NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 1
Your Guide to What’s Happening in NH’s Lakes Region
FREE
November 2 • Vol 43 • No 30
Fall Colors, Local Stories & Lakes Region Happenings
Inside This Issue... Find More NH Veterans | Page 3
What’s Up | Pages 12-14
Yesteryear| Page 8
Page 2 | THE LAKER | NOVEMBER 2, 2026
NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 3
NH Veterans Association Continues To Preserve History By Thomas P. Caldwell For the New Hampshire Veterans Association, founded by Civil War veterans in 1875 and based at Weirs Beach in Laconia, 2026 is an important year. This year marks the launch of a $2 million campaign designed to restore and maintain the historic buildings on and adjacent to Lakeside Avenue, as well as to improve the infrastructure and campgrounds that welcome tents, trailers, and motor homes each summer. The NHVA property includes Victorian cottages, built over time, to accommodate generations of veterans who returned for remembrances, fellowship, and support. The restoration efforts include repairing foundations, replacing windows and roofs, improving utilities, and upgrading the property for continued accommodation of veteran events and community gatherings. In announcing the fundraiser, the NHVA stated, “The goal is simple: to preserve a living piece of New Hampshire’s veteran heritage, while ensuring the site remains safe and welcoming for future generations. Supporting the NHVA Preservation Fund means preserving history, honoring service, and strengthening the veteran community across New Hampshire. The NH Veterans Association was formed in Manchester in 1875 to allow Civil War veterans to meet and renew acquaintances. Three years later, the first NHVA encampment took place at The Weirs. To support the organization and see
that it had plenty of space for members to get together, the Boston-Concord-Montreal Railroad made land available on a hillside overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee in 1879, signing a 43-year agreement. The railroad prepared the property by clearing trees, grading some roadways, and building a dancing pavilion at the southern end of “the grove”. The land offered scenic views of the lake and a quiet place to camp. At that time, members stayed in tents along streets parallel to Lakeside Avenue. Larger tents served as headquarters and kitchen facilities. The NHVA erected the Lowell Building at the top of New Hampshire Avenue in 1880, with the first floor serving as an open reception area. The second floor was a dormitory. In 1881, the NHVA was incorporated, and the NH Legislature support-
ed additional housing, appropriating money for five barracks at the top of the grove. New headquarters were built next to the Lowell Building. Seating areas in the hillside grove area, with a speaker’s stand and pavilion, were built in 1882. That year, the NHVA also created the Woodbury Sanborn Memorial, a stone honoring the “sutler” — a civilian purveyor of food, liquor, and other comfort items to the 12th Regiment — and began planning for new headquarters and a dining pavilion. Next came the Fifth Regiment building, built next to the Lowell Building in 1883. The first floor had a large reception area, with a partitioned sleeping area on the second floor. Individual regiment associations began to make plans to construct their own buildings on plots allocated to them. Two years later, in 1885 — 10 years
after the formation of the NHVA — the Seventh Regiment building was completed on Lakeside Avenue, with a large reception area on the first floor and several sleeping areas and a ladies’ reception room on the second floor. The new headquarters building was completed, with large meeting rooms and offices on the first floor, a large meeting room with smaller rooms on the second floor, and a dormitory and storage area on the third floor. Another building served the Third Regiment, with the First Band utilizing one-third of the building. In the years that followed, the Second Regiment Building and Manchester House were completed (1886); the 16th Regiment Building and First Cavalry Building were added (1887); the Ninth and 11th Regiments Building and 15th Regiment Building were next (1888); followed by the National Veterans Association of New Hampshire Building (1891); the 14th Regiment Building (1893); and the Berdan’s Sharpshooters and Heavy Artillery Companies Building (1906). Images of America-The Weirs by historian Warren D. Huse recorded that the NH Veterans Association properties comprised about 17 buildings in all, on Lakeside Avenue, Main Street, and Veterans Avenue. President Theodore Roosevelt attended the 26th annual reunion in 1902, with between 20,000 and 40,000
• Veterans continued on page 4
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Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland A must-see holiday event and beloved tradition for families everywhere, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland visits the Colonial Theatre of Laconia (609 Main Street) on Sunday, November 22 at 5 pm. This holiday season, Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland invites audiences into a luminous world where time bends, and wonder takes over. When our heroes are swept into an enchanting winter realm, they begin to rediscover something unexpected—the magic, curiosity, and joy they thought they had outgrown. Reimagined for 2026, this all-new production features your favorite holiday music and a bold lineup of breathtaking cirque acts. From gravity-defying aerialists to edge-of-your-seat acrobatics, each moment is crafted to feel more dreamlike and emotionally resonant than ever before. It’s a fresh take on a beloved tradition and unlike anything audiences have seen from Cirque Musica in its 17-year history. Touring cities across North Ameri-
ca, the production brings together elite performers from around the globe to create a visually stunning and musically rich holiday experience for audiences of all ages. “We wanted this year’s production to feel transportive in a completely new way—something that doesn’t just celebrate the holidays but makes audiences feel like they’ve stepped inside them,” said Stephen Cook, President of TCG Entertainment and Producer of Cirque Musica. Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland is an unforgettable experience for the entire family to enjoy – a world-class circus experience infused with the holiday classics we all love. Experience the magic live at the Colonial Theatre on Sunday, November 22 - and step into a holiday world you won’t want to leave. For more information on ticketing, visit www.CirqueMusica.com or www.etix.com/ticket/p/39284770/ cirque-musica-holiday-wonderland-laconia-colonial-theatre.
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• Veterans continued from page 3 people attending to hear him speak on Aug. 28. The area was decorated with bunting and flags and the lake was filled with steamboats and other vessels. The NHVA was among the victims of a large fire that destroyed the Weirs Hotel in 1924. The spreading fire burned the Third Regiment building and damaged other barracks. Another catastrophe struck when the Hurricane of 1938 swept through the area, toppling more than 200 trees and destroying the Eighth and Thirteenth Regiment building, the National Veterans Association Building, the speaker’s stand, the convention pavilion, and other structures; while other buildings sustained damage. In later years, there were other fires, some of them of suspicious origin. The NHVA undertook repairs and did landscaping in the wake of those years of damage. Today the NHVA rents cottages, as well as tent and trailer sites, to members who served in the New Hampshire Units or Regiments, or in any other branches of the United States armed services who now are residents of New Hampshire, including those who served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Nurse Corps. On its website, the NHVA states, “This Association has the unique responsibility for maintaining the reservation, artifacts, and records passed
down to us by the New Hampshire Union Veterans of the Civil War. New Hampshire contributed 21 Regiments and 5 separate Companies, plus further unassigned volunteers to the Union Army in that war. Succeeding veterans and veterans’ organizations have maintained the reservation, and added further artifacts and records from all the conflicts since the Civil War to our collection. Our organization will continue to recruit all eligible veterans to assist us in the task of preserving our legacy, and educating the public as to the extraordinary effort that the ordinary soldiers have made to preserve our union, our country, and our way of life.” Members meet at The Weirs during June and August, and in Concord during November and April. The annual encampment and reunion happens each August, with the association’s annual meeting taking place on the second Saturday of August. Associated with the organization is the New Hampshire Veterans Association Auxiliary, which includes immediate family members (parents, spouse, siblings, and children 18 and older who are New Hampshire residents). It also offers a memorial membership for the immediate family of a New Hampshire serviceman who has fallen in battle within the preceding two years. To support the $2 million Preservation Fund campaign, go to the New Hampshire Veterans Association website at nhva.site/fundraising-campaign.
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VISIT US ONLINE! Castle in the Clouds Announces Annual Holiday Event: Christmas at the Castle Castle in the Clouds is pleased to announce the return of their popular annual holiday tradition, Christmas at the Castle. Christmas at the Castle is a series of events held at the National Historic Landmark Lucknow Estate across three weekends at the start of the holiday season. This year, the season’s theme is “Old-Fashioned New England Christmas,” offering visitors a holiday experience perfectly tailored to the backdrop of the historic home. This year, Castle in the Clouds is offering visitors three different ways to experience the magic of Christmas at the Castle. The holiday festivities begin with the Christmas Preview Party on the evening of Friday, November 20, at 4 pm. During the preview, guests can visit Lucknow Mansion and experience the holiday festivities before the general public. The Preview party will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, carolers, and first access to the Artisan Fair held in the Carriage House. Tickets for this exclusive fundraising event are limited, with proceeds benefiting the nonprofit mission of Castle Preservation Society. The public Christmas at the Castle events and activities begin the next day. Every Saturday and Sunday from November 21 through December 6 from 10 am to 4 pm, visitors can spend the day exploring the Castle, admiring the holiday décor provided by local businesses, and participating in holiday 1 10/6/2026 5:51:16seasonal AM activities.Laker26Fall.pdf In addition to the
decorations, Christmas at the Castle promises holiday spirit and family fun. Visitors can shop with local vendors at the Artisan Fair, take a photo with Santa, create holiday crafts, and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. The Carriage House Restaurant will be open, offering the addition of a holiday lunch to the Christmas at the Castle experience. After a successful introduction last year, Castle in the Clouds is also hosting Christmas at the Castle Twilight Tours. On Christmas at the Castle dates (November 21, 22, 28 and 29 and December 5 and 6) at 3 pm, visitors can enjoy a special dusk tour of Lucknow Mansion illuminated by holiday lights. Tickets for Twilight Tours are limited to allow a more intimate experience. “Christmas at the Castle is a beloved tradition at Castle in the Clouds, and we are delighted to host this time-honored event again this year,” said Charles Clark, Executive Director of Castle in the Clouds. “Our theme this year is a perfect fit for the historic estate and aligns with our current museum exhibit about the history of the property. With exclusive opportunities for viewing like the Preview Party and Twilight Tours, we are excited to offer unique ways for new and returning visitors to experience Christmas at the Castle.” For more information or to purchase tickets for Christmas at the Castle, visit www.castleintheclouds.org/christmas-at-the-castle.
