Friday Updates - May 20, 2022

Friday, May 20, 2022

Various members of the community and visitors attended the unveiling of our new plaque commemorating General Lafayette's visit to Durham this morning at 10AM. Pictured left to right are: DHA President David Strong, HDC Vice Chair Carolyn Singer, visiting Revolutionary War reenactor, HDC member Charlotte Hitchcock, Founder and President of the Lafayette Trail, Inc. Julien Icher, visiting Revolutionary War reenactor, Town Councilor & Council representative to the HDC Eric Lund, HDC member Michael Hoffman, and HDC Chair Larry Brickner-Wood. Courtesy Todd Selig



FOLLOW THE FRENCHMAN – Lafayette Trail marker dedication at Durham Town Hall was successful this morning and a lot of fun.

The Town was contacted some time ago by Julien Icher, founder and president of The Lafayette Trail, Inc., with an attractive proposal. His organization documents, maps, and marks the path of General Lafayette on his farewell tour of the United States in 1824 and 1825. The Lafayette Trail donates plaques to cities and towns around the country to celebrate the general’s stops in preparation for the bicentennial of his tour. The organization has installed over 60 markers and suggested placing one here to commemorate Lafayette’s visit to Durham. This morning we held a public dedication ceremony of Durham’s new plaque with Mr. Icher in the small green space on the north side of the Town Hall.

Lafayette returned to America to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in which he had fought as a young volunteer. “There is an account at the Durham Historic Association of Lafayette’s stop in Durham on June 23, 1825. He was greeted with a 24-gun salute (in recognition of the number of states in the union at the time) and escorted to a large gathering in front of Kelly’s Hotel (where Nick’s Bricks is now, near the stop light). He was entertained briefly at the Ebenezer Smith House (situated next to the post office) before departing for Dover and then Portland.” 

Details for the plaque, in accordance with requirements by The Lafayette Trail, were determined in collaboration among Town staff, the Durham Heritage Commission, and the Durham Historic Association. The green space, kitty-corner from the actual site of the former Kelly’s Hotel, was selected as the most practical location. The 2 feet x 3 feet cast aluminum plaque is mounted on a pole about 4 feet above the ground. Our thanks to Mr. Icher and the William Pomeroy Foundation, which is paying for production of the plaque. The Town’s only expense was for installation by the Public Works Department.

Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette (born in 1757) was a French aristocrat and military officer. Rising to the rank of general, he commanded troops in several battles serving with General Washington and General John Sullivan of Durham. After the war Lafayette returned to France and was involved with the French Revolution of 1789. He is considered a national hero in both countries. General Lafayette was actually only in his late 60’s when he returned for his triumphal tour in America a half century after the war. He died in 1834.  

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Lafayette’s 1825 Reception in Durham (Courtesy of research from resident and Durham Historic Association member Janet Mackie)

From the Portsmouth Journal of Literature & Politics – July 2, 1825

[a correspondent has favored us with the following account of his reception in that village, once the home of Sullivan and Scammell]

The Nation’s Guest, on his way from Concord to Portland, was met at the line of the town of Durham¹ by the Committee of Arrangements, consisting of Messrs. George Ffrost, Benjamin Mathes, Jr., Joseph W. Page, Alfred Smith, Moses Noble, John A. Richardson, George Hull, William J. Thompson, and William P. Ffrost – together with a large number of citizens and strangers; and after being introduced to the chairman of the committee, Geo. Ffrost Esq., the General was addressed by him, bidding him, in behalf of the committee, a cordial welcome to their village. – In reply, the General expressed himself happy in being within the limits of the town, and under the protection of its good citizens; he thanked them for their kind reception, and begged leave to tender them and the committee his best wishes.

An escort was then formed under the direction of Marshals Seth S. Walker, Ebenezer Smith, Jr. and Winthrop Smith, in the following order, viz. – Marshals; Committee of Arrangements on horseback; Chief Marshal; General LAFAYETTE in a barouche, with one of the committee of the legislature, and Marshals on the right and left of the carriage; the General’s Suite, with the Governor’s aide-de-camp (Colonel Smith), and the legislative committee; Citizens in carriages and on horseback.

