Friday Updates - March 1st, 2019

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Friday, March 1, 2019

 

Three Chimneys Inn - winter 2017. Courtesy Todd Selig

 

FINAL REMINDER: Beginning next Monday, March 4th, the Town Clerk/Tax Collector’s Office hours will now be from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Thank you for supporting the department in this decision.

 

2019 MARCH TOWN ELECTION - CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRES AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING

To view the questionnaires completed by the candidates listed above running for Town elected offices, click HERE.

 

HELP REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE: BILLS HB 558, HB 559, and HB 560 IN STATE HOUSE MARCH 6

On March 6, the New Hampshire legislature will consider three bills that would help reduce plastic waste.

Numerous independent scientific and governmental studies around the world conclude that single-use plastic bags cause numerous problems. (These bags typically are thin, two-handled bags used for groceries and carryout.) The 2018 “New York State Plastic Bag Task Force Report” succinctly lists the types of problems. Plastic bags are:

  • Derived from fossil fuels.
  • A source of litter on land and in waterways.
  • A source of avoidable excess packaging waste typically used for mere minutes.
  • Harmful to marine habitats and wildlife.
  • Problematic, creating tangles and jams in recycling and waste water processing equipment.
  • Costly for municipalities and recycling centers in terms of time and money to manage.

Recycling, surprisingly, is not the answer: As little as 3 percent of these single-use plastic bags are actually recycled. When these bags do end up in municipal recycling bins, they jam recycling machines, which are costly to repair, so even Durham resorts to burying them. The average useful life of a single-use plastic bag is only 12 minutes, but because they do not break down in landfills, they remain in our environment for centuries.

Substituting reusable bags for the single-use bag is the best option, but such voluntary action has proven insufficient. The same New York State analysis found that “Education and outreach has only been shown to achieve a 5% reduction in the use of single-use plastic bags.” Legislation, on the other hand, has proven to reduce the use of these bags significantly.

On March 4, the Durham Town Council will consider a Resolution in support of the plastic waste reduction bills. If the Resolution is adopted, the Town will send the Resolution to the State House for the March 6 hearings. View the draft Resolution HERE.

Since the bills were first introduced this fall, Representative Judith Spang from Durham has worked with interested parties to make significant changes. The versions on the General Court website are therefore obsolete.

Texts of the bills that will be presented to the committee for consideration may be read by clicking on the name of each of the bills, below. Each bill is marked as "Unapproved" to indicate revisions not yet accepted by the committee.


HB 558 prohibits food service businesses from providing a single-use plastic straw to a customer unless specifically requested. New Hampshire would thereby join a growing number of states and cities taking this step.

HB 559 gives statutory authority to municipalities to enact ordinances to reduce plastic waste, which they are not at present “enabled” by the State to do.


HB 560 would ban distribution of single-use plastic bags statewide, with several exemptions.

Information about NH House Standing Committees may be found HERE.

Send emails to all members of the Municipal and County Government Committee (for HB 559) mailto:HouseMunicipalandCountyGovt@leg.state.nh.us, or to all members of the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee (for HB 558 and HB 560) mailto:HouseCommerceCommittee@leg.state.nh.us

A thank you is extended to Judith Spang, Peter Wolfe, and Robin Mower for pulling this information together.

 

ICE SAFETY ON LOCAL RIVERS AND PONDS - Residents are Encouraged to Exercise Caution!

This time of year Durham families and UNH students can frequently be found recreating on frozen water along the Oyster River, Lamprey River, the Mill Pond, or elsewhere in NH. Walking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, skating, and playing sports are dangerous pastimes on any frozen body of water when you don't know how to tell if ice is thick enough to withstand weight.

There are ways to assist in gauging the potential safety of ice, such as observing its color, testing its thickness and being aware of external factors such as temperature, local conditions and local knowledge. However, no sport undertaken on ice over water bodies is ever without risk. Therefore, residents are cautioned that If in doubt as to the condition of the ice, do not go onto the ice; moreover, it never pays to be too early or too late in the season.

 

A reminder from DPW Director of Operations Doug Bullen that PAPER/CARDBOARD recycling will be collected by DPW during the week of March 4th!

