Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant: A Lakes Region Institution
By Mark Okrant
When a first-time visitor or new resident asks for a place to eat in New Hampshire where the food is homestyle and the ambiance is relaxed, the answer is often the same: Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant in Meredith. Now celebrating its seventieth anniversary, Hart’s story began when Mae and Lawrence Hart were attracted to the beautiful vistas in the Lakes region and started vacationing here during the 1920s.
In 1946, the Harts moved from New Jersey and purchased their mountain-view farm, which became a family affair. Not long after, the family began selling produce, chickens, eggs, and turkeys from a delivery truck, before deciding to raise turkeys exclusively in 1953. In 1954, the Hart family opened the Lakes Region’s original farm-totable restaurant—a twelve-seat eating place specializing in turkey dinners and sandwiches. As time passed, they added prime rib, steaks, and seafood to the menu while guaranteeing “quality, service, and home-style cooking.”
After Larry Hart passed away in 1960, his brother Russ decided to phase out raising his own turkeys, opting to purchase them from turkey farms that met his standards of quality. That decision allowed him to perfect his skills as a chef and restaurateur and to expand the restaurant to where it presently accommodates 500 guests.
Today, Harts offers “delicious, homestyle food, and friendly customer service,” year-round. Most customers are served lunch or dinner while seated in one of the restaurant’s dining rooms, on its seasonal deck, or in their Copper Kettle Tavern. Others order take-out, pick up fresh or frozen items to bring home, or have their event catered at home or inside Harts.
Throughout the years, the restaurant has undergone expansion and renova-
tion numerous times. This included adding more space in the kitchen and adding small dining rooms as Hart’s popularity continued to grow. Today, these include: The Knights Chamber, The Back-Nine, The Upper Lower, and The Copper Kettle Tavern.
In 1988, a gift shop was added on the premises. Later, in 2015, they added outdoor seating, “The Deck,” to allow people to dine outdoors when the weather permits. In 2016, Hart’s bar area was renovated and expanded into what is now known as the “Copper Kettle Tavern.” Then, in 2018, the gift shop and front lobby received an update allowing the family to better showcase their fresh and frozen food and bakery.
Everything within the restaurant is not only one or two decades old. In 1922, Mae Hart purchased an 1850ish turkey platter. Then, in 1964, Mae presented her family heirloom to family members to adorn the restaurant walls.
All this time, Mae was instrumental in accumulating one of the world’s largest turkey plate collections. A partial display of this collection adorns the walls in the restaurant’s dining rooms. Many of those platters and plates were acquired by friends and guests who then presented them to Hart’s as gifts. Not everything at the restaurant is about providing meals. Once per week, the restaurant offers Thursday Night
Trivia hosted by Raise the Bar Trivia. People are invited to join a DJ-led game in which teams vie to answer classic trivia questions, picture rounds, music rounds, and puzzle rounds. Prizes are awarded.
Hart’s has gained a reputation for catering events. Its catering department brings its popular food and customer service to locations throughout New England, serving at both large and small, casual and formal, indoor and outdoor events. Some of the more popular types of occasions served include weddings, welcome and rehearsal dinners, post-wedding brunches, bridal and baby showers, anniversary and birthday parties, corporate events, and employee appreciation parties. One can imagine that the catering department was very busy on November 5th, the night of local, statewide, and national elections.
Four generations of Harts have owned and managed the restaurant continuously. The family continues to be involved in the daily operation and tradition of this establishment. We interviewed Sam Willey, a third-generation owner of Hart’s. Asked to describe the number of meals Hart’s serves annually, he shrugged while trying to imagine the vastness of the number before responding, “Hundreds of thousands.” In an effort to inject some humor into the interview, we asked Sam
what is the most popular meal served. Sam responded with a laugh: “Turkey, of course!” We wondered whether there was anything that our readers would be surprised to know. Sam’s quick response was, “Our prime rib dinners—despite not being turkey— are very popular.”
We took a closer look at the restaurant’s menu and found that Sam was right on target. Not surprisingly, Hart’s TURKEY Farm primarily prepares meals involving turkey in some form, as evidenced by the following:
• 9 of 18 appetizers—including Turkey Sampler, Turkey Croquettes, Turkey Quesadilla, Sauteed Turkey Livers, and Buffalo Turkey Dip
• 2 of 4 soups—Turkey Soup and Turkey Chili
• 13 dinners—including Roasted Turkey Dinner, Turkey Pie, Turkey Nuggets, Turkey Meatloaf, Turkey Marsala, and Turkey Breast
• 14 of 19 sandwiches—including Hot Turkey Sandwich, Turkey Parmesan Sandwich, Turkey Meatball Sub, Turkey Club, and Turkey Burger.
For those non-turkey eaters, Hart’s offers five ranch specialties other than turkey, the most popular of which—as alluded to earlier—is their Slow Roasted Prime Rib.
Four generations of Harts have owned and managed the restaurant continuously. The family remains involved in the daily operation and tradition of Hart’s. If you’re considering a visit to this popular, time-honored favorite, restaurant hours are Sundays through Thursdays, from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays, from 11:30 am to 8:30 pm. Hart’s can be a very busy place on weekends, holidays, and throughout most of the peak tourism seasons. So, it is recommended to contact them in advance by calling (603) 279-6212 or emailing harts@ hartsturkeyfarm.com. Bon Appetit.
DINING • LIBATIONS
An alluring destination showcasing farm-to-fork, with an old world inspired New England feel.
Castle in the Clouds Christmas at the Castle “Home for the Holidays” Themed Events.
A special Preview Party will be held on Friday, November 22, from 4 to 7 pm. Christmas at the Castle has been extended to a third weekend this year and will take place on Saturdays and Sundays: November 23-24, November 30-December 1, and December 7-8, from 10 am to 4 pm each day.
The Preview Party will provide participants with a first look at Lucknow Mansion illuminated in lights and fully decorated for Christmas. It includes a guided tour, live music, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks and access to the Artisan Fair featuring local vendors and organizations.
In addition to tours of Lucknow Mansion and Artisan Fair admission, each Christmas at the Castle, Home for the Holidays weekend event will offer holiday crafts, photos with Santa, complimentary hot cocoa and cookies and lunch service at the Carriage House Restaurant. “Christmas at the Castle is our way of ushering in the magic and wonder of the holiday season by welcoming the community to share in the beauty of Castle in the Clouds,” said Charles Clark, Executive Director of Castle in the Clouds. “It’s also an opportune time to complete some holiday shopping while supporting local
businesses at our Artisan Fair.” Event tickets are now on sale and can be used for any weekend day. To learn more, visit www.castleintheclouds.org/event/ christmas-at-the-castle.
About Castle in the Clouds: As the premier historical museum in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire, Castle in the Clouds provides each visitor with a look into the past while providing contemporary comforts to make every visit memorable. Originally called Lucknow, this breathtaking 6,300-acre property was developed in 1913 by Thomas G. Plant, a wealthy shoe manufacturer, to create a luxurious lifestyle with state-of-the-art amenities, beautiful hand-made furnishings, and a large staff to run the estate. These days, visitors come from
all around the world to tour the mansion and exhibit gallery, dine in the Carriage House Restaurant or Café in the Clouds, hike miles of hiking and walking trails maintained by partner organization the Lakes Region Conservation Trust, or enjoy one of our many programs and events. Operated by the Castle Preservation Society, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, Castle in the Clouds is revered as a cultural and educational resource and listed on the National Register of Historic Places with national significance. Castle in the Clouds is also available as a fairytale wedding venue and versatile private event rental. For more information about Castle in the Clouds, visit www. castleintheclouds.org.
