Owl's Nest/Wise Owl, Alton, NH

Argie's Wife · 08-04-2010, 09:58 PM

Sorry if this is a little off topic but I've always wondered about the wavy-style roof over the carport... Why is it like that? Was it just a cool design or is there some benefit to the style?

BTW - that's one of my favorite houses in Alton.... beautiful place!

Marko · 08-04-2010, 10:22 PM

Argie......think it was something my great grandfather had the carpenters do........
as I have never seen that on any other Arts and Crafts Bungalow.....
it is certainly unusual and still surprised with that design that it has held up all these years.......
back in the 60's that curly roof porch room was screened in so we had another place to sit and eat......
cause with all of the grandchildren the house was busting at the seams......lol

we were always told this was the first house built on the lake on the West Alton side........

Marko
St Petersburg, FL

Steveo · 08-05-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

Sorry if this is a little off topic but I've always wondered about the wavy-style roof over the carport... Why is it like that? Was it just a cool design or is there some benefit to the style?

BTW - that's one of my favorite houses in Alton.... beautiful place!

I saw a for sale sign on it last weekend

Argie's Wife · 08-05-2010, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steveo

I saw a for sale sign on it last weekend

I know... I saw that too on my way to work today...

I'm sure someone will enjoy it but it won't be me unless I find a sugardaddy...

SIKSUKR · 08-06-2010, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

I'm sure someone will enjoy it but it won't be me unless I find a sugardaddy...

Does Argie know about this?

Just Sold · 08-06-2010, 11:53 AM

Hey - lots of good talk about the Owl's Nest and I am getting hungry.

I would take my son there via boat when he was young and we stayed on Rattlesnake. Yup, I used the Owl's Nest dock back in the early to mid 90's. He loved the food back then and I will be there this weekend with my brother and his wife to have what I know will be a great breakfast again.

Mike I will be sure to say hi.

Rattlesnake Guy · 08-06-2010, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Argie's Wife

I know... I saw that too on my way to work today...

I'm sure someone will enjoy it but it won't be me unless I find a sugardaddy...

OR

Argie's Wife · 08-06-2010, 10:32 PM

Oh man... the candy-related puns that come to mind right now are almost over whelming...

I said, "Almost."

I'm trying to behave.

Really.

But's it's a sticky situation.

Whoops! Just went there.

How about just a Mr. Goodbar at his next Payday?

Just Sold · 08-08-2010, 06:40 PM

Well, I really have to say that the Owl's Nest is on top with me.
I went there early this AM with my family and the service and food was great. My girlfriend had the blueberry pancakes and they were loaded with em. My brother and I had the tried and tru 2 eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. We had the raisin toast which I believe may have been home made and cut thick. mmmmm good. My sister in law had the Belgin Waffle with strawberies and she said that was delicious too. We all left with a smile and a full stomach.

I talked with the owner, Mike, for a few minutes and he is a great guy. He runs a nice place and I recommend everyone drop by. I even told a guest at the Inn we satyed at about our breakfast and they were planning on visiting too.
We wish Mike well and we will be back during our vacation later this month.

WinniGirl81 · 08-09-2010, 03:30 PM

Great pics Marko! Hopefully, we'll have new exterior signs up soon. Permits pending. We will, however, be keeping the old sign with an undefined use... hard to part with historic markers.

@JustSold: So glad to hear your visit with us was a pleasant and filling one. We greatly appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you soon!!!

Mr. V · 08-12-2010, 11:29 AM

We just returned from vacation.

I enjoyed my sausage, eggs and hash browns, and especially the bread: very good, and seemingly home made.

My son felt his omelette didn't have enough stuffing, e.g. cheese and ham, to balance out all the egg, but he's picky anyway.

The young man who works there was attentive and well spoken; too bad he's a rabid Red Sox fan (go Yankees!)

A positive experience, but due to the apparent lack of patronage I fear for their long term success.

