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New Ipswich Society Landing Page

Our cataloging status as of Week 44 2026

• Objects - 486 Records

• Photos - 230 Records, 194 people tagged

Cataloged Photo of the Week

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. The photos will be posted on our website page on what I hope will be an ongoing daily POTD (Pictures of the Day).

View POTD Photos for Sunday

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1908

I ran out of transcribed diaries from 1913 so we are stepping back five years for a repeat series of September entries from 1908.

October 26^th 1908 (Monday)

Dull misty and rainy. Wind N.E. David painting wood sleigh in forenoon and went to Greenville for grain in afternoon. He is troubled with indigestion and wind. I shelled the beans in forenoon and Mother and I cleaned brooder house in afternoon. Mr. Bass of Peterboro in his auto today soliciting vote for Senator. Got postcard from Hamish written at 830 am as he was about to leave for Boston. He feels depressed but I hope that all will come right for him.

October 27^th 1908 (Tuesday)

Fair clear day wind N.W. David on roads down town. Hamish came by mail at 11am. Him and I fixed the paths to brooder house and cleaned two pens in the hen house.

October 28^th 1908 (Wednesday)

Fair forenoon. Showery afternoon. David on roads down town. Hamish and I took up the yellow turnips and brought them home with Hardy’s team. Got letter from Alice asking about Hamish. Lonie and Hamish going to Democratic Rally in Greenville tonight.

October 29^th 1908 (Thursday)

Drizzly day wind N.E. David on roads downtown. Hamish & I sort of loafing around. Flag raising this forenoon, not very enthusiastic. Hamish went to Greenville with Fred Shirland in the afternoon. Got letter from Berkley all well.

October 30^th 1908 (Friday)

Drizzly morning till 9. Cold windy day after wind N.W. David down town on roads. Hamish cleared up wood corner in barn and him and I emptied ice house in afternoon. David & Hamish filled boiler and started furnace at Mrs. Spoffords tonight.

October 31^st 1908 (Saturday)

Cold N.W. wind. A few flakes of snow about 9 am. David on roads down town. Hamish & I put leaves on north side of house in forenoon. We put in the corn in afternoon and Hamish put leaves on front and south side of house. I filled the lamps and swept Hall for Finn Halloween dance tonight. No dance ______. Hamish at Halloween party at No 1 school house. Won prize (a scarf pin) for conundrum guessing.

1st Nov 1908 (Sunday)

Cold and clear wind N.W. moderating in the afternoon. Mr. Peacock preached on the Angel & Elijah, “arise and eat”. Communion day. No S.S. C.E. meeting at 7:00 pm topic “The Sleepless Eye”. Leader Miss Taylor.

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Did you know we have a website? We have just implemented a subscription feature. Subscribe and receive new postings via email. You can learn about our upcoming programs, our cataloging project and our plans for the future. Simply click on the the Subscribe button on our landing page.

New Ipswich Society Landing Page

Our cataloging status as of Week 42 2026

• Objects - 473 Records

• Photos - 214 Records, 190 people tagged

Cataloged Photos of the Week

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1908

I ran out of transcribed diaries from 1913 so we are stepping back five years for a repeat series of September entries from 1908.

October 12^th 1908 (Monday)

Dull and cool wind west to N.W. sunny during the day. David on roads down town. I finished the Gordon lot today. Hamish went with milkman in morning. There was report circulated today that Mr. John Crow of East Jaffrey had been shot by a Finn from (?) he was collecting an account (not true). Mrs. Parker very ill last night but better today. John Preston shutting off water and fixing up house for winter.

October 13^th 1908 (Tuesday)

Hard frost 12 degrees frost. Ice on hen’s dishes fine bright sunny day wind west to S.W. Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus at 4am this morning. David on roads down town. I picked 2 fowls, watered Gordon lot and rested up. Picked grapes at Preston dump. Mrs. Parker rather better today. May got letter from Jamie Mair and we got pc from Hamish.

October 14^th 1908 (Wednesday)

Frosty fair and warm sun wind west. David on roads down town. Mother and I fixed the Hall for dance tonight. John Preston went away to Boston this afternoon.

October 15^th 1908 (Thursday)

Fair and warm during day. David on roads downtown warm and dusty work. The dance last night was a failure financially 7⁵⁰ in the hole. Attendance was sparse. Mother and I swept Hall and put in the settees. I lifted carrots and beets in forenoon and partly sodded Gordon’s lot. Mrs. Tabraham called and paid lot. A Mr. Tenny from Illinois came to Huckins. He wants to find out about his ancestors who lived here but went west in 1836.

October 16^th 1908 (Friday)

Fair and warm wind variable and chilly west. David on roads down town. I cut sods and put them on Gordon’s lot. Got letter from Hamish. Miss Barr & Mrs. Brooks paid their lots today.

October 17^th 1908 (Saturday)

Fair and warm, wind variable. David on roads down town. I fixed sods and watered Gordon lot. Raked leaves in the forenoon, and filled Hall lamps for the expected Finn dance tonight. The Finn’s wife at Gilson Place died yesterday morning of pneumonia. Funeral at Smithville tomorrow. Got letters from Alice & May from Berkley.

October 18^th 1908 (Sunday)

Very warm day. Mr. Peacock preached from the text “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”. S.S. after C.E. at 7⁰⁰ pm Mr. Peacock led and gave report of Mason S.S. convention topic Giving.

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Remember it only costs $15 to become a member

Become a Member

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Visit our Webpage

Did you know we have a website? We have just implemented a subscription feature. Subscribe and receive new postings via email. You can learn about our upcoming programs, our cataloging project and our plans for the future. Simply click on the the Subscribe button on our landing page.

New Ipswich Society Landing Page

Our cataloging status as of Week 38 2026

• Objects - 425 Records

• Photos - 186 Records

Cataloged Photos of the Week

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1908

I ran out of transcribed diaries from 1913 so we are stepping back five years for a repeat series of September entries from 1908.

September 28^th 1908 (Monday)

Warm and cloudy, threatening rain with slight sprinkles wind S. to S.E. David and I went to four corners for saw dust afterwards pulling apples. He went to Greenville for grain, laundry and peppers to make Piccadilly. Mr. Foster of Ashby passed in his auto and left us a parcel of apples a return for our hospitality during a thunderstorm in August. We sent a box of tomatoes and some peaches to May. Finns engages Hall for Saturday night. Mrs. Preston went per coach for her holiday.

September 29^th 1908 (Tuesday)

Heavy showers with thunder during the night. Clear cool day with westerly to northerly wind. David ploughed corn patch in orchard and finished picking Baldwins in orchard. I raked weeds together and helped to pick apples. E.O. Marshall and Mrs. Fabraham called to see about fixing the Marshall’s lot. Reception tonight in Baptist Church to greet their new minister.

