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SEPTEMBER 2026 | ALONG ROUTE 16 | Page 1

ROUTE 16 Along

& Other Scenic New Hampshire Byways September | Vol. 12 | No. 9 Published on the 16th of the Month

A Harvest of NH Stories Apples, autumn traditions, historic places and mountain adventures.

From the Publisher of

Inside This Issue... Find More Pie Festival| Page 3

What’s Up | Pages 6-8

Mount Whittier | Page 11

Page 2 | ALONG ROUTE 16 SEPTEMBER 2026

Historic Federal Home In North Wolfeboro This c1820 4 Bed / 2 Bath Center Chimney Federal on 14 Acres (half Pasture & half Woodlot) abuts an 87-Acre Conservation lot in an area of other late18th and early-to-mid 19th century homes. Built for Dr. Thomas J. Tebbetts (N Wolfeboro’s earliest physician) this home was possibly started a few years earlier, as his grandfather Jonathan (who fought FOR the British in the “French & Indian” wars and AGAINST the Brits in the Revolution!) owned the land from 1807 (& their descendents stayed until 1914) The current owners’ Grandparents purchased this home in 1928, with its attached 50x20 Woodshed. The c1985 rebuilt Center Chimney makes the 5 original fireplaces safer while the 24x30 2 story Barn & 24x30 2-car Garage provide multiple work & storage spaces. While ready for immediate occupancy, most folks will probably want to upgrade the kitchen sooner rather than later. However both bathrooms, the 2 new rooms on the 3rd floor & the 4-Bedroom Septic System were all completed in last couple of decades. If you are looking for a quality Wolfeboro home with attached out-buildings, a large yard (including a 14x10 sap house and a 20x12 “3-sided run-in” for horses) and space for gardening and/or family farming with an attached woodlot, this stonewall-bounded property may be for you. $875,000 - MLS#5099338 Ken@OlderHomesNH.com K A Perry Real Estate, LLC 188 N. Wolfeboro Road Wolfeboro, NH 03894 603-569-1563 www.OlderHomesNH.com

Ladies of the Lake Quilter’s Guild to Display Comfort Quilts at Gafney Library Gafney Library is pleased to welcome the Ladies of the Lake Quilter’s Guild for a special quilt exhibit throughout the month of September. The guild will display 20 brightly colored and cheerful quilts, created specifically to bring comfort to children and families staying at David’s House in Lebanon. David’s House, located near Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, provides a home away from home for families whose children are receiving medical treatment. The organization was established in memory of David Cyr, a young boy who was undergoing treatment for leukemia. During his treatment, David became friends with other children and dreamed of having a house where he could bring them—a place away from pain and suffering. After David’s passing, his parents dedicated themselves to making that dream a reality, creating the haven that is now David’s House. The quilts on display feature a variety of bright colors, cheerful designs, and themes, each created with the hope of providing warmth, comfort, and a little joy to children facing difficult circumstances. Founded in 1979, the Ladies of the Lake Quilter’s Guild, based in Wolfeboro, is a dynamic group dedicated to preserving and encouraging the art of quilting while providing comfort quilts to those in need. The guild is comprised of approximately 125 women

from nine area communities. In a typical year, members create between 250 and 300 quilts and pillows for critically ill children. Gafney Library is honored to share the work of these talented quilters with the community and to help shine a light on the meaningful impact their generosity has on children and families. The quilters whose work is included in the exhibit are: Betty Bell, April Blanchette, Susan Bunting, Ann Elkins, Carol Jeffrey, Gail Kelley, Linda Lee Lambert, Kathy Labriolla, Janet Lashnits, Kelly Parker, Laura Parsons, Marie Pullin, Charlene Roche, Dawn Thurston, Janet Vaughn, and Ossipee Library Group For more information about the Ladies of the Lake Quilting Guild, visit www.LLQG.net or contact Shelley Cram at jaws@metrocast.net. The exhibit is open and free, and the public is encouraged to visit the library and explore. The exhibit will be on display at Gafney Library throughout September during open hours. Library hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 12 to 7 pm, Friday 9 am to 2 pm, and Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm. The community is invited to meet members of the guild and view the quilts at a public reception on Saturday, September 19, from 10 am to noon. Refreshments will be available. For more information, please contact Gafney Library at 603522-3401 or visit www.gafneylibrary. org.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | ALONG ROUTE 16 | Page 3

The Great NH Pie Festival – NH Farm Museum By Mike Moore For Lakes Region bakers and sweettreat enthusiasts, The Great NH Pie Festival has become an essential fall tradition, now entering its 18th year at the New Hampshire Farm Museum in Milton. The popular festival gives people of all ages a chance to spend the day celebrating New Hampshire’s farming heritage while tasting a wide variety of pies, from traditional apple to more unusual savory options. The Pie Festival is also an important fundraiser for the nonprofit museum, helping support its continued operation and educational programs. This year’s festival will be held on Saturday, September 19, from 10 am to 4 pm at the museum grounds on Route 125 in Milton, easily accessible for those traveling along Route 16. Whether you are a professional baker or simply want to show off Grandma’s recipe to more than just the family, contestants in the pie competition do not need to register in advance. Pies can be entered at the festival between 10 a.m. and noon, when judging begins. Those entering a pie also receive free admission for the day. The competition is divided into four categories: apple, fruit (non-apple), sweet (non-fruit), and savory. There is also a separate children’s category for bakers 12 and under. Official judges will determine the winners, but everyone attending the festival can participate in the People’s Choice competition by voting for their favorite pie. The six-hour celebration costs $15

for adults, with children 12 and under admitted for $5. Along with plenty of pie, there are several other activities taking place throughout the day. Lance MacLean and the Moose Mountain String Band will provide live music, while those interested in becoming pie makers rather than just pie tasters can watch pie crust rolling demonstrations on the farm’s front porch. Visitors can also take a tractor ride around the property and get a closer look at the animals that live on the working farm. The museum’s historic buildings will be open for exploration, including the Historic Jones House, Carriage Pole Barn, Big Yellow Barns, Blacksmith Shoppe and 1810 Tavern. Other food will be available for those who want something besides pie, and a 50/50 raffle and silent auction will offer additional opportunities to take