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NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 5
Leave the Leaves
Energized to clean up your yard and Who needs your leaves: garden this fall? Homegrown NationBumblebees burrow into leaf litter for winter. Mother and butterfly cateral Park provides some fantastic tips on doing so with pollinators in mind. pillars cocoon inside it. Fireflies hide Starting this fall or years into it, here’s and lay eggs beneath it. Toads and what wildlife needs from your leaves: salamanders tuck into damp leaves for shelter and moisture. Songbirds forage Most of us grew up thinking a tidy yard meant clearing every leaf each through fallen leaves for insects and larvae to eat. fall. There’s a better way to care for your yard and the life that depends on Those same leaves return nutrients to Things to see and Thingsyour to do it. soil and feed your trees. Leaves Fall leaves aren’t debris. They’re aren’t clutter. They’re home to the wildlife you want to see in your yard. shelter, food, and nesting material for the wildlife living in our yard through The easiest way to help wildlife is to winter. Small changes in how you hanleave your leaves where they fall. dle them can support a lot more life.
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Granite Granite State State Scene Scene & & Heard Heard
SCENE AND HEARD: The Strange Sound of Fremont in We Are The Shaggs By Joel Bocko Among dozens of films screened for the Portsmouth Music Hall’s New Hampshire Film Festival this October were titles from all over the globe as well as those rooted in this state, with subjects spanning grand historical events and pop cultural milestones as well as more modest experiences from the margins of society. The documentary We Are The Shaggs, a story of homebodies who gather a following around the world, manages to fit multiple categories at once. Focused on the performing, recording, and personal history of the 1960s New Hampshire rock group The Shaggs, the film especially homes in on their musical originality and cultural legacy. Abrasive, heartfelt, and confounding, The Shaggs inspired savage takedowns from the musical press as well as celebrations by rock icons like Jello Biafra, Kurt Cobain, and Frank Zappa (who dubbed them “better than The Beatles”). For all its narrative and geographical sweep, We Are The Shaggs remains stubbornly rooted in the small town of Fremont - a key element of its dramatically ironic yet emotionally sincere outlook. Three Wiggin sisters - Dot on lead guitar (she also wrote and sang their output), Betty on rhythm (joining Dot on the mic for harmonies), and Helen on drums - formed the core of the group, with sister Rachel occasionally joining on bass. The film doesn’t dwell much on Rachel, but interviews with Dot and Betty (Helen passed away in 2006) anchor its early narrative in the band’s family history. The Shaggs were formed and driven by their disciplinarian father Austin,
who made them practice incessantly but didn’t actually understand how their instruments worked; infamously, when told by recording engineers that the girls’ guitars were out-of-tune, he insisted that Sears had sold him functional equipment which never needed to be re-tuned. While there have been many debates about who should be designated “the fifth Beatle,” there’s no question that Austin was the fifth Shagg - or the first, in terms of development and devotion. Obsessively compelled to form his daughters into a popular band because his mother had predicted this fate for them (no other interest or passion motivated this endeavor), he withdrew them from school and organized their entire lives around the pursuit of success. They made their debut in Exeter, where he worked in a mill, and performed regularly at the Fremont Town Hall for years. The documentary depicts these concerts through photos, recollections, and animation that peppers the film from beginning to end, emphasizing the poignancy of these young women forced to create entertainment for others that they could not themselves enjoy. That audience was where they wanted to be, but the stage was their destiny for better or worse. While the band was together, from the mid-sixties to the mid-seventies, this modest hometown trajectory was The Shaggs’ entire horizon - punctured only by one seemingly unremarkable visit to a Revere, Massachusetts studio where they recorded their one and only album (Philosophy of the World) in 1969. The story could have ended there, a poignant tale of eccentric small
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town dreams and nightmares hidden away from the wider world like so many others. Instead, the wider world slowly tuned into their bizarre sensibility and many artists and aficionados began to experience the music in a way entirely divorced from its origins. Dot’s favorite band was Herman’s Hermits, perhaps the most innocuous members of the British Invasion, but the music inspired by this tame source was quite unintentionally atonal, brash, and chaotic. Years later, The Shaggs: Philosophy of the World, a 2010s stage production (shown within the film), would alternate lighting, staging, and music from moment to moment in order to contrast how the musicians thought they sounded versus how they actually sounded. For some, that obvious discrepancy between intent and outcome was the whole point, a gleefully ironic comedy of errors in which The Shaggs were the butts of a joke rather than its perpetrators, their very sincerity a key part of the punchline. For others, the appreciation was a bit more complicated; The Shaggs’ naiveté placed them in a long lineage of outsider art whose originality was achieved through directness and lack of training. Still others gave them even more credit than that, honoring the creativity and intricacy of what amounted to a private artistic language while still recognizing The Shaggs’ distance from conventional approaches to musicianship (and also from hyper-self-conscious attempts at performing their “outsider” -ness, a marked contrast with, say, art students turned punk rockers). We Are The Shaggs deftly maneuvers between
these various viewpoints while leaning mostly toward the third, the most respectful and least coated in cynical condescension; in addition to biography, a lot of time is spent with musicians and musical theorists closely examining the music itself to explain, marvel at, and struggle to reproduce its intuitive complexity. The sound of The Shaggs is hard to convey in prose, and director Ken Kwapis wisely introduces us to it right away, unfiltered and unexplained. The opening sequence of the movie consists of a series of listeners from all walks of life placing headphones over their ears and listening to The Shaggs for the first time. Various mixtures of perplexity, bemusement, and appreciation follow. As a viewer, I entered the film in a similar state - though I’d heard the band’s name and knew they were locals, I’d never heard them perform and had no idea their music was so unusual. Nor did I know their offbeat and at times traumatic backstory nor their quiet, dignified responses to the bewildering attention, positive and negative, that they received over a half-century (the ever-earnest Dot today divides her time between cleaning her local Protestant church and collaborating with Brooklyn hipsters inspired by her quirky sensibility). Whether you’re in a similar position or already deeply familiar with their work and its many interpretations and inspirations, I can heartily recommend this documentary as a worthy exploration of, and affectionate tribute to, their unique place in music history.
NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 7
Scene & Heard Around New Hampshire Here’s what’s playing in retrospective (or otherwise notably unique) screenings around the state in November: Under the Skin at 12, 3:30, 6:30 & 9:30 pm in Regal Newington (45 Gosling Rd) on November 6. Before winning the Academy Award for the masterful Zone of Interest, Jonathan Glazer directed this avant-garde sci-fi, a mixture of hidden-camera documentary and visionary surrealism in which a black-wigged Scarlett Johansson cruises Glasgow in a van looking for men (played by non-actors unaware they were being filmed and apparently not recognizing their driver as a movie star, given the circumstances). Her purposes are something other than romantic, and the shimmering black void where she brings anticipates, and almost certainly directly influenced, later such spaces in Stranger Things and Get Out. Seemingly absurd in its premise but haunting and hypnotic in delivery, with some of the most striking visuals in cinema history, this is one of the great films of the 2010s and well worth seeing on the big screen. It’s part of Regal Newington’s third straight month of classics every day, this time part of an all-November series titled “Deep Cuts”. Also playing (check theaters for showtimes): The Flying Monkey - 39 Main St in Plymouth: Minions & Monsters on November 4, The Untouchables on November 5, Saving Private Ryan on November 11, Hundreds of Beavers on November 18, Ratatouille on November 20, The Nightmare Before Christmas on November 25, and Warren Miller’s Days Off on November 27. Capitol Center for the Arts - BNH Stage (Capitol Center for the Arts) - 16 S Main St in Concord: Gregg Allman: The Music of My Soul on November 8
and Actually, It is Rocket Science on November 15 Capitol Center for the Arts - Swope Theater (Capitol Center for the Arts) 44 S Main St in Concord: A Christmas Story (w/live appearance by actor Peter Billingsley) on November 18 and Labyrinth (w/live music accompaniment) on November 24. The Colonial Bethlehem - 2050 Main St in Bethlehem: When Harry Met Sally on November 5, The Book of Life on November 7, The Way Out on November 7, The Princess Bride on November 12, The Blind Side on November 19, and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (Extended Editions) on November 28. The Colonial Keene - 95 Main St in Keene: The Muppet Christmas Carol on November 28. The Hop - 4 E Wheelock St in Hanover: The Return (2024) on November 8. Fathom at Regal (45 Gosling Rd in Newington), Cinemark (& Apple (38 Cinemagic Wy in Hooksett & 11 Executive Park Dr in Merrimack) - dates may vary by theater: V for Vendetta on November 1 & 5, Rocky on November 7 – 11. Cinemark (15 Mall Rd in Salem) as well as other Fathom-hosting theaters: A Beautiful Mind on November 22 & 23 and Doctor Who: The Satan Pit on November 23 & 28 (re-edited with “The Impossible Planet”). Deep Cuts only at Regal Newington (in addition to Under the Skin): Oldboy on November 1, Bait on November 2, The Handmaiden (2016) on November 3, Incendies on November 4, This is England on November 5, Zathura on November 6 – 8, Portrait of a Lady on Fire on November 7, Thief on November 8, Seconds on November 9, Blow Out on November 10, Bound on November 11, Smokin’ Aces on November
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12, The Devils (1971) on November 13, Rise of the Guardians on November 13 – 15, Drive on November 14, After Hours on November 15, American Movie on November 16, Repo Man (1984) on November 17, The House of the Devil on November 18, The General (1925) on November 19, The Hunger on November 20, The Dark Crystal on November 20 – 22, Vanilla Sky on November 21, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift on November 22, The World’s End on November 23, Blade II on November 24, Cowboys & Aliens on November 25, Howard the Duck on November 26, Gremlins 2: The New Batch on November 27, Addams Family Values on November 27 – 29, Waterworld on November 28, Hoosiers on November 29 and Three O’Clock High on November 30. Other screenings only at Regal Newington: On Her Majesty’s Secret Service on November 2, Goldfinger on November 9, Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives on November 13 and Festive Fun with Peppa on November 14, 15, 21 & 22.
The Majestic Theatre - 36 Main St in Conway: This is Spinal Tap on November 13. The Music Hall - 28 Chestnut St in Portsmouth: Actually, It Is Rocket Science on November 7, Exhibition On Screen: James McNeill Whistler on November 8, Warren Miller’s Days Off on November 13 & 14, and Best in Show on November 19. The Park - 19 Main St in Jaffrey: Moby Dick (1956) on November 7 (preceded by a live performance of the one-man play Sailing Towards My Father about Herman Melville), The Great Escape on November 11, Van Gogh & Japan on November 11, In the Whale Q&A with director David Abel on November 15 (new release but noted for the live component) and 23rd Annual Animation Show of Shows on November 20 & 21. Wilton Town Hall - 40 Main St in Wilton: A Sailor-Made Man & Shoulder Arms on November 29. Check their Facebook page to find out what the surprise screenings will be each day.
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Page 8 | THE LAKER | NOVEMBER 2, 2026
Yester year
Remembering Lakes Region Men Who Served By Kathi Caldwell-Hopper When war came to America, many men in the Lakes Region stepped forward to serve. The wars varied, but the men from towns and villages heeded the call and left home and family to fight for freedom. Many years ago, the Revolutionary War was on the horizon. Even if you lived in a remote area, you heard rumblings of war that were growing in places like Boston. Many people in towns spread across New Hampshire knew the troubles would eventually impact their communities, whether they remained loyal to the King or stood behind the rebels who wanted to break from England. Gilmanton, New Hampshire, saw some of its citizens involved in the fight for freedom in the Revolutionary War. Some of the men in the town volunteered to serve under Gilmanton’s Lieutenant Ebenezer Eastman, who led the troops. (Eastman was known as a born leader and was well liked.) No battles actually took place in Gilmanton or other Lakes Region/New Hampshire areas, but plenty of men around the state volunteered to fight with the rebels during the war years. It was big news when, in December of 1774, rebels learned there were British troops heading to Portsmouth Harbor, preparing to take gunpowder and arms from Fort William & Mary. A large group of around 400 New Hampshire men (with some of those volunteering to help from Lakes Region towns) rushed to Portsmouth, prepared to fight. Luckily, the rebel element reached the fort before the Red Coats and, upon arrival, removed weapons and gunpowder. If you lived on or near the Piscataqua River, you could have seen a gun-
dalow loaded with weapons as it headed on the water to be hidden from the Red Coats. Things were heating up, and you had to be ready to answer a call to arms; it came not long after, and New Hampshire men were off to fight in Boston’s Battle of Bunker Hill. Not everyone in the small New Hampshire communities wanted to break free from the crown and there were loyalists even in remote communities such as Gilmanton. Many residents signed a loyalty oath called the Association Test. The document required all men over age 21 to declare support for the Revolution and pledge to take up arms against the British. It was a powerful pledge and told the world where each citizen stood on the issues. Much later in time, the Civil War impacted the Lakes Region. The fighting might have been in another region of the country, but men from most New Hampshire towns joined up and served in far-away areas. For example, George Washington Woods enlisted at the tender age of 15 in 1861. He was a fifer musician in Company B, 17th United States Infantry. He acted as a bodyguard for General George B. McClellan. His service was impressive, and after the war, he eventually settled in Laconia and had full military honors at his funeral. He was 99 years of age at his passing. In Sandwich, New Hampshire, Lewis Q. Smith fought in the Civil War; he enlisted in 1862 at 30 years of age. He was in the Company K Volunteer Infantry. Most of the men of the company were farmers and laborers from the Sandwich community, and many had never been out of their home state. Lewis Smith fought valiantly in some
major battles during the Civil War, and one of those was the terrible Shenandoah Valley battle under General Philip Sheridan. Smith was a prolific writer and kept diaries of his time in the war. He detailed front-line experiences and, during the war, traveled to many places in the southern portion of the country. During the Civil War, Smith wrote to his family back in Sandwich, and those letters survived over the years. They offer a rare glimpse from the front lines and have given historians a look at what the war years were really like, according to the NH Historical Society. He wrote of the realities of camp life, diseases that plagued the soldiers, fatigue, and worry about his family back in New Hampshire. He was aware of the toll the war was taking on New Hampshire residents, and he saw first-hand the deep divide between the two political parties. (A book titled Keep Up Good Courage: A Yankee Family and the Civil War by Alan Fraser Houston offers more on Lewis Q. Smith.) In Ashland, New Hampshire, a number of local men served during the Civil War, with the 6th NH Infantry gathering in 1861. The men who served were mostly from the Ashland, Holderness, and Plymouth area. After training, the regiment was sent to Washington, DC, and then made their way to North Carolina. Disease was rampant at the time, and many caught measles or malaria because conditions were poor everywhere. (Corporal Henry Smith was the first Ashland man to die in the Civil War.) After the Civil War ended, thousands of men returned home and brought with them the trauma of the battles they had fought in and experienced. Those who suffered had few fellow soldiers to talk to as they struggled to adjust to normal life. An idea came about to provide a place where the soldiers could reconnect and find peace in a beautiful place. The Weirs Beach area was a bucolic place for veterans to meet and renew acquaintances with others who fought in war. In 1875, the New Hampshire Veterans Association (NHVA) was formed in Concord. Recognizing the veterans’ need for a place to get together, the Boston, Concord, and Montreal Railroad donated a piece of property near the railroad’s Weirs Beach station. It was a good location for a campground with scenic views and the quiet of the
country. In 1878, the New Hampshire Veterans Association began holding annual multi-day reunions at Weirs Beach. The events were successful, offering a place for veterans to camp and enjoy being with old friends. In 1881, the State Legislature provided housing. The buildings completed, according to an article by Mark Okrant, were a Headquarters Building, the 3rd Regiment and First Band Building, and 7th Regiment Building (1885); 2nd Regiment Building and Manchester House Building (1886); the 16th Regiment Building and 1st Cavalry Building (1887); the 9th and 11th Regiments Building and 15th Regiment Building (1888); the National Veterans Association of New Hampshire Building (1891); the 14th Regiment Building (1893); and the Berdan’s Sharpshooters and Heavy Artillery Companies Building (1906). In the early 1900s, popular politician and President Theodore Roosevelt attended the 26th annual reunion, and thousands of people came to hear him speak at Weirs Beach. The area was decorated with bunting and flags, and the lake filled with steamboats and other vessels; the gathering must have been an amazing sight. A typical and festive event, for example, took place on a weekend in August of 1930. It was held at the New Hampshire Veterans’ Campground at Weirs Beach. The Reunion of the Grand Army of the Republic Spanish War, according to a printed piece by the New Hampshire Veterans Association, included a Spanish War and Veterans of Foreign Wars Day with a campfire, speeches, and music by the Laconia Municipal Band. Grand Army Day speakers and a campfire, and a Woman’s Day featured Woman’s Auxiliary speakers, a Civil War reunion, and a campfire. The event closed with Governor’s and American Legion Day “devoted to pleasure and the one feature a parade under the auspices of the New Hampshire Veterans Association,” according to related information about the event. The wars that were fought for freedom touched the lives of families all over the Lakes Region. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War and beyond, the brave men stepped up and served.
