Those Celebrating Birthdays are: November 15, Cindy DeMeritt;
November 16, Loys Ashland; November 17, Stacey Longval; November 18,
Irene Gagnon; November 19, Allison Quigley; November 20, Mark
Selesnick.
A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!
Celebrating Anniversaries are: November 15, Ed and Kathy Huggins;
November 17, Robert and Stephanie Hetu.
Best Wishes!
The Kennedy House
Gift Baskets and More
Plus - Lynn’s knitted and crocheted items
Open House
Friday, November 23rd thru Sunday, November 25th
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
New Location
Bob and Lynn Boyd’s Home
116 Wildwood Drive
Pittsfield, NH
435-7626
School Lunch Menus
November 19 - November 23, 2012
PES
Monday
Cheeseburger Monday
Cheeseburger, Caesar salad, carrot coins, banana
Tuesday
Brunch For Lunch
Baked French toast with warm apples, ham, hash browns
Wednesday
Hot Diggity Dog
Hot Dog on a wheat bun, garden salad, peaches
Thursday
Happy Thanksgiving!
PMHS
Monday
Burger Bar
Build your own burger bar, Caesar salad, carrot coins, bananas
Tuesday
Brunch For Lunch
Baked French toast with warm apples, ham, hash browns
Wednesday
Happy Thanksgiving Break!
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Annual Holiday Fair
Come on out and shop for holiday gifts from 9-2 on Saturday,
November 17th when St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 50 Main Street,
Pittsfield will hold its annual Holiday Fair.
We will be serving a yummy lunch of pulled pork sandwiches, corn
chowder or broccoli and cheese soup. You can buy some delicious home
baked goodies for your family.
There are lots of options for gift buying at our craft, gift and
seasonal tables. Parishioners have crafted from birch logs large
reindeer for the lawn or small reindeer and Santa Clauses for table
decorations. Our silent auction always has lovely and unique items,
and although smaller this year, it is large on quality with fine art
items. Among the offerings is the painting “Winter in New Hampshire”
by local artist, Ruth Whiting, Lladro porcelain praying angels,
Madonna with Son Haeger pottery, vintage collectible Christmas
Ornaments and a Homer Laughlin Christmas Platter circa 1953. There
will be both Thanksgiving and Christmas centerpieces, wreaths and
decorations created by our artist parishioner Carole Brown. A
handmade white reversible imported wool boucle and mohair ruana
would make a lovely gift for the woman in your life.
We will also have raffles. A large crockpot theme food basket will
be raffled off. We will also conclude selling tickets to the
beautiful queen size eight point star quilt. Winners will be drawn
at the conclusion of the fair. So come out and shop, eat and have
fun for a great cause. Most of the funds raise at our fairs go back
to our community in local outreach.
Fantastic Fair
Come one, come all to the Christmas Fair at the First Congregational
Church, 24 Main Street, Pittsfield this coming Saturday from 9 to 2.
Sponsored by The Dorcas Guild, this fair is nothing short of
fantastic.
There are many handcrafted items: aprons, mittens, hats, artwork,
jewelry, special gourmet items and baked goods. Don’t forget the
“Unique Boutique” for outstanding values and the “Silent Auction”
for those special one-of-a-kind gifts.
Come to shop and stay for a corn chowder lunch with delicious
sandwiches and homemade pies. One of New Hampshire’s great fairs,
this one is not to be missed.
Parking and handicap entrance in rear of church. More
info at 435-7471 or
www.pittsfieldcc.com.
Dorcas Chisholm works on a lovely knitted scarf for the Dorcas
Guild’s
Christmas Fair at the First Congregational Church this
Saturday, 9-2.
Sue Bleckmann puts the finishing touch on her fabulous handbags for
the Dorcas Guild’s Christmas Fair at the First Congregational Church
this Saturday, 9-2.
This beautiful handmade Christmas tree wall hanging is just one of
the many lovely items in the “Silent Auction” offered at the Dorcas
Guild’s Christmas Fair at the First Congregational Church this
Saturday, 9-2.
“Smoky Hollow” Mining Pittsfield, New Hampshire
Submitted By
Larry Berkson
During the last couple of months several people have asked about
burlap bags labeled “Silverdale Grit Company, Webster Mills, New
Hampshire.” It is rather amazing that they have survived this long;
over a century. They were part of the only concerted effort at
mining in Pittsfield.
