October 6. 2011 by Merilee.

Contoocook, NH

October 6,2011

New Hampshire has a rich history of covered bridges.

The Waterloo covered bridge is located south of N.H. Route 103, two miles west of Warner Village on New Market Road across the Warner River in Warner. The structure was completely rebuilt in 1857 by Dutton Woods of Contoocook. It was rebuilt a second time in 1970, at a cost of $16,300 under the state Town Bridge Aid Program. Finally, the bridge was rehabilitated by the state in 1987 at a cost of $3,000. The Waterloo Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The bridge is 76′4″ long with a clear span of 70′9″. It has an overall width of 16′11″, a roadway width of 12′11″, and a maximum vertical clearance of 11′10″. It is posted for six tons.

The Contoocook Railroad Station

by Mrs. Francis Blanchard

In 1844 the town of Hopkinton was having great controversy over the construction of a railroad. There was a deep social agitation throughout the town. This was partly due to the “right of eminent domain.” There were many arguments about “What is eminent domain?”, and whether or not railroads were legally such that the government could take over private property for public use.

This was not a local controversy. Many town in New Hampshire felt the same way. At this time it was not conceivable that within a period of five years options would change.

In 1848, the large group of people in the town of Hopkinton who were so strongly opposed to the railroad, were equally earnest in promoting the advancement of the railroad. In 1848 the Concord to Claremont Railroad was chartered and the first train went through Contoocook early in 1849. For about three years the train went only as far as Bradford, due to the hardships of laying the rails through Newbury Cut.

Contoocook Railroad Station was constructed at this time as was Tyler and West Hopkinton, making three stations in the town of Hopkinton. It is interesting to note that at this time Contoocook was still known as Contoocookville, and this is the name which was put on the station when first built.

In the fall of 1850, when trains were running regularly through Contoocookville, a day of great festivity was held. Railroad officials extended the favor of free rides to and from Concord. Needless to say trains were filled to capacity.

Contoocook decided to show its appreciation. Money was raised by public subscription. A public dinner was provided. A bad was hired, the artillery called out, and speeches were made by celebrities. About one thousand people were fed on the station platform, the food costing about $300.

For many years four or five trains and two freights ran daily until the early 1900’s. As cars and trucks became more popular the trains became less popular. By 1950 only one train and one freight were running.

Contoocook Railroad Station was finally closed in the spring of 1954. The building was purchased by Dodd Insurance Agency. This company occupied one side of the station and the Contoocook Library was housed in the other side until 1959.

Mrs. Francis Blanchard

Maple Street

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September 27. 2011 by Merilee.

September 27, 2011

Campton, NH

The fall foliage has started to explode in the most amazing colors.  This is Campton Pond near our campsite.  It is a great place to bird watch and kayak.  This is early in the morning as the fog and mist were just starting to be burned off by the sun.

This shot is of the wetlands near Campton Pond again as the morning fog is burning off.  The wetlands always seem to change color early as a tease of what is to come.

Our stop at the Basin in Franconia Notch State Park showed some bits of fall color but the water is always the draw for me.

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August 6. 2011 by Merilee.

Thornton, NH

August 8, 2011

We have spent our time in New Hampshire visiting old friends and neighbors.  The weather has been great here and allowed us to visit some old haunts.  Drove over Sandwich Notch Road the famous 1801 “highway”, Tripoli Road and the Gale River Loop.

The old red mill is located in Whitefield and currently been restored for a local art gallery.

This is Gale River where we have hiked, mountain biked, snowshoed and cross country skied in years past.  It is a wonderful area in the White Mountain National Forest.  I was a little alarmed at how low the water lever was but it was great to see the deep forest and river.

This is Campton Pond in Campton on a perfect summer day.  It is a wonderful bird watching location with ducks, loons, great blue heron and hawks.

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June 28. 2009 by Merilee.

June 27,2009

Campton,NH

We had a relaxing evening at Goose Hollow campground with Dick & Sue, our dearest of friends.  We never could have cleared out the house without their help.  Yes, the house is sold and we are camping a mile from the house.  Some relaxation time is overdue for us.

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May 7. 2009 by Merilee.

Thornton, NH

May 4, 2009

After a rainy trip home, we have settled back into the NH life.  Spring is just arriving in the mountains and we are watching the leaves pop each day.  First day of turkey season, we had 5 turkeys in the road and one was fanning his feather in a neat display.

Winter in Florida was wonderful because the weather was really grand.   It is nice to be home and starting some projects that have long been on the “list.”

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September 16. 2008 by Merilee.

Thornton, NH

After weeks of working on the new RV, the list is finally getting shorter.  We are off on a shake down cruise for a week at Bar Harbor and Acadia NP on Sunday.  Hope all goes well.  We are both looking forward to visiting Maine.  The lobsters should be very afraid!

This young black bear was high up in a tree in our yard all afternoon.

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