USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > New London > A history of the town of New London, Merrimack county, New Hampshire, 1779-1899 > Part 59
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72
FOREST ROAD THROUGH THE PINES, SOO-NIPI PARK.
VIEW ON THE GOLF LINKS, SOO-NIPI PARK.
655
SUMMER RESIDENTS AND SUMMER HOMES.
In conclusion, it may be said that Soo-Nipi Park is the place to rest the jaded brain ; to sleep in the fragrant ozones of hem- locks and balsams; to recuperate physically, intellectually, spiritually ; to enjoy the most refined society, or to " love not man the less but Nature more." The aspect of the surround- ing region is picturesque, that is, wildly free-and its effect on the imagination is correspondingly exhilarating. Mere beauty is sedative ; but here the environment not only inclines to re- pose of mind, but stimulates as well. Such stimulation the mentally weary require ; and hence it is that the jaded brain and sorrowing heart alike find among the forests and moun- tains of Sunapee a solace as grateful as it seems inexplicable. There is a savage ruggedness in the granite ledges, an inspir- ing ancientness enthroned on the tempest-torn peaks, quicken- ing the perceptions, unfettering thought, elevating and trans- porting the soul. There is a by-gone sweetness about the abandoned grass-grown roads that wind among the hills, flanked by crumbling walls and ampelopsis-buried ruins ; all fast becoming part of the nature around them. Silent thor- oughfares, blossom-painted lanes, that whilom were pressed by busy feet and rang with merry laughter. There is a weird beauty tinctured with sadness that breathes from the deserted hamlets of the dead where the early settlers sleep-the lichen- blurred grave-stones of black slate crouching from human sight amid unwithering clumps of immortelle-an " awful loveliness."
The summer tourist is often heard to exclaim, " Why did you not tell me how beautiful this country is?" And the reply has been : " Simply because it cannot be told. You are ex- periencing revelations of a beauty for which there is no language known to man." Bold were he who would venture to give material expression to what Wordsworth so poetically apprehends in " Tintern Abbey " as
" A presence that disturbs me with the joy
" Of elevated thoughts ; a sense sublime
" Of something far more deeply interfused.
" A motion and a spirit that impels
" All thinking things, all objects of all thought, .
" And rolls through all things. Therefore am I still
" A lover of the meadows and the woods
656
HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
" And mountains, and of all that we behold
" From this green earth-well pleased to recognize
" In Nature and the language of the sense,
" The anchor of my purest thoughts, the nurse,
" The guide, the guardian of my heart, and soul
" Of all my moral being."
Sunapee Lake, the westerly border of New London, is the cynosure of the region. It lies at an elevation of 1, 103 feet above tide-level, near the summit of a divide that separates the Merrimack and Connecticut River watersheds ; is ten miles in length, one to three miles in width, and has a tortuous littoral line of thirty-three miles. Its island-studded waters, clear and cold as the very Sacrement, are fanned by constant westerly breezes. Its shores present a remarkable diversity-now, sheer and heavily timbered ; now moss-streaked ledges with red pine crown ; now stretching in long crescents of sand, or sloping upward in brilliant pasture-lands to ridges crested with dusky spruce; anon, opening into flower-pied meadows or running back into miniature cañons whose streams recall " romantic Deepdale's slender rill." Galaxies of tasteful cot- tages break the natural monotony of this shore-line. The residence of Col. John Hay, now Secretary of State at Wash- ington, D. C., is conspicuous on " the Fells" to the southeast. " Pine Cliff," an imposing cluster of summer homes near the geological outlet of the lake, represents a select Concord ele- ment. " Camp Sunapee," at Cold Spring on the west side, is an excellent summer school for boys, where swimming and other athletic accomplishments, photography, etc., are taught by competent masters.
THE MCINTOSH SANITARIUM.
