New Hampshire: And Be Ye Thankful

Posted on 22 November, 2006 by Janice Brown

I was reading through the old New Hampshire newspapers about how Thanksgiving was celebrated in the “olde days.”

I found one particular article regarding the meaning of Thanksgiving.  In 1879, a story (written only 16 years after Thanksgiving became a national holiday) mentioned that already “Too many of the little folks (and big ones too) think Thanksgiving means turkey and pumpkin-pie, and good things to eat, instead of cheerful, grateful hearts.  They hardly ever associate the words, “and be ye thankful,” with their bountiful and beautiful provisions of their Thanksgiving days….a happy home, and all the love and good things in it.  The essence of the story is that Thanksgiving Day originated when people who did not have food, were supplied it.   How better can we today share the true spirit of that day, than by sharing our blessings with others?” Continue reading →

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Alexandria New Hampshire Author and Teacher, Louise Lamprey (1869-1951)

Posted on 20 November, 2006 by Janice Brown

Photograph of Louise Lamprey. Colorized by the blog article editor.

She was ahead of her time.  Born a minister’s daughter, Lunnette Emeline Lamprey, daughter of Rev. Henry  & Helen (Hardy) Lamprey, she used the pen name of Louise Lamprey, and wrote stories for children.

Probably her best known quotation occurred in 1897 when then newswoman. At that time, Louise Lamprey wrote, “President McKinley has no more backbone than a chocolate éclair.”  Her quip was later wrongfully attributed to Theodore Roosevelt. Continue reading →

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Portsmouth New Hampshire’s Peace Conferences

Posted on 18 November, 2006 by Janice Brown

On December 10, 2006, the Theodore Roosevelt Nobel Peace Prize Luncheon was held at Wentworth  By the Sea Hotel in New Castle, New Hampshire.  It is presented by the Japan-America Society of NH, and commemorated the 100th anniversary of the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize.

In addition a Treaty of Portsmouth Memorial Fund has been launched, to raise funds to commission a memorial, to be located in Portsmouth NH, as a permanent reminder of the event, “and a celebration of the roles, Roosevelt, Japan, Russian the U.S. Navy, the State of New Hampshire, and the citizens of Portsmouth played in the treaty negotiations.” [The only question I have about this is, since the actual location of the meetings took place at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, located in Maine, where will the memorial be placed?] Continue reading →

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New Hampshire: The Governor’s Horse Guards (1859-1879 & 1999-Present)

Posted on 16 November, 2006 by Janice Brown

Little known facts about the New Hampshire Governor’s Horse Guards include that they were told at the beginning of the Civil War that the war would be so brief, that cavalry (and they) would not be needed; and the modern-day version accepts women into its ranks.

September 28, 2006 was the seventh anniversary of (the new) “Governor’s Horse Guards Day,” as originally proclaimed by then-Governor Jeanne Shaheen. The organization of this ceremonial unit of the New Hampshire National Guard was approved on September 28, 1999, and on March 26, 2000, the unit made their first appearance at the Saint Patrick’s Parade in Manchester, NH at which time The Honorable Governor, Jeanne Shaheen inspected the unit, accompanied by U.S. Senator Dodd of Connecticut. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire Bear Implicated In 2500 Deaths

Posted on 14 November, 2006 by Janice Brown

Yes, you heard it correctly.  One tiny bear was probably responsible for 2,500 deaths–of trout, that is. Thanks to Chris from Strange Maine, for bringing this event to my attention. [He learned of it from USA Today].

Dressed in a yellow slicker and rain hat, the teddy bear apparently fell into a pool at the Fish and Game Department hatchery in Milford, New Hampshire, clogging a drain.  This event blocked the flow of oxygen to the pool and suffocated the fish.

Michelle, a commenter on “Strange Maine” calls the tragedy,  “Death by cuteness.”

J

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