CHANGES TO CURBSIDE RECYCLING HAVE BEGUN! -- Curbside glass/plastics v. cardboard/paper collection to return to alternating weeks

Due to a significant change in the global marketing of recyclables, the Integrated Waste Management Committee (IWMAC) and Town Administration have decided to return to a dual recycling collection as we did prior to 2015. This decision was made with both environmental and fiscal responsibilities in mind. Recycling used to generate revenues to offset costs of operating, however the current market conditions have not only tonnage costs but escalating ones. A link to the recycling collection calendar is provided below, as well as in the DPW newsletter, to assist residents in knowing what to put out each week. Below is the definition of each category:

CO-MINGLED RECYCLABLES

FIBER RECYCLABLES

DPW does its best to find ways to bring in revenue to offset escalating costs. With the price of cardboard remaining stable in this uncertain recycling market, DPW encourages residents to bring cardboard to the Transfer Station when possible. Aluminum cans also do generate some revenue at this point. If residents are able to bring up cans and cardboard separately at the Transfer Station, this will help to offset costs. Thank you!

View the 2019 Recycling Collection Calendar HERE.

 

CURBSIDE COLLECTION REMINDER DURING SNOWSTORMS - Please don't put trash out the night before the storm.

Please do not put your trash out the night before your trash day if we are expected to get snow fall. This week many residents had their barrels out the night before the storm and they were covered with the 6-8 inches of snow that fell, as well as the snow pushed off the roadway from the plow. The sanitation workers are not responsible for digging out the curbside collection containers for each home. If a storm is expected, put your items out in the morning, by 7am per ordinance as always. 


Thank you for your cooperation.  

 

OYSTER RIVER SCHOOL BOARD NEWS

The school board spent much of its February 20, 2019 meeting looking at initial concept work for the proposed new middle school with the architectural design team. The board also continued work on the 2019-2024 strategic plan.

In order to make the best use of land for the middle school, a four-story building is envisioned. The Board also decided that in order make the best use of the site, the plan should not retain any part of the current building.

More information on the progress of planning a new middle school will be presented after a free community supper at Mast Way School on March 7 (supper 5:00-5:45, middle school presentation 5:45-6:30) and at Moharimet School during the annual pancake breakfast on March 30 (8am-noon). The entire community is invited to these events.

The next school board meeting is March 6 at 7:00, and voting on the 2019-2020 school budget is March 12.

Full information on school board agendas, minutes, videos, and member contact information is available at orcsd.org under School Board.

 

PERSONNEL CHANGES AT DURHAM POLICE

Nine-year veteran Detective Tom Kilroy will be transferring to the role of Problem Oriented Policing (POP) where his primary focus is to lessen ambient crowd noise that equates to demands for police service. A non-enforcement approach, by the Durham Police using methods of education, mentoring and/or coaching has been established to reduce these demands for police response to off-campus student housing. Additionally the program ensures that police and property management work collaboratively towards these goals.

Moving into the Detective position is six-year veteran Katie Bolton. The Springfield College grad has been working a variety of patrol shifts gaining experience and expertise. Those skill sets will be honed with a variety of training focusing upon interview techniques, crime scene processing and writing search warrants. The Detective function at Durham Police focuses upon felony investigations that require significant commitment of personnel time to establish probable cause and ultimately arrest those responsible.

 

Baroo, the official mascot of ORMS Robotics Team 2820E

ORMS ROBOTICS TEAM 2820E QUALIFIES FOR VEX IQ WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

An eighth grade all-girl Robotics team from OR Middle School has qualified and will be competing in this year's VEX IQ World Championships. They qualified with their STEM Research Project.

The Team includes: Maya Ajit who does both programs and engineers; Sonia Barth-Malone who does most of the engineering; and Kathy McEwan who does programs and is the moral support and snack-provider of the team. Baroo (pictured above) is the official mascot of the team.

Anyone interested in contributing to Team 2820E's page for fund-raising the registration cost for the VEX IQ World Championships may do so HERE.

 

RESIDENTS ASKED TO ASSIST THEIR LETTER CARRIERS BY CLEARING SNOW FROM AROUND THEIR MAILBOXES AND PROVIDE SALT AND/OR SAND TO AREAS THAT MAY BE SLIPPERY WITH ICE

Residents are asked to:

  • Clear enough snow from curbside boxes to allow mail trucks to approach the box, deliver the mail, and to drive away from the box without danger or the need for backing;
  • Clear walkways of snow and ice and allow enough traction to avoid slips, trips or falls;
  • Keep steps clear of ice and snow and in good repair so as not to cause injury to the letter carriers or others who visit the customer’s home; and
  • Make sure overhangs are clear and free of snow and ice to avoid injury.