By Kelly Ross
Hello Foodie Friends! I hope this finds you all well and warm and smiling. Every now and then, I get hit with a bunch of emails from readers giving me some great feedback and questions. Well, in the last few weeks I have gotten more emails than usual and many of you have had the same question of “Can you give some good ideas for cookie recipes for the many Christmas cookie swap parties I go to?” My answer is absolutely. I have cooked for
many and attended a few cookie swap parties over the years, and it’s fun getting new ideas, not to mention sampling the wide array of choices. This “may” not be what some of you want to hear, but I’m not a fan of Christmas cookies that are shaped like Santa, reindeer, Christmas trees, etc., as more times than not, all those are rolled out store-bought cookie dough and then painted with a bunch of food coloring. If that’s your thing, that’s fine, but not me. I much prefer to make cookies that
DRILL THE
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will rock your crowd 12 months a year instead of for a couple of weeks. I do understand that if you have kids, the shaped/themed Christmas cookies are a hit, but for the most part, those cookies need no recipe. That being said, let’s make some cookies!
I’m going to start off with an awesome melt-in-your-mouth gem of a cookie. The actual cookie itself is good and fairly basic, but the almond glaze and raspberry jam that tops the cookies make these phenomenal. These are small vanilla cookies, although if you want to make them bigger, feel free but adjust cooking time for sure, not to mention adjust how you top the cookies. I mentioned how basic the actual cookie is, which makes these quick to make, like in the 35–40-minute range to prep and cook, but they won’t seem as basic when finished. This will get you 40ish cookies if you make them as small as described. One thing to consider if you care to try where the cook-
ies are made with vanilla extract and the glaze with almond extract, feel free to swap them, use both in both or just use one of the extracts for both.
Raspberry Meltaway Cookies
2 sticks of butter, room temp
¾ cup cornstarch
¾ cup powdered sugar
1 ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
1- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
8 tbsp seedless red raspberry jam
For The Almond Glaze
3 tbsp butter
½ tsp pure almond extract
3 tbsp milk
1 ½ cups powdered sugar
Mix the butter and cornstarch until well combined. Add in powdered sugar and extract and mix until smooth. Add flour and mix until dough comes together and flour is all incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. Pre-
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heat oven to 350 degrees. Scoop out about ½ a tbsp of dough. Roll into a ball and lay on parchment on a cookie sheet. Lay cookie dough balls out 4 across in 5 rows, fitting about 20 cookies per sheet. Bake for 9 minutes. Remove from oven and flatten the tops of each cookie by gently pressing down with the bottom of a glass. Let sit for 2 minutes before transferring cookies to a cooling rack. For the glaze, melt butter. Stir in extract and milk. Whisk in powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and desired consistency is achieved. Let cool slightly before spooning onto cookies. Let cool for about 10 minutes. Spoon glaze on top over the cookies. Transfer jam to a small plastic bag and cut a small piece of a corner to pipe 4-5 small drops of jam on top of glaze on each cookie. Use a toothpick to swirl the jam and the glaze. Let cool to set. Absolute Yumminess!
This cookie may be the most Christmassy of the bunch today, as this one has a gingerbread mentality to it. Most everyone digs gingerbread with the great combo of molasses, brown and white sugars, and all the associated spices that go hand in hand with it. One addition to this that makes it a big favorite is the Hershey’s hug/kiss that goes into the middle of each. I’m guessing most everyone is familiar with Hershey Hugs, the white “kiss” with the chocolate swirl in them. If preferred, you can use the “kiss” instead of the “hug”. This one is tied with the next recipe for the quickest recipes of the day, which takes nothing away from the flavor in these that will amaze you. You can have these made in 2025 minutes and should get you 2 dozen cookies.
roll the cookies in
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1 egg
3 cups flour
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp allspice
½ cup Molasses
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
24 striped Hershey Kiss Hugs, unwrapped
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Combine the butter, sugar and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add in the molasses, egg and vanilla extract. Beat together. Whisk together flour, ground ginger, cinnamon, allspice, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Slowly add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, beating until incorporated. Roll into 24 one-inch balls. Roll each of these cookie dough balls into a bowl of granulated sugar and place on a cookie sheet several inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges of the cookies are set. While the cookies are baking, unwrap the striped Hershey Hugs so they are ready. Once the cookies are done, place a striped “hug” in the center of each cookie once you remove them from the oven, then move the cookies from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Although everyone will enjoy these, the kids will more than anyone.
making 3 dozen cookies of goodness. Reese’s Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies
¾ cup butter softened to room temp
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 small box of instant vanilla pudding mix, 3.4 oz
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ¼ cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
¾ cup or more mini chocolate chips
1 cup chopped Reese’s miniature peanut butter cups
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add the peanut butter and sugars and beat for another 2-3 minutes. Add the pudding mix and beat for another minute. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat for another 2 minutes. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, baking soda and salt. Add this mixture to the butter mixture and mix just until combined. Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s peanut butter cups and anything else you want to add in, like walnuts. Use a cookie scoop to scoop the dough onto a prepared cookie sheet, placing the cookie dough balls about 2 inches apart. Bake cookies for about 10 minutes. Do not overbake. This will be a very popular cookie at your cookie party.
juice, then straining, and then tossing with a small amount of flour takes care of that problem so the cookies aren’t red as the ideal look is a white cookie with hints of the red strawberries. Granted, even if they do bleed, it won’t ruin the flavor, but maybe the appearance as we all know good-looking food is almost as important as the flavor. The total time invested on these is in the 40–45-minute range and will get you a couple of dozen cookies.
Cream Cheese Strawberry Cookies
1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, room temp
4 oz cream cheese, room temp
¾ cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
¾ cup chopped fresh strawberries
2 tbsp lemon juice
1–2 tbsp flour
5 oz white chocolate-chopped
Sanding sugar
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and line pans with parchment paper. Pour fresh lemon juice over chopped strawberries. Drain them after a few minutes. Whisk together 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, salt and baking powder and set aside. Beat butter with sugar and cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and mix well. Gradually add flour mixture and mix until it’s well combined. Stir in chopped white chocolate. Sprinkle strawberries with 1-2 tbsp flour, toss them until all strawberries are coated with a thin layer of flour and then stir them very gently in the batter. Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto pan leaving an inch space between. Set the cookies in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes before baking. Sprinkle the cookies with sanding sugar if you want, but do not overdo it because they are plenty sweet. Bake • ‘Cue
Gingerbread Kiss Cookies
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temp
½ cup granulated sugar, plus more to
In what will be somewhat of a theme today, here is another recipe where we use pieces of chocolate in the cookie, which puts them right over the top. The cookie is more of a peanut butter cookie but has vanilla pudding mix in this as well, plus mini chocolate chips and chopped Reese’s cups. The dry pudding mix adds great flavor as well as making them more moist than usual. This again will take you about 20 minutes to make, pretty cool, huh? It’s no mystery how well peanut butter and chocolate go together, and this batch of cookies is a perfect example. Plan on
This next one has nothing to do with chocolate, although the next one will. This batch of cookies are strawberry cream cheese cookies, again, a melt-inyour-mouth treat for sure. Oops, I lied, this does have something to do with chocolate, but this time white chocolate, which goes well with the cream cheese and strawberries. For anyone experienced in using strawberries in cookies, trying to keep the berries from “bleeding” into the dough can sometimes be an issue, but I do have a solution. Mixing the berries with lemon
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Wolfeboro Lions Club Annual Poinsettia Sale
Get into the holiday spirit while making a difference! The Wolfeboro Lions Club is thrilled to offer beautiful poinsettias for sale once again this year. Choose from three colors—red, white, or pink—and three sizes: sixinch, eight-inch, and ten-inch. Prices remain the same as last year!
