What Is This Stone Structure?

angela4design · 03-25-2010, 04:37 PM

I was searching for an image on Flickr today, and found a photo that reminded me so much of this mysterious structure, I had to post the link here. It's of an observatory (Oak Hill, Derryfield Park in Manchester), which you can actually enter and go to the top.

The mystery structure looks similar, except that it looks like just the base, in the same granite octagonal shape. Could the top have deteriorated (wooden?), or perhaps the project was abandoned before completion?

Weston Obsesrvatory on Flickr

Another link says "Constructed in 1896-97, the building is named for James A. Weston, who left the city $5,000 to build an observatory for "the advancement of science, for educational purposes, and for the use, enjoyment, benefit, and mental improvement of the inhabitants of the city of Manchester." The man who grew up on a local farm became the first native to serve as both mayor (four times) and governor (two terms)... His home was on the grounds of what is now Wagner Park, fitting for the mayor who also created an extensive parks and cemetery beautification program."

So, it would fit that he could have built another near GOVERNOR's Island, right?

jmen24 · 03-26-2010, 08:53 AM

No actual match that I have found, but some research showed that this structure has a close fit with an above ground cistern. Now having the height of the structure creating the biggest issue with this use, you have to be able to get the water out, but a simple pipe and valve near the bottom would surely help with this observers theory or even an access door to drop a bucket into the pool if below grade, the rest could just be an elaborate way to keep the neighbors or cows out and protect the water.

Amgela4design, now mind you I am no expert on stone towers, but while in school for Architecture (which is really the study of contruction theory) it is hammered away quite early that the foundation of a building needs to support any above ground load. That being said, this structure is far to small in diameter to handle any form of height that would be needed for an observation tower. It is quite possible though that this was a DIY project for someone that may not have known better and then got bored with it, but the quality of the work suggests that someone at least knew what they were doing when they started. I would not throw out your thought though, until someone knocks on the door and asks, we are all just guessing, could be refueling spot for the Rattlesnake Is. space craft!

Just Sold · 03-26-2010, 10:12 AM

One thing that has not been discussed is that there is the reminant of a long granite wall out behind where this "structure" is. Are they related? I cannot be positive but I lean toward that they may be. Was there some sort of estate there many many years ago and this is all that is left?

As far as the trees being there now - I imagine that there were none when this tower and wall were built.

What is the history of this land? Anyone know? There is history that has been discussed here before regarding Govenors Island itself.

I have driven through the area and cannot see any other structure relating to the tower or wall.

jmen24 · 03-26-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Sold

One thing that has not been discussed is that there is the reminant of a long granite wall out behind where this "structure" is. Are they related? I cannot be positive but I lean toward that they may be. Was there some sort of estate there many many years ago and this is all that is left?

As far as the trees being there now - I imagine that there were none when this tower and wall were built.

What is the history of this land? Anyone know? There is history that has been discussed here before regarding Govenors Island itself.

I have driven through the area and cannot see any other structure relating to the tower or wall.

Good questions, I wonder if this was part of a house or other structure. The plot thickens!

fatlazyless · 03-26-2010, 11:14 AM

Waterville Valley has a similar stone tower structure, close to the tennis courts, thats about 2 1/2 stories high now which was never completed. A plaque there says something like 'Built in 1885 by local Reverend Holly Roller who felt that every town should have its' own ruin.' .....no kidding.....that's what it says....or something to that effect...probably had nothing better to do?

NoBozo · 03-26-2010, 02:38 PM

Check Figure #2 in this article on Rockport, Me. NB

http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/e...ites/dec09.htm

Newbiesaukee · 03-26-2010, 03:17 PM

FLL:" A plaque there says something like 'Built in 1885 by local Reverend Holly Roller who felt that every town should have its' own ruin.' .....no kidding.....that's what it says....or something to that effect...probably had nothing better to do? "
__________________
Hard to believe, but there are "fake" ruins that people have built throughout Europe known as "follies" constructed just because they were thought to be attractive. Who knew?

birchhaven · 03-26-2010, 04:24 PM

I would be willing to bet it is from the same time frame as the Kimble Castle and is directly related to it, since the original owner of the castle probably owned all the way over there.
I am completely guessing though..

Slickcraft · 03-26-2010, 04:34 PM

Here is a photo of a lime kiln.

Rattlesnake Guy · 03-26-2010, 09:14 PM

When I drove RG around to take pictures of the structure, we did not observe any doors.

Jonas Pilot · 03-26-2010, 09:30 PM

So far I think the best guesses are , observation tower and statue base. My guess, a mini light house a distant third.

angela4design · 03-26-2010, 10:10 PM

On the Kimball Castle theory...

The man who built that owned and/or operated the Boston to Maine Railroad. The stone for the castle was subsequently brought in via train to Alton from overseas; from Ireland as I've heard it.

Now, I've been inside the Castle, and can't say that I could tell the difference in the granite. (Although it is an interesting structure!)

