Fresh Cookies, Good Faith, and a Little Red Stand
By Alyson Short
There’s a little red stand on Route 16 in Ossipee that you might have already noticed — or maybe you’ve heard about it from a friend, spotted it on New Hampshire Chronicle, or seen a note about it in a local Facebook group. If you haven’t found it yet, consider this your introduction. And if you have, you already know what all the fuss is about.
Stone House Cookies is the brainchild of Larkin Conroy, a maker, artist, and lifelong baker who relocated from Rhode Island in 2024 after falling in love with a particular property on Route 16 — the Stone House, a striking landmark built in 1848 by an English immigrant named Robinson Bertwell, who constructed it himself using stones cut from boulders found right on the property. Larkin and her husband Sean Flannagan had been living in Rhode Island when they spotted the house for sale online. They came up to take a look, and somewhere between the stone walls and the mountain air, a plan started taking shape.
“During that trip I noticed numerous roadside stands selling things like pickles, jams, and bread on the honor system,” Larkin recalls. “I hadn’t seen that before in Southern New England. I started researching and learned that New Hampshire had very friendly laws for cottage bakery operations.” By the time they closed on the house that fall, Larkin had already decided: if they got the house, she was opening a cookie
stand. Her uncle visited the very first weekend and built the stand with reclaimed wood — including a shelf held up by feet rescued from an antique chair. They stained it a deep, distinctive red — International Orange, to be precise, the same color as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, where Larkin once lived.
The stand opened in the fall of 2024. Larkin posted about it in an Ossipee Facebook group on opening day, and her first customers showed up twenty minutes later. “The community seemed ready for it,” she says, with characteristic understatement.
What makes Stone House Cookies tick isn’t just the cookies themselves (though we’ll get to those). It’s the way the whole operation runs: entirely on the honor system. You pull off Route
16 into a little parking spot beside the stand, choose your cookies, leave your money — cash or Venmo — and go. That spirit of trust is a big part of why Larkin and Sean chose New Hampshire in the first place. They were drawn, as the saying goes, by the natural beauty and the freedom-loving values — but also by something harder to quantify: the sense that people here extend good faith to their neighbors as a matter of course. For Larkin, the honor system stand wasn’t a gamble, it was a natural expression of the place she’d chosen to call home. And it’s paid off in ways she didn’t expect. Opening the stand turned out to be one of the best ways to get to know the community after moving in as newcomers. Regulars have become familiar faces; neighbors have stopped to share stories about the Stone
House’s long history on Route 16. “It was a cool way to meet our neighbors when we first moved in and were new to the community,” she says. “People are good and trustworthy.”
For Larkin, this wasn’t a leap of faith so much as a feature of the place she’d chosen to call home. “One of the things we like about New Hampshire is it’s a pretty high-trust environment,” she says. “People do things like leave their car running when they go into the store — unheard of where I’m from.” She sees the honor system as part of what makes the stand special, a kind of social experiment that keeps proving people right. And the numbers, she says, have been remarkable. On the “pay what you can (even if it’s nothing)” days she occasionally holds, she often ends up making more than she would have charged outright.
The goodwill doesn’t stop at the cash box. Larkin has collected hundreds of thank-you notes and drawings left by customers on the bulletin board inside the stand. She keeps every single one. “It’s people’s great feedback that keeps me going,” she says. Families from Ohio, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New York, Germany, and England have all left notes — travelers heading north into the White Mountains or south toward the airport, pulled over by a little red stand flying an “open” flag. One customer even turned up inside the house. “This location has been • Cookies continued on page 4
Rochester Chamber Offers Free Business Mentoring Sessions with SCORE
Whether you’re starting a business, growing an existing one, or navigating a challenge, having access to experienced guidance can make all the difference. That’s why the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with SCORE to bring free, oneon-one business mentoring directly to the community.
SCORE is a national network of experienced business professionals who volunteer their time to help entrepreneurs succeed—offering practical advice on everything from business planning and marketing to finance and operations.
These sessions are designed to give you direct access to knowledgeable mentors who understand the real-world challenges of running a business. Whether you have a specific question or need broader strategic guidance, you’ll leave with actionable next steps and fresh perspective.
Mentoring is available for businesses at any stage, from early ideas to established operations, and can help you gain clarity, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate your progress.
The Chamber is pleased to offer these sessions with experienced SCORE mentors Scott Shepard and Cullen
O’Brien. How It Works:
• Three individual 30-minute sessions are available during each mentoring block (first-come, firstserved)
• Sessions are confidential, oneon-one, and tailored to your needs
• Open to both Chamber members and the broader business community
Schedule
• Beginning in June: Every third Thursday | 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Why Participate?
Business owners who engage in mentoring often see stronger growth, improved decision-making, and greater confidence in their next steps. SCORE mentors serve as trusted advisors— helping you think strategically while providing practical, experience-based insight.
Space is limited to ensure each participant receives focused attention. Take advantage of this valuable, nocost resource and schedule your session today.
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Witch LLC
Cookies continued from page 3
a store in previous decades,” Larkin explains cheerfully, “so one time I came out of the shower to find a confused customer in the house, which was a little shocking — but it wasn’t a big deal.” She laughs it off the way someone does when the evidence of community goodwill far outweighs the occasional quirk.
Now, about those cookies! Larkin has been baking cookies with devotion — her words — since the third grade. When she was a waitress she would make special birthday cakes for coworkers. She describes herself as an avid cook who spends a lot of time tinkering in the kitchen. It shows.
The core lineup at Stone House Cookies reads like a greatest-hits collection of the American cookie canon: Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin, Molasses, and the Caramel Chocolate — a soft, chewy chocolate cookie made with rich Ghirardelli cocoa, wrapped around a hidden caramel center, rolled in sugar. That last one is a recipe Larkin was known for among friends long before the stand existed. “It was a hit among friends and family,” she says.
kitchen is small, which partly determines how much she can make — and on busy days, Larkin posts updates to Facebook as she restocks throughout the day, because yes, there is apparently a “cookie bandit” who has been known to buy out the stand entirely. “I try to keep up,” she says.
Stone House Cookies is, at its heart, a one-woman show. Larkin does the baking, the restocking, the customer service, the community engagement. Her husband Sean contributes with the website and logo and labels. But the stand itself — the daily rhythm of fresh batches going into and coming out of a modest home oven is all Larkin.
She’s been making and selling things for over two decades, including hand-embroidered wearable art that she sells online and at craft markets around New England. The cookie stand, she says, is a natural extension of that life as a maker, “but more simple and direct. I can make things and sell them that same day from my driveway.”
The Chocolate Chip is a best-seller, and the lineup has grown. A peanut butter cookie has fast become a staple — popular enough that the mother of one regular asked Larkin to bake a large birthday-cake version of it for her son’s birthday. A birthday cake cookie has joined the rotation too, and each week brings a new special. Lately Larkin has been making a raspberry crumble cookie using jam from Schartner Farms’ stand in North Conway, and she’s looking to incorporate more local offerings from other stands and producers around the region. It’s a natural fit for someone who’s always been drawn to the handmade and the hyperlocal.