The first place to the north of Soo-Nipi Park is owned by Dr. F. L. McIntosh of Newton, Mass., who has built thereon a splendidly equipped sanitarium for his private patients. This place was part of the original Anthony Sargent farm, after- wards owned by John Page, Charles Jewett, and Robert L. Davis, and commands a wide-spreading view of the lake and its environments. The sanitarium, of which the late W. P.
LAKE SUNAPEE.
657
SUMMER RESIDENTS AND SUMMER HOMES.
Wentworth of Boston was architect, was built in 1896 by Howe & Cummings of Sunapee. It is a finely proportioned and tasteful structure, three stories in height, equipped with the latest sanitary appliances, and providing every possible com- fort for guests. Dr. McIntosh is of Scotch descent, the only child of John A. and Harriet (Lamont) McIntosh, and was born in New Marlboro, Mass., Nov. 17, 1858. He is a grad- uate of Bowdoin college, and received his degree of M. D. from Hahneman college, Philadelphia. He practised for five years at Claremont, then settled at Newton, Mass., where he has been highly successful. Mrs. McIntosh is the daughter of Alanson B. and Abby (Stinchfield) Farwell of Augusta, Me. They have one child, Helen E., born Feb. 8, 1881.
THE DEY PLACE.
Following along the shore line to the north is the pleasant country-seat of Mrs. Annie S. Dey and her mother, Mrs. M. J. Wheeler, both of Providence, R. I. Mr. Frederick Dey, a New York lawyer and author, was among the earlier cottage owners at Lake Sunapee, spending long seasons of rest and enjoyment in this picturesque spot of Nature's own fashioning. The present residence was built about 1890.
HASTINGS'S SHORE AND WEETAMOO PARK.
Just beyond. the Dey place is the stretch of pine-fringed beach known as " Hastings's Shore." Throughout the sum- mer season the score or more of cosy cottages nestled in the shadows of towering pines are filled with merry parties who find in this location the acme of enjoyment, where fishing, boating, and bathing can be had in perfection, and life is almost ideal in its quiet simplicity. Next to Hastings's is " Uplands," owned by the Woodsum Steamboat company, who are perfecting plans for its future development. They also own " Weetamoo Park" (formerly the Jonathan George place [478]), which lies beyond " Rachel's Point" (part of the Campbell Purchase) and " Lakeside," the property of George S. Prescott [619]. Weetamoo Park is to be opened as a picnic ground of the better class, and in the hands of its present owners is sure to become a popular pleasure ground. It is named for the dusky Indian maiden, Weetamoo, " The Song
42
658
HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
of the Wood-Dove," whose pathetic story has been so effect- ively versed in the eighth canto of Whittier's " Bridal of Pena- cook," the song of the Indian women for the lovely Weetamoo :
" The Dark-eye has left us, " The Spring-bird has flown ;
" On the pathway of spirits " She wanders alone.
" The song of the wood-dove has died on our shore :
" Mat wonck kunna-monee ! We hear it no more ! "
The Jonathan Herrick farm at the West Part, later owned by Austin Goings, is now the property of Dr. Ezekiel Morrill, a well-known and leading physician of Concord. Dr. Morrill is another enthusiastic believer in the virtues of Sunapee ozone, and has erected a spacious and fully-equipped sanitarium for the reception of private patients. Each location along the lake shore has its own peculiar charm, and the Morrill demesne, with its wide stretch of almost primitive country, is in its natu- ral environment the embodiment of physical and mental rest and recuperation.
North of Weetamoo Park lie "The Ledges," owned by the Lake Sunapee Spiritualist association. The rest of the New London shore to the north, from the Spiritualist peat- bog to the Sunapee line, is owned by Professor B. H. Camp- bell of Elizabeth, N. J., and is known as
THE CAMPBELL PURCHASE.