Place your order now and pick up your plants on Tuesday, November 26, or Saturday, December 7, at the Wolfeboro Library. Alternatively, a Lions Club member can deliver them to your home or business. Every purchase supports the Lions’ mission, with 100% of proceeds going to various community-focused programs, including:
• Operation Kids Sight: Annual vision screenings for local children to detect potential eye issues
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for 13-15 minutes or until the edges become golden brown. Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely. I end today, like I often do, with my favorite cookie of the day. This is the Holy Grail of cookies in my book. It may not sound like it when I say it is a chocolate chip cookie, however, with the addition of bacon and a car-
• Eyeglasses & Hearing Aid Assistance: Providing vision and hearing aid support for those in need
• Local Boy Scouts Support: Sponsorship of Troop 165
• Scholarships: Including five col-
amel drizzle, these are incredible. It gives you the classic combo of sweet, salty and smokey and holy “you know what.” I could eat a dozen of these bad boys in a single sitting. These are nice thick and puffy cookies that are chewy on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The bacon gets pressed into the cookies once right out of the oven and then topped with the caramel drizzle. If that doesn’t do it for you, I don’t know what will. Although these don’t take long to prep and cook, the dough
lege book scholarships and the Doug Cady Music Scholarship
• NH Boat Museum: Funding for a boat-building scholarship
• Turkey Trot Fundraiser: Partnering with Wolfeboro Parks & Recreation,
needs to be refrigerated for 4 hours in between. One of my favorite aspects of this recipe, other than the bacon, is that it uses 3 types of chocolate: semi-sweet chips, bittersweet chips, and milk chocolate chips. I love using a combo of different chocolates. This should get you about 20 awesome cookies! I suggest you at least double up on this one.
Bacon Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
2¼ cups flour
½ tsp kosher salt
½ tsp baking soda
1½ sticks soft butter
1 cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
proceeds support sight and hearing program
• Lion’s Camp Pride: Financial and volunteer support for special needs groups at this summer camp
• Diabetes Awareness: Promoting local awareness and resources for diabetes prevention and support
• Food Pantry: Food Drives and Contributions to Life Ministries Food Pantry
Order forms are available at the Wolfeboro Library, Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce, and Avery Insurance. New this year, order online and pay by credit card at: form.jotform. com/242767386033058. You can request a form or link by emailing Lion Joe at jrdecho@aol.com.
until light and creamy, then add flour, salt and baking soda just until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips with a rubber spatula. Chill for 4 hours. Once ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Drop 2 oz mounds of dough onto parchment. Place in oven and immediately lower temp to 375. Bake for 9 minutes or until the tops are golden. When cookies come out, immediately press in pieces of bacon. Let cool on cookie sheets. Drizzle with caramel. If doubling the recipe or cooking in batches, make sure you turn the oven back to 425 degrees before putting the next batch in, then drop the temp again to 375 degrees. These are amazing and will likely be the most popular cookies in your cookie swap.
1 cup semisweet chips plus ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips and ½ cup milk chocolate chips.
½ lb or more high-quality bacon, cooked until very crisp and chopped Caramel sauce
Line cookie sheets with parchment. Beat butter and both sugars until well blended. Add vanilla, egg and yolk
I know we are still about a month and a half until Christmas, but for those who wrote me, I hope this helps with your Christmas parties. Until next time, keep those taste buds smiling and happy and if you care to touch base with any questions or feedback, please reach out to fenwaysox10@gmail.com
Kingswood Arts Center to Feature First Flying Show
In the category of firsts, this November, the Kingswood Arts Center will feature its first production with flying performers. Kingswood Theater will be presenting Disney’s and Cameron McIntosh’s Mary Poppins on Friday, November 22nd at 7 pm, Saturday, November 23rd at 2 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday, November 24th at 2 pm in the Kingswood Arts Center.
Much like the film, the production entails the titular character, as well as several others, flying through the air during the performance. In order to do this properly, Kingswood has employed the services of ZFX Flying.
During the week of October 14th, ZFX technician and choreographer Troy Trinkle led a small team of Kingswood students and staff to first install the flying equipment. “I loved working with ZFX!” Assistant Director, Brittany Frager, notes. As someone who helped set up the flying equipment, I can say that Troy was so clear in his instructions when working with us to get it going, and he was able to roll with the punches and problem solve when-
(Kristin Cooper) Steps in Time with the other Chimney Sweeps while soaring over the Kingswood stage in Mary Poppins, on stage this November in the Kingswood Arts Center.
The installation was followed by a several-day intensive training/choreography period with Kingswood Flight Coordinator London Summers, Assistant Director Victoria Goldberg, fly-
cism.” notes Kristin Cooper who plays Bert. However, the payoffs are worth it. Kaitlyn Cooper, who plays Mary, remarks “Being able to fly as Mary Poppins is such an incredible experience! With teamwork throughout the cast and crews, it truly brings the magic of the show to life and allows us to create unforgettable and iconic moments on stage.”
ing operators Carrie Kinzlmaier and Will Wallace, and flying actors Kaitlyn Cooper, Kristin Cooper, Delilah Mills and Caroline Kinzlmaier. At the end of this induction period, the Kingswood team have taken the reigns and integrated the work into the production.
The actors had to face several physical demands while flying. “I’ve learned that it takes a lot of control and athleti-
The adults that have to oversee the process have been hard at work too. Victoria Goldberg has been in charge of coordinating the flying rehearsals. “I have loved being a part of helping them learn and feel confident while in the air. It feels good to be able to teach them a new skill in their acting journey. We have all had so much fun with this opportunity.” Flight Operator Carrie Kinzlmaier adds “Working the ropes requires the right timing and touch, and it takes more finesse than I thought. The character and fly crew work together like dance partners to move her “effortlessly” across the stage.”
“This is definitely the boldest, scariest, step forward that this program has taken in a very long time, but the magic that Troy from ZFX brought was this sense of confidence, empowerment, and safety to the process,” notes Kingswood Director, Scott Giessler “It’s an incredible setup and he has given us a tremendous set of tools to wow the audience while primarily keeping our student performers safe.”
Tickets are available in advance online at kingswoodtheater.org, or at the door before each performance.
