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Pittsfield NH News

February 19, 2014

The Suncook Valley Sun News Archive is Maintained by Modern Concepts. We are NOT affliated in any way with the Suncook Valley Sun Newspaper.



 

Snow Date For Michele Albion Program

 

Join us this Thursday, February 20th at the Pittsfield Middle High School, 23 Oneida Street at 7 pm for a fun evening with the author of the Quotable books, Michele Albion.

 

For further information, please contact the library at 435-8406.

 


 

Snowmobile Poker Run

 

Suncook Valley Sno-Riders 3rd Annual Poker Run.

Saturday February 22nd, 2014 Registration 10:00am-12:00 noon

Starting at PYBA field on Tilton Hill Rd in Pittsfield.

Accessible by Sled or vehicle. Come play a hand or two and join the fun!

If you have questions, call Laura 435-8729.

 


 

The Tragedy Of Mary Bodge And The Story Of Her Bridge

Submitted By Larry Berkson

Pittsfield Bridge_Street_Mary's_Covered_Bridge_#2.jpg

 

Pittsfield Bridge_Street_Mary's_Covered_Bridge.jpg

Eleanor Watson has kept after me to write more about Mary’s Bridge than is displayed on the Historic Trail sign on Bridge Street. Finally, I have found time. So here goes. 

 

The Footbridge and the Fall

Prior to 1874 there was only a narrow foot bridge across the river at the end Bridge Street. It swung low to the water and on January 8 it was feared that the ice flow would carry it away. Being good town citizens, during mid-day Captain Jonathan Towle who lived on River Road and Christopher Butman who lived in the house at the northwest corner of Bridge and Smith Streets, disconnected it to let the ice pass. However, they did not reposition it that night, failed to put up a barrier to the river, and did not illuminate the area. 

 

That Thursday morning 26 year-old Mary Bodge, who lived in Barnstead, had traveled over it on her way to work in the J. S. Bartlett & Company shoe shop. On her way home that night she took the same route. It was very dark and foggy and she did not see that the bridge was out. She plunged into the river, her screams being heard by neighbors who rushed to the scene. But they were too late.  

 

The following day a canon shot grappling hooks across the river all day in an attempt to recover her body, but the effort was unsuccessful. About $200 was then raised to bring a diver from Boston to make the recovery. However, that became unnecessary when on Saturday four men found her body below the dam. 

 

The funeral took place on Sunday in the Free Will Baptist Church, the Washington Hotel furnishing the carriages to the funeral free of charge. The four men who found the body served as pall bearers. Rev. Arthur Deering officiated in front of a huge crowd of factory workers and the general public. Eighteen carriages then followed the body to Barnstead Center where another oration was given by Rev. Deering. 

 

Mary was the daughter of John and Lavinia (Clough) Bodge. Her father passed away in 1859, 15 years before the accident. In 1860 her mother married Henry Gray, who apparently also passed away before the accident. Lavinia lived until 1902. Mary’s brother, James, who was born two years after her, did not pass away until 1943. To assist the aging widow, $244 was raised for her, $40 of it from the factory where Mary worked, and $78 from the C. D. Pecker Shoe Company. The following year the town voted to award Mrs. Gray $300 for the death of her daughter.

 

Mary’s Bridge

At the 1874 town meeting it was voted to raise $1,200 to build a bridge across the river where Mary drowned. In the fiscal year 1874-75, $315 were expended making preparations, a small amount the next three years, and finally in 1879 the major work was done costing a little over $3,000. 

 

It was a typical lattice bridge with walkways on both sides, 130 feet long. It had 4 x 4 inch entrance timbers with clapboards and fancy filigree on each end. Wooden shingles covered the roof. 

 

In 1883 it was deemed necessary to raise the bridge. It was raised three feet on the east end and two feet on the west end. The cost was $413. Fifteen years later, while the bridge was undergoing repairs, the editor of The Valley Times suggested that from all outward appearances it would not be usable much longer. The town was still trying to salvage the bridge in 1907 when it was replanked. The following year, however, it was deemed unsafe. It was examined by the selectmen with the aid of a professional bridge builder and as a result called a special town meeting. W. E. Joy urged the voters to expend $2,000 to repair the old bridge but the voters rejected the idea in favor of building a new one. A committee was created to examine the bridge once again and the selectmen were ordered to contact companies to learn about building one made of steel or concrete. It was also voted to move the abutments closer so that the span would only be 100 feet.

 

A contract was signed with the United Construction Company of Albany, New York to erect the new bridge. Because of habit the new bridge was still called Mary’s Bridge for many years and then forgotten over time. The name was reintroduced by the Pittsfield Historical Society when it placed a marker next to the present bridge as part of its Historic Trail in 1999.

 


 

Floral Park Cemetery Fence Fund Update

Submitted By Carole Richardson

 

Now that the holidays are over and we are all thinking about spring, I am excited to report that because of your continued support through donations, we are almost half way to my goal of having the first $20,000 so that the first portion of the fence can be installed for Memorial Day. 

