Newsletters
Spring 2022 Newsletter
Society News
Our new Wakefield-Brookfield Historical Society Facebook page is up and live! Please follow, like, comment and share with the community to raise our visibility. Thank you!
Last meeting of the year on October 8, 2024 at The Brookfield Town House. Click on Meeting Information Tab for 2024 Meeting Topics.
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2024 End of Year Presentation New Hampshire
Humanities Presenter Adair Mulligan A Walk Back in Time: The Secrets of Cellar Holes Involved in her town of Lyme, NH for many years, Adair Mulligan has studied cellar holes and created a detailed approach to their cataloging and preservation as archaeological artifacts. While the state of New Hampshire was 85% deforested 150 years ago, that same area is now reforested making the discovery of cellar holes more difficult. Using dated maps, LiDAR and local history, finding stone walls and enclosures has been made easier. An interesting theory was proved when it was discovered that buildings were more apt to be placed below hilltops or ridges so that the higher areas could serve as windbreaks and that homes faced south and southeast for heating efficiency. The presentation offered a window back in time while at the same time bringing forward the lives of the people who occupied these now abandoned sites. As is our custom, at the end of the meeting refreshments were served, questions asked, and a lively social time closed the evening. We would like to thank everyone for a wonderful 2024 season! We wish everyone a happy winter, and look forward to 2025. |
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Hope to find more information from the membership and wider community about who donated the Henry F. Miller piano to the society. Currently unable to locate any record in our files. Use the Contact page, or text the board members. |
The Wakefield-Brookfield Historical Society Receives
New Hampshire Humanities Grant
The WBHS has received a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities program "New Hampshire's One-Room Rural Schools: The Romance and the Reality." This eye-opening presentation will be held on Tuesday, September 17 starting at 7:00PM in the Community Room of the Gafney Library, 14High Street in Sanbornville.
Stephen Taylor will discuss the hundreds of one-room schools that dotted the landscape of New Hampshire a century ago and were the backbone of primary education for generations of children. Despite being revered in history, they were beset with problems, some of which still exist today. Since the Society owns one of these one-room schoolhouses, from 1858, and there are several others in the towns of Wakefield and Brookfield, this topic will be of great interest to members of our communities.
#NHHumanities
http://facebook.com/newhampshirehumanities
New Hampshire Humanities Grant
The WBHS has received a grant from the New Hampshire Humanities program "New Hampshire's One-Room Rural Schools: The Romance and the Reality." This eye-opening presentation will be held on Tuesday, September 17 starting at 7:00PM in the Community Room of the Gafney Library, 14High Street in Sanbornville.
Stephen Taylor will discuss the hundreds of one-room schools that dotted the landscape of New Hampshire a century ago and were the backbone of primary education for generations of children. Despite being revered in history, they were beset with problems, some of which still exist today. Since the Society owns one of these one-room schoolhouses, from 1858, and there are several others in the towns of Wakefield and Brookfield, this topic will be of great interest to members of our communities.
#NHHumanities
http://facebook.com/newhampshirehumanities
WBHS Annual Meeting August 14, 2024
After the business portions of the meeting and the re-election of the Executive Board, a surprise presentation was given on "Inscribed Block Quilts" by Pam Weeks from the New England Quilt Museum. WBHS recently acquired the Wakefield "Inscribed Block Quilt" (also known as a "Pot Holder Quilt"). It was made, assembled, and signed by many local Wakefield women, Made in 1899/1900, this quilt was perhaps made for either a fundraiser, or to give to an exceptional person for their service to the Wakefield Congregational church. The quilt has traveled over the decades from England, to Canada, and now is backhome. Thanks to Pam Weeks' passion for this type of quilt, she was able to bring its story to life for those present. Nancy Spenser-Smith was moved to discover that three of her ancestors made four squares. She brought photographs of those relatives to share.