Best of luck to the Wise Owl.

pam.in.ny · 08-12-2010, 08:44 PM

It's been a while since I had time to visit the forum and read the posts. To my surprise, I found this thread. It's funny because I've been thinking about the Wise Owl lately. Of course I'm always thinking of the lake and the mountains. I was wondering if the WO was still in business. My parents and aunt and uncle would stay there when they went to the region and loved it. Well, after working for a few years after college, my best friend and I decided to go to NH and the lake for vacation. We stayed at the Wise Owl and had a great time. Every year, my mother always made sure that I took her "picnic basket" with all the essentials. The last time we went, I left the red and white checkered tablecloth on the table that was my mother's and often wondered how long it lasted.

. Mom would say, I wonder if someone is enjoying our tablecloth.

My friend moved on to other interests but I still traveled to the lake staying at the WO.. One year, out of the blue, after Labor Day, I decided to take a week off work and head to NH for some hiking. I stopped at the WO and the lady had a cabin to rent but for only 2 nights. She bent over backwards to find me a place nearby before those two nights were over with so I wouldn't be left out in the cold. I ended up staying at a nice place in Bartlett and I have to say, that was one of the best vacations that I ever had. This was in the early 80's so I don't remember the name of the owners but I would love to go there again. I'm glad that I came upon this thread. It really brought back memories. It's been too many years since I was last at the lake but my heart never left there.

Best of luck to the current owners of the ON/WO. I will be back and will stop in for a stay.

WinniGirl81 · 08-19-2010, 06:38 PM

Ut O! Did my father truly skimp on ham & cheese to egg ratio?!?! I'll have to have a talk with him! My dad has NO control on proportions... hence the outrageous size of the omelettes and pancakes. haha Typically, he throws in so many add-ins we have a hard time flipping the omelettes in the pan without all the contents flying out. We'll be sure to monitor this more closely. Glad you enjoyed your breakfast overall.

We, along with many small businesses in the area, have been hit by the recession. We will fight through it... and have definitive plans to continue serving our customers for many years to come. Thanks Mr. V! Hope you and your family enjoyed your vacation on the lake!

Hi Pam.in.ny

I love hearing stories like this. It reminds me of the deep history the Wise Owl has.

My family and I took over the Wise Owl just about 5 years ago and I've been working there since I was in high school. Goodness... just over 10 years ago. Yikes! I have not seen the table cloth you speak of, but I'm sure many guests did enjoy it. The cabins have all been renovated and are looking quite cozy. We hope you can find time to visit us on your next vacation.

Cheers!

NHBUOY · 10-17-2010, 05:04 PM

...Hey Marko...If your family owned that house, you must be familiar with the women that owned the house across the street that had an Italian restaurant there that my family frequented often, and, was on par with what you could get in the North End...anybody else remember...?

Lake Lady 6 · 10-18-2010, 09:49 AM

I remember my walking with my grandchildren down Railroad Ave. to the right of way & going to the Owl's Nest. Often my neighbor and I would take the same route with no problems. Why does an individual have the right to put up a fence blocking access to the right of way. It seems there are a few individuals who take it upon themselves to take actions that are not legal or to the benefit of the neighborhood.

WinniGirl81 · 10-18-2010, 08:00 PM

Hi Lake Lady 6,

We completely agree with you! The tradition of having the right of way as a safe and easy access point for those living on or near Railroad Ave is something we're in pursuit of preserving. I do believe, and my brother can correct me, that there is a cease and desist on the fence that has yet to be enforced by the town. Just another thing we'll have to bring to court. Many of the questions you bring up are questions we're trying to answer ourselves. The area used to be quiet and peaceful, but since the neighbors moved in they've made it their divine right to destroy that. Hopefully, we'll have this all sorted out within the near future, so this portion of W. Alton can go back to the peaceful and friendly area we once knew it to be.

