What most people know about the Shakers could be summed up in a few words: cool furniture, practiced celibacy.
But there is a world of interesting things about the Shaker people waiting to be explored at the Canterbury Shaker Village.
Yes the Shaker’s were extraordinary craftsmen creating everything from simple and beautiful furniture to basketry and weavings. But they were also inventors, scientists, philosophers, civil libertarians, abolitionists, songwriters and much, much, more. Did you know that the Shakers invented the washing machine? The circular saw? The clothespin? Did you know that they were horticultural pioneers, developing hundreds of new species of plants and herbs through genetic cross breeding? Did you know that they created hundreds of other time saving devices and have even been credited with developing mass production before Henry Ford made it world-famous?
The Shakers are considered to be an offshoot of the Quakers. The sect originated in Manchester, England in around 1772. Strict believers in celibacy, Shakers maintained their numbers through conversion and adoption. Once boasting over six thousand adherents, today the Shakers, with the exception of a small contingent of people living in Sabbathday Lake, Maine, are but a memory.
Originally and properly called the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, the Shakers, like the “Yankee Doodles” of the same era, derived their common name from a pejorative appellation adopted by the group as a source of pride.
Under the leadership of James and Jane Wardley, a husband and wife team; and, most notably, by Mother Ann Lee, the group became known for their intense, ecstatic worship including shaking or quaking during religious activities and at times speaking in “tongues” - both of which were considered signs of divine intervention and inspiration.
Today in New Hampshire the Shaker life and legacy and heritage remains alive through the work of the Canterbury Shaker Village. Founded in 1969 to preserve the heritage of the Canterbury Shakers, Canterbury Shaker Village is an internationally renowned, non-profit museum and historic site with 25 original Shaker buildings, including the only intact, first-generation 18th-century Meetinghouse and Dwelling House, both on their original sites. There are also three reconstructed Shaker buildings and 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement.
Designated a National Historic Landmark for its architectural beauty, integrity and significance, Canterbury Shaker Village is dedicated to preserving the 200-year legacy of the Canterbury Shakers and to providing a place for learning, reflection and renewal of the human spirit.
Visitors learn about the life, ideals, values and legacy of the Canterbury Shakers through tours, programs, exhibits, research and publications.
In addition to the daily tours, during the course of the year, the Village sponsors many community events that draw local folks and visitor from far and wide. For example the annual “Wool Day Festival” at the Shaker Village takes place this year on September 23. We detail it in the “50 Autumn Adventures” story elsewhere in this issue.
Canterbury Shaker Village is a treat for the heart, soul and palate. If you haven’t yet been, it should be on your list. If you have been, it may be time to recharge your spirit with another visit.
Editors note: All of the tour guides at Shaker Village are first rate, but as my son Zach says, “a tour with Darryl Thompson (son of museum founder Charles "Bud" Thompson ) is a magical and humorous experience.”
Alice Vartanian King, passed away on Saturday June 30, 2018 she was 70 years old.
She was born on November 30, 1947 to Dr. Richard D. and Zephyr Vikassian Vartanian in Bound Brook, New Jersey.
Alice attended Bound Brook High School and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst where she majored in Criminology and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1970. In the midst of the turmoil of the Vietnam War and the campus turmoil throughout the country UMass cancelled graduation ceremonies and mailed diplomas to graduates instead. The first few years of her working life were in the Boston area where she worked for the Kevin White administration alongside her lifelong and devoted friend Stephen C. Farrell. Together, under the leadership of Farrell they operated the Third Nail Rehabilitation Center. Following her work at the Third Nail, Alice was hired by the Carter Administration as the Director of the National Commission on Juvenile Justice. Her responsibility was to lead the effort to reform Juvenile Justice standards for the country. She spent most of her time on the road traveling between facilities around the country. She also served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Civil Liberties Foundation where she had the opportunity to meet and work with such notables as Kurt Vonnegut, Anthony Lewis and Carl Sagan. In 1992 she accepted the job of Executive Director of the Christa McAuliffe Planetarium Foundation, raising funds and writing grants to support the work of the Planetarium. She brought the Planetarium into the new decade with style and aplomb attracting Leonard Nimoy, James Earl Jones and Barry Corbin to support the work of the Planetarium each headlining “An Evening Under the Stars Gala” dinners - a virtual Who’s Who of New Hampshire’s most notable business, nonprofit, and political leaders.
