Those Celebrating Birthdays are: July 19, Almanzor Rathbun; July 21,
Brett Brown, Brian Brown, Robert Moulton; July 22, Steve Adams; July
23, Jean Steward.
A Very Happy Birthday To One and All!
Celebrating Anniversaries are: July 17, Paul and Bev Murdough; July
23, John and Pat Freeman.
Congratulations!
Suncook Valley Soccer Club
Soccer season is almost here. Please don’t miss out on the upcoming
sign-ups. SVSC will be at Old Home Day on July 20th and at National
Night Out on August 6th. SVSC will also have the final sign-up and
soccer clinic on Thursday, August 15th at Tilton Hill Field from 6-8
pm. This will be the last chance to sign up for fall soccer.
Pittsfield Old Home Day Cook-Off
The Cook-Off for the Pittsfield Old Home Day this year is American
Chop Suey. This event is sponsored by the Victory Workers 4-H Club.
Anyone and everyone is invited to submit their best crockpot of
American Chop Suey and bring it to the 4-H Booth at Dustin Park by 9
am on Saturday, July 20. The winners will be selected by the public
by popular vote. Cash prizes will be awarded: 1st- $50; 2nd- $25,
and 3rd- $10. The first 10 cooks to call will be registered. Please
call Andi Riel at 435-6346 to register. There is still time to
register!
Adopt A Duck Race At Pittsfield Old Home Day
Adopt a Duck Race is back at Pittsfield Old Home Day. The event is
sponsored by and money raised for the PMHS Boys Basketball program.
It’s $5 per duck or 3 for $10. There is one prize for ½ the money
collected. 500 ducks are waiting to be selected. The Duck Race will
be held at the Barnstead Road bridge near the Boat Launch at Drake
Field at approximately 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 20. Please call Jay
Darrah at 435-5272 for information or to purchase tickets.
The Friday Night Kayaking Club continues its Friday 6
PM trips on local rivers and lakes. See our website
www.huffnpuff.info for trip
schedule and pictures. On July 5, the group of 9 kayaks launched at
the ramp near the Suncook River Dam in Center Barnstead for a
pleasant upstream paddle. Pictured is Alex, age 4, our youngest
paddler!
Pittsfield Represented At 150th Gettysburg Reenactment
Levi (Wayne) and Jean Gallup recently returned from Gettysburg,
Pennsylvania, where Mr. Gallup portrayed Capt. John F. Langley,
Regimental Commander of Company F, 12th NH Regiment, during the
150th Battle of Gettysburg reenactment.
The original battle took
place July 1, 2, 3, 1863.
The 12th New Hampshire Regiment was raised primarily from the towns
of Pittsfield, Northwood, and Canterbury and convened in Concord on
September 8, 1862.
John F. Langley, a machinist working in the Manchester mills at the
start of the war, first enlisted in the 3rd NH Regiment and served
as a Lieutenant with Company E. He resigned his commission (July of
1862) and returned to his father’s home in Pittsfield, located on
the east end of Main Street. Langley was soon commissioned a Captain
and reported for duty with the new 12th NH Regiment. Many Pittsfield
residents joined the new regiment, including Corporal Charles H.
Brock, great grandfather of Mr. Gallup. Having fought at
Fredericksburg, Corporal Brock lost three fingers and was
transferred to the Invalid Corp just before the Battle of
Chancellorsville in May 1863.
Pinned down under a barrage of heavy fire near the Chancellor House,
the heaviest losses of the battle at Chancellorsville fell upon the
Twelfth NH Regiment. The official report was 41 killed, 213 wounded
and 63 missing, a total of 317, which decimated the regiment’s
original strength of 537 men.
With most of the dead being officers, including the company’s
commander, Captain Langley was reassigned from Colonel Bowman’s
staff to lead the remaining regiment of 224 men.
The regiment marched into Gettysburg on the night of July 1, missing
the vicious and bloody fighting that took place that day on
McPherson’s Ridge, Cemetery Hill, and Culp’s Hill. At that time they
were attached to the 1st Brigade (Brigadier General Joseph Carr),
Second Division (Brigadier General Andrew Humphries) and the 3rd
Corp, Commanded by the controversial Major General Daniel Sickles.