RailroadJoe · 10-19-2010, 05:55 PM

Interesting thing about abandoned railroad tracks. The right of way is the main problem. In some cases the state buys the right of way when the railroad abandons it. In other cases the land reverts back to original owners of the land. Case in point, look at all the new homes built on the Lake Shore Railroad bed in West Alton.
Most are directly on the bed and a lot in Gilford, from Lake Shore Park, have posted signs.
In Massachusetts they have paved over tracks for parking, torn them up at street crossings and let the trees and weeds take over.

peasoupfan · 08-13-2011, 01:43 PM

Though I can't eat shellfish, my husband tells me they have the best lobster rolls for the price. Full of great meat...not yourr average far too much mayo type of lobster roll.

Barndoor Islander · 08-31-2011, 04:21 PM

Did this get resolved? As an islander we're always looking to avoid needing a car.

Jeanzb1 · 09-09-2011, 08:39 AM

Lobster rolls are delicious! And their omellettes are HUMUNGOUS! Wonderful little place!

WinniGirl81 · 04-15-2012, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barndoor Islander

Did this get resolved? As an islander we're always looking to avoid needing a car.

Hi Barndoor Islander!

No this problem has yet to be resolved. We're working our way through the red tape, but we have some way to go. We'll keep you posted.

BroadHopper · 07-10-2012, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

Interesting thing about abandoned railroad tracks. The right of way is the main problem. In some cases the state buys the right of way when the railroad abandons it. In other cases the land reverts back to original owners of the land. Case in point, look at all the new homes built on the Lake Shore Railroad bed in West Alton.
Most are directly on the bed and a lot in Gilford, from Lake Shore Park, have posted signs.
In Massachusetts they have paved over tracks for parking, torn them up at street crossings and let the trees and weeds take over.

You will notice no one is altering or building on the railroad bed up to Wise Owl. That's because the sewage line from Laconia is under the railroad bed. I will be posting pictures of the old railroad bed next spring.

The railroad track crosses Irwin Marine parking lot. You will see the tracks up to where Grossman use to be before Lowes Home Improvement.

Mr. V · 07-11-2012, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

You will notice no one is altering or building on the railroad bed up to Wise Owl. That's because the sewage line from Laconia is under the railroad bed.

Hang on, are you saying that a viable, working sanitary sewage line extends from Laconia to the Wise Owl in West Alton, and that it is sited along the old RR right of way?

Whoa, I've never heard that before.

upthesaukee · 07-11-2012, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. V

Hang on, are you saying that a viable, working sanitary sewage line extends from Laconia to the Wise Owl in West Alton, and that it is sited along the old RR right of way?

Whoa, I've never heard that before.

Flush twice, it is a long way to Alton

. I know that the first house on the left heading into Alton from Gilford, had a new septic system put in a few years ago. That house would be right on the RR ROW...A few years back Alton had a Rails to Trails that I was a part of, and we talked about the ROW all the way to the Alton/Gilford town line.
Nor do I think that Gilford would allow a sewer line to transverse their town.

Like to see the source on that one Broadhopper, please.

08-06-2010, 11:53 AM	#6
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	Hey - lots of good talk about the Owl's Nest and I am getting hungry. I would take my son there via boat when he was young and we stayed on Rattlesnake. Yup, I used the Owl's Nest dock back in the early to mid 90's. He loved the food back then and I will be there this weekend with my brother and his wife to have what I know will be a great breakfast again. Mike I will be sure to say hi. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

08-08-2010, 06:40 PM	#9
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	Owl's Nest - Thumbs Up! Well, I really have to say that the Owl's Nest is on top with me. I went there early this AM with my family and the service and food was great. My girlfriend had the blueberry pancakes and they were loaded with em. My brother and I had the tried and tru 2 eggs over easy with hash browns and bacon. We had the raisin toast which I believe may have been home made and cut thick. mmmmm good. My sister in law had the Belgin Waffle with strawberies and she said that was delicious too. We all left with a smile and a full stomach. I talked with the owner, Mike, for a few minutes and he is a great guy. He runs a nice place and I recommend everyone drop by. I even told a guest at the Inn we satyed at about our breakfast and they were planning on visiting too. We wish Mike well and we will be back during our vacation later this month. __________________ Just Sold At the lake the stress of daily life just melts away. Pro Re Nata

10-18-2010, 09:49 AM	#15
Lake Lady 6 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 102 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Owl's Nest I remember my walking with my grandchildren down Railroad Ave. to the right of way & going to the Owl's Nest. Often my neighbor and I would take the same route with no problems. Why does an individual have the right to put up a fence blocking access to the right of way. It seems there are a few individuals who take it upon themselves to take actions that are not legal or to the benefit of the neighborhood.