03-25-2010, 04:37 PM	#1
angela4design Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 353 Thanks: 45 Thanked 54 Times in 38 Posts	stumbled across a photo I was searching for an image on Flickr today, and found a photo that reminded me so much of this mysterious structure, I had to post the link here. It's of an observatory (Oak Hill, Derryfield Park in Manchester), which you can actually enter and go to the top. The mystery structure looks similar, except that it looks like just the base, in the same granite octagonal shape. Could the top have deteriorated (wooden?), or perhaps the project was abandoned before completion? Weston Obsesrvatory on Flickr Another link says "Constructed in 1896-97, the building is named for James A. Weston, who left the city $5,000 to build an observatory for "the advancement of science, for educational purposes, and for the use, enjoyment, benefit, and mental improvement of the inhabitants of the city of Manchester." The man who grew up on a local farm became the first native to serve as both mayor (four times) and governor (two terms)... His home was on the grounds of what is now Wagner Park, fitting for the mayor who also created an extensive parks and cemetery beautification program." So, it would fit that he could have built another near GOVERNOR's Island, right?

03-26-2010, 10:12 AM	#3
Just Sold Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Suncook, NH, but at The Lake at Heart Posts: 2,615 Thanks: 1,083 Thanked 434 Times in 210 Posts	One thing that has not been discussed is that there is the reminant of a long granite wall out behind where this "structure" is. Are they related? I cannot be positive but I lean toward that they may be. Was there some sort of estate there many many years ago and this is all that is left? As far as the trees being there now - I imagine that there were none when this tower and wall were built. What is the history of this land? Anyone know? There is history that has been discussed here before regarding Govenors Island itself. I have driven through the area and cannot see any other structure relating to the tower or wall. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

03-26-2010, 11:14 AM	#5
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,834 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 302 Thanked 1,033 Times in 752 Posts	Waterville Valley has a similar stone tower structure, close to the tennis courts, thats about 2 1/2 stories high now which was never completed. A plaque there says something like 'Built in 1885 by local Reverend Holly Roller who felt that every town should have its' own ruin.' .....no kidding.....that's what it says....or something to that effect...probably had nothing better to do? __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

03-26-2010, 02:38 PM	#6
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	Lime Kiln..? Check Figure #2 in this article on Rockport, Me. NB http://www.maine.gov/doc/nrimc/mgs/e...ites/dec09.htm

03-26-2010, 03:17 PM	#7
Newbiesaukee Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Coral Gables, winter; Long Island, summer Posts: 1,361 Thanks: 959 Thanked 575 Times in 300 Posts	FLL:" A plaque there says something like 'Built in 1885 by local Reverend Holly Roller who felt that every town should have its' own ruin.' .....no kidding.....that's what it says....or something to that effect...probably had nothing better to do? " __________________ Hard to believe, but there are "fake" ruins that people have built throughout Europe known as "follies" constructed just because they were thought to be attractive. Who knew? Last edited by Newbiesaukee; 03-26-2010 at 03:17 PM. Reason: trying to show a FLL quote but not smart enough to do it

03-26-2010, 08:53 AM	#2
jmen24 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 1,139 Thanks: 223 Thanked 319 Times in 181 Posts	No actual match that I have found, but some research showed that this structure has a close fit with an above ground cistern. Now having the height of the structure creating the biggest issue with this use, you have to be able to get the water out, but a simple pipe and valve near the bottom would surely help with this observers theory or even an access door to drop a bucket into the pool if below grade, the rest could just be an elaborate way to keep the neighbors or cows out and protect the water. Amgela4design, now mind you I am no expert on stone towers, but while in school for Architecture (which is really the study of contruction theory) it is hammered away quite early that the foundation of a building needs to support any above ground load. That being said, this structure is far to small in diameter to handle any form of height that would be needed for an observation tower. It is quite possible though that this was a DIY project for someone that may not have known better and then got bored with it, but the quality of the work suggests that someone at least knew what they were doing when they started. I would not throw out your thought though, until someone knocks on the door and asks, we are all just guessing, could be refueling spot for the Rattlesnake Is. space craft!

03-26-2010, 04:24 PM	#8
birchhaven Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 132 Thanks: 14 Thanked 54 Times in 30 Posts	Kimble castle I would be willing to bet it is from the same time frame as the Kimble Castle and is directly related to it, since the original owner of the castle probably owned all the way over there. I am completely guessing though..

03-26-2010, 04:34 PM	#9
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and The Taylor Community Posts: 3,329 Thanks: 1,239 Thanked 2,118 Times in 968 Posts	Lime Kiln? Here is a photo of a lime kiln. Attached Images

03-26-2010, 09:14 PM	#10
Rattlesnake Guy Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 1,254 Thanks: 423 Thanked 366 Times in 175 Posts	When I drove RG around to take pictures of the structure, we did not observe any doors.

03-26-2010, 09:30 PM	#11
Jonas Pilot Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wolfeboro, New Hampshire is my home, 24-7-365 Posts: 1,686 Thanks: 1,047 Thanked 336 Times in 189 Posts	So far I think the best guesses are , observation tower and statue base. My guess, a mini light house a distant third.

03-26-2010, 10:10 PM	#12
angela4design Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Meredith Posts: 353 Thanks: 45 Thanked 54 Times in 38 Posts	On the Kimball Castle theory... The man who built that owned and/or operated the Boston to Maine Railroad. The stone for the castle was subsequently brought in via train to Alton from overseas; from Ireland as I've heard it. Now, I've been inside the Castle, and can't say that I could tell the difference in the granite. (Although it is an interesting structure!)

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