Beautiful old photographs of the lake

[Diver1111]

I don't know where these great pictures come from but thanks to all. I am surprised regularly by the posts of such old pictures. I find them fascinating.

These pictures-all of them-are amazing. What I'd give to be able to go back in time and walk through say, one of the grand hotels in Ctr. Harbor or the Weirs or on Long Island for starters-or go for a flight with Bob Fogg, among many other things, like taking a sweet HackerCraft out for dinner at the Weirs on a warm summer evening. Wow.

Such a pure simple time.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Diver1111

I don't know where these great pictures come from but thanks to all. I am surprised regularly by the posts of such old pictures. I find them fascinating.

These pictures-all of them-are amazing. What I'd give to be able to go back in time and walk through say, one of the grand hotels in Ctr. Harbor or the Weirs or on Long Island for starters-or go for a flight with Bob Fogg, among many other things, like taking a sweet HackerCraft out for dinner at the Weirs on a warm summer evening. Wow.

Such a pure simple time.

According to this article, about 10 (out of 150) grand hotels survive. The Oceanic on Star Island is the only one that hasn't been fully renovated. You can still enjoy the "simpler time"
https://www.seacoastonline.com/artic...NEWS/160409620

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Judging by the other headlines this happened at the end of WWII. User McDude has a nice photo of the fire in the photo gallery (somewhere). While I have do not doubt this happened, I'm surprised that Alton had a thousand people to be homeless.

Any exact date on this fire? Seems like the Weirs Hotel fires and The Mount Washington (boat) fire got so much more coverage back then. Must have been a pretty big event for the Boston papers to cover it.

There have actually been three fires at the campground; 1945, 1967, and one more recently.






Follow this link for a history of the campground and more information about the fires.


https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...n+camp+meeting

[Barney Bear]

The date on the banner head of the newspaper is Friday, August 24, 1945. 🐻

[Barney Bear]

Yes, we eat carrots. However, we prefer honey though it may have an occasional stingy flavor. 🐻

[mcdude]

Thinking of devastating fires in Alton Bay reminds of the loss of the Oak Birch Inn on 28A on the east side of the bay. Luckily I had the pleasure of having drinks on the porch a few times and dining there once before it burnt to the ground.


See photos HERE (<----click)


The Inn burnt on April 3, 1989. It had a bowling alley, movie theater, dancing and a casino at one time.





Here is a link to a video of the Inn burning


https://www.facebook.com/SunsetBob/v...3842596513365/


(courtesy Sunset Bob - RIP)

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

@ Mcdude

In my travels trying to find old images of the lake I stumbled on these items. Is there any story with these images. Do you recognize either of these places?

Sorry....no clue!!

[Bigstan]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

@ Mcdude

In my travels trying to find old images of the lake I stumbled on these items. Is there any story with these images. Do you recognize either of these places? I figured I would ask an Expert . "You" have done so much wonderful research on so many other topics, I thought you might know something about the 2 photos below.

This one caught my eye (below) because it was selling the same Chocolate candy as the Mount Washington. Admittedly I don't even know where these places were other than what is written on them.


This one I only saved because it said Alton on it.

He's got old Socony (pre-Mobil) gas pumps, and the sign on the door says post office. House # looks like 7201. Find the post office address from ~ 1930 or so and that should be where this is.

[Bigstan]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Thankyou for you help on this {I Think} I feel something is missing from your reply that I do not quite understand. Seem like a sentence is missing.

Nope, nothing missing, you can see the house # and the Post Office sign. So if you can find the West Office Post office address from that time frame that should be where this is.

[Bigstan]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

@ Bigstan

And I thought (Barney Bear) had some good eyes . Yours have to be some sort of "Men In Black Special Goverment X-ray" vision of some sort. Ended up blowing up the photo until I could find what you were talking about.

Thank you

No, post cards are a big business. You can google any post card caption and find a hundred people selling that card online. Some have high-res pics and you can easily see details that are lacking in lower-res pics. No super-vision required.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

A photo I should have put in with the other older "Tarlsons" images that I posted before. I guess I'll always have a soft spot for the "Weirs". I can still remember looking at that old "Cott" soft drink bilboard from years ago. I guess we alll have some special memory from visiting here including that simple baseball game they had in one of the arcades back then. You know the one where you get the ball to hit the ramp just right and you get a homerun.

I remember my little cousin being terrified by that quick draw cowboy game in one of the arcades.

