Gilmanton Land Trust E-Newsletter #7, December 2012

1. Campaign E-update #7: "Gilmanton's Greatest Views-For Everyone, Forever!"
(Sent to all donors, prospects, and friends, 7 Dec. 2012)
GILMANTON’S GREATEST VIEWS—FOR EVERYONE, FOREVER!
(Photos by T. Howe, GLT, unless otherwise noted)
In this issue:
Campaign Countdown: $34,000 and 24 days to go!
Naming opportunities still available
Sixth Graders’ verdict: “Awesome!”
A September day to remember!
“Hey, that sign looks just like the one on Frisky Hill!”
From a soup kitchen in Boston, memories of summering on Loon Pond
And they were raving about these views 127 years ago!
Local property tax impacts of this project? None!
Campaign contributors to date
Campaign Countdown: $34,000 and 24 days to go!
Holy moly--since our last e-update, in early August, we’ve gone from:
• 123 donors to 189 (see list at bottom);
• $127,000 still to be raised down to only $34,000; and
• 142 days to go, down to 24!
Having received many additional contributions from individuals, our project has
also been awarded some key grants, giving further validation of our cause:
Bank of New Hampshire--$10,000
Davis Conservation Foundation--$10,000
NH Land & Community Heritage Investment Program--$22,500
NH Conservation License Plate (“Mooseplate”) Grant Program--$30,000
For those who’ve not contributed, climb on board this train to SUCCESS by
making a contribution today—and most importantly help us ensure that it
gets there! For those who’ve already given, could you consider an additional
gift? Looking for that perfect holiday gift to a friend or loved one who has

2. enough stuff? Make a contribution in that person’s honor; we’ll be glad to
notify the honoree if you wish. Every gift counts!
For more info about the project, and/or to contribute via PayPal or download a
donor form, go to www.gilmantonlandtrust.org and/or visit our Facebook page
with link from the website. For stock gifts, contact GLT Treasurer, John Dickey
((H) 267-6098, jdickey@metrocast.net). For any other inquiries, contact Project
Manager, Tom Howe ((Home) howe1@tds.net, (603) 364-6131).
Naming opportunities still available
Looking for an opportunity to memorialize your love of Gilmanton, a loved one,
your family’s name, or…? The Gilmanton Land Trust is offering to donors of
$10,000 or more naming opportunities tied to features of the four tracts involved
in the project. (This is in addition to all donors of $5,000 or more being
recognized on a permanent plaque to be installed atop Frisky Hill.)
Anyone requesting a naming opportunity will receive:
• Identification of the official name on a sign to be installedon site;
• Maintenance of the official name in future property records and publicity,
and on property maps; and
• Reference to the official name in the relevant deed by which the Land
Trust will convey the property to the next owner and to be recorded in the
permanent records of the Belknap County Registry.
For more information or to follow up, please contact Tom Howe at
(H) howe1@tds.net or (603) 364-6131.
(Photo: M. Fougere) (Photo: S. Thorne)
Gilmanton’s Sixth Graders “at school” on Frisky Hill with “Master” Towle
Sixth Graders’ verdict: “Awesome!”
That’s what Gilmanton School’s Sixth Graders had to say, after their half-day
field trip in September to the historically unique flax “retting” pond, and then on
to Frisky Hill. Thanks to organizers Sarah Thorne (GLT founder) and Mary

3. Fougere, Middle School Science Teacher, the kids gained new insight into their
town’s agricultural heritage and why land and historic preservation matter.
Highlights included Jon Hall taking the kids into his plot of flax, grown for our
flax processing demonstrations this past summer, and then a chance for each to
crank up and down the bed of his 1932 dumptruck! The kids then went on to
Frisky Hill, where they talked about what the view and landscape must have
looked like back in the 1800’s. Doug Towle then treated them all to a tour of his
meticulously restored one-room schoolhouse, directly across Rt. 107 from the
fabulous viewpoint. (The school’s original location was just half a mile down the
hill to the north.) “You could have heard a pin drop” reported Doug, as he
engaged the kids on what it was like to be a student there 150 years ago. “Doug’s
a natural teacher,” said Sarah Thorne, a teacher herself. Doug was elated by the
visit: “I restored this schoolhouse for exactly this kind of opportunity. This was
the first time anyone had asked to bring a school group.” The Sixth Graders
returned to school with a collective A+ for attention, curiosity, and good behavior.
The buzz started right away, and the Fourth Grade teachers are now talking about
a possible visit. For the rest of the fall, the Sixth Graders continued their attention
to these issues by identifying, photographing, and writing poetry about
“Gilmanton’s Special Places.” So how cool is that, for this project’s impact?
(Photos: M. Fougere)
Jon Hall explaining the massive Jon Hall and friends, in his
stone structure built for processing flax plot
flax into linen 200 yrs. ago, and
found no where else in NH!