In 1984 she was living in Portsmouth, NH and doing consulting for the NH ACLU when she met Wayne King who would soon be her husband and “foreverheart”. They were married on December 21st, 1985; “The longest night of the year” Alice would tell people with a smile and wink to her husband. The two of them shared 35 years and many adventures together, two successful campaigns for State Representative and three for the Senate. In 1994 she stood beside her husband as he announced his campaign for Governor and though it was unsuccessful she often spoke of the wonderful people she had met in the process.
Of all the many blessings in her life none was as important and life affirming to her than the birth of their son Zachary Douglas King who was born in February 1992, delivered by Wayne with the help of a midwife at Concord Hospital. Zachary was her pride and joy and she dedicated herself to her role as a mother.
In 1986 while on their honeymoon in Mexico, Alice was injured in a swimming accident when she was hit and tumbled onto the shore by a massive wave. This accident precipitated four spinal surgeries over the course of a twenty year period and chronic pain for the remainder of her life but she never complained to anyone but her doctors and her husband. She was convinced that a positive outlook on life, shared with others was the key to a life well lived. She had a big, bawdy laugh and a contagious smile that could light up any room she walked into.
Other obituaries would describe her last few decades by saying that she died after a long illness but Alice was not the kind of person who dwelled on her health challenges. As she often put it she was “living with one foot in the air and another on a banana peel” . . . but God did she live! She was determined to live life as fully as possible and not to burden others with her own pain. She wanted, instead, to focus on the positive and to channel her energies into celebrating life. Every pain and illness that she faced became simply more evidence that she was really living.
Hunter S. Thompson summed up her view of life best when he wrote: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”
She is survived by her devoted husband former Senator Wayne D. King and son Zachary Douglas King, her sister Carol “Gerse” Vartanian, her cousin Joyce Haroutunian and Robert Haroutunian, her “adopted” children Ross MacKeil, Lauren Twohig, Tanner Joyce, Chuka Aniemeka, TJ Jones (and others) and a chosen family of friends who gathered at her Thanksgiving and Christmas table every year without fail or met her at Crew Day at Camp Mowglis.
An informal Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday July 15, 2018 from 12-3pm at the home of Roger and Jennifer Larochelle 251 Valley View Road in Hebron, NH.
13.7 Miles Paved (1 mile dirt if you take the Birches St. cutoff)
Intermediate Level based on distance.
There are several appropriate places for beginning this 13.7 mile loop and if you have a map you can also take two other crossroads that allow for some variety or to shorten the route. We recommend beginning in Franconia at the Franconia Inn where there is ample parking in the Franconia Airport parking area. You will begin your trip by continuing on the flats for another 1.6 miles to the Sugar Hill Road on the right.
The Sugar Hill Road eventually becomes the Easton Road on the other end and takes a slight jog at about 2.2 miles where you will turn right, then left in .1 miles onto the Easton Road and follow it to Rte 117.
At this point you will bear right onto Rte 117 into the town of Sugar Hill where you can stop at Harman's General Store for a bit of refreshment. Notice the difference in size between the Sugar Hill Post off and the Sugar Hill Library while you are there – this is a town that has its priorities right!
After your break continue East on Rte 117. It will be uphill for a short while but once you reach the Homestead Inn on the right it will be all downhill from there. This will be the easiest leg of the trip all downhill into Franconia. Families should encourage children to exercise caution because the temptation will be to fly down this section.
Don't miss the best views in Sugar Hill, and the sight of all those award-winning photos. At the Homestead Inn, turn right onto Sunset Hill Road. It is only a half-mile long, and has a lookout affording fantastic views, as well as a golf course where you can grab a quick lunch before you begin the second half of your journey back to the car. You will want to make note of your location here in order to return later for an extra special dinner at the Sunset Hill House. Return back to Rte 117 and take a right.
At about 2.3 miles from the Junction of 117 and Easton Road you'll come to Birches Road (also called Bickford Road locally) The Saint Matthews Episcopal Church is at this junction. It is open in summers through September. It seats 150 people and is a popular spot for weddings and among the most photographed churches in the country.
If you'd like to shorten your trip by a few miles this is one road that you can take as an alternative. It passes by the Frost Place where Robert Frost lived and wrote many of his greatest works. There is a small fee to visit the Frost Place but its well worth it.
If you take Birches/Bickford, you'll end up back on the Church Road (Rte 116) with about a half-mile to go back to your vehicle. If you continue on Rte 117 you'll find yourself winding down toward the town of Franconia.
