New Market Historical Society

2012 Program of Events

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Date, Time, Location	Speaker	Program and Description
Monday, March 26 7:00 PM Stone School Museum Granite Street Newmarket, NH	That Reminds Me of a Story! *Yankee Humor and the New England Storytelling Tradition* Good stories never die… they evolve from teller to teller. Humorist Rebecca Rule returns to Newmarket to present more stories she's collected at small-town gatherings, often at historical societies and libraries, over the last ten years, plus a classic or two. Our "discussion" will be the stories that listeners offer up, and as one story leads to another – humorous, serious, thought-provoking, or just plain entertaining – we practice and preserve our stories and tradition. And laugh, a lot! This meeting is sponsored by The NH Humanities Council (www.nhhc.org ) and the Boston Educational Network	Rebecca Rule Rebecca Rule tells and gathers stories in New England, especially New Hampshire. Her most recent book is Headin' for the Rhubarb! A New Hampshire Dictionary (well kinda). She writes book review columns for three New Hampshire newspapers and hosts the New Hampshire Authors Series on NH Public Television
Monday, April 23 7:00 PM Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Road Newmarket.	HISTORY OF THE ROCKINGHAM BALLROOM Since 1934 the Rockingham Ballroom has hosted Big Band and Swing Dancing and dished up romance. Join the Bergeron, Provost and Yergeau families, previous owners, along with current owners and your hosts, Diane and Alan Roma for a trip down memory lane and glide on the 3,600 square foot rock maple dance floor. Enjoy a panel discussion and view memorabilia. (cash bar available) This event is hosted at the Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Road in Newmarket. .	Michael Provost Michael is a Newmarket native. He enjoys researching historical information on Newmarket and is the owner/guide for Lamprey Heritage Tours, offering four different tours on Newmarket History: The Newmarket Manufacturing Company & Mill Yard; Downtown National Register Historic District; Of Gundalows, Schooners, Packets and Weirs-Four Centuries on the Lamprey ; and the ever popular Murder, Mischief, Mishaps & Mayhem… Tales of Old Newmarket
Monday, May 28 7:00 PM Stone School Museum Granite Street Newmarket, NH	"NOT A VICTIM!" TALES OF SURVIVAL IN NAZI BUDAPEST May is Jewish-American Heritage Month, and the New Market Historical Society is pleased to sponsor a presentation by Exeter resident and author Tom Weisshaus. His published memoir, "Not a Victim! Tales of Survival in Nazi Budapest." is based on his lectures and interviews to schools and organizations throughout New England. It is Weisshaus' first-hand account of experiences as a teenager during the Nazi occupation of Budapest from 1944 to 1945.	Tom Weisshaus Mr. Thomas Weisshaus, is a Holocaust Survivor now living in Exeter NH. He was born in 1928 in Budapest, Hungary, attended secondary school at the Jewish Gymnasium (Lycee) 1939-44. The Nazi occupation of Hungary started in March 1944, and lasted until Jan 1945. He was in a displaced persons' camp in Germany from 1945-46. Mr Weisshaus will be drawing on his childhood experiences with Holocaust perpetrators, bystanders, rescuers, and victims, and will discuss the role played by women, especially the women in his family. His "Not A Victim!: Tales of Survival in Nazi Budapest" Is based. Mr. Wesiihaus was interviewed by Mr. Felix de la Concha. On June 4, 2008, that interview was picked up and included in Testimonials by the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation. That interview can be here
Monday, June 25 7:00 PM Stone School Museum Granite Street Newmarket, NH	MEDICAL SERVICES IN MALI Dispensing health services to the citizens in two villages of Mali, Africa. One billion people, worldwide, lack adequate access to primary healthcare. The situation is especially severe in sub-Saharan Africa: in Mali, 1 in 5 children die before reaching the age of 5, mostly due to preventable and treatable diseases. Forty-five percent of the children are malnourished, and only 19 percent of the women in Mali can read. Availability and affordability of safe and efficacious medicines are crucial factors impacting access, which in turn affects the ability to combat diseases, as well as child and maternal mortality. The complexity of the access issue, however, extends far beyond the availability of affordable medicines and even the healthcare system. Many different factors and causes must be targeted.	Leanne Cutter Pelerin Leanne, a New Hampshire resident, will present her story of assisting to the health needs of two poor villages in Mali, Africa. She is a member of a Durham Church group who volunteered to help in the desperately poor nation of Mali.
Monday, July 23 7:00 PM Discover Portsmouth Center Corner of Middle & Islington Streets Portsmouth NH 03801 603-436-8433	"UNDER THE SHOALS" Field Trip to Discover Portsmouth Center This evening's program brings back the field trips of old enjoyed by society members as we travel to the Discover Portsmouth Center for our business meeting and a viewing of the exhibit of archaeological digs at the Isles of Shoals featuring four distinct periods: Pre-history and the Indians, the fishing industry, the Haley years, and the Hotel Era. Welcome and introduction by Dr. Richard Candee. Meet at the Historical Society by 6:30 pm to carpool to the Discover Portsmouth Center by 6:30, or travel directly to the center at the corner of Islington and Middle Streets. This program is underwritten through the generosity of Lamprey Heritage Tours.	Dr. Richard Candee Dr. Candee has written a number of books highlighting local history, including "Atlantic Heights: A World War I Shipbuilder's Community," and "Building Portsmouth: The Neighborhoods and Architecture of New Hampshire's Oldest City." .
