Unsettled weather notice, from the February 14 1917 Portsmouth Herald newspaper
New Hampshire’s weather was unsettled on Valentines Day, February 14, 1917. So was the nation, and the world.
Unbeknown to lovers, sweethearts and the devoted, the entrance of the United States into the Great War was only two months away. Bonds of affection were soon to be tested in a most terrible way. Continue reading
World War One was called ‘The Great War’ in 1917 when no one then living could conceive that there might be another. The hostilities affected the entire world, including the citizens of New Hampshire.
2017 is the 100th anniversary of the United States’ entry into the conflict. On April 6, 1917 we joined our allies, Great Britain, France and Russia. Major General John Pershing commanded more than 2 million soldiers for America. Continue reading
Since 1976 every U.S. President has declared February to be Black History Month. Also called National African American History Month, it is considered an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans. This month is also the time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history.
Earl Montgomery from 1920 The Granite (UNH yearbook)
Earl Roger aka E. Roger Montgomery was born 21 April 1894 in Hopkinton NH, son of Jerome & Eliza J. “Liza” (Dunbar) Montgomery. He had one sibling, William L. Montgomery. Earl Roger Montgomery grew up in the Contoocook section of Hopkinton and graduated from Hopkinton High School in 1910.
He was known as “Monty” when he attended New Hampshire College (now the University of New Hampshire). Earl was in the Class of 1914 receiving a degree in Arts & Science. According to his obituary, later he later took a special course in banking and commerce at the University of Pennsylvania. Continue reading
Francois Joseph Alfred “Fred” Frechette was born in May 1883 and also baptized at Saint-Nicolas, a borough of the city of Levis in Quebec Province, Canada. Even today this district is small, with only 18,437 people.
His parents were Olivier Jean-Baptiste Frechette & Marie Caroline Filteau. Siblings included Olivier E., Marie, William, Georgiana, Joseph, Odina, Celanire [who m. Jacob Couture], Fabiola B., Emma [who m1) Goupill; m2) William Baker], and Theodore. Fred was the next to the youngest child. Continue reading