September 30^th 1908 (Wednesday)

Frosty morning. Fine sunny day wind S. to E. David ploughing the James Davis field. I fixed the Marshall lot. Mrs. Fletcher died last night and for sanitary reasons was put in the town tomb this morning and buried in afternoon. There was a good turnout of people at the Baptist minister reception. This month has closed with a record heat and drought. Forest fires have been prevalent all over the country. There was no rain with exception of a slight shower from 26^th August until early morning of 29^th Sept. Last night was a very fine display of the northern lights and indications tonight are for rain soon.

October 1^st 1908 (Thursday)

Dull and foggy forenoon, clearing after and dry wind S. to S.E. David ploughing in the Davis field. I finished the Marshall lot. Mr. Gordon asked me to extend his lot 6 or 7 feet. Today penny postage began America and Great Britain. Got coat and vest from John Preston today.

October 2^nd 1908 (Friday)

Cold windy day. Wind N.W. showers during the night. David painting brooder house windows in forenoon and at Greenville for grain in afternoon. I wrote to Roslin today. Cheap postage today 2 cents an ounce. Picked 2 fowls for Mrs. Amee tonight.

October 3^rd 1908 (Saturday)

Cool day but milder toward evening. David finished ploughing the Davis field, and picked apples in afternoon. I went to Depot at 2 for May and kids and at 7 for Berkley. Finn dance at night. I dug part of Davis lot.

October 4^th 1908 (Sunday)

Fine bright forenoon, clouding afterwards, wind varying to N.E. Mr. Peacock preached on the “Joy of Harvest”. Church decorated with corn pumpkins. & corn &c. No Sunday school at a meeting of S.S. it was voted to give five dollars to Col. Carpenter of the Salvation Army who is to be the preacher next Sunday. C.E. Topic: Vows F. Whittemore leader.

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The New Ipswich Historical Society has undertaken a project to re-catalog our collections. Which include objects, photos, and documents. In the past, great amount of work was done to do this and record the results in various spreadsheets. Some of this work was last done in 1992 and 1996.

The current work has involved going through the 90’s spreadsheets and transferring the information into a professional museum software program called PastPerfect. Several volunteers have re-cataloged over 400 items and hundreds of photos. PastPerfect allows us to add photographs and locations to objects.

One reason to do this work is to make some of our items such as photographs available to the public on line. Another reason is to familiarize ourselves with all that we have.

Over the years, many items seem to have been stored in unrelated locations in our building. After the cataloging is complete, we should be able to display related objects together in order to better tell a coherent story. Military items together, School items together, tools together, fiber arts items together, etc.

One benefit of reviewing our collection has been that we have found some interesting items that need to have their stories told. A guitar hidden on a shelf had a note “belonged to the Clark Family Troupe, 1870”. A little research reveals that Charles Hubert Clarke, born 14 February 1852 in New Ipswich, performed with his father, uncle and siblings as part of the Clark Troupe. He later became a renowned musician and vocalist in Boston, New York, and Chicago. He studied in London and Italy. He was music director of several churches and had a voice studio at Carnegie Hall.

We found a WWII helmet identified as from the 102^nd Infantry, 26^th “Yankee” division. We also found a WWII gas mask in nearly new condition, and a denim bag belonging to Alexander Antilla of New Ipswich. Corporal Alexander Antilla and PFC John Matson are listed in the roster of the 102^nd Infantry. The Antilla family were some of the first Finns to settle in New Ipswich.

We located many fiber working tools including a flax spinning wheel, wool cards, several nitty-noddys, a yarn winding clock, early sewing machines, and tools for dressing a loom.

We have eight of more mortars and pestles, a syrup jug (possibly 17^th century), and many bottles of medicine concocted by doctors in New Ipswich.

These are but a few of the interesting objects that we have re-located.

These items, and many, many more have interesting stories to tell. We need a few folks with the interest and skill to research some of these items and write up a succinct narrative about each one, so that we can fulfil our mission of telling the history of New Ipswich.

If you or someone that you know, have this kind of interest, energy, and time, we’d love to have you on our team of volunteers digging into New Ipswich History as told through these objects.

Please contact John Rosenfelder (President of the NIHS) at jrosenfelder86@gmail.com or 603-878-3487

Our cataloging status as of Week 38 2026

• Objects - 421 Records

• Photos - 183 Records

Cataloged Photos of the Week

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1908

I ran out of transcribed diaries from 1913 so we are stepping back five years for a repeat series of September entries from 1908.

September 21^st 1908 (Monday)

Cool morning. David drove Hamish to the Depot for first train and then cut weeds and took some front wheels to get irons on them at Chandlers and choring around. I filled boiler in brooder house. Cut some weeds and mowed some lots. Gut the Wilson lot, also Bolton lot.22^nd (Tuesday)

September 22^nd 1908 (Tuesday)

Cool morning warm muggy. Smokey, dusty day and (wind) S.E. David at Ashburnham for Mr. Walker. I chored round. Doing little odd jobs. Made boiler cover, cut weeds, tended cows &c. Another destructive fire in Chelsea yesterday, and forest fires all around. Long drought severely felt all over New England. Gave W. Thayer my annual dues as a member of Village Improvement Society.

September 23^rd 1908 (Wednesday)

Warm, muggy, smoky day. David & C. Whittemore repairing roads in Cemetery. I filled lamps and swept Hall for Grange tomorrow night. Also lifted the last of my beans out of the garden. David sold reaping machine to Mr. Huckins for same money as he paid for it $3⁵⁰.

September 24^th 1908 (Thursday)

Warm smoky and dusty, David and Whittemore on Cemetery road. I raked up around brooder house doors. And pulled up some pea brush then walked to Greenville got hair cut and went per train to Ayer. Found all well.

September 25^th 1908 (Friday)

Hot and dusty. Watched transfers of Express in morning. Took cars to Nashua and attended Convention for election of Councilor (Mr. Arnet of Jaffrey) then went per electric cars to Lowell, and spent an hour there then took cars to Ayer. After supper took train to Greenville where David met me.

September 26^th 1908 (Saturday)

Warm dusty and smoky, wind westerly. David went to Greenville in forenoon load of sleighs for Lonnie Willard and picked apples in afternoon then went to Selectmen’s with his bills. I helped with apples, swept vestry and picked stray corn stalks left by David and Walter Hardy when cutting the corn yesterday. Meeting at Miss Lee’s tonight about Farrar Commemoration.

September 27^th 1908 (Sunday)

Warm and clearer wind W to SW. Mr. Peacock preached from Psalms. I had rather to be door keeper &c. and “A man’s life consisteth in the things: &c. S.S. after Temperance lesson. Mrs. Obear led. Mr. Lewis called in afternoon for eggs. C.E. at night. Mr. Peacock leader. As Mrs. Thayer telephoned that the one appointed could not come. Subject Home Missions “ The Cry of the City”.