Monday, August 27 7:00 PM Stone Church (adjacent to the Stone School Museum)	SOIRÉE CANADIENNE… An evening party of "Old Newmarket Canadian French," with stories, songs, food and drink Please join us in a good old-fashioned French gathering, featuring French Canadian food, story- telling, and signing. (cash bar available)	Event Presented By Edouard Langlois Award-winning costumer, production designer, playwright, director, actor and sculptor, Mr. Langlois has worked throughout the country for over 40 years in theatre, opera and ballet, just to name a few.
Monday, September 24 7:00 PM Stone School Museum Granite Street Newmarket, NH	NEWMARKET AND THE WAR OF THE REBELLION September marks the 150th anniversary of the battlefield death of Lieutenant George Gay at Antietam. Gay, a gallant young Officer in the 5th Infantry enlisted with his friend and roommate George Tebbetts. Both worked for the Bennett Hardware Company; they were affable, intelligent, respected and well known to everyone. Both fought in battle at White Oak Swamp outside Richmond, Virginia. George Tebetts lost his life to a burst of cannon shell. Gay was wounded, but recovered to fight again. During the Battle at Antietam, he spotted the enemy attempting to outflank the Union Army. Because of Gay's observations, Colonel Frost changed the direction of Battle. Although Lt. Gay died during the fight, he is credited with averting a rebel ambush and the slaughter of his Regiment. Newmarket sent 290 men off to war with stirring speeches, rousing sermons and parades. The promised three month victory became a bloody four year war. The longer the war dragged on, the more taxes and inflation soared. Coffers were empty as the State mandated bounties be paid, but didn't reimburse the town until after the war ended. Almost bankrupt, the townspeople made personal loans to keep the town government functioning. However, the end result of 14 killed in action, 9 dead from disease, 40 severely wounded (an additional 8 dead from wounds), 12 prisoners of war, 85 discharged with disabilities, 16 desertions, and one soldier committed to an insane asylum -- shredded the social fabric of the town and was far more costly for families. This, and much more about Newmarket's contribution to the Civil War, will be described in this presentation.	This program is created and presented by Members of the Newmarket Veterans Memorial Trust Committee. Committee members have spent countless hours researching the names of Newmarket men who served during the Civil War. Much more of their work will be described throughout this presentation.
Monday, October 22 7:00 PM Rising Star #47 Masonic Lodge 84 Main St., Newmarket, NH (Above Crackskulls) Please note that this is not handicap accessible and requires walking up 3 flights of stairs to reach the Masonic Lodg	OPEN HOUSE AND HISTORY OF THE RISING STAR #47 MASONIC LODGE For centuries, Freemasons have contributed to the communities in which they live through the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Freemasonry has existed in New Hampshire since 1735, and many of the leading citizens of our state have been Freemasons. Charitable activities are many and varied: the Shriners' Hospitals for Children, support of medical research, scholarships, programs for child identification and combating drug abuse, the Scottish Rite Learning Centers, and numerous, local charities. Freemasons are committed to helping those who are less fortunate, and in the process we are building a better and safer world. The Square and Compasses The compass, which is used to draw circles, represents the realm of the spiritual- eternity. It is symbolic of the defining and limiting principle, and also of infinite boundaries. The angle measures the square, the symbol of earth and the realm of the material. The square represents fairness, balance, firmness, etc., which is reflected in phrases such as "on the square" and "squared away." Something that is squared is something that is stable, a foundation for building upon. Together, the compass and square represent the convergence of matter and spirit, and the convergence of earthly and spiritual responsibilities. The two symbols together form a hexagram, the union of earth with the heavens, matter and mind, etc.	Hosting this meeting is the Rising Star Lodge No 47, chartered in Newmarket in 1827. For 10 to 15 years following the granted charter, Masons in New England were persecuted -- clergymen were turned out of their pulpits, church members refused the sacrament, teachers lost their jobs, and members met in private homes. That Masonry survived at all is a tribute to the faithful. In the 1840s anti-masonry subsided. The Lodge regained its charter and met on the third floor of the "company store" (the former Brooks Building) donated by the Newmarket Manufacturing Company. It wasn't until 1873 that the present hall was leased and decorated. The Masonic trestle board of 1847, the original egg tempera paintings, the furniture and furnishings are as functional and beautiful today as they were over a hundred and forty years ago. We are very grateful to the Masons for hosting this tour and opening their Lodge to us.