something home while supporting the museum. The New Hampshire Farm Museum itself has a history stretching back more than half a century. In 1969, a group of people interested in preserving New Hampshire’s traditional farms, tools and equipment came together as modern technology was changing the way farming was done. Older equipment and artifacts that were no longer being used were in danger of being discarded, and the group wanted to preserve these pieces of the state’s agricultural history. The organization was founded at York Hill Farm in Kensington and later operated from a number of locations while collecting artifacts and developing its plans for a permanent museum. In 1979, the organization purchased the 28-acre Jones Farm in Milton. Fifteen

years later, in 1994, the museum purchased the adjoining Plummer Homestead and an additional 20 acres. Together, the two farmsteads make up the approximately 50-acre property that is now home to the New Hampshire Farm Museum. Over the years, the museum has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors, including school groups, summer camps, youth organizations and people simply interested in learning more about New Hampshire’s rural heritage. The farm’s barns contain traditional equipment and tools used by generations of farmers, along with wagons and sleighs that offer a glimpse into the work and transportation of earlier times. The museum is more than a collection of historic objects, however. It remains a working farm where visitors can see farm animals and learn about some of the everyday tasks that were once a regular part of life on a New Hampshire farm. Visitors can explore the barns and fields, see the historic York Cider Mill and participate in activities that help demonstrate how food was produced and prepared before modern conveniences. There is also a Country Store where visitors can find souvenirs and gifts, along with produce and other items connected to the farm and its agricultural activities. For those interested in visiting the New Hampshire Farm Museum outside of the Pie Festival, regular admission • Pie continued on page 4

Keeping our community warm, one smile at a time! YOUR NAME: ________________________________________

1075

Propane is delivered to homes year round for heat, hot water, stoves, and dryers.

Farms and orchards use propane to fuel equipment and protect them from the cold.

Grab your favorite crayons, markers, or colored pencils and bring this picture to life. When you're finished bring it by your local Eastern office, mail it in, or scan and email it to marketing@eastern.com to show us your creativity. We can't wait to see it!

Page 4 | ALONG ROUTE 16 SEPTEMBER 2026 • Pie continued from page 3 is $15 for adults, with reduced admission available for seniors and children. The museum also offers membership options and a variety of programs for groups and families. Its educational programs have brought the history of farming to schools, community organizations, retirement communities and historical societies throughout the region. One of the museum’s other popular events is Olde Tyme Farm Day, where visitors can experience some of the activities associated with 19th-century farm life. Participants have the opportunity to churn butter, play traditional parlor games and enjoy cider from the historic mill. The New Hampshire Farm Museum also welcomes volunteers and members who want to help preserve and

Along Route

share the state’s agricultural heritage. Volunteers can assist with tours and youth programs or help with work around the farm. Donations and memberships provide additional support for the nonprofit and its ongoing programs. New Hampshire farming has helped feed families throughout New England for generations. The farms, barns, tools and traditions that remain today provide a connection to that history, while events such as the Great NH Pie Festival offer a much tastier way to experience it. Whether you are traveling along Route 16 and get a craving for a slice of pie, or you are a baker who is especially proud of a favorite recipe, make a point of attending the Great NH Pie Festival in Milton on September 19. You may even discover that Grandma’s recipe has some competition.

Shop, Play, Dine and Stay the Route 16 Corridor and the Surrounding Area

Smiley Publishing Group, LLC dba Panoramic Publishing Group/The Laker P.O. Box 119, Wolfeboro Falls, NH 03896

603-569-5257

pressreleases@thelaker.com • lkr@thelaker.com • www.thelaker.com

This newspaper assumes no financial responsibility for typographical errors but will reprint that part of an advertisement in which the typographical error affects the value of same. Advertisers

will please notify the management immediately of any errors which may occur.

PUBLISHER Dan Smiley ADVERTISING Tammy Allen Maureen Padula PROD. MANAGER/ GRAPHIC DESIGN Gina Lessard COPY EDITOR Sue Merrow CIRCULATION Kathy Larson Nate Nemitz Drew Young

New Hampshire’s Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend is September 26-27 New Hampshire’s Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend will be held statewide on Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27. Participating youth must be age 15 or younger and must be accompanied by a properly licensed adult age 18 or older. Adult hunters must possess a regular New Hampshire hunting license, a New Hampshire migratory waterfowl license, a Federal Duck Stamp, and a HIP (Harvest Information Program) permit number. The mentoring adult may not hunt waterfowl. The youth hunter is not required to have a hunting license, Federal Duck Stamp, or HIP permit number. “The youth weekend is a great way to get kids involved in waterfowl hunting,” said Jessica Carloni, Waterfowl Biologist for the NH Fish and Game Department. “It provides them the

opportunity to go with an adult who knows the sport at a time of year when it’s still fairly warm and good numbers of birds are around. Quality time spent with a child during youth weekend can help foster an appreciation for hunting and the environment.” All regular season waterfowl regulations, including shooting hours and use of non-toxic shot, apply during the youth weekend. Specific seasons and bag limits for various waterfowl are listed on the Fish and Game website at www.huntnh.com/hunting/waterfowl. html. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department works in partnership with the public to conserve the state’s fish, wildlife, and marine resources and their habitats.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | ALONG ROUTE 16 | Page 5

New England Fiddle Ensemble Fall Gala A Fundraiser Dinner Show for the New England Fiddle Ensemble will be held on Saturday, November 14, from 4 to 8 pm at the Portsmouth Elks Lodge, 500 Jones Avenue, Portsmouth. There will be live music, buffet dinner, cash bar, live & silent auction, and a raffle. This will be an amazing evening at a beautiful waterfront venue with food,

friends, and live music to support the NE Fiddle Ensemble. Amazing raffle and auction items: a Poconos getaway, a lakefront retreat, a schooner sailing trip with your friends, and more. Space is limited, and tickets are sold in advance only. Tickets can be purchased at nefiddleensemble.org.