If you are a history buff take the time to stop at the historic marker just down the road. It was at this location in 1929 that Austrian-born Sig Buchmayr established the first organized ski school in the United States. Sponsored by Peckett's-on-Sugar Hill, one of the earliest resorts to promote the joys of winter vacationing in the snow, the school provided an initial impetus to the ski sport America knows today.
Just beyond the historic marker you'll pass the quaint Sugar Hill Inn and wind your way into the town of Franconia on Rte 18.
This is the section of road likely to have the most traffic. Bear right (south) on Rte 18 and you will almost immediately see the Old Stone Iron Furnace historic site on the right. This is worth a stop to walk into the park and gaze at the kiln across the river as well as to read some of the historic documentation.
After your break continue for about 4/10 mile to the main junction in town and then go right again onto Rte 116 aka Church St. This is the road that returns you to Easton. You'll pass by the Dow building and then begin your final journey through the valley.
The reason we suggest ending you trip on this leg is quite simply that it is a reasonably flat final leg and the scenery is just beautiful. Riding down into the valley one understands why Robert Frost was captivated by this lovely spot. You will also find two great swimming holes where you can refresh at the end of the trip: Slippery Rocks Swimming Hole is located on Rte 116 about 500 yards beyond the Bungay Jar B&B. The Easton Town Hall and Volunteer Fire Dept make up the "downtown" of Easton. Turn on the road next to Town Hall, go about 100 yards and on the left are two large boulders, about 30 ft beyond the boulders is Slippery Rock, a small waterfall, swimming hole and chute, a slide and another hole. According to local folks, it's quite tame and great for kids. There is also another swimming hole directly across from the Town Hall on Rte 116.
If you are a history buff take the time to stop at the historic marker just down the road. It was at this location in 1929 that Austrian-born Sig Buchmayr established the first organized ski school in the United States. Sponsored by Peckett's-on-Sugar Hill, one of the earliest resorts to promote the joys of winter vacationing in the snow, the school provided an initial impetus to the ski sport America knows today.
Wellington State Park features the largest freshwater swimming beach in the New Hampshire State Park system.
Hiking trails and picnic areas along the shore afford views of Newfound lake, one of the deepest and clearest lakes in the state.
The park maintains volleyball and horseshoe courts as well as sheltered ppicnic areas. A seasonal snack bar offers a variety of snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, beach and picnic items, and souvenirs. Gas grills are allowed along with wood and/or charcoal fires for cooking.
Within the park, the peninsula nature trail features picnic areas, designated fishing areas, plant identification markers, and spectacular views of Newfound Lake and Cliff and Belle Islands.
Across the road The Elwell Trail leads from the park and provides hikers access to Goose Pond, the Sugarloafs, Bear Mountain, Welton Falls, and Mt. Cardigan.
A developed boat launch operated by N.H. Fish & Game adjoins the park, providing boaters free year-round access to Newfound Lake. Boat lanes along the beach allow boater access to the park for the regular admission price. The Boat launch is open 24hrs / 7days a week.
For that special someone who loves Newfound Lake. Purchase smaller prints, framed or a poster. Order here
The Madison Boulder is the largest known glacial erratic in New England, and among the largest in the world. Madison Boulder is a huge granite rock measuring 83 feet in length, 23 feet in height above the ground, and 37 feet in width. It weighs upwards of 5,000 tons! A part of this roughly rectangular block is buried, probably to a depth of ten to twelve feet.
The Madison Boulder site was acquired by the state of N.H. in 1946 and designated a National Natural Landmark in 1970
A glacial erratic is a boulder that does not mirror the rock make-up of the area in which it sits, leading to the conclusion that it was deposited in the site by glacial action. It is speculated that the Madison Boulder was moved by the most recent glacier from a point some 20 miles away, perhaps farther.
Madison Boulder Natural Area is open to the public year-round at no charge. Picnic tables are available.
Cathedral of the Pines is a place of spiritual nourishment for people of all faiths. Built as a national memorial to patriotic sacrifice, this beautiful memorial is intended to assure that we will not forget those men and women who have served their country. The sense of peace engendered by the tall pines that form its natural surroundings is conducive to prayer and meditation. Its peaceful, garden-lined walk ways contain serene, inspirational landscapes as well as quiet spots for prayer and mediation.
Visitors to Cathedral of the Pines often remark on its pastoral beauty and peaceful splendor. The grounds lend themselves to thoughtful meditation, religious services or simply a quiet chance to commune with nature. Cathedral of the Pines is the ideal location for people of all faiths to reflect on a spirit of community and history.
