Category: History

Milton, Straight Thru (North), in 1918

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 27, 2018

This extract from the Official Automobile Blue Book of 1918 outlines the route that one would take in order to travel between Portsmouth, NH, and Bretton Woods, NH [their Route Number 463, Pp. 665-71].

Note that none of the Route numbers refer to US or NH Route numbers, as those highway systems did not yet exist. The “Routes” mentioned are the here-to-there descriptions in the book and the numbers are the sequence numbers of those descriptions within the book. They tend to be rather brief, as space was no doubt a premium.

Note also, as you “travel” the route, with your finger on the page or screen, that Portsmouth, Dover, Somersworth, and Rochester all had trolley lines. They likely began as horse-drawn trolleys, although by 1918 they may have been electrified.

The “major” places, those that are both capitalized and bolded in the book, had footnote descriptions that have not been extracted to here. The Hotels, Garages, Service Stations, and Tea Rooms mentioned are those of their advertisers only.

The distance numbers before each step are 1) the total distance from the beginning of the Route, and 2) an intermediate distance from some prior step. Note how often one would have encountered a railroad crossing and that each one is included. These would have been important warnings in a day when tire technology was considerably less advanced than it is now.

This was the way, with some possible minor variations, that one would have traveled from Portsmouth to Union, and beyond to Bretton Woods, right up to the creation of the Spaulding Turnpike. As described in our previous Milton and the Spaulding Turnpike article, the Spaulding Turnpike replaced the Portsmouth-to-Dover Point portion of this 1918 route in September 1956, and the Dover Point-to-Rochester portion in August 1957.

The Spaulding Turnpike is estimated to have brought three times the traffic volume as previously to Rochester from the south. As you may see, all that traffic had to pass then through Rochester and Milton, which lay just 3.3 miles beyond Rochester. This was the situation that prevailed between 1957 and 1981.

Selectman Lucier recalled that tree-cutting for the third section of the Spaulding Turnpike began in 1978. Blasting too, one supposes, as one passes between several high rock faces along that stretch.

The Spaulding Turnpike’s third section came “online,” so to speak, in 1981. It extended the previous route past Rochester to the second Milton “Fork” intersection of the 1918 route description, just before Union (now Exit 18). That final 1981 ribbon cutting is what bypassed both Rochester and Milton, at least in the highway sense.

The route past Union (Exit 18) has changed considerably over the years that followed too, as successive NH Route 16 straightenings and bypassings were gradually implemented.

It is possible to follow these directions still for much of its described route. You might find it interesting, instructive, and “scenic” to do so sometime.

Route 463 – Portsmouth to Bretton Woods, N.H., White Mountains – 117.0 m. 

Reverse Route 571

Via Dover, Rochester, Osslpee, No. Conway and Crawford Notch. Forty-four miles macadam. Balance gravel. This is the main route to shore resorts and the White Mountains. This route follows thru a thickly settled country to West Ossipee with only scattered sections of woods and connecting here with route around Lake Winnipesaukee. From this point the valley grows narrower and is followed nearly all the way to Crawford Notch. A good option to this route is via 469 to Meredith and Route 491 to Bretton Woods.

  • 0.0 0.0 PORTSMOUTH. Congress, Market & Pleasant Sts. Go west with trolley on Congress St.
  • 0.1 0.1 Vaughan St.; turn right, leaving trolley. Cross RR. 0 3. 
  • 0.5 0.4 4-corners; turn left with trolley.
  • 0.6 0.1 End of street; turn right over stone causeway.
  • 0.7 0.1 Fork; keep right onto Maplewood Ave., leaving trolley. 
  • 3.2 2.5 Right-hand diagonal road; bear right with travel and macadam.
    • Dover City Map and Points of Interest, page 666. 
  • 4.6 1.4 3-corners; bear right.
    • Pay 15c. toll 4.9 and cross long wooden bridge over the Piscataqua River. 
  • 5.4 0.8 Dover Point. sta. on right. Straight thru.
    • Cross RR 6.0. 
      • Left on Silver St., at 11.2 is Route 472 to Concord.
  • 11.6 6.2 Dover. Central Ave. & Washington St. Straight thru (north) on Central Ave. with trolley.
    • SERVICE STA. – United States Tire Sales and Service Depots located here. Right on Chapel St., Just before water trough 11.8 is Route 464 to Well.
    • Cross RR 11.9.
  • 13.6 2.0 Fork; keep right with trolley. Pass amusement park on left 14.3. 
  • 16.5 2.9 Somersworth. diagonal 4-corners. Turn sharp left upgrade, leaving trolley (north). 
  • 18.6 2.1 4-corners; turn right with travel. Cross RR. 22.9 and join trolley. 
  • 23.2 4.6 Rochester. Main & Wakefield Sts. at green. Bear right with branch trolley onto Wakefield St.
    • HOTELS – Hayes Hotel, Portland St. New City Hotel, Main St. 
    • GARAGES – Phillips Garage, 111 S. Main St.
    • Bear right with branch-trolley onto Wakefield St.
      • Left on Main St. Is Route 469 to Meredith.
    • Pass city hall on right 23.3. Cross RRs. 23.5 – 24.1 – 28.2 – 29.6 – 30.4. 
  • 31.1 7.9 Milton. Straight thru (north).
  • 32.1 1.0 Fork; keep right along Milton 3-ponds. Cross RR. 32.4. 
  • 35.9 3.8 Fork; keep left. 
  • 37.6 1.7 Union. Keep ahead across RR. and pass P.0. on right just beyond. Cross RRs. 40.1 – 42.0
  • 42.2 4.6 Sanbornville. Straight thru (north). 
  • 43.4 1.2 Wakefield. P.O. on left. Straight thru. Cross RR. at sta. 43.8. Cross RR 47.9
  • 48.4 5.0 North Wakefield. P.O. on left. Straight thru. Cross RR. 49.2.
  • 53.5 5.1 Ossipee, court house over to left. Straight thru (north).
    • HOTELS – Carroll Inn, opp. court house.
      • Left Is Note (a) to Holderness and Note (a) Route 571 to Wolfeboro.
    • Cross RR. at sta. 53.9.
  • 59.0 5.5 Center Ossipee, church on right. Straight thru.
    • GARAGES – Carleton’s Garage
      • Right at 59.1 is Route 466 to Portland.
    • Cross RR. 62.1. Pass Ossipee Valley P.0. on left 62.2.
  • 62.8 3.8 Fork; bear right across iron bridge.
  • 65.2 2.4 Fork, at small green; bear right.
    • Left fork is Route 566 to Concord.
  • 65.3 0.1 West Ossipee, diagonal 4-corners. Bear left with travel.
    • GARAGES – White’s Garage.
  • 69.3 4.0 4-corners; turn right across small bridge.
  • 69.4 0.1 Chocorua, left-hand road. Turn left – sign “Conway.”
    • Straight ahead leads to Silver Lake.
    • HOTELS – Chocorua Inn at 70.4.
  • 70.9 1.5 Right-hand road; turn right along shore of Chocorua Lake.
    • Straight ahead leads to Wonalancet and Sandwich.
  • 72.8 1.9 3-corners; bear left across small bridge – sign “Conway.” Cross RRs. 80.0 – 80.7.
  • 81.0 8.2 End of road; bear right with travel.
  • 81.4 0.4 Conway, 4-corners at water trough. Turn left (north).
    • Straight ahead leads to Fryeburg.
  • 81.6 0.2 Fork, green in center; bear right thru covered bridge 81.8.
  • 84.3 2.7 End of road, turn left.
    • Right is Route 667 to Portland.
    • Right at 86.3 leads to Forest Glen Inn, ½ mile.
    • Detail Map of White Mts. pages 752-763.
  • 86.9 2.6 North Conway, bank on left. Straight thru (north).
    • HOTELS – Hotel Randall, Main St., Sunset Inn, Main St.
    • TEA ROOMS – Old Homestead Tea Room and Gift Shop, 1 mile below North Conway.
    • GARAGES – Bent’s Garage, Main St., next to P.O.
    • Cross RR. 87.3.
  • 88.8 1.9 Intervale. Straight thru. Cross RRs. 88.9-90.9.
    • HOTELS – Intervale House.
  • 91.3 2.5 Fork; bear left with travel.
    • Right at 92.7 is Route 500 to Gorham.
  • 92.9 1.6 Glen. Straight thru covered wooden bridge. Caution, thru covered bridge 94.5
  • 94.7 1.8 End of road just beyond RR.; turn right. Cross RR. 97.0.
  • 98.9 4.2 Bartlett. Straight thru.
    • HOTELS – Howard Hotel.
    • Cross RR. 99.3. Caution for bridge 102.8. Cross RRs. 103.0 – 104.1. Bear right across RR. Bemis Sta. 105.1. Start stiff climb thru Crawford Notch* 111.7. Pass sta. on left 113.5.
  • 113.7 14.8 Crawford House on left. Straight thru.
  • 117.0 3.3 BRETTON WOODS (White Mountains), sta. on right.
    • HOTELS – The Mount Pleasant, opp. sta. Right across RR. leads to The Mount Washington Hotel.

