GoffesFalls.org

THE quintessential example of what community is all about!

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.

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.

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.

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.