1946 Merrimack bicentennial pageant float representing 1746-1820 women’s industries. Colorized. Thanks to Danny Ryan.
The following snippets of news have been abstracted from The Milford Cabinet newspaper, published in Milford New Hampshire between June 1, and July 31, 1946–during the months of Merrimack NH’s Bicentennial celebrations.
We are now celebrating Merrimack’s 275th anniversary. Do you know anyone mentioned in these stories? Continue reading
Photograph of the “notorious” Deancroft Boarding House on the Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack NH. Date unknown. Since torn down. Colorized by the blog editor.
Deancroft, Merrimack New Hampshire’s reported “most notorious” place is one I’ve been wanting to write about for years. As you read this story, and notice its complexity, you will understand why it took some time to research, so bear with me.
The building is long gone, so don’t look for it. The story of Deancroft is almost as convoluted as the chronicle of the man, Robert W. Dean, who gave the place its temporary name. Only a very few Merrimack NH residents remember this place. I doubt that anyone (before this) knew about the scandalous past of Merrimack’s Robert W. Dean. Continue reading
Photograph of Abbie Griffin, in 1946 noted as a descendant great-granddaughter of Capt. Ira Spalding who was a vice-president of Merrimack’s 1926 centennial.Colorized.
In 1846 Merrimack NH celebrated its centennial (100 year anniversary) of its incorporation as a town. A committee was selected to organize and facilitate events. To that end the following men were chosen: Robert McGaw was the president of the day; Nathan Parker and Samuel McConihe, vice-presidents; Joseph B. Holt and Capt. Ira Spalding, marshals. The historical address of the day was delivered by the Rev. Stephen Allen, pastor of the First church. It was an able discourse and contained much of the early history of the town up to that date. Continue reading
Photograph of Mattie Kilborn with her step-mother Emma J. (Fretts) Kilborn circa 1898. Owned and colorized by the blog editor.
In celebrating Merrimack New Hampshire’s 275th anniversary as a town, I present to you several stories I have written about people, places and events in its history. My personal connections go back to the year 1898 when my great-grandfather, Charles Albert Kilborn took a local Merrimack girl, Emma Jane Fretts, as his second wife. He moved to the Fretts Farm in Merrimack by 1900. Continue reading
Single frame of a stereoview photograph, by Deloss Barnum (1825-1873) of Abenaki Indian camp in NH White Mountains. Circa 1850-70. Property of and colorized by the blog editor.
During the month of April, 2021, Merrimack celebrates its 275th Anniversary, based on the date of the incorporation of the town of ‘Merrymac’ on 2 April 1746 (when it separated from Old Dunstable). There are lots of places where you can read about the history of Merrimack New Hampshire, so there’s no need for me to rehash some past events in this article.
Instead I’ll give you the anniversary highlights through time. In upcoming days I’ll write a series of short stories about the town. Continue reading