The Campbell purchase proper includes the 80 acres which formerly constituted the Grace place in Newbury, between Soonipi-side Park and Blodgett's Landing. This property Professor Campbell is arranging for immediate im- provement, and when completed it will be one of the most attractive of the numerous lake settlements. Along the shore but a little distance from the water line, a highway has been laid out, southeast of which are sixteen magnificent villa sites. From this highway others branch off at right angles, but after passing the villa sites, wind gracefully up the slope out of the forest to the open, thence to the highway over Grace hill. The 80 acres, with their pine and maple groves and beautiful fields, are divided thus into plats with varying lines after the fashion of city parks and landscape gardens. Near the summit
Baptist Pond
ROYAL ARCH
Colby House S 1,520 ft.,
R
R .
I
ĂN
G
F
I E
Dutchman's Pond
E
Ledge
Pond
GEORGE'S
Otter Pond 1,150 feet
Goose Hole ¥1,195 ft.
Little Sunapee L 1,240 ft.
Trows Hill
OTTERVILLE
E
WOODBURY
Woodruff Purchase
Little Sunapee Lake House
Burpee Hill "1,350 ft.
The Ledges
Nilsen Purchase
Inning
Cove
Knights 1,300 ft.
Meadow Brook
A
Garnet Hill Bowlders
LOON IS
Cemetery
2
MILE ROCK
B.C.Davis
Westpart School Ho.
The
The Hedgehog
NIRVANA
LODGE Knowlton's Corner
.
State Camp
Brook 1,250 ft.
Camp Sunapee
Birch Pt
Owl Nesti
V
Campbell
Baker
Burke Haven
GREAT
EMERALD
1.
Blodgett's
STAR I.
Landing
Hart's Corner
Fishers
LABRADOR
Col.Farmer's
Blueberry
.
S
Spectacle
- Brightwood
Camp
Comfort
Rowes
's Purchase
CLAREMONT
Col.Hay
Bartlett
Chalk
South Sunapee
Mount Sunapee
R.
Cliff
ot
Breezy
LAKE SUNAPEE
Sunapee
Johnson's STATION
Gunnison Hill
Mountain
Mountain House
2,683
Lake House / NEWBURY
MAP OF LAKE SUNAPEE AND VICINITY.
LIBERTY
ITTLE
SOOLNIBI- SIDE PARK
- Mrs.J.J.Tracy
SUNAPEE
SOW & PIGS
1;103.7 feet above the Sea
Herrick's
Geo? S
Gardner's Cove
Dreamland D
Đ
Lakeside S. Prescott
0
Bu
irchase
North Pt.
sser Pond 1,100 ft.
Hastings
River
Ben Mere
Beldin Morgan 1,316 ft.
Sugar
S
Purchase
R
U
Pike Brook
CONCORD
Pond
Bay Pt.
The Fells Hills
Pine
Fondi
OMKOMNE MILLS
Jobs Creek
659
SUMMER RESIDENTS AND SUMMER HOMES.
of the slope from the water line, on the side near Blodgett's, is a hotel site commanding a wide view of the lake and its environment.
Professor Campbell is the owner, also, of six acres at the end of Goings's point (now Rachel's point) near Worthen's (formerly Herrick's) cove, and of the Col. Benjamin Burpee pasture, nearer George's Mills. At the southerly corner of the latter purchase of 60 acres the Campbell summer residence was established during the season of 1895, and on the Ed- mund Davis place of 65 acres adjoining, which is owned by Mrs. Minnie Purviance Shiras Campbell and her brother, Mr. E. C. Woodruff, much the same scheme of highways, villa and hotel sites will be carried out as on the Grace place.
SONCI.
On the summit of Knight's hill, the centre of a horizon- bounded circle of wondrous scenic beauty, stands an ideal summer home, yet one around which to-day hangs a veil of sadness that can never be lifted, for the gentle, manly presence and loving spirit that made the place truly a home is gone . forever.
The sudden death of Judge Edward B. Knight at his home in Charleston, W. Va., Dec. 16, 1897, came with a shock of surprise to the New London friends with whom he had parted only a few short weeks before. For some time past his health had been failing, and yet his stalwart figure and always cheery manner gave the impression of perfect manly vigor. Judge Knight was one of Nature's noblemen, generous, true-hearted, and brave, and it is with a keen sense of personal loss that we realize that his genial presence has gone forever from among us, and that the grand old hills and beautiful lakes he loved so well will know him no more.
