Hidden History of New Hampshire

Hidden History

by D. Quincy Whitney

From the gentleman who ascended the highest peak in the Northeast in a steam-powered locomobile to the Shaker Meetinghouse that was built in just one day, in complete silence, Whitney's compilation of stories makes for a colorful narrative of some of New Hampshire's most notable newsmakers and remarkable historic events.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Travel

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2008

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has some problems deciding if it is a Ripley’s Believe It Or Not thing or a more traditional book about history and travel in the state. There are nice b&w photos but no maps. The vintage photos are particularly good.

I found it only mildly entertaining. Its expressed aim is to discuss firsts and bests in the state, so expect boosterism. The more traditional parts explaining early Puritan influences, architecture and New Hampshire’s part in the Revolutionary War were the most interesting parts of the book for me.

My advice is to pick and choose subjects. If you do collect peculiar trivia you might find it interesting that the longest covered bridge in the United States is here. The author does admit that it beats a covered bridge in New York which loses only because it lacks the lattice work of the New Hampshire bridge which leans over its abutments. Sorry New Hampshire, I think that may be cheating. Another tidbit—New Hampshire is home to the world’s largest stereoscopic viewer company. How many stereoscopic viewer companies are there??

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

50 States and at least 50 Authors 2016 Reading Challenge. NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Although this book is not sufficiently comprehensive enough to be THE text for a "History of New Hampshire" class, it would certainly made an excellent second required text for the course. It contains numerous accounts of "firsts" in the history of the state. These include: Meetinghouses, libraries, textile mills, political events, memorials, schools, industries, sporting events, and military endeavors. It also mentions many individuals who were either from New Hampshire or who resided there including: Sarah Josepha Hale, Mary Baker Eddy, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Celia Thaxter, Robert Frost, Alan Shepard, and Christa McAuliffe.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that was selected for discussion by my book group, which is in New Hampshire. I found this a very interesting read. There's no plot: it's a series of essays grouped into categories, such as "Home, Town, Community," "Forests and Mountains," "Sea, Lake, Sky." This would be a perfect book to be included in the New Hampshire Social Studies Curriculum for grades 5 to 8. (Maybe it is?)
The author did an incredible amount of research to pull together so much information in one relatively small book. Many old photos are included: the Old Man of the Mountain taken in 1985, dog sled teams from 1928 and "trampers" in Crawford Notch in 1890. Although not a "native" of NH, I have lived here much of my life. I was pleased to see that I am familiar with and have visited many of the places featured.

[Kevin O'Brien · Rating 2 out of 5]

Learned some interesting facts, felt like it droned on a bit in places.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short read and one packed with valuable information about New Hampshire. A series of firsts, and people like Robert Frost who hailed from the state. At times slow to reward but always interesting.

I wonder if a writer took the time to not just put out the facts but craft a story if NH may be a take that everyone finds engaging.

[Alex Floeckher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot. Studying so people don’t think i’m a dumb transplant

[Molly Croteau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Combining two things I love most...NH and history!

[Heather Dufield · Rating 4 out of 5]

My only complaint was that it wasn't long enough;)