Route 571 – Bretton Woods (White Mountains) to Portsmouth, N.H. – 117.0 m.

Reverse Route 463

Here follows an extract [Wakefield through Rochester] only from the Reverse Route 571 [Pp. 780-83], which is included because it mentions an additional Milton feature – the location of the post-office – that was not mentioned in the original Route 463.

  • 73.6 4.9 Wakefield. Straight thru.
  • 74.5 0.9 Fork; bear left with poles.
  • 74.8 0.3 Sanbornville. Straight thru Cross RR. 75.0 – 76.9.
  • 79.4 4.6 Union. P.O. on left. Straight thru across RR.
  • 80.9 1.5 Fork; bear left sign – “Rochester.”
  • 81.0 0.1 Fork; bear right. Pass Milton 3-Ponds on left 83.9. Cross RR. 84.6.
  • 85.9 4.9 Milton. P.O. on right. Straight thru. Cross RR. 86.6 – 87.4 – 88.8 – 92.9 – 93.5. Pass [Rochester] city hall on left 93.7.
  • 93.8 7.9 Rochester,* Wakefield and Main Sts. green on right. Bear left with branch trolley onto Main St.
    • HOTELS – Hayes Hotel, Portland St. New City Hotel, Main St.
    • GARAGES – Phillips Garage, 111 S. Main St. Sharp right 93.8 is Route 469 to Meredith. Cross RR. 94.1

References:

Automobile Blue Book Publishing Co. (1918). Official Automobile Blue Book, Volume Two, New England, Eastern Canada and Maritime Provinces. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=dtsNAAAAYAAJ

US Department of Transportation. (2018). From Names to Numbers: The Origins of the U.S. Numbered Highway System. Retrieved from www.fhwa.dot.gov/infrastructure/numbers.cfm

Wikipedia. (2018, October 6). Interstate Highway System. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_Highway_System

Milton and the Gypsy Moth in 1911

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 2, 2018

Here is extracted the description and data of 1911 Milton gypsy moth “scouting” only, from a rather lengthy and interesting scientific discussion of the progression of the Gypsy Moth.

RECORD OF SCOUTING IN MILTON, N.H. On October 25, 1911, a crew of experienced scouts under the direction of William Sarsfield commenced the examination of the trees in Milton east of the Boston & Maine Railroad. This territory is hilly and the towns south and southwest of it are generally very badly infested. The area examined covered about 18 square miles, 13 of which are wooded. The forest growth was as follows, according to estimates furnished by Mr. Sarsfield:

Conifers 29 [Per Cent], Elm 4 [Per Cent], Oak 13 [Per Cent], Beech 20 [Per Cent], Maple 16 [Per Cent], Miscellaneous 7 [Per Cent], Ash 2 [Per Cent]. 

In the winter of 1910-11, the orchards in this area were scouted and 21 infestations were found, practically all of which had a single egg cluster. In the whole town, the greater area of which is on the west side of the railroad, 159 egg clusters were found in 55 localities .

In 1911-12 14 woodland infestations of 59 egg clusters and 22 orchard and roadside infestations of 202 clusters were found east of the railroad. The woodland infestations were in the territory between the Milton railroad station and the south end of the town. In the part of the town west of the railroad only the roadsides and orchards were examined, and 6,602 egg clusters were found in 57 localities.

The results of scouting in this town show that the infestation is increasing rapidly in both woodland and orchards. The figures for the two years are significant, for in the western part of the town the infested localities in one year more than doubled. and the number of egg clusters was more than 40 times greater than the previous year.

References:

US Department of Agriculture. (1913, February 11). The Dispersion of the Gypsy Moth. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=HwTWrOqweJAC&pg=RA4-PA1

Milton Businesses in 1904

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 30, 2018

Extracted below are the Milton entries from the New Hampshire Register, Farmers’ Almanac, and Business Directory, for 1904.

MILTON, STRAFFORD – Pop. 1625, N.E. fr C., 4 m.; N.W. fr. Dover, 20 m. R.R.S. [Railroad Station] – Milton, on Northern Div. В&M. R.R.; Milton Mills, Union, 4 m., connects twice daily by stage.

OFFICERS – Clerk, H.L. Avery; Treas., E.F. Fox, p.о. Milton Mills; Selectmen, H.R. Jewett, p.о. Milton Mills; J.H. Avery; C.A. Jones; Board of Education, F.L. Marsh, p.о. Milton Mills; M.A.H. Hart, F.G. Horne; Board of Health, M.A.H. Hart, M.D.; E.W. Fox, H.D. Coles; Constables, H.W. Downs, C.E. Remick, p.o. Milton Mills; Police, H.W. Downs, H.A. Nutter; C.E Remick, H.J. Burrows, Milton Mills. 

Postmaster – J.H. Avery. 

Justices [of the Peace] – B.B. Plummer, E.W. Fox, В.F. Avery, E.F. Fox, G.H. Goodwin, H.L. Avery, F.L. Marsh, L.H. Wentworth, С.A. Jones. 

Churches – Cong., Myron P. Dickey; West, Robert M. Peacock; F. Вaр., Chas В. Osborne.

Exp. & Tel. Ag’t – John E. Fox. 

Hotels – Phenix House, F.M. Chamberlin; Milton Hotel, E.M. Bodwell. Summer Boarding Houses – Mrs. S.W. Wallingford, W.C. Hall, L.S. Nutter. 

Ins. Agts. – James M. Gage.

Livery Stables – F.M. Chamberlain, E.M. Bodwell. 

Literary Institution – Nute Free High School, C.E. Kelley, prin. 

