Century and a Half (Part 1)

New Ipswich Birthday Anniversary

150th Anniversary

New Hampshire Town Has a Grand Celebration. 

Gov. Rollins Takes Part in the Day's Festivities. 

NEW IPSWICH, N. H., Aug, 28, 1900. 

   This town celebrated today the 150th anniversary of its incorporation with a parade of military and civic organizations and other ceremonies. Gov. Rollins and these members of his staff were guests of honor: Gen. W. E. Spalding. Gen. H. H. Dudley, Col. E. S. Head, Col. J. M. Sargent, Col. Willlam Marcotte, Col. Sam Lewis and Col. Joseph H. Colt. This is the first time that a Governor of the state ever visited this town while in office. 

   The column was formed and advanced to meet the Governor as follows: 

     Chief Marshal Lauristen,  M. P. Hardy, 
     Aids Albert A, Walker and Wilbur L. Phelps. 
     Drum Major Thomas E. Kielty. 
     Battery band of Worcester. 
     Capt. Jonas Nutting post 53, G. A. R.
     President of the Day J. L. Hildreth, M.D.

               Invited guests. 

     Chaplains Cecil F. P. Bancroft and William R. Thompson. 
     Anniversary committee in carriages. 
     Peterboro cavalry. 
     Lyndeboro artillery. 
     Tiger engine company. 
     Southern Hero fire company. 
     Citizens in carriages and on bicycles. 

   The processton formed in front of Clark's Hotel at 9 o'clock, and marched past the soldiers' monument to Bank Village, where the Governor and staff were met. The Governor and staff came on a private car to Greenville, and had been received by a committee composed of John Preston, Frederick W. Jones and Edward O. Marshall. The chief executive and staff joined the procession/taking position next to the G. A. post. When the Governor arrived in sight a salute of 17 guns was fired by the gunners' squad of Lyndeboro artillery, which awakened the echoes in the mountains.

Photo by Leon Willard - August 28, 1900

James Roger diary entry

30th August 1913

Terrible thunderstorm began about 10 p. m. last night but reached a climax about midnight when the lightning was incessant and immediately overhead. The house shook with the vibrations of the thunder and a heavy rain storm. Moses Balch’s barn set on fire about midnight. Albro rescued his horse and cow but lost his hay, harness, and other property. David rang the fire bell and Smithville engine came. They saved the adjoining houses from catching fire. Today the air is cooler and pleasant. The rain was welcome and will do an immense quantity of good.

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