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NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 9
Award-Winning Musical Come From Away to be Presented by Community Players of Concord The critically acclaimed musical Come From Away will be presented for the first time on a New Hampshire community theatre stage on November 20-22 by the Community Players of Concord as part of its 99th season. Featuring a driving and deeply moving score by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the show has earned global success with 37 award nominations. The show’s global presence resonates across all audiences as an uplifting reminder of humanity’s ability to come together, no matter what the circumstances. Come From Away is based on the true story of when the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland, played host to the world, as 38 planes, carrying thousands of people from around the globe, were diverted to the Gander airstrip on September 11, 2001. Undaunted by cultural clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar, and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. This fast-paced show, a testament to the power of kindness and connecting,
is presented as the Players honor the 25th anniversary of these unforgettable events. When Director Betsey Cox-Buteau (The Addams Family Musical) first saw the show, what she experienced surprised her. “I came away with a renewed sense of what is possible when ordinary people choose kindness, generosity, and community. Come From Away is, of course, a story about an extraordinary moment in history. But it is also a story about something much bigger: us. It is about what happens when strangers become neighbors. It is about
opening your home when you have no idea who is coming through your door. It is about sharing what you have, finding humor in the midst of uncertainty, and discovering that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is room for music, laughter, friendship, and hope.” Cox-Buteau is joined on this production by Musical Director Michael Shaw (The Addams Family Musical) and choreographer Caleb Anderson (Something Rotten Jr.). The talented ensemble cast of 12 includes both Players’ veterans and experienced newcomers: Trina Arling (Bye Bye Birdie),
Allyson Thorpe (The Sound of Music), Hannah McCauley (Our Town), Cynthia Rodier, Danielle O’Keefe, Melissa Williams, John Phipps, Michael Wiest, Nathan Smith (Bye Bye Birdie), Joseph Smith, Rob Gray and Joel Sadler (Bye Bye Birdie). Come From Away will be performed on Friday, November 20 and Saturday, November 21 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, November 22 at 2 pm at Concord City Auditorium. Single-sale tickets for individual shows are available online on the website communityplayersofconcord.org/tickets for $22 adults/$20 seniors and students. Information: 603224-4905. $18 subscription tickets are on sale by mail with full information on the website. The November 22 matinee performance will offer ASL interpreters. For ASL adjacent seating, please email jim.webber@communityplayersofconcord.org. The show is sponsored by Orr & Reno. The season presenting sponsor is Merrimack County Savings Bank. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International.
Wolfeboro Lions Holiday Poinsettia Sale Returns The holiday season is approaching, and the Wolfeboro Lions Club is offering beautiful poinsettias again to brighten homes and businesses while supporting local community projects. Choose from red, white, or pink poinsettias in six-, eight-, and ten-inch sizes. It’s an easy way to add holiday cheer while giving back. Orders can be picked up at the Wolfeboro Public Library on Tuesday, November 24, or Saturday, December 5. Home or business delivery is also available through a Wolfeboro Lions Club member. All net proceeds from the sale support the Wolfeboro Lions Club’s charitable work and community service. The club assists local residents in need with eye exams, eyeglasses, and hearing aids, conducts vision screenings for children through its annual Operation Kids Sight program, and supports the Granite State Sight and Hearing Foun-
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dation. The club also contributes to numerous local organizations and community programs, including L.I.F.E. Ministries Food Pantry, Knights Against Hunger, Camp Pride in New Durham, the Wolfeboro Fuel Assistance Fund, and the Wolfeboro Children’s Christmas Fund. Supporting local youth and education is another important part of the club’s work. The Lions sponsor Scout Troop 165 and award $2,000 scholarships to local students pursuing higher education. The Wolfeboro Lions also bring the community together through events such as the annual car show and Smith River Canoe Race. In partnership with Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation, the club organizes the annual Gift of Sight and Hearing Turkey Trot, with proceeds benefiting its sight and hearing programs.
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To place an order, visit the club’s online ordering page: pci.jotform.com/ form/252744247188162. Order forms are also available at the Wolfeboro Public Library, Wolfeboro Chamber of Commerce, and Avery Insurance. To request a form by email, contact Lion Joe at jrdecho@aol.com.
The Wolfeboro Lions Club thanks the community for its continued support. Every purchase helps the club make a difference in the lives of local residents and support organizations and programs throughout the community.
Page 10 | THE LAKER | NOVEMBER 2, 2026
Native Americans in the Lakes Region By Mark Okrant Long before the Lakes Region became a landscape of cottages, resorts, highways, and summer camps, it was a highly organized Native landscape connected by water, trails, villages, and seasonal movements. The modern map of the Lakes Region is, in effect, a record of that strong Native American presence. Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Squam, Ossipee,
Pemigewasset, and Paugus are all reminders of a landscape named by people who lived here long before European settlement. Those early people did not represent a single tribe. They were communities and bands of the larger Abenaki-speaking world. “Abenaki” is the broad cultural and linguistic designation whose territory extended throughout what is now New Hampshire, including
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the Merrimack basin and the Lakes Region. Other Abenaki-allied bands moved through or used the region seasonally. A breakout of the principal native communities or political groupings living in the Lakes Region follows: The Winnipesaukee were centered around Lake Winnipesaukee and especially the outlet at present-day Weirs Beach. The Pennacook was a major Abenaki-speaking confederacy whose territory centered on the Merrimack Valley but extended northward into the Lakes Region. The Pemigewasset occupied the Pemigewasset River and the upper Merrimack basin. The Ossipee were centered around Ossipee Lake and the Ossipee Mountains. The Pequawket were based farther north around the Saco River and Fryeburg area, but their activities were closely connected to the Lakes Region. The rivers and lakes of central New Hampshire were not mere wilderness. Some of their significant sites are: The Weirs was probably the single most important Native archaeological site in the Lakes Region. Native people constructed fish weirs across the outlet to capture spawning fish. A major Winnipesaukee/Pennacook settlement, Aquadoctan, was established at the outlet of Lake Winnipesaukee, occupying a substantial stretch along the Winnipesaukee River and lakefront, primarily where today’s Weirs Beach is located. Archaeological evidence indicates human occupation in this area extended back more than ten thousand years, while the earliest European incursions occurred during the early 1600s. The Lochmere Archaeological District, between Lake Winnisquam and
Silver Lake along the Winnipesaukee River, is another extraordinary resource. Numerous dugout canoes were discovered here after Europeans arrived. Thirteen archaeological sites within the district give proof to approximately 9,000 years of Native occupation. The river was simultaneously a transportation route, fishing resource, and source of water. Part of it is preserved as the Brennick Lochmere Archaeological Site. The Ossipee area contains evidence of an important Native community, including the remains of an Abenaki fort and archaeological evidence around Ossipee Lake. Alton Bay has evidence of Native occupation and was an important meeting point for several trails. A suspected Winnipesaukee village site near the Merrymeeting River has produced stone artifacts interpreted as evidence of gardening and settlement. Not far from modern-day Franklin, a Native village existed at the junction of the Winnipesaukee and Pemigewasset rivers. Large quantities of artifacts have been found in the Franklin-Tilton area, including material attributed to very early periods. In Melvin Village, there is a historical marker that identifies the Grave by the Lake. This marks the place where an unusually tall Native American man was buried at the mouth of the Melvin River. The Lakes Region is a living record of Native geography. For Native people, waterways were highways. Names such as Winnipesaukee come from an Abenaki/Pennacook form generally interpreted as “land around the lake” or “the region surrounding the lake.” Oth• Native Americans continued on page 11
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NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 11 • Native Americans continued from page 10 er Native American names that have remained on the land include Squam, Ossipee-named after the Ossipee people, Pemigewasset and the river name is Abenaki and is commonly associated with extensive rapids, Winnisquam is an Abenaki derived name associated with important salmon fishing spots, the Winnipesaukee River was particularly important because it connected the great lake system to Lake Winnisquam, the Pemigewasset and ultimately the Merrimack, Paugus Bay is named for the Abenaki leader Paugus, the name Suncook is another Native-derived name, associated with the Merrimack drainage. Those were but a few of the key waterways that served as highways for local Native Americans. In addition, historic research has identified several trails that were very important for travel within the region. These include the Quannippi Trail between Alton and Wolfeboro, along the eastern side of Lake Winnipesaukee toward Alton Bay. Abenaki Trail from Wolfeboro to Moultonborough. Jossebi/Ossipee Trail from Meredith toward West Ossipee. Winnibisqua/Winnipesaukee, Cocheco, and Sankek/Suncook Trails that converged at Alton Bay. Several of these routes were later incorporated into European roads. Those established Native footpaths correspond closely to modern-day transportation routes. The earliest European contacts with Native Americans diffused disease to Native cultures. European diseases, particularly smallpox and influenza, swept through Native communities because indigenous people lacked previous exposure and had developed little immunity; epidemics beginning in the early 1600s caused catastrophic population losses. During the early part of the seven-
teenth century, increasing European settlement brought fur trade into the new colonies. However, one should not misunderstand the level of development within this region prior to European exploration. By the time English settlement expanded, Europeans were entering a landscape that already contained established Native villages, agricultural clearings, fishing facilities, and transportation networks. By the middle of the eighteenth century, the Native population had already been severely reduced and displaced, allowing colonial land grants to proceed with comparatively little Native resistance. So, what happened to the Native population? Some believe incorrectly that the original occupants of the Lakes Region simply disappeared. In truth, the answer is more complex. It involves: 1) disease, as epidemics devastated communities during the seventeenth century. 2) warfare, wherein Native people became caught in wars involving the English, French, and other Native nations. The Lakes Region was particularly vulnerable because its rivers and trails connected it to multiple theaters of conflict. 3) displacement, with the continual expansion of English settlement, Native communities were pushed increasingly northward and westward. 4) migration by survivors who moved toward communities farther north. As well as 5) assimilation and intermarriage with Europeans or other local residents. Historians summarize the story as follows: the Native population had been drastically reduced by seventeenth-century epidemics and warfare, with survivors increasingly displaced during the eighteenth century. However, it would be incorrect to say that the Native population of this region has vanished, as evidenced by the number of indigenous placenames on our current maps.