Everything is baked fresh daily. The
She hopes that when someone pulls over and finds the stand, they feel like they’ve stumbled onto something special. “A kind of secret they’re being let in on,” she says. “A little business with a good personality, and high-quality cookies that are better than what you can get at the store.” Given the notes from Germany, the cookie bandit who keeps cleaning her out, and the regulars who stop multiple times in a single day – her hopes have been realized.
Stone House Cookies is at 985 Route 16 in Ossipee. If the “open” flag is flying, there are cookies waiting — baked that morning, sold on trust, made by someone who genuinely loves what she does. Check the Facebook page or website before making a long trip, especially on busy days. And leave a note on the bulletin board while you’re there; Larkin keeps every one. Stone House Cookies can be found online at stonehousecookies.com, via email at hello@stonehousecookies. com, and on Facebook and Instagram.
Prescott Park Arts Festival Announces June through Mid-July Lineup
Prescott Park Arts Festival, the beloved independent arts nonprofit at the heart of Portsmouth’s cultural life, is proud to announce the first wave of performances for its 2026 River House Restaurant Concert Series. Taking place on the iconic Wilcox Main Stage in Prescott Park along the scenic Piscataqua River, this season’s lineup brings an extraordinary range of talent to one of New England’s most stunning outdoor stages, from rising stars to beloved fan favorites.
The Concert Series is made possible in part through the generous support of longtime sponsor, The River House Restaurant.
“Being the Title Sponsor of the River House Restaurant Concert Series has been a privilege for the Labrie family for the past 15 years. This partnership reflects our commitment to enriching the culture of Portsmouth,” commented Michael Labrie, co-owner of River House Restaurant. “Whether through crafting delicious food and drink or supporting the visual and performing arts, we believe in providing spaces where the community can come together - and we’re grateful to play a part in that.”
In keeping with the Festival’s 50-plus-year tradition of making the arts accessible to all, every concert is presented for an optional, recommended donation of $20, which attendees are encouraged to give in support of the Festival’s mission and programming.
“There is truly nothing like gathering together as a community each summer
in the beauty of Prescott Park,” said Courtney Perkins, Executive Director of Prescott Park Arts Festival. “These concerts are intimate, and unlike anything you’ll experience at any other venue; open sky, the river at your back, and the people of this region all around you. In a time when it feels more important than ever to find what we share rather than what divides us, there is something profoundly powerful about coming together in this place. A love of music, of this park, of this community — that is something we all hold in common. We are stewards of a tradition that generations before us built and nurtured, and everything we do is in service of the generations still to come.”
The 2026 River House Restaurant Concert Series is as follows for Junemid-July:
Monday, June 22: Chaparelle., Formed by Texas-based musicians Zella Day and Jesse Woods, Chaparelle blends gorgeous harmonies with an ethereal sound that falls somewhere between alt-country and indie pop, recalling the spirit of classic country vocal duos, crafting a musical tapestry that harkens back to legendary duets of icons like George and Tammy or Gram and Emmylou. This partnership channels the enduring allure of Country music’s golden age, weaving a melodic narrative that resonates with themes of love and the indomitable Texan essence. They have toured extensively across the U.S., including stops at Newport Folk Festival and Willie Nel-
son’s Luck Reunion. Their acclaimed debut album Western Pleasure arrived in 2025.
Wednesday, June 24: Infinity Song Infinity Song, a band of siblings, has been on the road to glory for many years, honing their craft busking on the streets and in the subways of New York City. Their music blends a rock influence with sweet harmonies and a soul element that sets them apart. Difficult to classify yet easy to love, Infinity Song’s soulful sibling harmonies fill out every corner of their performances. In 2016, the band was signed to Roc Nation by JAY-Z, who encouraged them to stay true to their unique sound. They recently performed at NPR’s iconic Tiny Desk Concert in April of 2026 with songs from their album Metamorphosis Complete, including the viral hit “Hater’s Anthem”.
Monday, June 29: An Evening of Beatles Music with The Walrus. Festival favorites return! The Walrus is a band of Portland, ME-based musicians who come together through a shared love of Beatles music. All active recording and touring artists who were featured in a Rolling Stone article highlighting Portland’s ambitious music scene. The group aims to recreate Beatles recordings as accurately as possible in a live show setting, celebrating the music with reverence and enthusiasm while leaning into the power of live performance. No wigs, no accents, and just a little bit too loud. A show for music lovers aged 0 to 100.
Wednesday, July 1: The Dip. The Dip
is a Seattle-based rhythm and blues band known for poignant songwriting, detailed arrangements, and a vintage sound. Featuring a three-piece horn section, the group’s music draws from classic soul and funk while hinting at the jazz foundations that brought its members together. Their 2022 album Sticking With It landed at #1 on the Billboard Current R&B Albums Chart, and their return to the Wilcox Main Stage is sure to be a high-energy highlight of the summer.
Wednesday, July 15: Kashus Culpepper. Alabama-born Kashus Culpepper encompasses the sound of the South, a student and reverent purveyor of country, soul, blues, folk, and rock, whose husky, sandpaper growl bellows like a freight train over self-penned stories that are as raw and real as they are haunting. A Navy veteran who found his voice singing in church at age five, Culpepper picked up the guitar when the global pandemic hit while deployed in Spain, and quickly went from covers to originals, selling out headline club shows throughout the South before formally releasing a single song. Named to Rolling Stone’s list of artists to watch and praised by John Mayer as “as good as it gets,” Culpepper is one of the most exciting voices in country music right now.
This season’s River House Restaurant Concert Series spans a wide range of artists; some old friends of the Fes• Prescott Park
Contiuned on page 11
7 days-a-week | 7-3
50 Pointe PL. Ste. 33, Dover, (603) 842-4402 stellasdover.com
Street, Newmarket, (603) 659-0263 junescafenh.com
JOY Connection Wonder
New Hampshire Day
Spring 5/9, Fall 11/1
Member Solstice 6/24
Movie Night 7/22
Nature for Everyone Barn Bash 7/16
Animal Birthday Bash 8/12
Annual Meeting & Summer Social 8/6
Raptor Migration Celebration 9/19
Grandparents Day 10/3
Howl O Ween 10/24
New August BioBlitz events weekly!
Science Lecture Series
Live Animal Trail
Guided Squam Lake Cruises
Mid-May - Mid-October
Guided Discoveries Camps April Break & Summer
What’s UP
Please call ahead for event updates. Information and schedules subject to change.
Through June 29, Under Open Skies, group art exhibit, Mt. Washington Valley Arts Assoc. (gallery), 16 Norcross Circle, N. Conway, 603-356-2787, www. mwvarts.org
Through June 29, Friday Painters en Plein Air Guest Artists Show, 10 am - 5 pm Thursday-Monday at ArtWorks CCAC, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, 603323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com
Through June 30, Hooked Rug Exhibit, Ham Room, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.
