Smithville Reservoir

New Ipswich Historical Society

Smithville Reservoir (Damsite 35)

Note the tree stumps. Photo is undated but most likely taken before the dam was built.

Newspaper Clipping - August 17, 1926

Schoolhouse and Church Auctioned At Bank Village

NEW IPSWICH, Aug. 17-School house No. 11 in Bank Village was sold at public auction, Saturday. The building has not been used for several years for a school house. It was built in 1824. At that time it was found necessary to form a new district on account of the erection of the cotton factory and development of mills, and the increase in population in that portion of the town.

Edward R. Wheeler was the auctioneer Saturday, The schoolhouse was sold to the highest bidder. Donald J. Packard, for $130.

The people then adjourned to the old Methodist Episcopal Church in Bank Village. The church was organized in 1842. In November 1905 the church was finally closed, On October 13, 1907, Rev. George H. Hardy of Ashburnham assisted by other clergymen conducted an impressive farewell service. Thirteen days later the church building was sold for $150 and became the property of Bank Village. The pews were removed and placed in the Finnish church which was erected beyond Smithville and the communion service was given to the Finnish church.

Mr. Wheeler began Saturday by selling the church bell, which was bought by Oliver Critronyt of Greenville for $18. The church building was bought by Eno Somero and Critronyt Bell. The split under-pinning and the church all went for $128.25. The buyers have until next April to re move the building.

James Roger diary entries

25th July 1912

Fine, cool day with northwest wind; first of Dog days. David finished Daniel Maynard’s hay tonight. Henry Royce helping in afternoon. I telephoned Mr. Barrett to spare Henry which he granted. I hoed some of the cabbage in the garden; also bugdeathed the potatoes and got the Hall ready for Grange tonight. Got post cards from Hamish. Grange closed at 11:45 p.m.