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Peterborough
Historical Society’s Letterboxing Treasure Hunt! Between the Peterborough Town House and the Historical Society you will find the first letterbox in this series. Some gates give entrance, others hold us out. These particular gates are to honor, commemorate and serve as a reminder to us of the sacrifice people have made for almost 100 years. Originally constructed in 1923 and dedicated on November 11th of that year, the gates were to honor the veterans of World War I. The monument was rebuilt twice: first located closer to the street, it was moved back a bit in 1955. In disrepair, was taken down and rebuilt again for town’s bicentennial in the 1970’s. There are plaques on the gates in commemoration of those who fought in wars from this community. Beginning with World War I and working your way through time to the right, you will find a list of their names in remembrance. If you see a star next to their name, it means they gave their lives in the service of their country. After taking a moment to look over the lists, look around to find another object dedicated to the memory of those who served in World War I, “The war to end all wars.” Manufactured in 1899 this item was moved to this spot in 2001. Peruse the area
around the base of this item and you will find the first letterbox in this
series and then move onto the clues for the second letterbox! Now, to find the next box in this series… Move to the stone walkway leading through the Memorial Gates. It is 5 paces to find yourself standing between the gates. Take 13 more paces forward, through the gates. You are now looking at the Brick Ends building. Turn left along the walkway going 8 paces. Stop and turn 90º ~ you should now be facing the brick end of the “Brick Ends” building! Directly in front of you is a plaque in memory of Samuel Smith (1765 – 1842) the founder of the Phoenix Mill. The house was part of the original plant, formerly sitting on the banks of the Nubanusit River. In 1794, Samuel Smith started a papermaking operation which sold various types of paper across the region. In 1813 he invested in cotton spinning machines to start the Phoenix Cotton and Paper Company. Five years later he added looms and mules for weaving cotton which sold as far away as Russia. The company prospered under his direction until a disastrous fire in December of 1828 forced him into bankruptcy. He was very involved in the affairs of the community and a leader of the time. Many considered him one of the founders of the town. We could easily have found ourselves living in “Smithville” as “Peterborough”! To find the stamp for this letterbox, look under the rock against the wall and get ready for the next stop! To find this box, go back onto the brick walkway to the circle of granite. Turn 45º to the right, and head across the open field, towards the flag you can see up on High Street. You will see a marker for the Phoenix Mill Green on the edge of the field. Walk on over to it to see a list of the different factories that were in that space. After reading the marker, turn 160º and walk to the tree ahead of you. At the base of the tree you’ll find a rock. Lift it and you’ll find the next letterbox! This is a lovely place for a break with several tables you can sit at. Ready to find the next box? Read on! Walk back to the granite circle Historical Society is ahead of you takE the path that goes to the right fEet need to go 5 paces Let yourself turn right 90º Eagle eyes will see a box ~ walk to it Reach out and open it Surprise, surprise! A letterbox and Valley Quest are BOTH inside! The box was once used by Wheeler’s Dairy’s customers for milk deliveries. Wheeler’s delivered dairy products to Peterborough, Jaffrey, Wilton, Hancock, Greenfield, Temple and Bennington. When you put your empty bottles in the box, fresh bottles replaced them when the milkman came around! Ready to explore more? Read on! Move back out to the brick walkway. Go left to the circle, once again. At the junction of the walkways, veer to the right and go 5 paces. Take the right walk. You are now facing a small brick building, Schoolhouse #8. In 1824 the town divided into 9 districts and required each area to build a schoolhouse for their children. This building was once situated out on Middle Hancock Road. The Historical Society moved it, brick by brick and rebuilt it on this site. It is currently used for school education programs each spring and fall. Spring and fall were the two seasons it was NOT used to educate children in the past. Each spring, families were planting and each fall they were harvesting. Children came to school in the winter and summer for 10 weeks or so each year. They were taught the “3 R’s” ~ Reading, Writing and Arithmetic. It was a “one room school” so children from the ages of 3 to 19 were taught together in the one space. If you look at the wall to the right of the door, you will see some very special bricks. They include some names and dates. These were students who once went to the school. Walk around the right-side of the building and lift the rock next to the corner of the schoolhouse. You’ll find your next goodie box! Now, for the final location… This letterbox is a drive-by and only available when the Historical Society is open. The hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 10 – 4pm. From the Schoolhouse, got out through the Memorial Gates and turn right down the sidewalk. Follow the sidewalk to the main steps to the Historical Society, between the flower beds. Walk up the steps, along the sidewalk into the Historical Society Building. The Peterborough Historical Society’s main building was of a gift of Mrs. Clara Foster Bass (1844 – 1933). Her portrait hangs in Bass Hall. The cornerstone was laid on September 10, 1917 and from those very beginnings, the building was to be a historical society and “to collect, preserve, write and publish whatever may be of value to the history of Peterborough.” You will need to explore the entrance hall area for this last letterbox. Our clue to you is a skull and crossbones…can you find it? When you are done,
come into the Historical Society office (at the base of the stairs, to the
right upon entering the building) for a special treat! One per stamper!! |
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