June 4-Oct. 5, Gorham Farmers Market, 3 – 6 pm, Gorham Town Common, 69 Main St., Gorham, 603-466-2101, www.gorhamnh.org
June 17, 2026 Laconia Motorcycle Week Gunstock Annual Hill Climb, 9 am – 4 pm, Gunstock, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-293-4341, www. gunstock.com.
June 17, Author Program: Jennifer Ackerman, What an Owl Knows, 5:30 pm, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, pre-registration/info.: 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.
June 17, Kevin Dolan and Simon Crawford, 7 pm, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
June 17, Shawn Colvin, 8 pm, Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield, ME, 207-935-7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com
June 18, Rug Hooking Demonstration, noon – 2 pm, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.
June 18, SpeakEasy, 7 pm, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
June 19, Frank Santos Jr. – Comic Hypnotist, 8 pm, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
June 19, Friday Night Jazz: The Dan Moore Experience, 7 pm, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
June 19-21, 103rd Loudon Classic, NH Motor Speedway, 1122 Rt. 106 North, Loudon, 603-783-4931, www.nhms.com.
June 20 Amate Bark Painting, 10 am - 1 pm, instructor: Robin Cornwell, Sandwich Home Industries, 32 Main St., Center Sandwich, pre-register: 603284-6831, www.sandwichhomeindustries.org
June 20, Children’s Day, 10 am – 4 pm, games from yesteryear and more, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org
June 20, Last Child NYC – Aerosmith Tribute Band, 7 – 9 pm, Medalion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-723-4321, www.medallionoperahouse.org
June 20, Saturday Hike, 9 - 11 am, Brook Walk via Turtleback Mt. Trail, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-4765410, www.castleintheclouds.org
June 20, Smells Like Nirvana, 8 pm, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
June 20, Summer Soiree, 5:30 pm, Barnstormers Theatre, 104 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8500, www.barnstormerstheatre.org
June 21, Butterfly Field Exploration, 10 am – noon, Nature Learning Center, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.
June 21, Rhett Miller, 6 pm, Feel the Barn Music, food available at 6 pm, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, tickets/info.: 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net.
June 23, Lecture Series: Doug Most – Launching Liberty, 7 – 8 pm, Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, admission/reservations: 603-5691212, www.wrightmuseum.org
June 23, On Water Instruction, 9 am – 3 pm, Goodhue Boat Company, program of NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org.
June 23 & 24, Quilled Greeting Card, 10 am - 2 pm, instructor: Amanda Twaddle, Sandwich Home Industries, 32 Main St., Center Sandwich, pre-register: 603-284-6831, www.sandwichhomeindustries.org
June 24, Sewing: Snappy Bag, 6 - 9 pm, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
June 24, Strafford Wind Symphony, 7 pm, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
June 24, Unearth a Story: Author/Illustrator Marty Kelly, 4 – 5 pm, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.
June 24, Wildlife Encounters Global Tour (Live Animals), 11 am – noon, Wolfeboro Public Library, 259 South Main St., Wolfeboro, pre-register: 603569-2428.
What’s UP
June 25, Guided Hike, 10 am – noon, Oak Ridge, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org
June 25, What a Glorious Crash They Made: Musick of New England’s Revolution, 6 – 7 pm, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.
June 25-July 4, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels – The Musical, Barnstormers Theatre, 104 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8500, www.barnstormerstheatre.org.
June 26, Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience, 8 pm, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse. com.
June 26, No-fuss Printmaking: River Critters, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, with Alexis Stefano, Mount Washington Valley Arts Assoc., 16 Norcross Circle, North Conway, register: 603-356-2787, www.mwvarts.org
June 26, Peg Loom Rug Weaving, 11 am – 4 pm, instructor: Juli Hird, Sandwich Home Industries, 32 Main St., Center Sandwich, pre-register: 603-2846831, www.sandwichhomeindustries.org
June 26, Stories on the Farm, 10 – 11 am, stories, giggles, farm crafts and snacks, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-6527840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org
June 27, Antique & Vintage Fair on the Green, 11 am – 3 pm, Wolfeboro Historical Society, 233 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.
June 27, Community Arts Festival, 10 am – 4 pm, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org
June 27, Great North Woods Music Day, 1 - 8 pm, free admission, summer picnic dinner (for sale), local music events, evening jam and more, bring a lawn chair or blanket, in case of rain event moves indoors, Great North Woods Center for the Arts, 1993 U.S. Rt. 3, Columbia, 603-246-8998, www.gnwca.org.
June 27, Last Child A Tribute to the Music of Aerosmith, 8 pm, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
June 27, Ultratrax, full day of endurance, challenge and mountain views, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., N. Conway, www.artsjubilee.org.
June 28, Repair Cafe, 1 – 4 pm, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-5691500, www.makersmill.org
June 28, Scott Hambridge, 6 pm, Feel the Barn Music, food available at 6 pm, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, tickets/info.: 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand. net.
June 28, Watercolor Workshop, 1 – 3 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org
June 29, Yoga on the Lawns of Lucknow, 6 – 7 pm, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), pre-registration required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org
June 30, Animal Drawing, 10 am - 4 pm, instructor: Kathryn Field, Sandwich Home Industries, 32 Main St., Center Sandwich, pre-register: 603-284-6831, www.sandwichhomeindustries.org
June 30, Lecture Series: Christine Kuehn – Family of Spies: A World War Story of Nazi Espionage - Betrayal and the Secret History Behind Pearl Harbor, 7 – 8 pm, Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, admission/reservations: 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum.org
June 30, On the Water Instruction, 9 am – 3 pm, Goodhue Boat Company, program of NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org.
July 1, Kevin Dolan and Simon Crawford, 7 pm, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
July 1, Opening Day at the Clark Museum, free admission, cookies, lemonade, 10 am – 4 pm, Wolfeboro Historical Society 233 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.
July 2, Guided Hike, 10 am – noon, Brook Walk via Brook Trail, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org
July 2, Pedro & Piper, 7 pm, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-4474737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
July 2, Ring in the 250th of America, join others at Wolfeboro Town Hall, ring the town’s bell, 4 pm, Wolfeboro Historical Society, 233 S. Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.
July 3, First Friday at ArtWorks, 5 – 7 pm, apps, conversation and art, ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, 603-3238041, www.chocoruaartworks.com
July 3, Friday Night Jazz: Hiroya Tsukamoto – solo finger picking guitar, 7 pm, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic. com.
What’s UP
July 4, Celebrating 250 Years: 4th on the Farm, 10 am – 4 pm, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum. org
July 4, Reading of Declaration of Independence with American Legion Post #18, 9:30 am, Town Hall Steps, Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200.
July 4, Wolfeboro 4th of July Parade & Fireworks, parade: 10 am, downtown Wolfeboro; fireworks over Wolfeboro Bay 9:30 pm, 603-569-2200.
July 5, 6th Annual Car Show at The Nick, 11 am – 2 pm, The Nick Recreation Park, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro, 603-651-6598, all vehicles and motorcycles welcome.
July 5, Peter Mulvey, 6 pm, Feel the Barn Music, food available at 6 pm, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, tickets/info.: 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net.
July 6, Moat Mountain Spinners & Dyers, 1 – 3 pm, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.
