The GeneralThe Friends of Stark NewsPark Newsletter

starkpark.com |Summer 2018

Stark Park in the Time Before America Inside this Issue: Part IV: The Starks Arrive By Matthew Labbe Stark Park in the Time

Before America - Part IV: By the , the young community of Londonderry was thriving. The settlers were starting The Starks Arrive … to make a name for the town by producing fine linen and it was the first community to intro-

duce the potato into regular cultivation. As the town grew, the best pieces of land were pur- New at Stark Park…

FSP Summer Concert chased immediately, and latecomers to town were left with less than ideal plots to choose Series… from. This caused them to spread into other area towns including Litchfield, Merrimack, Bed- ford, Hooksett, and Goffstown. Both A Patch of Color Garden Tour… Londonderry and Chester tried to Path of Wildflowers… claim the valuable fishing grounds at Amoskeag, but they were denied due A Special Thank You… to survey errors in their grants. In- stead, the land remained part of an The Board: unincorporated plot of land less than President two miles wide, stretching between Kerry Schleyer Litchfield and Hooksett. The area Vice President around Amoskeag came to be known

Tom Snow as Harrytown. Archibald Stark House, Elm Street, Manchester. Photo by Magicpiano Secretary The land disputes did not prevent people from making a home there anyway. Since New Ann Thorner Hampshire did not become an independent colony until 1741, Massachusetts was responsible Treasurer for granting settlers individual plots of land in the area. Several discrete villages appeared in Stephanie Lewry Manchester as a result. These included Goffe’s Falls around Cohas Brook, the Center along what would become Mammoth Road, and Amoskeag at the falls. The latter of these was first Brian Brady settled by James McNeil, John Riddell, and John Stark’s father Archibald Stark. Tom Christensen Diana Duckoff Archibald Stark was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1697. He attended the University of Edin- burgh, then moved to Ireland with his father. A short while later, he married Eleanor “Hellen” Matthew Labbe Nichols, another Scottish immigrant. In 1720, they set sail for . The journey was Robert Lord perilous, and all their children died during the voyage. The names of these children, probably Laura Patton fewer than four in number, have been lost to history. After being turned away from Kris Pelletier due to fear of smallpox, their ship landed near Wiscasset, Maine where they faced a harsh win- ter. In the spring, they made their way south to to join the Scotch-Irish popu- lation in Londonderry. Contact us at ...Continued on page 2 [email protected]! The Friends of Stark Park is a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to develop, revitalize, maintain, and protect the heritage and recreational use of Stark Park as a historic asset to the City of Manchester, NH.

Stark Park in the Time Before America continued Archibald built a modest farm in a part of town that is now east . He was trained as a joiner (a type of carpenter), and probably assisted in the construction of many of the local homes. The Starks finally had a stable living situation, and they began to regrow their family. Their son John Stark was born on August 28, 1728 and he was one of the last of seven children. Being an educated man, Archibald was eager to teach his own children, but his situation in a “savage” land was less than ideal. Stark Fort on Nutt’s Pond. Drawing by J. Warren Thyng after George Baker. Archibald and Eleanor made sure to educate the children in the Manchester. John Goffe’s house was already outfitted as a garri- home, preparing them to be successful and prosperous mem- son, but it was too small and poorly located to protect most of bers of the new community. Later in life, John reflected that he the inhabitants. In 1746, they decided to build a proper, cen- was grateful for this education but always felt inferior to those trally located fort. The chosen location was at the north end of with more formalized training. Swagger’s Pond, now known as Nutt’s pond. The fort was a Hardship visited the Starks again in 1736 when their house timber structure with stockade roughly 125ft x 150ft square. It burned down. Archibald decided not to rebuild, but instead was named Stark Fort in honor of Archibald Stark who was in- moved to Amoskeag where he was able to secure nearly 1000 strumental in having it built. The towns people braced for an acres of land that had been granted to Samuel Thaxter by the attack that never came, and the fort was discontinued just a few colony of Massachusetts. It began a bit south of what is now years later. In 1929, a historic marker was installed near the Salmon Street and extended north toward the Industrial School, including the land that later became Stark Park. Archibald built well by the Molly Stark Chapter D.A.R., and it is still visible a modest home at the south end of the property. It was a small today along the rail trail. cape with central chimney and a kitchen ell off the back. Alt- John Stark came of age on the family farm and was part of a hough the Stark House still exists on Elm Street, it was moved community of about 100 people living near the falls. The large there in the 1960s. It originally sat further south and closer to textile mills were still several decades away, and the economy the river, where the footings for Amoskeag Bridge are today. Archibald also invested in several sawmills, including one at the was based almost entirely upon agricultural pursuits. John was outlet of Dorr’s Pond where his son John learned the skills of a particularly adept at hunting, and probably spent much of his sawyer. time in the as yet uncleared forests of the town after his farm chores were done. He never lost this skill or interest and As Europeans filled the Merrimack Valley, disputes with the worked as a hunter as an adult. few remaining Native Americans continued. Sporadic raids con- tinued in other towns along the river, causing great fear among John had a history of interactions with Native Americans during the Europeans. The militia was called up on several occasions to his youth. Small bands of Indians frequently visited Amoskeag defend the area, and Archibald Stark was among the enlisted. during fishing season without violent incident. The fishing sea- Caleb Stark wrote of his grandfather, “His education fitted him son was a busy time for Europeans too. Each family had their for the walks of civil life, yet we find him a volunteer for the favorite fishing spots, and young John would have made fre- protection of the frontier against the ravages of the Indians.” quent use of them. He was also acquainted with a native named Christo or Christian who made his permanent home at The townspeople decided that Amoskeag. Christo had a wigwam along the brook at the south they needed a fortified structure end of the family farm until he moved to Canterbury around to protect the growing villages in