ACTS Service Dogs Community Bake at Stone Mountain Arts Welcomes Asleep Flatbread Company at the Wheel this October The Assistance Canine Training Services will be having a Community Bake fundraiser at Flatbread Company (2952 White Mountain Highway) in North Conway on Tuesday, September 22, from 4 – 9 pm Come and have some delicious pizza and meet our puppies in training. A portion of the night’s sales will go to

support ACTS. Pizza is available for dine-in or take-out. The funds raised help to support our puppies in training, and your participation helps fund the training of life-changing service dogs. For more information, please go to www.assistancecanine.org or call 603383-2073 or info@assistancecanine. org.

Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce September Business After Hours The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Holy Rosary Credit Union (HRCU) and the Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation (GRCHF) will be co-hosting a special Business After Hours Non-Profit Showcase on Wednesday, September 16, from 5:30 to 7 pm. The event will be taking place at 133 Brock Street in Rochester, NH. This unique networking event will bring together nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and community leaders for an evening of meaningful connections and collaboration. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the Greater Rochester Community Health Foundation and their grant process, the missions and impact of local nonprofits, explore partnership opportunities, and build relationships that strengthen our community.

Whether you’re looking to support a local cause, expand your professional network, or discover new ways to make an impact, this event offers a welcoming environment to connect with organizations and individuals who are committed to making the Greater Rochester area thrive. Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards for networking and door prizes. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. Tabling Information: Limited non-profit tables will be available, but all are welcome to attend and represent their nonprofit. If a table is not available, HRCU will have a table where information can be placed. If you are interested in a table, please email Sydney Albee, HRCU AVP of Marketing & Community Relations, at salbee@ hrcu.org.

Stone Mountain Arts Center located at 695 Dugway Road in Brownfield Maine will welcome Asleep at Wheel on Friday, October 23 at 8 pm. Lobby opens at 4:45 pm, dinner seating begins at 6 pm. Tickets are available at stonemountainartscenter.com. For over fifty years, Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson has been traversing the globe as an ambassador of Western swing music and introducing its irresistible sound to generation after generation. More than 100 musicians have passed through the Wheel, but Benson remains the front man and the keeper of the vision, in the process racking up more than 30 albums, ten Grammy awards and literally millions of miles on the road. “I’m the reason it’s still together, but the reason it’s

popular is because we’ve had the greatest singers and players,” Benson explains. “When someone joins the band, I say, ‘Learn everything that’s ever been done, then put your own stamp on it.’ I love to hear how they interpret what we do. I’m just a singer and a songwriter, and a pretty good guitar player, but my best talent is convincing people to jump on board and play this music.” “It took me 60 years, but I’m doing what I’m meant to do—singing and playing and writing better than I ever have. A bandleader is just someone who gathers people around them to play the best music they can play.” There is a 6 ticket limit, and 4 ticket limit for memberships, for more information, visit stonemountainartscenter. com.

At The Thrift Score, our mission is to provide quality unique items at affordable prices to our customers. We are committed to reducing waste and promoting sustainability through recycling and upcycling.

40 Main Street, Somersworth, NH thethriftscore.com | 603-692-4667

Page 6 | ALONG ROUTE 16 SEPTEMBER 2026

Tuesday

What’s UP

Please call ahead for event updates. Information and schedules subject to change.

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Sept. 11, September 11 Memorial Walk, 5 – 6:30 pm, free, departs from Jackson Covered Bridge, Jackson Chamber of Commerce,978-580-0905, kathleen@ jacksonnh.com. Sept. 11, Whitestake The Whitesnake Experience, 8 pm,Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse. com. Sept. 12, Comedian Tom Cotter, 8 pm,Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

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Sept. 12, Granite State Street Rodders, 4 - 7 pm, classic car show, raffles, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org. Sept. 12, Jar of Flies, unplugged tribute to Alice in Chains, 7 pm,St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts, 155 Emery St., Berlin, 603-752-1028, www. stkieranarts.org. Sept. 12, Saturday Hikes,9 am – 12:30 pm, free,Bald Knob via Turtleback Mt. Trail,Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd., Moultonborough, pre-registration required: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. Sept. 12, Thurley Mountain Preserve Fall Clean Up, 9 am – noon, program of Moose Mt. Regional Greenways, Thurley Rd., Ossipee, pre-register: 603-4732020, www.mmrgnh.org.

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Sept. 13, Laid Back Country Picker,6 pm, Feel the Barn Music, food available at 6 pm, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, tickets/info.: 603-323-6169, www. thefarmstand.net.

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Sept. 13, Touch-A-Truck, 11 am – 1 pm,The Nick Recreation Park, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro, 603-651-6598.

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Sept. 15, An Evening About Cowboy Nute, 4 pm, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St. , Center Ossipee, www.historicalsocietyofossipee.org. Sept. 16, An Iliad, 7:30 pm, M&D Playhouse, 2760 White Highway, N. Conway, 603-733-5275, www.mdplayhouse.com. Sept. 17, Guided Hike, 10 am – noon, Brook Walk Brook Trail, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org. Sept. 18, Discover Pastels, 3 - 5 pm, with Sarah Eastman, Mount Washington Valley Arts Assoc.,16 Norcross Circle, North Conway, register: 603-356-2787, www.mwvarts.org. Sept. 18, Imari and the Sahara Desert Dancers, M&D Playhouse, 2760 White Highway, N. Conway, 603-733-5275, www.mdplayhouse.com. Sept. 19, 18th Annual Great NH Pie Festival, 10 am – 4 pm, New HampshireFarm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www. nhfarmmuseum.org. Sept. 19, Blue Collar Men: The Music of Styx with The Doobie Brotherhood, 8 pm, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-3351992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com. Sept. 19, Juston McKinney, comedian, 7:30 pm, Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.org. Sept. 19, Lavender Sense Retreat: Soul-full Saturdays - in-person wellness classes and workshops. A ticketed event, call 603-453-4186 or visit lavendersenseretreat.com. Sept. 19, Saturday Hikes, 8 am - noon, free, Mount Roberts,Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd., Moultonborough, pre-registration required: 603476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

