NH State Representative Steven Smith

Today I was driving through Lempster after Unity’s parade, and I saw some folks picking up hay in a field. These volunteers were getting ready for Lempster’s Old Home Day. We got out to help, and then afterwards they let us in to look at the Meeting House across the street. The Lempster Meeting House was built in 1794, and the inside is amazing. Upstairs, we saw artifacts from the Lempster Academy and the old Lempster Town Library, which was also housed in the building. Added to the Historic Register in 1980, this building is one of the treasures of District 11. Volunteers from the Lempster Historical Society hope that some day, the building will be in use as the center of town activities once again with plays, musical performances, and civic gatherings. After helping with the hay, we rewarded ourselves with some heavenly burgers at Sturgeon’s and then it was out to Washington to Eccardt Farm.

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I was honored to be permitted to attend the Lempster Historical Society meeting last night. I don’t think people realize how vital groups like this are to preserving NH and our historic buildings. One gentleman at the meeting has spent the last ten years identifying family connections and correct plot identification at the cemetery. Ten years, as a volunteer. This group preserves historic artifacts, books, 150 year old maps, etc. The next time you pass a historic building (and we have many here in District 11), be grateful for the volunteers that keep them for us.

I love Yard Sale Day. I found a 12 volt car vacuum with a power head for 2 dollars, some Robert Ludlum books, and some other great buys. I also spent some time talking with two ladies from the Langdon Community Club. This is a group of private people helping others. They help at Christmas, help families who were the victims of fire, and many other cases. They are a great example of citizens helping citizens in ways that government cannot. I also found a yard sale who’s proceeds benefit the Fall Mountain Special Olympics. I got a George Foreman grill for ten dollars and helped a worthy cause. I have been a Special Olympics supporter for over 30 years. I’ve been a coach, clinic instructor, and contribute every year. If you would like to help, please contact me.