Cathedral of the Pines also houses the nations first memorial to Women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Dedicated in 1967, The Women's Memorial Bell Tower houses a peal of Sheffield bells; the Tree of Life Fountain and four Norman Rockwell designed bas-reliefs honoring American Women. It is the first monument in the United States to honor American women who gave their lives for their country.
For more information, contact:
Cathedral of the Pines
10 Hale Hill Rd,
Rindge, NH 03461
(603)899-3300
(603)899-3311 (fax)
(866)229-4520 (toll-free)
info@cathedralpines.com http://www.cathedralpines.com
Managed by the Hanover Conservation Council, The Balch Hill Natural Area has varied types of vegetation including open grass, shrub edge, apple trees, pines, hardwoods and hemlocks. The summit has views of Moose Mountain, Mount Ascutney and Gile Mountain. It is reputed to be an excellent spot for bird watching and is in the region of the unique Connecticut River Birding Trail. Six different trails will take you to the summit. Parking is available at the corner of Grasse Rd. and Trescott Road. The night view from the parking area is said to be spectacular as well.
The HCC has developed a management plan for the area to provide guidance for stewardship of this beautiful natural area. Central to its mission is the preservation of the pasture and vistas at the top of Balch Hill; the provision and maintenance of foot trails; the conservation of native plants and animal diversity and the protection of wildlife habitat.
The Management Plan has information on geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife. Management policies regarding viewshed, vegetation, wildlife, trail construction and education are included. A copy of the Management Plan in available at the Council office, Town of Hanover, Dartmouth College Real Estate office, Howe Library and the Upper Valley Land Trust.
Any time of year the Quincy Bog provides an opportunity for quiet moments and a healthy time out from the buzz of everyday life. Spring time sights and sounds include the peepers, birds and small creatures emerging from their winter of rest. Click on any image for enlarged versions.
Signing in. The Bog is free but donations are gladly accepted and encouraged!
The Bog Center.
During the spring, summer and fall the center offers a variety of free programs and activities.
Starting out. . . The Bog trail is approximately 2 miles in length and is a loop returning to the Bog Center. Start with the South side trail or head west toward the ledges.
Looking out on the Bog from the south side trail
All along the trail there are opportunities to get close to the bog and to view its splendor.
Sometimes the passage over the bridge at the east end of the Bog is difficult. Our pesky beavers sometimes use the bridge as the centerpiece of a new dam.
In various months we will have a work day to repair the bridge and do other work at the bog. If you would like to help with the work day we'll provide you with the details.
Depending on the time of spring various plants will be coming up or blooming. Here Ground Cedar, an evergreen plant, presents the hardiest face to the winter past.
Once you've made it across the bridge its more quiet and beautiful hiking along the eastern side of the Bog.
The views to the northwest are even nicer.
The ledges on the northern end of the Bog offer a glimpse of the magnitude of mother nature's upheavals during and since the last ice age.
The Amos Fortune Forum, Jaffrey, New Hampshire The Amos Fortune Forum, founded in 1946 by a group of friends. The Forum annually presents speakers deemed to make a contribution to the intellectual life of the Jaffrey community. These discussions on topics of current interest carry on a tradition established more than two centuries ago in the very same Meetinghouse. The lectures are an enduring tribute to Amos Fortune, one of Jaffrey’s most distinguished citizens. They are given without compensation by members of the Monadnock community, their relatives and friends. Amos Fortune Forum P.O. Box 153 Jaffrey, New Hampshire 03452 Donate to the Forum
According to the Society for the Protection of NH Forests who own the land and lease it to a private
Paradise Falls - Lost River
nonprofit group White Mountain Attractions:
"Located in the White Mountains town of North Woodstock, Lost River Reservation is set high in Kinsman Notch, one of the area’s most famous passes. Located between Mt. Moosilauke and Mt. Kinsman, Kinsman Notch is about 2,000 feet above sea level. Lost River is so-named because the brook draining from the southeast part of Kinsman Notch disappears below the surface in the narrow, steep-walled glacial gorge. The gorge is partially filled with immense blocks of granite, through which the brook cascades along its subterranean course until it eventually emerges and joins the Pemigewasset River.
Today, the portion of the property that includes the gorge is leased to White Mountains Attractions Association, which provides guests with the opportunity to experience the fun, challenge, and excitement of the river, gorge, boulders and caves. Well-maintained boardwalks and staircases allow the public to access the gorge while providing the maximum amount of safety possible. Lost River Gorge welcomes thousands of visitors each year from all over the world."