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Sept. 19-20, Falling Leaves Craft Fair, Joyce’s Craft Shows, 10 am, Tanger Outlet, 120 Laconia Rd., Rt. 3, Tilton, 603-387-1510, www.joycescraftshows. com. Sept. 20, Counterfeit Cash, a tribute to Johnny Cash, 2 pm, St. Kieran Community Center for the Arts, 155 Emery St., Berlin, 603-752-1028, www.stkieranarts.org. Sept. 20, Historic Figures Tea, Clark Museum complex, 233 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org. Sept. 20, Sarah Borges ft Eric Ambel, 6 pm, Feel the Barn Music, food available at 6 pm, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, tickets/info.: 603-323-6169, www. thefarmstand.net. Sept. 24, Guided Hike, 10 am – noon, Settlement Loop, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410, www. castleintheclouds.org.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | ALONG ROUTE 16 | Page 7

What’s UP

Sept. 24-Oct. 10, Fall Maple Tours, 11 am, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm 58 Cleveland Hill Rd, Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum. org. Sept. 25, The Young Dubliners, 8 pm,Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com. Sept. 25, Wolfeboro’s Great Pumpkin Hunt, 7 – 10 pm, 603-569-2200, assistant@wolfeborochamber.com. Sept. 25-27, Wolfeboro Sidewalk Sale Days, 9 am - 6 pm, sales around Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200. Sept. 26, Annual Fallfest, 10 am – 3 pm, crafts, farmers market, soup, chowder, chili, sculpture walk, free admission, Great North Woods Center for the Arts, 1993 U.S. Rt. 3, Columbia, 603-246-8998, www.gnwca.org. Sept. 26, Kingswood Youth Center’s 17th Annual Chili Challenge, 11 am – 1:30 pm, Foss Field Pavilion, 88 Lehner St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-5949, www. thekyc.org. Sept. 26, Stairway to Zepplin, 8 pm,Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

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Sept. 26, Sustainability: An American Literary History, 1 – 2 pm, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-3237591, www.remickmuseum.org. Sept. 26, The Selectmen, 7 – 9 pm, Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.org. Sept. 26, Winni Chase Regatta, The Winni Chase, 7:30 am – 1:30 pm,Pinckney Boathouse at Brewster Academy, 80 Academy Dr., Wolfeboro, 603-569-7141.

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Sept. 26, Wolfeboro’s Annual Fall Festival, 10 am – 4 pm, Wolfeboro Parks & Recreation, info.: 603-569-5639. Sept. 26 & 27, 3rd Annual Flower Festival, 10 am,65 Federal Corner Rd., Tuftonboro, 603-569-1347.

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Sept. 27, Ellis Paul, 6 pm, Feel the Barn Music, food available at 6 pm, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, tickets/info.: 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net.

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Sept. 27, Porch Fest, free outdoor music festival, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com.

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Sept. 30 Prentice Woods Preserve Fall Clean Up, 9 am – noon, program of Moose Mt. Regional Greenways, 36 Prentice Woods Rd., Wakefield, 603-4732020, www.mmrgnh.org. Oct. 1, Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival Tour, 7 pm, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse. com.

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Oct. 1-31, BOO! A Family Friendly Haunting of Remick Museum & Farm, 10 am – 3 pm, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm 58 Cleveland Hill Rd, Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.

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Oct. 3, Antique and Vintage Fair on the Green, 11 a.m. – 3 pm, Clark Museum Complex, Wolfeboro Historical Society, 233 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.

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Oct. 1-18, Blithe Spirit, M&D Playhouse, 2760 White Highway, N. Conway, 603-733-5275, www.mdplayhouse.com.

Oct. 3, Castle Car Show, 10 am – 2 pm,Castle in the Clouds, in the field, Moultonborough, info.: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. Oct. 3, Northern Cross, 8 pm, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com. Oct. 8, Guided Hike, 10 a.m. – noon, Brook Walk via Old Auto Road, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration:603-476-5410, www.castleintheclouds.org. Oct. 10, Granite State Street Rodders Car show, 3 – 6 pm, cars, music, 50/50 raffles, New Hampshire Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org. Oct. 17, Lavender Sense Retreat: Soul-full Saturdays - in-person wellness classes and workshops. A ticketed event, call 603-453-4186 or visit lavendersenseretreat.com. Oct. 17, Riverﬁre & The Zombie ATV Poker Run, www.androscogginvalleychamber.org., 603-752-6060. Oct. 22, Guided Hike, 10 a.m. – noon, Oak Ridge, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-5410,www.castleintheclouds.org Oct. 31, Halloween Trick or Treat, Clark Museum Complex, Wolfeboro Historical Society, 233 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4997, www.wolfeborohistoricalsociety.org.

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Page 8 | ALONG ROUTE 16 SEPTEMBER 2026

What’s UP

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ArtWorks Chocorua Creative Arts Center, gallery, workshops & events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com Believe in Books Literacy Foundation/Theatre in the Wood, Intervale, programs for children, 603-356-9980, www.believeinbooks.org. Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. Coffee Hour, 10 – 11 am, coffee, tea and snacks, Wednesdays, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537, Effingham.lib.nh.us. 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. First Friday Receptions, June-Dec., 5 - 7 pm, refreshments, conversation and art, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, 603-323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com. Friday Painters, 12:30-3 pm, meets weekly, Mt. Washington Valley Arts Assoc., Gibson Center, 14 Grove St., North Conway, ken@gibsoncenter.org. Gorham Farmers Market, Thursdays through Oct. 5, 3-6 pm, Town of Gorham Common, 69 Main St., Gorham, live entertainment, vendors and more, www.gorhamnh.org.