When near the village, a salute of 24 guns was fired by the company of artillery², under the command of Captain Langley, stationed on Chesley’s Hill³.

On the General’s arrival at Kelley’s hotel⁴, he was introduced to the Selectmen, Committee, &c. and was addressed, at their request, by Stephen Mitchell, Esq.⁵ as follows.

"General, In behalf of the selectmen and people of Durham, it is my privilege and happiness to bid you welcome to this village; and although we cannot vie with the people of wealthier and more populous places, in the style of your reception, we are not behind them, in cherishing a deep sense of your preeminent virtues, and of the honor which your presence confers. It is not in crowded cities alone, and the ceremonies and splendors of fashionable life, nor in the decorated apartments of the great only, that the virtues and triumphs of LAFAYETTE are known and proclaimed. No; – wherever throughout this country, greatness has any veneration, or goodness any respect – wherever philanthropy has any reverence, or Liberty any devotion; – there the mention of your name wakens the feelings of gratitude, and calls forth the homage of the heart. What honors are not due to the hero, who, in the bloom of youth, surrounded by affluence, and “born to titles,” relinquished his social amusements – left the enlivening society of his friends – bid adieu to the gay pursuits of youth, and the endearments of his country, to risk his life – to lavish his fortune – to hazard his all, in the defense of oppressed humanity? In a land, then, of needy strangers – in a cause too, which then appeared hopeless in the eyes of a gazing and unassisting world. There are scenes which baffle the powers of language to describe; and where allusion only can achieve the imbecilities of delineation. Of this class, but unparalleled in its circumstances, was the scene of your embarkation to share in the perils to be braved in the War of our Revolution.

“The signal services” which you rendered our country, in that memorable contest for liberty, the treasures you lavished, and the battles you fought, form an important and splendid part of our national history. – They are perpetuated for the admiration of the world.

But while “the zeal and gallantry displayed at Brandywine” – the heroic achievement at Monmouth – and the splendid exploits at Yorktown, teach us the brilliancy of your career in the cause of American Freedom; we would not be unmindful of that greatness and “consistency of character,” which you have since sustained in the other hemisphere. Here, in early life, and there, in your meridian days and more advanced years, the civilized world has beheld you the same animated champion of national Liberty.

Can we forbear, then, after a long absence has spent, to hail you again welcome to this land of freedom? And welcome here? Welcome to the place, that must ever be interesting to the patriot, as the residence of the brave and lamented SCAMMELL, your early companion in arms; and memorable as the home of the daring and illustrious SULLIVAN through life your friend and “a friend to the rights of man,” whose remains now slumber in our village, without the power to wake and welcome the “Nation’s Guest.”" 

To which the General made a feeling and affectionate reply, extempore; which was received by the people with reiterated cheers of applause; and which was expressed in nearly the same kind and delicate terms contained in the following furnished in his own handwriting.

“Amidst the continued emotions of my happy journey to the United States, I cannot but be particularly affected, by the circumstances that recall to my mind, dear and solemn recollections; such is, on this day, my visit to the town of Durham. Here, as you observe, was the residence of the excellent patriot and soldier, SCAMMELL, my personal friend; here now slumber the remains of my illustrious friend and brother, Major General SULLIVAN. So, Sir, among the kind references to past time, for which I am much obliged to you, I have marked the name of Brandywine – a battle where I fought under Sullivan’s immediate command.”

“I am highly flattered and gratified, Sir, by the affectionate welcome I receive from the selectmen and people of Durham; and while I most cordially enjoy their so very friendly testimonies of their esteem and friendship, I beg them and you, Sir, to accept my respectful acknowledgments and good wishes.”

Many of the citizens and strangers were introduced to, and kindly received by the General, after which he and the company partook of an elegant collation prepared by Mrs. Kelly.

