January 8, 2025

1 Illustrated Talk: The Amoskeag Ledge

2 Recipients Announced for 2025 Historic Preservation Awards

3 Now on Exhibit: Life & Works of Marylou Ashooh Lazos

4 2025 Manchester Calendar

5 Manchester Trivia Questions

The Amoskeag Ledge

Saturday, January 18, 2025

11:00 a.m.

In the 1870s and 1880s, a flourishing Manchester required tons of granite for mill foundations and street curbing. It came from what was known as the Amoskeag Ledge, near Derryfield Park. When underground springs filled in the granite quarry, the Ledge became a popular swimming attraction. 

A group of year-round outdoor swimmers – The Brownies – put on public exhibitions four times a year, drawing thousands of spectators even in freezing cold weather. The City took steps to close the Ledge many times and about a dozen people are known to have drowned there. But a prominent neighbor, Nora (Kennard) Jones prevented that from happening because half of the quarry was on her property! 

On Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., MHA Trustee and Past President Ed Brouder will present an illustrated talk about the Ledge.

Free with Museum Admission. Please RSVP by calling (603) 622-7531 or email history@manchesterhistoric.org

Thank you to the Ashland Street Preservation Group of Manchester for sponsoring this event in the MHA Lecture Series!

Recipients Announced for

2025 Historic Preservation Awards

The Manchester Historic Association is pleased to announce that it has selected five honorees for the 2025 Historic Preservation Awards, to be held on May 20 at the Matarese Commons at the Derryfield School.

The Historic Preservation Awards program recognizes and supports the efforts of individuals, businesses and organizations that have made significant contributions to the preservation of buildings, neighborhoods, traditions, and other historic resources in the Queen City. 

Congratulations to the 2025 Historic Preservation Award honorees:

Homeowner’s Award

Richard Soares for his home at 443 Bridge Street

Stewardship Award

Lucia Merritt Carlisle for her home at 35 Oak Street

Conservation of Natural and Structural Resources Award

City of Manchester Department of Public Works for the Cohas Brook Trestle

City Landmark Award

First Baptist Church, 536 Union Street

Conservation of Cultural Resources Award

Antiques on Elm for their business at 321 Elm Street

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Click here to learn more or click here to purchase a sponsorship.

Now on Exhibit:

Manchester Inspired: The Life and Works of Marylou Ashooh Lazos



Organized by the Manchester Historic Association and her family, Marylou Ashooh Lazos: Life and Works of Manchester explores the local designer, artist and curator who drew inspiration, energy and purpose from her beloved hometown.

Marylou Ashooh Lazos (1957-2024) served the Manchester Historic Association for over 40 years as a volunteer, curator, and trustee. In her position as Curator of Collections, she helped design and open the Millyard Museum in 2001.

This exhibit showcases a diverse array of her work, from early commercial art and design to later fine art, illustration and assemblage. Each work reflects Marylou’s love of artistic form, utility and purpose.

Manchester emerges as a consistent and significant theme in her work, as the city’s transformative spirit and the resilience of its people deeply inspired her. Her legacy not only celebrates Manchester but illustrates the power of nurturing creativity from within its neighborhoods.

On exhibit through March 1, 2025

2025 Manchester Calendar

Limited supply still available! Don't miss your chance to get a 2025 Manchester calendar!

Stroll down memory lane every month with this exclusive calendar from the Manchester Historic Association! The calendar features 12 images from our vast photographic collection, printed on high quality paper.

The calendars are $18.00 and can be purchased at the Millyard Museum Shop or MHA Research Center.

Last Month's Trivia Question:

What disaster occurred in the Amoskeag Mills in 1891, killing three workers?

ANSWER:

What became known as the “Great Flywheel Disaster” took place on October 15, 1891 in Mill No. 7. A massive, sixty-eight ton cast iron flywheel exploded in a burst of built-up power, ripping through the exterior wall of the mill. Engineer Samuel Bunker and machine operators Ada Cram and Mary Kane were killed, and several others injured. 

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This Month's Trivia Question: The Brownies were a group of year-round outdoor swimmers. In order to qualify as a “Super Brownie”, what did one have to do?”

The answer will appear in the next newsletter.