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Making Strides, 8 – 9 am, daily drop-in walking for groups or singles, Ossipee Town Hall, no pre-registration required, 55 Main St., Center Ossipee, www. ossipee.recdesk.com. Medallion Opera House, 20 Park St., Gorham, 603-723-3421, www.medallionoperahouse.org. Cruise on Millie B., a replica of a 1928 Hacker-Craft, 45-minute tour, info/ tours: NH Boat Museum, Wolfeboro, www.nhbm.org, 603-569-4554. Mount Washington Auto Road, events, tours and more, Gorham, https:// mt-washington.com, 603-466-3988.

NH Boat Museum, events and exhibits, 130 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-569-4554. Second location: 399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-5694554, www.nhbm.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.

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Makers Mill, variety of workshops, classes in arts and crafts and more, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org.

NE Ski Museum, ski exhibits, 2628 White Mt. Highway, North Conway, www. newenglandskimuseum.org.

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Majestic Café, jazz, blues, and more, 34 Main St., Conway, 603-447-4737, www.conwaymajestic.com.

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.

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Living Shores Aquarium, exhibits, family fun, 850 NH Rt. 16, Glen, 603-3834186, www.livingshores.com.

Mount Washington Valley Arts Assoc., 16 Norcross Circle, North Conway, 603-356-2787, www.mwvarts.org.

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 open daily May 1 - November 1 Guided Squam Lake Cruises Mid-May - Mid-October Guided Discoveries Camps April Break & Summer

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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, 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.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | ALONG ROUTE 16 | Page 9

Whittier Covered Bridge: Preserving an Ossipee Landmark By Mike Moore

Over 150 years ago, bridge builder Peter Paddleford revolutionized covered bridge construction in New Hampshire with his patented Paddleford truss design. His innovation contributed to both the transportation network and the enduring beauty of the Lakes and White Mountains regions. For visitors and residents of Ossipee, the Whittier Covered Bridge—one of the few remaining covered bridges featuring the Paddleford truss—has long been one of the area’s most photographed and admired landmarks. Though it is no longer open to vehicle traffic, local residents with a passion for historic preservation have ensured the bridge will remain a treasured part of the landscape for generations to come. Before construction of the present bridge in 1870, travelers crossed the Bearcamp River using earlier bridges that were frequently damaged by flooding. As travel through the region increased during the latter half of the 19th century, the need for a stronger, more durable river crossing became increasingly important. Local hotel owner Henry Banks helped fund the construction of a new covered bridge using Paddleford’s innovative truss design. Named the Whittier Bridge in honor of poet John Greenleaf Whittier, who spent many summers in the area and often stayed at Banks’ hotel, the bridge spans approximately 133 feet and provided a safe, reliable crossing

over the Bearcamp River for residents and visitors alike. The strength of the Paddleford truss allowed the Whittier Bridge to serve local travelers for well over a century. Additional improvements were made during the 20th century, including the installation of laminated arches and steel reinforcements to help extend the bridge’s service life. As modern highway improvements shifted traffic to nearby Routes 16 and 25, the covered bridge gradually became less essential for transportation. Following a restoration effort in the early 1980s, supported in part by local resident Gordon Pope, the bridge reopened to vehicle traffic in 1983. However, ongoing deterioration continued to take its toll, and by 1989 the bridge was permanently closed to vehicles rather than undergo another costly rehabilitation. By 1995, it was also closed to pedestrians and bicyclists after structural deterioration made the bridge unsafe. Even after its closure, however, local residents remained committed to preserving this important historic landmark rather than allowing it to disappear. Nearly two decades after the bridge closed to traffic, a comprehensive rehabilitation plan was developed in 2007. The restoration had become increasingly urgent, as deterioration had progressed to the point where many feared the bridge could eventually be lost. The project required construction crews to carefully lift the bridge from its abutments so repairs could be made

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to the deteriorated lower portions of the trusses. Temporary shoring, concrete supports and extensive bracing were installed before the bridge was moved to an adjacent work site beside the river, allowing restoration crews to complete the painstaking repairs in a controlled environment away from the river’s potential flooding. Simply relocating the bridge marked the completion of the first phase of what would become a three-phase restoration spanning approximately 14 years. Following the relocation, restoration crews spent the next decade completing the remaining phases of the project. The lengthy timeline reflected not only the complexity of restoring a 150-yearold timber bridge but also the need to secure funding as the work progressed. Much of the financial support came from the Town of Ossipee, with additional assistance provided through the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, and the National Covered Bridge Preservation Program. As funding became available, craftsmen replaced deteriorated timbers, strengthened the Paddleford trusses, repaired the bridge’s abutments, and restored numerous structural elements while preserving as much of the original historic fabric as possible. The final phase required carefully returning the restored bridge to its original location on Nudd Road, just off Route 25. Throughout 2021 and 2022, crews completed the finishing touches before

securing the bridge once again to its restored abutments. In November 2022, the Whittier Covered Bridge officially reopened to pedestrians, allowing visitors to once again experience this historic crossing, although it would no longer serve vehicular traffic. The restoration project received statewide recognition in 2024 when the Town of Ossipee earned a Preservation Achievement Award from the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance. The award honored the town, its citizen advisory committee, engineers, contractors and preservation partners for successfully completing the complex rehabilitation and preserving one of New Hampshire’s rare Paddleford truss covered bridges. The bridge, which has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1984, now stands as both a working piece of history and a testament to the community’s commitment to preserving its heritage. Preserving this historic Ossipee landmark required the dedication of dozens of engineers, contractors, town officials, preservationists, and community volunteers over many years. Thanks to their efforts, the Whittier Covered Bridge remains far more than a photograph in a history book. Today, visitors can once again walk across the bridge and appreciate much the same view that residents and travelers enjoyed in the late 1800s, ensuring this iconic landmark will continue to inspire future generations.

