Not New Hampshire: Italian-born Sculptor, Joseph Arthur Coletti (1898-1973)

Posted on 28 May, 2014 by Janice Brown

Cow Hampshire readers may be surprised to see me writing about someone who was neither born nor lived in the State of New Hampshire. On occasion I happen across a

Passport photograph of Joseph A. Coletti in 1923.

Passport photograph of Joseph A. Coletti in 1923.

name or event that ties into a story that I am writing, and believe that if I am curious to learn more, that others also will. Such is the case with the artist sculptor by the name of Joseph Arthur Coletti.

His connection to New Hampshire, is through the statue of Ferdinand Gagnon at Lafayette Park in Manchester, which he created. I will be posting addition links to more of his works later in this story. It is his only work located here (in New Hampshire).
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Manchester New Hampshire’s Lafayette Park

Posted on 27 May, 2014 by Janice Brown

The first mention of Manchester, New Hampshire’s Lafayette Park, can be found in the

Likeness from The Life of General Lafayette, Marquis of France, General in the U.S. Army, Etc. Etc., by P.C. Headley, New York and Auburn, Miller Orton & Mulligan, NY, 1855

Likeness of Lafayette from “The Life of General Lafayette, Marquis of France, General in the U.S. Army, Etc. Etc.,” by P.C. Headley, New York and Auburn, Miller Orton & Mulligan, NY, 1855

1903 Receipts and Expenditures of the City of Manchester (NH), when it is stated: “Extensive improvements were made at Lafayette Park which came into possession of the city through the generosity of the Amoskeag Manufacturing company. Edgestones were set, gutters paved and concrete walks laid on the sides of the park and a commencement made in grading the same. Total amount expended $1,000.00.” Lafayette Park is located on the west side of the city near the current day Catholic Medical Center (formerly called Notre Dame de Lourdes Hospital).

In 1824 and 1825 when Lafayette revisited the United States, he spent a brief time in New Hampshire, but did not visit this park.  I have found some references that infer that he visited Manchester during his second visit to the Amoskeag Tavern, however I could not find any primary evidence of same.

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Posted in History, Military of New Hampshire | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

New Hampshire’s Memorial Day 2014

Posted on 26 May, 2014 by Janice Brown

Today is Memorial Day.

Have you ……
— flown a flag at your home to honor our military who have died while in service?
— placed a flag or flowers on the grave of a fallen hero?
— written a blog story, or shared oral history with your family about someone you know who died in any war?
—  thought  about the meaning of sacrifice?

You still have time.

There are many events going on today, consider participating in one.

NewHampshire.com has compiled a great list of events happening throughout the State.

JWB

Posted in History, Holidays, Military of New Hampshire | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Manchester NH’s Harriman Park Namesake: WW1 Casualty 2nd Lieut. Lynn Harold Harriman (1892-1918)

Posted on 25 May, 2014 by Janice Brown

Harriman Park is located at the corners of Hall Street and Lake Avenue.  The park was

View of Harriman Park in Manchester, New Hampshire

View of Harriman Park in Manchester, New Hampshire

originally smaller and called Wilson Road Square. In June of 1905 the City Council voted to purchase adjacent land from Emma S. Richards. In February of 1906 the same Council voted that this new land would be added to the former land as a public park and the same kept for ornament and recreation. The Council also voted to rename the park East Side Park. Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy, History, Military of New Hampshire, Military Squares | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Manchester NH’s First Casualty of WW1: Pvt. Henry John Sweeney (1897-1918)

Posted on 24 May, 2014 by Janice Brown

Henry J. Sweeney is a name fairly well known to many of the citizens of Manchester,

Bust of Pvt. Henry J. Sweeney in Manchester NH's Sweeney Park

Bust of Pvt. Henry J. Sweeney in Manchester NH’s Sweeney Park

New Hampshire.  The Henry J. Sweeney Post (American Legion) is active in the city, and the park of the same name on Manchester’s west side (South Main Street) is well kept and popular.

What most people don’t realize is that Henry John Sweeney grew up very close to the park the bears his name–first at 89 Fourth  Street (1902-1907) and then in the large tenement building at 74 Clinton Street.  (1908-1911).  The family did not move to the Douglas Street address until 1914. Continue reading →

Posted in Genealogy, History, Irish in New Hampshire, Military of New Hampshire, Military Squares, New Hampshire Men | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments