Tag Archives: Portsmouth

New Hampshire Glossary: Steeplejack (and Steeplejill)

A chance encounter with a blog story about a Baltimore Steeplejack suddenly raised my awareness of an interesting New England occupation–a steeplejack.  And yes, I know steeples can be found outside of the northeast, but we probably have more per … Continue reading

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Now gloomy winter shews his hoary head . . .

on winter Now gloomy winter shews his hoary head, And nature’s face is with confusion spread; Stern Boreas rambles forth with blust’ring sweep, T’ explore the continent, and storm the deep: A while he ranged with despotic sway, Till vanquish’d … Continue reading

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Wilfred Ernest Burpee (1860-1948) and Other Early Opticians of New Hampshire

Many of my blog stories are generated based on the view of a curious, old postcard. “Reception Room, Brown & Burpee” was inscribed on the front of this particular postcard.  Three men are present–one sitting.  There are display cases in … Continue reading

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Portsmouth NH 1846: Customs of Valentine’s Day

From: Portsmouth Journal of Literature and Politics (Portsmouth NH) Vol LVII, Issue 7, Page 3  — Saturday, February 14, 1846 VALENTINE’S DAY — It is a popular superstition that the first two single people who meet in the morning of … Continue reading

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New Hampshire Resolution Makers 1914

RESOLUTION MAKERS From: Portsmouth Herald, December 31, 1914 Any weakling can make resolutions. It needs a strong man to keep them. That is perhaps why New Year’s resolutions are so often futile. The strong do not wait for high days … Continue reading

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