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We met at Barrett House for our annual business meeting. John Rosenfelder was reelected as President and Jack Klein was elected as Secretary.

Banjo, Bones & Ballads

Jeff Warner gave us a wonderful presentation about traditional music and played a variety of instruments .

Past Perfect

Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 38 2026

• Objects - 392 Records

• Photos - 173 Records

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1908

I ran out of transcribed diaries from 1913 so we are stepping back five years for a repeat series of September entries from 1908.

September 14^th 1908 (Monday)

Fair and strong NW wind. David cut the clover patch in forenoon and at the Webber lot in afternoon. I wheeled some shingles into the Church cellar. Mr. Blanchard wants me to clear them from round the Hall. Got postal card from Marblehead but don’t know who from. Leaves beginning to color in patches. Got papers from Roslin on Saturday night with notice of the Rev. Mr. Barnetson’s death; a good man gone to his reward.

September 15^th 1908 (Tuesday)

Fair and cold frosty morning, wind E. to SW. David and Henry fixing Webber lot till noon. David raked together and brought in scatterings from the top field behind Jim Davis. (Somebody has tried to spoil the grass on Weston lot in Cemetery). I noticed it about 10 days ago. I turned clover in little field in forenoon and cleared the shingles off Gordon’s grass in the afternoon. Got letter from May last night.

September 16^th 1908 (Wednesday)

Frosty morning, fine clear day wind E. to N. David and Henry at Webber lot till 3³⁰ pm. Then bringing in the clover hay which they put in sheds. I raked up shingles on the Preston side of Hall. And loaded some for Knowlton. Marshall & Gordon gone to Concord tonight for the election tomorrow of governor. Ralph Parker called to see if I would winter his horse, but I declined.

September 17^th 1908 (Thursday)

Fair and cool. David assisting at Parsonage drawing rocks for cellar wall and went for grain at 4 pm. W. Hardy & him put in the clover grass into brooder house. I finished clearing the shingles from round the Hall. Mrs. Lake buried today. Her body was brought from County Poor Farm. A poor ending for such a sweet old lady. I wrote to Jim at Oakdale last night and to Hamish today. Got pc from Roslin last night and a box of heather today.

September 18^th 1908 (Friday)

Cool morning warm day, wind NW to W. Very smoky all round . Sun red as fire morning and night. David and Henry tried to get turf for Webber lot, but ground too dry. Great need of rain for the springs and also to lay the dust. I took a coop of broilers to Depot in morning and brought grain then gathered some fallen apples and lifted the potatoes. David and Henry digging them. Lifted 36 bushels in all today. Sent pc to Roslin last night.

September 19^th 2008 (Saturday)

Cool morning fine day with north wind which cleared away the smoke which has filled the valley all week. Brush fire in Temple district in the afternoon. David lifted the rest of the potatoes today. I gathered them in the afternoon, and we brought them in 19 bushels. About 50 bushels altogether. I picked 3 fowls and one for Mrs. Amee. David gone to Depot tonight to meet Hamish who came at 6 pm all well.

September 20^th 1908(Sunday)

Cool fair and sunny. No smoke today yet the papers are filled with accounts of forest fires in Maine and other districts. Mr. Peacock preached on “The Parable of the Talents”. S.S. after C.R. 7³⁰ pm. Topic “Church Workers”. I led.

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Time: 1:30 - 4:00 PM

Location: Barrett House, 79 Main Street, New Ipswich, NH

Event: NIHS 2026 Annual Meeting & Banjo, Bones and Ballads Presentation

Saturday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Barrett House (79 Main Street) In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, New Ipswich Historical society invites all members and the general public to its Annual Meeting and Program. Funded by New Hampshire Humanities & Stearns-Burton Lecture Fund, the program is free and open to all. Humorous stories of traditional American singers and their music highlight this informative musical program, sharing news from the distant past while helping us interpret present-day life. Rich in local history and a strong sense of place, these well-loved tunes—including tavern and banjo songs, 18th-century New England hymns, and sailor ditties—offer audiences a deeper understanding of the working people who helped build our country.

Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 36 2026

• Objects - 378 Records

• Photos - 163 Records

• Contacts - 121 Records

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1908

I ran out of transcribed diaries from 1913 so we are stepping back five years for a repeat series of September entries from 1908.

September 7^th 1908 (Monday)

Fair and cool. Swept Hall and fixed lamps also hung up Otis Preston’s picture. David at Club for the wind up Labor Day. Mr. Tobey & party came to see Church. Henry Royce & C Whittemore fixing cemetery roads. John & Mrs. Cummings left this morning. Fred Preston also went today, he came on Friday night and hoodooed the train lifted some of our garden beans and put them in wagon shed loft.

September 8^th 1908 (Tuesday)

Fair sunny and cool north west wind. David at Ashburnham. I swept Hall and pulled some grapes in afternoon. Got pc from Hamish. D.P. Maynard, Mr. Hudson, Guy Blanchard, C Knowlton and a stranger commenced shingling Town Hall today. Caucus meeting tonight about 30 present.

September 9^th 1908 (Wednesday)

Fair and sunny. David & Henry 2 hours in Cemetery and then cutting Hungarian grass in Jim Davis field, also getting horses feet put right in afternoon, then raked hay together. I called on Miss Lee in afternoon. Pulled up some old pea stakes in garden and fed some tomatoes to hens and chickens.

September 10^th 1908 (Thursday)

Dull and Smokey, sun red like copper wind west. David and Henry spreading hay and grading Webber lot. I went for grain in morning and chored round after. Got letter from Alice and views of Oyster House.

September 11^th 1908 (Friday)

Very warm day wind NW, very smokey all day. Sun red like a ball of fire. David and Henry Royce shaking out the hay which they brought in in the afternoon. Got letter from Jim saying he was going to a business school in New York.

September 12^th 1908 (Saturday)

Warm and still smokey with reddish sun, wind NE to SE. David at Ashburnham with chair stock from Walker. The men finished shingling the Hall today. I brought home a quantity of shingles. Got a basket of pears from Mrs. Obear.

September 13^th 1908 (Sunday)

Fair and muggier getting cool in evening wind SW to S. Mr. Peacock preached on “Love one another”. Meeting after to appoint a committee for Children’s Fair. Mr. Wheeler, Whittemore & Peacock, Mrs. Wheeler, Buckman, Miss Taylor. No S.S. C.E. 730 Topic “Church Attendance” Leader Mr. Corbett. David and Lonie at Whittemore camp at Hubbard Pond.