About the Author: Matthew Labbe, a board member of the Friends of Stark Park, holds a M.A. in Anthropology from Texas A&M University and works as a Project Archeologist with Monadnock Archaeological Consulting. His previous research on the history of his hometown has been published by Historical New Hampshire.

1745. He was often accused of aiding area tribes in times of war, but New at Stark Park! whether he actually did is unknown. At one point, groups from Haverhill and Dunstable marched on his camp and burned it. Christo escaped and was able to join the militia as a scout during the Indian Wars of the 1740s and 1750s. These interactions left John with at least a modicum of understanding about the language and culture of local indigenous people. This un- derstanding would prove critical in 1752 when John and his traveling companions were ambushed by a group of ten Indians on one of their trips near the Baker River in the White Mountains. His older brother William managed to escape in a canoe, and David Stinson was killed, but John and Amos Eastman were taken north by the to St. Francis, Quebec. They were held for six weeks. The prisoners were forced to run a gauntlet where they were at- tacked with clubs. Eastman went first and was severely beaten. When it was John’s turn, he grabbed one of the clubs and started fighting back. The village elders were reportedly delighted by the sport. When they tried to force him to hoe corn, he cut the corn Park Bench Installation: down and left the weeds. When that did not elicit a response, he The old cement and wood benches kept getting dam- threw the hoe in the river claiming the work was beneath him. They aged by both natural and human means, so they are be- were impressed by his boldness and he was treated as an honored ing replaced. Ten new steel benches, with beautiful guest for the rest of his stay. They were allowed to leave after ar- granite slabs underneath, have been installed so far. This ranging to pay their own ransoms: $103 for Stark and $60 for East- project has been made possible by your donations to the man. In April 1753, Stark journeyed to the Androscoggin River as Friends of Stark Park and a matching $10,000 grant part of a repayment for this debt. from the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation. In 1751, the several area villages wanted more political representa- Thank you to Blue Ribbon Property Improvements for help with the installation! tion and defined land boundaries, so they banded together to incor- porate an entirely new town: Derryfield. This town was the direct political antecedent of Manchester. Town meetings were held in the tavern of John Hall near the intersection of Mammoth Road and Mas- sabesic Street. The Stark farm fell within the boundaries of the new town, but Amoskeag village on the west side of the river remained a separate entity until it was annexed from Goffstown in 1853. Archibald Stark took ill in Kingston while traveling home from Ports- mouth during the summer of 1758. He hastily wrote a will and died a few hours later. His son Samuel retrieved the body since John was on an expedition to . John must have left for home as soon as he heard, because he was in town by August to settle the es- tate. Archibald was buried in a small cemetery near the house. The graves were moved to Valley Cemetery in 1854 to make room for the Locomotive Works. Archibald’s name was later inscribed next to the other family members on the stone in Stark Park. After a brief stay, John returned to his work. His services as a pilot Tree Planting: for long wilderness expeditions were in demand, and the work was The City of Manchester Parks and Recreation Depart- only going to increase. Political tensions were high, and the colonies ment has been replacing some of the dead trees in the were headed to war. park. Five new sugar maples have been planted in the last few weeks. Thank you to Parks and Rec for their assistance with the trees and their help with the bench Next Issue: Prelude to War! replacement project! 3

The Friends of Stark Park SUMMER CONCERT SERIES Celebrating Ten Years at the Bandstand! FREE to the public thanks to our generous Sponsors!