Date, Time, Location

Speaker

Program and Description

Monday,
March 26

7:00 PM

Stone School Museum
Granite Street
Newmarket, NH

That Reminds Me of a Story!

Yankee Humor and the New England Storytelling Tradition

Good stories never die… they evolve from teller to teller. Humorist Rebecca Rule returns to Newmarket to present more stories she's collected at small-town gatherings, often at historical societies and libraries, over the last ten years, plus a classic or two. Our "discussion" will be the stories that listeners offer up, and as one story leads to another – humorous, serious, thought-provoking, or just plain entertaining – we practice and preserve our stories and tradition. And laugh, a lot!

This meeting is sponsored by The NH Humanities Council (www.nhhc.org ) and the Boston Educational Network

Rebecca Rule

Rebecca Rule tells and gathers stories in New England, especially New Hampshire. Her most recent book is Headin' for the Rhubarb! A New Hampshire Dictionary (well kinda). She writes book review columns for three New Hampshire newspapers and hosts the New Hampshire Authors Series on NH Public Television

Monday,
April 23

7:00 PM

Rockingham Ballroom,
22 Ash Swamp Road
Newmarket.

HISTORY OF THE ROCKINGHAM BALLROOM

Since 1934 the Rockingham Ballroom has hosted Big Band and Swing Dancing and dished up romance. Join the Bergeron, Provost and Yergeau families, previous owners, along with current owners and your hosts, Diane and Alan Roma for a trip down memory lane and glide on the 3,600 square foot rock maple dance floor. Enjoy a panel discussion and view memorabilia. (cash bar available)

This event is hosted at the Rockingham Ballroom, 22 Ash Swamp Road in Newmarket. .