The membership brought in many personal items to "Show and Tell." Bruce and Jen Rich shared an 1865 Conneticut Birdsey quilt that has been preserved in their family. In a serendipitous moment, Bruce discovered that Pam Weeks had appraised the quilt a decade ago! Dr. Bill Marsh brought in a musket replica that he built, and described its parts and how it works all the while sharing about his involvement in historical reenactments. Fred Guldbrandsen read from a booklet of poems written by Theodore Templeton called, "A Window into New Hampshire." Craig Evans brought in a tobacco box that belonged to Josiah Page who arrived in Wakefield in 1773, and also shared two samplers made by distant relatives, Lucy Brigham and Mary Hubbard Brigham. Nancy Spenser-Smith shared a portable powder weighing scale, a Native American gouging-stone artifact, and wooden ice skates,
The membership brought in many personal items to "Show and Tell." Bruce and Jen Rich shared an 1865 Conneticut Birdsey quilt that has been preserved in their family. In a serendipitous moment, Bruce discovered that Pam Weeks had appraised the quilt a decade ago! Dr. Bill Marsh brought in a musket replica that he built, and described its parts and how it works all the while sharing about his involvement in historical reenactments. Fred Guldbrandsen read from a booklet of poems written by Theodore Templeton called, "A Window into New Hampshire." Craig Evans brought in a tobacco box that belonged to Josiah Page who arrived in Wakefield in 1773, and also shared two samplers made by distant relatives, Lucy Brigham and Mary Hubbard Brigham. Nancy Spenser-Smith shared a portable powder weighing scale, a Native American gouging-stone artifact, and wooden ice skates,
The Magic of Shady Nook Hotel and Camps
The interesting historical journey of the Shady Nook Hotel began with Mrs. Davis's vision after the death of her husband. Her son Steve’s vision was implemented when he created “Shady Nook Camps, in the Kingdom of the Pines” on Balch Lake in West Newfield, Maine. Our presenters, Elaine Halberg Hall (pictured, left) and Jane Gammon Smith (pictured, right) are lifelong residents of Shady Nook, and authors of "Shady Nook Camps in the Kingdom of the Pines," a history of this special place. They shared memories, artifacts, and photographs with the audience and entertained with stories and legends of the characters and personalities that made up the community from 1891-1975. They explored the connection between Wakefield and Shady Nook, not only because Balch Lake is a border lake, but because many of the summer residents in the early days came by train to the Burleyville Station where Steve Davis met them and provided a carriage ride out to the property.
The interesting historical journey of the Shady Nook Hotel began with Mrs. Davis's vision after the death of her husband. Her son Steve’s vision was implemented when he created “Shady Nook Camps, in the Kingdom of the Pines” on Balch Lake in West Newfield, Maine. Our presenters, Elaine Halberg Hall (pictured, left) and Jane Gammon Smith (pictured, right) are lifelong residents of Shady Nook, and authors of "Shady Nook Camps in the Kingdom of the Pines," a history of this special place. They shared memories, artifacts, and photographs with the audience and entertained with stories and legends of the characters and personalities that made up the community from 1891-1975. They explored the connection between Wakefield and Shady Nook, not only because Balch Lake is a border lake, but because many of the summer residents in the early days came by train to the Burleyville Station where Steve Davis met them and provided a carriage ride out to the property.
Slideshow Presenting a 3-D scale of the Shady Nook Hotel and surrounding buildings as it was before it burned after being struck by lightening in 1913. Built by Elaine Halberg Hall.
Progress Photos: The Cobbler Shop
Our intrepid contractors, Paul and David Berry, continue to make steady inroads on the building's remediation.
Our intrepid contractors, Paul and David Berry, continue to make steady inroads on the building's remediation.
July pictures. Lots of headway! New shingle roof, buttoning up the side with new clapboard, Hello 4th of July, new vent installation, and backfilled and regraded earth near foundation.
More pictures from toward the end of June.
Water Skiing on Cook's Pond
Last night’s meeting (June 11, 2024) on the glory days of water skiing was presented by Brookfield’s own Trip Newton. He discussed water skiing history on what was then known as Cook’s Pond (later, Kingswood Lake). Long-time residents of Brookfield, John Lee and Wes Warren were the early pioneers to start water skiing back in the 1950s. Their generosity of spirit carried over to helping the children on the lake and from Wakefield to learn how to water ski. Lee and Warren brought the eager kids to slalom water ski tournaments during the summer and even had a local tournament in September called the Frost Bite Open! Wonderful and humorous memories were shared by those gathered about water skiing on Lovell Lake and Great East Lake. Two children in attendance keep the spirit alive water skiing on another local pond.
Last night’s meeting (June 11, 2024) on the glory days of water skiing was presented by Brookfield’s own Trip Newton. He discussed water skiing history on what was then known as Cook’s Pond (later, Kingswood Lake). Long-time residents of Brookfield, John Lee and Wes Warren were the early pioneers to start water skiing back in the 1950s. Their generosity of spirit carried over to helping the children on the lake and from Wakefield to learn how to water ski. Lee and Warren brought the eager kids to slalom water ski tournaments during the summer and even had a local tournament in September called the Frost Bite Open! Wonderful and humorous memories were shared by those gathered about water skiing on Lovell Lake and Great East Lake. Two children in attendance keep the spirit alive water skiing on another local pond.