On the morning of July 2, they were positioned along the Emmitsburg
Road. The Brigade was spread out between Klingles Farm and the
bloody Peach Orchard. Against Meade’s orders, Sickles ordered his
forces to engage the enemy and push toward the Confederate lines.
The 12th had taken little fire from their station along the
Emmitsburg Road until Confederate artillery opened fire upon their
position just before hidden Confederate infantry attacked their
front. With great energy Perry’s Florida Brigade and Wright’s
Georgia Brigade, struck General Humphrey’s line with sudden
violence. Meanwhile three Confederate Brigades had overrun the Peach
Orchard and were now flanking Humphrie’s position.
“Scarcely had the Twelfth opened fire upon Wright’s attacking
columns, when Captain Langley, receives orders to change fronts to
the rear” With fear, and assurances from General Carr that his men
would be supported, he ran along the line, shouting above the
horrendous noise of musketry, cannon fire, and battle cries of the
charging Confederate infantry, into the ear of each Company
commander to change course. “While breasting the full blast of the
raging tempest of battle upon their front, and staggering under
terrific assault upon their flank, the Twelfth executed one of the
most dangerous maneuvers that can be made by soldiers under fire.”
The men were mowed down by musket balls and canister shot as they
retreated under the heat of two fronts. Captain Langley fell upon
the field, but would be dragged to safety and live to recover from
his wounds. He would later be promoted to Major and honorably
discharged at the end of the war. Of the 224 men who lined up on
Emmitsburg Road the morning of July 2nd, 26 were killed and many
more wounded.
The Twelfth NH Regiment mustered less than 50 men on the morning of
July 3rd, and they would be posted in the center of the field, where
they defended the breach of the “high-water mark” and climactic
conclusion of Pickett’s Charge. The brave men of Pittsfield served
in many Regiments and contributed greatly to the cause,
distinguishing themselves in many campaigns during the war to
preserve the Union.
From The Desk Of The Pittsfield Police Chief
Respectfully Submitted By Chief Wharem
In recent weeks I have been asked to make the public aware of what
has been going on in town in the area of crime related calls. Each
and every week we receive calls concerning crimes involving
burglaries, thefts, assaults, sexual assaults, juvenile issues,
domestic disturbances, illegal drug use and sales, internet fraud,
identity fraud and a lot of other smaller related crimes.
Since the beginning of the year, we have had 10 burglary calls in
the Town of Pittsfield between residential and commercial
businesses. The focus of today’s letter is to inform the public of
what to do in your neighborhoods and in the community to help the
Police Department safeguard your neighborhoods.
We would ask that you make sure you have adequate exterior lighting
around your residence (motion sensors), and that around your house
is free from shrubs. While the shrubs look nice they create a
protective barrier for people looking to break into a house. Make
sure your house and vehicle are locked when you are not at home or
using them.
Work together as a neighborhood and keep an eye on your neighbor’s
house and ask them to keep an eye on yours. Getting to know your
neighbors is probably one of the strongest prevention methods there
is. By knowing your neighbors they may be more inclined to take an
interest of what is happening at your residence when you’re not
there. This is an area that really helps the Police Department in
obtaining vital information. If you get to know your neighbors,
then you will be able to tell when something is not right.
Recently, a resident called to report that there was a suspicious
looking individual walking up the road and that the individual
approached a house and knocked on a door. This didn’t appear to be
appropriate behavior to the caller. The Police Department responded,
identified the individual and arrested him on some outstanding
warrants. The individual was wearing clothing seen a few days prior
and because of the call we were able to obtain finger prints and
connect this individual to at least two other burglaries in town
that we otherwise would not have been able to solve. All due to a
phone call.
The Police Department is on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Please utilize our services when you see something that doesn’t
make sense or doesn’t seem right. If it feels wrong then there is
probably a reason why, and you might just help us catch someone up
to no good. If you wish to have a neighborhood crime watch program
in your neighborhood, please contact the Police Department at
435-7535 ext. 11.