Michael Provost

Michael is a Newmarket native. He enjoys researching historical information on Newmarket and is the owner/guide for Lamprey Heritage Tours, offering four different tours on Newmarket History: The Newmarket Manufacturing Company & Mill Yard; Downtown National Register Historic District; Of Gundalows, Schooners, Packets and Weirs-Four Centuries on the Lamprey ; and the ever popular Murder, Mischief, Mishaps & Mayhem… Tales of Old Newmarket

Monday,
May 28

7:00 PM

Stone School Museum
Granite Street
Newmarket, NH

"NOT A VICTIM!" TALES OF SURVIVAL IN NAZI BUDAPEST

May is Jewish-American Heritage Month, and the New Market Historical Society is pleased to sponsor a presentation by Exeter resident and author Tom Weisshaus. His published memoir, "Not a Victim! Tales of Survival in Nazi Budapest." is based on his lectures and interviews to schools and organizations throughout New England. It is Weisshaus' first-hand account of experiences as a teenager during the Nazi occupation of Budapest from 1944 to 1945.

Tom Weisshaus

Mr. Thomas Weisshaus, is a Holocaust Survivor now living in Exeter NH. He was born in 1928 in Budapest, Hungary, attended secondary school at the Jewish Gymnasium (Lycee) 1939-44. The Nazi occupation of Hungary started in March 1944, and lasted until Jan 1945. He was in a displaced persons' camp in Germany from 1945-46. Mr Weisshaus will be drawing on his childhood experiences with Holocaust perpetrators, bystanders, rescuers, and victims, and will discuss the role played by women, especially the women in his family. His "Not A Victim!: Tales of Survival in Nazi Budapest" Is based. Mr. Wesiihaus was interviewed by Mr. Felix de la Concha. On June 4, 2008, that interview was picked up and included in Testimonials by the International Raoul Wallenberg Foundation. That interview can be here

Monday,
June 25

7:00 PM

Stone School Museum Granite Street Newmarket, NH

MEDICAL SERVICES IN MALI

Dispensing health services to the citizens in two villages of Mali, Africa.

One billion people, worldwide, lack adequate access to primary healthcare. The situation is especially severe in sub-Saharan Africa: in Mali, 1 in 5 children die before reaching the age of 5, mostly due to preventable and treatable diseases. Forty-five percent of the children are malnourished, and only 19 percent of the women in Mali can read. Availability and affordability of safe and efficacious medicines are crucial factors impacting access, which in turn affects the ability to combat diseases, as well as child and maternal mortality. The complexity of the access issue, however, extends far beyond the availability of affordable medicines and even the healthcare system. Many different factors and causes must be targeted.

Leanne Cutter Pelerin

Leanne, a New Hampshire resident, will present her story of assisting to the health needs of two poor villages in Mali, Africa. She is a member of a Durham Church group who volunteered to help in the desperately poor nation of Mali.

Monday,
July 23

7:00 PM

Discover Portsmouth Center Corner of Middle & Islington Streets Portsmouth NH 03801

603-436-8433

"UNDER THE SHOALS"

Field Trip to Discover Portsmouth Center This evening's program brings back the field trips of old enjoyed by society members as we travel to the Discover Portsmouth Center for our business meeting and a viewing of the exhibit of archaeological digs at the Isles of Shoals featuring four distinct periods: Pre-history and the Indians, the fishing industry, the Haley years, and the Hotel Era. Welcome and introduction by Dr. Richard Candee. Meet at the Historical Society by 6:30 pm to carpool to the Discover Portsmouth Center by 6:30, or travel directly to the center at the corner of Islington and Middle Streets. This program is underwritten through the generosity of Lamprey Heritage Tours.

Dr. Richard Candee

Dr. Candee has written a number of books highlighting local history, including "Atlantic Heights: A World War I Shipbuilder's Community," and "Building Portsmouth: The Neighborhoods and Architecture of New Hampshire's Oldest City." .

Monday,
August 27

7:00 PM

Stone Church (adjacent to the Stone School Museum)

Stone Church

SOIRÉE CANADIENNE…

An evening party of "Old Newmarket Canadian French," with stories, songs, food and drink

Please join us in a good old-fashioned French gathering, featuring French Canadian food, story- telling, and signing. (cash bar available)

"North Wind Print" of a French Canadian motif print

Event Presented By

Edouard Langlois

Award-winning costumer, production designer, playwright, director, actor and sculptor, Mr. Langlois has worked throughout the country for over 40 years in theatre, opera and ballet, just to name a few.

