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The Thompson-Ames Historical Society
writes a weekly news release.


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12/20/07 - The End of the Year is Approaching...

Written by: Kathy Lacroix

As the end of the year draws to a close, it is a time to reflect on our accomplishments during 2007 and to give thanks. We give thanks to the many, many people who have volunteered their time to enable the Gilford Historical Society to be successful and offer the programs and activities to the community and to those who come and enjoy them and support them. At our Monday night meeting on December 10th at the Meetinghouse, our new officers were elected. Rick Moses will continue as the Treasurer, Mary Jane Kwist is the new recording secretary, Karin Landry is the new Vice-President, and Carmel Lancia will continue as the President.




As we look back at our accomplishments this year, we give a big THANK YOU to Jerry Murphy and his students at the Huot Vocational Center in Laconia for all their work in installing the handicapped accessible toilet and sink in the Meetinghouse. (One third grade volunteer parent said that now she won’t have to be the look-out when a child needs to go to the back of the building in the bushes during their field trip.)

All of the docents enjoy the enthusiasm of the third graders when they visit the Grange, Meetinghouse, and the Rowe House in May as part of their social studies to learn about their community and the history of Gilford.

Most afternoons from 12:30 to almost 3:00 you will find volunteers sharing their time and love of history with well behaved students from the Gilford Elementary School. This year we had nineteen docents who donated approximately 200 hours. Most years we are host to five classes, this past year there were only four classes. However, in 2008, there will be six classes visiting our three buildings. We could use more volunteers, so please offer to HELP. We have a training program; so if you enjoy volunteering with young people, please let us know. (Call Kathy at 524-3390)

A big Thank You goes to Connie Moses who volunteered her professional services to design our yearly brochure. It is mailed out to all members every spring, telling the dates of the meetings and their programs, and special events. If anyone would like to share an interesting program idea that they have seen elsewhere or to present one for an evening meeting, please contact the Historical Society.

We also say Thank You to all who came to the annual plant sale at the Rowe House in May. For the past three years the community has been very supportive, both those who divide their plants and donate them to the sale and those who come to buy. After the long winter, the volunteers who work at the sale enjoy getting outside and seeing everyone.

This year for the first time the Society sponsored a rabies clinic in the spring at the Rowe House. Our thanks go to Dr. McDonald and his wife Susan for offering their services. They have said that they will volunteer their services again this spring, so save yourself an office visit and plan on getting your pet’s shots at the Rowe House.

This was the first year that the Historical Society had the Rowe House open on a regular schedule; during July and August it was open on Thursdays and Saturdays from 10-2:00. Looking ahead to 2008, there are plans to do so again.

All enjoyed Old Home Day; all three buildings were opened and visited by many. This was the second year that the Society had a float in the parade and we were so excited to win first prize this year.

The first Heritage Arts Festival was so successful in September of 2006 that it was decided to hold it again this past year. However, the weather did not cooperate and it was necessary to move it indoors to avoid the downpour; the consequence was that attendance was down. This was our only disappointment of the year, we need to remind ourselves to be thankful for our many successful accomplishments.

We had a table at the Gilford High School Craft Fair in December. Our thanks go to Ginny Clifford for sharing her swag making expertise and those who helped to make them; we also thank the crew who were at the table all during the day to visit with those who stopped to buy items and support the Historical Society.

We finished up the year having numerous Holiday Open Houses at the Rowe House. The Dickens Christmas Scene was set up in the Dining Room, boys and girls decorated sugar cookies in the Kitchen, and the tree was lit in the Parlor. This year, there was a special exhibit on “Treasured Toys From Yesteryear” in the Parlor and Bedroom.

We think we have much to be thankful for this past year. We are thankful for our members who are willing to donate their time to help preserve the history and heritage of Gilford, for those of you who come to our Monday evening meetings, for those who share our interests and support the Gilford Historical Society.

If you are interested in becoming a member or would like information concerning Gilford Historical Society, go to www.gilfordhistoricalsociety.org or e-mail at thoames@worldpath.net or call at 527-9009.