The existence of lead near Webster’s Mill, an area known in the
early days as “Smoky Hollow,” was learned not long after the town’s
founding. Attention was first called to the presence of this ore
when a Mrs. Chase went out one evening to find her cow. She saw a
bluish flame rising from the ground that did not appear to be
burning anything. She went back home and told her family and they
returned to examine the site. The group started digging to locate
the source of the flame and discovered lead ore. It was said that
the flame indicated the presence of silver but apparently none was
found.
Around 1800 John and Thomas Berry and other boys would go there and
get chunks of the ore and melt them down in a blacksmith’s shop.
They obtained sufficient amounts to make the old fashioned “plummet”
used to rule their writing books in school.
In May of 1875 considerable excitement was aroused when lead was
again “discovered” in the same area on the property of William H.
Berry. The following month Philester Elliott found a white rock in
the same pasture, which was thought to contain silver. It was sent
to a Professor Hitchcock for examination.
The next week even greater claims were made about mineral finds in
Smoky Hollow. A newspaper reporter stated that “we do not know how
extensive the gold, silver, lead and coal mines are, that have
recently been discovered in that favored portion of creation, but we
do know that there have been large developments of some kind of
minerals having some resemblance to a compound of zinc and
copper—brass.” By November a quartz ledge allegedly containing gold,
silver, and lead had been opened on the land of Charles H. Carpenter
just above Smoky Hollow.
Exactly what happened after that is unclear. There are references in
the newspapers and other writings suggesting that there were several
efforts to organize companies to mine the area. In July 1885 William
H. Berry began selling shares in “his lead mine” and indicated that
he would hold controlling interest in the company. At the same time
it was reported that “Uncle” John Berry at his advanced age, was
proposing to form a company to prospect for lead and other minerals.
It was announced that Dr. S. J. Hill would be the treasurer of and
that Mr. Berry was ready to receive proposals for stock. What came
of these plans has been lost to history.
On January 31, 1902 The Deerfield Mining Company was incorporated
in, of all places, Maine. Its officers were John P. Hultman of
Pittsfield, President and General Manager, Charles E. Wendell of
Dover, Treasurer, Horace P. Montgomery of Portsmouth, Secretary, and
James V. Howard, Consulting Engineer, of unknown location. The name
given to the mine in Pittsfield was Silverdale.
A promotional pamphlet, probably published shortly after its
incorporation, sought prospective investors. It noted that New
Hampshire was known for its rich granite quarries and that other
minerals had been mined successfully including gold, silver, copper,
lead and zinc. “Recent events,” it was stated, “have gone to show
that a new and exceedingly valuable mine is about to be opened upon
the property of the Deerfield Mining Company in Pittsfield, N. H."
The land was described as 20 acres, being about 600 feet in width
and 2,000 feet in length. Since the discovery of minerals,
considerable development and exploration work had been done. A 5 x 6
foot shaft had been dug down 40 feet and “good ore” had been found
all the way. Another small shaft had been sunk about 100 feet and
it, too, produced good ore.
The pamphlet noted that the Company had hired James V. Howard, a
well-known Colorado mining engineer to examine the area. He found
that there was “a true fissure vein extending in a northeast and
southwesterly direction.” There was a considerable amount of white
quartz, which seemed to be heavily mineralized. A portion of the
vein had zinc streaks several inches in width. There was evidence of
silver and gold. “I consider this an absolutely safe mining
proposition to invest in,” he stated. All that was needed was money
to purchase machinery and build a mill to extract the ore. “After
the mill starts,” he concluded, “it will pay its way and a handsome
dividend to investors, as all conditions are favorable to that end."
A report of Professor Richard W. Lodge of the Massachusetts
Institute of Technology was included in the pamphlet as well. He
found that ore from the mine showed 63.10% lead and 46.35% zinc.
Similarly an assay by A. F. Bardwell of Aspen Colorado showed 67%
lead and 11.7% ounces of silver per ton, “making the total value per
ton $42.11."
