During the late 1830s Jemb A. Fay and Edward Joslin opened a factory in South Keene to manufacture woodworking machinery of their design. This firm, under the name J.A. Fay & Co., was one of the first factories in the country to manufacture machinery of this type. The moving metal parts of their large-scale woodworking machinery required very precise construction specifications to insure that they would accurately perform the operations needed thousands of times a day in a manner that was safe for the operator of the machine.

J.A. Fay & Co. was a success, winning gold medals in international competitions and soon opening branch factories in Norwich, Connecticut and Cincinnati, Ohio. Other woodworking machine manufactories soon opened in the region. Consequently, woodenware factories that made use of these machines located in the area as well, making southwestern New Hampshire a nationally recognized wood product manufacturing center. Millions of wooden boxes, buckets, rocking chairs, and other products were made in the region and shipped to markets across the United States and beyond.

J.A. Fay & Co. was one of the first companies in Keene that relied on precision technology for its success; it helped launch a long history and tradition of precision manufacturing in the Monadnock Region that continues today 170 years later. Keene is now home to several precision firms and is recognized as a world leader in this field. The fascinating but often overlooked history of the precision industry in Keene and the upper Connecticut River Valley will be the focus of the Historical Society’s next feature exhibit. From Monadnock to the Moon: Precision Manufacturing for the World will open at the Society with a special members’ reception on the evening of December 12 and will open to the public the following day. A variety of lectures, factory tours and other educational activities will be held in conjunction with this four-month exhibition.

This feature exhibit is being co-sponsored by the Guild Institute of Guild, NH. Guild Institute director Patryc Wiggins combines art and history to communicate the story and the economic importance of this industry in New Hampshire’s past, present and future. Portions of three Guild Institute exhibitions illustrating the precision story in the Newport, NH area will be installed at the Historical Society and will be joined by new exhibit elements featuring the story of the industry in Keene.

J.A. Fay’s 1830s launch in Keene was followed in the mid-19th century by George Leonard’s gun shop which provided rifles for Civil War sharpshooters, the Cheshire Railroad repair shops where entire railroad locomotives were built, and the Humphrey Machine Co. which made woodworking machinery and water turbines. These and dozens of other firms that relied on precision in their production required talented designers and skilled workers to succeed. These companies attracted other skilled employees to the region and workers from these firms went on to develop new technologies and start companies of their own. Keene became an integral part of what became known as "precision valley," an area encompassing New Hampshire and Vermont manufacturing towns in the Connecticut River Valley.

Keene still plays a leading role in the precision manufacturing and advanced engineering industry today. Several current firms will be featured in the exhibition. Three well known local firms have long and distinguished histories in Keene. Markem designs and produces specialty inks and printing systems, Kingsbury’s products include high production metal cutting, assembly equipment, turning, and machining centers, while Timken Super Precision focuses on super precision ball bearings and assemblies. Recent firms such as Accura Tecnics, Corning NetOptix, Inc., Janos Technology, Moore Nanotechnology, and Precitech produce or use ultra-precision machining systems in their work, often in the optical industry, which has been an important field in Keene manufacturing for many years.

From Monadnock to the Moon will tell the history of this important industry in New Hampshire, but will also illustrate the technological and economic impact of this industry and its workers in today’s global marketplace. We encourage you to join us for a members opening reception of this exhibit at the Historical Society from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday December 12, 2007.

Collections News

Historical Society member Dr. Francis A. Lord of South Carolina was a leading Civil War scholar and the author of 10 books and many articles on the war. Dr. Lord had a close connection to Cheshire County through his ancestor Francis Buffum of Winchester who served in the 14th NH Volunteer Regiment during the war. Following Dr. Lord’s death in 2006, his wife Marjorie donated his New Hampshire Civil War collection to the Historical Society. This important donation included 261 photographs and a collection of original documents and written histories of New Hampshire in the Civil War. Most of the original documents deal with the 14th regiment and include letters, newspapers, official military documents, and NH government publications.

This important contribution is a significant addition to the Society’s outstanding Civil War holdings. Numerous Civil War contributions have been made to the Society over the last 20 years, partly because of the existing strength of the collections. These donations have made our Historical Society one of the leading New Hampshire Civil War history repositories in the state. Donations such as that from Marjorie Lord are always encouraged and are indeed essential to the Society’s mission to preserve and share Cheshire County history.

Keene State’s Plan to Remove Main Street Residences Raises Questions

There is a subject concerning historic preservation in Keene that we felt should be brought to our members’ attention. Keene State College officials recently announced that the College plans to demolish three former residential properties on the east side of Main Street just south of the new roundabout at Marlboro Street in order to build a new alumni center. This site is not far from the Historical Society’s headquarters and other significant former Main Street residences that include the Hale Building, the Horatio Colony House, Catharine Fiske’s “Female Seminary,” Blake House, and the former Elliot Community Hospital, examples of architecture that together help preserve the character of Keene’s famed Main Street.