The most striking thing about old pics from the Weirs is that over many decades they don't look much different. If they were all in B&W without cars it would be tough to tell the time period. I guess there is some good in consistency.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

LOL I remember when my son came of age to hang around there, his game to ham it up on was the Frankenstein arcade game and make believe he was getting electrocuted.

As a side note ,,,,,,, a friend of mine many years ago asked me if I could make a part for a turn of the century arcade game that really did electrocute you. It was part of a strengrh test game. It cost 1 penny to play. Hard to imagine all the hours that went into producing that game just to get people to play for a penny. The metal work in the castings was elaborate.

I think of that when I watch the pickers show. Stuff was cheap, but of course wages were low too.

Did you ever see the show where Bob Lawton got his old game restored?

https://www.funspotnh.com/tv.htm

[Descant]

This show did come to the Lakes Region, at the Lakes Region Playhouse in Gilford. I had the pleasure of serving breakfast to Tom Ewell when he came to Dorothy's Restaurant (now the Lyon's Den.) I also remember seeing several cast members at the Weirs when they went for a cruise on the Flying Yankee. Part of the act? Barbara Nichols wore a very deep cut swimsuit and she kept falling out. Up close, she was too old for that kind of stuff so it was more embarrassing than titillating. (Oops, sorry)

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

You learn something new from the locals everyday in strange ways. Now I know why this boat is featured on this postcard. I did not know this until I seen your reply and put the two together. .......... Notice ........ no minature golf in this photo.

Thankyou

The Flying Yankee was a c./1964 38' Chris Craft Sea Skiff, used for charters. I recall one day, I and two others were using the Yankee to upgrade our commercial captain's licenses. The first guy to go backed out of the dock. OOPS! About a foot, before he realized he had not untied the boat. Very embarrassing. On another occasion, the Yankee was on a bare boat charter, no captain, and they drove into the shallow waters south of Farrar Point where she perched on the rocks with a hole in her bottom.. In the early 60's, charts were printed by the NH Public Utilities Commission who also maintained the nav aids. Looking at my 1962 chart, there is a 'U' configuration of buoys in that cove so you can navigate along the shore, but nothing to indicate the middle of the bay is full of rocks. Since that time FL84 has been added, and the Bizer chart , in red, states "numerous shallow rocks in this area". Minimal damage, except for the running gear, so she was repaired and put back into service.

As for the mini golf:
That was a "Lomma" course, a company that built and shipped these courses all over the country. This one was inside the ballroom. 2-3 times a week it was taken apart and stored on dollies so the big bands could perform. Those crowds were dwindling so the Irwins upgraded the building (more fire exits) so they could have bigger crowds and moved to rock bands and concerts. Dancing was still not legal on Sundays, so those were concerts, seating on the dance floor. I recall names like "Peter & Gordon", "Teddy and tre Pandas" and "The Barbarians". In the winter, they stored boats on the dance floor.

[garysanfran]

I love the cars in these photos...Old woody station wagons, Studebaker Hawks.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Glad you are enjoying them. I know exactly what you mean. More old car photo's this time, a few from Wolfeboro .

Based on the parking lot collection, the Wolfeboro photo shouldn't be newer than 1955.

Except for the roof rack, one could have been our car!

[Barney Bear]

Well done.

[fatlazyless]

Here's a 9:17 video www.youtube.com/watch?v=_luN5weloqw that looks like maybe year-1965, or so? All the water skiers are wearing a skier's belt which is no longer legal in NH for water skiing.

Check out the one kid who skis with the tow rope handle held between his legs while he juggles two tennis balls at the same time.

Camp Idlewild was a summer camp for boys, ages 7-15, located on 200-acres of Cow Island, close to Tuftonboro and Wolfeboro, in operation from 1891 to 1970.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Victoria Pier Alton Bay

Note the old "Gulf" gasoline sign in the lower right hand side.......

[garysanfran]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Note the old "Gulf" gasoline sign in the lower right hand side.......

Note the classic '60s red MGA. Probably quite new then. Today the almost 60 year old car would fetch upwards of $30k. Probably sold new for less than 1/10th of that.

[salty dog]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

I don't know some of these old classic cars, but someone in town the past week or so has been driving one of these all restored.

Any one know what kind of car it is. Very fun to look at and think back that most of our parents had these cars as their daily drivers. As soon I had seen it I knew it was the same as this photo. Easy to identify with those vertical trim pieces on the back.

I'd say a '57 (?) Chevy Nomad wagon, two door.

