New Hampshire WWI Military: Heroes of Newport

Posted on 24 June, 2018 by Janice Brown

Stereoscopic Views of Newport, Sullivan County, New Hampshire. John Bachelder photographer. Robert N. Dennis Collection, New York Public Library Digital Collections.

In 1917 the town of Newport New Hampshire had around 4,000 permanent residents.  It was also the county seat for Sullivan County where the County court house was located and business was conducted by the county commissioners.

When the World War was declared in 1917  the citizens were quick to support the war effort.  They not only sent their youth to service, but they had active Red Cross participation and the town enthusiastically supported the War Bond sales.  In July of 1918 the Newport Chapter and her auxiliaries shipped the following articles for Red Cross use: 15 helmets, 3 mufflers, 367 pairs of socks, 53 sweaters, 4 pair wristlets, 36 convalescent robes, 144 women’s and children’s garments. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: Private James H Beck of Mason

Posted on 22 June, 2018 by Janice Brown

Before the World War the population of Mason, New Hampshire hovered just above 325 people. After the War the population would drop to below 300, and would not begin to recover until the 1950s. Mason sent its young men into battle including [partial list] James H. Beck, Harry Chute, Victor Duncan, George H. Hill, Wilhelmena Nykanen (nurse), Louis M. Smith, and Gardner Tucker. One of these young people would not return. Continue reading →

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The Legend of Becky’s Garden: Lake Winnipesaukee’s Smallest Island

Posted on 20 June, 2018 by Janice Brown

1838 Painting of Center Harbor by artist
William Henry Bartlett. Notice the cow and
farmer in the foreground. Is this Becky’s
father, or her beloved?

A legend often has a basis in real history, and knowing the authentic story does not negate its charm. Such it is for this tale of the tiny ledge of rock and ragged growth that sits in Lake Winnipesaukee known as Becky’s Garden.  The narrative is at least 133 years old (from 2018) based on the 1885 map showing the isle’s existence. According to Stephanie Knighton, one of the current owners of Becky’s Garden, this petite venue is considered to be “the ‘smallest charted island’ on Lake Winnipesaukee. Apparently what constitutes an ‘island’ is not just rocks but there must also be vegetation. Becky’s has both.” Continue reading →

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In Celebration of A Grandfather: Charles Aloysius Manning

Posted on 17 June, 2018 by Janice Brown

1938 photograph of Charles A. Manning,
Addie (Ryan) Manning, and in between
them, my mother Mary in graduation garb.

Fathers Day: June 17, 2018
In the past I’ve written about the paternal side of my family, and several times about my father who I adored. It is quite easy for me to write about people who I knew and loved.

But how do I write about someone who I didn’t know at all, and who my mother disliked? Yes, its true. The attitudes of our mothers greatly influence how we feel about people. Though I researched my maternal grandfather, Charles Aloysius Manning, I didn’t like him either, but only because my Mom didn’t. Continue reading →

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New Hampshire WWI Military: William H. Barrett of Lyman

Posted on 14 June, 2018 by Janice Brown

Closeup of Lyman (NH) Town Hall by Raphael
Crawford-Marks; Flickr, some rights reserved.

 

The Town of Lyman, New Hampshire (NOT to be confused with the town of Lyme) is located in Grafton County, near Lisbon and Landaff. In 1910 the population was a small 374, and after World War I ended that number dropped to 310 by 1920. During the World War at least one man left the town, never to return– William Harry Barrett, the focus of this story. Continue reading →

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