Mr. Knight was a native of Hancock, born Aug. 22, 1834, but from early manhood has been more or less associated with New London. He fitted for college at Colby academy, and, after graduating from Dartmouth in 1861, began the study of law in the office of George W. Everett of New London, receiv- ing admittance to the bar at Newport in September, 1863. For a year he was in Dover, but in March, 1865, removed to Charleston, W. Va., and soon rose to eminence in his chosen
660
HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
profession. He cared nothing for political honors, but devoted himself to his work and his family. It is many years since, with his family, he began passing the summers in New London at the home of his brother, George M. Knight [494], and about twelve years ago he built his delightful summer home, " Sonci," on the summit of Knight's hill, where weary eyes and brain might find rest and inspiration in the strength and grandeur of the everlasting hills. It may be truly said of Judge Knight that the world was better for his having lived in it ; and to those near and dear to him the loss is irreparable.
FERN LEDGE AND THE CASTLE.
Two other summer homes on Knight's hill claim at least a passing notice. "Fern Ledge Cottage " is owned by Mrs. A. S. Cummins, wife of Lieutenant Cummins, U. S. A. Mrs. Cummins is gifted with the artistic touch, and has painted many of the beautiful landscape views that abound in this vicinity. One of her pictures, "The Birches," represents a dainty bit of woodland on the Burpee hill road,-groups of · silvery white birches, those " fairies of the wood," as the red men called them-and might well distinguish this highway as " Birch road." "The Castle " was built by Miss Tilley Jones, daughter of Maj. Joseph B. Campbell, U. S. A., in 1895-'96. It is by far the most pretentious of the summer homes, and is a conspicuous landmark for miles around from its commanding location. Mr. John A. Tompkins of New York city was the architect, and every possible comfort and convenience con- tribute to the enjoyment of those who are favored to dwell beneath its hospitable roof. Miss Jones became the wife of Captain Pitcher, U. S. A., in the summer of 1896, and their honeymoon was spent at " The Castle."
WILLOW FARM.
Those who have come into New London as summer visitors, and from pleasant experiences decided to locate here summers, naturally feel interested in those people who were owners before them. "Who were the builders, and tillers of the soil before us? Who built up the stone walls, and plowed the lands ? "
-
WILLOW FARM.
66I
SUMMER RESIDENTS AND SUMMER HOMES.
Thinking it might be a bit of historical interest to know of one of these places, the present owners of the farm at the West part, known as " Willow Farm," have searched the records, and present the following. It gives them great pleasure to place this research in the history now being written of New London :
Willow Farm, lot 86, became the property in 1773 of Capt. Jonas Minot by allotment. Little or nothing is known of what he did with the property, or whether any improvements were made by him. In 1801 the property was taxed to James Minot, son of Captain Minot, and he lived there until his removal to Sutton in 1808. The first recorded deed is to Amos Page and Matthew Sargent, who purchased of him Sept. 4th, 1813, thirty- one acres and 51 rods. The deed is signed by James Minot, and witnessed by John Page and Henry Achilles. April 10th, 1820, Amos Page bought additional land, which included the present house and farm buildings, from Mary Robertson, who was the widow of Daniel Robertson, and who no doubt built the house. The number of the lot was 87, and contained 50 acres. This land was sold at auction to settle the estate of Daniel Robertson. Amos Page was the highest bidder. The widow retained a house on another portion of the farm, near the road, and the free use of barns. This deed was signed by Mary Robertson's mark X, and witnessed by Levi Harvey and Jonas Harvey.