Whether mail arrives on foot or by postal vehicle, the letter carrier needs access to the mailbox to deposit your mail. Please make sure the mailbox itself is visible and free of snow and ice, and make sure it is safely accessible for your letter carrier.

Letter carriers are instructed to hold mail to addresses where ice and snow are not cleared but they often risk injury trying to provide the best service they can to the customers they serve. Please show them your appreciation by ensuring they are safe when delivering your mail.

 

DURHAM POLICE STRATEGIC PLAN

The Durham Police have updated their 2019 Strategic Plan with their most recent SWOT exercise. Chief Kurz led discussions with the entire staff in January to identify Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats that the department faces in the future. Much of this insightful discussion may ultimately impact the police but the community as well. The SWOT is discussed at the end of the Strategic Plan. 

View the plan HERE.

 

NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES

On April 30, 2019, terms on various Town boards, commissions, and committees will expire. In mid-April, the Town Council will begin the process for making its annual appointments/reappointments to town boards, with appointments to take effect May 1, 2019.

The Durham Town Council is seeking interested residents of the Town of Durham who have the ability, desire, and time needed to fill these vacancies.

Citizens interested in board appointments may stop in or contact the Administrator’s office at 868-5571 and ask for a board application form. Applications are also available on the home page of the Town of Durham website at the top of the home page under “Helpful Resources”, then “Town Documents”, then “forms”, then “Application for Appointment”.

Completed applications may be mailed to the Administrator’s office, or submitted via email to mailto:jberry@ci.durham.nh.us. The deadline for receipt of completed applications is Friday, March 22, 2019.


 

COUNCIL ADOPTS THE PROVISIONS OF RSA 80:52-A AUTHORIZING THE PREPAYMENT OF PROPERTY TAXES ONE (1) YEAR IN ADVANCE OF THE DUE DATE OF THE TAXES

With recent changes in federal tax laws, property owners in Durham and throughout New Hampshire inquired about prepaying their 2018 property taxes back in 2017. 

RSA 80:52-a “Prepayment” states that: “Any town by vote . . . of the town council and any city by vote of its governing board may authorize the prepayment of taxes and authorize the collector of taxes to accept payments in prepayment of taxes.”

At the Town Council meeting on Monday, February 18, the Town Council adopted Resolution 2019-05 (as presented) adopting the provisions of RSA 80:52-A authorizing the prepayment of property taxes one (1) year in advance of the due date of the taxes. View the resolution HERE.

There is no dollar limit on a property tax prepayment , however, RSA 80:52-a provides that no taxpayer can prepay more than 2 years in advance of the due date of taxes. Since property taxes generally become past due for interest accrual purposes on or after December 1 in any tax year, in tax year 2019 property taxes could be prepaid for the year of levy 2019 and the year of levy 2020.

For administration ease, the Town Clerk-Tax Collector and Assessor are recommending prepayment of taxes only one (1) year in advance of the due date of the taxes.

Any amount paid before actual notice of assessed taxes is credited against the taxes that are eventually assessed against the subject property. Once the tax bill is issued by the municipality, the prepayment is then applied to the tax bill. If the prepayment does not cover the tax bill, the taxpayer must pay the difference. 

The taxpayer does not accrue interest on the prepayment amount.

When the municipality receives a property tax prepayment under RSA 80:52-a, the taxpayer must indicate what future tax year that prepayment will apply to. 

Prepaid property taxes are not refundable. Any overage will be applied to future property tax bills.

For accounting purposes, prepayment of property taxes must be booked as deferred revenue. 

 

DURHAM POLICE PARTICIPATE IN UNH JOB FAIR

The University of New Hampshire has been the school of choice for a number of Durham Police employees. Two of our most recent officers hired are recent graduates of New Hampshire’s flagship school. On Wednesday Detective Tom Kilroy joined over 200 companies in setting-up a booth to discuss the profession of municipal policing, especially in the Durham community. Over 1,600 UNH Students and alumni were meeting with various companies to garner insight to the job market.