Historical Society Director Alan Rumrill has participated in discussions concerning the College’s proposal. He has documented the history of the houses and consulted with architects with respect to the proposed construction designs. Other members of the Society sit on the City of Keene’s Heritage Commission that is charged with advising the City on historical matters. Still others are members of the Foundation for the Preservation of Historic Keene, which advocates preserving the buildings. Each of these organizations is expressing its own point of view on this proposal. The Historical Society’s board of trustees has not taken a formal position on the College’s proposal. Instead the Society will stay informed of developments and will attempt to keep our membership advised should they wish to make their opinions felt. In addition, the Society will insure that the history of these houses has been recorded.

If you have comments about this subject, please e-mail them to the Historical Society (hscc@hsccnh.org) and they will be sincerely welcomed and forwarded to the parties involved.

Alstead Flood Exhibit Extended and Exhibit Walks Planned

The Alstead Flood exhibit has been extended to November 17, 2007. There will be two guided gallery walks led by members of the Alstead Historical Society. The first will be on Wednesday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. and the second will be on Saturday, November 17 at 10:00 a.m. These are free and open to the public.

HSCC Paintings to be Exhibited at Thorne-Sagendorph Gallery at KSC

Several items from the Historical Society Collections are included in an exhibit by the Thorne-Sagendorph Art Gallery entitled "The Life and Times of the Dublin Art Colony." HSCC items include pieces by Barry Faulkner and Alexander James. The exhibit runs from Nov. 2 to Dec. 9 and then travels to the University of New Hampshire.

Volunteers at HSCC

Volunteers are the heart of the Historical Society. They assist researchers in the library, assemble information pertaining to local history in useable and assessable formats, conduct tours of the Wyman Tavern, put together mailings, assemble the newsletter, prepare refreshments, document Society activities, and file. There simply is no way to do what we do and be the kind of resource that we want to be without the generosity and commitment of our volunteers.

For nearly ten years, Caroline Huntley has been explaining and demonstrating how people lived and worked at our historic Wyman Tavern Museum. Her years of experience and depth of knowledge have brought to life the many tasks and chores adults and children needed to do during the 18th century. Caroline started volunteering at the Tavern under now retired curatorial assistant Marie Royce Ruffle. In addition to her volunteering during the Tavern’s school group season, she has generously given her time for teacher workshops, our fall open house, preparing the Tavern for spring openings and fall closings, and to the general public during summer hours. Caroline’s enthusiasm has brought to life 18th century life to many people, and for all her time and energy devoted to the Tavern we sincerely thank her.

Volunteer Library Aids: We need library coverage on Fridays. If you have an interest in historical research and enjoy helping others, consider signing up to work in the library on Fridays, for 3-hour, 4-hour, or even all-day shifts! Responsibilities include helping patrons find research materials and, if the library is quiet, undertaking research requests.

Office Coverage: We need office coverage on Friday – someone to answer the telephones and greet visitors to the Society.

Research Assistant: We are seeking an individual to help research archives for local Civil War information to develop curriculum and a teacher workshop.

If you have an interest in these or any other volunteer activities, contact Julie Dickson at 352-1895 or dirop@hsccnh.org.

All Society volunteers are invited to join the Board for a holiday reception to be held at the Horatio Colony House Museum on Thursday, December 6, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Watch for your special invitation.

The Historical Society Protects Legacies of Cheshire County

Our donors and benefactors insure our success. Join the distinguished and generous group of individuals who care deeply about the importance of local history and who have made plans to support the Society with a bequest.  If you have already made a provision for the Historical Society of Cheshire County in your will, please let us know so that we can update our records and know exactly how you would like to be acknowledged.

Then and Now Exhibit Supports Curriculum at Keene State

Earlier this fall, Keene State College American Studies faculty member Anthony Dubois brought the students in his American Studies class to view the New Hampshire Then and Now exhibit. He sent us this reflection:

This fall, it was exciting to be teaching a new American Studies course on New England at Keene State . The development and introduction of new curriculum is always a little daunting. My challenge was given a major boost by the New Hampshire Then and Now exhibit.

We spent considerable time exploring the essence of the New England region; we attempted to identify the various components of the region's unique character and culture. One of the ways that we did this was by brainstorming both the utopian and non-utopian images of New England.

