Poltrack Blog

Whenever I drive through Bank Village along the Souhegan River I find myself wondering what it must have looked liked when the mills were standing. These were massive structures and I wonder if anything remains to mark their existence, besides the penstock in the woods and two dams on private property. It would nice to have a signage to mark their passing. Photos from the New Ipswich Historical Society collection.

In the late 1880s and early 1900s, the young people found plenty of ways to have fun. Swimming, canoeing, cycling, hiking and more. (Below) All these folks on the top of Mount Watatic and not a water bottle or backpack in sight. At least everyone had proper clothing. (Below) Seems a little crowded on this hayride. I feel sorry for the horse. (Below) I'm completely baffled about the photo below, who came up with this concept? (Below) I would guess that this photo was taken behind the houses on Taylor Road. (Below) One of the many Stereosope cards featuring scenes from New Ipswich.

In 2011 I was given a tour of this home in Bank Village. At that time the person living there asked me to photograph the grounds and interior. She was hoping to host a house party for Joe Biden as she had done in 2007 (in New Ipswich). The photos were going to be provided to the Secret Service so they could assess the security of the venue because in 2011 Biden was Vice President. Sadly the party never happened, but I did get a chance to learn about this beautiful home.  The New Ipswich Historical Society has a number of early photos of the property including some when it had a wrap around porch. It is known as the Tabraham House. Photo John M Poltrack Feb 2018 NHIS catalog 97.398 Barrett-Thompson-Tabraham House NHIS glass negative One of my photos taken June 15.2011 NIHS catalog 92.282 circa 1929 NIHS catalog 92.280 circa 1929

During the mid 1970s we used to go swimming at the beach  in Bank Village. It was private property but they allowed locals to use it. Sadly that ended when litter and broken glass appeared. Once again a few ruined it for the majority. This photo was taken circa 1900 by Myron Taylor and given to the New Ipswich Historical Society in 1980. The Country Club can be seen in the background on the top of the hill. In the photo C. Ralph Taylor is second from left and Phillip Taylor is center front. Note the changing rooms and outhouse. The photo was donated by Sylvania T, Durfee in 1980. Bank Village Beach circa 1900 - NIHS catalog 92.262 To this day Bank Village remains popular as a place to take a dip. Lots of folks jump off the bridge on Old Country Road. A closer view of the Country Club on top of the hill. Why is that guy on the roof? Souhegan Country Club circa 1900 - NIHS catalog 92.245

After my Tricnit Mills  post was published I was amazed about how many people the mill employed. I wonder if that is true for Warwick Mills? I learned of another cottage industry while volunteering at the Green Center. I found a package of Christmas postcards from a business named Panache Papeterie Products. The address of the business was Bank Village, New Ipswich. I wonder how many readers worked there? Papeterie is french for Stationery Package of 10 identical postcards - First design Second Design