Monday,
September 24

7:00 PM

Stone School Museum Granite Street Newmarket, NH

NEWMARKET AND THE WAR OF THE REBELLION

September marks the 150th anniversary of the battlefield death of Lieutenant George Gay at Antietam. Gay, a gallant young Officer in the 5th Infantry enlisted with his friend and roommate George Tebbetts. Both worked for the Bennett Hardware Company; they were affable, intelligent, respected and well known to everyone. Both fought in battle at White Oak Swamp outside Richmond, Virginia. George Tebetts lost his life to a burst of cannon shell. Gay was wounded, but recovered to fight again. During the Battle at Antietam, he spotted the enemy attempting to outflank the Union Army. Because of Gay's observations, Colonel Frost changed the direction of Battle. Although Lt. Gay died during the fight, he is credited with averting a rebel ambush and the slaughter of his Regiment.

Newmarket sent 290 men off to war with stirring speeches, rousing sermons and parades. The promised three month victory became a bloody four year war. The longer the war dragged on, the more taxes and inflation soared. Coffers were empty as the State mandated bounties be paid, but didn't reimburse the town until after the war ended. Almost bankrupt, the townspeople made personal loans to keep the town government functioning. However, the end result of 14 killed in action, 9 dead from disease, 40 severely wounded (an additional 8 dead from wounds), 12 prisoners of war, 85 discharged with disabilities, 16 desertions, and one soldier committed to an insane asylum -- shredded the social fabric of the town and was far more costly for families. This, and much more about Newmarket's contribution to the Civil War, will be described in this presentation.

This program is created and presented by

Members of the Newmarket Veterans Memorial Trust Committee.

Committee members have spent countless hours researching the names of Newmarket men who served during the Civil War. Much more of their work will be described throughout this presentation.

Monday,
October 22

7:00 PM

Rising Star #47 Masonic Lodge 84 Main St., Newmarket, NH (Above Crackskulls)

Please note that this is not handicap accessible and requires walking up 3 flights of stairs to reach the Masonic Lodg

OPEN HOUSE AND HISTORY OF THE RISING STAR #47 MASONIC LODGE

For centuries, Freemasons have contributed to the communities in which they live through the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. Freemasonry has existed in New Hampshire since 1735, and many of the leading citizens of our state have been Freemasons. Charitable activities are many and varied: the Shriners' Hospitals for Children, support of medical research, scholarships, programs for child identification and combating drug abuse, the Scottish Rite Learning Centers, and numerous, local charities. Freemasons are committed to helping those who are less fortunate, and in the process we are building a better and safer world.

The Square and Compasses

The compass, which is used to draw circles, represents the realm of the spiritual- eternity. It is symbolic of the defining and limiting principle, and also of infinite boundaries. The angle measures the square, the symbol of earth and the realm of the material. The square represents fairness, balance, firmness, etc., which is reflected in phrases such as "on the square" and "squared away." Something that is squared is something that is stable, a foundation for building upon. Together, the compass and square represent the convergence of matter and spirit, and the convergence of earthly and spiritual responsibilities. The two symbols together form a hexagram, the union of earth with the heavens, matter and mind, etc.

Hosting this meeting is the Rising Star Lodge No 47, chartered in Newmarket in 1827.

For 10 to 15 years following the granted charter, Masons in New England were persecuted -- clergymen were turned out of their pulpits, church members refused the sacrament, teachers lost their jobs, and members met in private homes. That Masonry survived at all is a tribute to the faithful. In the 1840s anti-masonry subsided. The Lodge regained its charter and met on the third floor of the "company store" (the former Brooks Building) donated by the Newmarket Manufacturing Company. It wasn't until 1873 that the present hall was leased and decorated. The Masonic trestle board of 1847, the original egg tempera paintings, the furniture and furnishings are as functional and beautiful today as they were over a hundred and forty years ago. We are very grateful to the Masons for hosting this tour and opening their Lodge to us.