Societies – Eli Wentworth Post, G.A.R. [Grand Army of the Republic]; Woman’s Relief Corps [G.A.R. Auxiliary]; Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W. [Ancient Order of United Workmen]; Lewis W. Ñute Grange; Teneriffe Council, O.U.A.M. [Order of United American Mechanics]; Madokawando Tribe, I.O.R.M. [Improved Order of Red Men]; Minnewawa Council, D. of P. [Daughters of Pythias]; Lakeside Lodge, I.O.G.T. [International Order of Good Templars].

Manufacturers – Blacksmith, I.W. Duntley, James C. Young; boots and shoes, N.B. Thayer & Co.; builders, Webber Bros., Avery, Jones & Roberts; oars and picker sticks, L.S. Mayo & Sons Co.; leatherboard mill, Milton Leatherboard Co., J. Spaulding & Sons Co.; lumber, Avery, Jones & Roberts; mowing machines, horse rakes, &c, В.B. Plummer, C.A. Jones; paper, United Box Board and Paper Co.; soap, С.M. Wallingford; bicycle repairing, Wilbur Knight; cobblers, A.R. Hayes, J.H. Rines, J. Page; steel ladders, Cantelo Manufacturing Co.; copper rivets, J.S. Crombie Rivet Co. 

Artisans – Tonsorial artist, W.F. Hargraves; painters and paper hangers, J.Q.A. Toppan, J. Smith; dressmakers, Miss Daisy Corkery, Mrs. C.A. Edgerly; carpenters and builders, G.L. Hayes, H.E. Clements; clocks and watches repaired, F.L. Harriman.

Merchants – J.D. Willey, Amos M. Roberts, H.S. Mason, С.D. Jones; boots and shoes, N.G. Pinkham; groceries, Whitehouse Bros., S.G. Blaisdell; gents. furnishing and sporting goods, cigars and tobacco, C.D. Jones; drugs; J.H. Willey; ice, Boston Ice Co., Lynn Ice Co., Marblehead Ice Co., J.R. Downing, Union Ice Co.; millinery, Miss Cora Larrabee, wood, Avery, Jones & Roberts; provisions, G.E. Wentworth, C.A. Horne; fish, E.L. Wentworth; confectionery and cigars, H.E. Horne, E.G. Knight; hay, G.E. Wentworth, J.D. Willey; coal, H.W. Downs, J.D. Pinkham; variety store, E.G. Knight; clothing, H.S. Mason; lunch room, E.S. Bourne. 

Physician – M.A.H. Hart, J.J. Buckley. 

Public Telephone – J.H. Wiley. 

Milton Mills – Postmaster – E.T. Libby. 

Churches – Adv., ___ ___; Cong., ___ ___; F. Bap., E.W. Churchill; Meth., W. Holmes.

Ex. Agents – C.D. Fox, C.L. Stevens.

Hotels – Central House, J.H. Lord. 

Ins. Agt. – Forrest L. Marsh. 

Livery Stables – C.D. Fox, J.H. Lord. 

Telephone Exchange – Asa Fox & Son. 

Lawyer – Forest L. Marsh; Conveyancer, claim and collection agent, E.W. Fox. 

Literary Institution – Milton Free Public Library, John U. Simes, librarian; 800 vols. High School, J.E. Wignat, prin. 

Societies – Morning Star Lodge, К. of P. [Knights of Pythias]; Miltonia Lodge, I.О.О.F. [Independent Order of Odd Fellows]; Eastern Star Lodge, D. of R. [Daughters of Rebekah]; Minnehaha Lodge, I.O.G.T. [International Order of Good Templars]; Pleasant Valley Grange, P. of H. [Patrons of Husbandry]. 

Mechanics & Artisans – Blacksmith, Alfred Rudd, John E. Wentworth; builders, A.B. Shaw, J.F. Titcomb, E.S. Simes, Hiram Wentworth, G.E. Sims; barber, Robert Page; shoemakers, J.W. Hanson, G.W. Merrill, W. Otterway; painters and paper hangers, W.F. Mills, С.A. Berry, G.W. Partridge, T. Connolly, W.G. Miller; dressmakers, Sadie M. Stevens, Miss Jones, Gertie Lewis, E.D. Hanson; photographers, J.E. Townsend, J.S. Elkins; undertaker, A.A. Fox; nurses, Abbie Hayes, Mrs. Wannock, Mrs. H.A. Hoyt; plumber, D. Murray; carriage painter, H.E. Ayer; electrician, Willis Reynolds; household utensils, W.S. Meiller. 

Manufacturers – Boots and shoes, Gale Shoe Mfg. Co.; doors, sash, blinds and lumber, С.R. Edgecomb; harnesses, F.M. Sanborn; soap, S.G. Chamberlain; woolen goods, H.H. Townsend; carriages, A.O. Prescott; shingles, clapboards and lumber, C.R. Edgecomb. 

Merchants – Asa Fox & Son, F.H. Lowd & Co., Arthur L. Fly; confectionery, E.T. Libbey; dry goods, G.S. Lovering; oysters, J.U. Simes; furniture, Asa Fox & Son; jewelry, Asa Fox & Son, E.T. Libbey; millinery and fancy goods, Мrs. Т.E. Horne, Mrs. J.W. Merrow; provisions, R.S. Pike, H. Harsorn; stove and tinware, Daniel Murray; soda fountain and periodicals, E.T. Libbey; fruit, Frank Broggi; grain, J.F. Dore, С.L. Stevens, Arthur M. Flyn; fancy goods, toys, etc., Mrs. Helen Murray, F.H. Lowd; coal, E.A. Wentworth; clothing and furnishing goods, J. Everett Horne; agricultural tools, D. Murray; carriages and sleighs, H.E. Ayer; fertilizers, M.G. Chamberlin; plows W.F. Cutts; market gardener, W. Pinfold; trees and shrubs, J. Lewis; ice, N. Mucci; milk, H.L. Buck; news agent, J.D. Murray, J.E. Horne. 

Physicians – C.W. Gross, W.E. Pillsbury, Frank S. Weeks; dentist, E.G. Reynolds. 

Summer Boarding Houses – Chas. A. Reynolds, J.D. Willey, J. Lewis, J. Lowd, Benj. Hoyle, Central House.

Previous in Sequence: Milton Businesses in 1901; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1905-06

Some related newspaper articles:

MALE HELP WANTED. MAN who understands photograph and ferrotype business. Address lock box 160, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, March 13, 1902).

MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED. Heel scourer, breaster, and Buzzell trimmer; one all-round man in stock room, women’s medium shoes; if you get drunk do not reply. W.B. HAWKSWORTH, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, March 1, 1903).

References:

New Hampshire Register Co. (1904). New Hampshire Register, Farmers’ Almanac, and Business Directory, for 1904. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=yu8WAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA179

Milton Businesses in 1898

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 21, 2018

Extracted below are the Milton entries from the N.H. Register, Farmer’s Almanac, and Business Directory, for 1898.

MILTON, STRAFFORD – Pop. 1,640. N.E. fr. C. 40 m. N.W. fr. Dover 20 m. R.R.S. [Railroad Station] Milton on Ports. Gt. Falls & Conway R.R.; for Milton Mills, Union, 4 m., connects twice daily by stage.