Bert
LRSO Holiday Concerts feature vocalists Rachel and Alex Hunton
Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra Presents Festive Holiday Concerts with Guest Vocalists Rachel and Alex Hunton. The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra (LRSO) is thrilled to announce its annual holiday concerts, set to light up the season on Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 pm at the Colonial Theatre in Laconia and Sunday, December 8 at 3:00 pm at Inter-Lakes Auditorium in Meredith. Featuring cherished holiday music from timeless classics to modern favorites, the concerts promise to be a highlight of the season for all ages. These concerts sell out every year, so we encourage you to buy your tickets early.
The Orchestra will be joined by special guest artists Rachel and Alex Hunton from Laconia’s Powerhouse Theatre Collaborative. Rachel, a passionate vocalist and award-winning actress, has delighted New Hampshire audiences in roles such as Maria in The Sound of Music and in Sondheim on Sondheim. Alex, a music and theatre educator, is known for his work at Pinkerton Academy and with the New Hampshire Master Chorale. Together, the Huntons bring warmth and charisma, adding a unique theatrical touch to LRSO’s holiday festivities.
The holiday program includes moving classics including O Holy Night, Joy to the World, and Ave Maria, alongside popular modern selections The Christmas Song, The Prayer (popularized by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli), Winter Wonderland, White Christmas, and many others made famous by the likes of Bing
Crosby and Amy Grant. This rich mix of traditional and contemporary pieces is designed to evoke the magic of the season, bringing the joy and peace of the holidays to life in music.
Under the baton of LRSO’s conductor Ben Greene, these concerts create a memorable experience for all, whether for family gatherings, date nights, or simply for sharing in the spirit of the season. Tickets are on sale now and are expected to go fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the sounds of the season with the Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra. For tickets and additional information, please visit the LRSO website at www.LRSO.org. Tickets are $20-$30 for adults, and $10-$20 for students college-age and under (please no children under age 5). You can also order by phone using the contact numbers listed for each venue on our website.
The Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra extends its gratitude to its concert sponsors, Fay’s Boat Yard and Cupples Car Company. Their unwavering support is an essential part of what makes LRSO, your community orchestra, possible.
232 Whittier Hwy.
Yesteryear
Great Estates of the Lakes Region
By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
In the 1800s, wealthy people came to New Hampshire to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Many people realized how beautiful and peaceful the area was, and some took action to make the area their yearround home.
Because some of the people owned summer homes in the Lakes Region, it was easy to move in full-time. Most of these homes had fireplaces and central heating in the 1800s to mid-1900s, so it was easy enough to take up residence on a year-round basis.
In the Holderness area, one summer visitor loved the area and decided to stay. Isaac Van Horn made his fortune as a real estate developer and when Van Horn and his wife vacationed in the area in 1904 (Squam Lake), they greatly admired the natural beauty of the lakes and mountains.
Mrs. Van Horn was a pretty debutante and much sought after socially, but she seemed to love the quiet country life. The Van Horns built their sprawling home high on a hill with views of the surrounding countryside and, of course, the lake. After time spent enjoying their beautiful home, Mrs. Van Horn sadly died early in life. Van Horn eventually married again, but his second wife did
Exterior photo of Lucknow, the Moultonborough estate of Thomas Plant. Today the home and grounds are known as Castle in the Clouds. This is how the home appeared in the late 1910s/early 1920s. (Photo by George Perry, courtesy Castle in the Clouds)
not embrace country life as did her predecessor. The estate was sold, and today is a beautiful inn with dining.
Many of the special architecture and unique touches remain, although the inn has been updated.
In the late 1800s, opportunity to rise in the financial world was there for the taking. Such was one man, Charles Babbitt of Enfield, New Hampshire. He worked in the lumber industry and made a plan to use the river in Franklin to power the town’s many mills. At the time, he was building a large home in Franklin, and locals found it an impressive structure. Babbitt lived in the large home with his wife and family, passing away years later.
Castles in the Lakes Region and northern New Hampshire sprang up in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Most of these estates mimicked the style of European castles, but the homes were not lacking in modernized amenities and décor. From Lucknow (Castle in the Clouds) in Moultonborough to Kimball Castle in Gilford to the Wentworth Castle in Jackson, the homes were unique.
North country residents General Marshall and Georgia Wentworth ordered a home built for their use in 1891. The estate was designed by William A. Bates, a New York architect using designs from Mrs. Wentworth. The Wentworths enjoyed life at their
• Yesteryear continued on page 13
castle until Marshall died in 1915. Mrs. Wentworth continued to live in the castle home until she died in 1930. Although unoccupied for some time, the once-glorious castle was rescued by Countess Mara de Bninska, a humanitarian and philanthropist. She bought the castle in 1959, modernized the home and repaired it as needed.
Many tourists and Lakes Regioners have heard of or visited Lucknow, today known as Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough. Built around 1913, the home was the brainchild of Thomas Plant. After making his fortune in the shoe industry, Plant wanted to build and live in a unique house that would resemble a castle. The result was a 16room Arts and Crafts style mansion, nestled in the Ossipee Mountain range with incredible views of Lake Winnipesaukee far below. Plant’s home, where he lived with his wife, Olive, sat high on a mountainside with unsurpassed views of the lake and mountains. It was constructed of cut stone and had every modernday amenity, such as state-of-the-art showers, central vacuuming, a cooled wine cellar, forced hot water heating, and more. Today, the Lakes Region Conservation Trust owns the property, and it is open for seasonal tours.
No list of Lakes Region estates would be complete without mention of Kimball Castle in Gilford. Near the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, the home of Benjamin Ames Kimball was constructed atop a hill with wonderful
views. Like many other estates, it started as a summer home. Kimball was a railroad baron and had traveled to Europe. It was there he saw castles and determined to build a similar one at his summer home.
Kimball and his family lived on the estate, which was constructed largely of granite. The ornate home even had rooms for servants. After Kimball’s death and that of other family members, a remaining relative spent summers at the estate and left the property to a nonprofit.
The Schrafft family were the wealthy owners of a famed candy company. They came to the area, according to “Squam” by Rachel Carley, and built a home in the Squam Lake region.
Robert Herman Otto Schulz (of Boston) and his wife, Louise Schrafft, named their summer home Indian Carry after a supposed Indian trail on the land. The couple’s estate had seven buildings, including the large home as well as a boathouse and bunkhouse.
Most likely, Louise Schrafft’s family visited the summer home and fell in love with the area as well. Her brother, William Schrafft, and his wife built nearby and enjoyed a home with breathtaking views. The home was called Chimney Pots and was designed in a chalet style, likely large and wellfurnished.
Other Schrafft family cottages were Lochland, later to be purchased by television broadcaster William S. Paley (Frank Sinatra and other Rat Packers were said to be among the guests to the home), and the former Sunset House (inn). Benjamin Moore paint chairman
Livingston Moore once owned the property as well.
In nearby Tamworth, an old Boston family built a summer cottage in the 1890s. Elliott Channing Clarke began to buy and consolidate small farms, which he built into one large country estate called Great Hill Farm. A successful engineer, Clarke added on to a one-and-a-half story, circa 1790s home. The estate had gaming tables, beautiful furniture, and big-game trophies from his hunting expeditions.