July 6, Yoga on the Lawns of Lucknow, 6 – 7 pm, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), pre-registration required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org
July 6-17, Lion King Kids, 8 am – noon, summer camp program, Kingswood Arts Center, Wolfeboro, 603-832-8250, www.kingswoodtheatre.org.
July 7, Lecture Series: The Freese Brothers Big Band – Honor, Reflect, Remember: The tunes of the War Years, 7:30 – 8:30 pm, Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, admission/reservations: 603-569-1212, www. wrightmuseum.org
July 7, Model Yachting in Back Bay, 1 pm, with NH Boat Museum, Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200.
July 7, On the Water Instruction, 9 am – 3 pm, Goodhue Boat Company, program of NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org.
July 8, Kevin Dolan and Simon Crawford, 7 pm, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
July 8, Kyle Porier, Summer Wednesday Music Series, 4 – 7 pm, Fairbanks Lodge Patio, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., North Conway, (800) 786-6754, www.cranmore.com.
July 8, Unearth a Story: Musical Storyteller, Ed Fayle, 4 - 5 pm, Conway Public Library, 15 Greenwood Avenue, Conway, 603-447-5552, www.conwaypubliclibrary.org.
July 8, 12, Aug. 5 & 19, Free Family Theater Shows at Patchwork Players, Great North Woods Center for the Arts, 1993 U.S. Rt. 3, Columbia, 603-2468998, www.gnwca.org.
July 9, BluGrit Blues Band, 7 pm, Majestic Café, 34 Main St., Conway, 603447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
July 9, Fairytale Theatre by IMPACT 2026, The Adventures of Snow White, 10 am – noon, Court Street Arts, Alumni Hall, 75 Court St., Haverhill, admission/info: info@alumnihall.org, 603-989-5500, csa-alumnihall.org
July 9, Guided Hike, 10 am – noon, Settlement Loop trail, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www. castleintheclouds.org
July 9, Preview: NH Boat Museum Boat Auction, noon – 5 pm, please note the new location: NH Boat Museum, Moultonborough Campus, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org
July 9, Wildlife Uncovered: Tracks, Fishers & Living With Bears, 8 am –noon, The Rocks. 113 Glessner Rd., Bethlehem, 603-224-9945, www.forestsociety.org
July 9-18, Eureka Day, Barnstormers Theatre, 104 Main St., Tamworth, 603323-8500, www.barnstormerstheatre.org.
July 10, Movies on the Hill, Cars, 8:15 pm, Wolfeboro Parks & Recreation, 390 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro, Abenaki Hill in front of lodge, 603-569-5639.
July 10-11, Granite Cup, 11 am, 2025 Pro Waterski Event WWS Granite Cup, Back Bay, Abenaki Ski Club, Wolfeboro, www.worldwaterskiers.com.
July 10-12, On the Green 1 Arts & Crafts Festival, Joyce’s Craft Shows, 10 am, Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Driver, Rt. 28, Wolfeboro, 603-387-1510, www.joycescraftshows.com.
July 10-Aug. 26, Yacht Rock the Musical, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.
July 11, Antique and Vintage Fair on the Green, 11 am – 3 pm, Clark Museum Complex, Wolfeboro Historical Society, 233 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org
July 11, Fairyland Festival, Cate Park, 9 am - noon, by The Children’s Center, Wolfeboro, 603-569-1027, www.thechildrenscenternh.org
July 11, Granite State Street Rodders, 4 - 7 pm, classic car show, raffles, food, music and more, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org
July 11, Jewelry Workshop: Begin with a Bezel, 10 am - 4 pm, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org
July 11, NH Boat Museum Summer Boat Auction, 10 am – 3 pm, please note the new location: NH Boat Museum, Moultonborough Campus, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org
July 11, Paint Your Pet, 2 - 5 pm, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603569-1500, www.makersmill.org
July 11-19, Boat Building, 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, NH Boat Museum, NH Boat Museum, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org
July 12, Mountain Bike Fest, 11 am – 2 pm, Cranmore Mountain Resort, 239 Skimobile Rd., North Conway, (800) 786-6754, www.cranmore.com.
July 12, Aug. 5 & 19, Free Family Theater Shows at Patchwork Players, Great North Woods Center for the Arts, 1993 U.S. Rt. 3, Columbia, 603-2468998, www.gnwca.org.
July 12, Jim Lauderdale, 6 pm, Feel the Barn Music, food available at 6 pm, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, tickets/info.: 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand. net.
July 13, Yoga on the Lawns of Lucknow, 6 – 7 pm, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), pre-registration required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org
July 14, Lecture Series: Randy Otto as Winston Churchill, 7 – 8 pm, Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, admission/reservations: 603-5691212, www.wrightmuseum.org
July 14, On the Water Instruction, 9 am – 3 pm, Goodhue Boat Company, program of NH Boat Museum, info/pre-register: 603-569-4554, www.nhbm. org.
ONGOING
ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, gallery, workshops & events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com
Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.
Cog Railway, 3168 Base Station Rd., Mount Washington, 800-922-8825, www. thecog.com.
Conway Scenic Railroad, train rides to White Mt. areas, 603-356-5251, station located at 38 Norcross Circle, North Conway, www.conwayscenic.com
Cruise Nights by MWV Old Car Club, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, from May 25-Sept. 7, Mondays, all vehicles old or new are welcome, doors prizes and 50/50 raffle. This is a fair-weather event. Held in the parking lot near Polo Ralph Lauren and Barley & Salt at Settlers Green, 888-667-9636, www.settlersgreen.com.
Gorham Farmers Market, Thursdays from June 4 to Oct. 5, 3-6 pm, Town of Gorham Common, 69 Main St., Gorham, live entertainment, vendors and more, www.gorhamnh.org
Living Shores Aquarium, exhibits, family fun, 850 NH Rt. 16, Glen, 603-3834186, www.livingshores.com.
Majestic Café, jazz, blues, and more, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.
Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.org
Mount Washington Valley Farmer’s Market, June-Oct., takes place at North Conway Community Center, 78 Norcross Circle, North Conway, info/schedule: mwvfarmersmarket@gmail.com
NE Ski Museum, ski exhibits, 2628 White Mt. Highway, North Conway, www.newenglandskimuseum.org.
NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www. nhfarmmuseum.org
Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, events, tours, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.
Tamworth Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 9 am - noon, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, info: www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org.
Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, info: www.tamworthhistorycenter.org.
Tin Mountain Conservation Center, 1245 Bald Hill Rd., Albany, programs, hikes, nature learning center, 603-447-6991, www.tinmountain.org.
Wolfeboro Farmers Market, Thursdays, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, (through Oct. 8), The Nick Reservation Park, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Rt. 28, Wolfeboro, email: nichole@wolfeborofarmersmarket.com, www.wolfeborofarmersmarket.com
Wright Museum of WWII, exhibits and lectures of life on the home front during WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum. org
Lovell Lake Association – Promoting and Protecting New Hampshire’s Beauty
By Mike Moore
The picturesque beauty of all the lakes dotted along Route 16 has turned many summer vacationers into homeowners and even year-round residents of the Granite State. Keeping the waters pristine and the surrounding ecosystem thriving has been made possible thanks to the efforts of many dedicated community members with a passion for the environment. At Lovell Lake, their association started over sixty years ago as a way for folks with homes along the lake to socialize and build fellowship among the small lakeside community in Wakefield. Since that time, they’ve developed into a full-scale conservation group.