4. (Photos: T. Dombrowski)
Gina Gerhard “breaking” Diane Howes spinning
flax silky linen fibers into
thread
A September day to remember!
On September 22nd, rain in the morning gave way to a beautiful day and evening
of events supporting the “Gilmanton’s Greatest Views—For Everyone, Forever!”
campaign. Midday, flax “dresser” Gina Gerhard, and spinners Cathy Goodmen
and Diane Howes, returned to give another demonstration of making flax into
linen, at the barn on the Meetinghouse Pond tract. Using traditional tools and
techniques, Gina “broke,” “swingled,” and “hetcheled” her way through the
laborious steps for removing the linen fibers from the inside of the “retted” flax
stalks. Cathy and Diane then spun the long, silky fibers into fine linen thread
ready for weaving into cloth. As before, these three generously donated their time
and expertise for our project, as did the many other volunteers who gave property
tours, helped with parking, provided refreshments, and did a myriad of other
things to make the event possible.
(Photos: S.Thorne)
George & Anna Mae Twigg Doug Towle’s carriage house
That afternoon, Doug Towle generously hosted a benefit event at his spectacular
Frisky Hill property, looking out across one of the key tracts we seek to protect.
His property consists of a remarkable collection of historic structures from
elsewhere, and meticulously assembled, restored, and maintained by Doug. The

5. centerpiece is the Farley Garrison House, built in 1665 in Billerica, MA. Doug
also has one of Gilmanton’s original, one-room schoolhouses (see “Sixth
Graders’…” story and photos above). Guests enjoyed house tours by Doug, his
sister Diana, and Sue Barr, tours of the schoolhouse, presentations on the project
by me (see online, at www.gilmantonlandtrust.org), home-made hors d’oeuvres
donated by many friends, Meetinghouse Soda donated by Don Guarino, and good
company. Proceeds from the event gave a helpful boost to the campaign, with
special thanks to Don and Sharon Welch, whose contribution matched all
proceeds from ticket sales. Huge thanks to host Doug Towle, event co-chairs
Barbara Morris and Paula Gilman, and the 25 other volunteers whose donations of
time and/or goods resulted in a memorable experience for all!
“Hey, that sign looks just like the one on Frisky Hill!”
If you drive Mast Road (Rt. 155A) in Durham, you’ll see a familiar looking sign,
in this case promoting the protection of Amber Acres Farm (see www.seltnh.org).
We received the following note (and nice contribution) from Brian Hart,
Executive Director of the Southeast Land Trust of NH, explaining why:
“The Twigg property is one that Sara and I drive by each time we go to her
parents in Laconia and has always been a nice part of the ride. We saw the signs
on the road, visited the website, and decided to make a gift. I am also using the
sign as part of our campaign in Durham for Amber Acres.”
FYI, Brian’s wife, Sara Callaghan, works for another land trust, the Strafford
Rivers Conservancy. Furthermore, we also received a donation from Sara’s
mother, Chris Callaghan, who was a beloved art teacher at the Gilmanton School.
All in the family!