OFFICERS – Clerk, H.L. Avery; Treas., Ira Miller; Selectmen, S.W. Wallingford, Joseph H. Avery, Freeman H. Lowd; Board of Education, Ira A. Cook, Frank Healey, E.F. Fox; Board of Health, E.W. Fox, Mills, J.H. Rivers, M.A.H. Hart, M.D.; Postmaster, J.H. Avery; Justices [of the Peace], J.U. Simes, B.B. Plummer, E.W. Fox, C.H. Looney, Geo. Lyman, B.F. Avery, E.F. Fox, Ira Miller, Joseph Plummer, G.H. Goodwin, H.L. Avery, H.B. Scates, F.H. Cutts, F.L. Marsh, L.H. Wentworth.

Churches – Chris., D.B. Goodwin; Cong., Myron P. Dickey; F. Bap., F.E. Carver.

Exp. & Tel. Agt. – John E. Fox.

Hotels – Riverside House, C.H. Downs; Phenix House, F.M. Chamberlin; Milton Hotel, E.M. Bodwell. Summer Boarding Houses – S.W. Wallingford, J.L. Twombly, J. LeGallee.

Livery Stables – F.M. Chamberlain, C.H. Thurston.

Literary Institution – Nute Free High School and Library.

Manufacturers – Blacksmith, I.W. Duntley; boots and shoes, N.B. Thayer & Co. [Dam No, 14]; builders, Webber Bros., Avery, Jones & Roberts; oars and picker sticks, G.I. Jordan; leatherboard mill, Milton Leatherboard Co. [Dam No. 13], Jonas Spaulding [Dam No. 11]; lumber, Avery, Jones & Roberts, L. Plummer, p.o. ad. Union; mowing machines, horse rakes &c., B.B. Plummer, C.A. Jones; paper, Strafford Paper Co. [Dam No. 12]; soap, C.M. Wallingford; tonsorial artists, W.F. Hargraves, H. Bassett; lumber, shingles, clapboards, etc., Avery, Jones & Roberts; painters and paper hangers, F.S. Lee, J.Q.A. Tappan; dressmakers, Mrs. C.A. Edgerly, Mrs. L.B. Palmer.

Merchants – J.D. Willey, Looney & Roberts, H.S. Mason, C.D. Jones; boots and shoes, N.G. Pinkham; groceries, W.T. Wallace; gents. furnishing and sporting goods, cigars and tobacco, C.D. Jones; drugs, C.D. Jones, F.E. Fernald; ice, Boston Ice Co., Lynn Ice Co., Union Ice Co.; jewelry, F.A. Marks; provisions, G.E. Wentworth, C.A. Horne; fish, E.G. Jordan; confectionery and cigars, E.G. Knight; hay, G.E. Wentworth, J.D. Willey; coal, H.W. Downs, J.D. Pinkham; hay and grain, W.J. Lewis; fruit, Charles Petro; Physician, M.A.A.H. Hart, W.F. [John] Wallace.

Public Telephone – C.D. Jones.

Milton Mills –

Postmaster – J.W. Murray.

Churches – Adv., Joseph Spinney; Cong. ___ ___; F. Bap., Eben. Fernald; Meth., E.J. Deans. 

Ex. Agent – Charles Stevens.

Hotels – Central House, C.D. Fox.

Livery Stables – C.D. Fox, J.D. Hanson. 

Societies – Morning Star Lodge, K. of P. [Knights of Pythias]; Eli Wentworth Post G.A.R. [Grand Army of the Republic]; Woman’s Relief Corps [G.A.R. Auxiliary]; Miltonia Lodge, I.O.O.F. [Independent Order of Odd Fellows]; Strafford Lodge, A.O.U.W. [Ancient Order of United Workmen]; Lewis W. Nute Grange; Teneriffe Council, O.U.A.M. [Order of United American Mechanics]; Minnehaha Lodge [International Order of Good Templars]; Lakeside Lodge, I.O.G.T. [International Order of Good Templars]; Madokawando Tribe, I.O.R.M. [Improved Order of Red Men]; Minnewawa Council, D. of P. [Daughters of Pythias]. 

Manufacturers – Blacksmiths, J.E. Wentworth, S.F. Rines; builders, A.B. Shaw, A.A. Fox, J.F. Titcomb, E.S. Simes; doors, sash and blinds, A.B, Shaw; flannels, Waumbeck Manuf’g Co. [Dam No. 17]; felt cloth, Riverside Mfg. Co.; harnesses, A. Sanborn; picture frames, E. Deardin; soap, S.G. Chamberlain; woolen goods, H.H. Townsend [Dam No. 16]. 

Merchants – Asa Fox & Son, Ira Miller; boots and shoes, E.R. Campbell; confectionery, C.B. Ellis, E.T. Libbey, E. Knight; dry goods, G.S. Lovering, Harry Wentworth; groceries, H.A. Pettengell & Co.; fish, C.S. Lowd; furniture, E.F. Fox; jewelry, E.T. Libbey; merchant tailor, Harry Wentworth; millinery and fancy goods, Lizzie L. Hart; provisions, C.S. Lowd; stoves and tinware, Murray Bros; soda fountain and periodicals, E.T. Libbey. 

Miscellaneous – Conveyancer, claim and collection agent, E.W. Fox; job printer, E.T. Libbey; undertaker, A.A. Fox. 

Physicians – C.W. Gross, W.E. Pillsbury; dentist, E.G. Reynolds. 

Summer Boarding Houses – Chas. A. Reynolds, C.S. Lowd, Cyrus Miller, J.D. Willey, C.H. Prescott, Benj. Hoyle.

Most of the Societies listed under Milton Mills were probably located in Milton, where they were listed in 1901. The Morning Star Lodge, K. of P. [Knights of Pythias], Miltonia Lodge, I.O.O.F. [Independent Order of Odd Fellows], and Minnehaha Lodge [International Order of Good Templars] were Milton Mills societies.

Some related newspaper advertisements:

A King Arthur flour company advertisement included amongst it vendors in January 1897: MILTON, NH: W.T. Wallace, Looney & Roberts (Boston Globe, January 10, 1897).

Male Help Wanted. WANTED. – A barber, good workman, American, temperate, references required. Address box 213, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, June 18, 1897).

THE MYSTIC ORDERS. Sunrise Rebekah lodge will be instituted at Milton Mills, N.H., Wednesday afternoon by the New Hampshire grand officers (Boston Globe, March 27, 1898).

Business Chances. FOR SALE. – Gents’ furnishing goods business in a manufacturing village, established over 20 years, no competition; reason for selling, other business; $700 buys it. Address for particulars lock box 167, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, March 9, 1899).

Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1894; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1901

References:

Walton Register Company. (1897). N.H. Register, Farmer’s Almanac, and Business Directory, for 1898. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=8u4WAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA163

Wikipedia. (2018, October 6). Ancient Order of United Workmen. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Order_of_United_Workmen

Wikipedia. (2018, August 13). Grand Army of the Republic. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Army_of_the_Republic

Wikipedia. (2018, September 17). Improved Order of Red Men. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Improved_Order_of_Red_Men

Wikipedia. (2018, October 4). Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Order_of_Odd_Fellows

Wikipedia. (2018, September 6). International Association of Rebekah Assemblies. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Association_of_Rebekah_Assemblies

Wikipedia. (2018, June 19). International Order of Good Templars. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Organisation_of_Good_Templars

Wikipedia. (2018, October 6). Knights of Pythias. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knights_of_Pythias

Wikipedia. (2018, August 30). National Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Grange_of_the_Order_of_Patrons_of_Husbandry

Wikipedia. (2018, September 9). Order of United American Mechanics. Retrieved from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_United_American_Mechanics

Milton Gets the Telephone

By Muriel Bristol | November 19, 2018

The New England Telephone and Telegraph Company (NET&T) “placed” a telephone switchboard in Milton Mills, NH, in 1896. Milton Mills got its first four telephones in that year.Early-porcelain-sign

  • Milton had no telephones in 1896; Milton Mills had 4 telephones.

