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The winter of 1916
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Goffe's Falls Heritage Day Relived
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Top level
Goffe's Falls
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THE quintessential example of what community is all about!
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Support of the city father
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If you were to pick a neighborhood you'd wish to be a part of, Goffe's Falls would surely be in the running. The guests of the Goffe's Falls Heritage Day, held on May 3, 2008 would certainly confirm your choice! More than an opportunity to see what made this place special for two centuries, the gathering allowed the attendees to be part of a celebration dedicated to the memory of Manchester's first settlers, as well those who came later, and their timeless stories.
In the above image, the festivities were kicked off by the ceremonial ribbon cutting by the Honorable Frank Guinta, mayor of Manchester. Appearing left to right are: Nancy Bridgewater; Ward 8 Alderman Betsi DeVries; Mayor Guinta; Brian O'Neill, deputy director of Manchester Boston Regional Airport; Mac Morgrage (as Col. John Goffe); The Rev. Dr. Vera Wingate, pastor of Bethany Chapel; and Ed Brouder, airport historian and veteran broadcaster.
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Forging a friendship
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As is the case in any relationship, one party must embrace the other. As the airport has expanded, Bethany Chapel is fortunate to have formed a partnership with airport executives. Here a smile and photo-op are shared by pastor Wingate and airport deputy director Brian O'Neill.
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A pitch for preservation
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An opportunity for dignitaries and congregation to mingle, each learning from the other, Goffe's Falls Heritage Day brought together some of Manchester's hardest workers. In this photo, Merrill Lewis, president of the New England Moxie Congress discusses the Moxie Bottle House preservation efforts with the mayor.
Left to right are: Joe Labbe, webmaster; Rev. Wingate; Merrill Lewis and Mayor Guinta.
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First Kiosk
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It is no coincidence that Moxie had a strong presence at our village gathering. Nowhere has the concoction garnered a following like it has in New England, and in Manchester. The original Moxie Bottle was displayed at Pine Island Park from 1910, through 1919, later to be moved across the frozen pond and re-erected for use as a private dwelling. After eighty-eight years in Goffe's Falls, its dismantling and removal to Maine prompted the building of this twelve-foot replica by Lewis.
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Novel Marketing
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Later advertising attempts by Moxie resulted in horse drawn carriages, and even "horse-mobiles" like this example on display for the day. A 1929 LaSalle, it was trailered to Bethany for the day through the generosity of its owner, Jack Algeo.
In keeping with the times, the modern-day Moxie-mobile was also displayed in this Volkswagen example owned by Russ Bilodeau. He too has apparently been bit by the Moxie-bug.
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Advertisement in a modern form
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Greenie's contribution
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In addition to Moxie memorabilia, examples of different time frames of Goffe's Falls' history were represented. Though "Greenie" (Roosevelt Greene), a beloved neighbor of the village passed away in the early 1960's, he remains here in spirit to those who rode his hand-made rail cart. This memento was given by Pine Island Park officials to brothers Ray and Roland Goulet upon the park's closing.
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Pleasure on the Pond
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Poster boards were available for viewing in the church hall, and highlighted such places as Pine Island Park, St Francis of Assisi Parishes (2 locations), public schools, various airport phases, transportation mediums, mill industries, as well as settlers of all time periods.
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One of many exhibits
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Early industry in the village
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Live sheep also added to the celebration and were once a large part of farming and principal livestock in Goffe's Falls through the centuries. These provided the wool used in mills operated by the Moore's, the Derry Mills (from 1860 to the 1880's) and later the Devonshire Mills.
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Done on farms and in mills
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State Rep. and Goffstown resident Karen McRae demonstrates wool spinning, as it was done in the home centuries ago. Such exhibits serve to foster a greater appreciation of the warmth the fibers provide, as well as the labor required to convert raw material to a usable product.
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Representing the NHAHS
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Space was also provided to the New Hampshire Aviation Historical Society, another neighbor and friend of Bethany Chapel. On display was their video "History on the Move",(shot by yours truly, and brother Matt) a DVD of the moving of the Cashin Terminal which now houses their museum on the southeast end of the runway. This brick structure, weighing in at 315 tons was jacked from its original 1937 site and on June 27, 2004 crossed two runways en route to its new home. Pictured left to right are Carla Ferns, and Rev. Wingate.
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A treasure trove of memories...
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Among the best resources any historian can rely upon are those who played a personal part in history and can relay the tales in vivid detail. Pictured here is Esther Theodore, one of Goffe's Falls most senior and lifelong residents. She and her photographic memory have helped historians and authors alike put all of the pieces of the village history into place through her own life's experiences.
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'Git on board
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From all the feedback so far received, the highlight of the day were the bus tours led by Ed Brouder of local radio fame and co-author of "Manchester Airport Flying Through Time". Ed provided riders with an amazing collection of facts chronicling the changes seen at the airport from its inception in 1927 to the present. Assisting Ed was myself, adding details of the village history based on religion, colonial days, the Industrial Revolution and other facts beyond the scope of the airport itself. Facing the camera about to board the bus for the first tour is Chris Dornin, freelance reporter whose account of the day was published on May 4, 2008 in the NH Sunday News.
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Famous Tourguide
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Pointing out the window is Ed Brouder as he tells former resident Ed Blais a well researched tale of airport expansion on the third tour of the day. Originally, three 15 mile tours were planned lasting 53 minutes each. Sign-up sheets dictated another tour to be added, and driver Lucille was thoughtful enough to lead a fourth with the blessing of the Airport Authority. In all, 100 of the estimated 400 guests of the day were ferried along the route planned by Brouder; only the final tour finished in the time frame allotted.
Of all the lessons to be learned through the Goffe's Falls Heritage Day, the most important were these: The success of such an event can only be calculated by the number of stories shared among the attendees; no research can duplicate the memories of the people who played a part in a village's history; and that above all, the sense of community felt in Goffe's Falls is proof that indeed, there is a "Spirit on the Cohas" which transcends time, change and space.
Your feedback is needed!! Please feel free to add your comments to this page if you attended this grand celebration. Your thoughts will help us to plan another successful event in the future.
Suggested Links:
www.moxiecongress.org
www.bethanychapel.net
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