6. From a soup kitchen in Boston, memories of summering on Loon Pond
While preparing food at a soup kitchen in Boston, a conversation between GLT
Board member Graham Wilson and fellow food preparer Mary Perkins resulted in
her sending this note to George Twigg, along with a generous contribution to the
project:
While I have not been back to Loon Pond for quite some time, I just
need to close my eyes to be there during the summers of my youth.
As you may remember, the Perkins Family spent decades on the
shores of the pond. From the moment we crested Frisky Hill in our
station wagon to the dip of the sun above Gardner’s Cove we all
relished our carefree summers, so it is with great pleasure that I’m
able, in a small way, to help preserve it. My father and grandfather
(who built our cottage) would be delighted too.
And they were raving about these views 127 years ago!
The following is an excerpt from History of Merrimack and Belknap Counties,
New Hampshire, Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885
(www.nh.searchroots.com/documents/History_Gilmanton_NH.txt):
THE CENTRE VILLAGE -- The Centre village, Academy Village (or vulgarly,
Gilmanton Corner)... there are no facilities for manufactures nor the convenience
of railroad stations, but has some very pleasant residences... A lovely view is also
had of distant mountain scenery, parts of Loudon, Canterbury, the Shaker village,
part of Concord, etc. from the dwelling of Mr. Richard D. Varney, immediately in
the village. Then, but a way off, stands… the well-known Peaked Hill. There are
other places of interest worth the visiting, as Porcupine Ledge, the Gulf, Lougee
Pond [Crystal Lake] with its fine fishing, and Loon Pond, the largest and most
beautiful body of water in this region. Beside the pond the traveled road leading
to Lower Gilmanton, Pittsfield, etc. rises into a long and quite tedious hill, but on
reaching the "height of land," while the horse should stand and rest a little, the
traveler if possessed of any "sense of the beautiful," will be very willing to have
him. A lady artist from Boston said, in her enthusiasm, "I want to get me a tent
and a cooking-stove, and just come here and stay."
Although the Gilmanton Conservation Commission may not permit the public to
camp on the property, we sure hope you’ll come and soak up that famous view!
Local property tax impacts of this project? None!
The Rt. 107 Upper and Lower Fields tract, and the Loon Pond Road tract, are
expected to remain in private ownership and on the tax rolls, once the Gilmanton
Land Trust (GLT) sells these lands (fully protected by conservation easements).
When GLT sells the other two easement-protected tracts, at Frisky Hill and

7. Meetinghouse Pond, to the Town of Gilmanton’s Conservation Commission,
those tracts will be exempt from property taxation. But no reduction in revenue to
the Town is expected because the current fundraising campaign includes creation
of a fund whose annual interest can offset indefinitely the lost property taxes.
Based on George Twigg’s payment of $722 in taxes to the Town for the Frisky
Hill and Meetinghouse Pond tracts in 2011, a prudently managed fund of
approximately $20,000 should suffice. The exact amount, structure, and
management of the fund are still to be worked out with the Town.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, don’t hesitate to contact any
of the members of the Board of Directors of the Gilmanton Land Trust, listed
below.
Thanks!
Tom Howe, Project Manager
(Home) howe1@tds.net, (603) 364-6131
Gilmanton Land Trust, P.O. Box 561, Gilmanton, NH 03237
www.gilmantonlandtrust.org
www.facebook.com/pages/Gilmanton-Land-Trust/418289261522162
Thomas “Fuzz” Freese, Chair: (W) 603-435-7777, fuzza@myfairpoint.net
Other Members of GLT’s Board of Directors:
Carolyn Baldwin, Secy.: (H) 435-8814, cwbldwn@metrocast.net
John Dickey, Treasurer: (H) 267-6098, jdickey@metrocast.net
Eliza Evans: (H) 364-5031, aeemsfaaa@tds.net
Meg Nighswander: (H) 267-6593, monnighs@aol.com
Graham Wilson: (H) 267-7160, gkwilson@bu.edu
Campaign contributors to date:
(Bold & italics = donors since last e-update)
Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of what shows below,
please let us know if any corrections or revisions are needed.
Individuals
Heather Achilles
Anonymous (27)
J.C. & Gail Allard
Gary & Denise Ambelas
Donald & Frances Anderson
Jeffrey & Gloria Andrews
Bob Andrews