According to “Summer Cottages in the White Mountains – The Architecture of Leisure and Recreation 1870 to 1930” by Bryant F. Tolles, Jr., among the first houses built with the purpose of becoming a summer home in the Squam Lake Region was that of engineer William Norton. The Nortons loved the Squam area and bought land to build a home. “Squam” by Rachel Carley relates that it was the custom to build summer homes away from the lakes and ponds in the late 1800s. This was because people thought insects around water bodies carried illness. Thus, the Nortons built a cottage near the top of Shepard Hill, which gave them great views of the lake and mountains.
Friends of the Nortons soon followed to the Shepard Hill Area. One visitor, John Nicolay, was private secretary to Abraham Lincoln and later a marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court. The Nicolay family also loved the area. The cottage Nicolay built for his family’s summer use was called Tannenruch. The property remained in the Nicolay family until the death
of John’s daughter, artist, and writer Helen Nicolay.
Occasionally, a famous person lived permanently in the Lakes Region after enjoying a summer vacation in the area. Actor Claude Rains was one who had settled in the area. He was well-known in the 1930s and 1940s as a character actor in the movies. He was a famous movie star in his time, known for his role as Inspector Renault in the 1942 film classic, “Casablanca.” In his later years, he resided in Sandwich, New Hampshire.
When Rains and his wife sent their daughter to camp in New Hampshire, they were introduced to the Lakes Region, according to written accounts. A family friend who resided in Sandwich each summer invited the Rains family to visit.
The couple relocated to New Hampshire because it was said Rains missed the country life when he had to be elsewhere. Eventually, Rains approached a local real estate agent about finding a home in the Sandwich area, and the sale of a house took place in the early 1960s.
The Rains family modernized their home somewhat, but every effort was made to maintain the original style. Rains believed in keeping the integrity of historic houses and barns. The kitchen was updated, and he had a small porch enclosed and an icehouse turned into an art studio. The family took pride in the yard, planting lilacs, magnolias, hydrangeas, and crabapple trees. Claude Rains enjoyed his time in the area and lived happily, passing away in the 1960s.
and
Through Nov., NH Veteran’s Home Art, art by NH State Veteran’s Home residents, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
Through Dec. 2, Art Works Charity Silent Auction, view items at the gallery and online, bid until Dec. 2. Benefits Starting Point and SAU-13 Pre-K Program, 132 Route 16, Chocorua, 603-323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com
PIES: Heirloom Apple, Wild Blueberry, Bumbleberry, Cherry, Maple Pecan, Maple Bourbon Pecan, Maple Bourbon Chocolate Pecan, Pumpkin & Sweet Potato. PUMPKIN CAKE: 9” three-layers of very moist, real roasted pumpkin cake with warm spices, filled and frosted with cinnamon cream cheese frosting or maple cream cheese frosting and decorated with pecans. BREADS/ROLLS: Harvest: in 9” pan loaf or 8pk rolls. Delicious moist bread made with cider, cranberries, orange zest, sage, cinnamon. Goes exceptionally well with turkey and makes great sandwiches. Roasted Yam: in 9” pan loaf or 8pk rolls. Soft and flavorful, perfect dinner bread or rolls. Parker House Rolls: (8pk)The original recipe from the Parker House hotel in Boston. Honey Lemon Herb: 9” pan loaf or 8pk roll. Great with turkey, chicken, or fish. Softly fragrant, our own special recipe. French Batard: Crusty outside-soft with holes inside. Goes with everything! Order Early! Once we max out, we have to shut off ordering. 66 Moose Mtn. Road, Brookfield • seabrisket.com 603-832-3090 • Phone Orders Only • No Texts Please
warm your space on chilly winter nights with hand-crafted art
SHOP in the Gallery or ONLINE
279 DW Hwy.
Like us on Facebook so you can see other beautiful things made by NH’s finest artists ~ www.facebook.com/nhcraft
Through Dec. 13, In the Path of Totality, Museum of the White Mountains, 603535-3210, www.plymouth.edu/mwm
The 2024 limited-edition ornament is now available $26
Nov. 18, Central NH Writer’s Group, 6-8 p.m., Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
Nov. 19, Tech Workshop – Make a Holiday Card with Canva, 2 – 3:30 p.m., Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-register: 603-476-476-8895, www.moultonboroughlibrary.org.
Nov. 20, Meet the Author: Sophia Collins, 3 – 4 p.m., local teen author Sophia Collie book signing of her new release, Billows of Wrath and Betrayal, a YA Fantasy about the royal teens of three distinct islands joining forces. Sophia will also discuss writing and the publishing process. Books available for purchase, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775.
Nov. 20, Robert Frost’s NH: Rural Backwardness, Agricultural Improvements and the History of Education, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., lecture, free, Museum of the White Mountains, 603-535-3210, www.plymouth.edu/mwm
Nov. 20, Rocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas starring Rick Schuler, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/ info: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Nov. 21-23, Branch & Bloom Holiday Open House, (11/21 & 22: 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; 11/23: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., 35 Center St., Suite 5, Wolfeboro Falls, 603-5691347, www.branchandbloomnh.com.
Nov. 22, Sherwood Frazier Fine Art Photography Reception, 3 – 4 p.m., Upper Exhibit Gallery, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775.
Nov. 22, The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse. com
The oldest Candy and Ice Cream maker in New Hampshire!
Nov. 22-24, Mary Poppins, Kingswood Theatre Arts Center, Wolfeboro, www. gwrsd.org.
Nov. 23, 32nd Annual Turkey Trot, check in: 8 a.m., start at Railroad Station, Wolfeboro, 604-569-5639, proceeds benefit Wolfeboro Lions Sight & Hearing Fun.
Nov. 23, Homemade Holiday Pies, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., learn pie making, age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Nov. 23, Jimmy Failla, 8 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/ info: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Nov. 23, Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-536-2551.
Nov. 23, Molly Hatchett, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Nov. 23, Needle Felting Turkey, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
Nov. 23, Pie/Bake Sale, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., snacks, coffee, corn chowder, Union Congregational Church, 80 Main St., Union, benefit Church Fellowship Mission, 603-473-2727.
Nov. 23, 24, 30 & Dec. 1, 7, 8, Christmas at the Castle, Home for the Holidays, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., tour holiday decorated Castle, refreshments, Artisan Fair and more, tickets at the door and online, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. (Preview party Fri., November 22 4 – 7 p.m.)
Nov. 26, Meet a Trio of Crime Writing Authors, 6– 7:30 p.m. Final NaNoWriMo event of 2024, free, Book signing and sale, Sisters in Crime Authors DonnaRae Menard, E. Chris Ambrose, and Maureen Milliken, Meredith Public Library, 91 Main Street, Meredith, www.meredithlibrary.org.
Nov. 26, Open Mic: An Evening of Poetry and Music, 6 – 8 p.m., all writers, musicians and poets welcome to perform, free, audience also welcome, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, 603-476-8895, www. moultonboroughlibrary.org.
Nov. 26, Roll-Up Beeswax Candles, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m., ages 9-18, make your own candle with beeswax sheets and candle wicks, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775.
