What town in New Hampshire most closely represents or reminds you of small town America? (Lancaster: home)

[CometVoyager]

Originally Posted by newhampshiregirl

I admit I haven't read all the posts in this thread, just happened to notice the references to Lancaster most recently.

I grew up in Lancaster (left for college 32 years ago then settled just south of "the notch", but still go back frequently to visit the 'rents).

I couldn't stand Lancaster when I was growing up...there was a sense of isolation being north of the notches. No malls, no culture, not easy to get from here to there, so to speak.

As I've aged - and as "civilization" has moved north! - Lancaster is much more appealing to me and I wish I still lived there and had raised my kids there. It IS very Norman Rockwellish.

One of the things I like best about Lancaster is that it is a very pedestrian community. Everyone walks everywhere and the sidewalks and streets are designed well to accommodate that.

As for your hope for The Diner...well, I've worked for folks who tried to break into the restaurant business repeatedly here in NH. It's really tough and the failure rate of restaurants is huge (can't remember the statistics though).

I think one of the most important things people must realize before they move to a town like Lancaster is that folks don't make boatloads of money doing whatever they're doing. Post 9/11 a lot of city folks escaped to Lancaster. From what my parents told me, they didn't last long. They often had unrealistic expectations for their earning potential AND for social opportunities. The reality is that town's like Lancaster are simpler. People don't get dressed to the nines to go to a party. People's houses aren't filled to the brim with fancy schmancy furniture. Etc.

Great Post New Hampshire Girl!!!!! True how so many city people move to small communities like Lancaster expecting to see no less than 4 Starbucks!

Have you or do you still attend Lancaster's July 4th celebration? I never have and I understand that the Parade is so Americana and the Barbeque afterwards is soooooo yummy! I can't get up there for the 4th but I hope to next year.

WOuld you know if Lancaster has an Old fashioned Soda Fountain Store?

[DareToDream]

Originally Posted by CometVoyager

Great Post New Hampshire Girl!!!!! True how so many city people move to small communities like Lancaster expecting to see no less than 4 Starbucks!

You know, it's kinda funny - the only place I've seen around Littleton that even mentioned Starbucks was in the hospital! I think the gift shop and the cafeteria have Starbucks coffee....For some reason I got a big kick out of that

[GregW]

I was walking across the Memorial Bridge in Littleton last week and started reading the plaques on the railing. These commemorate men lost in our various wars. Next to a man that received the Medal of Honor for action in the American Civil War is a plaque for somebody killed in Afghanistan. I could only wonder if this slaughter would ever end.

I know that Liberty is not free but as we approach the 4th of July I hope that people realize that we should not be spending our countrymen’s lives for the freedom of transnational companies to steal Iraqi or Iranian oil. We all have a duty to defend and protect our constitution and out fellow citizens. We do not have a duty to protect Arabian sheiks or Afghani warlords.

End of sermon. Everyone please have a good time on the Fourth.

[newhampshiregirl]

Originally Posted by CometVoyager

Great Post New Hampshire Girl!!!!! True how so many city people move to small communities like Lancaster expecting to see no less than 4 Starbucks!

Have you or do you still attend Lancaster's July 4th celebration? I never have and I understand that the Parade is so Americana and the Barbeque afterwards is soooooo yummy! I can't get up there for the 4th but I hope to next year.

WOuld you know if Lancaster has an Old fashioned Soda Fountain Store?

Yes, they still have the Independence Day parade, but I haven't been up for several years. No old fashioned soda fountain store anymore. That closed many years ago. It was located on Main Street and my father's office was upstairs above the soda fountain/drugstore! Lancaster also used to have Sam's Market (I think that was the name) with a huge selection of penny candy (at least it seemed huge to me!). When I lived on Winter Street I had to pass Sam's on the way home from school and always stopped for some candy!

[nhrocky]

Originally Posted by CometVoyager

What About Alstead?
It appears that this little town near the NH VT border has very little crime and still may have that special feel to it

Anyone else think so or another town?

I've only been to Alstead a couple of times and it was a very pretty town. I do remember thinking it sure was off the beaten path. I was there for my kids' soccer games in Oct......amid snow flurries

Unfortunately, Alstead suffered severing flooding 3 years ago due to a dam break, but they seem to be on their way to recovery.

Deadly Floods Sweep Away Homes, Roads - New Hampshire Weather News Story - WMUR Manchester

The Story of the Alstead Recovery Given | New Hampshire NRCS

[CometVoyager]

Originally Posted by nhrocky

I've only been to Alstead a couple of times and it was a very pretty town. I do remember thinking it sure was off the beaten path. I was there for my kids' soccer games in Oct......amid snow flurries

Unfortunately, Alstead suffered severing flooding 3 years ago due to a dam break, but they seem to be on their way to recovery.

Deadly Floods Sweep Away Homes, Roads - New Hampshire Weather News Story - WMUR Manchester

The Story of the Alstead Recovery Given | New Hampshire NRCS

Hi nhrocky! Welcome to the board! Yes unfortunately that part of the state sometimes does get hit with floods from the Cold River. It totally wiped out the Alstead bridge too! Actually I am not certain if Alstead is even designated as a flood plain??? Would you know? And this year with our record snow fall I did not hear about Alstead.

However, Alstead is a very quaint town which have the most unique library. Not sure if Alstead would work for the Diner, as it may be too close to Vermont as the Diner menu may not fit the appetite of most of our Vermont neighbors.

[whowouldknow]

anything you want to know, please email - my mom and aunt grew up there, grandparents from there - we loved going there as kids, still do .....
still have house of my grandparents - etc
Susan

[CometVoyager]

Originally Posted by whowouldknow

anything you want to know, please email - my mom and aunt grew up there, grandparents from there - we loved going there as kids, still do .....
still have house of my grandparents - etc
Susan

Hi Susan!

Welcome to the board! Are you referring to Alstead? near Vermont? Just want to make sure we are on the same page here.

Have you ever visited Lancaster and Newbury? TTYL!

Comet!

[lloydbob1]

Alstead is a nice town. I worked on a Habitat For Humanity project there last year.
I live in Grafton. I love it here. The town meetings here are like a 21st century Rockwell painting. It is a little remote from conveniences, although no more than Alstead. We have a General Store/Gas Station. You can buy almost anything a little over half an hour away in West Lebanon. We can get to Concord in an hour, two hours to Boston.

[countrylv22]

WELCOME TO THE NH BOARD!

Thank you for your input!Sounds interesting!

I am sure that COMETVOYAGER will appreciate your post as well!

Take care!

Have a GREAT week everyone!

Countrylv22

Originally Posted by lloydbob1

Alstead is a nice town. I worked on a Habitat For Humanity project there last year.
I live in Grafton. I love it here. The town meetings here are like a 21st century Rockwell painting. It is a little remote from conveniences, although no more than Alstead. We have a General Store/Gas Station. You can buy almost anything a little over half an hour away in West Lebanon. We can get to Concord in an hour, two hours to Boston.