Amos Page and his family must have lived on the property for many years, and in that time acquired other lands, for on May 18th, 1859, Amos Page and his wife sold " Willow Farm" to the town of New London, and the deed shows amount of land sold to be 300 acres, more or less. This deed was signed by Amos Page and Hannah S. Page, witnessed by J. M. Hayes and M. A. Russell. November 15th, 1875, the town of New London sold "Willow Farm" to Mr. Luther Mc- Cutchins and Marcus Nelson. Mention is made in this deed that fifty acres had been sold to Belden Morgan. The deed is signed by Micajah Morgan and Leonard P. Gould, witnessed by C. S. Sargent and Alvin F. Messer.
April Ist, 1876, Luther McCutchins and wife, Marcus Nelson and wife, sold " Willow Farm " to Thomas and John K. Law. The deed is signed by L. McCutchins and Elizabeth L. Mc- Cutchins, Marcus Nelson and Lucy J. Nelson, witnessed by
662
HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
A. J. McCutchins and C. S. Sargent. The 26th of December, 1879, Thomas Law and wife sold their interest in " Willow Farm" to John K. Law. Deed was signed by Thomas Law and Rebeccah J. Law, witnessed by J. W. H. Law and Me- hitable Law.
March 25th, 1895, John K. Law and wife sold "Willow Farm" to James J. Tracy and wife. They have remodelled the buildings only enough to make them more comfortable and convenient for a summer home. They honor those who builded before them, and did so well the laborious work neces- sary to put the farm in shape, which is prized so highly by the owners. This last deed is signed by John K. Law and Mehitable Law, witnessed by Edwin F. Hastings and Sarah Townsend. Mr. Law has had built for him a cottage, so his home is still upon the farm he owned so many years.
THE WHITNEY PLACE.
It is perhaps a quarter century ago that the Amos Currier farm at the West Part became the favored summer home of the Quackenbos family, and was occupied by them year after year until failing health compelled its owner to close his hospitable doors. Among the select coterie of distinguished educators who within the last decade have sought rest and recreation in this region so favored by Mother Nature in her kindliest mood, was the late Professor Whitney of Harvard university, who pur- chased the Currier homestead, and for several seasons enjoyed to the full the quiet but every-varying charm of his surround- ings. The place is now owned by his sister, Miss Whitney, of Cambridge, Mass.
THE SILL HOMESTEAD.
The Rev. Thomas H. Sill and his family have, in the West Part of New London, a fine cottage, colonial style, built in the summer of 1895. It occupies a commanding position overlook- ing Lake Sunapee and the country around. Mr. Sill was born at Middletown, Conn., in 1838, of old colonial stock. He was graduated from Columbia college, New York, in 1861, and from the General Theological seminary of the Protestant Epis- copal church, New York, in 1864.
After a few months spent as rector of Grace church, Canton,
WILLOW FARM FROM THE NORTHWEST.
663
SUMMER RESIDENTS AND SUMMER HOMES.
N. Y., he was called to Trinity parish, New York city, where he has been in charge of St. Chrysostom's chapel as vicar for the past thirty years. Mr. Sill has three sons, all graduates of Columbia college, and two daughters. Two of his sons are studying for the ministry. The eldest studied at the University of Halle, Germany, and has recently accepted a position as instructor in Ancient History at the University of the City of New York.
Mr. Sill has been spending his summers in the West Part for the past sixteen years, and has held services of the Episcopal church every summer, the board of education kindly giving him the use of the district school-house. It is proposed, when sufficient money is raised, to build a church in the neigh- borhood, plans for which have been already drawn by the emi- nent architect, Mr. J. Halsey Wood, of Newark, N. J.
Mrs. Sill is a native of New York city, where her father was an eminent physician.
LITTLE SUNAPEE AND "THE OLD HOMESTEAD."