 

YOUR SWAP SHOP AT THE DURHAM TRANSFER STATION AND RECYCLING CENTER

The Durham Swap Shop is a wonderful example of how residents express their commitment to recycling. Whether you’re new to town or a long term ‘shopper’, we recommend that you come on over and see what’s new. The Swap Shop is at the Durham Transfer Station at 100 Durham Point Road. The Swap Shop hours are 9:00 am to 2:30 pm every Tuesday and Saturday.

Drop off of good-condition items is free and take-away is also free. Lots of reusables are saved from the landfill in the process. The Swap Shop continues to seek volunteers who can donate 3 hours occasionally to help with organizing and displaying items. It’s fun work in a friendly atmosphere and volunteers feel good about facilitating re-use. Please contact Cristina mailto:foggdrive@yahoo.com (or via 868-5578) to sign up for a morning or afternoon slot. Online sign up is an option HERE. New volunteers should contact Cristina for first-time shadowing to learn the process. It would be effective and tremendously helpful to have as many as 100 volunteers who might be scheduled to chip in over the course of any two month period. That is why we continue to ask people to sign up. “Many hands”… Much appreciation goes out to our continuing volunteers who help to keep this valued community service going!

Until the threat of snow is gone, the drop off of bulky items like furniture and doors/windows is prohibited. Please note that bulky waste coupons and electronic/appliance stickers must be purchased at the Transfer Station or at the Public Works Office for any such items to be dropped off. Only checks are accepted as payment. Details may be found in the Public Works Annual Newsletter available HERE.

 

SWAP SHOP VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED -- WHY NOT?

The Swap Shop at the Durham Transfer Center has been busy this winter despite the cold weather! Many boxes of items have been dropped off and then taken to “new” homes which is exactly what the Swap Shop is all about!  Save some money and keep useful items out of the landfill! 

With spring teasing us a little with warmer temperatures, why not consider volunteering?  You not only get to meet other people in town, but you also have a chance to find things you never thought you needed!  And things you are really looking for! What other volunteering endeavor is as much fun or helpful?

So, even if you are only a little curious please send an email to find out more. The shifts are only 3 hours and you and signing up is easy. You can volunteer as little or as much as you would like. Thank you and let’s all help keep the Swap Shop open and vibrant!

Please mailto:foggdrive@yahoo.com or talk to the volunteer the next time you “shop!”

 

PRINTED AND ONLINE VERSIONS OF 2018 DURHAM ANNUAL REPORT NOW AVAILABLE

The printed version of the 2018 Town of Durham Annual Report is ready to be picked up by interested residents/taxpayers at the Town Clerk-Tax Collector's Office. Copies will also available at the Durham Public Library. The report may also be viewed on the town website HERE.

Kudos are extended to Administrative Assistant Jennie Berry for her outstanding work in pulling this important historical document together for the community.

 

PLEASE SUPPORT THE DURHAM HISTORIC ASSOCIATION AND THE ENVIRONMENT

During the month of March every $2.50 Reusable Community Bag sold at the Hannaford store located at 7 Mill Road in Durham will generate a $1 donation to Durham Historic Association.

The DHA's mission is:

  • To preserve the memory of events connected with the history of the Town of Durham, or of individuals who may have resided there;
  • To serve as guardian of the town's history;
  • To preserve the artifacts of the town's history;
  • To inform and educate the citizens of Durham and others of the history of the town and how contemporary Durham arises out of its past.
 

BIKESHARE-BIKE CULTURE COMMUNITY CONVERSATION SCHEDULED

In coordination with the Town of Durham, UNH Campus Planning will host a town-gown conversation on March 4th, 5:15 at the Dairy Bar.

View more information HERE.

If UNH curtails due to storm the meeting is cancelled to be rescheduled at a later date. UNH Storm information line is 603-862-0000

 

CONNECTIVITY AND COLLABORATION FOR PEOPLE AND WILDLIFE

Ellen Snyder, Durham Land Stewardship Coordinator

Walking the boundaries and trails of Durham town conservation lands this winter, I was reminded of the concept “working together across our stonewalls.” This idea comes from a successful collaboration in the Town of Northwood, where public and private landowners work together on stewardship issues of joint interest. In Durham, we have several key town-owned conservation areas that are juxtaposed with other conserved land or open space.

