Becky's Garden

[glennsteely]

I cant believe they charge you taxes on a rock!! What is the REAL folklore that goes with it? I'm dying to hear the real story....

[Twomileisland]

Actually there is a good version of the legend posted earlier by Rich, I believe. The one I use that's out on the island was printed in the Weirs Times as a reprint several years ago. We do actually get charged about $68/yr in taxes by Meredith...they also charge us for Gull Rock which is a trailer island to Two Mile and we affectionately renamed "Time Out" for the grandkids! Neither is inhabitable obviously. We find lots of joy seeing so many kayak, canoe & boat up to Becky's to look... Many additions to it this year as over time the little items rot from being out in all sorts of weather.

[RailroadJoe]

Many thanks to someone who really shows what is is to be a person of lake charm.

[tis]

Twomileisland, do you really let Ken and Barbie rent it for a couple of weeks in the summer?

[glennsteely]

You should be able to offset that $68......lol.

[Twomileisland]

LOL is right! And Barbie & Ken are welcome....
Had an Indian squaw and a hula dancer on it for a couple of years. They'd been made for Becky's by a dear friend on Black Cat, Barb Trismen. Problem is very few dolls are made that actually "fit" the scale! It's fun.

[Rich]

Twomileisland,

Thanks so much for what you do!

But I have to ask, what is the town's reasoning for taxing you on that rock? This makes no sense at all.

[winnigal]

Twomileisland,

Thank you, thank you for Becky's Garden. My husband and I take our jetski out every year for our annual picture with the house in the background. We were able to do so last week. Your island is one our our lake treasures!

[The Boatwiser]

The Winnigal / Boatwiser annual Becky's Garden photo for 2014

[Jeanzb1]

For those of us who have not visited Becky's Garden, the above picture puts the size in perspective! Thanks! Going by boat (not jetski) how close can you get to it without taking a huge chance?

[glennsteely]

Ive been up pretty close, with a experienced, trusted spotter, but believe me, it is a very rocky and dangerous area. Surely beautiful though, and def worth a look. Maybe rowing, or a kayak or canoe is a better idea. Lake history at its finest!!

[Greene's Basin Girl]

How did you become owners of a rock? I don't understand? Was it by adverse possession?

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Jeanzb1

For those of us who have not visited Becky's Garden, the above picture puts the size in perspective! Thanks! Going by boat (not jetski) how close can you get to it without taking a huge chance?

Depends on how much new props cost....... be very careful.

[webmaster]

Originally Posted by The Boatwiser

The Winnigal / Boatwiser annual Becky's Garden photo for 2014

Great selfie! I hope you don't mind that I tweeted it out to our followers:

Becky's Garden, the smallest island (and cottage) on the lake. http://t.co/YeQB88jyu7 #lakewinni pic.twitter.com/8rqhPrgqPs

— Lake Winnipesaukee (@iWinnipesaukee) July 16, 2014

[cillovely]

You learn something new every day!! I never had heard of Becky's garden before. And this year we are renting in Center Harbor for the first time, normally we are on the other side of the lake, so now I have something to look forward to trying to find. If I do find it, I'll use my zoom lens on my camera, I have had some bad luck with props

[Rusty]

I think it would look neat if it had a tiny dock with some tiny boats tied up to it.
The little people have to get to the house some how don't they?

[ITD]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I think it would look neat if it had a tiny dock with some tiny boats tied up to it.
The little people have to get to the house some how don't they?

That would require a shorelands permit and a permit to clear vegetation to the dock. No Bueno...

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by ITD

That would require a shorelands permit and a permit to clear vegetation to the dock. No Bueno...

You're right ITD, what was I thinking.

[Rich]

It would probably also raise the taxes!!

I honestly can't believe that someone is paying taxes on this rock!

Is there a true and reasonable explanation as to why Twomileisland is paying even 1 cent a year for taxes on a rock on the lake?

[Rich]

Perhaps because it's a charted island that someone owns?

According to Lake Winni Historical Society:

http://www.lwhs.us/steam-earlysteamboats.htm

Equally interesting is the legendary origin of Becky's Garden, the smallest charted island in the lake. An early settler of Center Harbor had several daughters, of whom the loveliest was Rebecca. While her sisters were frivolous and spoiled, Rebecca was a model young lady, and she beautified the surroundings of her father's house by her care of her garden, of which she was justly proud. One day her father's cattle escaped, and, before they were noticed, they had laid waste the beautiful garden plot. Rebecca was heartbroken, and her father, by way of consolation, offered her as a gift any one of the numerous islands in the lake which she might care to choose. Her sisters clamored for the same dower, and their father finally consented, giving Becky her first choice. This caused her sisters to be so envious that Becky decided to choose the smallest island she could find, and selected the one which bears her name today, an island that is scarcely more than a bush-covered rock. The other daughters picked out large, verdant islands.

The story of Becky's choice travelled far, as stories will; and a wealthy young farmer in the vicinity became so interested in hearing of the unselfish young maiden that he sought her acquaintance, and, finding her an attractive young lady, wooed and won her for his bride. Thus it was said that Becky's Garden, though the smallest of islands, produced the greatest results. Today, each year, a model house, complete in every detail, is placed on the island to distinguish it as inhabited despite its size-all in memory of the unspoiled Becky.

[jmen24]

Originally Posted by Rich

It would probably also raise the taxes!!

I honestly can't believe that someone is paying taxes on this rock!

Is there a true and reasonable explanation as to why Twomileisland is paying even 1 cent a year for taxes on a rock on the lake?

It is a rock that has been determined to meet the criteria of an island, therefore it is taxed as such. I am thinking due to proximity, Twomileisland was given first right of refusal on whether they wanted that burden or not.

Seems cheap enough for the novelty of it!

On the dock permitting:

I would think getting a permit for a dock would be easy, it is just a simple wetlands app.

A boathouse on the other hand would likely cause this thread to get locked.

[tis]

I bet there isn't enough frontage for even one dock, Rusty. Sorry, not allowed.

[SIKSUKR]

The frontage needed should be scaled to the size of the dock. Shouldn't be an issue. What would be an issue is trying to scale the waves down to size, That little dock would almost always be under water.

[Twomileisland]

Originally Posted by Rusty

I think it would look neat if it had a tiny dock with some tiny boats tied up to it.
The little people have to get to the house some how don't they?

I love the idea, however, it's difficult enough to get the house out on Becky's Garden and between the weather and wave action, a "dock" would have to be out of the water. I'll think it thru over the off season and who knows what you'll spins in 2015.

[RLW]

Twomileisland, I was just browsing through the forum and noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

Great to see u on the forum.