In the steady march of improvement it is safe to predict that within the next decade a score of cottages will be built along the densely wooded shores of Little Sunapee lake, several sites in this beautiful location having already been secured by prospective cottage builders. To George W. Hodges of Chicago, son-in-law of Albert R. Hunting [488], belongs the distinction of being the pioneer cottager, his cosy home amid the whispering pines on the northeasterly shore of the lake having been occupied by his family for several summers. The cottage built by Asa Ray [375] is now owned by his grandson, Ernest Porter, who during the spring of 1898 trans- formed the time-worn dwelling into a comfortable and tasteful residence for the summer season. Last, but by no means least among the summer homes, comes "The Old Home- stead " on Colby hill, owned by Mrs. James B. Royce of Washington [348], great-granddaughter of its original owner, Greene French [245]. With Mrs. Royce it has been a labor of love to rehabilitate and beautify the ancestral home where her childhood days were passed, and it is creditable to her good taste that the improvements thus far made only intensify the distinctive characteristics of this old-time mansion.
664
HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
CHAPTER XIV.
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH-HISTORI- CAL SKETCHES OF SECRET FRATERNITIES AND OTHER NEW LONDON INSTITUTIONS.
[The historical address delivered by the late Rev. George W. Gardner, D. D., at the centennial celebration of the New London Baptist church, Tuesday, October 23, 1888 (see p. 554), is herewith reprinted from his original manuscript through the courtesy of Mrs. Celia H. Gardner. ]
" 1788-OCTOBER 23-1888."
One hundred years of written and of unwritten history; and the unwritten more than the written, as the interior, the hidden, the spiritual, is more than the external, the visible, the material. The outward life of an individual and of a church can be re- corded :- the inward, only in part, or not at all. The records of history are only a mould of the past into which we must pour the fresh life of the present in order to make the past real, potential, instructive. This church, whose hundredth birth- day we now celebrate, is fortunate in its written history. The church records, specially of the earlier years, are very com- plete, and made with great care and apparent accuracy. They are in the clear and beautiful handwriting of the first pastor.
Organization and First Pastorate.
The first book of Records bears the following inscription on its title page :
" Confession of Faith, Covenant & Records of the first " Christian church, gathered and settled in the town of New " London, county of Hillsborough & State of New Hampshire : " holding to believers Baptism .- 1788 .- "
The early history of the church is very closely connected with the history of the town. The first settlements had been made in 1775, four families penetrating the forests and clearing up little patches for their farms. The town was incorporated
REV. GEORGE W. GARDNER, D. D.
665
CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
by act of the Great and General Court then sitting at Exeter, in June, 1779. As early as 1782 Elder Samuel Ambrose held religious services at private houses, and for a few years he seems to have been regarded as the town's minister in connec- tion with Sutton, then called Perrystown, where he resided, this town paying a part towards his support. At this time-1782- there were about 20 families in the town, and the whole num- ber of men, women, and children was 219. Several of these families had come to this new settlement from Attleboro, Mass., and its vicinity. In the year 1787 these former parishioners of Elder Job Seamans, who had been pastor of the Baptist church in Attleboro for several years, invited their old pastor to visit the new town. He complied, and on Lord's day, June 24th, preached his first sermon. There was at this time no church organization here, but it would seem that the leading men of the town were Christian men, and they were not insensible to the religious needs of the new and fast-growing community. Accordingly, as was usual in the case of the " standing order " in New England, the town in its corporate capacity took the initiative in providing religious services, and formally invited Elder Seamans to become the minister of the town. The town record of this action reads as follows :
" Voted. To give Elder Seamans a call to settle in this town " as a minister of the gospel.
" Voted. To give him forty pounds [$200] as a salary, three " pounds in cash, and 37 pounds in labor and grain and other "produce that he may want, all to be paid at the common " price ;- and all ministerial privileges in town except one half " the parsonage lot."
A legal instrument was given to Elder Seamans, binding* the Town to give to him the " Minister's Lot," as it was called, as follows :
" Know all men by these Presents, that we Levi Harvey, "Samuel Brocklebank, Gent & John Adams, yeomen, Com- " mittee of the town of New London in the State of New " Hampshire and County of Hillsborough, are holden and stand "firmly bound and obliged unto Elder Job Seamans of Attle-
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.