08-13-2011, 01:43 PM	#18
peasoupfan Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Great Food Though I can't eat shellfish, my husband tells me they have the best lobster rolls for the price. Full of great meat...not yourr average far too much mayo type of lobster roll.

08-31-2011, 04:21 PM	#19
Barndoor Islander Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Water Access Did this get resolved? As an islander we're always looking to avoid needing a car.

08-04-2010, 09:58 PM	#1
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	Sorry if this is a little off topic but I've always wondered about the wavy-style roof over the carport... Why is it like that? Was it just a cool design or is there some benefit to the style? BTW - that's one of my favorite houses in Alton.... beautiful place!

08-04-2010, 10:22 PM	#2
Marko Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 9 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Argie......think it was something my great grandfather had the carpenters do........ as I have never seen that on any other Arts and Crafts Bungalow..... it is certainly unusual and still surprised with that design that it has held up all these years....... back in the 60's that curly roof porch room was screened in so we had another place to sit and eat...... cause with all of the grandchildren the house was busting at the seams......lol we were always told this was the first house built on the lake on the West Alton side........ Marko St Petersburg, FL

08-06-2010, 10:32 PM	#8
Argie's Wife Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Alton Posts: 1,908 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 533 Thanked 579 Times in 260 Posts	Oh man... the candy-related puns that come to mind right now are almost over whelming... I said, "Almost." I'm trying to behave. Really. But's it's a sticky situation. Whoops! Just went there. How about just a Mr. Goodbar at his next Payday?

08-09-2010, 03:30 PM	#10
WinniGirl81 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Thanks: 4 Thanked 14 Times in 3 Posts	Great pics Marko! Hopefully, we'll have new exterior signs up soon. Permits pending. We will, however, be keeping the old sign with an undefined use... hard to part with historic markers. @JustSold: So glad to hear your visit with us was a pleasant and filling one. We greatly appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you soon!!!

08-12-2010, 11:29 AM	#11
Mr. V Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: the left coast (Portland)and West Alton Posts: 1,415 Thanks: 65 Thanked 260 Times in 178 Posts	We just returned from vacation. I enjoyed my sausage, eggs and hash browns, and especially the bread: very good, and seemingly home made. My son felt his omelette didn't have enough stuffing, e.g. cheese and ham, to balance out all the egg, but he's picky anyway. The young man who works there was attentive and well spoken; too bad he's a rabid Red Sox fan (go Yankees!) A positive experience, but due to the apparent lack of patronage I fear for their long term success. Best of luck to the Wise Owl.

08-12-2010, 08:44 PM	#12
pam.in.ny Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 92 Thanks: 99 Thanked 14 Times in 12 Posts	It's been a while since I had time to visit the forum and read the posts. To my surprise, I found this thread. It's funny because I've been thinking about the Wise Owl lately. Of course I'm always thinking of the lake and the mountains. I was wondering if the WO was still in business. My parents and aunt and uncle would stay there when they went to the region and loved it. Well, after working for a few years after college, my best friend and I decided to go to NH and the lake for vacation. We stayed at the Wise Owl and had a great time. Every year, my mother always made sure that I took her "picnic basket" with all the essentials. The last time we went, I left the red and white checkered tablecloth on the table that was my mother's and often wondered how long it lasted. . Mom would say, I wonder if someone is enjoying our tablecloth. My friend moved on to other interests but I still traveled to the lake staying at the WO.. One year, out of the blue, after Labor Day, I decided to take a week off work and head to NH for some hiking. I stopped at the WO and the lady had a cabin to rent but for only 2 nights. She bent over backwards to find me a place nearby before those two nights were over with so I wouldn't be left out in the cold. I ended up staying at a nice place in Bartlett and I have to say, that was one of the best vacations that I ever had. This was in the early 80's so I don't remember the name of the owners but I would love to go there again. I'm glad that I came upon this thread. It really brought back memories. It's been too many years since I was last at the lake but my heart never left there. Best of luck to the current owners of the ON/WO. I will be back and will stop in for a stay.