Squam Lake Artisans & Bohemian Home Welcome the Holidays Squam Lake Artisans and Bohemian Home will hold a combined Open House to usher in the holiday season. The festivities will take place in their co-joined business locations at 23 Main Street, Center Harbor, on Sunday, November 22 from 2-4 pm, located in the building next to the town bandstand, just across from the town docks. This event is open to the public, and all are invited to come meet the artists and décor experts in both businesses, enjoy refreshments, celebrate the holiday season, and enter a drawing for some delightful artsy gifts. Squam Lake Artisans features the works of 18 artists providing a broad and colorful cross-section of the creativity that exists throughout New Hampshire. The works on display include all manner of visual art: paintings, photography, and fine art and crafts fashioned from fabric, glass, wood, and other ma-
terials. Paintings on display have been created in traditional mediums (oil, acrylic, watercolor), as well as more esoteric mediums such as digital, alcohol, and ink. Felted wool and stained-glass wall hangings festoon the walls alongside the paintings and photography. In addition to the hanging art, the gamut of fine arts and crafts is fully represented, from wood carvings, fabric art, pottery and ceramics to fine jewelry, glass art, woodworking and metal sculptures. Bohemian Home is a curated experience for all the senses. A place to wander about and be immersed into a bohemian lifestyle. “We believe your home and personal style should reflect your individuality as well as your personality, and our mission is to help you achieve that! For more information about the gallery, the artists, home/ clothing décor, visit SquamLakesArtisans.com and BohemianHome.net.
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What’s UP
your guide to what’s happening in NH’s Lakes Region...
Please call ahead for event updates. Information and schedules subject to change. Through Dec. 1, ArtWorks Charity Silent Auction, to benefit The Bearcamp Center, Way Station and the ArtWorks Fund. Bid until 5 pm Dec. 1 online at ArtWorks CCAC, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, 603-323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com. (From Nov. 6 to Dec. 1) Nov. 5, Breaking the Ice: The First Winter Scientific Expedition to Mount Washington, 6 pm, presented by Dr. Peter Crane, Mount Washington curator, explores 1870-71 adventure to document Mt. Washington’s winter weather, Gafney Library Community Room, 14 High St., Sanbornville, 603-522-3401. Nov. 5, The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Moral Challenges of AI, 6:30 pm, free, public welcome, Meredith Public Library, 91 Main St., Meredith, 603-279-4303. Nov. 6, ArtWorks Charity Silent Auction Opening Reception, 5 – 7 pm, Browse auction items, bid online until 5 pm Dec. 1, to benefit The Bearcamp Center, Way Station and the ArtWorks Fund. ArtWorks CCAC, 132 Rt. 16, Chocorua, 603-323-8041, www.chocoruaartworks.com. Nov. 6 & 7, Gunstock Ski Club Annual Gear Sale, shop for new and used, skis, poles, helmets, gloves, boots and more, (Nov. 6: 3 – 8 pm; 7: 9 am – 1 pm), Gunstock, 719 Cherry Valley Rd., Gilford, 603-293-4341, www.gunstock.com.
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Nov. 7, Bayberry Candle Making, 1 – 3 pm, for age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www. prescottfarm.org., pre-registration: 603-366-5695. Nov. 7, Castle Trivia Night, 4:30 – 7 pm, Castle in the Clouds (Lucknow), Rte. 171, Moultonborough, pre-registration encouraged: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. Nov. 7, Don’t You Want S’more?, 3 – 5 pm, for kids under age 8, storytelling around a firepit, snacks, s’mores, Squam Lakes Association, 534 US Rt. 3, Holderness, 603-968-7336, www.squamlakes.org.
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Nov. 7, Feather Wool Trees with Jean Reed, 10 am – 4 pm, pre-registration by Nov. 4 required, Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, 603-279-7920, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, http://meredith.nhcrafts.org/classes/.
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Nov. 7, Holiday Village Fair, 8 am – noon, blueberry pancake breakfast, gift baskets, general store, bakery, jewelry, book nook and more, First Congregational Church, 63 S. Main St., Rochester, lib1312@gmail.com. Nov. 7, Wellness Expo 2026, 10 am – 4 pm, free, Lakes Region Community College, 379 Belmont Rd., Laconia, info.: 603-524-5531.
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Nov. 7, Wild Edible and Medicinal Plant Walk, 1 – 3 pm, for age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org., pre-registration: 603-366-5695. Nov. 10, An Evening with Local Author Andrew Bridgeman, author, hiker, jazz singer and more, 6 pm, Gafney Library Community Room, 14 High St., Sanbornville, 603-522-3401.
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Nov. 10, Lafayette’s Farewell Tour, 6:30 light refreshments, program begins at 7 pm, Meredith Historical Society, 1 Circle Drive, Meredith, (603) 260-7493, www.meredithhistoricalsocietynh.org. Nov. 12, Granite VNA Caregiver Connection, 10 – 11:30 am, Huggins Hospital, Medical Arts Conference Room/Education Center, 240 South Main St., Wolfeboro, no registration needed, info.: 800-924-8620, ext. 85664, www.granitevna.org. Nov. 12, Mercy Otis Warren: The Woman Behind the Revolution, 6 pm, real story of the unsung hero of the American Revolution Gafney Library Community Room, 14 High St., Sanbornville, 603-522-3401. Nov. 13, Beehive Painting Class, 6 pm, Boro’s Crafting Class, Boro’s Floral Boutique, 454 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-253-7651, pre-register: Samantha at: BewitchedAcres@gmail.com. Nov. 13-15, Tuftonboro Holiday Festival, handmade items for sale in homes all over town, some open select days during the weekend, 603-544-2040, cottonvalleyantiques@gmail.com or visit H&G Antiques on Facebook. (Hansel and Gretel Antiques participating: Nov. 13 & 14: 10 am – 4 pm; Nov. 15: 10 am – 3 pm.) Nov. 14, 53rd Annual Ski & Skate Sale, 9 am, - 2 pm, gently used skis, skates, boards, boots and clothing, takes place at Kingswood High School, 396 South Main St., Wolfeboro, www.abenakiskiteam.org. Nov. 14, A Siege of Wolves – Step in a Tamworth Legend, departure times: 10:30 am, noon, 3:30 pm, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.
NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 13
What’s UP
your guide to what’s happening in NH’s Lakes Region...
Nov. 14, Candle-Making Workshop, 11 am - 12:30 pm & 1:30 – 3 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.
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Nov. 14, Dairy Free Cheesemaking, 10 am – 1 pm, for age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www. prescottfarm.org., pre-registration: 603-366-5695.
Nov. 14, Pen & Charcoal Ink Techniques, 10 am – noon, for age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org., pre-registration: 603-366-5695. Nov. 14, Simply Expressions Card Class, 1-3 pm, Boro’s Crafting Class, Boro’s Floral Boutique, 454 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-2537651, pre-register: Samantha at: B2bcraftworks@gmail.com. Nov. 15, Make Your Own Holiday Watercolor Class, 1 – 3 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds. org.
