Halloween Haunts

Terrifi cally Tantalizing Tales

By Leigh Sharps

For those whose interest is piqued during the Halloween season, there are hundreds of New Hampshire ghost stories: some true, some almost true, some urban legends.

But, let’s face it, at any time of the year all these tales are intriguing to say the least. Here are a few chilling tales from the north country. The ‘Light in The Window’

When ‘The Hermit Lady of Passaconaway’, Mrs. Ruth Colbath, passed away alone in 1930 at the Memorial Hospital in North Conway, it was the end of a 39-year vigil.

In 1891, Ruth was preparing dinner when her husband, Tom, told her he was going for a walk and would shortly return. But he didn’t return. Though the “I’m going to the store for a loaf of bread!” excuse, and never coming back, is a running joke for abandonment by choice, it was not a joke to Ruth.

In fact, since that night, and every night until she died, Ruth would place a lantern in the front window of her little farmhouse in the hopes her husband would return and know she was there by that symbol of love and faithfulness.

Ruth was the fourth of fi ve daughters. Her father, Amzi Russell, owned most of Passaconaway Valley and was a leading lumberman in the area and he also owned a store where Ruth worked. There she often bartered with Native Americans of the Pennacook tribe. She attended an academy in nearby Wolfeboro but after getting an education, she decided to return to work on the farm where she was born and her grandfather had built in 1830. She saw her sisters, friends, and even entire families move to the cities during the Industrial

The First Congregational Church, UCC, located at 400 Main Street in Farmington, NH will host a Christmas Craft and Food Sale on Saturday, November 7 from 9 am to 1 pm. This year’s fair proceeds will benefi t the church ramp project.

During the festive event, there will be a wide variety of homemade crafts to give as gifts, to use as Christmas decorations for the home, and wonderful items to keep you warm during the Revolution. Soon after the valley emptied, her father died, then his sawmill burned. She married Tom Colbath and they continued to live in the same house with her mother until Tom disappeared in the fall of 1891. She worked as the Valley postmistress until her retirement and after her mother’s death, she inherited the homestead and her father’s timberlands, which she sold off a little at a time to maintain fi nancial stability.

When the Conway area began growing as a summer tourist destination at the turn of the century, folks heard the sad tale of Ruth Colbath and some sought her out to hear her story and watch her put the lantern in the window each night. She was called either ‘The Grand Old Lady of the Mountains’ or ‘The Winter Hermit’ as she was basically alone all winter. By the time she turned 80 she was using crutches and canes just to cross a room (a childhood hip injury didn’t help).

All the years she was alone, a neighbor, Ben Swinston, kept an eye on Ruth, chopping wood, looking after the fi res, ensuring the town kept the single roadway from her house in Albany to Conway open in case of an emergency. He took her to the hospital when she became ill and shortly thereafter died. (He inherited $500 from her estate after her death).

Oddly enough, three years later, her husband Tom showed up!

Ben Swinston told Tom how Ruth had stayed there, waiting for him, putting a lamp in the window every night even though some told her she was ‘crazy’, he was ‘dead’, she should ‘move on’, etc. Ben never received a straight answer from Tom on his whereabouts or

Women’s Fellowship Mingle & Jingle Craft Fair

why he returned. (Tom mentioned he colder weather that is coming as we head into winter.

The fair will also feature a variety of homemade and canned foods including the Fellowship’s famous and popular pies.

Please join fairgoers on November 7 for the fi rst annual Mingle & Jingle Craft Fair to benefi t the ramp fund project. For information on the fair, call 603-755-4816.

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had been in California, Cuba and Panama but no one really knows.) Although Tom expressed his desire to move back into the farm, it had already been divided among Ruth’s relatives. Historical reports aren’t sure what happened to Tom, though it’s believed he moved to Wolfeboro to live with a sister.

Some could say it’s what he deserved!

Ruth is buried in Russell Cemetery a short distance from her farm. In her honor, the house was carefully restored by the Saco District of the National Forest Service and in 1987 it was offi cially entered into the National Register of Historic Places.

Some could say that’s what she deserved: having the home where she kept a light in the window shining for 39 years carefully restored and its value historically recognized.

Visitors to her resting place swear they hear a woman crying near sunset at her grave and still other visitors to her house report they’ve seen a phantom fl ickering light in the front window near dusk. Could it be ‘The Light in The Window’? Chocorua’s Curse

Mt. Chocorua is a popular hiking spot that connects to several looping trails. It is the easternmost peak in the Sandwich Mountain Range. The best view of this lovely mountain is from the scenic area in Tamworth across from the peak on Chocorua Lake. The summit of the mountain (at 3,478 ft.) is the spot for a Native American tale of grief and a haunting.

In 1725 the Native American Pequawket Tribe of the White Mountains left the region and moved further north to Canada. Staying behind was a young tribe member, Chocorua, a widcheck made payable to Gafney Library, ower with a young son. The father and son wanted to stay on the tribal homelands. Chocorua befriended some settlers, the Cornelius Campbell family who had a son the same age as Chocorua’s child. An unfortunate fox-killing incident resulted in the death of Chocorua’s boy when he ingested poison set out to destroy the fox. Chocorua discovered his son’s death after returning from a hunting journey.

He believed it was the fault of the Campbell’s and decided to exact revenge on the family for his loss. When Cornelius came home from working in the fi elds he found his family had been ‘butchered’ by Chocorua.

Campbell then tracked Chocorua to the peak of the mountain now holding his name and shot him to death. Chocorua fell to the rocks below in pain and screamed, “A curse on the white man. May lightning ruin your crops. Wind and fi re destroy your dwellings. The Evil Spirit breathes death upon your cattle. Panthers howl and wolves fatten your bones. Chocorua goes to the Great Spirit - his curse stays with the white man!”

Part of the curse (according to some stories) came true as crops failed, there was much sickness among residents and cattle died in droves. Later the death of the cattle was found to be due to muriate of lime found in their drinking water (no one could say where it came from). To this day the tragic tale on both sides, and the curse that followed, is not forgotten.

Many hikers to the summit of Mt. Chocorua hear its namesake crying and wailing in the wind for his lost son, especially near nightfall. Some say the mournful sound echoes across the lake

Plan Ahead for Christmas Wreath at Gafney Library!

It is only Oc- the form may tober and a few then be dropped months away in the outside from Christmas, book drop at the but the Gafney Gafney Library (Library) elves in Sanbornville. need extra time Please do not this year to make mail your order. the full hand- The elves will made bows, wire distribute the the pinecones and wreaths from pull it all together the building to create the full, next to Tumbledouble-sided down Café on 24-inch, balsam Saturday, Nowreaths that sell vember 21 (the out quickly ev- Saturday before ery year. The cost Thanksgiving) is just $20 per from 9 am-1:30 wreath to support pm . Look for the the library. Information is on the Gafney An example of a hoiday wreath made by Gafney Library volunteers sandwich board sign and the happy people! website www. For more ingafneylibrary.org, where an order form formation, visit www.gafneylibrary.org may be printed out. Accompanied by a or call 603-522-3401. as well.

October 2020 | ALONG ROUTE 16 | Page 11

Enjoy the Foliage on a Fall Hike!

By Sarah Wright

The autumn season is upon us, and even though we’ve reached “peak,” there are many trees that are still changing into beautiful shades of yellow, orange, and red. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy a hike, with comfortable temperatures and amazing views of the colorful leaves all around us. Hiking is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature up close, and there are many lovely hikes along Route 16. Here are a few suggestions for varying abilities.

There is a point along Route 16, when Mount Chocorua comes into view. Even from the road, it’s such a scenic spot, with the leaves reflecting off the water and the majestic mountain just beyond. Mount Chocorua bears the name of Sokokis Chief Chocorua who lived in the early 1700s. While all of the known stories agree that he met his tragic death on the mountain, at the hands of a settler after he uttered a curse on the valley below him. Keep in mind this hike is moderate to difficult with steep areas, and hiking the full seven miles to the summit will take around six hours. For a shorter hike of two to three hours, you can choose from the many other trail options in the Chocorua network. One of the less strenuous options is the Liberty Trail. To reach the trailhead, turn on to Chocorua Lake Road off Route 16, between Big and Little Chocorua Lake. Follow the dirt road and turn left onto Fowler’s Mill Road. Continue on Fowler’s Mill Road to Paugus Mill Road where you will see a sign on your right for the Liberty, Bolles, and Brook Trails. (Please respect private property on the way to the parking area.) If you choose to challenge yourself and hike all the way to the summit, take the Liberty Trail and switch to the Brook Trail when they meet up.

If you’re looking for an easier option in the Conway area, the Black Cap Trail is a great choice! The low grades and well-managed paths make it a good hiking option for families. The trail is about halfway up Hurricane Mountain Road in Conway, which leads you through the Green Hills Preserves. The primary trail takes you straight to the summit of Black Cap Mountain, and along the way you’ll find many other trails such as Cranmore Mountain Connection, Peaked Mountain Trail, Middle Mountain Trail, MasonBrook Trail, and Red Tail Trail, which all together equal around 10 miles of hiking trails. Black Cap in particular is located just behind Cranmore Mountain, and the summit gives you views of the ski area and North Conway with the Mt. Washington Valley all around it. About 0.5 miles from the summit of Black Cap, you will have the option to either go up the shorter foot path, or the longer multi-use path. The footpath is 0.3 miles to the peak, but is much steeper than the other choice. For an easier option, take the other fork, which is much more gradual, wider, and less rocky on the way to the peak. Both these options will eventually meet up.

For wonderful, scenic lake views, bring the family to the Moose Mountains Reservation in Middleton. There are more than eight miles of trails to explore including foot paths, wooded roads, and snowmobile trails. Just 30 to 40 minutes uphill on the North Trail will lead you to an amazing view from the appropriately named Beauty Ledge. Another interesting spot off the trail is the site of the Old Burrows Farm with its open fields and historic cemeteries. If you decide to take the Piper Mountain Trail, there’s another trail off to the south side that will lead to the summit with views down to the marsh where you might spot a heron. A small parking area and kiosk at the end of New Portsmouth Road in Middleton mark the main entrance access to the property, but be advised the town does not allow parking along New Portsmouth Road.

Sentinel Mountain Trail is a two-mile, moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Tuftonboro and Ossipee. Follow the red blazes to the top for wonderful views of Mount Chocorua and Mount Washington to the north and Gunstock and Lake Winnipesaukee to the south. To reach the trailhead, first take the exit off Route 16 for Center

Ossipee. Follow Main Street continuing back out of town on Moultonville Road. Take a right up Valley Road at the fork and after about two miles, take a right onto Bents Road. Take the next right after the driveway and you’ll see a gate for the trailhead of the Mountain Trail, marked with wooden signs. Don’t block the gate as there’s a gravel pit further in that’s owned by Terrace Pines Campground. This trail is perfect for a morning or afternoon hike on a crisp, fall day.

Before you set out for a hike on a fall day, it’s important to keep safety in mind, especially with fluctuating fall temperatures. According to www.hikesafe.com, there is a Hiker Responsibility Code, which was developed and endorsed by The White Mountain National Forest and New Hampshire Fish and Game. The code is also posted at all major trailheads in New Hampshire. It includes the following safety guidelines: 1. Be prepared with appropriate knowledge and gear. Learn about the terrain and weather conditions where you are going. Know how to use your gear. 2. Let someone else know your plans. Tell a friend what trails you will be hiking on and when you expect to return.

3. Hiking groups should stick together, and not let anyone become separated. Pace your hike to the slowest person in the group. 4. Hikers should always be ready to turn back if circumstances, such as changing weather, dictate. Know your limitations and be willing to turn back. You can always try again another day. 5. Hikers should be ready for emergencies. Even on an hour-long hike, accidents can happen. Don’t expect to be rescued. Learn how you can help rescue yourself. 6. Share this code with other hikers. (It is important to also follow social distancing/mask wearing guidelines as well.)

Most people wear sturdy shoes and bring a water bottle, but there are 10 hiking essentials recommended by The NH Fish and Game Department. These include a map; a compass; clothing layers, including a hat; extra food and water; a flashlight or headlamp; matches/fire starters; first aid kit/repair kit; a whistle to call for help; a rain/wind jacket and pants; and a pocket knife. You’ll be able to relax and enjoy your nature outing, knowing that you’re prepared. Happy leaf peeping!

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Easy-as-Pie DIY Pumpkin Spice

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (optional) Mix and adjust the measurements to please your palate. Then store in an airtight container for use in pumpkin pies, pancakes, whipped cream, lattes and your favorite fall desserts!

Pumpkin Seed Power

According to the American Heart Association, whole roasted pumpkin seeds in their shells contain about 5.2 grams of fiber per one-ounce serving. A serving of the shelled kernels, also known as pepitas, contains about 1.8 grams of fiber. Pumpkin seeds also are rich in other nutrients like magnesium and zinc, as well as antioxidants!

Here’s how to prepare your own roasted pumpkin seeds:

Scoop seeds out of the pumpkin.

Rinse the seeds to remove excess pulp.

Dry the seeds with a towel.

Toss the seeds with some olive oil, then sprinkle with your favorite seasonings.

Roast seeds on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, tossing every few minutes for even roasting.

If You’re Ready to Rock... 5 Fun Facts

about fall’s favorite fruit!

The pumpkin is, in fact, a fruit. It’s a member of the gourd family, which also includes cucumbers, honeydew melons, cantaloupe, watermelons and zucchini.

The self-proclaimed “Pumpkin Capital of the World” is Morton, Illinois, home to Libby’s pumpkin industry.

Pumpkins contain vitamin A, vitamin B, potassium, protein and iron. They are also low in calories, fat, and sodium and high in fiber.

The world record for the largest pumpkin was set in 2016 by Mathias Willemijns of Belgium. It weighed a whopping 2,624.6 pounds!

The world record for the largest pumpkin pie was set in Ohio in 2010 by New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers. It weighed a decadent 3,699 pounds!

Sources: Farmers’ Almanac, History.com,

Guinness World Records

We’re Ready to Roll! Small Enough To Serve You, Big Enough To Show Up and Get It Done.