We are working collaboratively with abutters in several places around town, to provide access for public trails and ensure that wildlife and other values are protected. For example, the Oyster River Trail connects the Town’s Oyster River Forest with UNH’s College Woods and trail improvements on both properties have enhanced the experience for trail users while protecting water quality. At Doe Farm, we are working to improve a trail that connects to the abutting LaRoche Farm, especially for x-country skiing. On a recent walk along that joint boundary, I noted the tracks of a fisher in fresh snow that crossed from the Doe Farm over a stonewall and onto the LaRoche Farm. This informal public-partnership benefits people and wildlife, offering connectivity for both. Similarly, the Town’s Longmarsh Preserve connects with more than a thousand acres of other conserved land, supporting the very popular Sweet Trail as well as a large unfragmented habitat for wildlife including bobcat. A few weeks ago, I crossed a bobcat track that had meandered from NH Fish and Game’s property onto the Town’s Horsehide Creek. Connectivity and collaboration for people and wildlife.

 

SITE IDENTIFIED FOR 2019 DURHAM FARMERS’ MARKET – Sammy’s/Store 24 Parking Lot

After much discussion, a new site has been identified for the 2019 Farmers’ Market in Durham organized by the Seacoast Growers Association. If you remember, the Durham Farmers’ Market had been located at Jackson’s Landing for a few years but the location was not ideal and attendance had trailed off there. It was simply out of sight and out of mind!

Following a thorough vetting of alternative sites in the fall, the Town Hall site was tentatively identified as a viable location but over the last month, downtown merchants working through Celebrate Durham suggested using a portion of the Sammy’s/Store 24 Lot. A site walk occurred last week and ultimately the growers have accepted this location for their 2019 market. 

A thank you is extended to Sarah Grandy from The Main Street Makery, Durham Parking Officer Sandra Hebert, Town Councilor Sally Tobias, and resident Julia Griewank from the Seacoast Growers for working with us as part of this site selection process.

View a petition received from 29 downtown Durham business owners in support of the Sammy’s Lot/Store 24 parking lot location HERE.

 

SITE CHOSEN FOR PROPOSED NEW $46 MILLION OYSTER RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL - The current in town Middle School location

The Oyster River School Board has determined that that the proposed new middle school will be built on the current site, following the recommendation of architect Stephen Blatt who explored a series of options in 2016, and of the Superintendent’s Middle School Facilities Committee which met throughout the 2017-2018 school year. One possible site for the new school would be on the current athletic fields.

The Superintendent’s Committee explored a number of possible new sites, but chose the current site because of its proximity to the high school, athletic fields, UNH, and to resources in the town, particularly the Durham Library. It will also remain a walking and biking campus for many Durham students. Building on-site also avoids the costs of new land purchase and of building an infrastructure (power, access roads, water, waste disposal) that were estimated to add $3 million to the cost of the project.

Preliminary plans for the proposed $46 million dollar project were presented at the February 5 Deliberative Session. A vote on the warrant for a new middle school is expected to take place in March of 2020. If approved by a majority of 60%, construction will begin immediately with completion in Spring 2022.

 

HAVE YOU APPLIED FOR YOUR SOLAR EXEMPTION YET?

If you own property in Durham and recently installed a “solar energy system” that utilizes solar energy to heat or cool the interior of your building; heat water or to provide electricity, you may qualify for a solar exemption. If you are already receiving a solar exemption, you do not need to reapply. 

The Town of Durham has adopted the Exemption for Solar Systems per RSA 72:62 where you may qualify for a solar exemption from your property tax assessment.

To qualify for this exemption, you must submit a PA-29 exemption application by April 15, 2019. Applications are located on the Town’s website or you may pick one up at the Assessor’s Office. Your application must also include the total installation cost and a detailed list of what equipment was installed on your property. 

If approved, this exemption will be applied to your 2019 assessment.

If you have any questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 603-868-8064.

 

TALKING TRASH – Property owners are asked to pick up trash/debris around properties as the snow melts.

As the snow melts and spring approaches, the accumulated under–snow debris becomes visible and will be cited as a trash violation if not removed forthwith. We suggest that each property have a responsible person reviewing the snow coverage/snow melt daily, and remove all debris that becomes uncovered.

As a review, please see Durham’s trash citation process below.