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Page 10 | ALONG ROUTE 16 SEPTEMBER 2026

Celebrate the Season at Dover’s 42nd Annual Apple Harvest Day By Mark Okrant This year’s Apple Harvest Day—the 42nd annual—is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, from 9 am to 4 pm in downtown Dover. Hosted by the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, the festival features craft and food vendors, live entertainment stages, children’s activities in Henry Law Park, and a 5K road race. Apple Harvest Day kicks off with the 5K race. Beginning at 8 am on St. Thomas Street, the course brings runners through downtown and culminates in a post-race cider beverage for participants. The main part of the festival continues from 9 am to 4 pm, spread across downtown Central Avenue and surrounding blocks. Attendees will not be bored during Apple Harvest Day. There are more than 300 vendor booths, multiple food courts, live music performances, and dedicated family entertainment. In past years, a wide assortment of products has been available, including glasswork, pottery, baked goods, jellies and jams, dog treats, gelato, home decor, carved wooden birds, watercolors, and comic books. Attendees need not be concerned about the weather: Apple Harvest Day will be held rain or shine. In past years, Margaret Joyce, director of the Dover Chamber of Commerce, has used the term “family-friendly” to

describe Apple Harvest Day. She went on to label it a “real old-fashioned, feelgood type of event.” This is a popular event that has drawn generations of families to Dover. Some report that, after years of searching, they discovered that the event was located “practically around the corner.” Attendees are effusive in characterizing the food. While seasonal items predominate, as well as the requisite supply of cider, the food has expanded in its diversity each year to include different ethnic offerings. As in the past, the event will feature performances by local kids, such as those from local gymnastics academies, dance studios, and karate schools. This year, there will be plenty of fun activities, including a “Roaming Railroad” and face painting. A Kids Zone, featuring inflatables and interactive activities for youngsters, is managed by the Dover Children’s Home as a fundraiser. The Dover High School Band will perform, including playing the national anthem at the event’s 9 am opening ceremony at the Rotary Stage in upper Henry Law Park. The ceremony is known as “the first bite,” and the dignitaries must bite into an apple to officially “open” the day. The U.S. Navy Northeast Jack Tar Brass Band, known for playing everything from traditional New Orleans music to today’s pop songs, will be

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performing at the event this year. There will be a family respite area for anyone who needs a quiet break. Joyce has long referred to Apple Harvest Day as part of the chamber’s personality. Dover has a statewide reputation as very community-focused. Apple Harvest Day is one of the town’s signature community events—the business community and the chamber’s members have been drawing large crowds into Dover since 1985. This year, more than 60,000 people will visit downtown Dover, many coming from the corners of New Hampshire, throughout New England, and beyond. At first glance, some of our readers may be asking themselves why Dover of all places is hosting an event titled Apple Harvest Day. Dover isn’t exactly situated in the heart of apple-growing country. While Dover has very few traditional orchards situated in the vicinity, there are several excellent options within a 30-to-45-minute drive. These are situated in Durham, Farmington, Milton, Rochester-area communities, and farther toward the Seacoast. Here are some of the best options: • Tecce Farm is located at 240 Mast Road in Durham. As such, this is one of the closest options to Dover. Tecce is a small, traditional farm offering apples in the fall, including pick-your-own and pre-picked fruit. It is known for its farm stand, agricultural produce, and baked goods. • Butternut Farm is located at 195 Meaderboro Road in Farmington. This is a particularly convenient farm as it is located 20 to 25 miles from Dover by automobile. Butternut offers the opportunity to pick your own apples from late August into October. The farm also grows peaches, blueberries, cherries, and other fruit. The farm’s cider house is a popular attraction, as it offers fresh cider donuts and cider. Compared to others in the area, Butternut offers a full fall farm experience of multiple gener-

ations of family members. • Branch Hill Farm is located at 307 Applebee Road in Milton Mills. Branch Hill has been described as an unusually interesting destination because its orchard project emphasizes reviving historic and forgotten New England apple varieties. The farm also has the Camsie Anna Nature Trail, a 1.3-mile educational trail passing through fields, woods, and orchards. Compared to other orchards in the area, this is easily the best destination for anyone who is interested in New England history, old apple varieties, and a quieter experience. • McKenzie’s Farm is located at 71 Northeast Pond Road in Milton. This is a family-oriented farm with more than 10 apple varieties, including favorites such as Cortland, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious. During apple season, McKenzie’s offers a tractor/hayride and other fall activities. Young families enjoy McKenzie’s Farm a great deal. • Applecrest Farm Orchards is located at 133 Exeter Road, in Hampton Falls. Locals tell us that this is the grandest and most elaborate apple farm situated nearest to Dover. Applecrest is one of New Hampshire’s oldest and largest orchards, with more than 40 varieties of apples. It has its own farm market, as well as a bakery, restaurant, fall events, and other activities. Applecrest is much more than an orchard—it is a destination outing rather than simply a place for picking apples. • For those who are willing to travel somewhat farther to immerse themselves in apples, here are several other options: Carter Hill Orchard at 73 Carter Hill Road in Concord; Apple Hill Farm at 580 Mountain Road in Concord; and Mack’s Apples at 230 Mammoth Road in Londonderry. As we enter the heart of apple season, readers are encouraged to support any of these options, beginning with Apple Harvest Day, of course.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | ALONG ROUTE 16 | Page 11

Reliving The History of Mount Whittier By Thomas P. Caldwell John Greenleaf Whittier, a poet, newspaperman, and abolitionist, grew up in Massachusetts, but he found inspiration in his visits to New Hampshire where he found its citizens willing to rise up to promote the end of slavery. Later, in 1876 when he took up residence at Oak Knoll, a spacious home in Danvers, he made regular summer excursions to the lakes and mountains of New Hampshire, spending time at the Bearcamp River House, an inn in West Ossipee.Another visitor at the Bearcamp River House was one of his colleagues, writer Lucy Larcom. The famous writers’ association with the area led to the naming of two mountain peaks in their honor: Mount Whittier and Larcom Mountain. Yet a third mountain came to use Whittier’s name: Nickerson Mountain, to the east of Mount Whittier, became home to the Mount Whittier Ski Area — a situation that led to confusion about which was the “real” Mount Whittier. Such confusion has been a characteristic of New Hampshire, whose geography has carried various names and associations since the earliest European settlers put down roots. The Granite State grew out of a