Several homeowners in the Lovell Lake area formed the Lakeside Representative Program in 1963 as a way to communicate and get to know the other residents and visitors to the lake. The group worked as much as a welcoming committee as it did as an organization at first. Members of the association would make several visits to their surrounding neighbors to communicate current happenings and issues. They even distributed a newsletter twice a year. One of their first big events, one that is still wildly popular today, is the annual boat parade. Each family a part of the association gets the chance to decorate their boats and display their creativity to their fellow community members. This coming year the LLA will hold its boat parade on August 1. Always creative with the ideas for the contest theme, this year’s concept is “Giddyap Lovell Lake Rodeo”. Members are encouraged to decorate their cottages as well as their boats for the contest. The group has put together a multitude of social gatherings, such as dances, fireworks displays, and sailboat races. Their annual meeting has always been an opportunity to catch up with the community, often turning into an event such as an ice cream social after business concluded.
While there are still plenty of opportunities to socialize and have fun with the neighbors, the Lovell Lake Association has grown exponentially and sharpened its focus on its environmental efforts. In 1989, they started a water quality monitoring program, where the association would work with the University of New Hampshire to test the water frequently, as a way to keep up with the best trends and methods that would uphold the excellent water quality of the lake. Last year alone, UNH made 11 visits to perform their testing. Weeds and invasive species taking over can be one of the worst things to hap-
pen to a lake like Lovell. To keep all areas of the lake free from weeds, the association formed the Weed Watch Program. Twice a year, members scour the lake both above and below to get an early jump on detecting any signs of invasive species. In 2025, they had 25 volunteers take part in the environmental protection efforts, including members with scuba and snorkeling gear to scan for weeds beneath the water’s surface. Last season’s excursions concluded with zero invasive species detected. Around the beginning of the 21st century, milfoil, a particularly troublesome invasive species, was starting to sprout up in lakes throughout the region. The New Hampshire Lakes Association started an important environmental project called the Lake Host Program, and the LLA has benefited from combining its efforts. Last year, Lovell Lake clocked 960 Lake Host hours. Conserving the environment is a huge passion for the Lovell Lake Association, and they hope for that passion to continue on for generations. Each year, they award $1000 for the Bob Tucker Memorial Scholarship to a local high school senior from Lovell Lake or Wakefield who has an interest in a career in conservation or environmental sciences.
working relationship with the Acton Wakefield Watershed Alliance, who are dedicated to upholding the highest water quality of all the lakes and other bodies of water throughout Wakefield and neighboring town Acton, Maine. A big part of the Lovell Lake area’s breathtaking views is the surrounding forests. Another association with an emphasis on conserving our local environment is the Hraba (Jennison) Forest Project. This group is devoted to their cause in preserving the environment of the Hraba Forest, which is situated alongside the shores of Lovell Lake, giving the group a direct connection with the conservation efforts of LLA.
In addition to improving walking trails and parking areas, the project hopes to minimize development along the lake in yet another effort to keep the water quality of the lake high. Members of LLA helped raise $15,000, and then additionally matched the money raised, to donate $30,000 to the Hraba (Jennison) project’s efforts.
Stunning views that greet the travelers along Route 16 remain stunning thanks to the dedicated volunteers in groups like the Lovell Lake Association. Community spirit, a love for nature, and a duty to preserve the land and water that make New Hampshire one of the most beautiful places on earth have bonded the members of the LLA for sixty-three years. And with nearly 300 member families that spent over a thousand hours last year volunteering for the association’s efforts, those bonds will likely keep Lovell Lake one of the cleanest, safest places to get out and enjoy the water during the hot New England summers for generations to come.
Effingham Public Library Announces Diverse Lineup of June Events
Lovell Lake is a great place to enjoy a leisurely paddling in a canoe, taking a thrilling spin on a jet ski, or setting sail to catch the perfect spot for a beautiful sunset. The association takes great care to ensure the safety of all residents and guests enjoying the lake throughout the summer. The Watersports Committee offers education on boating safety, keeping the waters safe in yet another way. But the LLA isn’t just out to maintain safety and enjoyment of the lake for its homeowners and visitors. Over the years, they’ve developed several committees to help protect and preserve the lake’s other residents, such as the Fish Monitoring Program and the Loon Preservation Committee.
Maintaining and preserving the sublime Lovell Lake is the LLA’s primary mission, and they have formed great partners in their efforts over the years. In addition to working with UNH for the water testing, they have a close
The Effingham Public Library invites community members to enjoy a full schedule of educational, literary, and wellness-focused programs throughout June. Located at 30 Town House Road in a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the library continues its mission as a “community center with books,” offering free library cards, monthly art exhibits, craft classes, 3-D printing, Coffee Hour speakers, and social activities for all ages.
On Wednesday, June 17, at 10 am, the library’s monthly Book Club will gather for coffee, baked goods, and discussion of Markus Zusak’s acclaimed novel, The Book Thief. Widely praised as “life-changing,” the novel follows young Liesel Meminger in Nazi Germany as she discovers the transformative power of books, language, and human connection amid the horrors of war.
As part of the library’s ongoing Health and Wellness series, naturopath Dr. Steven Clark will present an introduction to naturopathic medicine on Thursday, June 18, from 4–6 pm, with a special focus on Lyme Disease. Practicing in Wolfeboro since 2001, Dr. Clark takes a holistic, patient-centered approach to wellness, addressing the root causes of chronic conditions, including digestive health, metabolic dysfunction, stress response, and in-
fections associated with Lyme Disease Complex.
Wildlife conservationist Jeanne Marie Pittman will be the featured speaker during Coffee Hour on Wednesday, June 24, at 10 am, presenting “Growing Old in Monkey Society: A Remarkable Wildlife Rescue Story.” Pittman will share stories from an upcoming veterinary mission to South Africa, where an international team will provide medical and dental care to aging rescued vervet monkeys living at the Vervet Monkey Foundation. Filled with humor, insight, and memorable animal personalities, the presentation offers a fascinating look at primate social behavior, aging, and wildlife conservation efforts.
The month concludes on Thursday, June 25, from 4–6 pm with a Health and Wellness presentation by Karen Purba, M.Ed., CAGS, and Pat Messier, RN, on Aging and Brain Health. Drawing from research and personal experience, the pair will discuss lifestyle habits associated with active centenarians and explore how nutrition, exercise, sunshine, and intentional living can support cognitive health and reduce the risk of decline as we age.
For more information about these and other upcoming events, contact the Effingham Public Library at 603-5391537 or visit the Effingham Public Library website.