Cobbler Shop Finds
The Wakefield-Brookfield Historical Society proudly began the 2024 season on Tuesday May 14th. Nancy Spencer-Smith, President, opened with a range of topics surrounding the cobbler shop remediation project slated to start this summer. The building will be lifted so concrete with rebar can be poured, then a new cinder block foundation laid with a 16mil vapor barrier. The above ground foundation will feature similar looking brick to match the school house. Clapboards will be replaced as needed, and repainted. A new shingle roof to match the period style will be put on, and the front door painted red. Once done, all shoe making elements will be properly curated to replicate a vintage working cobbler shop.
In April, the board met to clean out the shop. Almost everything was removed, cleaned, and sanitized. There were many interesting finds. To watch the slide show click the 'More' tab above and then click on 'Meeting Audio and Video'. A video that featured Sobreiro Boots was watched to finish the meeting and conversation followed. The video showed piecing together a boot from pattern to completed boot. In addition, we are pleased to know that they will be happy to help us identify tools, or sit for an interview in the future.
We would like to thank our membership, The McIninch Foundation, and the vonWeber Trust without whom this remediation project could not have been done.
We look forward to seeing you next month to learn about waterskiing on the lakes.
@sobreiroboots
The Wakefield-Brookfield Historical Society proudly began the 2024 season on Tuesday May 14th. Nancy Spencer-Smith, President, opened with a range of topics surrounding the cobbler shop remediation project slated to start this summer. The building will be lifted so concrete with rebar can be poured, then a new cinder block foundation laid with a 16mil vapor barrier. The above ground foundation will feature similar looking brick to match the school house. Clapboards will be replaced as needed, and repainted. A new shingle roof to match the period style will be put on, and the front door painted red. Once done, all shoe making elements will be properly curated to replicate a vintage working cobbler shop.
In April, the board met to clean out the shop. Almost everything was removed, cleaned, and sanitized. There were many interesting finds. To watch the slide show click the 'More' tab above and then click on 'Meeting Audio and Video'. A video that featured Sobreiro Boots was watched to finish the meeting and conversation followed. The video showed piecing together a boot from pattern to completed boot. In addition, we are pleased to know that they will be happy to help us identify tools, or sit for an interview in the future.
We would like to thank our membership, The McIninch Foundation, and the vonWeber Trust without whom this remediation project could not have been done.
We look forward to seeing you next month to learn about waterskiing on the lakes.
@sobreiroboots
Brookfield Town House 200 Years of History Celebrated
Marilou MacLean was the guest speaker who guided us through the interesting history of Brookfield's Town House. The first town meeting was held there in 1823 and every year since, except during the covid pandemic. Historic preservation to the building is on-going. All the windows were repaired and reglazed, and the plaster repaired. Looking forward, the original stencils will be repainted and floors redone. Following her talk, we celebrated with the membership and surrounding community, the end of the WBHS year with a custom cake, ice cream social, and cider.
September's Meeting on "Winter Gardening"
Speakers Jean Adams and FrankFrazier discussed the work and expense of hydroponic gardens, and how to cut shoots from tomato plants to keep over the winter months.
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August "Show & Tell"
August's Annual Meeting members voted in two new officers: Susan Raban, Director (one-year to complete the late Patricia Golden's term) and Amber Marcoux, Assistant Treasurer for a two year term.
Following the meeting, the membership shared their precious objects. The following pictures are a representative sample. From top left to right: a 1906 Postcard book, a medical leather hearing aid device, and a plate from the B&M railroad restaurant. Second row from left to right: a leather box made in Kenny Bunk shoe shop in Milton, a collection of butter churns, and a patent for a metal frog lamp (in background). Third row left to right: a handmade Shaker doll from Canterbury (a family member was a Sister there), and a blood letting instrument from a barber's shop, and for fun a member's guinea pig. A lively discussion about the objects was had and members were eager to see each object up close.
Following the meeting, the membership shared their precious objects. The following pictures are a representative sample. From top left to right: a 1906 Postcard book, a medical leather hearing aid device, and a plate from the B&M railroad restaurant. Second row from left to right: a leather box made in Kenny Bunk shoe shop in Milton, a collection of butter churns, and a patent for a metal frog lamp (in background). Third row left to right: a handmade Shaker doll from Canterbury (a family member was a Sister there), and a blood letting instrument from a barber's shop, and for fun a member's guinea pig. A lively discussion about the objects was had and members were eager to see each object up close.
