HISTORIC DISTRICT & HERITAGE COMMISSION

HISTORY WALK IN DURHAM SEPT 13, 2009

On a beautiful warm Sunday afternoon, over 150 people gathered for the first HISTORIC WALK through some of Durham’s picturesque history. The group was greeted by Andrea Bodo, for HDC. People from Iowa, Texas, Madbury, Barrington, Newmarket, and Lee were among the participants. Everyone gathered at the Durham Historical Museum to listen to Dick Lord, president of the Durham Historical Association and Museum. They then walked up scenic Church Hill to the Community Church where they were greeted by Pastor Mary Westfall. Doug Wheeler, historian for the Church, spoke about their history and showed the John Hatch paintings of the FALLS and the MEETING HOUSE. After crossing Main St to St George’s Church, they listened to Michael Behrendt speak about the architecture and history of the RED TOWER and accessory buildings owned by Hamilton Smith….and the 70 acre estate that went down to the Mill Pond. The group then walked down through Church Hill Rd to Mill Pond Rd up to the picturesque Smith Family Chapel on the Mill Pond (where the Hamilton Smith family and family dogs are buried). Jean Olson spoke about the Chapel and the public was able to tour this treasure owned by the Town. Janet Mackie (DHA) spoke about the gravestones. After a meandering walk by the beautiful Mill Pond on Mill Pond and up over Newmarket Rd, people gathered down by the Oyster River Dam and heard about the history of the earliest known Ambursen dam from Andrea Bodo. Next door, Steve Burns spoke about the Winborn Adams Tavern (where Sullivan, Adams and others hatched the plot to raid Ft William and Mary). Next door, they were greeted by Sharon Griffin who gave the history of the James Paul House, the only stone house in the historic district. Doug MacLennan spoke about the history of his house and General John Sullivan. The Sullivan House is on the National Register of Historic Homes. Crawford Mills spoke about the Scottish slaves at the General Sullivan Monument. People sat on the lawn, enjoying the scenic vista of the historic Oyster River, with a few cormorants watching them. The group then walked through the Park viewing the John Hatch plaque, crossing the wooden footbridge over the Oyster River, and going up through the gardens of Three Chimneys Inn (also on the National Register) where they were greeted by Karen Meyer, Inn Keeper. The gardens were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Assoc. in 1923 for James C Sawyer, father of Geo Ffrost Sawyer. The reflecting pool is the oldest one in NH. Everyone gathered on the terrace for a cookout, beautifully hosted by Three Chimneys (funding from HDC & Community Church). People sat and socialized with their wine and beer, enjoying old friends and new friends.

A heartfelt thanks to all those who helped make this such a memorable event. This was a special gathering where community came together to rediscover and enjoy our history.
-- Andrea Bodo, HDC/Heritage Commission

Co sponsors – Durham Historical Association, Community Church of Durham, and Three Chimneys Inn

Event organizers – Andrea Bodo for HDC, Nick Isaak chair, Peter Stanhope Town Council Rep to HDC, Crawford Mills, Eric Ingelfinger, Leslie Schwartz,
Town of Durham -Jen Berry, Police Chief Rene Kelly, DPW, Mike Lynch, Doug Bullen and crew
Durham Historical Association – Dick Lord, president of DHA and DHA Museum, Marnie Sumner, Janet Mackie, Alma Tirrell, Henry Smith, Julian Smith, Town Council
Community Church of Durham – Pastor Mary Westfall, Doug Wheeler

On location:
Community Church of Durham: Doug Wheeler, UNH professor emeritus of history
Red Tower: Michael Behrendt, Durham, Chief of Planning, City of Rochester, NH
Smith Family Chapel: Jean Olson, Durham (educator); Janet Mackie (DHA) talked with folks about the gravestones; Doug Karo and
Becky Karo (UNH Art History Faculty); Karen Edwards, Town of Durham
Oyster River Dam & Winborn Adams Tavern: Steve Burns (ret MIT Engineer )& Andrea Bodo (HDC)
James Paul House: Sharon Griffin (Prof Psych Clark U); Leslie Schwartz (HDC)
Gen’l Sullivan House: Doug and Dr Susan Reid MacLennan
Gen’l Sullivan Monument: Crawford Mills (HDC)
Three Chimneys Inn : Karen Meyers, Inn Keeper (a huge thanks to their entire staff for a wonderful evening cookout)

Maps: courtesy of Three Chimneys Inn