The pamphlet was apparently effective and people started purchasing
shares for $1.00 each. G. H. Anderson, for example, purchased 15
shares on September 25, 1902"
During 1903, according to the Company’s Annual Report, a great deal
was accomplished. A blacksmith shop, concentrating house, workshop
and boiler house were erected. Several “well constructed” roads had
been built. The main tunnel of 6 x 7 feet had been driven down 80
feet, and 300 feet of railroad tracks for carrying the ore had been
laid. A surface area of 200 feet by 10 feet had been cleared to
determine the extent of the vein. A 15-horse steam engine and boiler
had been purchased. Other acquisitions included a steam drill, a
concentrating table, a gasoline engine, a punching press, shafting,
hangers, pulleys, belting and tools of all kinds. A modern crushing
machine had been ordered.
During the year “some exceedingly fine mica deposits” had been
discovered. The company had signed a contract with General Electric
of Schenectady, New York to supply all the mica washers that they
could.
Also during 1903 the Company started to produce Silverdale Poultry
Grit. According to the report, this aspect of the mining operation
had great promise. All farmers raising poultry, pigeons, ducks,
turkeys and geese used the product. The demand was considerable and
the company already had contracts to supply large quantities to
specific buyers.
Apparently there was enough activity at the mining site to create
considerable curiosity. A newspaper article reported that the “mine
at Silverdale” was “proving a mecca for a large number of sightseers
each day."
In 1904 the Company began focusing on crushed stone and poultry grit
as the main product of their business. However, it was noted that
there was a need for an additional $1000 for a crusher and related
costs. Apparently the Company did not have enough money to pay for
the crusher it had ordered the year before.
To raise the money representatives of the Company asked investors to
take additional stock in the amount of 25% of their holdings. This,
they believed, would “not be a great tax on any single person” and
it “provided an easy way for all to help put the company on its feet
at once."
The request for additional funds was an indication that all was not
going well for the mine in Smoky Hollow. And apparently things did
not improve substantially. In fact, there is every reason to believe
that things only got worse. On September 18, 1905 President John P.
Hultman filed a writ in Superior Court seeking to attach the assets
of the Deerfield Mining Company, which he alleged owed him $2,000.
The company was thought to be worth $3,000. Resolution of the case
has not been learned.
In April 1909 notice was published in the local newspaper about a
Sheriff’s Sale of the Deerfield Mining Company, “a corporation
established for doing business in Pittsfield.” It was to be sold at
public auction on Saturday, May 22, 1909 at the Suncook Valley
Railroad depot in Smoky Hollow. The property, known as “the mining
pasture,” contained approximately 18 acres.
Historian Harold Young reports that the mine was revived from
time-to-time, especially during the two World Wars when prices for
various metals became so high that even marginal operations could
make a profit. However, each time the ventures were given up. How
much ore was productively mined in Smoky Hollow is not known.
According to Frank S. Jenkins, there was a yield of several bars of
silver from a very low grade of ore. They were about four inches
thick, four inches high and 18 inches long. A considerable amount of
calcium chat for chicken farmers was also produced.
In the Pittsfield Town Report for the year ending 1938 there is a
Schedule of Town Property. Listed under Tax Title Properties is the
Deerfield Mining Company: Boucher land $200 and Marston land $200.
This indicates that the Town of Pittsfield had taken the property
for taxes at some point in time, but just when is unclear. In 1949
the vertical mines were filled in as required by state regulations
at a cost to the Town of $187.50.
Today all that remains of the old mine is a long horizontal shaft
running into the side of a hill approximately 60 feet in length.
Letter
Why Do People Trespass On Posted Land?
The landowner pays for the land. They pay taxes on the land, and pay
to maintain the land. Why do people still trespass?
I have had four cameras stolen. So, I posted my land; all 7½ acres.
I am a disabled veteran. This is my recreation, to enjoy my land.
But every year, I get photos of hunters on the wrong side of the
signs; three different men already this year. Saturday, I lost
camera five and yes, I have a nice photo of a muzzle loader hunter
on my posted land, talking on his radio, November 3, 2012 at 1:17.
It’s a very nice photo and the neighbors saw what truck he got out
of. The pictures from last week are just as good.
I wanted you both to know the authorities have your pictures and are
looking forward to speaking to you. Did you know it is a big fine
and loss of license for a year?