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Nov. 15, Maker’s Mill First Holiday Market & Open House, 1 – 4 pm, free, public welcome, Makers Mill, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www. makersmill.org. Nov. 15, Needle Felt Christmas Ornaments, 1-3 pm, Boro’s Crafting Class, Boro’s Floral Boutique, 454 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough, 603-2537651, pre-register: Samantha at: SimplyExpressions@outlook.com.
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Nov. 17, Weaving Sampler, 5 - 6:30 pm, Moultonborough Public Library, 4 Holland St., Moultonborough, pre-registration required, 603-476-8895, www. moultonboroughlibrary.org. Nov. 19, Climate Café, No Bugs, No Future, program by Six Legged Society, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, Laconia Public Library 695 N. Main St., Laconia, 603-5244775. Nov. 19, Meet Loaf – The Ultimate Tribute, 7:30 pm, Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., Laconia, 603-519-7506, www. lakeportopera.com.
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Nov. 20, Christmas at the Castle Preview Party, 4 – 7 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.
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Nov. 20, Jack and Tim, 7 pm, Franklin Opera House concert, held at Franklin Public Library, 310 Central St., Franklin, tickets: 603-934-1901. Nov. 20, 21 & 22, Peter Pan, by Kingswood Theatre, held at Kingswood Arts Center, 21 McManus Rd., Wolfeboro, show times: 603-832-8250, http://kingswoodtheater.org.
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Nov. 21, 34th Annual Turkey Trot, 8 am – noon, by Wolfeboro Parks and Recreation, race divisions start and end at the Railroad Depot on Railroad Ave. in downtown Wolfeboro, 603-569-5639. $25 Gift Certificate 11/26-11/28 Buy $75 Gift Card get Gift Certificate Nov. 21, Christmas at the Castle, 10 am - 4 pm, 11/ Castle in $75 theGiftClouds, Card get $15Rte. 29-12/5 Buy $10 Gift Certificate 171, Moultonborough, tickets: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. 12/6-12/19 Buy $75 Gift Card get 2) tificates Valid from 12/26/21-5/31/2 (Gift Cer Nov. 21, Handmade Pies, 10 am – 2 pm, for age 16 & up, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www. prescottfarm.org., pre-registration: 603-366-5695. Nov. 21, The Holiday Community Craft Fair, 9 am – 2 pm, 45-plus vendors with crocheted goods, jewelry, pottery, quilts, ornaments, birdhouses, homemade soaps, wall décor, and more. Bake sale and crockpot lunch favorites. Meredith Community Center, 1 Circle Drive, Meredith, 603-279-4538. Nov. 21, Thanksgiving Floral Arrangement Class, 1 pm, register: 603-2537651, Boro’s Crafting Class, Boro’s Floral Boutique, 454 Whittier Highway, Moultonborough. Nov. 21, Twilight Hours, 3 – 5:30 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.
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Nov. 22, Christmas at the Castle, 10 am - 4 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. Nov. 22, Holiday Open House, Squam Lakes Artisans and Bohemian Home, 2 – 4 pm, 23 Main St., Center Harbor, visit SquamLakesArtisans.com and BohemianHome.net.
Page 14 | THE LAKER | NOVEMBER 2, 2026
What’s UP
your guide to what’s happening in NH’s Lakes Region...
Nov. 28, Aquanett – 80s Rock, 7:30 pm, Lakeport Opera House, 781 Union Ave., Laconia, 603-519-7506, www.lakeportopera.com. Nov. 28, ChristKindl Holiday Market, 10 am – 4 pm, handmade gifts and crafts from local artisans and small businesses. Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, Call 603-524-8813 or visit www.belknapmill.org. Nov. 28, Christmas at the Castle, 10 am - 4 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org.
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Nov. 28, Christmas in Wolfeboro Parade, 3 pm, Main St., downtown Wolfeboro, 603-569-2200. Nov. 28, Twilight Hours, 3 – 5:30 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. Nov. 28 & 29, The Nutcracker classical ballet, Kingswood Regional Arts Center, 396 South Main St. in Wolfeboro, (and Oyster River High School Auditorium, 55 Coe Drive, Durham, on Dec. 5 and 6.) Presented by the Northeastern Ballet, www.northeasternballet.org., 603-834-8834. Nov. 29, Christmas at the Castle, 10 am - 4 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. Nov. 29, Twilight Hours, 3 – 5:30 pm, Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, tickets: 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. Nov. 29-Dec. 24, Trees & Trimmings Exhibit, 3 pm, free, public welcome, Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org.
ONGOING Belknap Mill, 25 Beacon St. East, Laconia, gallery and textile museum, events and programs, 603-524-8813, www.belknapmill.org. Bingo, doors open at 5 pm, game begins at 6:30 pm, presented by Lion’s Club, held at Moultonborough Function Hall on Tues. evenings, 139 Old Rt. 109, Moultonborough, 603-477-8868.
PATIOS WALK WAYS RETAINING WALLS OUTDOOR SPACES DECKS & PORCHES SIDING CARPENTRY DEMO & CLEAN OUTS TIMELY SERVICE FULLY INSURED
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Castle in the Clouds, Rte. 171, Moultonborough, 603-476-5900, www.castleintheclouds.org. Coffee Hour, 10 – 11 am, coffee, tea and snacks, Effingham Public Library, 30 Town House Rd., Effingham, 603-539-1537, Effingham.lib.nh.us. Community Meal & Meet Your Neighbor, 4:30 pm, Alton Bay Christian Conference Center, 5 Broadway Boulevard, Alton Bay, 603-875-6161, www.altonbay.org. Indoor Pickleball, 5 - 7 pm, Sandwich Elementary School gym, Sandwich, Tues., Thurs. Friday, 603-387-2180, parksandrec@sandwichnh.org. Lakes Region Art Association, exhibits and classes, Suite 300, Tanger Outlet, Rte. 3, Tilton, 603-998-0029, www.lraanh.org. League of NH Craftsmen Meredith Fine Craft Gallery, handmade crafts and art for sale, workshops, 279 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith, 603-279-7920. Loon Center, walking trails, 183 Lees Mill Rd., Moultonborough, 603-4765666, www.loon.org Makers Mill, variety of workshops, arts and crafts classes and more, 23 Bay St., Wolfeboro, 603-569-1500, www.makersmill.org. Newfound Lake Association, programs, classes, discovery walks, exhibits, lake activities, Grey Rocks Conservation Area, 178 North Shore Rd., Hebron, 603-744-8689, www.newfoundlake.org. Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center, programs for adults and children, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, www.prescottfarm.org. Call ahead for event information and to inquire if program pre-registration is necessary: 603-366-5695. Remick Country Doctor Museum & Farm, 58 Cleveland Hill Rd., Tamworth, 603-323-7591, www.remickmuseum.org. Squam Lakes Association, 534 US Rt. 3, Holderness, 603-968-7336, www. squamlakes.org.
nick@asharperimagelandscape.com
Wolfeboro Stamp Club, 6 – 8 pm, meets first Thurs. of each month, all are welcome, All Saint’s Episcopal Church, 258 South Main St., Wolfeboro, 603569-8678.
NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 15
A CHOICE OF HOLIDAY AND WINTER TRAINS! • Santa’s Holiday Special — a daytime on-train experience aimed at delighting families with children, Thanksgiving through Christmas. • Snow Train — an hour-long heritage winter ride, weekends and holiday weeks after Christmas through March. • Winter Mountaineer — offering scenic weekend trips over Crawford Notch.
See website for full schedule, boarding times, fares and special events, including the New Year’s Eve Late Special.
