Merrimack NH Missing Places: Great Dane Knitting Mill

Posted on 17 April, 2021 by Janice Brown

Great Dane Knits advertisement.

I happened across an October 1962 newspaper article when the Nashua Telegraph announced a visit by John W. King, then Democratic candidate for governor to various Merrimack NH companies including one called Great Dane Knitting Mills [see other locations he visited at end of story**].

—Great Dane Knitting Mill in Merrimack NH—
Great Dane Knitting Mills existed in Merrimack NH from about 1958 through 1963. The company was located in the New England Chemical Supply building in Merrimack’s Souhegan Village area, along with the post office. This manufacturing facility, originally a tannery, was the northern of two large factory buildings, situated by the Daniel Webster Highway, on land that is now known as Watson Park. Continue reading →

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Snippets of News during Merrimack NH’s 1946 Bicentennial

Posted on 14 April, 2021 by Janice Brown

1946 Merrimack bicentennial pageant float representing 1746-1820 women’s industries. Colorized. Thanks to Danny Ryan.

The following snippets of news have been abstracted from The Milford Cabinet newspaper, published in Milford New Hampshire between June 1, and July 31, 1946–during the months of Merrimack NH’s Bicentennial celebrations.

We are now celebrating Merrimack’s 275th anniversary.  Do you know anyone mentioned in these stories? Continue reading →

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Merrimack New Hampshire’s Notorious Inn & Owner: Deancroft and Robert W. Dean

Posted on 11 April, 2021 by Janice Brown

Photograph of the “notorious” Deancroft Boarding House on the Daniel Webster Highway, Merrimack NH. Date unknown. Since torn down. Colorized by the blog editor.

Deancroft, Merrimack New Hampshire’s reported “most notorious” place is one I’ve been wanting to write about for years. As you read this story, and notice its complexity, you will understand why it took some time to research, so bear with me.

The building is long gone, so don’t look for it. The story of Deancroft is almost as convoluted as the chronicle of the man, Robert W. Dean, who gave the place its temporary name.  Only a very few Merrimack NH residents remember this place.  I doubt that anyone (before this) knew about the scandalous past of Merrimack’s Robert W. Dean. Continue reading →

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NH Tidbits: Descendants of Merrimack Centennial 1846 Serve on Bicentennial in 1946

Posted on 7 April, 2021 by Janice Brown

Photograph of Abbie Griffin, in 1946 noted as a descendant great-granddaughter of Capt. Ira Spalding who was a vice-president of Merrimack’s 1926 centennial.Colorized.

In 1846 Merrimack NH celebrated its centennial (100 year anniversary) of its incorporation as a town. A committee was selected to organize and facilitate events. To that end the following men were chosen: Robert McGaw was the president of the day; Nathan Parker and Samuel McConihe, vice-presidents; Joseph B. Holt and Capt. Ira Spalding, marshals. The historical address of the day was delivered by the Rev. Stephen Allen, pastor of the First church. It was an able discourse and contained much of the early history of the town up to that date. Continue reading →

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Collected Stories of Merrimack New Hampshire

Posted on 2 April, 2021 by Janice Brown

Photograph of Mattie Kilborn with her step-mother Emma J. (Fretts) Kilborn circa 1898. Owned and colorized by the blog editor.

In celebrating Merrimack New Hampshire’s 275th anniversary as a town, I present to you several stories I have written about people, places and events in its history.  My personal connections go back to the year 1898 when my great-grandfather, Charles Albert Kilborn took a local Merrimack girl, Emma Jane Fretts, as his second wife.  He moved to the Fretts Farm in Merrimack by 1900. Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, History, Military of New Hampshire, N.H. Missing Places, Native Peoples, New Hampshire Aviation, New Hampshire Women, NH Tidbits | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments