TheLaker_June17_24

Get Out On The Water In Guided Kayak Tours

By Thomas P. Caldwell

New Hampshire’s Lakes Region, as its name implies, is home to numerous scenic rivers, lakes, and estuaries. What could be a better way to experience them than to get out on the water with a kayak and paddle? A quiet trip on water presents a whole different vista from the scene on shore, providing an opportunity to see birds, fish, and even the occasional moose.

Those who have never paddled before, or who want to learn proper techniques for handling a kayak in different situations, have the option of taking part in a guided trip that also can include natural and historical information by knowledgeable trip leaders.

Outdoor Escapes New Hampshire, LLC, is one of the companies specializing in all types of outdoor excursions, including guided kayak and canoe trips, ranging in duration from a half-or full-day tour to multi-day expeditions. While the company has headquarters in Freedom, it offers trips throughout the state, not only the Lakes Region but also the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, the Connecticut River, Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, the Pemigewasset/Merrimack Watershed, and the Great Bay National Estuary off the Atlantic coast.

These tours provide a variety of water-based experiences for all interests and abilities, including two-day overnight trips, multi-day paddling journeys, and inn-to-inn tours for those who prefer sleeping in a bed and having access to a shower.

For those who do not own their own equipment, Outdoor Escapes rents kayaks and gear, and offers lunch, water, a dry bag for personal gear, and other supplies.

Participants learn skills as fundamental as getting in and out of a kayak, proper ergonomics for efficient body movement, and maximizing pad-

dle strokes to control craft direction and speed. Paddlers learn to be aware of hazards and how to safely navigate the lakes and rivers.

On multi-day trips, there are opportunities to develop whitewater skills, manage portages, learn and practice rescue techniques, and acquire camping and survival skills.

Guides can point out New Hampshire’s history of the use of water routes, from Native American to pre-railroad years, and how these same waterways were used during the Industrial Revolution. Paddlers also learn about conservation efforts to combat the effects of development.

Owner and lead guide Lucie Villeneuve of Outdoor Escapes can answer questions or provide booking details at 603-528-0136 or naturenut@outdoorescapesnewhampshire.com.

Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center at 1 Mount Washington Auto Road, Gorham, also offers guided wildlife tours with half-day, full-day, and multi-day options on the Androscoggin River, an area where moose, eagle, osprey, loons, beavers, and otters are commonly seen while out on the water.

These leisurely trips include lessons

in the basic skills for kayaking and navigating in the river. The Outdoor Center rents both solo and tandem kayaks. Great Glen Trails also offers whitewater kayaking clinics (with multi-day options) for those who are interested in a more intense experience on the water. No prior experience is necessary. Instructors teach paddlers how to efficiently roll a kayak, complete a wet exit, and navigate through different classes of whitewater. Instruction begins with smaller rapids before gradually ramping up to more challenging waters. Safety remains a priority throughout these clinics.

To reach the specialists at Great Glen Trails Outdoor Center, call 603-4662333 or email nate@mt-washington. com.

What about guided fishing trips by kayak? Tim Moore, owner/operator of

Tim Moore Outdoors, offers a fishing guide service that includes kayak fishing trips for in-shore striped bass with light tackle and fall black crappie trips. Tim has been a licensed New Hampshire guide since 2006 and has fished in the Granite State for more than 40 years. He is a year-round full-time fishing guide, sharing his passion with like-minded clients. The kayak trips utilize Old Town PDL (pedal) kayaks which are extremely stable, comfortable, and designed for fishing in almost any conditions. Tim offers information about the area, the species you are fishing for, and techniques to help you become more effective.

Trips are available five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday, usually with two trips each day — an early-morning trip and an evening trip. (Mornings are typically the most productive, but he says, “We always catch fish. Lake Winnipesaukee holds a lot of crappie, and some very big ones.”)

Trips include the licensed guide, kayak and paddle, life vest, spinning rod and reel setups, tackle (although anglers are welcome to bring and use their own gear), and both photos and video of the trip.

Participants are asked to dress for the weather with appropriate clothing (water shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, and drinks), and need to bring their fishing license, or have a photo of it on a smartphone.

For information about guided kayak fishing trips, see timmooreoutdoors. com/kayakfishing.

Ashland Historical Society Sponsors Author Presentation June 20

Local historian, author, and retired college professor Daniel Heyduk will give an illustrated talk featuring one of his four books, The Pemigewasset Valley: A History

This event will take place on Thursday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at the Booster Clubhouse, located at 99 Main Street

in Ashland Village (on Routes 3 and 25 next to the ballfields and playground).

Sponsored by the Ashland Historical Society, this program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Daniel Ruell at 603-968-7716 or davidruell@gmail.com.www.thelaker.com

Laconia/ Gilford Lions Club Recycling Event

Lake Friendly Landscaping Workshop

The Lake Winnipesaukee Association (LWA), in partnership with Miracle Farms Landscaping Company and the Wentworth Watershed Association, is hosting a Lake Friendly Landscaping Workshop on Thursday, June 20, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Town Hall in

Come learn about and explore how native plants can protect the shoreline, enhance habitat, and support local

wildlife and biodiversity. Join us to discover methods to prevent, reduce, and manage erosion and stormwater runoff, and to avoid lake pollution. This presentation is free and open to the public. Register at www.winnipesaukee.org/ news-events/ or contact Bree Rossiter, LWA, at 603-581-6632, or email: brossiter@winnipesaukee.org.

Weather permitting, the next soft plastics recycling collection will be held Saturday, June 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This curbside event will be held in front of the Little White Church at 172 Pleasant St. in Laconia. It is free and all are welcome to participate.

Volunteers from the Green Sanctuary Committee of the Unitarian-Universalist Congregation and the Laconia/Gilford Lions Club will collect donated clean, soft, dry plastics. All Styrofoam and plastics must be separated.

For the first time, Styrofoam products with a “#6” symbol will be accepted, including all size #6 coolers, clean meat & produce trays, egg cartons (any color), packing blocks, clean #6 plates, cups, food clam shells or trays, and coffee cups.

The following will not be accepted: pipe insulation, bubble wrap, thin foam wrap, packing peanuts, soft or squishy foam, egg-crate foam layer, craft foam,

foam board insulation, and any dirty foam products. All foam must be clean and dry.

“This effort is to use and promote the Styrofoam recycling machine at the Gilford Solid Waste Center,” explained Green Sanctuary CoChair Inez Andrews. “There is a lack of awareness and some misunderstanding about that facility, which we want to address.”

At the same time and location, the Lions and the UU Social Justice Committee will hold a pet food drive benefitting the Community Action Program (CAP) pantry.

“The CAP pantry includes a pet food section for people struggling to support their animals,” explained Lion Carol Dow. “For instance, disabled folks who have service animals or seniors with pet companions. We are glad to help them during a period when donations are particularly needed.”

Lions Kim Reeve, Matt Soza delivering plastics

Prescott Farm To Offer ‘Mindful Walking’ Saturday June 22

NLRA Guided Hike of Little and Big Sugarloaf Mountains Conservation Lands

Prescott Farm is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to “providing year-round environmental education programs for all ages…by (encouraging) curiosity, discovery, fun and connection to the natural world.”

The Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center is located at 928 White Oaks Rd. in Laconia. Visit prescottfarm.org or call 366-5695 for more information.”

On Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m.11:30 a.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center will offer “Mindful Walking” with guest instructor and Occupational Therapist Clare Persson. Mindfulness and meditation have emerged in recent years as a very beneficial form of self-care. Join this event to learn about walking meditation, or sign up for all four classes in this series These classes are suited for adults ages 16 and above, and include up to a halfmile walking on uneven terrain, but no steep slopes. The cost for the session is $25 for members; $40 for non-members.

Chocorua Lake Conservancy To Hold Volunteer Event June 27

On Thursday, June 27, from 5:30 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m., the Chocorua Lake Conservancy (CLC) invites current and prospective volunteers to learn about various opportunities, to visit with other volunteers in the sharing of ideas, and in the exchanging of questions with the CLC board. Volunteers make possible many facets of the Conservancy’s stewardship work and enhance the efforts of a larger community.

event location will be sent upon registration.

This event is one in a series of programs held throughout the year designed to encourage people of all ages to learn more about the natural world we inhabit.

Come join this event. Register in advance to ensure plenty of food and drink for everyone. Directions to the

CLC is a nonprofit land trust committed to protecting the scenic and natural resources of the Basin and surrounding area, ensuring public access to Chocorua Lake and those trails nearby. For more information or to get involved, visit www.chocorualake.org.

Join the Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) for a guided hike of Sugarloaf Ridge-Goose Pond Conservation Area on June 21 at 9 a.m. Land conservation is one of the best ways to protect the health of Newfound Lake. NLRA has worked with the Newfound Land Conservation Partnership (NLCP) to increase the amount of conserved land in the watershed, and this hike will take participants through some of the watershed’s publicly accessible conserved lands. Led by one of NLRA’s Watershed Stewards/AmeriCorps members, participants will explore the edge of Goose Pond, see beautiful views of the lake, and get a new perspective on keeping the watershed healthy. There are some steep areas on this approximately 4 mile hike. Registration is required and space is limited. Register online at NewfoundLake.org/ events or call (603) 744-8689.

The NLCP is a collaboration among NLRA, the Society for the Protection of NH Forests, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, the Nature Conservan-

cy, and volunteer representatives from the towns of Hebron, Groton, Bristol, Bridgewater, and Alexandria. Since 2009, the Partnership has worked to promote land conservation within the Newfound Watershed through education and community outreach and has supported efforts to conserve nearly 8,500 acres. Learn more about conservation in the Newfound Watershed and why land conservation is important at NewfoundLake.org/NLCP.

Land conservation is an important part of NLRA’s work to protect the high-quality waters of Newfound Lake and its watershed, maintaining a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Through water quality and invasive species monitoring, educational events such as guided hikes and nature activities, and land conservation efforts that protect open spaces and help manage stormwater pollution, NLRA approaches conservation at the watershed level. Learn more about NLRA’s initiatives at NewfoundLake.org.

All Things Bananas: Versatile And Flavorful

Hello Lakes Region. I hope you all enjoyed Bike Week and the many Father’s Day festivities. I receive many emails from readers asking what to do with overripe bananas. On a positive note, the riper they get, the sweeter they become, making them pair well with many other flavors.

Let’s talk breakfast fun. This makes for a soft banana coffee cake with cinnamon oat crumb topping and icing. This can be prepped and cooked in 4550 minutes. I usually cut these into a

dozen hunks.

Banana Cinnamon Breakfast Cake

2 eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup melted butter

½ cup buttermilk or ½ cup milk + ½ tsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

2 ripe bananas, mashed

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp cinnamon

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp salt

For The Crumb Topping ½ cup butter

1 cup powdered sugar

½ cup flour

½ cup quick oats

1 tsp cinnamon

½ cup chopped walnuts optional

For The Glaze, optional, but recommended

¾ cup powdered sugar

1 tbsp melted butter

2 tsp milk

½ tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray a 9x13 or 8x11 glass pan with nonstick spray. In a large bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, melted butter,

buttermilk, and vanilla. Stir until combined. Add in bananas. Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Mix 1/3 of the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Repeat until the ingredients are completely mixed. FYI: recipes like this yield better results when mixed by hand (a few lumps are permissible). Pour batter into the prepared pan. To prepare the crumb topping: combine all ingredients except butter. Cut butter into small pieces and add to the mixture. For the glaze: whisk together the glaze ingredients until smooth. Using a pastry cutter (or two forks), blend the

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ingredients until crumbly. Pour atop of batter. Bake for 35-40 minutes. Let cool and then drizzle with glaze as desired. Delicious!

Now a breakfast quick bread made with bananas, strawberries, and cream cheese. This is delicious, easy, and a snack favorite. Makes two loaves. Total prep/cook time is ~75 minutes.

Strawberry Cream Cheese Banana Bread

¾ cup butter, room temp

8 oz cream cheese, room temp

1 ½ cups sugar

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

2 tsp vanilla

1 cup mashed bananas, about 2 medium bananas

3 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

1 ½ cups chopped strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 8x5 inch loaf pans. In a large bowl: use an electric mixer to beat the butter, cream cheese, and sugar together for 3-4 minutes. Add eggs, vanilla, and mashed bananas. Mix for another 1-2 minutes. In a separate bowl: mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Once mixed, add to the wet ingredients. Stir together just until combined. Fold in the chopped strawberries. Pour batter into the prepared loaf pans. If desired, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top. Bake for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of each loaf comes out clean. Place the pans on a wire rack. Cool for about 15 minutes. Remove loaves from pans to

continue cooling on the wire racks until completely cooled.

Now, some classic dessert bars that marry bananas and chocolate. These are simple, and delicious, and make for a great breakfast, lunch, or dessert. I strongly suggest using coconut oil in this recipe which gives this a great extra flavor. Makes 18-24 bars. Total time is less than 45 minutes.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bars

5 very ripe bananas, about 1 2/3 cup

¾ cup brown sugar

¼ cup coconut oil (strongly recommended, but any oil will work)

¼ cup milk

2 eggs

1 ¾ cup flour

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1 cup mini chocolate chips, divided

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a

15×10 ½ inch pan with non-stick spray. Set aside. Peel bananas and mash well. Stir in brown sugar, oil, milk, and eggs until combined. Add in dry ingredients and stir. Fold in half of the chocolate chips. Spread the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining chips on top. Bake 18-22 minutes, un-

til a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, then cut into squares. The next dessert bar includes a flavor marriage with bananas, but the orange frosting is made with freshly squeezed orange juice and orange zest. Total time is under 45 minutes. Makes 18-24 yummy bars.

Banana Orange Bars

1 cup very ripe mashed bananas, usually 2 of them

¾ cup sugar

½ cup coconut oil or vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 cup flour

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

Frosting:

2 tbsp butter, room temp

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

2 tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice

¼ tsp grated orange peel, plus more to sprinkle on top

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New Hampshire Farm Museum ‘Fourth On The Farm’ June 29

Join the New Hampshire Farm Museum on Saturday, June 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Celebrate the birth of our nation with “Fourth On The Farm”. Featured musician Bob Kilham will be sure to entertain by playing various musical selections from the 1700s and 1800s on his banjo.

This day will celebrate our American Freedoms by those who fought and paid the ultimate price, helping children and adults alike to identify with our responsibility towards continued independence.

Join us at the Museum when the Declaration of Independence is delivered from Philadelphia. Listen for the bells of the Town Crier as he gathers the crowds to hear the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Sing “My Country Tis of Thee”, then watch the firing of the muskets and the Brown Bess in salute to our independence. Enjoy strawberry shortcake on the front porch with homemade whipped cream. Partake in the ice cream-making demonstration and tasting until

it runs out. House tours with guides in period dress will guide patrons through the historic Jones House and Tavern. There will be a special display of vintage American flags from the late 1700s to the mid-1800s. Visit the Blacksmith as he swings his hammer and works with raw materials to make simple items used on the farm.

Purchase your lunch or bring your own and enjoy it overlooking the Olde Stage Road. Delight in lawn games, a Big Barn Scavenger Hunt, tractor rides, and more. Investigate the Museum Country Store to purchase a membership, homemade jams, jellies, small, crafted items, fresh eggs, and cheese.

The NH Farm Museum is located at 1305 White Mountain Highway in Milton. Visit www.nhfarmmuseum.org, nhfarmmuseum.info@gmail.com, or call 603-652-7840 for more information. “The mission of the New Hampshire Farm Museum is to preserve, present, and carry forward New Hampshire’s rural and agricultural heritage.”

Meredith Fine Craft Gallery

Offers Classes June 28 & 30

Join Joy Raskin on Saturday, June 28 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and learn to make a “Silver Ring With a Bezel Set Stone”. Students will make a silver ring band out of wire or sheet metal. The bezel will then be soldered to the ring, a cabochon stone will be set, and the finished ring will be polished and ready to wear and enjoy.

A “Picfolio” is an accordion book, using paper folded in a particular way that will accommodate 10 photos held together with a ribbon. Join Gay Ayers on Sunday, June 30 from noon- 3 p.m. The instructor will guide students

through the fun- filled process of cutting and assembling their own photographs into a finished product. Space is limited in all classes and pre-registration is required.

The mission of the League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery is to encourage, nurture and promote the creation, use and preservation of fine contemporary and traditional craft through the inspiration and education of artists and the broader community. Located at 279 Daniel Webster Hwy. in Meredith. Call 603-279-7920, or visit meredith.nhcrafts.org

‘Roots Of Inspiration’ Wood Artist Exhibit In July

Starting in July, wood artist Nicholas Moore will feature, “Roots of Inspiration”, a solo exhibit at the Tuftonboro Free Library.

Residing in both Tuftonboro and St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Nicholas creates hand-turned bowls, vases, platters, and free-form art pieces.

For over nine years, he has pushed the boundaries of the artistic process, having focused on salvaged wood indigenous to New Hampshire, the Ca-

ribbean, and California. Each piece of raw wood is hand-selected for its unique grain pattern, color, and texture. Embark on a visual journey where art and nature converge. Mark your calendar for July.

For more information, contact the Tuftonboro Library at 603-569-4256, or visit 221 Middle Road in Tuftonboro.

A portion of all proceeds is donated to the Tuftonboro Free Library capital campaign.

Public Hearing On Adopting New Waterfowl

Rules

The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) will hold a public hearing regarding the adoption of new rules on Tuesday, July 2 at the Fish and Game Headquarters, located at 11 Hazen Drive in Concord. The hearing will begin at 12:30 p.m.

These new rules allow for a special weekend for active military and veterans to hunt waterfowl, which will be the first weekend after the close of the regular season in all zones. The rules also establish:

Acceptable proof of eligibility

Allowances for a non-veteran, non-hunting assistants

Daily bag limits that are the same as those of the regular season

The public is invited to attend to provide feedback in person, or to submit comments via e-mail before July 10 to: comments@wildlife.nh.gov. The proposed rules can be viewed ahead of the meeting by visiting www.wildlife. nh.gov/proposed-rules.

Boating In Days Of Old

By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper

In times gone by, access to Lake Winnipesaukee was not so easy to obtain as it is in today’s world. Some people had a boat or canoe, but most residents and vacationers relied upon someone else - usually a marina or some sort of boat service - to provide a boat tour or transport passengers from one part of the lake to another.

In the early 1800’s, a gundalow was often seen on Winnipesaukee. A gundalow was a sort of sailboat with a flat bottom and rounded shape at both end and was a handy vessel to deal with commercial freight traffic from mills all over the area.

In addition to gundalows, early steamers and smaller boats were popular on Lake Winnipesaukee. Today’s history and boating lovers continue to enjoy old photos and information on early modes of getting around Lake Winnipesaukee.

Topping the list of lake travel in days gone by, and in this case in the present day as well, is the M/S Mount Washington. Historically, the first vessel was called the S.S. Mount Washington. It was a wooden side wheeler of 178 feet in length. The vessel was built and launched in 1872 by the Boston

& Maine Railroad to offer transportation to travelers and cargo throughout Lake Winnipesaukee. The Mount was known as the speediest vessel on the lake, and it boarded over 60,000 passengers yearly at the close of the 19th century, according to information at www.cruisenh.com.

As automobiles became popular, the railroad faded in use and eventually the Mount was sold and became a tourist attraction, with a new operator/ owner, Leander Lavallee. As the years moved on, the Weirs Beach area grew as a vacation destination area, and visitors loved the novelty of a ride on the Mount. Sadly, in 1939 a fire at the nearby railroad station spread to the Mount. Lavallee decided to replace the vessel with a bigger and faster ship. He found what he was looking for on Lake Champlain in Vermont. The Chateaguay was 203 feet long and made of iron. It was sent in pieces by railroad car to Lakeport where it was put back together and updated with new boilers, a steam engine and more.

Ownership of the Mount eventually passed to the Hedblom family. Over the years, changes were made, such as the 1982 cutting of the ship in the center to add 25 feet in the length of the

vessel. At that time, it became the M/S Mount Washington.

At Weirs Beach, in around 1900, the steamer Arlington offered regular trips to ports in Center Harbor, Melvin Village and Wolfeboro, as well as to some of the Winnipesaukee islands. The steamer was 26 feet long and passengers were shaded by a canopy on deck, according to information at “The History of Wolfeboro, NH” by Q. David Bowers.

Also in the early 1900s, George Carpenter was a wealthy Wolfeboro resident. His steam yacht was called Isabelle, until Carpenter renamed it Bevis.

The charming boat must have provided great summer entertainment for Carpenter’s well-to-do guests and family, who could enjoy a trip around the lake.

In Melvin Village, William Blackstone Sr. and his son, Herbert A. Blackstone, built the steamer Cyclone. The steamer was about 80-feet in length and cruised at approximately 10 miles per hour, a good speed for the time. The Blackstones built the steamer for Arthur and Appleton Lamprey, who launched the Cyclone in 1886. The

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steamer was put to active use and made runs from the Weirs to Melvin Village and elsewhere around the lake and was often seen in Wolfeboro, where it was hired for charters and moonlight excursions, which were quite popular in those days.

Based in Alton Bay, the steamship Dover began making the rounds of Lake Winnipesaukee in the 1850s. Captained by Winborn Sanborn, who had previously held the same job on the Lady of the Lake, the Dover was 150 feet in length and operated by the Cocheco Railroad. It was handy for transporting passengers who had made the trip by rail to Alton Bay. “Eastman’s White Mountain Guide” reported of the Dover that it was a “pleasant and

commodious boat moving with great rapidity and steadiness, making regular trips between Alton, Wolfborough and Centre Harbor, connecting with the

stages at the two latter points.”

that some of the cabins of the steamer were sold off and utilized for lodging rooms. The old pilot house was purchased locally and placed on a lawn as little summer house.

New Hampshire’s Governor Wentworth is thought to have had the first sailing boat on Lake Winnipesaukee, at a time when there was little or no lake traffic. This was in pre-Revolutionary War days when Wentworth occupied a large summer estate in Wolfeboro near the water.

this ad.

The Dover was later renamed the Chocorua and lengthened to 162 feet. The steamer sank in the late 1860s but was refloated for further service. By the 1870s, the steamer saw the end of its days when the new Mount Washington replaced the smaller vessel. The Chocorua was dismantled and lay unused in Alton Bay. Interesting to note is

Fast forward in time when a resourceful man had an answer to mail delivery in the Alton area. Captain Lawrence P. Beck of Alton Bay obtained a permit to deliver U.S. mail to the Alton Bay-Alton-Wolfeboro area in 1929. His mail boat, the Tonimar, was in operation each summer from midJune to mid-September. It made around 40 stops, including summer camps,

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The Legionnaire docked in Alton Bay. (courtesy photo)

A beautiful hand-carved alabaster bowl donated by Rick Amon will be raffled off to also benefit Gerda's Equine Rescue. Tickets available at the Gallery.

June Exhibit A tribute to Lynn Haust, artist, teacher, friend. Now through June 30

Lynn loved horses. To celebrate her life we have collected work from various artists featuring work depicting horses.

10% of all sales of equestrian themed pieces will be donated to Gerda's Equine Rescue Organization in Lynn's memory.

Through June 30, In Memory of Lynn, exhibit honoring the life/work of League artist Lynn Haust, work by League artists with 100% of proceeds going to Gerda’s Equine Rescue, a non-profit organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming horses in need, info.: League of NH Craftsmen Gallery, 279 DW Hwy. Meredith, 603-279-7920, www.nhcrafts.org/meredith

Through Sept. 1, D-Day: Freedom From Above, exhibit on WWII/D-Day, Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www. wrightmuseum.org

June 16, An Evening with Gaelic Storm, 7 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800-657-8774.

June 16, Billy Wylder, 7 p.m., Feel the Barn Concert Series, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand.net

279 DW Hwy. • Meredith • 603-279-7920 • Meredith.NHCrafts.org • Mon - Sat: 10-5 • Sun: 12-5 Like us on Facebook so you can see other beautiful things made by NH’s finest artists ~ www.facebook.com/nhcraft SHOP in the Gallery or ONLINE The 2024 limited-edition ornament is now available $26

June 16, Open Farm Day, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., horse-drawn wagon rides, craft demos, sawmill and grist mill, Sanborn Mills Farm, 7097 Sanborn Rd., Loudon, 603-435-7314, www.sanbornmills.org.

June 16 & July 21, Belknap County Day, Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-293-4341, www.gunstock.com.

June 17, Music Night at the Castle, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. seating, Jared Steer performs, dinner on the patio, Carriage House, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

June 17, Solar Gazing, noon – 4 p.m. free, pre-registration encouraged, field by Shannon Pond, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

June 17-Aug. 16, Youth Sailing, Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, 25 Davis Rd., Gilford, www.lwsa.org., 603-589-1177.

June 18, Cricut: Pair of Coffee Mugs, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m., Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org

June 18, Lecture Series: Ron Janowski – Breakout from Normandy, 7 - 8 p.m., Wright Museum of WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www. wrightmuseum.org

June 18, Music Night at the Castle, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. seating, Mark Bartrum performs, dinner on the patio, Carriage House, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds. org

June 18, On Water Instruction, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Goodhue Boat Company class, 31 Lovejoy Sands off Meredith Neck Rd., Meredith, via NH Boat Museum, 603569-4554, www.nhbm.org

June 19, 100 Classic New England Hikes, 6 – 7 p.m., free, Jeff Romano slide show with itineraries featured in Romano’s “100 Classic Hikes in New England”, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775.

June 19, Garden Programs: Kirkwood Gardens Guided Tour, 9:30 a.m., Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org.

June 19, Music Night at the Castle, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. seating, Charles A. Music performs, dinner on the patio, Carriage House, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds. org

June 19, Yoga on the Lawns, 6 – 7 p.m., pre-registration required, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www. castleintheclouds.org

June 20, National Yard Games Day, 3 – 4:30 p.m., happy first day of summer, games, family event, free, music, freezer pops & more, Alton Bay Bandstand, Rt. 11, Alton Bay, 603-875-0109, www.altonparksandrecreation.com

June 20, Sing-along with Jim Tyrell, 6 - 7 p.m., Beans & Greens Farm Pavilion, 245 Intervale Rd., Gilford, 603-293-2853.

June 20-Aug. 31, Summer on the Farm, activities, dinners, tours, and more, dates/programs TBA, Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, 603-3237591, www.remickmuseum.org

June 21, Guided Exploration: Watershed Hike, 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., join NLRA Watershed Stewards and Newfound Land Conservation Partnership on hike through conserved land in the watershed, free, no dogs allowed, pre-registration required: 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org

June 21, Kerr and Carolyn’s PSU Scene of the Crime Comedy, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/ info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-536-2551.

June 21, Live Music with Garrett Smith, 5 - 8 p.m., Beans & Greens Farm Pavilion, 245 Intervale Rd., Gilford, 603-293-2853.

June 21, Music by the Lake: Thursday Afternoon Band, 7 – 9 p.m., free, Cate Park Bandstand, Dockside, Wolfeboro, by Governor Wentworth Arts Council, www.governorwentworthartscouncil.org.

What’s UP

June 21, Stories on the Farm, A Horsey Home, 10 – 11:30 a.m., read by Grandma Pat, NH Farm Museum,1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, RSVP: 603-6527840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org

June 21-July 6, Jersey Boys, Winnipesaukee Playhouse, 33 Footlight Circle, Meredith, 603-279-0333, www.winnipesaukeeplayhouse.org

June 22, Arts Alive! 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., exhibit with a variety of artists, Meredith Community Center, Rt. 3, Meredith, www.LakesCenterfortheArts.org., connect@lakescenterforthearts.org.

June 22, Cake Decorating: Amethyst Geode Cake with Chef Allen, noon – 3 p.m., Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Info./pre-registration: 603-366-5695.

June 22, Community Arts Festival, in collaboration with Lakes Region Art Assoc., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

June 22, Intro to Mindfulness Meditation: Mindful Walking, 10 – 11:30 a.m., multigenerational program, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Info./pre-registration: 603366-5695.

June 22, Kenny G, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, 800657-8774.

June 22, Live Music with Jud Caswell, 5 p.m., Beans & Greens Farm Pavilion, 245 Intervale Rd., Gilford, 603-293-2853.

June 22, Needle Felted Loon, with instructor Patsy Frasier, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., League of NH Craftsmen, Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery, 32 Main St., Sandwich, pre-register/info.: 603-284-6831, centersandwich.nhcrafts.org/.

June 22, Painting With Wool Workshop, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., learn the art of needle felting, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, pre-register: 603-5248813, www.belknapmill.org.

June 22, Sparkly Tube Set Earrings with Joy Raskin, 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., pre-register by June 17, League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920.

June 22, Strawberry Festival Dinner, 6:30 p.m., ham and beans, strawberry shortcake, Masonic Lodge, Bristol, info. 603-744-2713.

June 22, Summer Kick Off, games, food, vendors & more, Pop Whalen Ice and Arts Center, 390 Pine Hill Rd., Wolfeboro, program of Wolfeboro Parks and Rec., www.wolfeboronh.us.

June 22, Tamworth Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon, held in parking lot of UUFES, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org

June 22, The Table X Remick, 5:15 – 8 p.m., age 18 & up, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, pre-registration required: 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.

June 22, “The Thing to Remember about Stargazing” by Matt F. Esenwine, 10 a.m., book reading, constellation craft session for children, Nichols Memorial Library, 35 Plymouth St., Center Harbor, 603-253-6950, www.centerharborlibrary.org

June 22, Two Towns, live music in Town Square, 6 - 9 p.m., Waterville Valley, www.waterville.com or 800-987-7633.

June 23, Jon Stetson, America’s Master Mentalist, 7 p.m., Feel the Barn Concert Series, 1118 Page Hill Rd., Chocorua, 603-323-6169, www.thefarmstand. net.

June 24, 16th Annual Lakes Region Golf Tournament, 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., 11:30 a.m. lunch, 1 p.m. shotgun start, Laconia Country Club, benefit for Boys & Girls Clubs of the Lakes Region, Elm St., Laconia, centralnhclubs.ejoinme.org/ MyEvents/16thAnnualLakesRegionGolfTournament

June 24, Art Demo, with artist Hannah Phelps, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., free demo, League of NH Craftsmen, Center Sandwich Fine Craft Gallery, 32 Main St., Sandwich, pre-register/info.: 603-284-6831, centersandwich.nhcrafts.org/.

June 24, Music Night at the Castle, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. seating, Tim Hazelton performs, dinner on the patio, Carriage House, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds. org

June 24, Solar Gazing, noon – 4 p.m. free, pre-registration encouraged, field by Shannon Pond, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

June 24, Story Time, 11-11:30 a.m., free, pre-registration encouraged, Picnic Pavilion at Shannon Pond, Castle in the Clouds, 455 Old Mountain Rd./Rt. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org

June 25, Garden Programs: Invasive Plant Species and Management, 11 a.m., Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, 603-968-7194, www.

ONGOING

ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts/CCAC, art, workshops, and events, open year-round with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com

Bad Mom Night, every Thurs., Trenta, 30 Middleton Rd., Wolfeboro, 603-5151068, www.trentanh.com.

Barnstead Farmers Market, Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., 1 Parade Circle, Barnstead, nhbarnsteadfarmersmarket1@gmail.com, www.barnsteadfarmersmarket. com.

Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, gallery and textile museum, events and programs, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.

Bristol Farmers Market, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Millstream Park, Rt. 3, Bristol, bristolopenairmarket@ atlanticbb.net.

Canterbury Shaker Village, walking trails, tours, Shaker Rd., Canterbury, 603-783-9511, www.shakers.org

Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, restaurant, music, walking trails, tours, events, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.

Chapman Sanctuary and Visny Woods, nature trails open for hiking, 740 Mt. Israel Rd., Center Sandwich, 603-284-6428, www.chapmansanctuaryvisnywoods.com.

Chocorua Lake Basin View Lot, mountain views, benches for seating, free, www.chocorualake.org.

Coffee Hour, 10 – 11 a.m., coffee, tea, and snacks, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537, Effingham.lib.nh.us.

Country Music Brunch, Sundays, brunch food & music, Beans & Greens Farm Pavilion, 245 Intervale Rd., Gilford, 603-293-2853.

Country Village Quilt Guild, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m., meets first and third Wednesday of each month, Public Safety Building (back entrance to Police and Fire Dept.), Rte. 25, Moultonborough, countryvillagequilters@gmail.com.

Cruise Night, 5 – 7 p.m., Thursdays, 50/50 raffle, prizes, Tilt’n Diner, 61 Laconia Rd., Tilton, 603-286-2204. (Thursdays until Oct. 26)

Dam Brewhouse, events, 1323 NH Rte. 175, Campton, 603-726-4500, www. dambrewhouse.com.

First Friday Receptions, June-Dec., 5 - 7 p.m., refreshments, conversation & art, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com

Gilmanton Farmers Market, through Oct. 6, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Sundays, local vegetables, flowers, plants, crafts, baked goods, live music, and more, 1385 NH 140, on lawn of Gilmanton Year-Round Library, Gilmanton Iron Works, 603491-1687, www.gilmantonfarmersmarket.com

Guided Group Tour, history and machines of the historic Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, pre-register: jill@belknapmill.org, 603-524-8813, Monday-Friday.

In the Round, 8:45 a.m., Sundays, thought-provoking topics related to tolerance, Benz Center, Sandwich, 603-284-7211.

Indoor Pickleball, 5 p.m., Sandwich Central School gym, Sandwich, every Tues., Wed. & Fri., parksandrec@sandwichnh.org

Kirkwood Gardens, free, open to public year-round, Rt. 3, Holderness, tour the gardens, www.nhnature.org, 603-968-7194.

Ladies of the Lake Quilt Guild, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month, First Congregational Church, 115 Main St., Wolfeboro. A second group meets Mondays from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Community Center, 22 Lehner St., Wolfeboro, www.llqg.net

Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, youth and adult sailing lessons, sailing competitions, Gilford, www.lwsa.org, 603-589-1177.

Lakes Region Art Association, exhibits and classes, Suite 300, Tanger Outlet, Rte. 3, Tilton, 603-998-0029, www.lraanh.org

Laverack Nature Trail at Hawkins Brook, nature trail on boardwalk, free, trail starts to the left of Meredith Village Savings Bank, Rte. 25, Meredith, 603279-9015.

League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, handmade crafts and art for sale, workshops, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920. Loon Center, walking trails, 183 Lees Mill Rd., Moultonborough, 603-4765666, www.loon.org

Makers Mill, a variety of workshops, arts and crafts classes and more, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org

Market on Main, 3 – 6 p.m., farmers market, every other Wed., (June 12-Oct. 2), 115 Main St., Alton, www.altonmarketonmain.com, 513-519-8264.

Meredith Public Library Bookstore, run by Friends of the Meredith Library, open weekly: Wed. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., lower level, Meredith Public Library, 91 Main St., Meredith, 603279-4303, www.meredithlibrary.org.

Model Yachting, 1 – 4 p.m., Back Bay Skippers at Cotton Valley Rail Trail, Bridge Falls Path, Wolfeboro, watch radio-controlled model yachts, NH Boat Museum, schedule: www.nhbm.org.

Molly the Trolley, take tours/rides of Wolfeboro area aboard the fun trolley, info/schedules: 603-569-1080, www.wolfeborotrolley.com

M/S Mount Washington Cruises, narrated cruises of Lake Winnipesaukee, day & evening cruises, M/S Mount Washington, 211 Lakeside Ave., Weirs Beach, 603-366-BOAT, www.cruisenh.com

Newfound Cruzers Antique Car Gathering, Fridays through Labor Day, 5 – 8 p.m., at Village Pizza, 825 Lake St., Bristol, weather permitting, free, over 100 classic & antique cars, theme nights, raffles, parades, 603-744-5497.

New England Racing Museum, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., open Saturdays, 922 NH Rte. 106 N., Loudon, www.NEMSMUSEUM.com

NH Boat Museum, boating exhibits, programs, boat building workshops, 399 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-4554, www.nhbm.org

NH Farm Museum, old-time farm events, tours, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org

Newfound Lake Eco-Tours, informative/scientific tours of Newfound Lake, runs until mid-Sept., Newfound Lake Association, www.newfoundlake.org, call for hours/dates of operation: 603-744-8689.

Outdoor Nature-Based Storytime for Young Children, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-3238510, www.tamworthlibrary.org.

Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire if program pre-registration is necessary: 603-366-5695.

Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, events, tours, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.

Rug Hookers, 10 a.m. – noon, meets Tuesdays, Tuftonboro Free Library, 221 Middle Rd., Rt. 109A, Tuftonboro, 603-569-4256.

Sailing Lessons, youth & adult, Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association, 25 Davis Rd., Gilford, schedule/pre-register: 603-589-1177, www.lwsa.org

Sculpture Walk, tours of outdoor sculptures around downtown/lakeside areas of Meredith, free, Greater Meredith Program, maps: 603-279-9015.

Sing-Along Night with Jim Tyrell, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Beans & Greens Farm Pavilion, 245 Intervale Rd., Gilford, 603-293-2853.

Squam Lake Cruises, family/educational cruises to look for loons & wildlife, Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, Holderness, www.nhnature.org, 603-9687194.

Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, exhibits, nature trails, events, cruises, 23 Science Center Rd., Holderness, 603-968-7194, www.nhnature.org

Tamworth Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. - noon, Saturdays, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org

That Trivia Guy, 6 – 9 p.m., Wednesdays, individuals or groups play trivia games with host, Beans & Greens Farm Pavilion, 245 Intervale Rd., Gilford, 603-293-2853.

The Market at the Weirs, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Saturdays, fresh produce, meats, and artisan crafts, through Oct. 5, Weirs Community Park, 49 Lucerne Ave., Weirs Beach, email: bamm-nh.org., www.themarketatweirs.com

Tuftonboro Country Bluegrass and Gospel Jam, 6:30 - 9:30 p.m., Tuesdays, donation requested, Old White Church, Rte. 109A, Center Tuftonboro, across from Tuftonboro General Store, 603-569-3861.

Wolfeboro Farmers Market, noon – 3:30 p.m., Thursdays, The Nick, 10 Trotting Track Rd., Wolfeboro, email: wolfeborofarmersmarket@gmail.com, www. wolfeborofarmersmarket.com.

Wolfeboro Table Tennis, meets Wednesdays from 4 – 6 p.m., in the basement of All Saints Church, Wolfeboro, all skill levels welcome, $5 admission charge each week, info: 603-520-5651.

Wright Museum of WWII, exhibits and lectures on life on the home front during WWII, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1212, www.wrightmuseum. org

• Yesteryear continued from page 12

cottages, islands, and other spots that without postal service.

The mail boat was so much appreciated that Captain Beck purchased a new boat in the early 1940s. Hubert Johnson built that boat in 1926 in Bay Head, New Jersey, and it was transported over the roadway to Portsmouth and was brought to Wolfeboro for use on Captain Beck’s mail route.

The floating post office sold stamps on board, as well as delivering the mail. Beck had the boat outfitted with mail pigeonholes for various camps, islands, and other stops. It was a good method to keep track of all the mail that was coming and going.

As well as delivering the mail, the Tonimar gave moonlight cruises to vacationers. If one wanted to get out on the lake, the charge to ride for the entire day was only $1.50 per person. Passengers could embark from the Victoria Pier in Alton Bay.

“The Boats and Ports of Lake Winnipesaukee” by Dr. Bruce D. Heald relates that the U.S. Mail Boat Tonimar delivered mail from 1941 through 1965 with stop to summer island residents in Alton Bay and Wolfeboro.

Captain Beck’s Tonimar was named for his niece, Martha, and nephew Tony. The boat had a charming appeal with graceful lines and a slow-moving pace.

In the Sandwich area, vacationers had one special resident, Alphonso Smith, the go-to guy for everything from milk deliveries to anything boat-related. He owned the first mechanical boat (it could have been steam driven) and operated from Chalmer’s Point in Sandwich. According to “A Little History of the Squam Lakes” by Catherine Hartshorn Campbell, Smith was fondly dubbed Phon. He was appreciated for his ability to deliver ice and milk (he

• Yesteryear continued on page 19

• Yesteryear

continued from page 18

had an ice house) to summer residents. He also offered his services to the town of Center Sandwich, and Phon’s boat additionally delivered goods to and from nearby Ashland.