Call or Book online (603) 356-5251 ConwayScenic.com 38 Norcross Circle North Conway Village
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Page 16 | THE LAKER | NOVEMBER 2, 2026
November Events at The Gafney Library The Gafney Library will host three history-focused programs in November, including presentations on Mount Washington’s first winter scientific expedition, the life and legacy of Revolutionary-era writer Mercy Otis Warren, and an evening with local author Andrew Bridgeman. Breaking the Ice: The First Winter Scientific Expedition to Mount Washington will be held on November 5 at 6 pm in the Gafney Library Community Room. This winter marks the 150th anniversary of the Huntington-Hitchcock Expedition, the first winter expedition to spend an extended period atop Mount Washington. Presented by Dr. Peter Crane, Mount Washington Curator, “Breaking the Ice” explores the 1870–1871 adventure led by two geologists who occupied the summit to study and document the mountain’s remarkable winter weather. The expedition helped pave the way for the U.S. Signal Service weather station on the summit and later served as inspiration for the re-occupation of the summit by the Mount Washington Observatory in 1932. An Evening with Local Author Andrew Bridgeman will be held on November 10 at 6 pm at Gafney Library. The Library welcomes local author Andrew Bridgeman, internationally published author of the Emma Noble thriller series, with editions published in Germany and Hungary. A resident of Ossipee, NH, Bridgeman is a former rugby player, jazz singer, and entrepreneur. He is a graduate of Dickinson College and Washington University in
St. Louis. In addition to writing, his interests include hiking throughout New Hampshire and playing music. Join us for an evening with this local author and learn more about his writing, his Emma Noble series, and his journey as a published author. “Mercy Otis Warren: The Woman Behind the Revolution” will be held on November 12 at 6 pm at the Gafney Library. If you could name one woman from the American Revolutionary period, it should be Mercy Otis Warren. Warren was an unsung hero of the American Revolution whose name deserves to stand alongside Jefferson and Paine in terms of her impact. Yet social customs and the passage of time have largely erased her from the popular history of the Revolution. Warren was the leading female intellectual of the Revolution and early American republic. She was the first American woman to publicly demand independence and the first historian of the American Revolution. Her outspoken opposition to federalism even prompted an insulted John Adams to remark, “perhaps history is not the province of the ladies.” Come learn about the remarkable woman who challenged the political establishment, chronicled the Revolution, and refused to remain within the boundaries society had prescribed for women of her time. These events are hosted by the Gafney Library, located at 14 High Street in Sanbornville. For more information, call Library Director Amy Swanson at 603-522-3401. Library programs are free and open to the public.
Makers Mill Invites Community to First Holiday Market & Open House Looking for something a little different this holiday season? Makers Mill, a nonprofit community makerspace in Wolfeboro, is opening its doors for its first Holiday Market & Open House on Sunday, November 15, from 1 to 4 pm. The event invites the community to shop for unique, locally made gifts, meet the makers behind them, and explore the creative workshops and shared spaces where people come to learn, make, and connect. Visitors will find a wide variety of handmade goods created by Makers Mill members, instructors, and recent graduates of the Artists, Growers & Makers Business Lab. From jewelry, stained glass, artwork, and ornaments to decorated furniture, clothing, fiber arts, leather goods, herbal teas, and more, the market will offer plenty of opportunities to find something special while supporting local makers. But this event is about more than holiday shopping. Throughout the afternoon, visitors can explore Makers Mill’s creative spaces, watch live demonstrations in stained glass, jewelry making, blacksmithing, and electronics, and join building tours to get a closer look at the shops, tools, and opportunities available to the community. The open house is also an invi-
tation to imagine what you might make next. Visitors can learn about classes, workshops, and membership opportunities, whether they’re interested in picking up a new skill, exploring a creative hobby, or finding a community of people who enjoy making things. For those looking to give something beyond a traditional gift, Makers Mill also offers gift certificates and opportunities to share the experience of learning something new. A class taken together, a new skill discovered, or time spent creating can be a meaningful gift that lasts well beyond the holidays. The Holiday Market & Open House is free and open to the public and takes place Sunday, November 15, from 1 to 4 pm at Makers Mill, 23 Bay Street in Wolfeboro. Learn more and let us know you’re coming at makersmill.org/ holidaymarket. For questions, contact casey@makersmill.org. Makers Mill is a nonprofit Community Makerspace and Vocation Hub offering hands-on classes, workshops, shared creative spaces, and opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to learn, make, and connect. Free building tours are offered every Friday and the first Saturday of each month at 10 am. Learn more at makersmill.org.
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NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 17
Hansel & Gretel Antiques Participates in 31st Annual Tuftonboro Holiday Festival Start your holiday shopping early in the Lakes Region by attending the Annual Tuftonboro Holiday Festival slated for November 13, 14 & 15. Celebrating its 31st year in 2026, festival tour stops are held in public buildings, businesses, and/or private homes. The Holiday Festival meanders throughout Tuftonboro, NH, and this year’s event includes 26 venues. Celebrating its 16th year on the map, Hansel & Gretel Antiques is tour stop #14 and is located at 436 Gov. Wentworth Highway, Route 109 in Melvin Village. They welcome newcomers and previous attendees to partake in this self-guided tour to experience a beloved Christmas tradition so unique to New Hampshire. A free map is currently available for download at the Tuftonboro Holiday Festival Facebook site or at each location over the weekend. Tuftonboro Holiday Festival organizers encourage shoppers to get a
jump start on personal/gift purchases and spend the weekend travelling the scenic countryside. Each location has something special waiting for you, and your purchases support local artisans, non-profits, and merchants in the area. From handmade items, delicious food, and gifts - an incredible selection is available this year. The public can choose from antiques/collectibles, furniture, home/garden décor, original art, jewelry, herbals, candles, antler art, maple syrup, baked goods/pies, coffee, ceramic wares, hot cider, fresh greenery, artfully handcrafted clothing, and raffles that benefit local student scholarships. There will also be options to enjoy a meal featuring BBQ, international foods, chowders, soup, coffee, baked goods, and beverages. With so much to see and do, festival goers can enjoy a one-day excursion in Tuftonboro or all weekend long. Please note that all tour stops listed on the map are
Lakes Region Parade of Homes Raises $45,000 for Workforce Development The Lakes Region Builders & Remodelers Association (LRBRA) is pleased to announce this year’s event welcomed 1,115 ticket holders to explore exceptional new construction, extensive remodels, and innovative home designs throughout the Lakes Region, raising $45,000 to support local workforce development initiatives. The annual Parade of Homes showcases the talent, creativity, and craftsmanship of local builders, remodelers, designers, and industry professionals while supporting LRBRA’s efforts to strengthen the future of the building trades. The $45,000 raised through the 2026 Parade of Homes will support LRBRA’s workforce development initiatives, helping address the ongoing need for skilled workers in NH’s construction and building industries. A cornerstone of these efforts is LRBRA’s partnership with the Huot Technical Center in Laconia, where students in Building Construction and Plumbing & Heating/HVAC programs gain hands-on, real-world training under the supervision of industry professionals. LRBRA also supports the next gener-
ation of industry professionals through scholarships, educational opportunities, and connections between students and local employers. Its Tool Box scholarship program helps recipients obtain tools needed for their trade education and future careers. Partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals further create opportunities for mentorship, networking, and career exploration. The Lakes Region Parade of Homes is a self-guided home tour featuring new construction, remodels, and virtual home experiences across the Lakes Region. The event offers visitors inspiration for their own homes while connecting them with local builders, suppliers, designers, and subcontractors for future projects. It also provides a platform for industry professionals to showcase their work and support the next generation of building tradespeople. For more information about the Lakes Region Parade of Homes, LRBRA, and its workforce development initiatives, visit LakesRegionParadeOfHomes. com and LakesRegionBuilders.com.
603.961.0335
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open on varied days and hours featuring different items. Parking in some locations is limited, so it is suggested to gather up family and friends, bundle up, and carpool to enjoy this holiday celebration geared for everyone. A large selection of exceptional and vintage holiday décor including: Old World Santas, Village Houses, Christmas Carolers, dishes, glassware, studio art, Shiny Brite and Waterford ornaments will be available at Hansel & Gretel Antiques. In addition, the shop has a diverse selection of items for gift giving, including genuine Native American, Taxco Mexico, vintage/ estate, and local handcrafted jewelry. They also offer man cave décor, porcelain/glass, cast iron, books, records/
CDs, studio art, and collectible New Hampshire memorabilia as options for yourself or anyone on your list. Hansel & Gretel Antiques hours are Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14, from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, November 15, from 10 am to 3 pm. Complimentary refreshments will be served. Located directly on Route 109, there is an easily accessible parking lot for festival goers. To learn more about the 2026 festival, visit the Tuftonboro Holiday Festival on Facebook. For more information about Hansel & Gretel Antiques, call 603-544-2040, email cottonvalleyantiques@gmail.com, or visit H&G Antiques on Facebook.