What’s UP
Nov. 27, Bearly Dead, 8 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Nov. 29, Annual Town Tree Lighting, downtown Bristol, info.: www.bristolnh. gov.
Nov. 29, North Shore Medium Jocelyn Boucher, 7 p.m., Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Nov. 30, 8th Annual Gingerbread House Jubilee, 10 a.m. – noon, hosted by Harmony Coffee House, 21 Central Ave., Wolfeboro, www.gingerbreadamy.com
Nov. 30, 26th Annual KRHS Craft Fair, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Kingswood Regional High School, 396 South Main St., Wolfeboro, over 70 crafters, raffles, cookie walk, Santa & more, 603-569-2055.
Nov. 30, Christmas in Wolfeboro Parade, 3 – 4 p.m., Main St., Wolfeboro, 603569-2200.
Nov. 30, Cold Turkey Plunge, 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., costume judging at noon, to benefit Waterville Valley Adaptive Sports, Corcoran Pond, Waterville Valley, 1-800-993-3149, www.waterville.com.
Nov. 30, Comedian Juston McKinney, 8 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-536-2551.
Nov. 30, Electricity!, 10 – 11 a.m., for ages 6-12, learn how electrical currents work, Laconia Public Library, 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-524-4775.
Nov. 30, Fund Rager!, Aunt Peg with special guest, Curmudjun, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Nov. 30, Holiday Wreath Making, 1 - 4 p.m., age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm. org. Pre-registration is necessary: 603-366-5695.
Nov. 30, Lights Festival Holiday Parade 2024, 5 p.m., begins at Laconia High School, 9 a.m., Celebrate Laconia, www.celebratelaconia.org.
Nov. 30, Safe Haven Ballet, 4:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/info: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Nov. 30, Santa Comes to Waterville Valley, arrival at Town Square, bringing gifts for kids, free, Waterville Valley, 1-800-993-3149, www.waterville.com. Tree lighting led by Santa at 7 p.m., fireworks over Town Square at 7 p.m. Nov. 30, Santa Shuffle 5K Run/Walk, 9 a.m., Celebrate Laconia, www.celebratelaconia.org.
Dec. 2, Little Bakers Cookie Decorating, 10 – 11 a.m., Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration: 603-476-8895, www. moultonboroughlibrary.org
Dec. 3, Vienna Boys Choir, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/info: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Dec. 4, Plymouth Square Dance, 7:30 – 10 p.m., David millstone calls traditional squares, fiddle tuns by Joran Tirrell-Wysocki, pianist Sue Hunt, no experience necessary, all dances taught, complimentary Common Man goods and hot drinks, cash bar, Barn on the Pemi, 341 Daniel Webster Highway, Plymouth, 603-4810789. (Also takes place Jan. 2, Feb. 6, March 6 & April 3, 2025.)
Dec. 4, What’s Wild – Stories From Eric Orff, 4 - 6 p.m., held at Trenta, 30 Middleton Rd., Wolfeboro, Milton, by Moose Mountain Regional Greenways, www.mmrgnh.org., 603-473-2020.
Dec. 5, Beatles vs. Stones, 7:30 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/info: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Dec. 5, Mom & Me Gingerbread House Workshop, 1 – 3 p.m., fee charged, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org
Dec. 5, 7, 8, 11, 14 & 15, Wolfeboro Festival of Trees, display of decorated trees, visit from Santa, craft fair, Wright Museum of World War II, 77 Center St., Wolfeboro, wolfeborofestivaloftrees@gmail.com.
Dec. 5-8, The Nutcracker with Sole City Dance, Rochester Opera House, 31 Wakefield St., Rochester, tickets: 603-335-1992, www.rochesteroperahouse.com
Dec. 6, Pink Talking Fish, 7:30 p.m., Flying Monkey Movie & Performance Center, 39 Main St., Plymouth, tickets/info: www.flyingmonkeynh.com, 603-5362551.
Dec. 7, A Victorian Christmas on the Farm, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org
Dec. 7, Art to You with Larry Frates: Painting with Paper Pulp, 1 - 3 p.m., age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
New York, get ready for a transformative art experience! Join us from December 3-7 at the Tenri Cultural Institute to witness Art Beyond Art: The Feng Shui of Tao Calligraphy. This one-of-a-kind exhibition merges ancient Feng Shui principles with the profound spiritual artistry of Tao Calligraphy by Dr. and Master Zhi Gang Sha.
December 3–7
Tenri Cultural Institute 43A W 13th St, New York, NY Free! Register now »
Taking Holiday Pre-Orders
Junction of Routes 3 & 104, Meredith (603) 279-6212 www.hartsturkeyfarm.com
Dec. 7, Felted Ornaments, 2 – 4 p.m., learn needle felting for ornaments, age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Dec. 7, Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra presents holiday concert “Take a Bough!”, 7 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/info: 800-6578774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Dec. 7, Yule Log & Nature Ornament Making, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., craft Yule logs and make ornaments, age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Dec. 8, Eileen Ivers – Joyful Christmas, 5 p.m., Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/info: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
Dec. 8, Mom & Me Gingerbread House Workshop, 1 – 3 p.m., fee charged, NH Farm Museum, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org
Dec. 12, Holiday Wreath Making, 4 – 7 p.m., make wreaths for the holidays, age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Dec. 13, Orionids in the Night Sky, 5 - 6 p.m., watch for meteor shower, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www. prescottfarm.org. Pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Dec. 13-15, A Christmas Carol, Colonial Theatre, 609 Main St., Laconia, tickets/ info: 800-657-8774, www.coloniallaconia.com.
ONGOING
Art & Coffee Club, Thursdays, 9 – 11 a.m., Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts/CCAC, art, workshops and events, open yearround with seasonal hours, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www.chocoruaartworks.com
Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, gallery and textile museum, events and programs, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org.
Breakfast Buffet, 7 a.m. - 11 a.m. Wolfeboro Masonic Lodge, 35 Trotting Track Rd, Wolfeboro. Pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, omelets made-to-order, Eggs Benedict, biscuit and gravy, juice, and coffee. Served the second Sunday of every month. 603-569-4637
Canterbury Shaker Village, walking trails, Shaker Rd., Canterbury, 603-7839511, www.shakers.org
Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, holiday and workshop 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 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.
Dam Brewhouse, events, 1323 NH Rte. 175, Campton, 603-726-4500, www. dambrewhouse.com.
Family Craft Day, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., first Saturday of each month, free and fun for all ages, Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, 603-524-8813, www. belknapmill.org.
First Friday Receptions, through Dec., 5 - 7 p.m., refreshments, conversation & art, ArtWorks Gallery & Fine Crafts, 603-323-8041, 132 Rte. 16, Chocorua, www. chocoruaartworks.com
Frank Bolles Nature Reserve, walking trails, off Rt. 16 to Chocorua Lake Rd., Chocorua, www.chocorualake.org.
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 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
Lakes Region Art Association, exhibits and classes, Suite 300, Tanger Outlet, Rte. 3, Tilton, 603-998-0029, www.lraanh.org
Lakes Region Curling Association, fall & winter leagues, matches at Pop Whalen Ice & Arts Center, Wolfeboro, Sundays 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., 84 S. Main St., 603-569-5639.