The Following User Says Thank You to pam.in.ny For This Useful Post:
riverat (08-13-2010)

08-19-2010, 06:38 PM	#13
WinniGirl81 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Thanks: 4 Thanked 14 Times in 3 Posts	Ut O! Did my father truly skimp on ham & cheese to egg ratio?!?! I'll have to have a talk with him! My dad has NO control on proportions... hence the outrageous size of the omelettes and pancakes. haha Typically, he throws in so many add-ins we have a hard time flipping the omelettes in the pan without all the contents flying out. We'll be sure to monitor this more closely. Glad you enjoyed your breakfast overall. We, along with many small businesses in the area, have been hit by the recession. We will fight through it... and have definitive plans to continue serving our customers for many years to come. Thanks Mr. V! Hope you and your family enjoyed your vacation on the lake! Hi Pam.in.ny I love hearing stories like this. It reminds me of the deep history the Wise Owl has. My family and I took over the Wise Owl just about 5 years ago and I've been working there since I was in high school. Goodness... just over 10 years ago. Yikes! I have not seen the table cloth you speak of, but I'm sure many guests did enjoy it. The cabins have all been renovated and are looking quite cozy. We hope you can find time to visit us on your next vacation. Cheers!

10-17-2010, 05:04 PM	#14
NHBUOY Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Loon Mtn. winters...Meredith Neck summers Posts: 398 Thanks: 288 Thanked 94 Times in 60 Posts	...Hey Marko...If your family owned that house, you must be familiar with the women that owned the house across the street that had an Italian restaurant there that my family frequented often, and, was on par with what you could get in the North End...anybody else remember...?

10-18-2010, 08:00 PM	#16
WinniGirl81 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 9 Thanks: 4 Thanked 14 Times in 3 Posts	Hi Lake Lady 6, We completely agree with you! The tradition of having the right of way as a safe and easy access point for those living on or near Railroad Ave is something we're in pursuit of preserving. I do believe, and my brother can correct me, that there is a cease and desist on the fence that has yet to be enforced by the town. Just another thing we'll have to bring to court. Many of the questions you bring up are questions we're trying to answer ourselves. The area used to be quiet and peaceful, but since the neighbors moved in they've made it their divine right to destroy that. Hopefully, we'll have this all sorted out within the near future, so this portion of W. Alton can go back to the peaceful and friendly area we once knew it to be.

10-19-2010, 05:55 PM	#17
RailroadJoe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 620 Thanks: 259 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	Interesting thing about abandoned railroad tracks. The right of way is the main problem. In some cases the state buys the right of way when the railroad abandons it. In other cases the land reverts back to original owners of the land. Case in point, look at all the new homes built on the Lake Shore Railroad bed in West Alton. Most are directly on the bed and a lot in Gilford, from Lake Shore Park, have posted signs. In Massachusetts they have paved over tracks for parking, torn them up at street crossings and let the trees and weeds take over.

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WinniGirl81 (04-15-2012)

09-09-2011, 08:39 AM	#20
Jeanzb1 Senior Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Gilford Posts: 555 Thanks: 631 Thanked 176 Times in 95 Posts	Lobster rolls are delicious! And their omellettes are HUMUNGOUS! Wonderful little place!

The Following User Says Thank You to Jeanzb1 For This Useful Post:
WinniGirl81 (04-15-2012)