"A SPLASH FROM THE PAST"
WAKEFIELD-BROOKFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
From the beginning, Wakefield and Brookfield's lakes, their tributaries and outflows have been of vital importance. They provided food, needed water for farming, power for industries such as mills and ice harvesting, and a draw for vacationers. On Tuesday, July 11 Jon Balanoff and Jim Schimansky from AWWA (Acton-Wakefield Watersheds Alliance) will take us on a journey from the historic roles of the area lakes, starting in 1823, to the importance of the lakes today and in the future. They will share with us the necessity of keeping the watersheds and lakes healthy for the benefit of all in the community. There are even more threats to these beautiful resources which we all need to be aware of. After all, the lake real estate is the backbone of the area's tax base and that affects everyone.
AWWA has an impressive record of working in the local waters to improve water quality, to help avoid invasive species from taking a destructive hold, and educating people on what endangers our lakes. They run a Youth Conservation Corp which works with land owners to control erosion in order to preserve water quality. In addition, they provided middle school science programs for 6th and 7th graders so that the next generation will be aware of the issues facing the lakes going forward.
This entertaining and informative program will be held at the "Little Red School House", 2581 Wakefield Road in the Historic District of Wakefield, starting at 7:00PM. After the program there will be a social time with snacks where you will have an opportunity to speak personally with Jon and Jim. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information and directions, call Jennifer at 603-522-6713.
WAKEFIELD-BROOKFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
From the beginning, Wakefield and Brookfield's lakes, their tributaries and outflows have been of vital importance. They provided food, needed water for farming, power for industries such as mills and ice harvesting, and a draw for vacationers. On Tuesday, July 11 Jon Balanoff and Jim Schimansky from AWWA (Acton-Wakefield Watersheds Alliance) will take us on a journey from the historic roles of the area lakes, starting in 1823, to the importance of the lakes today and in the future. They will share with us the necessity of keeping the watersheds and lakes healthy for the benefit of all in the community. There are even more threats to these beautiful resources which we all need to be aware of. After all, the lake real estate is the backbone of the area's tax base and that affects everyone.
AWWA has an impressive record of working in the local waters to improve water quality, to help avoid invasive species from taking a destructive hold, and educating people on what endangers our lakes. They run a Youth Conservation Corp which works with land owners to control erosion in order to preserve water quality. In addition, they provided middle school science programs for 6th and 7th graders so that the next generation will be aware of the issues facing the lakes going forward.
This entertaining and informative program will be held at the "Little Red School House", 2581 Wakefield Road in the Historic District of Wakefield, starting at 7:00PM. After the program there will be a social time with snacks where you will have an opportunity to speak personally with Jon and Jim. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information and directions, call Jennifer at 603-522-6713.
A Quilter's Journey
Talk given by Susan Raban
June 13, 2023
June 14, 2023
Susan Raban, of Brookfield,NH, gave a talk about her 40-year life journey to become a master quilter. She brought with her a dozen quilts to show all the various designs she’s made over the years, the stories behind each quilt, quilting patterns and techniques, her best tips learned along the way, and historical quilts. Many friends from the quilting community joined our gathering and leant their perspectives as well. The meeting was well attended. The beauty of the quilts was breath taking.
Susan Raban, of Brookfield,NH, gave a talk about her 40-year life journey to become a master quilter. She brought with her a dozen quilts to show all the various designs she’s made over the years, the stories behind each quilt, quilting patterns and techniques, her best tips learned along the way, and historical quilts. Many friends from the quilting community joined our gathering and leant their perspectives as well. The meeting was well attended. The beauty of the quilts was breath taking.
May 24, 2023
Our LOI (Letter of Intent) has been approved for submission for a Great Application to LCHIP. The application is due at the end of June.
Our June meeting speaker is Susan Raban, of Brookfield, NH. She has been quilting for over 40 years. She, along with her friend and partner, Anne Gallo of Chelmsford, MA owned and operated "Yankee Quilts". They offered quilting classes and lectures throughout Europe, the Cayman Islands and all over the United States. Their quilts have been featured in the following magazines: Architectural Digest, Country Home, For the Love of Quilting Today. In 2012 they were asked to curate a show of 32 of their quilts at the Vermont Quilt Festival and recently provided two 'Artist's Demonstrations at the Museum of Fine Art, in Boston, MA. Susan is one of the founding members of The New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA and has served as Director and as a member of Board of Directors for over 23 years. Recently retired, Susan continues to create quilts for family, friends and charities. Susan is a member of the Brookfield, NH Heritage Commission which is celebrating 200 years of town meetings at the Brookfield Town House. She also serves as a Supervisor of the Checklist and Assistant to the Deputy Assessor.