Studio Two - Beatles Tribute Sunday, June 24, 2-4pm Back by popular demand, Studio Two - The Beatles Tribute returns to Stark Park to kick off our 2018 Concert Series! Band members are musicians of today's generation dedicated to preserving the memory and fan culture of The Beatles generation. By recreating the Fab Four's music, appearance, instruments, and onstage banter, Studio Two - The Beatles Tribute performs your most favorite pre-Sgt. Pepper hits that will bring you to the dance floor! Strafford Wind Symphony Sunday, July 1, 2-4pm Performing a variety of musical literature from toe tapping patriotic marches and fun, familiar classics, to Broadway tunes, the Strafford Wind Symphony delights audiences from all over New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Maine. The fifty-five member ensemble is composed of both professional music educators as well as those who simply enjoy sharing their passion and musical talents with others!

Spirit of Johnny Cash Harold Ford, Our June & Cash Band Tribute to the Man in Black Sunday, July 15, 2-4pm

Back by popular demand! Last year, The Spirit of Johnny Cash drew over 800 people to the park! Harold Ford and his bandmates brought the park to life with their tribute to the Man in Black. Although Ford is not a Cash impersonator, the resemblance and New Legacy Swing Band similarity in vocals between the two is uncanny. Once Harold Ford and the Sunday, July 8, 2-4pm Cash Band begin to play, you may Forget your lawn chair for this concert – you won’t need find yourself doing a double-take. it! Renowned as one of New England's premier dance Ford himself says he feels the Spirit of orchestras, The New Legacy Swing Band is sure to have the late Johnny Cash in him when he you dancing even if you have two left feet! So grab your performs, hence the band’s name! honey and get ready to boogie to some big band, jazz, waltzes, and swing tunes!

Dan Gabel & The Abletones Sunday, July 22, 2-4pm New to the park this year, Dan Gabel & The Abletones is an authentic 18-Piece Big Band that specializes in music from the 1930s and 1940s. Bandleader Dan Gabel holds a Masters degree in Music and has toured around the world. The band features vocalist Elise Roth. Once they get playing, this band will transport you back!

Tradition Sunday, July 29, 2-4pm Whether you like traditional Irish, classic rock, country, folk, blues, or jazz, the band Tradition has you covered! Hailed as the most diverse repertoire in the business, this five-piece band from Greater Boston is sure to delight everyone with their great vocals and instrumentals! Tradition has been together for eight- een years and band members Tim Keohane, Brian Packham, Joe Moriarty, Mat- thew Allen, and Kevin Hession have a combined 100 years of experience in var- ious musical genres!

DaMN Tall Buildings Sunday, August 5, 2-4pm

Another new band this year, Damn Tall Buildings is a four person group based out of Boston that The Globe called “The Carter Family for the Millennial Generation.” Band members Max Capistran, Avery Bollotta, Jordan Alleman, and Sasha Dubyuk fiercely wield the gui- tar, fiddle, banjo, and bass. The group has a Bluegrass/Blues/Folk flavor with lyrical storytelling and foot-stomping grooves. You won’t be able to sit still for this one!

Wolverine Jazz band Sunday, August 12, 2-4pm The Wolverine Jazz Band, well-known for raising the roof, crisping the leaves, and even flaking the varnish on church pews returns to Stark Park with their toe-tapping tunes. Be sure to hotfoot it on over to Stark Park to hear John Clark and the Wolverine Jazz Band play or you might just be howling! Be sure to check starkpark.com for cancelled concerts due to inclement weather and to download our 2018 THANK YOU to all of our concert sponsors! Summer Concert Series poster!

Annie & The Orphans Sunday, August 19, 2-4pm Annie & The Orphans is poised to make a dramatic return to Stark Park this year! Entertaining fans for over 50 years, Annie & the Orphans specialize in Rock and Roll from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. Their unique blend of talent and showmanship makes them one of the most eagerly antici- pated acts this year. As “Annie” says, “ It’s only Rock and Roll, but I LIKE it!”

Manchester Community Summer Band Thursday, August 23, 6 pm

Come support your local musicians when the Manchester Community Music School Summer Band returns to the Hecker -Hastings bandstand! Musicians with experience ranging from 2 years to 50+ are joined together by conductor Ed Doyle for a performance that is one of a kind!

