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Report of the Board of Directors - 2023

       The Newbury Historical Society continued to remain active in 2023.  Throughout the year, the NHS was happy to welcome Marilyn Geddes, Sally Harris, Judy LaPorte, Craig MacKenzie and Patricia Sherman to the Board.
       In May, NHS member John Lyons presented a program on the "Newbury Cut" in the Town Offices meeting room. During the summer of 1871, a crew worked around the clock to remove the long, steep granite barrier blocking the way to the harbor.  One year later, the track to Claremont was completed, and this vital link brought new business to Newbury, carrying the first wave of summer visitors from all around to Lake Sunapee.  The program was well attended and John later presented the same program at the John Hay Estate at The Fells and to the Country Squires in Grantham.

       The NHS collaborated with the Center Meeting House on several programs throughout the year, including a joint effort to have a presence at Old Home Day. One program related to vendue, or pauper auctions, which were held throughout New England in the early 1800s. It was the custom to bid off the support of the town's poor and indigent at public auction to the lowest bidder. Town records list the name of each pauper, the name of the successful bidder and the amount the town must pay to the winning bidder.  Research in old town records indicated that the Town of Newbury participated in this practice.
       It is with regret that the board received a letter of resignation from Gay Sheary.  Gay served on the board for many years and was a pivotal part of the Historic House Marker program. Having spent summers in Blodgett Landing at an early age, her historical insights were very valuable to our discussions. Her presence on the board will be missed.
 

Board of Directors: Paula Falkowski, Deane Geddes, Marilyn Geddes, Sally Harris, Judy LaPorte, John Lyons, Craig MacKenzie, Patricia Sherman, Bill Weiler (Emeritus) and Margie Weiler.

Contact Information:    Newbury Historical Society
P.O. Box 176
Newbury, NH 03255
Website:  newburynhhistorical.org