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Time: 1:30 - 4:00 PM

Location: Barrett House, 79 Main Street, New Ipswich, NH

Event: NIHS 2026 Annual Meeting & Banjo, Bones and Ballads Presentation

Saturday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Barrett House (79 Main Street) In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, New Ipswich Historical society invites all members and the general public to its Annual Meeting and Program. Funded by New Hampshire Humanities & Stearns-Burton Lecture Fund, the program is free and open to all. Humorous stories of traditional American singers and their music highlight this informative musical program, sharing news from the distant past while helping us interpret present-day life. Rich in local history and a strong sense of place, these well-loved tunes—including tavern and banjo songs, 18th-century New England hymns, and sailor ditties—offer audiences a deeper understanding of the working people who helped build our country.

Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 36 2026

• Objects - 339 Records

• Photos - 155 Records

• Contacts - 121 Records

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1908

I ran out of transcribed diaries from 1913 so we are stepping back five years for a repeat series of September entries from 1908.

September 1^st 1908 (Tuesday)

Fair and warm wind W to NW. David at Ashburnham with chair stock for Mr. Walker. I cut and trimmed several lots in Cemetery. Got letter from Alice yesterday saying they were going by Fall River last night also from Hamish from Nashua saying part of the plug was removed from his nose and he was feeling better.

September 2^nd 1908 (Wednesday)

Fair, Cool and cloudy wind west. David, H. Royce & Whittemore repairing Cemetery roads. I cut and trimmed several lots. Got a letter from Jessie saying she had been to Boston seeing Alice off.

September 3^rd 1908 (Thursday)

Fair and sunny. David, Royce & Whittemore repairing the cemetery roads. I filled Hall lamps and pulled some blueberries, also cut and trimmed some lots. Several Grangers fixing up Hall for Grange fair on Friday night. Ashby band teams passed tonight from Greenville to home. Had a hot box (?).

September 4^th 1908 (Friday)

Fair and sunny, beautiful day. David, R. & Whittemore on Cemetery roads. I pulled some grapes and pulled a few blueberries and finished lots in Cemetery. Got 2 baskets of “Porter” apples from Huckins. Telephone service disarranged today owing to tree being cut and allowed to be on wires at Homestead.

September 5^th 1908 (Saturday)

Fair and warm during day. Cool nights and mornings wind S.W. Cloudy at night threatening rain. David at Club House all day. Royce and Whittemore had horses till dinner time. Afterward on roads raking &c. Mother and I fixed Hall for Grange fair, and I swept church and went for grain to Greenville and bought drawers for Hamish and sent on his sweater also got letter from Alice. Peterboro fire muster today. Mr. Wilson and Mrs. Farwell there with team of two horses from Silver’s.

September 6^th 1908 (Sunday)

Dull and drizzly. Mr. Peacock preached on the institution of sacrifice and Passover, he dispensed communion for the first time since his ordination. Some for reasons known only to themselves left without partaking. Viz. Mr. & Mrs. Myron Taylor, Mrs. Sampson, and others were absent. Miss Taylor, Mrs. Obear, Mrs. M^cKown &c. No Sabbath School. C.E. at 7pm. Mr. Peacock leader Topic: Life with Christ average attendance.

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Visit our Webpage

Time: 1:30 - 4:00 PM

Location: Barrett House, 79 Main Street, New Ipswich, NH

Event: NIHS 2026 Annual Meeting & Banjo, Bones and Ballads Presentation

Saturday, September 19 at 1:30 p.m. at the Barrett House (79 Main Street) In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, New Ipswich Historical society invites all members and the general public to its Annual Meeting and Program. Funded by New Hampshire Humanities & Stearns-Burton Lecture Fund, the program is free and open to all. Humorous stories of traditional American singers and their music highlight this informative musical program, sharing news from the distant past while helping us interpret present-day life. Rich in local history and a strong sense of place, these well-loved tunes—including tavern and banjo songs, 18th-century New England hymns, and sailor ditties—offer audiences a deeper understanding of the working people who helped build our country.

Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 31 2026

• Objects - 310 Records

• Photos - 145 Records

• Contacts - 121 Records

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

24th August 1913

Fine cool day; wind west. Mr. Wilder of Townsend preached from Psalm 107: “He satisfieth the longing soul.” A good turnout of people. No evening service as there is to be an open air meeting at Tobey’s [in] Temple. Jessie at Ayer today and telephoned in afternoon.

25th August 1913

Cold morning; beautiful clear day; wind north and north west. David at Store. I pumped water, etc. for washing, and Alice and I cleaned up the Hall in the morning. I cut Corbin lot and went golfing in afternoon with John Cummings, who was 2 up on 15 holes. Got letter from Hamish.

26th August 1913

Clear and warm; wind variable. David at Store. Alice and I went to Greenville in forenoon and I cut some lots after.

27th August 1913

Thunderstorm at five a. m. David got a shock through pump handle. Fair and cooler; cloudy with thunder round about. Alice went away this afternoon. I took her to Depot. Cut some lots; Mary’s and Mother’s also.

28th August 1913

Fair and warm; wind westerly. David at Store. I picked a chicken for Mr. Lowe. Been in the empty house all day alone, cooking, etc. Also put wire on brooder house and door, and pulled pea sticks up in garden. Grange tonight closed 11:45 p.m.

29th August 1913

Thunderstorm about five a.m.; Nice rain in forenoon; wind variable. David at Store. I picked and dressed 4 chickens for Dan Brown. John Preston here to meet Farrar and Tuttle about timbering his pond and shingling part of his house. Preparatory lecture in Church. M. Proctor and Laura Knowlton to be admitted to the church on Sunday. Got letter from Hamish.

Meeting of Men’s Club in Vestry tonight. Mr. Goddard of Greenville and Mr. John Cummings and Miss Kerenan, the Finnish missionary, to speak. There was a good attendance but broke up earlier than usual as thunderstorm was threatening.

30th August 1913

Terrible thunderstorm began about 10 p. m. last night but reached a climax about midnight when the lightning was incessant and immediately overhead. The house shook with the vibrations of the thunder and a heavy rain storm. Moses Balch’s barn set on fire about midnight. Albro rescued his horse and cow but lost his hay, harness, and other property. David rang the fire bell and Smithville engine came. They saved the adjoining houses from catching fire. Today the air is cooler and pleasant. The rain was welcome and will do an immense quantity of good.

David at Store. I picked 4 chickens; took one to Miss Fanny Barr’s and 2 to Miss Laura Barr’s. Mr. Gordon gets the others. I also got Hall ready for Social dance. Got letter from Alice who reached Greenport all right and found all well.