May 9, 2023
Our kick-off meeting was a wonderful event to reconnect with old friends and new. The board explained all the activities that happened over the winter to get WBHS and its buildings secure for the future. Grants have been, and will be written, to start the building rehabilitation process. First up will be The Cobbler Shop. Next, an LCHIP application will be started in June in hope of being granted money to remediate the foundation of the school house in 2024.
Many ideas were floated to take into consideration about fundraising opportunities WBHS could utilize to match any grant given. The board thanks the members for their input and enthusiasm.
The Rancourts closed out our kick-off meeting with Old Time music that was enjoyed by all. Francis "Franco" Rancourt sang and played the slide guitar, her husband, John, played guitar and mandolin, and our own board member Fred Guldbrandsen, played harmonica.
We would like to welcome our new members, and we are glad you're here. Exciting things are happening at WBHS!
Our kick-off meeting was a wonderful event to reconnect with old friends and new. The board explained all the activities that happened over the winter to get WBHS and its buildings secure for the future. Grants have been, and will be written, to start the building rehabilitation process. First up will be The Cobbler Shop. Next, an LCHIP application will be started in June in hope of being granted money to remediate the foundation of the school house in 2024.
Many ideas were floated to take into consideration about fundraising opportunities WBHS could utilize to match any grant given. The board thanks the members for their input and enthusiasm.
The Rancourts closed out our kick-off meeting with Old Time music that was enjoyed by all. Francis "Franco" Rancourt sang and played the slide guitar, her husband, John, played guitar and mandolin, and our own board member Fred Guldbrandsen, played harmonica.
We would like to welcome our new members, and we are glad you're here. Exciting things are happening at WBHS!
May 1, 2023
The Executive Board would like to welcome and introduce to you our two newest board members: Susan Raban and Amber Marcoux.
Susan is a professional quilter who has taught all over the US and Europe. She and a partner owned Yankee Quilts. She also has curating experience, and is a founding member of The New England Quilt Museum. She serves the Brookfield community through two other posts.
Amber Marcoux has deep ties to Wakefield through her grandparents Lois and Schuyler (Forrest) Pike's 200 acre farm in Wakefield Village. Her grandmother Lois was a former Postmistress in the post office building across the street from the schoolhouse. Her great-aunt Violet was the school teacher at The Little Red Schoolhouse. Amber has worked in real estate and as an office comptroller. Currently, she serves Wakefield as the Welfare Director.
The Executive Board would like to welcome and introduce to you our two newest board members: Susan Raban and Amber Marcoux.
Susan is a professional quilter who has taught all over the US and Europe. She and a partner owned Yankee Quilts. She also has curating experience, and is a founding member of The New England Quilt Museum. She serves the Brookfield community through two other posts.
Amber Marcoux has deep ties to Wakefield through her grandparents Lois and Schuyler (Forrest) Pike's 200 acre farm in Wakefield Village. Her grandmother Lois was a former Postmistress in the post office building across the street from the schoolhouse. Her great-aunt Violet was the school teacher at The Little Red Schoolhouse. Amber has worked in real estate and as an office comptroller. Currently, she serves Wakefield as the Welfare Director.
April 17, 2023
President Nancy Spencer-Smith and VP Kate Niewenhous attended the LCHIP webinar to learn how to navigate their site for writing out a Letter of Intent (LOI), and the application for funding later on this summer, and hoping for positive results to work toward rehabilitation of WBHS buildings.
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1893 Brookfield Album Quilt on Display
The Wakefield-Brookfield Historical Society is the recent recipient of an 1893 Brookfield Album Quilt, which has passed down through four generations of the Amasa Cate family. The large summer quilt, in the “Pineapple” pattern, has over 100 names of Brookfield residents from the period. The quilt will be on display on Tuesday, March 8th, Town Voting Day, in the Town Office building during voting hours of 1 to 6 pm for those who wish to see it. Also on display will be the original Town Pewter measures, bought by the town in the early 19th century and our recently professionally conserved Town Record Book #8. |
Tom Venditudi of Puddleby on the Hill in Acton, Maine was a guest speaker. He has a large collection of paintings done by artists of the world-famous Mt. Washington School of Art movement. He showed three paintings – one by Benjamin Champney (1817-1907) representing the beginning of this artistic movement and two by William Paskell (1866-1951) representing the end of it.
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Dick Peckham of Brookfield presented a gift to the Society of a box of cobbler’s tools and accessories. They were obtained many years ago by Dick from a barn in Putnam, Connecticut.
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Address: 2851 Wakefield Road - P.O. Box 795
Sanbornville, NH 03872-0795 |
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