Base area of Mount Whittier, circa 1960. (NewEnglandSkiHistory.com) 1623 land grant from King James I to Captain John Mason who, with several other Englishmen, sent two London fish-merchants to establish a fishing colony at the mouth of the Piscataqua River. King James provided ships and provisions with the stipulation that the free land he granted must always remain subject to English sovereignty. When Captain John Smith sailed along the coast, he was impressed by the charm and solitude of the area, and named it “North Virginia” — a term King James changed it to “New

England”. Captain Mason died in 1635, and the New England settlements became a royal province in 1679, with John Cutt as president. Later, in 1698, it came under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts with Joseph Dudley as governor. Still later, King George II returned what now is New Hampshire to its provincial status and named Benning Wentworth as governor and its chief magistrate.

Wentworth oversaw the group of 12 influential citizens who called themselves “Masonian Proprietors” and for 1,500 pounds purchased the unauthenticated claims of Robert Mason, heir of Captain John Mason. They then granted land to prospective town settlers with the stipulation that all political rights remained with the province. No land was to be taxed until it was improved by those holding the titles. After Benning Wentworth died in 1770, his nephew, Sir John Wentworth, became the last of the royal governors. He purchased a 36-mile tract of land on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee where he established an estate known as Kingswood, later to become Wolfeborough (today’s Wolfeboro). It would not be a province for long. New Hampshire became the first of the colonies to declare independence from England and adopt its own constitution, later becoming the ninth state to ratify the US Constitution, reaching the required number for adoption. • Mount Whittier continued on page 12

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Page 12 | ALONG ROUTE 16 SEPTEMBER 2026 • Mount Whittier continued from page 11 Which brings us back Whittier and the Civil War and his acquaintance with New Hampshire and its stand against slavery in the mid-1800s. “What one brave State hath done, can ye not also do?” he would ask. A half-century after Whittier’s death, the Civilian Conservation Corps built a ski trail on what by then was Mount Whittier. The state also considered installing an aerial tramway on the adjacent Nickerson Mountain, but eventually built it on Cannon Mountain instead. However, several rope tows were installed on Nickerson Mountain. That slope carried various names: Mount Whittier Slope, Taylor Slope, Mittlebirge Slope. According to the website newhampshireskihistory.com, Henry Taylor’s area, operating in 194647 and 1947-48, “was likely located just west of the Mittlebirge Slope”. “A fall 1947 Nashua Telegraph listing referred to the Whittier Slope and Tow as having a 1,000 foot intermediate slope and 800 foot novice slope one mile west on Route 25, the Whittier Ski Slope as having a 2,000 foot intermediate slope, 800 foot novice slope, two trails, and two new rope tows, and the Mittelbirge Ski Slope being developed with a new 800 foot rope tow,” the website reports.

Plans to move a ski lift from Red Hill to Mittlebirge Slopes in 1952 apparently never happened, and the area is believed to have briefly closed before the 1954-55 season. However, by 1956, there was a 2,000-foot platter lift, as well as a beginner slope with tow, and a new access road led to a 450-car parking lot on Nickerson Mountain. It was in 1957 that the ski area became known as Mount Whittier, with a new lodge and an upper-mountain rope tow. The next year brought in a T-bar. In 1961-62, the ski area reported a record season, and new management took over the next year, with Meredith Village Savings Bank financing a $400,000 expansion plan. It included installation of the Bearcamp T-Bar, creation of two new trails, and an expansion of the base lodge. It also included offering night skiing for the first time. In the second year of the expansion project, Mount Whittier installed the state’s first four-person gondola, allowing operations continue beyond the ski season. With the base station located east of the ski area, on the other side of Route 16, sightseers could park and ride over the highway and river on the way to the summit. The resort obtained a $150,000 Federal Area Redevelopment Agency loan in January 1964 to help complete

the project. The ski area’s continued success was boosted by the return of ski trains from North Conway in 1965, bringing skiers to West Ossipee for access to Mount Whittier. Additionally, for the 1965-66 ski season, it added a T-bar adjacent to the gondola. Other changes would turn that outlook upside-down. First, there was the construction of Interstate 93, sending traffic to the west. Then, there was increasingly erratic weather. There was such a heavy snowfall in February 1969 that the area had to close for days. That was followed by a lack of snowfall in the early 1970s. Mount Whittier tried to overcome its challenges by planning to install new grooming equipment and partial snowmaking for the 1973-74 season. However, in November 1973, the bank began foreclosure proceedings. An attempt to auction the property failed to attract any bids. Ski instructors Bob King, Don McDavitt, and Alan Skelley sought to revive the operation by forming Whittier Lifts, Inc., and purchasing the ski area in December 1974. The lack of snowmaking, however, kept it from prospering. Mario Chiaravelotti, owner of Mario’s Restaurant in North Conway, loaned the company $200,000 in 1978, and by 1979, Chiaravelotti and other investors owned all of the company’s

stock. Although Whittier Lifts, Inc., obtained permission from the state to dam a brook with snowmaking in mind, the company’s investors turned toward offering summer attractions. That effort failed to pay off, and bad winters led to growing debt, until the ski area shut down in 1985. Beginning in the fall 1986, Whittier Lifts, Inc., began selling off its assets, and the corporate entity was dissolved in 1993. Another attempt at reviving the mountain came in 2002 with the Mountain Madness Adventure Center arriving to offer Motocross racing, all-terrain vehicles, snowshoeing, and adventure climbing. Snow tubing was added in 2003, followed by a Camp Crazy summer camp, a Nut House Bed & Breakfast, various dirt bike events, and backcountry skiing. Still plagued by money problems, in the summer of 2006, Mountain Madness advertised for investors. On November 1, 2017, Mario Chiaravelotti sold the ski property. All that was left of the ski area’s heyday were large stanchions near the junction of Routes 16 and 25, in the McDonald’s parking lot. The trails are overgrown and the lifts had degraded to the point that they could never operate again.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | ALONG ROUTE 16 | Page 13