The NH Historical Society exhibit provided a wonderful, thought provoking, visual link to these early classroom activities. In an easy, three minute walk from our classroom in Morrison Hall, my thirty students and I reflected on an array of N.H. images – past and present. Students were asked to focus on three images that intrigued them and to submit brief written statements in which they explained why they felt that these three images reflected New England history, culture, and character particularly well. The Flume, Enfield Shaker Village, Amoskeag Mills, Cornish Town Meeting, and Union Square in Milford were the favorites of my students.

On behalf of myself and my students, I want to thank the HSCC staff for providing us this unique opportunity. These photographs enriched our discussions. Indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words!

Trustee David Proper Appointed to New Hampshire Municipal Records Board

Historical Society Trustee David Proper reports that he has been reappointed to the New Hampshire Municipal Records Board, the body representing town, city, county, and state record keepers with respect to the retention and preservation of a wide variety of records not already covered by law (such as town meeting minutes, vital statistics, etc.).

2007 HSCC Sponsors

We thank our community partners who are generously supporting our 2007 programs. Please acknowledge their support by letting them know how much you appreciate their contributions in helping us share our rich history.

"More Than a Mountain" Subject of November Meeting

Craig Brandon, Journalism instructor at Keene State College, will present the November program for HSCC members and friends on his new book, Monadnock: More Than a Mountain. The illustrated presentation will take place on Monday evening, November 26 at 7 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall at the Historical Society. Mr. Brandon will be available to sign copies of his book. The following review of More Than a Mountain was contributed by Board member Gail Zachariah.

Monadnock: More Than A Mountain details the mountain’s history and its call to generations of people. Brandon, a teacher and media advisor at Keene State, is also a freelance writer and lecturer. For more than 20 years, he worked as a reporter, columnist, and editor at newspapers in Upstate New York. He has written three other books of popular history. He has lived in the region for more than a decade.

Monadnock: More Than A Mountain begins with an overview of the magic of Monadnock and goes on to describe the experiences of early hikers, disasters and rescues, legends and mysteries. The book details the impact the mountain has had on writers, visual artists, musicians, and dancers and includes a chapter on modern hikers. Fourteen individual hikers and the Woodshed Gang are detailed. In the last two chapters, Brandon discusses the efforts to preserve Mt. Monadnock. The first threat came to the mountain in 1835 from the developers of Monadnock Mountain House. Future threats from overuse are predicted in the final chapter.

The book is clearly written, full of information, and accompanied by a thorough bibliography. Readers will appreciate the companion website at www.monadnockmountain.com, which includes information not in the book such as copies of many of the poems and paintings referred to in the book, a Hall of Fame of Monadnock heroes, and a list of frequently asked questions.

Anyone interested in the history of our region and in Mt. Monadnock in particular will enjoy reading the book. The many pictures complete with clear and descriptive captions make the book very accessible. The book can be perused page by page or a reader can skim chapters and focus first on what most appeals to him or her. Either way, the reader will have an enjoyable experience and discover something new.

Wyman Tavern News

There was much excitement and fun at the Tavern this past summer and fall. Each of the many different programs, such as school group visits, kids participating in summer programs on 18th Century Life in Cheshire County, Tavern Lecture Series, fall open house, and interpretive tours brought a wide range of people to the Tavern this year. We could not have provided all these educational opportunities without the support of the 2007 Tavern Keepers, all our wonderful volunteers, teachers, and intern. Your efforts have made for a successful year of programs and activities for which we are extremely grateful. Thank you.

Calendar of Events

For further information, call 603-352-1895, email hscc@hsccnh.org or visit our website at www.hsccnh.org.

Saturday, November 10 The Wyman Tavern Museum closes for the winter. It reopens for guided tours on April 29, 2008.

Wednesday, November 14
Teacher Research Night. HSCC’s Director of Education Tom Haynes is available between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. to work with educators on local history projects.

Wednesday, November 14
Gallery Walk of Alstead Flood Exhibit. Volunteers from the Alstead Historical Society will give a tour at 7:00 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Saturday, November 17
Gallery Walk of Alstead Flood Exhibit. Volunteers from the Alstead Historical Society will give a tour at 10.00 a.m. Free and open to the public.

Thursday – Saturday, November 22-24
HSCC closed for Thanksgiving Holiday.

Monday, November 26
HSCC program for members and friends on More Than a Mountain by local author Craig Brandon. 7:00 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall. Free and open to the public (Note time change).

Thursday, December 6
Reception for HSCC Volunteers at the Horatio Colony House Museum 4:00—6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 12
Opening of Precision Manufacturing Exhibit. Members opening reception, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 12
Teacher Research Night. HSCC’s Director of Education Tom Haynes is available between 4:00 and 8:00 p.m. to work with educators on local history projects.