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Remember it only costs $15 to become a member

Become a Member

Subscribe now

Visit our Webpage

Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 31 2026

• Objects - 279 Records

• Photos - 132 Records

• Contacts - 119 Records

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

17th August 1913

Warm day and muggy; wind easterly. Mr. Lord preached from Acts 17: 26—“God who has made of one blood, etc.” About 3 p.m. there was a severe wind, rain, and thunderstorm. 2 inches of water fell within the hour. Our Crawford peach tree was blown down and several trees around also much fruit. About 5 p.m. David was called away to an alarm of brush fire on Binnie [sic] Hill started by lightning striking a tree. No rain had fallen there. He came back about 7 p.m., the fire being under control when they got there. Very few at the evening service which closed at 7:30 p.m.

18th August 1913

Warm and muggy; wind southwest, etc. This is my 72nd birthday. David went to Greenville for grain, kerosene, etc. in forenoon and at Store in afternoon. A good deal of thunder in afternoon but no rain. I singled some turnips in afternoon. Got letter from Hamish saying that Lucy’s mother was dead. I picked up 7 pails of apples in orchard which were blown down yesterday by the windstorm.

19th August 1913

Fair and warm with nice cool northeast breeze. David at store. I played golf with J. Cummings who beat me 4 up on 15 holes. I cut some lots in afternoon. Got letter from Hamish and Lucy’s mother died on 17th. John Cummings to speak at opening of Men’s Club on 29th. Ralph Packer asked for leave to make town dump in our pasture. Refused.

20th August 1913

Cold morning. 44° temperature at Miss Taylor’s 5 a.m. Fine day; wind west to southeast. David at Store. I picked a chicken; swept church with Alice. No mail tonight. Train late.

21st August 1913

Fair and cool; wind westerly. David at Store. I hoed some turnips and got Hall ready for dance tonight. Got letter from Margaret. The girls go home tomorrow.

22nd August 1913

Fair and cool; wind variable. David at Store. I picked four fowls and took children to Depot. Got Hall ready for Club Dance tonight. Got letter from Sandy today, also from Hamish at night. Dance closed at 1 a.m. Nice shower began about midnight. Mr. Lord called this morning about admission of Laura Knowlton as a member of church.

23rd August 1913

Showers during night; cloudy day but fair and pleasant; wind variable. David at Store. Dixon not out as he feels sick. Alice and I cleaned up Hall and fixed it for Finn dance tonight. I picked 4 chickens after dinner. Took two to Miss Laura Barr’s and one dozen eggs. Got parcel of Heather from Scotland today. David took some to Wilbur; also to Mrs. Nash.

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Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 31 2026

• Objects - 244 Records

• Photos - 118 Records

• Contacts - 118 Records

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

10th August 1913

Cloudy but warn; wind west. Mr. Lord preached from the text: “Your young men will see visions and the old men dream dreams.” Evening service at 7 p.m. Mrs. Phelps telephoned asking David to go into store tomorrow as Wilbur was still sick.

11th August 1913

Quite a cold morning and dry wind north. David in Store for Wilbur who is still sick. I picked 2 chickens for Miss Palmer and put some wood down the wood cellar. Got parcel from John Stewart of Hotel Astor Coffee.

12th August 1913

Fair and warmer; wind variable. David in Store. I cut some lots, etc.

13th August 1913

Cloudy with showers in afternoon. David in Store. I cut some lots in forenoon and filled Hall lamps and got Hall ready for Grange tomorrow night. Picked one chicken for Mrs. Gordon. Got postcard from Hamish.

14th August 1913

Fair and cool; wind east to southeast. David at Store. I cut some lots and weeded some in garden; also thinned one row of turnips.

15th August 1913

Fair and warm; wind westerly. David at Store. I picked 6 chickens and got Hall ready for Historical Society party, which broke up at 11 p.m.

16th August 1913

Warm and withering. David at Store. I thinned some turnips and Alice and I cleaned up Hall in morning. I picked 4 chickens and took chickens and eggs to Mr. Barrett’s. Got letter from Hamish who is going to Troy to visit Lucy whose mother is ill.

Leave a comment

Remember it only costs $15 to become a member

Become a Member

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Visit our Webpage

Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 31 2026

• Objects - 223 Records

• Photos - 105 Records

• Contacts - 118 Records

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

3rd August 1913

Warm and muggy; wind westerly. Mr. Lord preached from the text “who will show us any good” to a rather thin congregation. Evening service at 7 P.m; not very many present. I wrote to Mrs. Moffat and Miss Handley.

4th August 1913

Dull and showery with some thunder; wind north. David clearing up the wood at incubator house and cleaning brooder house in afternoon. Also went to tennis court and met young Ely. I cleaned and put brooder lamps into incubator house; also washed the chickens’ drinking fountains; also cleaned some of the incubator trays, and Alice, Margaret and I packed up the wood in coal cellar. Got postcard from Hamish, and David got postcard from Mrs. Spofford from the Hague. Got Prescotts’ account.

5th August 1913

Fair and warm; wind northerly. David at Temple with Mr. Barrett’s sprayer. Alice, Margaret and I emptied the tub of feathers in the brooder house and cleaned some of the pens. I put up some perches for the chickens. Alice and Margaret got a lot of blackberries at J. Davis’.

6th August 1913

Cloudy and warm. David at tennis court in morning and took Alice and the two girls to Depot for noon time train to Ayer. He hoed the cabbage after and I cut some lots in forenoon and played golf in afternoon with John Cummings against P. Bliss and Phil Brown. We were 2 up on the 15 holes. Dave going to meet Alice, Eliz, and Janet at 7:10 train. Got letter from Hamish.

7th August 1913

Thunder during night but little rain; cloudy and warm day; wind variable but mostly northerly. David whitewashing at Myron Taylor’s and him [sic] cultivated the potatoes and cabbage in field and garden. I went for load of wood to Walkers’ Mill; also tidied some lots in cemetery. Mrs. Knowlton washing today. Sale of work at Academy Hall today to raise funds for a piano for Academy. Isham Aldrich brought insane man to cooler today. Miss Palmer caught in the trap set for rabbit. W. Thayer’s horse ran away from his house but fell before going far. Got postcard that County Club dance was also to be on 22nd.

8th August 1913

Warm and sunny; wind southerly. David tarring the roofs of brooder house. I went for a load of wood from Walkers’ and cut some lots. David helped Lonie to move ladders, etc. to School House at centre; then went for sugar, etc. to Phelps’, who asked him to come tomorrow and work in store as he does not feel well. Got letter from Hamish who had narrow escape from a live wire. He is now only a sleeping partner in the N.C.E. at Albany and talks of getting married sometime next year. Went to Academy at 8 p.m. to hear address by John Cummings to Parent-Teachers Association.

9th August 1913

Fair and warm; wind westerly. David at Store. I picked 5 chickens: 2 for selves, 1 for Knowlton, and 2 for Miss Barr. She also got a dozen of eggs. I also made a quantity of plum jam. Alice and I fixed the Hall for the Finn dance tonight. Mrs. Knowlton did the ironing in afternoon. Finns went at 11:45 p.m.