During the year 1896, the NET&T Co. erected 696 telephone poles on its Milton-Sanbornville line, “for the extension and reconstruction of the toll line system.”

  • Milton had no telephones in 1897; Milton Mills had 4 telephones.
  • Milton had 10 telephones in 1898; Milton Mills had 6 telephones.

NET&T Co. opened an exchange in Milton, NH, in 1898. Milton got its first telephones in that same year, two years after Milton Mills. One of its first ten telephones was the “public telephone” in Charles D. Jones’ store. He also offered there gents’ furnishings, sporting goods, cigars, tobacco, and drugs.

  • Milton had 17 telephones in 1899; Milton Mills had 10 telephones.
  • Milton had 17 telephones in 1900; Milton Mills had 8 telephones.

Milton had 17 telephones and 346 households in 1900; 4.9% of its households had telephones. Milton Mills had 8 telephones and 93 households; 8.6% of its households had telephones.

  • Milton had 26 telephones in 1901; Milton Mills had 8 telephones.
  • Milton had 26 telephones in 1902; Milton Mills had 11 telephones.
  • Milton had 27 telephones in 1903; Milton Mills had 11 telephones.

New switchboards were “placed” at Milton and Milton Mills, NH, in 1904.

  • Milton had 32 telephones in 1904; Milton Mills had 17 telephones.
  • Milton had 65 telephones in 1905; Milton Mills had 25 telephones.
  • Milton had 75 telephones in 1906; Milton Mills had 35 telephones.
  • Milton had 72 telephones in 1907; Milton Mills had 44 telephones

NET&T Co.”placed” a new switchboard at Milton, NH, in 1907. In that same year, A.A. Fox, funeral director, advertised his “long-distance telephone connection at residence” in Milton Mills; and the Mills Drug Company (E.W. Emerson) advertised its telephone connection also.

  • Milton had 65 telephones in 1908; Milton Mills had 42 telephones.
  • Milton had 68 telephones in 1909; Milton Mills had 40 telephones.
  • Milton had 85 telephones in 1910; Milton Mills had 45 telephones.

Milton had 85 telephones and 282 households in 1910; 30.1% of its households had telephones. Milton Mills had 45 telephones and 97 households; 46.4% of its households had telephones.

Eglantine (Miller) Young, of Milton 3-Ponds, aged thirty-four years, worked as a telephone operator for the NE Telephone Co. in April 1910.

  • Milton had 94 telephones in 1911; Milton Mills had 89 telephones.
  • Milton had 96 telephones in 1912; Milton Mills had 94 telephones.
  • Milton had 98 telephones in 1915; Milton Mills had 95 telephones.
  • Milton had 101 telephones in 1916; Milton Mills had 94 telephones.
  • Milton had 113 telephones in 1917; Milton Mills had 91 telephones.

Alice J. Downing, of Silver Street, in Milton, aged twenty-one years, worked as a telephone operator in 1920. Doris M. Page, also of Silver Street, but a different household, aged twenty-five years, was also a telephone operator for the NE Telephone Co. Gladys H. Ayer, of School Street, in Milton, aged twenty-two years, worked the telephone exchange. She was said to have done so in her “home.”

In the face of all these very important developments, most subscribers still answer a call with, “Hello!” – just as was done thirty years ago [1880]. This answer necessarily calls for the introduction of a question, such as, “Who is this?” or “Is this the Jones company?” and a reply to one of these or other questions before the two connected parties overcome the customary preliminary formalities of a telephone conversation thus losing much time (McMeal, 1910).

References:

McMeal. Harry B. (1910). Telephony. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=Jv7mAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA305

NE Tel. & Tel. (1898). Annual Report. (Multiple Years). Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=TL4pAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA11-PA23

NE Tel. & Tel. (1900). Annual Report. (Multiple Years). Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=CNMpAAAAYAAJ

NE Tel. & Tel. (1902). Annual Report. (Multiple Years). Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=XyYwAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA24

Milton Businesses in 1894

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 16, 2018

Extracted below are the Milton entries from the N.H. Register, Farmers’ Almanac, and Business Directory, for 1894.

MILTON, STRAFFORD – Pop 1,640. N.E. fr. C., 40 m.; N.W. fr. Dover, 20 m. R.R.S. [Railroad Station] – Milton, on Ports., Gt. Falls & Conway R.R.; for Milton Mills, Union, 4 m., connects twice daily by stage.

OFFICERS – Clerk, C.D. Jones; Treas., Ira Miller; Selectmen, G. Lyman, G.H. Plummer, C.W. Lowe; Board of Education, Ira A. Cook, Frank Healey, E.F. Fox. 

Postmaster – N.G. Pinkham. 

Justices [of the Peace] – J.U. Simes, B.B. Plummer, E.W. Fox, M.V.B. Cook, C.C. Hayes, C.H. Looney, Luther Hayes, Geo. Lyman, B.F. Avery, E.F. Fox, F.L. Mason, State; Ira Miller, Joseph Plummer, G.I. Lowe, G.H. Goodwin. 

Churches – Chris., D.B. Goodwin, Cong., Myron Dickey, F. Bap. J.S. Manter

Exp. & Tel. Ag’t – John E. Fox. 

Hotels – Riverside House, C.H. Downs; Phenix House, F.M. Chamberlin; Milton Hotel, E.M. Bodwell. Summer Boarding Houses – S.W. Wallingford, J.L. Twombly, J. LeGallee.

Livery Stables – F.M. Chamberlain, C.H. Thurston.

Literary Institution – Nute Free High School and Library. 

Manufacturers – Blacksmiths, I.W. Duntley, N.B. Varney; boots and shoes, Burley & Usher Co., N.B. Thayer & Co. [Dam No, 14]; builders, Webber Bros., F.B. Roberts; excelsior, S.M. Bragdon; leatherboard mill, Milton Leatherboard Co. [Dam No. 13]; lumber, L. Hayes, L. Plummer, p.o. ad. Union; mowing machines, horse rakes &c., B.B. Plummer, C.A. Jones; oars, Shaw & Son; paper, Milton Manufacturing Co. [Dam No. 12]; soap, C.M. Wallingford; carriage and sign painter, Frank P. Twombly; tonsorial artist, W.F. Hargraves.

Merchants – E.C. Hodge, J.D. Willey, A.M. Roberts, L. Lucas; boots and shoes, N.G. Pinkham; groceries, W.T. Wallace; gents furnishing and sporting goods, cigars and tobacco, C.D. Jones; drugs, B.B. Sloan, C.D. Jones; ice, Boston Ice Co., Lynn Ice Co. Union Ice Co.; jewelry, F.A. Marks; provisions, G.E. Wentworth, C.A. Horne; fish, L.S. Nutter.

Physician – M.A.A.H. Hart. 