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America 250 Program Relives Lafayette’s Farewell Tour Celebrations here and across the country this year celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War this year. Similar celebrations two centuries ago featured visits by one of that war’s legendary heroes, the Marquis de Lafayette. Historian Alan Hoffman will present a program titled “Lafayette’s Farewell Tour: The Granite State Salutes the Nation’s Guest” on Tuesday evening, November 10, at the Meredith Community Center as the final offering in the Meredith Historical Society’s 2026 speaker series. “On his fourth and final trip to the United States in 1824-1825,” noted Hoffman, “Americans in all 24 states welcomed Lafayette with unbridled admiration, gratitude, and love.” In his talk, Hoffman will set the scene for the Farewell Tour and explore the causes of Lafayette’s rock star reception. Then, he will turn to Lafayette’s visits to New Hampshire cities and towns and describe how the Granite Staters added their voices to this national outpouring of affection. Visits to Portsmouth on September 1, 1824, and Concord on June 22, 1825, will be featured, as they were highlights of the General’s
New Hampshire experience. Hoffman will also describe Lafayette’s stops in the other New Hampshire towns that Lafayette visited on the Tour. Mr. Hoffman obtained a BA in history from Yale before earning a JD at Harvard Law School. An avid reader of early American history, he “discovered” Lafayette in 2002 and spent two years—2003 to 2005— translating Auguste Levasseur’s Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1825, the first-hand account of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America written by his secretary. A recognized expert on Lafayette’s impact on early America, he currently serves as president of both the American Friends of Lafayette and the Massachusetts Lafayette Society. A resident of Londonderry, NH, he is also the editor of The Gazette of The American Friends of Lafayette. This program of the Meredith Historical Society is offered in partnership with the Meredith Public Library and is made possible through a generous grant by New Hampshire Humanities. “Meredith has observed our nation’s 250th birthday this year with a variety of relevant programs and a grand Fourth of July parade,”
said MHS President John Hopper. “Mr. Hoffman’s program is a perfect way to close out our year-long observance by learning how America celebrated a similar anniversary 200 years ago.” Mr. Hoffman will present his program on Tuesday, November 10, at the Meredith Community Center,
1 Circle Drive. Doors open at 6:30 pm for light refreshments. The program begins at 7 pm. All programs of the Society are free and help fulfill the Meredith Historical Society’s mission to preserve, develop, and promote the knowledge and awareness of our town’s unique history.
On Friday, December 4 at 7:30 pm, The Colonial Theatre of Laconia will present Lunasa: Irish Winter Solstice Celebration. Tickets are available at ColonialLaconia.com or by calling 800-657-8774. Named for an ancient Celtic harvest festival in honor of the Irish god Lugh, Lúnasa was formed in 1997 from members of some of the greatest Irish groups of the previous decade, an early review from Folk Roots magazine describing the band as an “Irish music dream team”. From the start, the band’s complex arrangements and unique sound reshaped the boundaries of traditional music and energized audiences the world over. Critical acclaim followed, The Irish Echo describing the band as “the hottest Irish acoustic band on the planet”; MOJO magazine named the band “the new gods of Irish music,” adding that “nobody since the Bothies has wielded such a thrilling
rhythmic underlay.” Billboard raved that “anybody who listens can’t help but find them contagious.” On Saturday, December 5 at 7 pm, The Colonial Theatre of Laconia will present Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra Presents Holiday Pops! With Guest Artist Catherine Martinez. Tickets to the show are on sale now at ColonialLaconia.com or by calling 800657-8774. Lakes Region Symphony Orchestra is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides the best classical music performances for central New Hampshire during the fall, winter, and spring. Under the baton of Conductor and Music Director Benjamin Greene, LRSO performs a variety of music ranging from the classics of Beethoven and Mozart to popular music including the sounds of Broadway, movies, and orchestral Pops classics.
Upcoming Shows at the Colonial Theatre of Laconia
Don’t let the winter sneak up on you! Stop by the store for everything you need to prep your boat and/or dock for winter hibernation.
d Antifreeze d Moisture Absorbers
d Hull Cleaners d Winter Sticks & More!
We also carry "Thin Ice Signs", ice eaters, and shrink wrap! 1218 UNION AVENUE, LACONIA, NH 03246 | ON PAUGUS BAY | WatermarkMarine.com | (603)293-4000 | Follow Us!
NOVEMBER 2, 2026 | THE LAKER | Page 19
New, Pre-Owned & Brokerage Boat Sales • Service & Parts Department Fuel Dock & Ship Store • Boat Registrations • NH Temporary Boat Licenses • Boat Rentals
www.melvinvillagemarina.com
On Lake Winnipesaukee: 463 Governor Wentworth Highway Melvin Village, NH 03850 603-544-3583
In Ossipee: 801 Route 16 Ossipee, NH 03864 603-651-1001
0 $565,000 NH 03886 untry RecyclingTAMWORTH, | 83.5 Acres 3 BED | 3 BATH $1,500,000 MLS 4968045 050 Donna Faucette | 603-387-5737 North Country Recycling | 83.5 Acres selman | 603-781-4823 MLS 4926050 563 PLAINS ROAD Karen Hasselman | 603-781-4823 ANE 03886 Our Families ServingTAMWORTH, Yours Since NH 1954! Page 20 | THE LAKER | NOVEMBER 2, 2026
BORO, NH 03894 $1,500,000 266A MICHAWANIC ROAD 11 SKY LANE
WAKEFIELD, NH Recycling 03872 North Country | 83.5 Ac
WOLFEBORO, NH 03894 $565,000 MLS 4926050
3Karen BED | 3 Hasselman BATH Bath | 603-781-4823 $439,000 MLS 4968045 91 3 Bed | 2 BathDonna Faucette | 603-387-5737 11 SKY LANE iquin | 603-387-2532 MLS 4981591 563 PLAINS ROAD WOLFEBORO, NH 03894 TAMWORTH, NH 03886 Steve Patriquin | 603-387-2532
HTON CORNER ROAD$439,000 North Country Recycling | 83.5 Acres 3 Bed | 2 Bath 190 LEIGHTON CORNER ROAD IELD, NH 03872 MLS 4926050 MLS 4981591 MLS#5115715 • Wolfeboro • Complete Renovation Stunning 3BR/2BA End Unit Condo w/ 1 car garage. $495,000 - Call Steve Bush - 603-455-7428
MLS#5111259 • Alton • 4BR/3BA Cape New roof, foundation, siding & much more. $1,500,000 $560,000 - Call Denise Williams - 603-387-5223
MLS#5095158 • Tuftonboro • Winnipesaukee Great 3BR/3BA Winter Harbor waterfront home. $2,449,000 - Call Jon Parker - 603-498-3360
Karen Hasselman | 603-781-4823 WAKEFIELD, NH 03872 Steve Patriquin | 603-387-2532
11 SKY LANE $560,000 BATH WOLFEBORO, NH 03894 190 LEIGHTON CORNER RO 3 BED | 2 BATH 685 $439,000 WAKEFIELD, NH 03872 3 Bed | 2 Bath ll | 603-321-1036MLS 4967685MLS 4981591 $560,000 MLS#5112996 • Plymouth • Sweeping Views MLS#5104040 • Tuftonboro • Mountain Shadows MLS#5112701 • Moultonborough • 3BR/4BA Terry Small | 603-321-1036 Steve Patriquin | 603-387-2532 3BR/4BA with beautiful views from every BR. 3BR/3BA built in 2022, Like new w/o the new price. 2023 built 2022 built, 3000+ sq/ft on Lake Winnipesaukee.
3 BED | 2 BATH $1,499,900 - Call Jake Froehlich - 603-393-2763 GS HWY, UNIT 209 190 LEIGHTON MLS 4967685CORNER ROAD 322 KINGS WAKEFIELD, HWY, UNIT 209 NH 03872 Terry Small | 603-321-1036 URHAM, NH 03855 $3,450,000 - Call Kimberly Johnson - 603-707-2832
$829,000 - Call Anne Stanford - 603-707-7257
$560,000 NH 03855 NEW DURHAM,
322 KINGS HWY, UNIT 209 $450,000 NEW DURHAM, NH 03855 BATH 2 BED | 1 BATH $450,000 78 KINGS HWY, UNIT 209 MLS 4981578 322 2 BED | 1 BATHNH 03855 NEW DURHAM, gliano | 603-630-9762 Rick Marigliano MLS| 603-630-9762 4981578 $450,000 3 BED | 2 BATH MLS 4967685 Terry Small | 603-321-1036
MLS#5112003 • Goffstown • Moose Club Park 3BR/2BA total rehab ranch with beach access. $450,000 - Call Michael Erwin - 603-714-1616
MLS#5086855 • New Durham • Merrymeeting Lake 102’ of walk-in sandy beach waterfront. $975,000 - Call David Countway - 603-520-5211
MLS#5111564 • Alton • Lake Winnipesaukee ‘24 built 3BR/4BA home w/ 5 star rental history. $3,499,000 - Call Jen McCullough - 603-234-2721
2Rick BED |Marigliano 1 BATH | 603-630-9762 www.MaxfieldRealEstate.comMLS 4981578 Rick Marigliano | 603-630-9762 Wolfeboro: 603-569-3128 www.MaxfieldRealEstate.com
om 8 360 Wolfeboro: 603-569-3128 www.MaxfieldRealEstate.com te' Center Harbor: 603-253-9360
Winners of the Wolfeboro: 603-569-3128 Harbor: 603-253-9360 Alton: 603-875-3128 'Luxury Real Estate'of theCenter Winners Center Harbor: 603-253-9360 'Luxury Real Estate' Category Alton: Category Meredith: 603-677-7068 Alton: 603-875-3128 603-875-3128 2022 + 2023 2022 + 2023
Meredith: 603-677-7068 Meredith: 603-677-7068
See more about these homes on our website.