Dudley Laufman

W. Dudley Laufman (February 7, 1931 – July 13, 2026)^[1][2] was an American contra and barn dance caller and musician widely credited with having helped spur the revival of contra dance in the 20th century. He played and called a dance at the Oak Hill Country Club one year ago on August 8, 2025.

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Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 31 2026

• Objects - 197 Records, 181 Images

• Photos - 94 Records, 95 Images

• Archives - 1 Record

• Contacts - 118 Records, 3 Images

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

27th July 1913

They are, warm, and dusty; wind Westerly. Mr. Prescott preached a good sermon from the text: “thou shalt love the Lord, etc.” Evening service: 25 present. I was not there. I wrote my usual letters and one to David Paterson.

28th July 1913

Fair and muggy; wind west; thunder shower about 1:30 P.m. Good rain but not enough. David at Barretts’ in forenoon but stopped by rain. Margaret and I picked over the potatoes, and Dave took a bag for Ayer to Depot in afternoon. Got letter from Hamish at night.

29th July 1913

Fair and warm; wind west. David at Barretts’ till 3:30 P.m, and him and I cultivated the field potatoes afterwards. Alice and I swept Vestry, little room, and stairs, and I filled lamps in forenoon. Got papers from Hingham today.

30th July 1913

Fair and warm; wind variable; thunder showers about noon; a good deal of thunder last night. David cutting grass at Barretts’ and Miss Taylor’s. I cut 10 lots in cemetery. Sale of work in church today. Supper at six.

31st July 1913

Fair and cooler; wind east. David with Daniel at his hair. I cut some lots and picked a fowl. Papers filled with accounts of severe thunderstorms. Dr. Jones called to arrange dates for lecture course. Dr. Tupper to give an address tonight at Academy hall. David to sell tickets. The lecture was entertaining but like the story of the empty box there was nothing in it.

1st August 1913

Cloudy but warm. The morning was cool and threatened rain but the sun came out. Wind south and southeast. David with Walter Thayer on sidewalks. Mr. Cummings and I played golf left off square. I bugdeathed some of the field potatoes in the afternoon. Got letter from Hamish.

2nd August 1913

Thunder and slight shower during the night; warm, muggy day with northwest wind. David and the two girls went to Greenville in forenoon for grain, and he hoed field potatoes in afternoon. I bugdeathed the potatoes in forenoon. Also picked five chickens: two for ourselves and three for Miss Barr, which Margaret and me delivered and went to library and store. Special day at Golf Club. Got letter from Elizabeth asking girls to come home on Tuesday.

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Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 29 2026

• Objects - 171 Records, 181 Images

• Photos - 85 Records, 86 Images

• Archives - 1 Record

• Contacts - 118 Records, 3 Images

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

Technical Problem

I had a disk failure Wednesday morning, My computer refused to boot up so my publishing work is temporarily on hold. Sorry for the truncated posting.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

20th July 1913

Warm with nice west wind. Mr. Lord preach from Ephesians 6th and 1st text: “for this is right.”Evening service at 7 P.m. Mr. Cummings spoke on “things which benefit.” I understand there were about 30 present. I wrote my usual letters, also to Miss Bryce and Mr. Loudon (London?).

21st July 1913

Warm with fairly good northwesterly wind. David cutting grass for Mr. Corbett and Mr. Hardy in Barrett Meadow. Also round the Fox place for Mr. Chase. I did some weeding, sawed some wood, and Dave and me planted 200 cabbages. Got letter from Hamish. Mrs. Jones took Alice a drive round the golf course and Highbridge in the afternoon.

22nd July 1913

Warm wind west, dry and dusty. David raking hay in Barretts’ Meadow in the morning, weeding etc. in garden, went to Greenville for grain etc.in afternoon. I picked fowl and did some weeding and cultivating. Got letter from brother Bob. I wrote to Dr. Stimson (in) Fitchburg and sent $15 in payment of his bill.

23rd July 1913

Cloudy but dry and warm. I went to Ayer by first train, leaving horse at Sawyers’ until the 2 (o’clock) train. I found May sick, suffering from sore throat and cold, pretty well tuckered out. I bought a light jacket. Brought Margaret and Barbara home for two weeks’ vacation. David choring round in garden. Him and I planted 100 cabbages in afternoon. I killed woodchuck at Miss Palmer’s.

24th July 1913

Cloudy and warm. David at Barrett’s teaming gravel etc. Mrs. Knowlton washing. I weeded garden in forenoon and sowed 5 rows of turnip seed. Also killed 6 fowls in afternoon and got Hall ready for Grange. There was a drama and auction of pies in Hall with coffee. Closed at 11:30 P.m. Got letter from Hamish.

25th July 1913

Cloudy, windy, and warmish northwest wind. David at Barretts’ mixing cement and teaming hard pan. I picked three fowls and went for wood to Walkers’ in forenoon. Alice and I took out settees and swept Hall for dance tonight. F. Cushing paid his hay today. Bought at Spoffords’ sale. Not very many at dance, which closed at 1 a.m. Orchestra from Fitchburg.

5trr

Warm and dry wind west. David at Barretts’ mixing cement. Alice and Margaret swept the Hall, and we put in settees. Picked beans, etc. I picked 2 broilers after dinner, and Margaret and I took them to Miss Barr’s and afterwards went to library. Got letter from Hamish. Barbara got postcard from Ayer. All well.

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Back in May the New Ipswich Historical Society purchased a museum management software package called “PastPerfect”. This will allow us to re-catalog our collection of objects, photographs, and documents. It also allows us to track our members, and contributions. The 1992 and 1996 inventories were very professionally done, which makes transferring information to the new program fairly easy if time consuming. We chose this program because many local historical societies and the New Hampshire Historical Society use this program.

Several of our board members visited the Nashua Historical Society for a preview of the capabilities of PastPerfect. We had a couple of training sessions at the New Ipswich Library, and have been cataloging objects at our building for several weeks. John Poltrack has been cataloging our photo collection. Rick Blanchette has organized our membership data.

We have had some great people volunteering at the society building:

Kathy Muhonen, Louise DelPapa, Rick Blanchette, Jack Klein, Peggy Lee, Sharon and John Rosenfelder.

Together we have logged several hundred hours of volunteer time. The cataloging procedure involves looking at the old inventories, finding the object, photographing, recording its location, and entering the data in the new program.

After we catch up on transferring information from the old databases, we will be able to record new acquisitions that had not been previously documented.

Kim Black had cataloged many of our paper artifacts, and this information can be entered into PastPerfect.

We anticipate that this project will take many months, but will allow us to better know what we have. We will then be able to group our collection into more logical displays. E.g. all the kitchen items, or all the military items together. We will also be able to group the photos in logical groups, families, buildings, mills, gatherings, etc. The same with documents: letters, business information, and newspaper clippings.