[Denis D]

Originally Posted by salty dog

I'd say a '57 (?) Chevy Nomad wagon, two door.

It's a 1955 Chevy Nomad, you can tell by the tail lights and the front fender spears which are unique. The larger photo is a 1958 Nomad, all '58 chevys had a one year only body style. The '57 chevys had the large tail fins.
The '57 Nomads are one of my favorite cars.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Always look for the "Bow Tie" and that will always tell you if it is a Chevrolet (unless it's been modified).

[Barney Bear]

Triumph? 🐻

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Funny how folks can spot out different things in old photos. I really did not notice the old gulf sign, but oddly noticed the old Mobil signs at Land-Ho in the other posts a few posts earlier.

Any one know what kind of car that red one is in front of Victoria Pier

Clues:
scarely any fender ahead of the front wheels, polished wire wheel rims, small "swoosh"...

Late 1950's Austin-Healey 100-4?

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Victoria Pier Alton Bay

More on "Victoria Pier" click here https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...=victoria+pier

[mcdude]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

I found the advertisement post card touting it as the fastest boat in the world. Far from it but I bet for many passengers it was a fun ride. I wonder where this boat is now?

The first speed boat to carry passengers out of Alton Bay began operating around 1930. They are as follows;
1.-Yankee Flyer - 1930 - 30 foot Dodge, 350 HP.
2.-Minute Man - Dr. Webster - 1932, 26 foot Hackercraft, 175 HP.
3.- Legionnaire - and Legionnaire Special - Fred and Lester Downing - 1934, 28 foot Garwood, 150 HP, and 26 foot Chris Craft, 225 HP.
The Legionaire 70 arrived in 1940. 36 foot long by 8' 7". averaged 70 mph. Gas consumption 100 gallons per hour.






The first "go fast be loud" boats on the lake!!

[TheTimeTraveler]

Very curious if anyone out there knew the approximate time frame (in years) that the "Legionnaire 70" operated out of Alton Bay?

My guess would be 1940 to 1948, but that is just a guess........

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

A sight not seen by most folks here at the forum. From July 1913 an actual steam locomotive heading towards the Weirs from across Meredith bay. More than likely a regular event back in the day.

While ALL of the pics you post are interesting/intriguing- I love this one the best!

One of my brother's late father-in-law used to tell stories of paddling a canoe across the bay to pick up his date. Melvin area.

[Descant]

In the fifties, we kept our boat at Irwin Marine in Lakeport. I remember steam engines running across the trestle across the bay. Once in awhile, cinders would blow over and get embedded in those beautiful mahogany transoms. I also remember kids swimming in the area, jumping off the trestle. This was before there was any amount of boat traffic from Lakeport Landing or Paugus Bay Marina.

[JEEPONLY]

Another time when TP was scarce!

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

It could never ever be scarcer than when the ladies were done with a roll it at the "Allen A" ladies room.

Or any other time!
Now I'm in trouble!

[Descant]

The varnished mahogany hull strikes me as pre-war. The white painted hull is more reminiscent, to me, ofpost war. Two different boats, same name. Irwin my have sold both, but I don't think they operated that particular charter business. Irwin has been successful selling boats for 100 years. I'm unaware of anybody that was successful long term in the boat charter business.

[tis]

Top, you were wondering about the beautiful old boathouse in post 291 It was owned by Carroll Piper and later moved to downtown Wolfeboro in back of the Yum Yum shop. It no longer exists. It's beautiful isn't it?

[mcdude]

Must have looked nice parked if front of your camp. Any guesses on where this picture is from. (I do not know)
[/QUOTE]


Appears to be the Lakeshore Path which ran along the lake behind the Methodist Campground at the Weirs





















See more photos HERE

[WJT2]

The "QUEEN of the LAKES REGION" is a Chris-Craft owned by Jim Irwin Sr. (He is standing waving toward the stern). I think it is a 38' Custom Commuter 1929 or early 1930's. Irwin Marine probably has info about this. Jack Irwin would know.

[WJT2]

The "QUEEN of the LAKES REGION" is a Chris-Craft owned by Jim Irwin Sr. (He is standing waving toward the stern). I think it is a 38' Custom Commuter 1929 or early 1930's. Irwin Marine probably has info about this. Jack Irwin would know.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Alton bay with the kids from the late 30's ?? or early 40's ??
Just curious anyone possibly recognize that boat flag?

Gar Wood ?