The General was then conducted to the hall, which was decorated with elegance and taste, and introduced to a large assemblage of ladies from this and the neighboring towns. After leaving the hall, he was presented to about seventy female scholars, dressed in white, with blue sashes, and ornamented with wreathes of flowers; and who were arranged in the street near the hall door, exhibiting a delicate and interesting spectacle; especially when contrasted with the martial appearance of the artillery, drawn up in a line opposite; to each of whom, the General presented his hand. He soon after took his departure, attended by the same escort to the limits of the town, where he was received by the escort from Dover.

The cheerfulness and good nature, with which every countenance was lighted, and the perfect order and regularity, which prevailed, throughout the whole time the illustrious Guest remained with us, evince in a very striking manner, the undissembled pleasure which his presence afforded.  

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^1.    The western town line on the Turnpike, now called Main Street, where it crosses the Oyster River at the Lee town line.

^2.    Known members of the Durham Artillery Company in 1825 include William Stilson, Jr., Nicholas Drew, James Langley.

^3.    Chesley’s Hill is the site of the MUB, opposite the site of the Lt James Chesley homestead, now the residence of the president of UNH.

^4.    Kelley’s hotel was situated in the Historic District, opposite the brick Town Hall, now the site of ‘Nick’s bricks’ student housing; the last hotel on that site burned in 1896.

^5.    Attorney Stephen Mitchell was the nephew of Judge Jonathan Steele, a law student and later the law partner and son-in-law of General John Sullivan. Stephen Mitchell graduated at Williams College in 1801 and studied law with his uncle, Judge Jonathan Steele in Durham, where he began practice in 1805. In behalf of the residents of Durham he made the address of welcome to General Lafayette, June 23, 1825. Stephen Mitchell built the large three-story house (similar to the Kingman farmhouse) that stood on Main Street, that was later called the College Inn. The house was razed in the 1950s (now site of a laundromat). He married in 1809, Sarah Mills, daughter of Joseph Mills of Deerfield. He died in Durham 18 February 1833. He was one of the incorporators of Durham Academy and a member of the Congregational Church. Stephen Mitchell and his wife Sarah Mills Mitchell are buried in the Schoolhouse Lane Cemetery.

Founder and President of the Lafayette Trail, Inc. Julien Icher stands next to Durham's new Lafayette Trail marker. Courtesy Todd Selig

UPDATE ON AIR CARGO PROPOSALS FROM THIS WEEK'S PEASE DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING

On Thursday morning, 5/19/22, representatives of The Kane Company and PROCON indicated they have dropped any plans to try to develop an air cargo facility at Pease. They appeared before the Pease Development Authority (PDA) board of directors and explained they are looking at other development opportunities at Pease such as aeronautical research, research and development, and advanced manufacturing. No specific company names were mentioned by Kane/PROCON.  

In a letter to the PDA, Kane/PROCON indicated they determined Pease is not an ideal fit for most major cargo operators. “Such operations require a specific set of conditions to ensure economic feasibility for their business, including a constant and heavy stream of passenger flight traffic to support belly cargo transport, a geographically centric location or a location with extremely high population density, and an enormous amount of apron space for high-volume aircraft parking for loading and unloading.” In addition, Kane/PROCON representatives acknowledged the proposed air cargo use was of significant concern to the greater Seacoast Region. Kane/PROCON plan to return to the PDA in June for additional discussions on non-air cargo uses.  

Unfortunately, as though he had heard or learned nothing from the Kane/PROCON presentation or from public comments that proceeded his own, Captain Eric Robinson, CEO of East West Aeronautical, also spoke during public comments before the PDA and indicated his company (separate and distinct from Kane/PROCON) is committed to bring an air cargo proposal to the PDA board. “We do intend on submitting a proposal, and we are going forward with air cargo,” he said.

Admin. Todd Selig was one of a group of individuals who spoke during the public comment section of the PDA meeting, having sent to the PDA a carefully worded letter from the Town Council expressing significant concern about air cargo and its implications for the Seacoast Region and Durham in particular. Selig indicated that the prospect of air cargo development at Pease has been very hard for members of the Durham community because residents are fearful of impacts on the quality of their lives. Selig credited the Kane/PROCON team for deciding that air cargo is not a good fit for the Seacoast Region. “The Town of Durham Agrees,” he said. 

