New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Holderness

Posted on 14 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

Holderness NH Veteran Monument, located next to the town’s public library.

Holderness in Grafton Co. New Hampshire has been, from it’s beginning, a farming community. Today its population swells during the summer months when vacationers and tourists arrive to enjoy the water views, cool breezes and boating or swimming.  When the United States entered World War I in 1917, the town’s population was about 925 people.  Of those at least 19 of Holderness’ youth went into military service.  Two of these men would make the ultimate sacrifice and not return home. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Hollis

Posted on 13 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

Pre WWI Hollis Town Common.

The town of Hollis New Hampshire sent 43 men to service during World War I. The residents who remained at home did their part too–participating in the Red Cross, raising funds for War bonds, demonstrating thrift in the kitchens and obedient to the meatless and wheatless days.  When the war ended, it was a difficult transition back to normalcy. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Farmington

Posted on 12 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

“Keep ’em smiling!” Help War Camp Community Service poster. Created by the U.S. War Department, 1918. National Archives on Flickr.

On April 6, 1917 the U.S. formally entered the First World War. The Farmington (NH) News newspaper that was published the same day seemed quiet tame for headlines, except for page 4 where “DANGER FROM GERMAN INVASION” explained why New Hampshire should be concerned about an enemy attack. By August of 1917 the news was full of recruitment articles and indoctrination war stories. A letter to the women of New Hampshire requested 500 knitted outfits–a sleeveless sweater, a muffler and a pair of wristlets to be sent to the men of the battleship “New Hampshire.” The residents of Farmington “did their bit” to support the troops, and to follow the food and good restrictions placed on them in order to supply the war with same. Liberty bond drives were held, and Red Cross fund raising begun.

At least 82 men left to serve in various branches of the military, on land, sea and air. Of those two would never return alive to their home town–Clarence Leroy Perkins and Maurice P. Potvin. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of New Ipswich

Posted on 10 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

Old postcard showing view of New Ipswich NH circa 1910.

In 1917 the town of New Ipswich had around 900 residents (927 in 1910 and 869 by 1920). Everyone supported the war effort with local men and women raising funds during the Liberty Drives and sending goods and money to relieve the suffering of Belgian and other European families.

Garden parties and musical events were held in New Ipswich to raise money for the Red Cross. The library was involved in helping ship books to citizen soldiers. In August of 1918 Philip F. Gordon was the town’s chairman of the committee of public safety. Notice was received from the state historian that “an honor roll recording the names of all men in the service with their achievements and dates of entry and discharge and also that the historian in case of commendable bravery and distinguished honors write a letter to the next of kin.” Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: A Mystery Recruit Nülo Mahonen

Posted on 8 October, 2018 by Janice Brown

It is a mystery to me why the name of Nulo Mahonen appears on the New Hampshire WWI Honor Roll, in Doric Hall of the New Hampshire State House.  The presence of a name on that bronze plaque usually indicates that the service man or woman was a native, lived in the state, enlisted from a New Hampshire city or town, or had close family here.  I can find none of these reasons.  So let me tell you about this mystery man. Continue reading →

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