Picnic-scapes: A Celebration of Picnicking at Remick Country Doctor Museum in July
During July — National Picnic Month — the Hearth Room at the Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm is home to a lighthearted exhibit of “Picnic-scapes”: creative interpretations of picnic scenes from the museum’s collection and local guest exhibitors.
The museum’s display, entitled “Doc & Marion on a Picnic,” features a picnic basket and picnic-related items from the Remick collection. Items in the exhibit belonged to the museum’s namesake country doctor, Dr. Edwin “Doc” C. Remick (1903-1993) and his wife, Marion Remick, née Miles (1906-1980). Visitors can learn what Doc Remick’s favorite picnic foods were, see the recipe for his favorite picnic cookie, and learn about sandwich trends from the 1950s. The modest living quarters the couple shared for 50 years, including the kitchen where Marion would have prepared their picnics, can also be visited (accessible by stairs only).
In addition, enlarged copies of sum-
• Prescott Park
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tival, crowd favorites, and incredible up-and-comers who are sure to become new artists to follow. All concerts begin at 7 pm on the Wilcox Main Stage, located in Prescott Park on Marcy Street in downtown Portsmouth, NH, right along the beautiful Piscataqua River.
Tables and blankets in The Kane Company VIP Seating Area, including the coveted “Best Seat in the House,” are available for reservation, offering an elevated concert experience with reserved seating and premium views. Prescott Park Arts Festival invites the community to bring a blanket, gather friends and family, and enjoy incredible music in the heart of Portsmouth, all while supporting the Festival’s commitment to accessible arts programming for all. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit www. prescottpark.org.
Established in 1974, the Arts Festival stays true to its 50-year mission of accessibility by offering all performances in the park with no fixed admission. All shows in the River House Restaurant Concert Series have an optional, recommended donation of $20.
In addition to the River House Restaurant Concert Series, Prescott
mertime photos from the Remick collection are displayed on the walls. Visitors are encouraged to record their favorite picnicking spot, foods, and memories at the “Food for Thought” table, and enjoy time at a picnic-themed coloring-page station.
Bring a picnic of your own to enjoy outdoors! Picnics are always welcome at Remick, but during July, we especially invite you to celebrate the time-honored pastime of picnicking by bringing yours to the farmstead. Picnic tables are available on the museum grounds, located under a large tent and in the open air (the gazebo is temporarily closed). Pack-in/pack-out etiquette must be observed. Bottled water is available for sale in the store.
FREE: Includes access to the Museum Center; donations gratefully accepted.
For all ages, ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 603-323-7591. Please note, this exhibit is closed on July 4 and 11.
Park Arts Festival offers the Wentworth-Douglass Hospital Movie Night Series along with its signature musical theatre production, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, presented by Service Credit Union. Tables in The Kane Company VIP Seating Area can be reserved for all of the Festival’s series, in addition to limited blanket reservations, in front of the Wilcox Main Stage. The Best Seat in the House is a special seating area at the front of the VIP section that is available for reservation as well.
For over 50 years, Prescott Park Arts Festival has served the Seacoast community with family-friendly entertainment, inspiring artistic offerings, and providing a public place to gather and share unique experiences. In an idyllic natural setting along the Piscataqua River in beautiful downtown Portsmouth, the Festival presents more than 80 arts events to nearly 150,000 people each season, including a film series, music festivals and concerts, food festivals, dance, children’s events, and the signature summer musical. Accessibility is deeply rooted in the Festival’s values, and we proudly have a recommended donation model to ensure that everyone has access to these diverse, family-focused performances.
Brake for Moose: It Could Save Your Life
Remember to brake for moose when traveling on New Hampshire’s roadways. Over the last five years, there were an average of 64 moose–vehicle collisions annually. While moose are active throughout the year, May through October are high-risk months for collisions because moose venture onto roadways to consume the remaining salt residue from winter surface treatments.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works diligently to increase awareness of the danger of moose and vehicle collisions.
“Moose are an iconic species and a tremendous resource in our state, but it can be dangerous to encounter them on the road,” said New Hampshire Fish and Game Moose Project Leader Henry Jones. “By following a few simple rules, motorists can greatly reduce their chance of a moose–vehicle collision or the severity of personal injury if they do hit a moose.”
When driving on New Hampshire roads, keep these points in mind:
• Moose and vehicle collisions happen statewide on all types of roads.
• Moose collisions occur most often from May through October.
• While collisions can happen at any time of day, they occur most frequently at dusk and at night.
• Moose are dark brown, making them hard to see against pavement, especially at night.
• Don’t depend on “eye shine” (reflected light from headlights) to alert you to a moose’s presence—moose don’t always look at an approaching vehicle.
• To reduce the chance of a collision or the severity of occupant injury if you do hit a moose:
• Do not drive at high speeds
• Wear your seatbelt
• Scan the sides of the road
• Be able to stop within the zone of your headlights
• Use high beams whenever possible
• If you see a moose, slow down or stop if necessary, until you have passed it or it has left the road
Make sure your moose encounters are safe for you and the moose: Brake for Moose—It Could Save Your Life! Learn more at www.wildlife.nh.gov/ wildlife-and-habitat/moose-new-hampshire/brake-moose.
Shuck n’ Sip with Fox Point Oysters at Tamworth Distilling
Join Tamworth Distilling (15 Cleveland Hill Road, Tamworth) on Saturday, June 27, from 1 to 4 pm for their first Shuck n’ Sip with Fox Point Oysters, who will be popping up to serve
oysters by the single, half, or full dozen.
Available from 1 to 4 pm, or until they sell out! Tickets are available at shop.tamworthdistilling.com.
Yesteryear
For Love of the Mountains
By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
If you want to do something different and daring, you could try to do it without aid. But, as the story of the first women hikers in the White Mountains shows, it is wise to reach out for help and ask an expert for guidance.
This desire for adventure was put into action in August of 1821, when the Austin sisters approached Ethan Crawford with their intention of climbing Mount Washington. They likely recognized him as the one to ask, since Ethan had already made several trips up the big mountain and possessed valuable experience.
The sisters—Eliza, Abigail, and Harriet Austin—were from Jefferson, New Hampshire, not far from Ethan’s Crawford Inn. Eliza’s fiancé, Charles Stewart, worked with Ethan and helped create a mountain path.
In the early 1800s, cutting a path up a mountain was tough; Charles Stewart was likely strong and capable. Eliza probably admired his skills and dreamed of seeing the view from Mount Washington after hearing his descriptions of what it was like at the top. She may have shared this dream with her sisters, and all agreed that climbing the summit would be worthwhile.
Recognizing these risks, the sisters sought out an experienced guide rather than venturing out unprepared. Their goal also included the desire to become the first women to stand atop Mount Washington.
The sisters lacked outdoor skills or experience, as was the case with most women in those days. Imagine walking
miles from their home in Jefferson to get to the place where the mountain trail started, while wearing long skirts and improper footwear. Once on the trail, the women would encounter a rough, uneven path with downed trees, rocks, and drop-offs. Not an easy ascent.
Details about the sisters’ conversation with Ethan remain unclear. However, when their plan moved forward, they set out up the mountain accompanied by three men: Charles Stewart, their brother, and a worker from the Austin farm.