Milton Mills – Postmaster – Elijah T. Libbey. 

Churches – Adv., Joseph Spinney; Cong., I.E. Stuart; F. Bap., Eben. Fernald; Meth., ___ Collen.

Ex. Agent – Charles Stearns. 

Hotels – Central House, C. &. [C.D.] Fox.

Livery Stables – C.D. Fox, J.D. Hanson.

Manufacturers – Blacksmiths, J.E. Wentworth, S.F. Rines; builders, A.B. Shaw, A.A. Fox, J.F. Titcomb, E.S. Simes; doors, sash and blinds, A.B. Shaw; flannels, Waumbeck Manuf’g Co. [Dam No. 17]; felt cloth, Riverside Mfg. Co.; harnesses, A. Sanborn; picture frames, E. Deardin; soap, S.G. Chamberlain; woolen goods, H.H. Townsend [Dam No. 16]. 

Merchants – Asa Fox & Son, Ira Miller; boots and shoes, E.R. Campbell; confectionery, C.E. Ellis, E.T. Libbey, F.S. Marsh; dry goods, G.S. Lovering, Harry Wentworth; groceries, H.A. Pettengell & Co.; fish, C.S. Lowd; furniture, E.F. Fox; jewelry, E.T. Libbey; merchant tailor, Harry Wentworth; millinery and fancy goods, Lizzie L. Hart; provisions, C.S. Lowd; stoves and tinware, Murray Bros; soda fountain and periodicals, E.T. Libbey, F.L. Marsh. 

Miscellaneous – Conveyancer, claim and collection agent, E.W. Fox; job printer, E.T. Libbey; undertaker, A.A. Fox. 

Physicians – C.W. Gross, W.E. Pillsbury; dentist, E.G. Reynolds. 

Summer Boarding Houses – Chas. A. Reynolds, C.S. Lowd, Cyrus Miller, J.D. Willey, C.H. Prescott, Benj. Hoyle.

Although not listed as running a livery stable, confectioner Forrest L. Marsh offered to board horses over the winter of 1893-94.

HORSES, CARRIAGES, ETC. WINTER BOARD for horses, best of care; terms reasonable. F.L. MARSH, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, October 26, 1893).

By 1900, he was an attorney in Milton Mills.

New Hampshire. A safe in the postoffice in Murray Brothers’ store at Milton Mills was blown open Wednesday morning of last week. Three men were seen leaving the store, but the robbers made good their escape. They secured about $400 in money and stamps. It is thought to be the work of the same gang that has been operating in New Hampshire and Maine for several months past and has blown safes in 12 or 15 postoffices (Bellows Falls Times, May 24, 1894).

Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1892; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1898.

References:

Home Publishing Company. (1893). N.H. Register, Farmers’ Almanac, and Business Directory, for 1894. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=ie4WAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA131

Milton Businesses in 1892

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 14, 2018

Extracted below are the Milton entries from the Strafford County Business Directory section of the Dover, Great Falls, and Strafford County Directory, 1892-93.

MILTON.

Twenty miles N.W. of Dover. R.R. station at Milton on Ports., Gt. Falls & Con. RR. Four miles from Union, stage twice daily. It was originally a part of Rochester. Incorporated June 11, 1802. Farming and manufacturing are the principal employments. Area 25,000 acres. Population 1,640. Valuation, $857,367. Polls 450.

Apothecaries. Jones, Charles D.; Mason, Frank L.

Bands. Milton Mills Brass Band

Blacksmiths. Duntley, Ira W.; Grant, Roscoe E., Milton Mills; Varney, Bartlett; Wentworth, John E., Milton Mills

Boot and Shoe Dealers. East Lake Shoe Co., Milton Mills; Pinkham, Nathaniel G.

Boot and Shoe Mnfrs. Burley & Usher; Thayer, N.B. & Co.

Box Mnfr. Shaw, Aratus B., Milton Mills.

Carpenters and Builders. Giles, Jesse, Milton Mills; Webber, Royal K.

Clothing Dealer. Albee, Benjamin F., Milton Mills.

Confectionary and Fruit. Ellis, Charles E., Milton Mills; Lucas, Levi M.; Marsh, Forest L., Milton Mills

Contractor and Builder. Shaw, Aratus B., Milton Mills

Dentist. Reynolds, Everett G., Milton Mills

Dressmakers. Ricker, A.M. Miss; Wentworth, Cora E., Milton Mills

Dry and Fancy Goods. Lucas, Levi M.

Excelsior Mnfr. Bragdon, S.M.

Fancy Goods. Fox, Laura E., Milton Mills; Mason, F.L. Mrs.

Fish Dealer. Nutter, L. Sidney

General Stores. Fox, Ira [Asa] & Son, Milton Mills; Pettingell, H.A. & Co., Milton Mills; Willey, Joseph D.

Grocers. Miller, Ira, Milton Mills; Roberts, Amos M.; Wallace, William T.

Hairdressers. Ellis, Charles E., Milton Mills; Hall, Fred; Hargraves, William F.

Hardware Dealers. Murray Bros., Main, Milton

Harness Maker and Dealer. Sanborn, Abraham, Milton Mills

Hotels. Horace Drew, Hotel Phœnix, E. Edgerly, prop., Main; Hotel Prescott, C.H. Prescott, proprietor, Main, Milton Mills; River Side House, C.H. Downs, prop., West Lebanon road

Ice Dealers. Boston Ice Co.; Marblehead Ice Co.

Jewelry and Watches. E.T. Libby, Main, Milton Mills

Leather Board Mnfr. Carrecabe, John M.

Meat Market. Grant, Walter B.

Milk Dealer. Hayes, Rufus C.

Milliner. Fox, Laura E., Milton Mills

Painters. Hodgdon, George F.; Mills, William F., Milton Mills; Twombly, Frank P.

Paper Hanger. Hodgdon, George F.

Paper Mnfrs. Milton Mnfr. Co.

Physicians. Gross, Charles W.; Hart, M.A.H., Milton Mills; Jones, Charles D.; Mason, Frank L. 

Plumbers. Murray Bros., Main, Milton Mills

Roofers. Murray Bros., Main, Milton Mills

Saw Mills. Hayes, Luther, South M.; Shaw, Aratus B., Milton Mills

Stables. Chamberlin, Fred M.; Nutter James W.

Stage Line. Milton Mills to Union Village

Station Agent. Fox, John E.

Stationer. Pinkham, Nathaniel G.

Tailor. Albee, Benjamin F., Milton Mills

Variety Stores. Kimball, Rolfe M.; Lucas, Levi M.

Wooden Ware Manufacturer. Atkinson, Sullivan H., Milton Mills

Woolen Goods Manufacturers. Townsend, John, Waumbeck Co., Amasa Clark, agt.

The following advertisements for cloth workers appeared in the Boston Globe near the end of 1892 (and beginning of 1893).

MALE HELP WANTED. A RELIABLE MAN who thoroughly understands the business of piece dyeing to dye dress goods, flannels, etc. A man of this stamp may address JOHN A. BUGUEY, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, November 27, 1892).

MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED. A good experienced man to run a Parks & Woolson six-quarter shear. Write at once or come to JOHN A. BUGUEY, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, November 29, 1892). 

MALE HELP WANTED. WANTED. Boss weaver on Davis & Furber looms, must be a good manager of help, competent, steady and reliable. Man with family preferred. Address JOHN A. BUGNEY, supt., Milton Mills, N.H. (January 26, 1893).