Laverack Nature Trail at Hawkins Brook, nature trail on boardwalk, free, trail starts to the left of Meredith Village Savings Bank, Rte. 25, Meredith, 603-2799015.
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, 603-476-5666, 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
Making Strides, 8 – 9 a.m., drop-in walking for groups or singles, Ossipee Town Hall, no pre-registration required, 55 Main St., Center Ossipee, takes place various times: www.ossipee.recdesk.com.
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, 603-2794303, www.meredithlibrary.org.
New England Racing Museum, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., open Saturdays, 922 NH Rte. 106 N., Loudon, www.NEMSMUSEUM.com
NH Farm Museum, old-time farm events, 1305 White Mt. Highway, Milton, 603-652-7840, www.nhfarmmuseum.org
Outdoor Nature-Based Storytime for Young Children, 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Cook Memorial Library, 93 Main St., Tamworth, 603-323-8510, www. tamworthlibrary.org.
Plymouth Square Dance, 7:30 – 10 p.m., David millstone calls traditional squares, fiddle tunes by Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki, pianist Sue Hunt, no experience necessary, all dances taught, complimentary Common Man goodies and hot drinks, cash bar, Barn on the Pemi, 341 Daniel Webster Highway, Plymouth, 603-481-0789. (Takes place Nov. 6 & Dec. 4, 2024; Jan. 2, Feb. 6, March 6 & April 3, 2025.)
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.
Quilting Group, 1 - 4 p.m., meets every 2 weeks, Ossipee Public Library, 74 Main St., Ossipee, schedule/info: 603-539-6390
Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, events, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.
Roller Skating Night, 5 p.m., Mondays, bring your own skates, for age 18 and up, Ossipee Town Hall, 55 Main St., Ossipee, info/updates: 603-539-1307, www. ossipee.org.
Rug Hookers, 10 a.m. – noon, meets Tuesdays, Tuftonboro Free Library, 221 Middle Rd., Rt. 109A, Tuftonboro, 603-569-4256.
Sculpture Walk, tours of outdoor sculptures around downtown/lakeside areas of Meredith, free, Greater Meredith Program, maps: 603-279-9015.
Song and Jam Circle, 6:30 – 8 p.m., community created jams and song circle, 3rd Monday of each month, Runnells Hall, 25 Deer Hill Rd., Tamworth, free, bring your favorite instruments, Arts Council of Tamworth, 603-584-2712, www. artstamworth.org
Tamworth Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m. - noon, Saturdays, 30 Tamworth Road, Tamworth, www.tamworthfarmersmarket.org
Tamworth History Center, 25 Great Hill Rd., Tamworth, info: www.tamworthhistorycenter.org.
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 Table Tennis, meets Wednesdays from 4 – 6 p.m., in basement of All Saints Church, Wolfeboro, all skill levels welcome, $5 admission charge each week, info: 603-520-5651.
2 Units - Parking for 10 cars
On the isthmus between Back Bay on L
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Shop Local Meredith/Center Harbor Key Event is Back!
We are excited to announce that our 3rd annual Shop Local Key Event this holiday season will have over forty participating Meredith/Center Harbor area retailers. When you shop locally, you are positively impacting your community by supporting local jobs, infrastructure and community services. Our event encourages you to explore our diverse retailers by rediscovering your local favorites and exploring new restaurants, shops and services that make this community unique and your shopping experiences more personalized and enjoyable.
When shopping this holiday season, be on the lookout for the KEY sign at participating retailers. As in previous years, raffle entries have a chance to
win a Holiday “Shop Local” Gift Basket! Last year, we had three gift baskets with over $500 of gift cards and gifts in each one, with a total of around $1,600! The retailers have been very generous and with your help, by buying locally, they can be prosperous and continue to give back to our community in many ways. Purchases are not required for raffle entry but are strongly encouraged to support our community. Raffles will be drawn on 12/16 at Meredith Landing Real Estate at 285 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith and winners will be notified via e-mail. For instructions on raffle entry or for more information please visit the Meredith Landing Real Estate Facebook page.
Author and NH Crime Investigator Visits Meredith Library
As part of both its NaNoWriMo Writing Inspiration Series and its NOIRvember events, author Milli Knudsen will be visiting the Meredith Public Library, 91 Main Street, in the Historic Study Room on Wednesday, November 20 from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. She will be discussing and signing her new book titled Murder and Mayhem: True Crime in New Hampshire from 1883-1915.
In addition to discussing her writing journey from inspiration to publica-
tion, Milli will also speak about her interest in true crime. Milli began volunteering with the NH Cold Case Unit in 2019, which led to becoming a paralegal/data analyst in 2022, and in 2024 to also working with NH’s Major Crimes Unit. Seating is limited, so attendees should register on the library website at www.MeredithLibrary.org as early as possible. Go to our events calendar and click on the event to register. Or call us at 603-279-4303.
Jewelry for a Glittering Holiday Season
By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper
“This is cool!” enthused Diana Beaulieu when she painted her first piece of jewelry. With a creative spirit and talent for painting and drawing, Diana grew up in Maine and ran a beauty salon for 15 years. Making jewelry, which has become her full-time occupation and passion, was the last thing on her mind back then.
Diana’s (former) mother-in-law, Gail Fessenden, was a well-known artist who was sought after for her painted porcelain jewelry. When visiting, Diana asked Gail what she was doing as she sat painting a piece of jewelry. Perhaps Gail was aware that Diana had talent as an artist and so handed her a piece of porcelain and supplies. Diana watched as Gail painted and picked up the techniques quickly. This was in the 1980s when porcelain jewelry was popular.
Soon, Diana discovered a love for painting jewelry and exclaimed, “This is cool!” upon completing her first piece under Gail’s tutelage. With some pieces completed, Diana did her first show six months later, featuring her painted porcelain jewelry. At the time, artisans used pre-made jewelry settings for pins, earrings, and other pieces.
Diana exhibited her jewelry at a show; unknown to her, the niece of (at the time) Barbara Bush shopped at the show. She purchased clip-on earrings Diana had painted with chickadees. She also bought a brooch and took Diana’s business card. “Jewelry was always my hobby,” says Diana. While working in her salon a month later, Diana got a letter in an official White House envelope. Baffled, she opened the latter and saw it was handwritten. First Lady Barbara Bush had written to tell Diana she received a Christmas gift from her nieces, and Barbara loved it. Turns out it was one of the hand-painted pieces of jewelry the niece had bought from Diana. Barbara asked Di-
ana to make an ornament for the White House Christmas tree.
The Associated Press picked up the story, and later, the Bangor, Maine newspaper came to visit and interview Diana. “at the time, I did not go to the White House reception where the tree was lit because my father was sick. I didn’t understand what a big deal and how exciting the invitation really was.”
