Sandwich Happening from the Past" .... from our collection of the Sandwich Reporter, has written an interesting piece on the influenza outbreak over one hundred years ago. And now......a look into our past.... (thank you Barbara!!)
The Influenza of 1918-1919 in Sandwich, NH
Notes from The Sandwich Reporter
Commonly, though inaccurately, referred to as the Spanish Flu, the influenza outbreak of 1918 and 1919 was a lethal outbreak of the H1N1 virus. A thorough article in the Sandwich Historical Society's 91st Excursion, written by D. Bruce Montgomery, gives a good summary of the virus and its effects. The following are some excerpts from The Sandwich Reporter during that time period. The first Reporter references to the influenza were to Camp Devens enlistees in May of 1918. There was a quick change of tone from preparing for the Sandwich Fair and the Grange fair in September, then October 10th had a headline for how to prepare for the raging influenza, including not being in groups of more than ten people at a time, as well as a list of students sent home from private schools, and the known sick. Then, in November, it was back to business as usual. The Excursion article lists 13 confirmed influenza deaths in Sandwich in 1918. Other Reporter article references are included here to help give a feeling of the year of war and changing technology - due to length, most references are summarized.
January 1918
Horse races were held at Dinsmore Pond, the Gateway to Sandwich Notch.
The Sandwich owned phone company joined the regional Carroll County Phone Company.
February 1918
Henry Ford vacated a block of office and manufacturing space on Pennsylvania Ave in DC, turning it into government office space in the course of a week.
April 1918
Congress has passed the Sedition Bill which makes it a crime to criticize the President and any member of his cabinet, but one can say any old thing about any member of Congress.
May 1918
From about 30,000 soldiers at Camp Devens, the 1,000 bed hospital was filled. There was separately a two week quarantine for all new enlistees due to influenza risk. The writer said the 'boys' here are cheerful and have learned to live in difficult circumstances. The writer was 'inspired' by some lectures, including "The Cure for Un-Americanism".
June 1918
Pine Blister Rust lecture in Conway.
August 1918
Complaints that the federal government had insisted farmers plant more wheat for military use, and that labor would be sent to plant and harvest. The help was sent for planting, then called back, leaving too much for the farmers to harvest themselves, so they will not be paid, regular crops weren't grown, and the soldiers will not have the wheat.
September 1918
The Employment Service will start recruiting women for manufacturing and other jobs held by men, so the men can be called to war without losing business.
One of our summer residents, Miss Mabel Sturgis of Manchester, Mass, has recently shown her appreciation of our town by making a gift of War Savings Stamps to the value of $100. The stamps have been filed with the Trustees of the Trust Funds and at its maturity are to be used for schools if needed, if not, for roads. Miss Sturgis is now in France doing refugee work.
Planning is in progress for the Grange fair and Sandwich Fairs in October, readers reminded to get their exhibit contributions ready.
October 3
Work was done on the bushes of the fair grounds to prepare it.
The Plymouth Fair was ordered closed.
David Peaslee claims to have dug one hundred potatoes out of one hill.
Cupid has been quite busy at North Sandwich of late with good results. We had much rather hear of this than of the Spanish plague which brings fear and unrest.
On account of the prevailing epidemic which is raging everywhere, the schools are closed.
October 10
The heartfelt sympathy of this part of Carroll County along with the rest of the state, goes out to stricken Berlin which is suffering, as the Berlin Reporter says, "with the worst plague in its history," refering to the widespread epidemic of the Spanish Influenza.
October 17
Obituary of William V. Hussey ... the news of his death was a thunderbolt from a clear sky. He was married last July 4th to Miss Conner of West Ossipee... On the morning of Aug 27, he left home with a number of Ossipee boys for Camp Devens. While in training at this camp he became a victim of the dreadful epidemic that is sweeping the country."
Two weeks ago, Louis Douglas of South Eaton, who was called to service the latter part of August, was brought to his home here for burial, he having been a victim of the prevailing epidemic.
Miss Bernice Burrows is at home from Laconia High School for a few weeks. The school is closed on account of the epidemic.