John A. Buguey was then superintendent for the Waumbeck Company. His wife Mary E. (Keating) Buguey died in Milton Mills, NH, April 22, 1896. He and his children resided in Concord, MA, in 1900, where he was a weaving instructor at the Massachusetts State Prison there.

Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1889; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1894.

References:

Littlefield Directory Publishing Company. (1892). Dover, Great Falls, and Strafford County Directory, 1892-93. Boston, MA: Littlefield Directory Publishing Company, 12 Post Office Square

Puzzle #10: J.O. Porter’s Cork Problem

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 13, 2018

J.O. Porter, Jr., was son of Milton ice industry magnate J.O. Porter. The younger Porter posed the following problem to the Puzzle Problems column of the Boston Globe in December 1901:

I have been reading your puzzle column and am very much interested therein, and now send one that I think will interest your readers.

If a bottle and its cork cost $1.10 and the bottle cost $1 more than the cork, how much did the cork cost?

J.O. Porter, Jr., Marblehead (Boston Globe, December 19, 1901).

The Porters may have been preparing for their next Milton ice harvest when the younger Porter sent in this relatively simple problem.

[Answer to Puzzle #10 to follow in the next Puzzle]

Solution to Puzzle #9: Puzzle #9: How Did They Get There?

The coal, carrot, and scarf came from a snowman. “Nobody put them on the lawn” because they placed them on the snowman. When the snowman melted, they fell to the lawn.

Yes, yes, this one was much too easy. Commenters thought I might not be well. Philo Beddo got there within minutes, with several others following shortly thereafter.

If you have a nice logic puzzle, situated somewhere between those intended for schoolchildren (like this one evidently was) and those intended for MIT physicists (with charts, diagrams, and calculus), drop it in a comment.

Milton Businesses in 1889

By Muriel Bristol (Transcriber) | November 13, 2018

Here is extracted the Milton (including Milton Mills) entry from the New Hampshire Register, State Year-book and Legislative Manual, 1889.

MILTON, STRAFFORD – Pop. 1,516, N.E. fr. C. 40; N.W. fr. Dover, 20. R.R.S. [Railroad Station] – Milton, on Ports., Gt. Falls & Conway R.R.; for Milton Mills, Union, 4 m., connects twice daily by stage.

Officers – Clerk, C.H. Looney; Treas., Ira Miller; Selectmen, J.H. Avery, Charles C. Hayes, Chas. Hayes; Board of Education, John U. Simes, Charles D. Jones, B.B. Plummer.

Postmaster – N.G. Pinkham.

Justices [of the Peace] – J.U. Simes, E.W. Fox, Geo. Lyman, M.V.B. Cook, C.C. Hayes, B.F. Avery, Luther Hayes, B.B. Plummer, E.F. Fox, C.H. Looney, John S. Hersey, State; Ira Miller, Joseph Plummer, G.I. Lowe.

Churches – Chris. D.B. Goodwin; Cong. Frank Haley; F. Bap. C.E. Mason.

Exp. & Tel. Ag’t – William T. Wallace.

Hotels & Livery Stables – Riverside House, C.H. Downs; Phenix House, J.E. Hayes.

Literary Institution – Milton Classical Institute, Miss Fannie L. Hayes.

Manufacturers – blacksmith, I.W. Duntley, M.B. Varney; boots & shoes, Burley & Usher; builders, P.G. Webber & Bros.; clothing, Horne Bros.; excelsior, S.M. Bragdon; flour & meal, J.H. Avery; harnesses, ___ Bealls; Leather Board Mills, John Carricabe; lumber, Luther Hayes, Scates & Lyman, Wentworth & Plummer, L. Plummer, p.o. ad. Union; mowing machines, horse rakes &c, B.B. Plummer; oars, Shaw & Son; paper, Milton Manuf’g Co.; soap, C.M. Wallingford; soles, heels, etc., ___ Law.

Merchants – J.D. Willey, Looney & Downes, Levi Lucas; boots and shoes, N.G. Pinkham; clothing and gents furnishing goods, Goodwin and Co.; fancy goods, Mrs. Ira S. Knox, Mrs. J.F. Hart; ice, Granite State Ice Company, Lynn Ice Co., Boston Union Ice Co.; jewelry, F.A. Weeks; millinery, Alta Knox; provisions, W.B. Grant.

Physician – Chas. D. Jones.

Milton Mills – Postmaster – B.F. Albee.

Churches – Adv., Joseph Spinney; Cong., H.S. Ives; F. Bap., C.E. Hurd; Meth., I.G. Tibbetts.

Ex. Agent – Charles Stevens.

Hotels – Prescott House, C.H. Prescott; Centennial House, Benj. Hoyle.

Livery Stables – C.H. Prescott, J.D. Hanson.

Manufacturers – blacksmiths, H.J. Burrows, J.E. Wentworth, A. [ – missing section – ] Townsend.

Merchants – Asa Fox & Son, J.U. Simes, Ira Miller; boots and shoes, J.W. Hanson; confectionary, C.E. Ellis; dry goods, G.S. Lovering, B.F. Allbee, O.F. Marsh; fancy goods, M.A. Berry; fancy goods and groceries, Lewis Fox & Co.; fish, J.F. Archibald; furniture, E.F. Fox; groceries, E.J. Brierley, C.D. Fox; jewelry, E.T. Libbey; merchant tailor, B.F. Albee; millinery, Augusta Berry; millinery and fancy goods, L.F. Hart; periodicals, B.F. Allbee; provisions, C.S. Lowd; stoves and tin ware, Murray Bros.

Miscellaneous – conveyancer, claim and collection agent, E.W. Fox; job printer, E.T. Libbey; machinist, E. Osgood; undertaker, A.A. Fox.

Physicians – C.W. Gross, M.K. Cowell, W.E. Pillsbury; dentist, E.G. Reynolds.

Summer Boarding Houses – Charles A. Reynolds, John Lewis, C.S. Lowd, J.D. Willey.

In subsequent years, the Nute High School and Library celebrated February 15 of this year as their founding, although the building was not completed and opened for students until 1891.

The Boston Globe reported the bankruptcy of a Milton Mills grocery store:

Business Troubles. Firms Forced to Assign Under Stress of Financial Storms. Pettingill & Brown, grocers, Milton Mills, N.H., have failed. They owe $4500; assets $2100 (Boston Globe, May 7, 1889).

BUSINESS TROUBLES. Financial Difficulties Reported in Various Trades. The Boston creditors of H.A. Pettingell of the firm of Pettingell & Brown, grocers, Milton Mills, N.H., held a meeting in this city yesterday at the New England Furniture Exchange. The committee reported the liabilities as $4180. Assets varied and uncertain. Mr. Pettingell made an offer of 25 cents on a dollar, and the committee recommended its acceptance. All present signed the composition paper (Boston Globe, June 6, 1889).

Meanwhile, Varney & Lane, shoe manufacturers, sought shoe workers. They were based in Lynn, MA, but had opened a Milton Mills branch during the previous year.

MALE HELP WANTED. CUTTERS wanted on grain and gl. grain piece work, at VARNEY & LANE’S, Milton Mills, N.H.; also 3 good closers-on; come ready for work (Boston Globe, May 30, 1889).