Diana’s business, Porcelain Originals, took off with the White House connection. Mostly self-taught, Diana began to experiment with other avenues of jewelry creation. “I moved on from porcelain painting and did polymer clay for a few years,” she recalls. “That eventually led to metal, and I met Pauline Warg, a jeweler in Scarborough, Maine. She saw I had talent and began to teach me her skills. I did not realize how difficult it was to saw metal, but I was determined to make jewelry. With practice and determination, Diana was allowed to take Pauline’s classes. She learned about chain making, mixed metal, and others. She also learned to do advanced work, such as making hinges. “I decided I was finally ready to have my first show with metal pieces. My style was mixed metal and I won Best in Show in a Maine show.”
Through all this, Diana had her eye on being a member and selling her jewelry through the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen. The rule to become an exhibiting artisan via the League is to be a resident or reside in a bordering state within a 10-mile radius of New Hampshire. “I never lived close enough to fit into that geography,” Diana says. However, Diana eventually moved to Massachusetts, where she resides today, and it is near enough to the New Hampshire border to allow her to
• Jewelry continued on page 21
Unique and beautiful handmade and designed jewelry by Diana Beaulieu. Her jewelry can be found at the League of N.H. Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery and other League shops in New Hampshire. (courtesy photo)
apply to be an exhibiting artisan with the League.
Diana was a member of a Maine guild with standards similar to those of the League of N.H. Craftsmen, but she still dreamed of being an artist in that organization. “I knew the quality of the League work because I went to the Sunapee show every summer. When I finally applied in 2014, the rules were to bring 12 to 18 pieces and meet with my peers/jewelry makers in the League jury.”
It was a nerve-wracking experience because Diana’s jewelry was highly scrutinized by the jury members. She was told to keep working, and there was not a yes or no answer to admit her as a member. After more work to hone her craft, she reapplied and was admitted.
These days, Diana is an exhibiting member of the League of N.H. Craftsmen and her work is sought after by those who come to the shops around the state. Her pieces are finely crafted and quite beautiful. “I used sterling silver and gold filled 14 karats, and my prices are reasonable. I make pieces with a target for women who want beautiful jewelry at a fair price,” she explains. Diana buys stones solely from women and ensures they are stones other artists do not have. She uses jasper, “you never heard of,” for example. “The stones in my jewelry are known among customers as unique.”
Calling her jewelry creations modern
abstract, Diana sketches some pieces beforehand, looks at a stone, or has a vision of what it could be. At that time she begins creating and crafting each piece of jewelry in her studio. “I dream in color and my mind seems never to shut off,” she laughs. “There is a lot to making jewelry, such as paying attention to the weight of earrings, for example.” (Earrings are Diana’s biggest seller among women.)
From a novice painter of porcelain to today’s experienced and highly talented jewelry artisan, Diana has come a long way from her beginnings. She works full-time at her craft and has no plans to retire. “I will keep making jewelry as long as possible,” she concludes.
Shoppers looking for holiday gifts can find Diana’s jewelry, among many other finely made objects at the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery. Located at 279 Daniel Webster Highway, the shop is full of items such as jewelry, pottery, prints, and much more. “We have sales records dating back to 1937 and throughout the years have sold beautifully hand-crafted work from the most talented people,” says Nancy Rowley of the Meredith League shop.
The Gallery features work in fiber, pottery, leather, glass, wood, and mixed media. Open year-round, the Meredith Fine Craft Gallery appeals to those customers who want something handmade, of high quality, and unique.
The League of N.H. Craftsmen has been supporting the creative economy of N.H. since 1932 and continues with
new artists joining the Gallery all the time. From ornaments to wearable art to functional pieces for your table, the Meredith League of N.H. Craftsmen Gallery continues to be a great source for all your gift-giving needs.
Those seeking the jewelry of Diana Beaulieu and many other artisans can stop by the League of N.H. Craftsmen’s Meredith shop is open yearround, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. For information, visit www.meredith.nhcrafts.org or call 603-279-7920.
Local Student
Selected for NBT’s Nutcracker Clara
Northeastern Ballet Theatre (NBT) presents its treasured annual celebration - The Nutcracker Ballet - with four thrilling performances throughout the holiday season.
This year, the honored role of Clara has been awarded to Meredith Souther, a 10-year-old pre-pointe dancer at NBT’s Wolfeboro Studio location. Meredith joined NBT 2 years ago when her family moved to Brookfield, NH. She currently dances 8 hours a week plus maintains a rigorous Nutcracker rehearsal schedule. She loves her formal classical ballet lessons but can also often be found doing a plie, tendu, or relevé throughout her school day, at church or even while out shopping.
Meredith has performed in NBT productions of Sleeping Beauty, the 2024 Spring Gala, and was a Party Child in last year’s NBT Nutcracker. When she learned of her part in NBT’s 2024 Nutcracker, Meredith said, “I’m excited to play the role of Clara to share the magic and joy of the holidays with the audience.”
Meredith’s biggest supporters are her parents, four older siblings and her younger sister and frequent dance partner, Lauren, who also studies at NBT. Meredith enjoys arts and crafts, nature activities, reading, and her three cats. She is looking forward to continuing to grow in her ballet skills in the years to come. NBT’s Nutcracker season begins with a special Thanksgiving weekend of performances at the Kingswood Arts Center in Wolfeboro, NH: Saturday, November 28th at 7 pm and Sunday, December 1st at 2 pm. Then, later in December, visit NBT at the Johnson Theatre on the UNH campus in Durham, NH for their final performances: Saturday, December 14th at 7 pm and Sunday, December 15th at 2 pm. Tickets are available at the door on the day of the shows and online at https://www.northeasternballet. org/performances. A limited number of free tickets are available to service members and their families through Vet Tix. Visit vettix.org for details.
Newfound Nature Station Free Grab Bags Program
Whole House
The Newfound Lake Region Association (NLRA) invites you to take a closer look at how local plants and animals get ready for winter through their Newfound Nature Station Grab Bags, a free program that connects youth and families to the natural world. As the weather turns colder, people are putting on coats & hats, checking furnaces and cleaning up leaves. Plants and animals also have to prepare for winter- some leave the area, some take a long nap and others store food ahead of time- and we can find examples of all of these strategies in the Newfound Watershed. Nature Station is usually held at Grey Rocks Conservation Area, which is currently closed to the public for construction. For November’s Nature Station, stop by the NLRA office in Bristol during office hours Monday, November 18th through Friday, November 22nd and pick up a bag of individually packed materials to go on a scavenger hunt outside, explore wild-
life adaptations to winter, and make a pinecone bird feeder. These resources are free and available to all.
Newfound Nature Station, along with other family programs and events, is part of NLRA’s year-round work to encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the natural beauty around them, learn more about the environment and how to protect it and fall in love with the Newfound Watershed. By connecting the people of Newfound to the wonders around them, NLRA works to inspire the next generation of stewards and fulfill the mission of protecting Newfound Lake and its watershed. Along with educational programs like Newfound Nature Station, NLRA works to protect water quality in Newfound Lake and the surrounding watershed through stormwater management, land conservation and the prevention of invasive aquatic plants. Learn more about NLRA including other upcoming events at NewfoundLake.org.
We can no longer take the safety of our water for granted. When you turn on your faucet, bathe your child, water your lawn, or flush your toilet, you want to know that your water is safe and clean. We will test and explain your water chemistry in a way that is easy to understand and then recommend the most efficient, effective and economical water treatment solution, custom fit to your needs.