 

I would like to thank you for your continued support of donations for the Floral Park Cemetery Fence Fund.  A special thank you to Paul Rogers at Jitters for allowing me to have a donation box there, and thank you to all of his patrons who have donated with their spare change – remember every penny counts. 

 

I would also like to thank the SUN for continually printing my articles seeking donations for this much needed project.  Thanks also to Andi Riel for mentioning the project in her Sunday Monitor column.  I am constantly brainstorming on ways to get the word out so that I can reach individuals who aren’t aware of the Fence Fund.  

 

I applied to the Sanderson Trust Fund for a donation but my request was denied because the Trustees stated “while individually we all feel that this is a wonderful project, as a committee we do not feel that this project meets the Sanderson Trust Fund criteria, which is to support programs or projects that promote the education, health and welfare of the individuals of the Town of Pittsfield.”   I certainly respect the Trustees, and I know they have a very difficult job in deciding where these very important funds should go but I felt that I should apply since the Sanderson Family does have a lot at the Floral Park Cemetery. 

 

I will also be writing letters to individuals seeking their financial support but I am open to any suggestions on how I can make this much needed fence replacement project a success. 

 

As I have mentioned in previous articles, all the funds for this project will need to be raised by individuals and organizations. The Floral Park Cemetery Trustees have indicated that although they feel this is a very worthwhile project they are struggling to pay for necessary upkeep of the cemetery.  Remember your contributions to the Fence Fund are tax deductible.  

 

Thank you for your questions and concerns, and please continue to send your donations to the “Floral Park Cemetery Fence Fund” P.O. Box 98 or 595 Tilton Hill Road, Pittsfield, NH 03263.  If you should have questions, please call me at 435-8351.

  


 

PES ABC Kindness Club

Pittsfield Pennies_for_Patients.jpg

Student Organizers from left to right: Quinn Bissonnette, Paige Boudreau, Abby Cote and Brandon Desilets

 

The ABC Kindness Club finished up an amazing drive.  The students raised 1,219.64 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The money was raised in honor of Joey Martin, a second grade Pittsfield student who is currently in treatment.   

 

We have a wonderful caring group of students at PES!  Ms Allen’s grade 5 class wins the pizza party with $159.09 in donations.

 

Thank You to Rustic Crust of Pittsfield NH and our Cafe Services who will work together on the pizza party.

 


 

Tops News  

Submitted By Terrie Azotea

 

At Tops this past week our Kops best loser was Mickey. Our Tops best loser was Thom. Kudos to all who had a loss! 

 

As we all know it’s so hard to lose weight and it’s even harder to keep it off. So, when there is a loss, give yourself a pat on your back and say to yourself, “great job.”

 

We talked about old business and the upcoming SRD in May. It sounds like it’s going to be a great time. I was the speaker this past week and I talked about emotional eating and why we use food for comfort.

 

We use food when we are happy, sad, mad, and the big one, stressed.We had some great tips on what to do when we are on the emotional wagon. One tip was eat a pickle. I thought that one was a good one.

 

We started a new contest called Put your heart into Tops. Good Luck and lets see who can fill up there hearts first.

 

If anyone is interested in joining us on Tuesday nights, we meet at 5:30 for weigh in and at 6:30 for our meeting at the Berakah on Fairview Rd. in Pittsfield. Any questions please call Stuart Pike, 856-4842 or Pat Smith, 435-5333.

 

I thought this was a good quote for the week “There is no failure except in no longer trying.” ( Elbert Hubbard) Well, I hope that everyone has a good week and see you all lighter next week!

 


 

The Root Children

 

Petit Papillon Ballet Theatre will perform The Root Children, March 21 and 22, 2014 at the Concord City Auditorium. Performances are scheduled for Friday at 7 PM and Saturday at 2 PM with a special school performance at 10 AM Friday. This ballet is based upon the beloved German story written in 1906 about the seasons and how they change bringing birth and rebirth to nature.

 

Choreography for the ballet is by Patricia Walker and Kelly Doremus Stuart and will reflect many areas of dance. The ballet is set to modern and new age music and is an enchanting adaptation of the favorite children’s story that will transport audiences into a fantasy world reflecting the forest home of birds, butterflies, dragonflies and all the other creatures who dwell there.

 

Members the ballet theater are joined by younger students of Petit Papillon School of Ballet to tell the story of the incredible natural world we live in. Cast members for this production represent the communities of Concord, Bow, Henniker, Hillsborough, Loudon and Weare. The ballet will appeal to young and old alike. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children and seniors and are on sale at Gibson’s Bookstore, 45 South Main St, Concord, and at the studios of Petit Papillon, Monday through Friday from 4 PM-8 PM. The studios are located in the Green Street Community Center, 39 Green St., Concord. Tickets will also be sold at the theater box office before performances. Group rates are available.