There are several new cases of the epidemic in the past week. Among the victims of the disease are: Edward Gilman and family, George Gilman, Raymound Steele and family, Mrs. Katharine Blackey, Mrs. Fred Burrows, Arthur Avery's family, Mrs. Stella Blumburg, Mildred Blanchard and Willam Taylor's family.
Mr. Wilbur Quimby is thought to be gaining a little. Rosalie is now quite sick with the same. We should all be very thankful that this fever that is taking hold upon so many may pass our dwelling.
From DC: The influenza epidemic had had a tendency to delay the program of the sub-committee on Americanization, owing to the compulsory closing of the schools and the order prohibiting gatherings of more than ten persons.
October 10 – A front page ad displayed how to avoid the flue and care for those who have it.
The Board of Health of North Conway has decided to keep the ban on schools, movies, churches and other gatherings for another week.
Red Cross calls on everyone to wear gauze masks around the ill, you can get them from the Red Cross or any doctor for free.
There is so much sickness around town that it would be impossible to give a correct list, but among those who are sick are the following: Lewis D. Garland and family, Stuart and Emily Heard, Walter Burrows, Georgie Gault, Mrs. John Tilton, Mrs. Arthur Corliss, Paul Hanson, Natt Burrows, Mrs. Julia Watson and Miss Cordelia Sherman. Although there are many cases, there are not many seriously sick.
The Library will be closed until Oct. 19, on account of the prevailing epidemic.
Miss Louisa Moulton returned from Unionville, Conn. for a brief stay or until the prevailing epidemic is under control.
October 31
Schools have reopened, summer people who escaped back here are leaving again, and the sick are improving.
In Conway, the influenza is leaving behind a sad record of bereavement.
November 7
Linwood Bickford, youngest son of Mr. ad Mrs. George Bickford died after an illness of a few days with influenza. He was fifteen years old. The body was brought back to Center Sandwich for burial.
November 14
All appeared back to usual in print, with concerts, gatherings, and notes about weather.
Barbara Pries, who writes the monthly feature on "Sandwich Happening from the Past" .... from our collection of the Sandwich Reporter, has written an interesting piece on the influenza outbreak over one hundred years ago. And now......a look into our past.... (thank you Barbara!!)
The Influenza of 1918-1919 in Sandwich, NH
Notes from The Sandwich Reporter
Commonly, though inaccurately, referred to as the Spanish Flu, the influenza outbreak of 1918 and 1919 was a lethal outbreak of the H1N1 virus. A thorough article in the Sandwich Historical Society's 91st Excursion, written by D. Bruce Montgomery, gives a good summary of the virus and its effects. The following are some excerpts from The Sandwich Reporter during that time period. The first Reporter references to the influenza were to Camp Devens enlistees in May of 1918. There was a quick change of tone from preparing for the Sandwich Fair and the Grange fair in September, then October 10th had a headline for how to prepare for the raging influenza, including not being in groups of more than ten people at a time, as well as a list of students sent home from private schools, and the known sick. Then, in November, it was back to business as usual. The Excursion article lists 13 confirmed influenza deaths in Sandwich in 1918. Other Reporter article references are included here to help give a feeling of the year of war and changing technology - due to length, most references are summarized.
January 1918
Horse races were held at Dinsmore Pond, the Gateway to Sandwich Notch.
The Sandwich owned phone company joined the regional Carroll County Phone Company.
February 1918
Henry Ford vacated a block of office and manufacturing space on Pennsylvania Ave in DC, turning it into government office space in the course of a week.
April 1918
Congress has passed the Sedition Bill which makes it a crime to criticize the President and any member of his cabinet, but one can say any old thing about any member of Congress.
May 1918
From about 30,000 soldiers at Camp Devens, the 1,000 bed hospital was filled. There was separately a two week quarantine for all new enlistees due to influenza risk. The writer said the 'boys' here are cheerful and have learned to live in difficult circumstances. The writer was 'inspired' by some lectures, including "The Cure for Un-Americanism".
June 1918
Pine Blister Rust lecture in Conway.