View a Letter sent to the PDA on Behalf of Durham Town Council - Impact of Potential Air Cargo or Other Incompatible Uses at Pease Development Authority

Super Flower Blood Moonrise on Great Bay. Courtesy Francoise Meissner 

RECEPTION FOR RETIRING ADMIN. CLERK DONNA HAMEL ON MAY 31st

The Town of Durham’s Town Clerk-Tax Collector’s Office will host a reception to honor Donna Hamel on May 31, 2022 in the Town Hall, Council Chambers at 2:00 p.m. This event is open to the public.

After twenty-seven years of service, Donna will retire from her position as an Assistant Town Clerk/Administrative Assistant on May 31, 2022. The Town of Durham extends a sincere thank you and congratulations to Donna for the dedication, hard work, and outstanding service she has provided to the community over the past twenty-seven years. Light refreshments will be served.

Event: Donna Hamel Farewell Reception

Date: Tuesday, May, 31, 2022

Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Location: Town Hall, Council Chambers, 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, N.H. 03824

ASSESSOR TO INSPECT PROPERTIES REQUIRING BUILDING PERMITS IN THE COMING WEEKS

It’s that time of year again when assessor, Jim Rice, will be inspecting all properties in Durham during March and April that have recently undergone new construction such as building new homes, additions, made renovations or have recently been demolished.   

If you have any questions, please contact the Assessing Department at (603) 868-8064. 

FORMER POLICE CHIEF PAUL GOWAN VISITS DURHAM PD

On Tuesday of this week, retired Chief Paul Gowan stopped by Durham PD for a tour of the renovated police Station. Chief Gowan was a 32-year police veteran and served as Durham’s Police Chief from 1979 until his retirement in 1995. 

Pictured left are current police chief Rene Kelley and Chief Paul Gowan sitting behind the Chief’s Desk and right Chief Gowan with Deputy Chief Dave Holmstock. Retired Chief Paul Gowan and current Police Chief Rene Kelley. Chief Gowan was instrumental in both Chief Kelley and Deputy Chief Holmstock’ s career hiring Chief Kelley 35-years-ago and Deputy Chief Holmstock, 33-years ago. Thanks Chief and it was a pleasure to see you again!

NOTICE TO VOTERS – Declaration of Candidacy for the 2022 NH State Primary

The 2022 NH State Primary will be held on September 13, 2022 at Oyster River High School, 55 Coe Drive, Durham, N.H. 03824. The polls will be open from 7:00 AM until 7:00 PM. 

Declaration of candidacy filings may be received June 1st -- June 9th through the mail or hand-delivered. All filings received on the last day (June 10th) must be made in person by the candidate. Pursuant to RSA 652:20, the Durham Town Clerk’s office will be open on the last day of the filing period until 5:00 PM to accept filings in person by the candidate. Please call the Durham Town Clerk’s office at 603-868-5577 if you have any questions about the declaration of candidacy process. There are fees and forms that must be completed. Do not email declaration of candidacy forms.  

Declarations of Candidacy to be filed with the NH Secretary of State at 107 N. Main Street, State House, Room 204, Concord, NH 03301:

• GOVERNOR
• UNITED STATES SENATOR
• REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS
• EXECUTIVE COUNCILOR
• STATE SENATOR
• COUNTY OFFICER

Declaration of Candidacy to be filed with the Town Clerk a 8 Newmarket Road, Durham, NH 03824:

• STATE REPRESENTATIVE
• DELEGATE TO THE REPUBLICAN STATE CONVENTION (ELECTION)

Beautiful wild Lady Slippers. Courtesy Bernie Casey

INTRODUCING RAFIDAH RAHMAN – DURHAM’S NEW SUSTAINABILITY FELLOW

Cathy Fletcher is completing her work as our UNH Sustainability Fellow, and will start work as an Assistant Planner for Bridgeport Connecticut in early June.   As Town Councilor Jim Lawson recently wrote to the Energy Committee, Bridgeport doesn’t know how lucky it is to have Cathy coming onboard!

