Web Analytics
Vagabond Traveler

american roads writers, contributors, photographersarchives of American Roadssubscribe to American Roadsbooks by Kathleen Wallscontact american roadsbecome a sponsor or advertise

 

 

ENJOY PLYMOUTH'S 250TH CELEBRATION

Article by Mary Emma Allen
Photo by Jim Allen
Boy Scout Stature
George H. Borst famed Boy Scout Statue
Experience the excitement of celebrations in various towns, villages and cities as you travel. These may commemorate historical events or present day festivities. However, they'll bring enjoyment to your visits in those locations.
Plymouth, NH, this year, celebrates its 250th anniversary with a variety of events. This small town, where I live, has much historical significance and present day interest, characteristics you'll find in other parts of America as well.
The historical society, chamber of commerce, town library, merchants, townspeople, and Plymouth State University have joined together to present events highlighting the historical and current significance of the town.
As you visit Plymouth and other celebrations, you'll discover facts of interest.
DID YOU KNOW (in Plymouth) that.....
  • Babe Ruth and other Red Sox players special ordered their baseballs and gloves from the D & M (Draper Maynard) Manufacturing Co? (Louise Samaha McCormack, researcher on this topic, gave an informative presentation in February about the D & M Co.) You'll also find an ongoing display at Plymouth State University, located in the former D & M Building, now the university's art center.
  • Plymouth was the center of skiing in NH in the 1930s with numerous ski slopes, including one founded by Wendy Hilty, a noted skier from Switzerland. Snow trains from Boston and New York City brought skiers to the area. (In March, ski historian John Allen presented a program on Plymouth as a ski destination.)
  • Author Nathaniel Hawthorne visited Plymouth and unexpectedly died there of apparently unknown causes.
  • A number of houses operated stations, with secret rooms, on the Underground Railroad during the Civil War era. Noted abolitionist, William Lloyd Garrison, visited the town but was refused permission to lecture there. So he gave his talk in a pine grove in the adjoining town of Holderness.
  • A rare drinking fountain with Boy Scout statue stands on the village common and was created by famed sculptor, George H. Borst of Philadelphia.
ONGOING PROGRAMS
As is typical of many celebrations, there are ongoing programs in Plymouth, which may correspond with your travels.
  • One-room school houses provided education for residents of the town, some of whom are still living. Rondi Garron has researched these institutions and gives a presentation in May. She also is compiling a book on her findings.
  • The history of the Plymouth Fair, a long time an annual summer event in the state, will be presented by Dick Flanders in April.
  • Remembering Plymouth through Post Cards is the event in June, presented by Ross Deachman.
PLYMOUTH HIGHLIGHT WEEKEND

Culminating the 250th anniversary, July 19-21, will be a significant celebration encompassing a parade, fireworks, train ride, historic walking tours, singing, dancing, art exhibit and more
You'll find information about Plymouth's 250th celebration on their web site, http://www.plymouth250.org/home/. There also is an ongoing Facebook page,http://www.facebook.com/pages/Plymouths-250th/297072217082969, about the events. Also click here to learn about the foods they woudl have cooked.
CHECK OUT EVENTS ACROSS AMERICA - Wherever you're planning to travel, check out the area for celebrations - fairs, historical gatherings, anniversaries, festivals and more. These will contribute greatly to your exploration of America.
(I've written about the history of Plymouth for newspapers and magazines for many years and am compiling a book of my articles. I also have written children's stories based in Plymouth and plan to make these into books. For more information, e-mail me: me.allen@juno.com )