August 1918
Complaints that the federal government had insisted farmers plant more wheat for military use, and that labor would be sent to plant and harvest. The help was sent for planting, then called back, leaving too much for the farmers to harvest themselves, so they will not be paid, regular crops weren't grown, and the soldiers will not have the wheat.
September 1918
The Employment Service will start recruiting women for manufacturing and other jobs held by men, so the men can be called to war without losing business.
One of our summer residents, Miss Mabel Sturgis of Manchester, Mass, has recently shown her appreciation of our town by making a gift of War Savings Stamps to the value of $100. The stamps have been filed with the Trustees of the Trust Funds and at its maturity are to be used for schools if needed, if not, for roads. Miss Sturgis is now in France doing refugee work.
Planning is in progress for the Grange fair and Sandwich Fairs in October, readers reminded to get their exhibit contributions ready.
October 3
Work was done on the bushes of the fair grounds to prepare it.
The Plymouth Fair was ordered closed.
David Peaslee claims to have dug one hundred potatoes out of one hill.
Cupid has been quite busy at North Sandwich of late with good results. We had much rather hear of this than of the Spanish plague which brings fear and unrest.
On account of the prevailing epidemic which is raging everywhere, the schools are closed.
October 10
The heartfelt sympathy of this part of Carroll County along with the rest of the state, goes out to stricken Berlin which is suffering, as the Berlin Reporter says, "with the worst plague in its history," refering to the widespread epidemic of the Spanish Influenza.
October 17
Obituary of William V. Hussey ... the news of his death was a thunderbolt from a clear sky. He was married last July 4th to Miss Conner of West Ossipee... On the morning of Aug 27, he left home with a number of Ossipee boys for Camp Devens. While in training at this camp he became a victim of the dreadful epidemic that is sweeping the country."
Two weeks ago, Louis Douglas of South Eaton, who was called to service the latter part of August, was brought to his home here for burial, he having been a victim of the prevailing epidemic.
Miss Bernice Burrows is at home from Laconia High School for a few weeks. The school is closed on account of the epidemic.
There are several new cases of the epidemic in the past week. Among the victims of the disease are: Edward Gilman and family, George Gilman, Raymound Steele and family, Mrs. Katharine Blackey, Mrs. Fred Burrows, Arthur Avery's family, Mrs. Stella Blumburg, Mildred Blanchard and Willam Taylor's family.
Mr. Wilbur Quimby is thought to be gaining a little. Rosalie is now quite sick with the same. We should all be very thankful that this fever that is taking hold upon so many may pass our dwelling.
From DC: The influenza epidemic had had a tendency to delay the program of the sub-committee on Americanization, owing to the compulsory closing of the schools and the order prohibiting gatherings of more than ten persons.
October 10 – A front page ad displayed how to avoid the flue and care for those who have it.
The Board of Health of North Conway has decided to keep the ban on schools, movies, churches and other gatherings for another week.
Red Cross calls on everyone to wear gauze masks around the ill, you can get them from the Red Cross or any doctor for free.
There is so much sickness around town that it would be impossible to give a correct list, but among those who are sick are the following: Lewis D. Garland and family, Stuart and Emily Heard, Walter Burrows, Georgie Gault, Mrs. John Tilton, Mrs. Arthur Corliss, Paul Hanson, Natt Burrows, Mrs. Julia Watson and Miss Cordelia Sherman. Although there are many cases, there are not many seriously sick.
The Library will be closed until Oct. 19, on account of the prevailing epidemic.
Miss Louisa Moulton returned from Unionville, Conn. for a brief stay or until the prevailing epidemic is under control.
October 31
Schools have reopened, summer people who escaped back here are leaving again, and the sick are improving.
In Conway, the influenza is leaving behind a sad record of bereavement.
November 7
Linwood Bickford, youngest son of Mr. ad Mrs. George Bickford died after an illness of a few days with influenza. He was fifteen years old. The body was brought back to Center Sandwich for burial.
November 14
All appeared back to usual in print, with concerts, gatherings, and notes about weather.
Where is it?
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