In earlier days of New Hampshire’s history, Valentines Day was held in higher regard. There were poems to compose, sweet gifts to distribute, and rituals to perform. Today the day seems much more commercialized.
In 1851 your shopping list for February 14th might have included bay leaves, small pins, eggs, salt, and clay. If you don’t understand why, then read on. Continue reading
Photograph postcard from 1910, Oliver Prescott Baker and Evelyn Baker, 202, North Weare New Hampshire.
Two lovely children, posed perfectly, look out from this photograph postcard. In addition to the ink script “Evelyn Baker, Oliver Prescott Baker,” there is penciled on the back, “202 North Weare NH.”
The postcard is dated September 1, 1910, is addressed to “Mrs. Alfred Osborne, Local,” and the hand-written words: “Dear Mrs. Osborne. Never mind the peaches for canning, I got some yesterday and have them put up. If you should have any left over for eating, we will have a few. Hartily, [sic] M.P.B.” along with a PS “Perhaps your children would like this card if you do not care for it!”
After a bit of research it becomes evident that the postcard sender was Maude (Prescott) Baker, wife of Rev. Ernest L. Baker. He was a Congregational minister who was installed at North Weare New Hampshire’s Congregational Church on June 18, 1902 where he remained until after 1910. Continue reading
Each time the presidential primary rolls around, some people become excessively focused on preventing potential vote cheating (which happens to be an exceptionally rare event here despite the hype). We like to think of New Hampshire as always putting the voter’s rights first, but historically this is not true. The current desire of the misguided to further limit us, may just our state’s citizens repeating their past mistakes.
From riots, bloody noses, and gerrymandering to the question of exclusivity (whether paupers, women and soldiers away from home could vote), local newspaper articles often demonstrated how New Hampshire’s blood ran hot and passionately around election time. The following are only a few examples of these arguments. Continue reading
Sample of New Hampshire emergency responders license plate in 1969 before the “scenic” was replaced with “Life Free or Die.”
In July of 1969 the New Hampshire legislature voted to print the New Hampshire state motto–“Live Free or Die” on automobile license plates. The printing began in 1971, replacing the word “Scenic” which described the state at that time. [Info from Dallas Morning News, Dallas TX, July 7, 1969, page 18]
Today New Hampshire’s population is 93% white with African-Americans making up about 1.4% of residents (the rest being Hispanic and Asian). In the early years of the New Hampshire colony, and throughout our State’s history, the number of non-Caucasian residents has always been low.
An ancient document notes that slaves existed in New Hampshire as early as 1645. In colonial times, Portsmouth was a busy, thriving, international port that was a focal point for both FREE and ENSLAVED people of color. It is not a surprise, then, that there are places and events of importance in our seacoast towns for those studying New Hampshire’s black history. The Portsmouth Black Heritage Trail is an amazing resource for those wishing to learn more, along with the re-discovered African Burying Ground. Continue reading