To track information that is published by the Police Department, we
use several posting sites. They are as follows: Message Board in
front of the Police Department, Town Website, Channel 24 and we will
be using the newly established FaceBook page, which is still a work
in progress.
IT’S ABOUT TIME for a face-lift! The Pittsfield Historical Society
has undertaken another major fundraising project – to vinyl side
three exterior walls of their museum on Elm Street. The goal is
$9800, 25% of which has been met already. We are looking for
donations, big or small, to preserve the building that houses
Pittsfield’s history. The front of the building will remain painted
wooden clapboards. This photo depicts the building in its former
days as Foss and Osgood plumbing and steam fitting, stoves and
ranges. The building was later the Grange Hall. Look for the
Society to be asking for donations for this project at Old Home Day
and the Hot Air Balloon Rally.
Start your Old Home Days celebration off by joining The Pittsfield
Players on Friday, July 19, for a fun concert of music from the ‘50s
and ‘60s with The Rockin’ Daddios. Tickets are $10 and are available
at the door on a rush seating basis. Box office opens at 7 pm.
Pictured are The Rockin’ Daddios Angelo Gentile, Bo Guyer and Jim
Rogoto.
Letter
Many Heartfelt Thanks
I personally want to thank everyone who sponsored me on my mission
trip to Oklahoma to help in the disaster relief after the
devastation done by more than one hurricane. So many generous
donations were given. Others were unable to give monetarily, but
kept the entire team in prayer while we were traveling and helping
these people.
Speaking of the people in Oklahoma, they were so grateful to have a
team from NH come and help them. It meant more to them that we were
there, having not forgotten them, than anything we could do for them
in the eight days we were there. While we were there we did many
projects from picking up debris, putting together emergency
temporary shelters, cleaning out basements still flooded, to having
the opportunity to pray with people who are just beginning the
overwhelming clean up and rebuilding of their lives. All of this
while building stronger bonds with our brothers and sisters in the
Lord; learning the depth of each one’s walk with Jesus as Lord and
Savior.
If you are ever given the chance to go on a mission trip and put
yourself out there to assist and serve others I strongly suggest you
do so. Surely you will not forget the experience, and you will
become aware of your own self in a deeper more meaningful way.
Happily serving others,
Paul Drouin
UNH’s Theatre Troupe, Little Red Wagon To
Perform At Pittsfield Old
Home Day
Pittsfield Old Home Day will host the University of NH’s Little Red
Wagon professional children’s theatre troupe on Sat, July 20 at
10:00 at Dustin Park (bring your own chair or blanket) for a
performance of “Into the Grimm.” A Hansel and Gretel game show, a
Red Riding Hood interrogation, and Three Little property developing
Pigs are just some of the interpretations you’ll see as you step
“Into the Grimm.”
Fairy tales and Fables teach us morals and lessons that we can
translate into everyday life, like “treat people how you want to be
treated,” “be nice to your neighbor” and “don’t break into people’s
homes.” “Into the Grimm” weaves its way through stories you know,
in ways you’ve never imagined them. In case of rain, the
performance will be held at the Pittsfield Community Center.
Obituaries
Leatrice (Bouchard) Morin
Leatrice M. Morin, 85, of Langford Road, Candia, died July 13th at
her home following a long illness. She was born and raised in
Pittsfield, the daughter of Edgar and Flora Bouchard. She later
lived in Manchester for over 30 years and has lived in Candia for
the past 10 years. She had worked for Sprague Electric Co. in
Concord for 25 years. She is survived by 2 daughters Laura Hayes and
husband Aaron of Candia and Donna Locke of Hooksett. 4
grandchildren, Alannah, Ashton and Zoey Hayes and Trisha Locke. 2
Great Grandchildren, Zach and Savannah Locke. She was predeceased by
2 brothers, Norman and Hervey Bouchard.
A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, July 20th, at 10:00 AM
in the Mount Calvary Cemetery, Pittsfield. The Perkins & Pollard
Memorial Home, Pittsfield, is assisting with arrangements. To sign
an on line guest book, log on to
www.perkinsandpollard.com.
Richard H. Merrill
Richard H. Merrill, 70, of Loudon, born October 27, 1942 to Frank L.