The Milton Mills shoe strike against the newly-arrived shoe manufacturing firm began in November of this year.

This was also the year of the institutional founding of the Nute Memorial Chapel, as well as the Nute High School and Library (February 15), although their completed building dedications did not occur until later, October 23, 1890 and September 1891, respectively.

Previous in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1887; next in sequence: Milton Businesses in 1892.

References:

Tower, F.L. (1889). New Hampshire Register, State Year-book and Legislative Manual, 1889. Retrieved from books.google.com/books?id=d98WAAAAIAA

Milton and the Rusticators

By Muriel Bristol | November 12, 2018

Some few tourists may have come to Milton with the railroad in the mid 1850s. They likely stayed in one of Milton’s hotels or boarding houses. Other seacoast and mountain communities began to experience an increase in tourism with the generally increasing productivity and incomes of the 1870s. Some Milton farm families and others saw the same opportunity and began to advertise for Summer boarders around 1874. Milton and East Milton did advertise their Summer opportunities, but Milton Mills seems to have become especially active in this.

It began to become quite a cottage industry around this time – the B&B of its time.

One may gain some idea of what the tourist of those days, then known as a “rusticator,” sought in a Summer holiday. The advertisers pitched elevated ridgeline situations with scenery, views, shade, dry air and breezes. Dining would feature good farm food, including eggs, fresh milk, fruit, and berries.

These settings and amenities seem to have been considered especially “healthful” for children and invalids.

OUR FOLKS AND OTHER FOLKS. Mrs. Adelaide L. Nichols of 112 New Boston road is boarding in Milton, N.H., hoping to improve her health (Fall River Daily Evening News (Fall River, MA), August 19, 1907).

For the more active visitor, driving carriages on country roads seems to have been a popular activity. The rusticator had little interest in swimming or beaches; and many may not have even known how to swim. But boating, fishing, and hunting (or “gunning”) were mentioned often as attractions.

For those unable to make a complete break from their city lives, some situations emphasized their proximity to train stations, telegraphs, post offices, and newspapers. Churches too.

Summer Resorts and Hotels. In New Hampshire. BOARD – A few Summer boarders can find a pleasant home in a private family, convenient to churches, railroad, telegraph and Post Office, in a quiet and healthy little village, situated between mountain and pond. For particulars, address Box 30, Milton, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 7, 1874).

Hotels & Summer Resorts. CENTENNIAL HOUSE, Situated in the pleasant village of Milton Mills, N.H., is now open for boarders. Good board and rooms, gunning and fishing, pleasant drives and pure air. Terms satisfactory. Address JOHN W. PRESCOTT, Milton Mills (Boston Globe, June 27, 1876).

BG760627-Centennial

Summer Board. SUMMER BOARDERS wanted by a Christian family; pleasantly situated, high grounds, and a good farmer’s table; terms for adults, $5; children under seven, $2.50. Address box 329, East Milton, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 16, 1877).

SUMMER BOARDERS for the season at $4 per week. Boat on Lovell’s Lake, close by, and carriage to and from depot free. Unequalled facilities for driving, boating and fishing. Address JOHN F. GARLAND, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, June 24, 1879).

SUMMER BOARD. MILTON, N.H. – A child or invalid can find a pleasant home with kindest care; best references; terms reasonable. Address Box 9 (Boston Globe, August 6, 1882).

SUMMER BOARD. – At a farm house, near a splendid lake, mountain scenery, fine drives, etc.; terms to suit the times. Address Box 262, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, June 27, 1884).

SUMMER BOARDERS can have first-class accommodations at Tamaline Heights Cottage, Milton Mills, N.H. Pleasant situation; splendid views; fine drives; pure air, trout, bass and other fishing near; three minutes’ walk to post office, churches, stores, etc.; house newly refinished and furnished; no pains will be spared to make it comfortable and attractive; reference Elbridge W. Fox, P.M., Milton Mills, N.H. Apply through box 113, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 3, 1884).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARDERS. – Can have first-class accommodations at Tamaline Heights Cottage. Pleasant situation; splendid views; fine drives; pure air; near post office, churches, stores, etc.; no pains spared for comfort and ease. Apply through box 113, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 25, 1885).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARD at a pleasant farm house within 10 minutes’ walk of post office; nice shade grove; good rooms and table; terms reasonable. Address Box 146, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, June 2, 1886).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER board – Large farm house, near Lovell’s lake; highest land in Strafford county; oak and maple shade trees; splendid mountain scenery; fine drives and fishing; good rooms and table; ladies $4, gents $5 per week; teams to and from depot free. CHARLES E. LOWD, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 4, 1886).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARD – At a farmhouse near a splendid lake, mountain scenery, fine drives, etc., terms to suit times. Box 235, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, June 10, 1887).

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARD, at pleasant farmhouse, ½ mile from post office and village; cool, shady, fine drives, pleasant scenery, good rooms, plenty of meats, eggs, milk, vegetables; terms reasonable. Box 146, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 12, 1887).

SUMMER RESORTS. BOARD – Farm board on high ridge; dry air and plenty of shade; fruit, berries, milk, etc.; daily mail and papers; terms, ladies $4, gents $5 per week. Box 221, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 12, 1888).

SUMMER RESORTS. HOTEL PRESCOTT – Pleasantly situated in a beautiful village in New Hampshire, close to 3 churches and post office; 2 mails a day from Boston; a desirable home for those seeking health, comfort and pleasure; good fishing and gunning; nice drives; good livery connected with the house. C.H. Prescott, proprietor, Milton Mills, N.H (Boston Globe, July 28, 1889).

BG890728-Hotel Prescott

SUMMER RESORTS. SUMMER BOARD for ladies or gentlemen can be obtained in a beautiful village in New Hampshire; home comforts, close to 3 churches and post office, organ, Boston papers, good livery, etc.; board $4 to $7 per week. Address C.H. PRESCOTT, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 16, 1890).

SUMMER RESORTS. BOARD. – Farm board on high ridge; dry air and plenty of shade, fruit, berries, and milk, etc.; daily mail and papers; terms ladies $4, gents. $5 per week. Box 221, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 9, 1891). 

SUMMER RESORTS. WANTED. – Summer boarders at Sunset cottage; good farm board, high land, healthful climate; parties seeking rest write for full particulars. Box 71, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 9, 1891).

Summer Resorts. NEW HAMPSHIRE. BOARDERS wanted, Sunset cottage, on a farm, high land, beautiful scenery, healthy climate, plenty fresh eggs, milk, vegetables, etc., daily mail, reasonable. Box 71, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 21, 1895).

SUMMER RESORTS. NEW HAMPSHIRE. BOARDERS wanted at Sunset cottage; high land, healthy climate, scenery unsurpassed, shade, pleasant walks, drives, milk, eggs, berries, vegetables. Box 71, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, August 2, 1896).

Summer Resorts. FARM BOARD at Mountain View farm, location elevated and healthy, scenery fine, table supplied with fresh milk, berries and vegetables; testimonials given. Box 63, Milton Mills, N.H. (Boston Globe, July 13, 1897).

The business directories first took notice of this Summer boarding phenomenon in their 1889 issue, which included four Summer boarding houses situated at Milton Mills:

Summer Boarding Houses – Charles A. Reynolds, John Lewis, C.S. Lowd, J.D. Willey.

At some point, some Summer visitors began to buy their own Summer properties in Milton.