I have been a hunter and outdoors man my whole life and posted or
not, I would not be there without permission; that’s written
permission. It is not a new concept. It shows your fellow man you
have respect for them, the outdoors and yourselves. If you have
trouble reading the big yellow signs, feel free to come over and I
will explain them to you.
Sincerely,
Mitch Emerson
Pittsfield
Decorated Wreath Contest At The Pittsfield Christmas Tree Lighting
Mark your calendars Saturday, Dec. 1 from 4:00-6:00 pm for the
annual Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration sponsored by the Greater
Pittsfield Chamber of Commerce. Everyone is welcome to attend!
We will be having a Decorated Wreath Contest again this year.
Everyone is invited to bring a decorated (anyway you’d like) wreath
to Dustin Park. The wreaths will be displayed (either outside or
inside PYW, depending on the weather) and will be judged by the
public. The winner will be announced at 6 pm after the Tree Lighting
and will receive a “Surprise Goodie Basket” made and donated by
Carolyn Allhiser of Northway Bank.
Please drop your wreath off by 3:45 pm at Dustin Park (PYW) and
please pick up your wreath by 6:15 pm. Any wreaths that are not
picked up will be donated to local groups.
Get in the Holiday Spirit, show off your creativity,
and bring a wreath. The contest is open to everyone! For more
information, contact Andi Riel at 435-6346 or visit the Chamber’s
website
www.pittsfieldchamber.org.
Obituaries
Peggy A. Foss
Peggy A. Foss, died November 10th at the Harris Hill Nursing Home in
Concord following a long illness.
She was born in Pittsfield, the daughter of John and R. Jeannette
Foss and lived here all her life. She was a graduate of Pittsfield
High School. She was employed as a patient access representative at
Concord Hospital.
She is survived by her mother R. Jeannette Foss of Pittsfield; 3
brothers, Robert “Buzzy” Foss, Dan Foss both of Barnstead, and Peter
Foss of Pittsfield; and several nieces and nephews.
A Graveside Service will be held at the Floral Park Cemetery Friday
at 1:00 PM. The Rev. Henry Frost will officiate. Perkins & Pollard
Memorial Home is assisting with arrangements.
Nellie May Clifford
Nellie May Clifford, 74, of Orofino, passed away September 27, 2012.
She was born on February 10, 1938 in Boscawen, NH and married her
prince charming, Kenneth William Clifford, Sr. on Easter Sunday,
1957. They had three children: Kenneth Clifford, Jr., Thelma Gover
and Theresa Gumfory, all residing in Orofino.
They later divorced after nine years of marriage, but Nellie always
believed in fairy tale endings. Over the years, she and her children
moved to Florida and Utah, and then settled in Orofino. She worked
many years at the Ponderosa Restaurant.
One spring day in 1988, her prince charming came back into her life
and they reunited in marriage on June 20, 1988. They spent blissful
years before he died on July 17, 1991.
Nellie retired in 2000. She joined the Church of the Nazarene and
felt in her heart the calling to be baptized. It was one of her
proudest moments. She also enjoyed spending Wednesday evenings at
the Ponderosa having dinner and reading the Clearwater Tribune with
her best friend, Neva Ennis.
A celebration of Nellie’s life was held at the church.
Sherman A. Chase
Sherman A. Chase passed away on October 24, 2012 after a year long
battle with cancer. He was born April 7, 1929 in Derry and raised
his family in Londonderry, later moving to Loudon. He and his wife
Irma moved to The Villages, Florida in 1989 where they had many
happy years of retirement. He spent his summers here in Pittsfield
with his daughter Donna.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, and was later employed by
the Missile Tracking Station in New Boston as a fireman. He was a
member of Hope Lutheran Church in The Villages, the American Legion
and the American Military Society.
Mr. Chase is survived by his wife of 62 years, Irma of The Villages,
FL; son Gregory and wife Shelley of Hudson; daughter Donna Chase
Ward of Pittsfield; grandchildren Kiara of Hudson; Evan Ward and
Wesley Ward both of Pittsfield; brothers Franklin of Derry and
Robert of Orange Park, FL; sister Sally Pelissier of Brooksville,
FL; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service was held October 27th at Hope Lutheran Church and
Inurnment with military honors was held on November 2nd at Florida
National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. Donations may be made to the
American Cancer Society.
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