 


 

Letter To The Editor

 

To the good citizens of Pittsfield,

I went to the public hearing on the Town and School Budgets last night.

 

I thought with only three members of the public there, I had better write a letter.

 

I had heard at a selectmen’s meeting attended by superintendent John Freeman, that he had lost some good teachers to Epsom for what he believed were monetary reasons; and that he didn’t want to lose any more. He told us last night a raise and a three year contract would help.

 

In the Governor’s State of the State address Governor Hassan’s comments that Pittsfield is seeing improvements because they were willing to look at education differently and has brought businesses, parents, and the entire community together.

 

We should reward success.

 

With a cut in the operating budget, the school is proposing an overall reduction in the tax rate.

 

And now on to the Town.

Our choices are clear. The police need a contract the Town and police are proposing one that they think is beneficial to them and the Town. I’ll probably vote for it.

 

Water company: Do we spend another $30,000 to work on acquiring the aqueduct? Some people say we can’t afford not to own it.

 

Capital reserves for road equipment, $250,000 or so. We haven’t saved hardly any money in several years for equipment purchases. Either we raise the taxes $1.00 per thousand, or use our fund balance. What should be our reserves? To put some money away or soon we all start walking.

 

Dan Schroth Piermarocchi

 


 

Loudon Center Freewill Baptist Church

 

Back by popular demand is our Spaghetti & Meatball supper on Saturday, February 22 at 5 pm. $7 person for all you can eat spaghetti & meatballs, salad, garlic bread, dessert, hot/cold drinks. All the proceeds go to White Cross missions. 

 

Caregiver’s Support group the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. 

 

Bible Study every other Saturday morning with potluck breakfast. (Call for dates/location)

 

Monday, March 3, 2014 is a public presentation by CareNet Pregnancy Center of Concord. Please mark your calendars and invite your family and friends. More information coming soon. 

 

Please call Rev. Linda Overall at 603.875.5822 for more information on all our events/studies

 

Please join us Sunday mornings at 9:30, we would love to see you!

 


 

Peterson Cram Post 75 Pittsfield American Legion

Submitted by Daniel M. Ward, Commander,

Post 75 Pittsfield American Legion Post 

 

Thank you to all who purchased 2014 raffle tickets.  The first drawings this year were done during our February meeting for both January and February.  See the winners below.

 

This past year several improvements were made to our Post building thanks to some dedicated volunteers from the Concord Home Depot. They built a new handicap ramp, replaced a rotten threshold and installed a very sturdy hand rail for the front steps. Next we hope to add a new bathroom on the first floor of the Hall. This Home Depot initiative is designed to give back to Veteran organizations as a token of appreciation.  We thank the Concord Home Depot team for a job well done.  

 

A heart felt thank you to the Freese family for giving the post a WWI foot locker full of uniform and other interesting items that belonged to Sergeant George E. Freese.  Mrs. Florence Freese also gave the post a beautifully framed photo of Sergeant George E. Freese with a caption that says “Somewhere in France” April 15,1918.  Both items are on display at the Post Hall. 

 

We encourage men and women that have served in the military to become members of our American Legion Post.  We meet on the first Monday of each month (weather permitting) at the American Legion Post Hall on Loudon Road at 7:30 p.m.  Please call me 603-496-0848 with any concerns about joining or if you know of any Veterans living in or around Pittsfield that may need any type of assistance.  As a reminder we have several wheel chairs and walkers if you know anyone who may need one Veteran or not.  

 

January Raffle Winners,  $50.00 Richard Foss,$25.00 Al Nutter, $10.00 Al Nutter, $10.00 Apollo McHaas, $10.00 Susan Elliott

 

February Raffle Winners, $50.00 John E. Freese, $25.00 Jim Allard, $10.00 Margaret Weatherbee, $10.00 Hanna Chassie, $10.00 John Nutter

 

 


Obituaries


 

Peter Joyce

 

Peter Joyce, 57, of 14 Main St., died January 29th at home following a sudden illness. He was born in Concord, the son of Alfred and Phyllis (Mitchell) Joyce. He was employed for many years at the Blue Seal Feeds store in Bow. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting with his friends. He is survived by his wife, Eleanor (Maguire) Joyce and four daughters, Amy Joyce Connor of Summerville, SC; Amanda Maguire of Manchester, Kelly Wood of Shepard, TX; and Jennifer Joyce  of Pittsfield. Three Grandsons, Nicholas Cooper, Alex Cooper and Reuban Wood. Two brothers, Alfred Joyce of Taylorsville, VT and Philip Joyce of Pittsfield. Aunts, uncles,nieces , nephews and cousins.

 

Services in the Pineground Cemetery, Chichester will be scheduled in the spring.  The Perkins & Pollard Memorial Home is assisting with arrangements.  To sign an on line guest book, log on to perkinsandpollard.com.

  


 


 

 











 

 

 

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