Compaq Big Band *Sunday, August 26, 2-4pm Keeping New England swingin’ since 1975, Compaq Big Band returns to the bandstand for another rip-roaring performance! This experienced, professional, and authentic 20-piece big band will delight you with the classics of the 30’s and 40’s as performed by the bands of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and other greats! Get ready to be blown away by the power of 14 horns, feel the sizzlin’ from the cookin’ rhythm sec- tion, dazzled by stellar vocals, and grooving to terrific in- strumental solos!

*Rain Date for Compaq Big Band is Sunday, Sept. 9 or Sept. 16, 2 - 4pm. Please visit starkpark.com for up- dates and cancellations due to inclement weather!* 6

A Pathway of Wildflowers!

We are seeking your help create a “Garden in the Woods” to wander around in! Ideally, it would be locat- ed in the north west corner of Stark Park, where the A Patch of Color Garden Tour trail leads down into the tree line behind the bandstand. Recently FSP board members became aware of a similar Saturday, July 14, 10 aM - 4pm location in Framingham, MA that has been very success- Rain Date: July 15 ful. Please join us for “A Patch of Color” Garden Tour, the third in a series of garden tours produced by The Friends of Stark Park! The New England Wild Flower Society operates the 45- This year, The Manchester Garden Club has joined with us acre Garden in the Woods. The property houses the to present a self-guided tour of Manchester’s charming gardens. largest collection of landscaped native wildflowers in the The proceeds from this event will help fund continuing im- region. While we would never plan something on this provements to Stark Park, in Manchester, NH. scale, we were inspired by the scenic vistas to consider The title, “A Patch of Color” and theme of this year’s event, smaller approaches in our own park. takes its inspiration from the display of locally hand-crafted Share your ideas on how we could deign a pathway quilts, which will be paired with the colors and character of through our woods lined with wild flowers, specifically each garden on the tour. In addition to favorite vintage gardens ones which require no maintenance. While NOTHING and creative new gardens, recent public space improvements is firm we need your ideas on how this concept could will be included on the tour. As a special feature of this year’s evolve! Email Tom: [email protected] . Don’t event, the Molly Stark Chapter of the DAR will open the doors delay – share your thoughts today! NO MONEY OR of their chapter house, the boyhood home of General LABOR needed – just your own vision, ideas, experi- Stark , and provide tours for patrons of this event. ences and suggestions.

Advance sale tickets are $15, before midnight on July 13, and After an initial concept plan has been laid out and ap- can be purchased electronically at www.starkpark.com/ proved both by the FSP Board and the city along with a gardentour/ or send us your order - cash or check - to Friends projected budget (and ideas how to raise the money), a of Stark Park, PO Box 1485, Manchester, NH 03105 (must be received by July 13). Your name will be added to our patrons’ more refined five year master landscape plan will be de- list, available at the park. veloped. starkpark.com/weddings Begin your tour at the gazebo at Stark Park, where you will pick up your prepaid wrist band and pro- gram guide to the gardens . You can also purchase tickets for $20 each on the day of the event, July 14 th , at Stark Park.

PhotosStock Pexel We thank visitors to “A Patch of Color” Garden Tour for their support in helping to raise money to continue the restoration of this historic park. For further information on Stark Park and the The venue garden tour, please go to [email protected] , or call perfect Stephanie Lewry at 627-7276. for your special day .

Friends of Stark Park Non-profit org. PO Box 1485 U.S. Postage Manchester, NH 03105-1485 PAID starkpark.com Manchester, NH Permit No. 424

Live Free AND JOIN! Do you love Stark Park? The Friends of Stark Park invite you to join us! Stay informed on activities, events, and opportuni- ties to help revitalize, maintain and protect the heritage and recreational use of Stark Park! Become a member or renew your membership via starkpark.com/ membership! Donations are welcomed and accepted year round and allow the FSP to continue furthering our mission to preserve and protect the heritage A Special Thank You! of Stark Park. Thank you for your generosity and support! The Friends of Stark Park wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pat Howard and Don Logan for plant- Membership Dues: ing all the beautiful flowers near the bandstand. • Student: $10.00 Many of our members may not be aware that • Seniors: $20.00 they have been tending to the gravesite and other • flower beds around the park for years, silently Individual: $25.00 • donating time and money that benefit us all. The Family: $35.00 park is so much nicer thanks to their selfless contribu- • Friend: $100.00 tions! • Corporate: $250.00