Imagine speeding over Lake Winnipesaukee for a very fast boat ride. As the shoreline whirled by, you were a bit dizzy from the speed the boat made over the water. You sat back and enjoyed it all, because you were riding in the jewel of the Lakes Region, the famed Legionnaire 70.

In days gone by, anyone could catch a boat ride on the Legionnaire 70 speedboat, docked at the foot of Alton Bay, and operated by Fred and Lester Downing from Downing’s Landing. Before there was the beautiful Legionnaire 70, there were three Legionnaire boats, and the public could take a thrilling ride on a Legionnaire for a modest charge.

The Downing family brought boating to Alton Bay when they launched the steamboat Dover in the 1850s. In 1857, according to an article in “Classic Boating” by Ben K. Price, Samuel

and Jonathan Downing bought land in Alton Bay; in the 1890s, Jonathan built Downing’s Garage and Boat Service. In the 1920s, Jonathan’s son, Fred, and Fred’s sons, Lester and Ed, developed land and the site became Downing’s Landing. They built a 100-foot dock, and the boat service became popular. The business was among the first Evinrude dealers and also had gas pumps.

(As an aside, the name Legionnaire was because Lester Downing was an original member of the Alton American Legion; thus the name of the boat.)

Competition for boat rides was growing, so the Downing’s decided to add another boat. But not just any wooden boat would do. The business would have the crown jewel of the lake, the Jayee III. The boat was added to the fleet in 1940 and renamed the Legionnaire 70, and it had a good top speed.

The Legionnaire 70 boat was eye catching and for $1.00 passenger were treated to a fast ride in a 36-foot, 1,000 HP Gar Wood. The boat had room for 15 passengers who wanted to experience the thrill of a ride on the incredible boat.

The Legionnaire 70 was quite beautiful, with a sleek design. It was

recognizable on Winnipesaukee in its heyday. It is certain the boat’s driver needed some skill to control the large Legionnaire.

Those who wanted a fun ride around the lake could be assured the Legionnaire 70 would take them to any location on Winnipesaukee, including the islands as well as places such as Lakeshore Park in Gilford.

What was a ride on the Legionnaire 70 like? Those who experienced it loved the boat and it is said the ride was steady, even when the boat was traveling at a high speed.

Before ownership by the Downings, the Legionnaire 70 was owned wealthy William Stephen Corby of Washington, DC. He called the boat the Jayee III, and it was known as the fastest pleasure boat built by the Gar Wood shops. Mr. Corby used the boat on Lake Winnipesaukee, where the family had a summer home.

The Corby daughters, Eleanor and Justine, loved spending summers on

• Yesteryear continued on page 20

Winnipesaukee. At just age 19, Eleanor raced the boat, which was known to be fast, glamourous, exciting and unsinkable. According to “The Castle and the Club” by Elizabeth Crawford Wilkin, when Eleanor raced, the windshield of the boat was removed. The daring young woman won many races when driving the Jayee III.

As well as a fun ride on the lake, passengers and others could get a meal at Downing’s Landing. The Landing was located at the tip of Alton Bay and had several attractions, from breakfast or lunch in the Land-Ho snack shop, to

boat rides, gasoline, and if you so desired, you could purchase a new boat or motor.

If you were fortunate enough to know the Libby family of Wolfeboro in the late 1800s, you might be invited to take a ride on Dr. Libby’s steamer, the West Wind. Well known in Wolfeboro, Dr. Libby was the founder of the town’s the Libby Museum. The museum is still in operation, and it is a fascinating place to visit, located on North Main Street in Wolfeboro.

In 1891, Dr. Libby commissioned George Whitney to build a steam

yacht. Dr. Libby wanted the steamer for family rides, but also to be used for excursions. The steamer accommodated around 50 passengers with dining for 14 people at a time. It was advertised in local papers as a boat for “pleasure parties” and it was often taken out for fishing groups. It was even chartered by a state legislator who hosted a gala affair for dignitaries.

In the early 1900s, the steamer was

sold to a local woman, and she used it for excursions in the area as well. A noted feature was the steam-operated side-whistle powered by the vessel’s boiler. It played tunes, which people around the waterfront greatly, and a favorite song was “Yankee Doodle.”

(Thanks to Nancy Merrill for information about the Legionnaire 70 for this story.)

Photo by Stoddard Whitridge

The Mount Washington at Weirs Beach. (courtesy photo)

Owl Brook Hunter Education Center Summer Youth Programs

Free youth day programs will be offered again this summer at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center in Holderness. These programs give boys and girls ages 10–15 the chance to learn about shooting sports, bowhunting, and other outdoor skills. Sessions will be offered in July and August at Owl Brook, which is operated by the

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department.

Pre-registration is required and will be conducted on a first-come, firstserved basis. Space is limited to 16 participants/ day. There is no charge for these sessions.

Day programs will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays, unless otherwise

noted, beginning July 9 and ending August 1. Tuesdays will be for youth ages 10–12, and Thursdays will be for youth ages 13–15. Participants may register for one or more sessions and should bring a bag lunch. All required forms should be downloaded during the registration process and submitted to Owl Brook Hunter Education Center before attending.

summer workshops are a fun way to help them discover what it’s all about.”

Another popular offering is the Hunter/Bowhunter Education Certification week which will take place August 13–16. Those youth aged 12–15 who attend and meet all requirements will receive their Hunter Education/Bowhunter Education Certification.

“The Owl Brook Hunter Education Center is here to inspire young people to become involved in the outdoors,” said Tom Flynn, Program Manager at Owl Brook. “These free, skill-based

The mission of the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center is “to educate individuals in the knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to become safe and responsible hunters, trappers, and stewards of the state’s natural resources.” Its facilities include shooting ranges, classroom space, and interpretive trails.

To learn more or to register, visit www.wildlife.nh.gov/hunting-nh/ hunter-education/owl-brook-hunter-education-center. Activities at the Owl Brook Hunter Education Center are made possible by Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration funds. The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department is the guardian of the state’s fish, wildlife, and marine resources and their habitats.