Durham has a trash citation process for litter on private property. It is a graduated fine that starts with a Courtesy Notification, then fines of $150, $300, and $1000 for each subsequent period an offense has been found to continue. Each property will receive one Courtesy Notification per academic year. Many properties have already received their one courtesy notification for this academic year. The next offense will be issued a Notice of Violation and a fine of $150 payable to the Town of Durham, submitted to the Building Office. A re-inspection date/time will be written on the citation; if the re-inspection shows that the trash issue is on-going a second Notice of Violation will be issued with a fine of $300. A final Notice of Violation and fine of $1000 will be issued for each subsequent failed re-inspection.

Trash citations are written for situations such as:

  • Overflowing dumpsters.
  • Trash containers put out for pick-up, which are overflowing/spilt/torn with trash/recyclables spread about.
  • Trash containers that are put out more than 24 hours in advance or more than 124 hours after scheduled pick-up.
  • Unsightly debris in yards, lawns, and along the street frontage, such as an abundance of cans, bottles and cups.
  • Bulky items left outside that are not designed as outdoor furniture (such as mattresses and couches).
  • Generally it is expected that any of the situations above will be addressed by the tenants or property managers before 9am each morning, including weekend mornings.

Questions should be directed to Code Enforcement Officer Audrey Cline mailto:acline@ci.durham.nh.us.

 

FARM STYLE BREAKFAST FUND-RAISER - Sunday, March 17, 2019

Delicious breakfast! - The 6th Annual Strafford County Farm Bureau Farm Style Fund-raiser Breakfast will be held Sunday, March 17th from 7:30am-12:00pm At the Jeremiah Smith Grange Hall, 1 Lee Hook Rd Lee NH. Co-sponsored by Lee & Durham Agricultural Commissions. Proceeds benefit agricultural outreach and youth grant programs.

Tickets $10/adult, $7/children 14 and under. Purchase tickets at the door. Call Matt Scruton, 941-4956, or Laura Gund, 659-2044, or Erick Sawtelle, 659-8106, for more information.

 
 
 

TOWN OF DURHAM FACEBOOK AND TWITTER ACCOUNTS

Did you know that the Town has a Facebook & Twitter account and frequently posts Durham & UNH news, happenings, and articles of interest in our area and the seacoast?

Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

FacebookTwitter
 
 

Durham Parks and Recreation, its Director and Committee, strive to offer a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities. Together, they celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.

 

JOIN THE DURHAM LIBRARY THIS WEEK FOR:

In the Gallery - Roberta Shea's paintings “A Sea of Flowers”

Roberta Shea is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, has taught art at Masuk High School in Monroe, Conn., and is currently a docent at the New Britain Museum of American Art. She has also exhibited in shows throughout Connecticut, including a recent show at the Waterbury, Conn., Mattatuck Museum, the Ridgefield Guild of Artists, the Washington Arts Association and on the recent television series, “The Affair.” Her work is shown at Gallery 25 in New Milford, Conn.

Save the date Thursday, Mar. 14th at 6:00 pm for join her talk and journal-making workshop. Register on The DPL website. Space is limited.

AND . . .

Tuesday, March 5th 4:00-5:00 pm - Comic Crew! A Monthly Graphic Novel Book Club for Grades 2-4

This month we will be discussing "The Time Museum" by Matthew Loux. We will discuss the book, play some games and work on your own graphic novel!

Books are available at the library and all are welcome!


 

WEEKLY ARREST REPORT

*Academic year commences the third week of August through graduation at UNH in May.

 

HISTORY IN AN OYSTERSHELL - A Brief History of Durham, NH 1600 - 1976 (A little volume that was the Heritage Project of the Durham Historic Association Bicentennial celebration)

Preface - "Since before God made the first little green apples, oysters have probably been growin in the Oyster River; and some of the largest and juiciest to be found anywhere in the world are still growing here today. The following vignettes from rollicking history of Durham town on the Oyster River are therefore presented between the shells of an oyster."

________________________

1900 - The Chapel was erected as a memorial to Hamilton Smith by his widow. Beautifully constructed of granite, it has 6 lovely stained-glass windows. The graves of the Smiths and her daughter are here. It is now owned by the Town, and is available for small weddings.

 

If you know of others who would find the weekly "Friday Updates" of interest, please pass them along. Folks can sign up on the Town's web site HERE on the left side of the page. Click on "Friday Updates" then enter your email address and first and last name.

Have a very nice weekend.


Todd

Todd I. Selig, Administrator

Town of Durham, NH

T: 603-868-5571 

tselig@ci.durham.nh.us  

https://www.ci.durham.nh.us

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