8. Betty Arms
Kari Asmus & Richard Howarth
Newell & Dalli Bacon
Carolyn Baldwin
Peter Bartholomew
Anne & Andy Bartlett
Ed & Ruby Bartlett
Roger & Pat Beaudet
Steve & Liz Bedard
Dorothy Bellush
Allan & Wendy Berlind
Eliot & Sandra Bosinger
David & Isabel King Bradshaw
Ralph & Jane Bristol
Brenda & Roy Buttrick
Brian & Debra Cahill
Nick & Chris Callaghan
Conny & Elwood Carlson
Patricia & Wayne Castro
Stan & Pam Chamallas
Douglas Chamberlin
Stephen Chase
Tobi Gray Chassie
Nancy Christie
Charlene D. Connolly
Steve & Diana Connors
Randy & Lucille Cook
Val Cote
Thomas & Stephanie Curtis
Candace & Raymond Daigle
Teresa & Gregory Dankner
Faith Deering
Kurt & Jennifer Denlinger Family
Dick deSeve & Susan Hale-deSeve
John & Carolyn Dickey
Thomie Dombrowski
William Donahue
Joe Downing & Elizabeth Bikowski
Eliza Evans
Fernwood Farm LLC (Paula Gilman)
Deborah Fifield
Charlene & Ken Forcier
Dick & Lois Foss

9. William & Ellen Fossum
Bill Foster & Betty Mitchell
Fuzz & Annie Freese
John Funk & Deborah Chase
Cathy Goodmen
Matt Grasberger
Katherine Gregg
Wayne & Betty Hackett
Clarence Haight
Barbara Harris
Brian Hart & Sara Callaghan
Rich & Sarah Hillsgrove
Craig & Erin Hollingsworth
Arthur & Peggy Howe
Tom Howe & Sarah Thorne
Doug Islieb
Vinnie Jenkins
Craig & Linda Jennings
Jay Johnson
Jessica Johnson
George & Carolyn Kelley
Donald Kelly
Dave Keough
Richard & Anne Kirby
Robert & Audrey Knight
Mary Ann & Paul Kurtz
Penny & Dan Lacroix
Faith & Ernest Landry
Peter & Leslie Leahy
Rob & Linda MacGuffie
Sharon Loan
Richard Maher
Miriam Malkasian
Mark Mallory & Nancy Ball
Lisa & Mark Masoni
John Mattill
Kim McGovern & Frank Scherkenbach
Johnna McKenna
Ann McKinna
Trudy Swenson McKinna
Marc & Grace McNamara
Chuck Mercier
Mary-Elaine Merrill

10. Traci Minton
Charlie & Nanci Mitchell
Carol & Walter Mitchell
Art Monty
David Moore
Sandra Lee Morales
Mary Ellen & Edward Siudut
James & Laura Lynn Morrissey
Dennis Murphy
George & Linda Nazer
Matt & Sara Nighswander
Meg Nighswander
Anne & Perry Onion
Doris Ouellette
Kristie & Stephen Owens
Mary E. Perkins
Philip & Genevieve Sumner Rados
Richard & Patty Ram
Joan Ripley
John Rogers
James Rood & Sandra Taylor
Virginia Sapiro
Dwight Schenk & Julia Flood-Page
Chris Schlegel
Judith Schweitzer
Anne Sellin
Brenda Sens
Richard & Catherine Sheehan
James Sherburn
Eric & Jodi Smith
Leslie Smith
Molly & Dan Sperduto
Henry Stapleton
Nancy Stearns
Ken & Ilene Stern
JR & Karen Stockwell
Amanda & Andrew Stone
George Teloian
Marc Torrisi
Doug Towle
Katherine Urner-Jones & Lawrence Jones
Wally & Florence Wadman
Tom & Judy Wagner

11. Mike & Trina Waters
Margaret Watkins
Danny Webster
Don & Sharon Welch
John & Susan Welch
John & Bonnie Whelan
Richard & Holly Williams
Graham Wilson
Kristina Wilson & David Geist
Richard & Ellie Wilson
Memorial Gifts
In memory of Jane & Ebby Cumming:
Barbara Donahue
In memory of Ed Costello:
Alan & Donna Gould
Mary Martel (Holy Family Hospital Employees Federal Credit Union)
John A. Perillo
Joe Larosa (Rockingham Cycle)
In memory of Malcolm V. Smith
Brewster Smith
Foundations, Businesses, Governmental Programs, etc.
Bank of New Hampshire
Barton Lumber Company, Inc.
Davis Conservation Foundation
Town of Gilmanton Conservation Commission
Loon Pond Owners' Association
NH Land & Community Heritage Investment Program
NH Mooseplate Program
The 1772 Foundation, Inc.
The Kulash Family Fund (Schwab Charitable Fund)
The Maher Charitable Fund (Schwab Charitable Fund)
U.S.D.A. Farm & Ranchland Protection Program