Author Archives: Janice Brown

Journey to the Isles of Shoals New Hampshire in 1882

My earliest New Hampshire ancestors hailed from the Isles of Shoals, off the coast of New Hampshire (or Maine, depending on your perspective).  I have often pondered on their origin, as the surnames are not found on any known ship … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulders and Profiles, History, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Eccentric Merchant from New Ipswich New Hampshire: Jabez Hills (1788-1871)

Jabez Hills led a seemingly normal life until his later years, when he became known as “Jabez the Hermit,” and was considered by some to be a somewhat odd, miserly recluse. This business-savy man led a productive, generous life and … Continue reading →

Posted in History, New Hampshire Men, Oddities, Accidents and Crazy Weather, Really Old News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

New Hampshire Oddities: Siamese Twin Eggs in 1934

It has to be true, as The Boston Globe of 30 November 1934, page 14 reported the unnatural event: “New Hampshire Freak Egg” read the headline, and the story continued as follows. “Lebanon NH. Nov 30 — An interesting freak … Continue reading →

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New Hampshire Tidbits: Old Toasts and Traditions of the New Year

Tradition is interwoven with the changing of the year. On New Year’s Day it is common to bid farewell to the old and to welcome in the new with an optimistic perspective. For a brief moment at the striking of … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Events, History, Holidays | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Portsmouth New Hampshire Sugar Plum Maker: Stephen Delande

If Clement Clarke Moore (author of the poem, “A Visit From St. Nicholas“) had his way, we would all have “visions of sugar plums dancing” in our heads. Now I pose these questions: what are sugar plums and did anyone … Continue reading →

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