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Posted selfishly as one of my favorite photos of the lakes region for a variety of reasons. If you know this photo you can't help but think how lucky we are to essentially have our own private fresh water ocean up here in New Hampshire. A real life view from here shows just how spectacular the lake really is. On a clear day you can just about see down to Alton Bay and really get to see just how big the big lake is? One of my favorites in real life when I travel this way. A somewhat diminished view nowadays by the growth of tall trees but still a spectacular view. The photo is from 1949 (I think). but still remember this from when I was young kid.

At the bottom of the hill you can just make out Loch Haven Inn & Cottages, (now Grouse Point) follow link below for more and better photos.

http://www.weirsbeach.com/newmedia/10views/view4.html

I know exactly where this is and yes all the view from the traffic circle at 106 and three and to this spot is disappearing over the years from the tree growth. This was always for the past 20 years my favorite view and it is now almost gone. As well as the pull offs around the lake, the scenice views are no longer scenic because they are no longer there from the overgrowth and vegetation

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by AC2717

I know exactly where this is and yes all the view from the traffic circle at 106 and three and to this spot is disappearing over the years from the tree growth. This was always for the past 20 years my favorite view and it is now almost gone. As well as the pull offs around the lake, the scenice views are no longer scenic because they are no longer there from the overgrowth and vegetation

Interesting observation, and likely very true.

I have read that in 1900 Vermont was 95% open land and 5% wooded, and today it is 5% open land, and 95% wooded. I imagine much of the same is true in New Hampshire.

[AC2717]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Interesting observation, and likely very true.

I have read that in 1900 Vermont was 95% open land and 5% wooded, and today it is 5% open land, and 95% wooded. I imagine much of the same is true in New Hampshire.

I would 100% agree. look at most of the photos here, how much vegetation is along the shore and the open roads.

sorry I will get off my soap box

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by TheTimeTraveler

Interesting observation, and likely very true.

I have read that in 1900 Vermont was 95% open land and 5% wooded, and today it is 5% open land, and 95% wooded. I imagine much of the same is true in New Hampshire.

NH was about 75% open in 1840; lots of pasture with over 600,000 sheep. When the wool market disappeared due to overseas competition, woodlands reappeared.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

NH was about 75% open in 1840; lots of pasture with over 600,000 sheep. When the wool market disappeared due to overseas competition, woodlands reappeared.

I understand the section of stone wall near your camp was used to help herd sheep onto the barge that brought them to Welch Island for summer grazing.

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by Descant

I understand the section of stone wall near your camp was used to help herd sheep onto the barge that brought them to Welch Island for summer grazing.

That is what Shirley told us about the stone wall. Also the spot at the shore end of the wall is an ideal barge landing spot. Of course you know about the remains of the sheep fence that ran north from near your place. I believe that the west section of Welch was all clear cut sheep pasture. I have also been told that workers, sheep herders or lumber jacks, took their lunch pails, then called dinner pails, to Dinner Rock for lunch.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

That is what Shirley told us about the stone wall. Also the spot at the shore end of the wall is an ideal barge landing spot. Of course you know about the remains of the sheep fence that ran north from near your place. I believe that the west section of Welch was all clear cut sheep pasture. I have also been told that workers, sheep herders or lumber jacks, took their lunch pails, then called dinner pails, to Dinner Rock for lunch.

I've heard it called "Picnic rock" as often as "Dinner rock". Yes, I long thought it was sheep fence, but I've also been told it was to settle a dispute over lot lines. There is an iron pin/pipe on Shirley's lot line and a drill hole in a stone by Pebble Beach (it is now a sand beach that mark the end points of the fence and also thed lot line where Endicott Estates bought the center section of the island in 1950. Endicott Estates northern lot line would run from WHYC//Evans to a point south of Dinner Rock.

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by AC2717

I know exactly where this is and yes all the view from the traffic circle at 106 and three and to this spot is disappearing over the years from the tree growth. This was always for the past 20 years my favorite view and it is now almost gone. As well as the pull offs around the lake, the scenice views are no longer scenic because they are no longer there from the overgrowth and vegetation

Wasn’t there a fire there in the mid 60s? I vaguely remember that the restaurant at Loch Haven Inn had burned down and only the cabins were left.

[LoveLakeLife]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

A different season and view of Roberts Old Home Farm.

If the islands in the background are Moose and Ship, which islands are in the foreground? Their orientation makes it seem like they can’t be Plum and Quarter Mile.

Also where is Dinner Rock off Welch Island?