Berlin’s Mysterious Boom Piers By Mark Okrant A sunny day in May 1994, with temperatures in the upper 60s—was the first time this writer set eyes on the chain of boom piers adorning Berlin’s Androscoggin River. Along with Van McLeod (former commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Cultural Resources), I had been invited to cut a ceremonial ribbon dedicating the Northern Forest Heritage Park. The vision of that impressive procession of rocks has remained with me decades later. Berlin stands as a remembrance of the nation’s once vital pulp and paper industry. Over the course of more than two centuries, the American pulp and paper industry evolved from small, rag-based colonial mills into a mechanized industrial giant. William Rittenhouse built the first U.S. paper mill in 1690 along Wissahickon Creek near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Until the mid-19th century, paper was made entirely from shredded cotton, linen, and hemp rags. Rapidly expanding print and newspaper demands quickly outpaced the supply of discarded cloth. Driven by fiber shortages and a booming print market in the 1850s, the industry unlocked the potential of wood pulp. In the 1840s and 1850s, papermakers began experimenting with grinding tree bark, straw, and eventually whole wood logs to extract cellulose fibers. On January 14, 1863, the Boston Weekly Journal became the first American newspaper printed on paper made

from ground wood pulp. By the late 1860s, new chemical processes (such as the sulfite and sulfate methods) were introduced, breaking down wood chips with acid to yield high-quality, durable paper. The industry boomed in heavily forested regions with abundant waterpower, particularly along the East Coast—in states like Maine and New Hampshire. The environmental movement of the 1970s forced the industry to overhaul its chemical waste and bleaching processes, sparking a massive shift toward sustainable forestry and recycling. Known as “The City That Trees Built”, Berlin owes its very existence to the timber and paper industries. The first logging camp was built along the Androscoggin in 1824. Fed by the Androscoggin River and the arrival of the railroad in the 1850s, the city grew from a tiny logging settlement into a major international pulp and paper powerhouse. In 1852, a huge sawmill was built at Berlin Falls to take advantage of inexpensive water power. Soon, timber was harvested in the surrounding forests and floated down the river. In 1868, William Wentworth Brown and Lewis T. Brown took over the local sawmill and timber rights. At its height, the Brown Company owned more than three million acres of Quebec woodlands, and more within the eastern U.S., employing more than 9,000 men to operate the mills and cut the timber that supplied them. During each winter, men at logging camps

deep in the woods cut timber that was floated down the Androscoggin River during the spring runoff. During the era of the great log drives, the Brown Company shared the Androscoggin River with the International Paper Company. To keep their logs separated as they floated downstream to the mills in Berlin, the companies used a series of man-made boom piers, or rock piles, extending down the middle of the river. Chains and boom logs were strung between these piers, effectively dividing the river into lanes. Logs were marked with ownership stamps and sorted at designated gaps upriver before continuing to their respective mills. Today, only the boom piers that protrude as tiny islands along the river’s center are reminders of the log drives, when thousands of huge tree trunks tossed and tumbled on its roiling surface. Before long, the Brown Company placed its total emphasis upon pulp

and paper. Mills and their logging operations were responsible for Berlin’s diverse population mix. The industry needed labor, and workers came from as far as Russia, Italy, Germany, and Scandinavia, each forming a little community of people who shared their own language and customs. Overall, the majority came from neighboring Quebec. As a result, more than half the city’s population was French-speaking, and at the turn of the 21st century, twothirds of the population claimed French heritage. River drives on the Androscoggin River lasted until November 1964, when they were replaced by more economical and less seasonally restricted truck transport. As a result of economic pressures and regional spruce budworm outbreaks, the mills were repeat-

• Piers continued on page 14

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edly bought and sold in the 1970s and 1980s. The final paper mills in Berlin shut down entirely in the early 2000s. Today, the only remnants of Berlin’s timber legacy are the historic boom piers and several features managed by the Berlin and Coös County Historical Society—each is dedicated to the legacy of the historic Brown Company and the local lumber industry. These include: • The Moffett House Museum and Genealogy Center, located at 119 High Street. This museum offers extensive artifacts, photographs, and records detailing the logging and industrial heritage of the Brown Company. • The Berlin Falls House Museum, located at 345 Main Street. This museum houses a collection of items relevant to Berlin’s past, including an exhibit honoring the William Wentworth Brown family. • The Northern Forest Heritage Park, situated at 961 Main Street. This park featured the circa-1853 Brown Company House (the company’s former nerve center), and a restored, 1890s-era repli-

ca logging camp. The Brown House was the company’s nerve center. It overlooks the river on Main Street, now housing the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce. Across the street, paintings created by Plymouth State University students decorate the windows of the company’s former research and development building. The Northern Forest Heritage Park in Berlin once hosted a cultural festival that celebrated some of the ethnic groups. Sadly, this historical center has now closed, and its collections of artifacts were given to the Berlin and Coös County Historical Society’s Moffett House Museum and Genealogy Center. Today, the museum is in the 14-room Victorian home and office of Dr. Irving Moffett, who practiced medicine from 1932 to 1993. This is a terrific time of year to travel north of the White Mountains. If you find yourself north of downtown Berlin, don’t forget to take a glance at the Androscoggin River. There, in the middle of the water, you’ll be treated to the boom piers—that long, straight line of small rocky islands is still poking through the surface. eat • drink • enjoy

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Corner of Routes 16 & 25W, West Ossipee, NH