Durham is fortunate to have Rafidah Rahman joining us as our newest UNH sustainability fellow.  Rafidah is working on her Master of Science in Sustainability, Urban & Environmental Policy & Planning at Tufts University where she is a Merit Scholar.  

DURHAM AGAIN SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN'S MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX (MEI) for 2022

Durham will be included in the eleventh edition of the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI). The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) Americans. The MEI is the first nationwide evaluation of municipal laws, policies, and services affecting the LGBTQ community.

This year, HRC will evaluate the 506 cities rated in last year’s publication. These include the 50 state capitals, the 200 largest cities in the country, the five largest cities in each state, the cities home to the state’s two largest public universities, 75 cities and census-designated places with high proportions of same-sex couples, and 98 cities selected by HRC and Equality Federation group members and supporters.

The MEI will be published and released near the end of the year.

In each of the past ten years, Durham has received the highest score in NH of those communities surveyed.

TOWN COUNCIL REFERS REVISED SOLAR ORDINANCE TO PLANNING BOARD

Last Monday, the Town Council voted unanimously to refer the Solar Ordinance to the Planning Board as a Council initiated zoning change.   Prior to the vote, the Council held a Public Hearing on the ordinance and the comments were positive after several changes were incorporated.   This is very different versus the draft from several years ago when the Council decided not to move a proposed solar ordinance to First Reading and a public hearing because of concerns expressed by many residents in the community. 

ICONS OF DURHAM POSTER - IMAGE #4

The beautiful poster “Icons of Durham” created by Ellie Lonske is now available. Just stop into the Town Clerk’s office to place an order. Here is the rendering of the old middle school, the only structure among the 34 on the poster that is now gone.

It served the community well for many years but we are delighted with the excellent new state-of-the-art, environmentally-sustainable middle school. The school board evaluated retaining and rehabilitating the old building but it was not practical, especially with the multiple obsolete additions accrued over the years. This view shows the structure’s best façade with its handsome red brick and grand welcoming entrance. No doubt many of the countless Oyster River students who passed through its hall have fine memories of their middle school years.

SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING CURBSIDE COLLECTION ROUTE CHANGES EFFECTIVE MONDAY, JUNE 27TH 

The Durham Public Works Department would like to make residents along the following roadways aware of a schedule change to their curbside solid waste and recycling collection day:

1. Newmarket Road (Durham Point Road to Dover Road)
2. Dover Road (Newmarket Road to Route 4 overpass)
3. Schoolhouse Lane
4. Bayview Road
5. Old Landing Road
6. Young Drive
7. Old Piscataqua Road

To improve the efficiency of Monday’s and Wednesday’s curbside solid waste and recycling collection routes, effective Monday, June 27th, 2022, the scheduled collection will change from Wednesdays to Mondays. 

As they have been in the past, solid waste and recyclables must be placed curbside by 7:00am on your collection day. The collection equipment passes through each neighborhood once and will not return for solid waste and recycling that is placed curbside late.

For commercial properties within these bounds that do not participate in our program, please ignore this notice.

We understand that this change may be inconvenient and disrupt normal routines. However, your understanding and cooperation is appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Durham Public Works Department at (603) 868-5578.

DURHAM FARM DAY IS NOW "OYSTER RIVER FARM DAY" - Date set for Saturday, August 20th.

The Durham Agricultural Commission is excited to announce that Durham Farm Day has become Oyster River Farm Day! Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 20th for a day long celebration of farms and gardens in Durham, Lee, and Madbury! We are working with the Lee Agricultural Commission and farmers in Madbury on free, family friendly events that celebrate agricultural production on farms and gardens in all three towns. If you eat, you’re in!

Chief Kelley presents Parking Enforcement Officer Julie Blankenship with a plaque commending her for four years of dedicated service with the Town of Durham. Julie’s last day was May 13th, and we wish her the best of luck with her move down south.  

Scout Troop 154 placing flags at town cemetery in advance of Memorial Day. Courtesy Craig Seymour