At some future time, much of this information will be available to the public on line. At this time we have cataloged about 130 objects and 80 photographs.

Example of a Object Record

Example of a Photo Record

The program can also generate tag labels that can be attached to items.

Pay us a visit and see how it is done

We thank the members of the New Ipswich Historical Society for helping us with this project, and for bringing us into the 21st century.

If you are interested in helping financially or with cataloging, contact any board member or stop by Wednesday or Thursday mornings between 9:00am and noon at the society building on Main Street.

Thanks, John Rosenfelder, President New Ipswich Historical Society

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Remember it only costs $15 to become a member

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Visit our Webpage

Our volunteers have been cataloging our collections of photos and artifacts. Thanks for the donations that made it possible to purchase the software.

Our cataloging status as of Week 29 2026

• Objects - 131 Records, 161 Images

• Photos - 79 Records, 80 Images

• Archives - 1 Record

• Contacts - 118 Records, 3 Images

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

13th July 1913

Warm and breezy; wind west to southwest. Mr. Lord preached from 121st Psalm “I to the hills will lift mine eyes, etc.” No S. S. Wrote six letters. Evening service at 7 P.m; not many attended. I was not there. Mrs. Preston called in the evening about her flower vase.

14th July 1913

Warm, windy, and cloudy; wind south west. David and Henry haying and _________. I hoed some in the garden and picked two fowls: one for Lowes and one for ourselves. Henry Royce’s wife away from home, and H. has gone on the spree.

15th July 1913

Fair and windy; wind northerly, sky cloudy. David, Henry, and Myron at the hay. I took fertiliser, ice, sickle, and rabbit trap to Miss Palmer in the morning. Picked 4 quarts peas for Mr. Gordon and cut weeds at bottom of garden. Got letter from Hamish. Mr. Guttenburg (later spelled Gedenberg) began his hay this afternoon. Got Hamish’s his second letter.

16th July 1913

Fair and warm; wind variable. David cutting and finishing Myron Whitney’s hay and went to Greenville in forenoon for grain. I played golf in forenoon with John Cummings and won on 10 holes by one hole and one stroke. In the afternoon I cut the tall weeds round the garden. Got letter from Jessie today. Mr. Presby (?) paid his hay today and Mr. Guttenburg paid $10 on his.

17th July 1913

Call night; warm, dusty day; wind west. David cutting Presbys’ hay in the morning and went to Greenville with barrel of potatoes for Berkley; then helping Lonie with his hay and drawing stone for Knowlton lot with Henry Royce. Alice and I picked potatoes in the morning, and I took ice to Miss Palmer. Also picked peas and raked together the weeds in the garden. Also went to mail in afternoon; paid telephone account, and some Masonic accounts. Gedenberg (previously spelled Guttenburg) paid balance of his grass account today. Met Rev. G. Prescott downtown. Got nice letter from David Paterson enclosing receipt for 6 dollars sent to White Memorial fund in December. David got letter from Chap.mans at Fitchburg asking him to grade their cemetery lot.

18th July 1913

Cloudy with slight showers; wind southerly. David and Henry Royce laying the foundation for tombstone on Knowlton lot and working at Gordons’ in afternoon. I cut Preston lot, Tabraham and Hubbard lots. Dan Brown ordered 2 fowls and Miss Barr 3 broilers. John Preston paid David his account. I picked a peck potatoes for Lowes.

19th July 1913

Thunder shower during night; fair and warm day. David cut hay for Corbett in forenoon and went to Greenville in afternoon. Got Pete shod and paid Farrar’s account for funeral services ($64). Bought frying pan, Vaseline, and quinine. I picked 2 fowls and 3 broilers. Took potatoes to Lowes and delivered fowls and broilers.

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Visit our Webpage

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

6th July 1913

Warm day; wind north west. Mr. Lord preached Communion sermon from the text “for as oft as, etc.“ No S. S. Mrs. Thayer paid her quarterly 5 cents. Evening service at 7 P.m. The tolling bell not working.

7th July 1913

Warm but much cooler than previous days; cloudy and northwest wind. Our sale of hay today realized $51.50. Not many buyers present as there has [sic] been several other hay sales and Longees’ (?) yet to come, which is convenient for the Finns. David cutting grass in forenoon at John Cummings’ and Dan Brown’s place for Mr. Hardy. The Spofford grass also sold this afternoon. Got letter from Miss Handley today. Received from Mr. Phelps $36.80 of Mason’s funds. Myron Whitney paid his grass $11.25. Got letter from Elizabeth at night. All well and asking us to send on the potatoes I spoke about in my letter on Sunday.

8th July 1913

Warm day and dusty; wind west. David at Barretts’ mixing cement. Alice and I picked over a barrel of potatoes, which I took to Express Office and brought a bag of barley, oatmeal and crackers. Got 2 postcards from Hamish. The Kenneys are leaving Mr. Brown’s cottage on account of Mr. Kenney’s illness and have asked David to pack their things and forward them. John Preston arrived today to spend a month in New Ipswich.

9th July 1913

Warm day and dusty. David at Barretts’ mixing cement. Got letter from Ima (?) Magill.

10th July 1913

Cloudy but no rain; warm wind southwest. David at Barretts’. I picked four fowls. Mrs. Knowlton washing today. Brown Bros. called for chickens at night. Got Hall ready for Grange. Not many there; closed at 10 P.m. Got letters from May and Hamish.

11th July 1913

Warm and dry; wind west. David at Barretts’ until noon; afternoon helping H. Royce. I cleared up the Willard Lot and picked peas. Also did some hoeing in the garden. Taylors’ picnic in Obear Grove today; we did not go. Lecture at Academy tonight by Mr. James (?) Knowlton. Got letter from Mr. Moffatt.

12th July 1913

Warm and windy with heavy shower at night. David cutting hay in forenoon and at Fitchburg with Walter Hardy in afternoon. Home at 11 P.m drenched. I picked three broilers for Miss Barr and went to Union Hall at 7:30 for sidewalk meeting but found it was postponed till Monday night. Got letter from May and postcard from Hamish.

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The New Ipswich Historical Society will have a porta-potty available during our summer hours thanks to the generosity of “Scotties Potties”. What better way to celebration our birthday.

Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

29 June 1913

Fair and warm; wind west. Mr. Lord preached from the text “Take heed that no man deceives you.” No S. S. Only giving out the quarterlys [sic] and the notice that there would be no S.S. during July and August. Children’s collection: 7 cents; quarterlys 10. Evening service and good attendance.