On their first night, they sought shelter at a mountain camp before continuing on their way. As expected, the weather was erratic, and they encountered “unfavorable” conditions. This forced them to tarry for two nights in yet another trail camp along the way.
Conditions were not good during the two-night stay: their food supply was low, and they were likely wet and cold. It can be assumed that the men advised turning back, but the sisters would have none of it. They had, according to “When Women and Mountains Meet” by Julie Boardman, an iron resolution.
One of the men in the party thought it was time to turn back because he had to get back to his farm work. Upon returning to the Crawford Inn, he relayed that the group asked Ethan Crawford to step in. Ethan did so, bringing fresh provisions and more food.
Ethan took over as guide and ensured that the sisters and others in the party reached the top of Mt. Washington.
What they saw from the top, with its sweeping, one-of-a-kind views, would
have amazed the sisters. Lucy Crawford later wrote, “I think this act of heroism ought to confer an honor on them, as everything was done with so much prudence and modesty by them; there was not left a trace or even a chance for a reproach or slander excepting by those who thought themselves outdone by these young ladies.”
Lucy Crawford herself was inspired by the Austin sisters’ feat and considered climbing the mountain. However, Ethan, recognizing the dangers, discouraged her. This reluctance reflected the era, when women were expected to stay home and not pursue such daring activities.
When lodgers at the Crawford Inn wanted to be among the few to climb Mount Washington, Ethan finally allowed Lucy to serve as a guide for the female lodgers. Lucy was probably among the party (which was Ethan, the male lodger, and his sister) to serve as a chaperone so the female would-be hiker would not be traveling alone with a group of men.
The hike was difficult, and the group camped out for a few nights due to bad weather. As the Austin sisters had previously experienced, the lodgers and Lucy were amazed at the panoramic views at the summit, and Lucy wrote, “We could look in every direction and view the works of nature as they lay spread before us…”
Women continued arriving at the inn, asking the Crawfords for guidance. Thus, change gradually followed. By the late 1820s, more women were making the hike, inspired by the Austin sisters who helped open doors for women
to enjoy the woods.
With more and more women choosing to hike among the mountains of northern New Hampshire, the restrictive skirts and shoes that were the style of the day were unfit for such adventures. According to “Taking the Lead: Women and the White Mountains” by the Museum of the White Mountains, The Journal of American Science and Arts at the time reported, “If women insist on making this ascent, their dress should be adapted to the service, and none should attempt but those of firm health and sound lungs.”
With less restrictive clothing, women were off and running with more freedom to move and explore. This would come in handy for women who liked drawing and painting from nature. The White Mountains offered amazing landscapes, and artists from all over New England and beyond arrived to capture the scenic beauty on canvas. It can be imagined that such female artists as Ellen Maria Carpenter, born in 1830, would have appreciated the hiking garments offered to women when she made her way to the northern state of New Hampshire to paint. According to “Early Women Artists in the White Mountains,” a publication of the Jackson Historical Society, Ellen Carpenter traveled extensively, enjoying painting in a variety of places, among them the White Mountains. She was a commissioned portrait artist, but is said to have found painting landscapes among the White Mountains a favorite
• Yesteryear
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175 Years of Craftsmanship: Beech River Mill Keeps Tradition Alive
By Mike Moore
Many of the buildings and properties in Center Ossipee Village have been a part of the townscape for hundreds of years, but few are as recognizable as the Beech River Mill, just around the corner from Route 16. For those of you that frequent the shops and restaurants in the center of town, you might not have realized that the beautiful little old-fashioned mill that sits along the righthand side is one of the more successful custom blind and shutter manufacturers in New England. The remarkable thing about Beech River Mill is that their material is created and finetuned using water-powered, Victorian era machinery and equipment. It was 1851 when Charles Smart started Smarts’ Mill, with his focus on custom made wood products, louvered and paneled with precision. Today, now 175 years since Smart first set up shop, not much has changed about the mill except the name and the owners. The Oullette family purchased the historic operation in 1999 from Greg Dales, who had revived the old mill in the early 80s after production stopped with the retirement of the Smarts in 1964. Dales, a Canadian businessman, quickly vaulted the mill back to its status as one of the premier companies providing custom millwork. The mill was even featured on a 1987 episode of This Old House, getting the recognition for its longevity and commitment to original design, with no prefabricated products ever a part of their inventory. The Oullettes had no interest in changing the business model that brought the Smarts 113 years of success and brought the Dales national notoriety and historic status.
The Oullette family was able to transition into the ownership with a large client base already in place. Providing the same precise craftmanship, the same high-quality wood, with the same fair and reasonable price struc-
ture, Beech River Mill expanded their customer base beyond New England. The mill has shipped products to states throughout the country, to Canada, and even have some loyal clientele from the Caribbean that fell in love with their work. The louvered shutter that put the Smart family on the map is still a specialty of the Beech River Mill today. They customize to just about any specification their clients can dream up and will ensure that the product is not only high quality, but that it fits seamlessly with your home’s architecture. Just as important as their commitment to using the highest quality wood material, Beech River Mill is committed to doing their part for the environment. They regularly donate wood for families that need help staying warm in winter. They will take every opportunity to repurpose or recycle leftover wood. Perhaps the most interesting measure they take is their “sawdust to food initiative”. They donate their clean wood chips and shavings to local organic farmers who can use it for mulching, composting, or farm animal bedding.
Customized interior doors that are built from scratch are quite a difficult product to find for homeowners looking for unique upgrades to their home. At Beech River Mill, the team has no worries providing something finely crafted and stunning for the more unconventional sized doorways or windows. All the products are made right in the mill on Route 16B. The team will ship items, but many of their customers
in the New England area can count on the team for delivery and installation. And the Oullettes welcome all types of customers. From the homeowner looking to upgrade one small thing, to a commercial business looking to remodel an entire apartment complex. While many of the customers are those working on preserving or restoring historic homes, Beech River Mill also works with a multitude of customers in Boston and the surrounding metropolitan area. Smarts’ Mill was renowned for their unique animal or tree designs on their shutter slats, offering nearly 100 styles of custom louvered items, well suited for the White Mountain region. Today, Beech River continues to offer an abundance of specialized decorative patterns, adding more styles with each new unique client that comes their way with a new idea. When vacationers from all parts of the globe are in the area for some fun on the lake in the summer or slopes in the winter, they often find their way to Beech River seeking out high end, uniquely designed upgrades to their homes because of their stellar reputation. Customers testimonials rave most about Beech River’s installation services. Not only do they create the blinds and shutters by hand, they also can provide complete planning and installation. They’ll come to your home and complete a thorough assessment, make recommendations, and even work to preserve historical accuracy with some design choices. Their custom designs have been particularly
popular with brownstone homeowners in Boston. Their team has since become bonded and insured to do installations in the city of Boston in addition to New Hampshire.