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[tis]

I think that would be Plum Island. I love that picture. I don't think I knew there were cottages there at one time.

[Slickcraft]

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

If the islands in the background are Moose and Ship, which islands are in the foreground? Their orientation makes it seem like they can’t be Plum and Quarter Mile.

Also where is Dinner Rock off Welch Island?


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Dinner Rock is on the east side of Welch about 1,000' south of the NE corner point.

[WJT2]

Originally Posted by LoveLakeLife

If the islands in the background are Moose and Ship, which islands are in the foreground? Their orientation makes it seem like they can’t be Plum and Quarter Mile.

Also where is Dinner Rock off Welch Island?


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

I would say Little Mark, Moose, Ship, and Rattlesnake

[barefootbay]

What became of the Legionnaire ?

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by barefootbay

What became of the Legionnaire ?

That's a good question!

If I were to make a guess? Maybe it's been sitting in someone's barn for 70 years and appreciating in value!

Or, maybe someone from Hollywood scooped it up to be used in nostalgic water scenes.

Anyone have a guess?

[Top-Water]

The other one (when originally built) was sold to The Shah of Iran. I guess there were two of them at one time.


I'm guessing you could have got all your questions answered here from the owner and his wife 12 years ago. https://www.lwhs.us/news/news-2008septdowning.htm

Must have been fun to attended, sounds like it was a very nice special presentation. Someone here has to know what happened to that boat. If you really want to know I would contact or visit the boat museum in Wolfeboro.


This very old thread by McDude as some info as well. If you dig into it you might find some additional info on the fate of these boats.
https://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums...ead.php?t=1499

Note: the letter that describes the racing accident that took place at the Alton bandstand years ago, that I never knew about, I have some photos of the hydroplane speedboat that was owned by Sandy Point.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Funny we both remember it with fond memories. Not a place that is easy to forget. You only needed to see it once to remember it forever. Maybe the old age is kicking in .......... but I would swear this was one, of those places that had one of those "Latch-Key To The White Mountains" Signs.

Kind of. That sign was further along about where the old driving range is

[AC2717]

and I like to think that I am not old yet lol, only 40 this year.

but I loved that spot because when you were cresting the hill and heading down it looked like you were driving into a tunnel under the lake and it just kept going

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by jbolty

Kind of. That sign was further along about where the old driving range is

I read that they had replaced those signs a couple of years ago. Did they not replace all of them? I’m not up there to check it out and this has been bugging me also.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

For a long time I thought there was on just off the road on "parade road". But I could of had it mixed up with some other place. I'm glad it is bugging you because someone or us is going to figure it out. (It's a bitch getting old.)

There used to be a few but the one I have specific memory of was there. I think there was one coming in on 104 and pretty sure there was one on rt3 coming in from Holderness. I'm sure there must have been one on 25 at some point but I have no memory of it.

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

I thank you for helping to try and solve this little mystery, Susie cougar would like to know too. Seems like we can all remember it ...... however we can not seem to pinpoint it. Plain as day I can remember it on parade road for some reason.
I wish someone could come on the forum and say they were here, here and here.

I remember that there was one on route 104, but I can’t place the exact location of that one in my head.

The one I remember very clearly was the one on route 25 on the Center Harbor / Meredith line.

[jbolty]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

I remember that there was one on route 104, but I can’t place the exact location of that one in my head.

The one I remember very clearly was the one on route 25 on the Center Harbor / Meredith line.

I vaguely remember that one. There was/is a little parking turn out right before Patricia Shores and it was there

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by jbolty

I vaguely remember that one. There was/is a little parking turn out right before Patricia Shores and it was there

Yes. It was on the right side of the road before you came to Brookhurst and Patrician Shores.

[TheTimeTraveler]

Originally Posted by Top-Water

Kids playing in the street the day after the hurricane of 1938 (Meredith)

This was an interesting photograph from the Hurricane of 1938 (imagine 82 years ago).

I remember growing up that my mother used to tell me that a lot of the properties around the lakes did not have electricity until after the hurricane went tearing thru the area (and flattening lots of woods)

It opened wooded lands via destruction, provided plenty of wood for telephone poles, and made it much easier to provide electric and phone service to once isolated areas.

I think the hurricane of 1954 may have been the last really bad hurricane in the area.

[farechofisherman]

There was also one on Route 3 Northbound just past the Church and before the docks in Meredith.

[Barney Bear]

A wondering Bear would like to know. 🐻