Merrill and Lottie W. Merrill, died June 11, 2013 due to
complications from a stroke at Concord Hospital.
He was predeceased by David Merrill, Elizabeth Weston and Jenny
Merrill.
He is survived by his siblings, Paul W. Merrill, Joseph L. Merrill,
Elsie Fife and Karl Merrill; his son and daughter-in-law, Richard
and Livia S. Merrill; two step grandsons, John and Ethan and a
granddaughter Lily Mae Merrill.
Richard L. Picard
Mr. Richard L. Picard, 73, a lifelong Pittsfield resident, died
Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at Harris Hill Health Care Center in Concord.
Born in Pittsfield on August 16, 1939, Richard was the son of Albe
and Albina (Langevin) Picard. Before he retired in 1993, Mr. Picard
had been employed by Pittsfield Shoe, Rich Plan, and the Epsom
Convenience Store.
He was a die hard Red Sox fan and an avid candlepin bowler. He also
loved fishing and playing Bingo.
Mr. Picard is survived by his sister, Margaret Miner of Epsom; and 2
nephews, Charles Miner of Epsom and Douglas Miner of Chichester.
Family and friends may sign an on-line guestbook by visiting
www.stilloaks.com.
Elaine Margaret Sword
Elaine Margaret (Titus) Sword, 75, passed away peacefully on the
morning of July 4, 2013 in the company of her family at Concord
Hospital.
She grew up in Salmon Falls and Hamilton, MA and attended Hamilton
High School. She moved to Rochester and attended Spaulding High
School, but considered Hamilton her home town and enjoyed attending
several Hamilton High School reunions.
After working in management at Howard Johnsons in Concord NH, she
went to work at New Hampshire Hospital as a secretary in the medical
department. She then worked at the DHHS under the direction of the
Commissioner. She was called to work for the new Governor, Jean
Shaheen through that Administration, as well as for Governor John
Lynch during his years in office. She retired after a wonderful
career on January 3, 2013. Elaine was well loved and respected in
her tenure at the State House, and by all who met and knew her.
Elaine was very proud of her family. She was a loving and caring
wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She always made time to
attend sports, dance and special events and made each family member
feel important. She enjoyed gardening, reading and visiting Wells
Beach Maine and was known by her family for her wonderful cooking
ability. She loved her church, The United Methodist of Contoocook,
and made many friends there. She enjoyed the bible study classes and
social times as well.
Elaine was the daughter of the late Charles and Helen Titus of
Florida, formerly of Rochester, NH. She is predeceased by her
sister Marlene Luciano of Wakefield MA, and is survived by her
sister Carol Justice of Florida. She is also survived by her husband
Walter Sword Sr., a daughter Vickie and James Thorpe Sr. of Loudon,
grandchildren Erin, James Jr. and wife Allyson, McCall, Aleesha and
husband Jon Roy, and McKenzie; a son Keith and Kathy Beaudoin of
Concord, grandchildren Brendan and Andrew; a daughter Diane and
George Bachelder of Pittsfield, grandchildren Katie and Ashley and
husband Dan Kennedy; a daughter Valerie West of Dover, grandchildren
Jessica, Kari, and Alyssa; a daughter Denise and Mitch Henley of
Auburn, grandchildren Rachel, Vanessa, Benjamin and Elizabeth; a son
Kevin Beaudoin of Concord, grandchildren Nicole and Tyler and wife
Geneva; a daughter Laurie and Richard Dyer of Hillsboro,
grandchildren Ricky, James, Miranda and Jake; a stepdaughter Rebecca
and Tom Schofield of Hooksett, and a stepson Walter Jr. and Dawn
Sword of Henniker.
Elaine wanted it known that all of her grandchildren and great
grandchildren were her favorites. She is also survived by great
grandchildren Ayla Liouzis, Caitlyn and Lyndsey Milton of Warner;
Landon Abbott of Loudon; Asher Beaudoin of Vermont and Matilda
Thorpe of Concord, as well as two brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law
and many nieces and nephews.
The Bennett Funeral Home in Concord NH was in charge of
arrangements.
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