Part of the vision that the Oullettes had when they purchased the mill 27 years ago was to fully restore as much as they could inside and out, without replacing any of the authentic, water-powered machinery that makes the business so special. For the work done to the inside, insulating and rewiring the electrical modernized the property and improved its energy efficiency. They put a centralized dust collection system to keep the air quality clean when they installed a new heavy-duty sanding machine. For the outside property of the mill, new signage was installed, catching the eye as drivers round the bend. They fortified the building structure by pouring a new foundation. The equipment and abutment work around the mill pond was repaired, and the pond that the Beech River flows into was dredged of excess sediments and weed growth. The Oullettes have future restoration projects planned as well. In addition to repaving the parking area, they hope to completely refinish the building exterior and look to add solar and hydro-electric energy options.
Beautiful, historic New England homes can be tough to keep looking as pristine as they did when first built hundreds of years ago. But with businesses like Beech River Mill in Center Ossipee, they’ve been helping homeowners in New England and beyond maintain the elegance and ambiance that those who originally built them had in mind. The Beech River Mill is open from 7 am to 4 pm Monday through Friday, and the Oullettes love to have people stop in for a little tour before seeing what kind of options they have for preserving or upgrading their home.
Mount Washington Observatory to Celebrate 26th Annual Seek the Peak at Wildcat Mountain
Mount Washington Observatory (MWOBS) is setting its sights on another White Mountains milestone at this year’s Seek the Peak.
The annual event will take place on Saturday, July 18, to celebrate outdoor adventure and exploration in New England. Hikers of all abilities are invited to register at seekthepeak.org and work together raising funds in support of MWOBS’s mountain forecasts and vision to become an international center for scientific research and learning.
For the first time since 2007, the Après Hike Celebration returns to Wildcat Mountain, a location deeply connected to Mount Washington. Attendees will enjoy a barbecue feast, beer garden by Tuckerman Brewing Company, live music, rock-climbing wall, sponsor activity zone, and educational games for kids. Additionally, participants may also tour MWOBS’s mountaintop weather station during Seek the Peak weekend.
New this year, participants will have the opportunity to take the Wildcat Express chairlift to the summit of Wildcat Mountain and hike down as part of the event (event day only).
“We’re so excited to welcome Seek the Peak back to Wildcat Mountain,” Brandon Swartz, General Manager of Wildcat Mountain. “Our mountain sits right in the heart of the terrain that so many hikers come here to explore, and we’re proud to host a celebration that brings people together who share a love for the White Mountains.”
Seek the Peak is MWOBS’ largest annual fundraiser and a critical source for funding year-round operations. During last year’s milestone 25th anniversary event, more than 580 hikers raised over $300,000, helping support MWOBS operations, research, educational programs and weather services, including the Higher Summits Forecast, which hikers rely on for safe recreation planning in the White Mountains.
“In 2026, Seek the Peak opens an exciting new chapter at Wildcat Mountain, where our largest community fundraiser set its roots,” said Drew Bush, MWOBS Executive Director.
“What began more than 25 years ago as a small group of hikers has grown into a beloved regional tradition, raising millions of dollars to support our
work. We look forward to honoring that legacy and celebrating what comes next with our community.”
While Mount Washington is often the most popular goal for participants, hikers are encouraged to choose an adventure that fits their own experience and comfort level. Seek the Peak participants may hike any trail at any point during the summer leading up to the celebration on July 18. Those who do wish to summit Mount Washington on July 18 may select the “Hike and Make Friends” option, which pairs hikers of similar ability level.
As in past years, there will be hiker prizes for participants, like an official Eastern Mountain Sports/Seek the Peak 2026 T-shirt and Minus33/Seek the Peak merino socks, as well as the chance to enter in exclusive gear raffles at the Après Hike Celebration.
Seek the Peak is made possible by Presenting Sponsors Arc’Teryx, Eastern Mountain Sports, Helly Hansen, Martini Northern, and Wildcat Mountain.
To learn more and to register, visit: seekthepeak.org. MWOBS reminds
hikers to hikeSafe and Leave No Trace. Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate. It serves this mission by maintaining a weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, performing weather and climate research, conducting innovative science education programs, and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region. Our summit facility is located within Mount Washington State Park. For more information, call 603-356-2137 or visit mountwashington.org.
Wildcat Mountain, located in New Hampshire’s White Mountains and facing the summit of Mount Washington, offers over 2,100 feet of vertical and a mix of challenging terrain and beginner-friendly skiing, including the longest green circle trail in the East at 2.75 miles. Known for its striking views and classic New England character, Wildcat provides a distinctive ski and ride experience. Learn more at www.skiwildcat.com.
New Hampshire Farm Museum Joins Museums for All Program
The New Hampshire Farm Museum (1305 White Mountain Highway) in Milton, New Hampshire, is pleased to announce that it has joined Museums for All, a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the Association of Children’s Museums (ACM).
The program encourages people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits. Jonathan Hotchkiss, NHFM Executive Director, said that he is pleased to announce this partnership on behalf of the museum. The program supports those receiving food assistance (SNAP) benefits visiting The New Hampshire Farm Museum for a minimal fee of $5 per person, up to 4 people, with the presentation of a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Similar free and reduced admission is available to eligible members of the public at more than 1,350 museums across the country. Museums for All is part of The New Hampshire
Farm Museum’s broad commitment to seek, include, and welcome all.
Museums for All helps expand access to museums and also helps raise awareness about how museums in the United States are reaching their entire communities. More than 1,350 institutions participate in the initiative, including art, children’s museums, science centers, botanical gardens, zoos, history museums, and more. Participating museums are located nationwide, representing all fifty states!
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Their grant-making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that enable communities and individuals to thrive.
For more information about the museum, visit nhfarmmuseum.org.
• Yesteryear continued from page 12
pastime.
Poet Lucy Larcom quickly fell in love with the mountains when she visited at the invitation of fellow poet John Greenleaf Whittier. In the late 1850s, Lucy was staying in the mountains and hiking with Whittier and other poets who appreciated the scenic area.
Larcom returned each summer for about 20 years, as told in “Taking the Lead: Women and the White Mountains.” She wrote of the area’s beauty, “To me there is rest and strength, and aspiration and exultation, among the mountains…” She used the White Mountains as a springboard for her writing and was popular and well known for her descriptions. After her death, Larcom Mountain in the Ossipee Range was named for her.
As the years passed, the spirit of adventure started by the Austin sis-
ters remained. It is uncertain if Anne Cary Bradley, born in 1884, knew of the Austins, but she had the same determination to do as she saw fit, which had been the attitude of the sisters. She lived in the Mount Washington Valley area and loved to paint. After her parents’ deaths, she was financially able to pursue her love of art.
In “Early Women Artists in the White Mountains,” it was relayed that Bradley was somewhat well known in the area as she rode her bicycle to various spots to paint, her art supplies strapped to her back. Dressed in bloomers and a large straw hat, she would ride through the area until she found a spot she liked. At that time, she set up her art supplies and painted to her heart’s content. The Austin sisters definitely opened doors for other women who hitched up their skirts and determinedly took to the mountains, setting the stage for generations of adventurous women to come.
Available at Hundreds of Locations around the Lakes Region! Hungry? Start Here.
Dining Out in the Lakes Region