30th June 1913

Fair and warm; wind west. David and W. Hardy at Spoffords’ and cutting John Preston’s lawn. I went to Greenville and got bills printed for the sale of our hay, and Alice and I partly papered the sitting room. Carrie Lowe called at night. Got letter from Hamish and Mrs. Spofford.

1st July 1913

Fair and very warm; wind west. David and Walter putting hard pan on tennis court and carted up barrels to Preston Pond for Mr. Barrett. Alice and I finished the sitting room. Got letters from Jenny Mair.

2nd July 1913

Fair and warm; wind northerly. David and W. Hardy fixing up the teams, etc. for the 4th. David went to Greenville for grain and got horse shod. Roads very dusty and everyone crying for rain. I picked four fowls, and Alice and I put up the pictures in sitting room.

3rd July 1913

Fair and warm; wind variable. David cutting Frank Hardy’s hay. Alice cleaning up some drawers, etc. I’ve picked four fouls for Brown Bros. John Cummings came to town this afternoon and called to pay his pew rent. Got letter from Hamish.

4th July 1913

There and warm. Bell ringing and cracker firing began about 12:30 AM, a very feeble turn out. About 10 AM the Ashby band played up the street as far as the church and were accompanied by some young women carrying the banner with Woman Suffrage on it. Also some children dressed as Horribles and looking very dusty and uncomfortable. David finishing cutting F. Hardy’s hay. Alice and I took out the settees out the Hall in the morning. David and Lonie went downtown in afternoon. Dance in Hall tonight; pretty noisy lot. Fired crackers all the time; also left a lot of ice cream plates and spoons all over the lot.

5th July 1913

Warm and muggy; wind westerly. David teaming hay for Frank Hardy. Alice and I swept the Hall and put in the settees. I picked two fowls and two broilers; delivered fowl to Miss F. Barr and two broilers to Miss Laura Barr. Went to library and Phelps’ for tobacco and to Post Office for paper. Dill Hudson passed today with the Jowders’ (?) furniture going to Lunenburg. The family went later by auto. Country Club opened today. Letter from May.

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Cataloged Photos of the Week

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

22nd June 1913

Fair and moderately warm; wind variable. “Children’s Day “at church. The W.R.C. presented the Sabbath School children with a flag. I was not feeling well, so I was not at church nor evening service. No S. S. Today.

23rd June 1913

Fair and warm; went to bed at 1 AM this morning. David at Birchwood painting today. I sawed wood and helped Alice a little in cleaning up pantry and shifting dishes from pantry to parlor closet. Also burning rubbish. Got letters today from Maud Larrabee, James Bolton, and Warren Loope; also from Hamish.

24th June 1913

Fair and warm; wind west. David at the tennis court. I went for grain and paid Prescott’s account. Also bought an alarm clock, rhubarb, and tablets. Sawed some wood in afternoon, and Alice and I cleared some old vegetables out of the cellar.

25th June 1913

Cloudy; wind northeast to east. David painting at Prescotts’. Alice and I fixing up parlor. Ready for papering and putting books up in my room. Mrs. Knowlton washing in forenoon.

26th June 1913

Cloudy. David at Spoffords’ with a W. Hardy painting. I picked with Alice eight fowls for Brown Bros. Took peck of potatoes to Lowes’. Got letter from Hamish. Dr. Jones called with his bill: $70.90. Grange closed a little before 11. 20 present.

27th June 1913

Sarah and warm with light cooling breeze; wind Northwest. David choring around partly Spoffords’, Prescotts, and home. Alice and I fixed up room over the kitchen. Mrs. Knowlton ironing.

28th June 1913

Fair and warm with good northwest cool wind. Sad anniversary of my 46th wedding day. David went to Fitchburg with W. Hardy. I picked two fowls and two broilers and delivered the: one at Myron Taylor’s, one at Mrs. Parker’s, and two broilers to Miss Barr. Also swept Church. Got letters from Roslin and Hamish. Went to Selectmen’s room with David’s bill for painting cemetery fence.

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Enjoy your longest day of sunlight as you have your morning cup of coffee. It was nice meeting some of the subscribers at the NIHS program today.

Program: How Electricity Changed Rural NH Life

Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 2 PM

NIHS President John Rosenfelder opened the program by reading excerpts of the town reports describing the funds used for electrification.

Presenter Stephen Taylor described the many advantages to electrification as a means of labor reduction and comfort. Work that mostly done by women. Many of us had the opportunity to experience what it life could be without electricity during the outages during the great ice storm in 2008.

Photos

We have started to use our Past Perfect software to organize and categorize our collections of artifacts. This is a complex project but we have a dedicated and capable team. Thanks to all members and donor for their financial support that made this possible.

I’ve been directing my effort to our collections of photographs, entering metadata and supporting documentation into the database. These are the photos I processed this week.

James Roger Diaries Entries - 1913

15th June 1913

Fair and warm; wind variable. Mr. Lane of Cushing Academy preached a good sermon from 2nd Chronicles about the six steps to Solomon’s throne. Frank Whittemore took the Sunday School collection. $.28. No evening service. Mr. Gordon and wife called in the afternoon.

16th June 1913

Fair and warm; wind west. Hamish went by first train this morning to Buffalo. David and the horses at Barretts’ teaming rocks. I cut the Murphy lot and brought tub of potatoes from field. No callers today except Lonie. Got letters from John Cummings and Mrs. Hooper. Alice got one from some friend in Bayshore.

17th June 1913

Fair and warm with cool, dry breeze; wind north western. David with the horses at Barretts’. I swept hall and filled lamps for dance tonight. Mrs. Knowlton washing today. Got letters from Cora Emmons.

18th June 1913

Fair and warm with a northerly breeze. David with the horses at Barretts’. I picked a fowl and swept the Hall and cut the “Blood lot “in afternoon. Got postcard from Hamish from Buffalo.

19th June 1913

Cloudy and warm; wind variable; like to rain in the evening. Rain very much needed. David teaming sand for Barrett in forenoon and at the tennis court in afternoon. I took fowl to Miss Barr’s and picked 6 for Brown Bros. in afternoon. Sewing Circle today. Mrs. Beard called. Got letter from Hamish. Alice one from Bayshore.

20th June 1913

Cloudy with slight showers during the night; wind south westerly. David went to Greenville for grain and oatmeal and after at Mrs. Spofford’s till dinner time. I went to office with some letters and called Miss Laura Barr’s who wants 2 broilers tomorrow. Mr. Bauer tuned the piano in Hall and fixed a string. Got letter from Millerton from Marion my sister.

21st June 1913

Fair and warm; wind variable; cloudy afternoon. David at Spoffords’ in morning and at tennis court in the afternoon. I picked 2 broilers for Miss Laura Barr. Practice by children in church for Children’s Day tomorrow. Got letter from Johnnie who got a prize of one dollar for spelling. David got a letter from Newcomb and one from Hamish.

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